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Vasseur L, Andrade A. Using the Red List of Ecosystems and the Nature-based Solutions Global Standard as an integrated process for climate change adaptation in the Andean high mountains. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20220326. [PMID: 38643787 PMCID: PMC11033055 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Under anthropogenic pressures and climate change, most ecosystems are showing signs of reduced resilience. Unfortunately, some are more at risk of collapse and, without interventions, they may lose biodiversity, ecological integrity and ecosystem services. Here, we describe two tools that were developed under the auspices of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the Red List of Ecosystems and the Nature-based Solutions Global Standard, and their capacity to first identify the ecosystems at risk of collapse in a nation and then develop solutions based on nature to improve their resilience. Nature-based solutions include, for example ecosystem-based adaptation, where solutions are developed to meet the needs of the local people while protecting nature to ensure greater resilience of the social-ecological system, not only the natural ecosystem. We discuss through a case study in the Andean high mountains and páramo social-ecological system how these approaches have been used in Colombia. We then discuss lessons learned and challenges that may reduce the capacity of a community to initiate such interventions, such as national policies and funding restrictions. We also discuss through another early case in Ecuador the importance to adapt these types of interventions to the geographical and cultural context of the social-ecological systems. This article is part of the theme issue 'Bringing nature into decision-making'.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Vasseur
- UNESCO Chair on Community Sustainability: from Local to Global, Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St Catharines, ON, Canada L2S 3A1
- Commission on Ecosystem Management, International Union for the Conservation of Nature, 28 Rue Mauverney, 1196 Gland, Switzerland
| | - A. Andrade
- Conservation International-Colombia, Carrera 13 no. 71–41, Bogotá, Colombia 110221
- Commission on Ecosystem Management, International Union for the Conservation of Nature, 28 Rue Mauverney, 1196 Gland, Switzerland
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2
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López-Hervas K, Santos JC, Ron SR, Betancourth-Cundar M, Cannatella DC, Tarvin RD. Deep divergences among inconspicuously colored clades of Epipedobates poison frogs. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2024; 195:108065. [PMID: 38531492 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2024.108065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Poison frogs (Dendrobatidae) are famous for their aposematic species, having a combination of diverse color patterns and defensive skin toxins, yet most species in this family are inconspicuously colored and considered non-aposematic. Epipedobates is among the youngest genus-level clades of Dendrobatidae that includes both aposematic and inconspicuous species. Using Sanger-sequenced mitochondrial and nuclear markers, we demonstrate deep genetic divergences among inconspicuous species of Epipedobates but relatively shallow genetic divergences among conspicuous species. Our phylogenetic analysis includes broad geographic sampling of the inconspicuous lineages typically identified as E. boulengeri and E. espinosai, which reveals two putative new species, one in west-central Colombia (E. sp. 1) and the other in north-central Ecuador (E. aff. espinosai). We conclude that E. darwinwallacei is a junior subjective synonym of E. espinosai. We also clarify the geographic distributions of inconspicuous Epipedobates species including the widespread E. boulengeri. We provide a qualitative assessment of the phenotypic diversity in each nominal species, with a focus on the color and pattern of inconspicuous species. We conclude that Epipedobates contains eight known valid species, six of which are inconspicuous. A relaxed molecular clock analysis suggests that the most recent common ancestor of Epipedobates is ∼11.1 million years old, which nearly doubles previous estimates. Last, genetic information points to a center of species diversity in the Chocó at the southwestern border of Colombia with Ecuador. A Spanish translation of this text is available in the supplementary materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karem López-Hervas
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador; Museo de Zoología, Escuela de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Juan C Santos
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. John's University, Jamaica, NY 11439, USA
| | - Santiago R Ron
- Museo de Zoología, Escuela de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - David C Cannatella
- Department of Integrative Biology and Biodiversity Center, University of Texas, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Rebecca D Tarvin
- Department of Integrative Biology and Biodiversity Center, University of Texas, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Museum of Vertebrate Zoology and Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
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3
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Ortiz-Prado E, Vasconez-Gonzalez J, Izquierdo-Condoy JS. The difficult path to euthanasia in Ecuador: A call for actions for other nations. Dev World Bioeth 2024; 24:52-53. [PMID: 38507265 DOI: 10.1111/dewb.12449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
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Benito-Kaesbach A, Suárez-Moncada J, Velastegui A, Moreno-Mendoza J, Vera-Zambrano M, Avendaño U, Ryan PG, Sanz-Lázaro C. Understanding the sources of marine litter in remote islands: The Galapagos islands as a case study. Environ Pollut 2024; 347:123772. [PMID: 38490527 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Determining the sources of marine litter is necessary to mitigate this increasing global problem. Plastic bottles are useful tracers of marine litter and constitute the main item (24%) stranding on remote beaches in the Galapagos Islands. The aim of this study was to estimate the abundance of plastic bottles in remote beaches and inferred their sources. To do so, we collected plastic bottles at 60 remote Galapagos Island beaches from 2018 to 2022. 76% of beaches were qualified as badly polluted, with >34 bottles·100 m-1. Most identified bottles came from Peru (71%), followed by China (17%) and Ecuador (9%). Although most locally-sold products are made in Ecuador, they contribute little to beach litter loads. Polyethylene terephthalate bottles with lid (necessary for litter dispersal) represented 88% of all bottles, demonstrating that most of the litter reaching the Galapagos comes from distant sources, mainly from South America. However, bottle ages indicate that at least 10% of Peruvian, 26% of Ecuadorian, and all Chinese bottles likely were dumped from ships. Reducing marine litter reaching the Galapagos Islands requires tackling litter leakage from land-based sources in South America and better compliance with regulations banning the dumping of plastics and other persistent wastes from ships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Benito-Kaesbach
- Department of Ecology, University of Alicante, PO Box 99, E-03080, Alicante, Spain.
| | - Jenifer Suárez-Moncada
- Department of Marine Ecosystems, Galapagos National Park Directorate, Av. Charles Darwin s/n, Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz), Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
| | - Alfonso Velastegui
- Department of Marine Ecosystems, Galapagos National Park Directorate, Av. Charles Darwin s/n, Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz), Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
| | - Jerson Moreno-Mendoza
- Conservación Internacional Ecuador, Av. Charles Darwin s/n, Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz), Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
| | - Mariana Vera-Zambrano
- Conservación Internacional Ecuador, Av. Charles Darwin s/n, Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz), Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
| | - Ulises Avendaño
- Public Aquaculture and Fisheries Research Institute, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Peter G Ryan
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa
| | - Carlos Sanz-Lázaro
- Department of Ecology, University of Alicante, PO Box 99, E-03080, Alicante, Spain; Multidisciplinary Institute for Environmental Studies (MIES), Universidad de Alicante, P.O. Box 99, E-03080, Alicante, Spain
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Maldonado-Barrueco A, San José-Villar SM, García-Rodríguez J, Alguacil-Guillén M, López-Janeiro Á, Trigo-Esteban E, Díaz-Menéndez M, Ruiz-Carrascoso G. Photo Quiz: Mmm … delicious ceviche from Ecuador! J Clin Microbiol 2024; 62:e0125823. [PMID: 38597633 PMCID: PMC11005358 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01258-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Álvaro López-Janeiro
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Trigo-Esteban
- Imported Pathology and International Health Unit, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Díaz-Menéndez
- Imported Pathology and International Health Unit, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
- CIBERINFEC ISCIII, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Guillermo Ruiz-Carrascoso
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
- CIBERINFEC ISCIII, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Arévalo Cuaical A, Villaverde EM, Zurita-Paredes D, Pinto-Nogales ES, Bautista G, Calero J, Moreira S, Rosero D, Varela F, Romero-Carvajal A. Whole-Mount Histochemical Protocols in Zebrafish for a Hands-On Developmental Biology Practical Course in Ecuador. Zebrafish 2024; 21:119-127. [PMID: 38621203 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2023.0076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Research-based education at the undergraduate level is ideal for fostering the training of future scientists. In an undergraduate Developmental Biology course, this learning strategy requires the availability of model species and enough research reagents, not only for technique training but also for the development of student original projects. This might be challenging in most countries, where resources are limited. Hence, there is a need to develop low-cost solutions for use in the classroom. In this study, we describe the optimization and use of two low-cost protocols in zebrafish embryos for hands-on practical sessions and project-based learning in a Developmental Biology undergraduate course in Ecuador. These protocols were designed for the practical and experimental learning of vertebrate meroblastic cleavage, gastrulation, and neural crest differentiation. The proposed protocols have been previously described in the literature and use silver nitrate and alcian blue, two relatively inexpensive reagents, to label cell membranes and cartilage. The silver nitrate protocol allows the study of cell contact formation during cleavage and the identification of cellular changes during gastrulation, including yolk internalization and epiboly. The alcian blue staining allows the analysis of cranial mesenchymal differentiation into cartilage. These protocols are ideal for practical sessions due to their ease of application, quick results, adaptability to the class schedule, and robustness in the hands of beginning researchers. Finally, these protocols are adaptable for research-based class projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Arévalo Cuaical
- Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE), Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - Daniela Zurita-Paredes
- Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE), Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - Gabriela Bautista
- Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE), Quito, Ecuador
| | - Josselyn Calero
- Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE), Quito, Ecuador
| | - Sharon Moreira
- Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE), Quito, Ecuador
| | - Daniela Rosero
- Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE), Quito, Ecuador
| | - Felipe Varela
- Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE), Quito, Ecuador
| | - Andrés Romero-Carvajal
- Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE), Quito, Ecuador
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Díaz Cárdenas B, Salazar Llorente E, Gu G, Nou X, Ortiz J, Maldonado P, Cevallos-Cevallos JM. Microbial Composition and Diversity of High-demand Street-vended Foods in Ecuador. J Food Prot 2024; 87:100247. [PMID: 38369192 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfp.2024.100247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Developing countries such as Ecuador carry a heavy food safety burden but reports on the microbiological quality of their foods are scarce. In this investigation, the microbial diversity of 10 high-risk and mass-consumption street-vended foods including bolones, encebollado, food dressings, ceviche, chopped fruits, fruit juices, fruit salads, cheese, raw chicken, and ground beef in Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca, three major population centers in Ecuador, were evaluated using 16S rRNA gene High Throughput Sequencing. In total, 1,840 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were classified into 23 phyla, 253 families, 645 genera, and 829 species. In the tested food samples, Proteobacteria and Firmicutes were the most abundant phyla accounting for 97.41% of relative abundance (RA). At genus level, 10 dominant genera were identified: Acinetobacter (12.61% RA), Lactococcus (12.08% RA), Vibrio (8.23% RA), Weissella (7.43% RA), Aeromonas (6.18% RA), Photobacterium (6.32% RA), Pseudomonas (3.92% RA), Leuconostoc (3.51% RA), Klebsiella (3.49% RA), and Cupriavidus (2.86% RA). The highest microbial diversity indices were found in raw chicken, encebollados, fruit salads, and fruit juices from Guayaquil and Cuenca. From sampled foods, 29 species were classified as food spoilage bacteria and 24 as opportunistic pathogenic bacteria. Two groups associated with human diseases were identified, including 11 enteric species and 26 species of fecal bacteria. The occurrence of recognized and opportunistic pathogenic bacteria, as well as enteric and fecal microorganisms, in the street-vended foods indicated extensive risks for the consumers' health. This study demonstrated the application of culture-independent amplicon sequencing in providing a more comprehensive view of microbial safety for street-vended food, which could be a useful tool to facilitate the control of foodborne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byron Díaz Cárdenas
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida (FCV), Campus Gustavo Galindo Km. 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Enrique Salazar Llorente
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida (FCV), Campus Gustavo Galindo Km. 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Ganyu Gu
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, USDA ARS, Beltsville, Maryland, United States
| | - Xiangwu Nou
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, USDA ARS, Beltsville, Maryland, United States
| | - Johana Ortiz
- Department of Biosciences, Food Nutrition and Health Research Unit. Faculty of Chemical Sciences, Cuenca University. Cuenca, Ecuador
| | - Pedro Maldonado
- Escuela Politécnica Nacional. Departamento de Alimentos y Biotecnología (DECAB). P.O. Box 17-01-2759, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Juan Manuel Cevallos-Cevallos
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida (FCV), Campus Gustavo Galindo Km. 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador; Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Centro de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas del Ecuador (CIBE), Campus Gustavo Galindo Km. 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador.
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Chalumeau C, Agurto-Detzel H, Rietbrock A, Frietsch M, Oncken O, Segovia M, Galve A. Seismological evidence for a multifault network at the subduction interface. Nature 2024; 628:558-562. [PMID: 38632482 PMCID: PMC11023936 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07245-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Subduction zones generate the largest earthquakes on Earth, yet their detailed structure, and its influence on seismic and aseismic slip, remains poorly understood. Geological studies of fossil subduction zones characterize the seismogenic interface as a 100 m-1 km thick zone1-3 in which deformation occurs mostly on metres-thick faults1,3-6. Conversely, seismological studies, with their larger spatial coverage and temporal resolution but lower spatial resolution, often image the seismogenic interface as a kilometres-wide band of seismicity7. Thus, how and when these metre-scale structures are active at the seismic-cycle timescale, and what influence they have on deformation is not known. Here we detect these metres-thick faults with seismicity and show their influence on afterslip propagation. Using a local three-dimensional velocity model and dense observations of more than 1,500 double-difference relocated earthquakes in Ecuador, we obtain an exceptionally detailed image of seismicity, showing that earthquakes occur sometimes on a single plane and sometimes on several metres-thick simultaneously active subparallel planes within the plate interface zone. This geometrical complexity affects afterslip propagation, demonstrating the influence of fault continuity and structure on slip at the seismogenic interface. Our findings can therefore help to create more realistic models of earthquake rupture, aseismic slip and earthquake hazard in subduction zones.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Onno Oncken
- GeoForschungsZentrum (GFZ), Potsdam, Germany
| | - Monica Segovia
- Institute of Geophysics, Escuela Politecnica Nacional, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Audrey Galve
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Observatoire de la Côte d'Azur, IRD, Géoazur, Valbonne, France
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9
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Nieto-Claudín A, Sacristán C, Deem SL, Lewbart GA, Colosimo G, Esperón F, Sevilla C, Gentile G. Novel herpesvirus in the critically endangered Galapagos pink land iguana. Acta Trop 2024; 252:107127. [PMID: 38316240 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Virus surveillance in wildlife is important to understanding ecosystem health, taxonomy, and evolution. Nevertheless, viruses in reptiles, and specifically in squamates, continue to be understudied. Herein, we conducted a health assessment on the critically endangered Galapagos pink land iguana (Conolophus marthae) and the vulnerable Galapagos land iguana (Conolophus subcristatus). We collected oral and/or cloacal swabs from 47 clinically healthy iguanas and tested for adenovirus (cloacal swabs, n = 47) and herpesvirus (oral swabs, n = 45) using broad-spectrum PCRs. Two out of 38 (5.3 %) Galapagos pink land iguanas tested positive for herpesvirus, while no herpesvirus was detected in all Galapagos land iguanas (n = 7). Both herpesviral sequences were identical between them and divergent (61.9 % amino acid identity) when compared to the closest herpesvirus sequences available in GenBank/EMBL/DDBJ. The genetic distance between this and other herpesviruses is consistent with its classification as a novel virus species. All iguanas were negative for adenovirus. This is the first description of a herpesvirus in iguanas of the Galapagos islands, and the first report of a potential pathogen for the iconic Galapagos pink land iguana. Further research is needed to understand the implications of this virus in the conservation and management of one of the most endangered iguana species in the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ainoa Nieto-Claudín
- Charles Darwin Foundation. Charles Darwin Avenue, Santa Cruz 200350, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador; Saint Louis Institute for Conservation Medicine, One Government Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63110, United States.
| | - Carlos Sacristán
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA-INIA), CSIC, Valdeolmos 28130, Spain.
| | - Sharon L Deem
- Charles Darwin Foundation. Charles Darwin Avenue, Santa Cruz 200350, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador; Saint Louis Institute for Conservation Medicine, One Government Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63110, United States
| | - Gregory A Lewbart
- North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607, United States; Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) & UNC-Chapel Hill Galápagos Science Center (GSC), Av. Alsacio Northia, San Cristobal 200150, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
| | | | - Fernando Esperón
- Veterinary Department, School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Villaviciosa de Odón 28670, Spain
| | - Christian Sevilla
- Galapagos National Park Directorate, Santa Cruz 200350, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
| | - Gabriele Gentile
- Department of Biology, Tor Vergata University, Rome 00133, Italy
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Pérez-Otáñez X, Rodríguez-Hidalgo R, Enríquez S, Celi-Erazo M, Benítez W, Saegerman C, Vaca-Moyano F, Ron-Garrido L, Vanwambeke SO. High-resolution prediction models for Rhipicephalus microplus and Amblyomma cajennense s.l. ticks affecting cattle and their spatial distribution in continental Ecuador using bioclimatic factors. Exp Appl Acarol 2024; 92:439-462. [PMID: 38388882 PMCID: PMC11035444 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-023-00883-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
In Ecuador, the main tick species affecting cattle are Rhipicephalus microplus and Amblyomma cajennense sensu lato. Understanding their spatial distribution is crucial. To assess their distribution, data from 2895 farms visited between 2012 and 2017 were utilized. Ticks were collected during animal inspections, with each farm's location georeferenced. Bioclimatic variables and vapor pressure deficit data were obtained from Climatologies at High resolution for the Earth´s Land Surface Areas (CHELSA) dataset. They were overlaid to develop predictive maps for each species using Random Forest (RF) models. The cross-validation results for RF prediction models showed high accuracy for both R. microplus and A. cajennense s.l. presence with values of accuracy = 0.97 and 0.98, sensitivity = 0.96 and 0.99, and specificity = 0.96 and 0.93, respectively. A carefully selected subset of bioclimatic variables was used to describe the presence of each tick species. Higher levels of precipitation had positive effect on the presence of R. microplus but a negative effect on A. cajennense s.l. In contrast, isothermality (BIO3) was more important for the presence of A. cajennense s.l. compared to R. microplus. As a result, R. microplus had a broader distribution across the country, while A. cajennense s.l. was mainly found in coastal areas with evident seasonality. The coexistence of both species in some regions could be attributed to transitional zones, whereas high altitudes limited tick presence. This information can aid in developing appropriate tick management plans, particularly considering A. cajennense s.l.'s broad host range species and R. microplus's specificity for cattle. Moreover, the predictive models can identify areas at risk of associated challenging hemoparasite, requiring special attention and mitigation measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ximena Pérez-Otáñez
- Instituto de Investigación en Zoonosis-CIZ, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador.
- Center for Earth and Climate Research, Earth & Life Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain-UCLouvain, Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium.
| | - Richar Rodríguez-Hidalgo
- Instituto de Investigación en Zoonosis-CIZ, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Sandra Enríquez
- Instituto de Investigación en Zoonosis-CIZ, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Maritza Celi-Erazo
- Instituto de Investigación en Zoonosis-CIZ, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Washington Benítez
- Instituto de Investigación en Zoonosis-CIZ, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Claude Saegerman
- Research Unit of Epidemiology and Risk Analysis Applied to Veterinary Science (UREAR-ULiège), Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH) Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, Liège, Belgium
| | - Franklin Vaca-Moyano
- Instituto de Investigación en Zoonosis-CIZ, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Lenin Ron-Garrido
- Instituto de Investigación en Zoonosis-CIZ, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrícolas, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Sophie O Vanwambeke
- Center for Earth and Climate Research, Earth & Life Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain-UCLouvain, Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium
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Fernández Capriles I, Armijos A, Angulo A, Schojan M, Wainberg ML, Bonz AG, Tol WA, Greene MC. Improving Retention in Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Interventions: An Analysis of Completion Rates across a Multi-Site Trial with Refugee, Migrant, and Host Communities in Latin America. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2024; 21:397. [PMID: 38673310 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21040397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Research on mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) interventions within refugee and migrant communities has increasingly focused on evaluating implementation, including identifying strategies to promote retention in services. This study examines the relationship between participant characteristics, study setting, and reasons for intervention noncompletion using data from the Entre Nosotras feasibility trial, a community-based MHPSS intervention targeting refugee, migrant, and host community women in Ecuador and Panama that aimed to promote psychosocial wellbeing. Among 225 enrolled women, approximately half completed the intervention, with varying completion rates and reasons for nonattendance across study sites. Participants who were older, had migrated for family reasons, had spent more time in the study community, and were living in Panamá (vs. Ecuador) were more likely to complete the intervention. The findings suggest the need to adapt MHPSS interventions to consider the duration of access to the target population and explore different delivery modalities including the role of technology and cellular devices as reliable or unreliable source for engaging with participants. Engaging younger, newly arrived women is crucial, as they showed lower completion rates. Strategies such as consulting scheduling preferences, providing on-site childcare, and integrating MHPSS interventions with other programs could enhance intervention attendance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Fernández Capriles
- Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | | | | | | | - Milton L Wainberg
- Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | | | - Wietse A Tol
- Global Health Section, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, 1172 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Athena Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M Claire Greene
- Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Wimer G, Larrea M, Streeter J, Hassan A, Angulo A, Armijos A, Bonz A, Tol WA, Greene MC. Accessibility and Perceived Impact of a Group Psychosocial Intervention for Women in Ecuador: A Comparative Analysis by Migration Status. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2024; 21:380. [PMID: 38673293 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21040380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
There is increasing guidance promoting the provision of mental health and psychosocial support programs to both migrant and host community members in humanitarian settings. However, there is a lack of information on the respective experiences and benefits for migrant and host community members who are participating in mental health and psychosocial support programming. We evaluated a community-based psychosocial program for migrant and host community women, Entre Nosotras, which was implemented with an international non-governmental organization in Ecuador in 2021. Data on participant characteristics and psychosocial wellbeing were collected via pre/post surveys with 143 participants, and qualitative interviews were conducted with a subset (n = 61) of participants. All quantitative analyses were conducted in STATA, and qualitative analysis was done in NVivo. Attendance was higher for host community members. Specifically, 71.4% of host community members attended 4-5 sessions, whereas only 37.4% of migrants attended 4-5 sessions (p = 0.004). Qualitative analysis shows that the intervention was less accessible for migrants due to a variety of structural barriers. However, this analysis also demonstrated that both groups of women felt a greater sense of social connectedness after participating in the program and expressed gratitude for the bonds they formed with other women. Some migrant women described negative experiences with the host community because they felt as though they could not confide in host community women and speak freely in front of them. These results underscore how the migratory context influences the implementation of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) programs. As humanitarian guidelines continue to emphasize the integration of host community members and displaced persons, it is critical to account for how the same intervention may impact these populations differently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Wimer
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | | | | | - Amir Hassan
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | | | | | | | - Wietse A Tol
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, 1172 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M Claire Greene
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Célleri-Gomezcoello A, Avila C, Alessio S, Hanson CM, Ochoa A, Mora M, Arciniegas L, Holloway B, Pränting M, Encalada D. Impact of the ´Alforja Educativa' on Ecuadorian schoolchildren's knowledge of bacteria, antibiotics, and antibiotic resistance, a pretest-posttest study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:844. [PMID: 38500082 PMCID: PMC10949744 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18340-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Widespread use of antibiotics disrupts the balance in the microbial world and promotes development and spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Educational initiatives are important as part of strategies to mitigate antibiotic resistance. The Alforja Educativa is an innovative educational program developed in Ecuador with the aim to teach schoolchildren about antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance. The program places antibiotic resistance within a broader frame of health, well-being, and ecological awareness, highlighting the importance to maintain balance in the microbial world. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the Alforja Educativa on knowledge about bacteria, antibiotics and antibiotic resistance amongst fifth and sixth grade Ecuadorian schoolchildren. METHODS This pretest-posttest intervention study was conducted between April and June 2017 and comprised fifth and sixth grade schoolchildren from 20 schools in Cuenca, Ecuador, recruited by purposeful sampling. The Alforja Educativa was implemented over twelve 80-minute sessions by trained university students. Schoolchildren's knowledge was assessed before and after participation in the educational program using a structured questionnaire. A mean total score, the proportion of correct responses for each individual knowledge-based question, as well as correct responses for each of the multiple-choice options of the knowledge-based questions were calculated for the pretest and posttest. RESULTS A total of 1,257 schoolchildren participated in the Alforja Educativa program, of which 980 (78%) completed both the pretest and posttest. Overall, the mean total knowledge score increased from pretest to posttest (2.58/7.00 vs. 3.85/7.00; CI = 0.5, p < 0.001). After participation in the program, the proportion of schoolchildren that correctly identified that bacteria can be both good and bad increased from 35.0 to 84.3%. In addition, scores increased for correctly identifying the meaning of antibiotic resistance (37.4-72.0%); how to prevent antibiotic resistance (63.2-74.6%); and for identifying the meaning of self-medication (46.3-54.3%). CONCLUSION The Alforja Educativa was effective in improving the knowledge of participating schoolchildren about concepts related to bacteria, antibiotics and antibiotic resistance. The holistic perspective taken to explain the complex relationship between humans and bacteria, as well as the effect of antibiotics on the microbial world, may help provide a foundation for more sustainable antibiotic use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Caroline Avila
- Universidad del Azuay, Av. 24 de Mayo 7-77, Cuenca, 010107, Ecuador
| | - Silvina Alessio
- ReAct Latin America, Fundación Niño a Niño, Tomás Ordóñez 9-18 y Simón Bolívar, Cuenca, 010101, Ecuador
| | - Celina M Hanson
- ReAct Europe, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Box 256, Uppsala, 751 05, Sweden
| | - Andrea Ochoa
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica de Cuenca, Av. de las Américas y Humboldt, Cuenca, 010105, Ecuador
| | - Miriann Mora
- Universidad del Azuay, Av. 24 de Mayo 7-77, Cuenca, 010107, Ecuador
| | | | - Bronwen Holloway
- ReAct Europe, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Box 256, Uppsala, 751 05, Sweden
| | - Maria Pränting
- ReAct Europe, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Box 256, Uppsala, 751 05, Sweden.
| | - Daniela Encalada
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica de Cuenca, Av. de las Américas y Humboldt, Cuenca, 010105, Ecuador
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Bustamante U. MA, Tello M, Carvache-Franco M, Carvache-Franco O, Carvache-Franco W. Statistical determination of service quality gaps in primary health care in Guayas, Ecuador. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299994. [PMID: 38489322 PMCID: PMC10942063 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The present work determines the gaps between expectations and perceptions about the quality of the service that patients and families receive in primary health care (PHC) in Guayas, Ecuador. A descriptive, cross-sectional and non-experimental study was carried out, primarily prospective with respect to expectations and retrospective with respect to perceptions of service quality. For its development, a random sample of 533 users from the northern and southern urban sectors of the city of Guayaquil was determined, who were asked to answer a questionnaire. Their responses were collected using a seven-point scale intended to determine magnitudes of gaps, which were confirmed using the Wilcoxon test. The results reveal a significant gap between women, specifically those over 21 years of age who have studied at the technological and university level, and those who work. In general, the five dimensions of quality present significant gaps, highlighting that the lowest gap occurs when the medical professional listens attentively and treats the patient with kindness. Instead, the largest gap occurs because there are no available or easily accessible times for medical appointments. Finally, the dimension that indicates the gaps that service providers best resolve are the empathy items, recording the smallest deviations; On the contrary, the reliability dimension presents the greatest deviation, thus showing higher degrees of dissatisfaction, in both cases significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A. Bustamante U.
- Facultad de Economía y Negocios, Escuela de Ingeniería Comercial, Universidad de Talca, Dos Norte 685, Talca, Chile
- Sistema de Posgrado, Universidad Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil, Av. Carlos Julio Arosemena Km. 1½ vía Daule, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Michelle Tello
- Sistema de Posgrado, Universidad Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil, Av. Carlos Julio Arosemena Km. 1½ vía Daule, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | | | | | - Wilmer Carvache-Franco
- Facultad de Ciencias Sociales y Humanísticas, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Campus Gustavo Galindo Km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador
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Riascos-Flores LR, Bonilla J, Naranjo-Briceño L, Apunte-Ramos K, Reyes-Ortega GC, Cabrera M, Cáceres-Andrade JF, Carrera-Gonzalez A, Yánez-Galarza JK, Siavichay Pesántez F, Oyagata-Cachimuel LA, Goethals P, Celi J, Van der Heyden C, Ortega-Andrade HM. Field-based molecular detection of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in critically endangered Atelopus toads and aquatic habitats in Ecuador. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299246. [PMID: 38484016 PMCID: PMC10939218 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is a lethal fungal species that parasitizes vertebrates and is associated with the worldwide decline of amphibian populations. The development of sensitive, rapid detection methods, particularly DNA-based techniques, is critical for effective management strategies. This study evaluates the efficacy of DNA extraction and a portable PCR device in a mountable field laboratory setup for detecting Bd near the habitats of three critically endangered Atelopus toad species in Ecuador. We collected skin swabs from Atelopus balios, A. nanay, and A. bomolochos, and environmental DNA (eDNA) samples from streams in Andean and coastal regions of Ecuador. For eDNA, a comparison was made with duplicates of the samples that were processed in the field and in a standard university laboratory. Our findings revealed Bd detection in eDNA and swabs from 6 of 12 water samples and 10 of 12 amphibian swab samples. The eDNA results obtained in the field laboratory were concordant with those obtained under campus laboratory conditions. These findings highlight the potential of field DNA-based monitoring techniques for detecting Bd in amphibian populations and their aquatic habitats, particularly in remote areas. Furthermore, this research aligns with the National Action Plan for the Conservation of Ecuadorian Amphibians and contributes to the global effort to control this invasive and deadly fungus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenin R. Riascos-Flores
- Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Gent University, Gent, Belgium
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL/Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Centro de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas del Ecuador, Campus Gustavo Galindo Guayaquil, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Julio Bonilla
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL/Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Centro de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas del Ecuador, Campus Gustavo Galindo Guayaquil, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Leopoldo Naranjo-Briceño
- Applied Microbiology Research Group, Life Sciences Faculty, Universidad Regional Amazónica IKIAM, Tena, Ecuador
- Fungal Biotech Lab, Spora Biotech, Huechuraba, Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile
| | - Katherine Apunte-Ramos
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Lab, Universidad Regional Amazónica IKIAM, Tena, Ecuador
| | - Grace C. Reyes-Ortega
- Biogeography and Spatial Ecology Research Group, Life Sciences Faculty, Universidad Regional Amazónica IKIAM, Tena, Ecuador
| | - Marcela Cabrera
- Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia del Agua, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Tena, Ecuador
- University of Valencia, Paterna, Spain
| | | | | | - Jomira K. Yánez-Galarza
- Applied Microbiology Research Group, Life Sciences Faculty, Universidad Regional Amazónica IKIAM, Tena, Ecuador
- Biogeography and Spatial Ecology Research Group, Life Sciences Faculty, Universidad Regional Amazónica IKIAM, Tena, Ecuador
| | | | | | - Peter Goethals
- Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Gent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Jorge Celi
- Water and Aquatic Resources Research Group, School of Earth and Water Sciences, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Tena, Ecuador
| | - Christine Van der Heyden
- Department of Biosciences and Industrial Technology, Health and Water Technology Research Centre, HOGENT—University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Gent, Belgium
| | - H. Mauricio Ortega-Andrade
- Biogeography and Spatial Ecology Research Group, Life Sciences Faculty, Universidad Regional Amazónica IKIAM, Tena, Ecuador
- Herpetology Division, Instituto Nacional de Biodiversidad, Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador
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González-Ramírez LC, Djabayan-Djibeyan P, Prato JG, García Ríos CA, Carrero JC, Trelis M, Fuentes MV. Field study of parasitic contamination of fruits, vegetables and leafy greens in the Ecuadorian Andes. F1000Res 2024; 12:532. [PMID: 38273962 PMCID: PMC10808852 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.132957.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Raw vegetables have been considered vehicles of enteroparasites. South American countries are among the most important exporters of fresh vegetables, including Ecuador, which has a tropical climate and soils rich in organic matter that allow it to harvest throughout the year for sale to different countries. The aim of the study was to assess the occurrence of the parasitic contamination of fruits, vegetables and leafy greens grown in an agricultural area of the Ecuadorian Andes. Methods A cross-sectional field study was conducted with snowball sampling on 1,416 samples (516 fruits, 488 vegetables, and 412 leafy greens). Each sample were washed with water, and the resulting solution after removing the vegetables, was subjected to 24-hour sedimentation. The concentrated sediment underwent microscopic analysis. Results The overall positivity for parasitic contamination was 63.4%, with leafy greens having the highest contamination rate (76.9%) (P<0.0001), surpassing vegetables (67.8%) and fruits (48.4%). Cabbage (100%), onions (84%), and strawberries (60.2%) emerged as the most contaminated within their respective groups. Protozoa were more prevalent (49.6%) than helminths (15.5%) (P<0.0001). Blastocystis sp. (33.5%) ranked highest, followed by Eimeria spp. (26.3%), Entamoeba spp. (10.3%), Giardia spp. (8.3%), Balantidium spp. (6.9%), Cryptosporidium spp. (6.6%), Cyclospora spp. (4.4%), Cystoisospora spp. (0.5%), Strongylida (15.5%), and Ascaris spp. (0.4%). Conclusions The study reveals that vegetables and fruits for human consumption from this area of the Ecuadorian Andes are highly contaminated with various parasites, constituting a possible source of infection for humans and animals in this area, or in non-endemic areas where these products are marketed. The finding emphasizes the need for strict hygienic measures in agricultural crops, which will be properly achieved through the treatment of soil, manure and water used for cultivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Carolina González-Ramírez
- Grupo de Investigación "Análisis de Muestras Biológicas y Forenses", Carrera de Laboratorio Clínico, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo, Riobamba, Chimborazo Province, 060103, Ecuador
| | - Pablo Djabayan-Djibeyan
- Grupo de Investigación "Salud Pública", Carrera de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo, Riobamba, Chimborazo Province, 060103, Ecuador
| | - José G. Prato
- Grupo de Investigación “Estudios Interdisciplinarios”, Ingeniería Ambiental, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo, Riobamba, Chimborazo Province, 060103, Ecuador
| | - Cecilia Alejandra García Ríos
- Grupo de Investigación "Salud Pública", Carrera de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo, Riobamba, Chimborazo Province, 060103, Ecuador
- Facultad de Salud Pública, Escuela Superior Politecnica de Chimborazo, Riobamba, Chimborazo Province, 060103, Ecuador
| | - Julio César Carrero
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico City, 04510, Mexico
| | - María Trelis
- Research Group "Parasites and Health", Departament de Farmàcia i Tecnologia Farmacèutica i Parasitologia, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de València, Burjassot/Valencia, Comunidad Valenciana, 46010, Spain
- Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, Universitat de València - Health Research Institute La Fe (IISLAFE), Valencia, Valencian Community, 46026, Spain
| | - Màrius Vicent Fuentes
- Research Group "Parasites and Health", Departament de Farmàcia i Tecnologia Farmacèutica i Parasitologia, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de València, Burjassot/Valencia, Comunidad Valenciana, 46010, Spain
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Escobar Camacho D, Barragán KS, Guayasamin JM, Gavilanes G, Encalada AC. New records of native and introduced fish species in a river basin of Western Ecuador, the Chocó-Darien Ecoregion, using DNA barcoding. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298970. [PMID: 38457426 PMCID: PMC10923491 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA barcoding, based on mitochondrial markers, is widely applied in species identification and biodiversity studies. The aim of this study was to establish a barcoding reference database of fishes inhabiting the Cube River from Western Ecuador in the Chocó-Darien Global Ecoregion (CGE), a threatened ecoregion with high diversity and endemism, and evaluate the applicability of using barcoding for the identification of fish species. Barcode sequences were obtained from seven orders, 17 families, 23 genera and 26 species, which were validated through phylogenetic analysis, morphological measurements, and literature review. Our results showed that 43% of fish species in this region are endemic, confirmed the presence of known species in the area, and included the addition of three new records of native (Hoplias microlepis, Rhamdia guatemalensis and Sicydium salvini) and an introduced species (Xiphophorus maculatus) to Ecuador. In addition, eight species were barcoded for the first time. Species identification based on barcoding and morphology showed discrepancy with species lists from previous studies in the CGE, suggesting that the current baseline of western fishes of Ecuador is still incomplete. Because this study analyzed fishes from a relatively small basin (165 km2), more molecular-based studies focusing on fish are needed to achieve a robust sequence reference library of species inhabiting Western Ecuador. The new sequences of this study will be useful for future comparisons and biodiversity monitoring, supporting the application of barcoding tools for studying fish diversity in genetically unexplored regions and to develop well-informed conservation programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Escobar Camacho
- Laboratorio de Ecología Acuática, Instituto BIOSFERA, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Karla S. Barragán
- Laboratorio de Ecología Acuática, Instituto BIOSFERA, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Juan M. Guayasamin
- Laboratorio de Biología Evolutiva, Instituto BIOSFERA, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Gabriela Gavilanes
- Laboratorio de Biología Evolutiva, Instituto BIOSFERA, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Andrea C. Encalada
- Laboratorio de Ecología Acuática, Instituto BIOSFERA, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
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Pozo G, Albuja-Quintana M, Larreátegui L, Gutiérrez B, Fuentes N, Alfonso-Cortés F, Torres MDL. First whole-genome sequence and assembly of the Ecuadorian brown-headed spider monkey (Ateles fusciceps fusciceps), a critically endangered species, using Oxford Nanopore Technologies. G3 (Bethesda) 2024; 14:jkae014. [PMID: 38244218 PMCID: PMC10917520 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkae014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
The Ecuadorian brown-headed spider monkey (Ateles fusciceps fusciceps) is currently considered one of the most endangered primates in the world and is classified as critically endangered [International union for conservation of nature (IUCN)]. It faces multiple threats, the most significant one being habitat loss due to deforestation in western Ecuador. Genomic tools are keys for the management of endangered species, but this requires a reference genome, which until now was unavailable for A. f. fusciceps. The present study reports the first whole-genome sequence and assembly of A. f. fusciceps generated using Oxford Nanopore long reads. DNA was extracted from a subadult male, and libraries were prepared for sequencing following the Ligation Sequencing Kit SQK-LSK112 workflow. Sequencing was performed using a MinION Mk1C sequencer. The sequencing reads were processed to generate a genome assembly. Two different assemblers were used to obtain draft genomes using raw reads, of which the Flye assembly was found to be superior. The final assembly has a total length of 2.63 Gb and contains 3,861 contigs, with an N50 of 7,560,531 bp. The assembly was analyzed for annotation completeness based on primate ortholog prediction using a high-resolution database, and was found to be 84.3% complete, with a low number of duplicated genes indicating a precise assembly. The annotation of the assembly predicted 31,417 protein-coding genes, comparable with other mammal assemblies. A reference genome for this critically endangered species will allow researchers to gain insight into the genetics of its populations and thus aid conservation and management efforts of this vulnerable species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Pozo
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Vegetal, Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Quito 170901, Ecuador
- Instituto Nacional de Biodiversidad (INABIO), Quito 170135, Ecuador
| | - Martina Albuja-Quintana
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Vegetal, Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Quito 170901, Ecuador
| | - Lizbeth Larreátegui
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Vegetal, Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Quito 170901, Ecuador
| | - Bernardo Gutiérrez
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Vegetal, Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Quito 170901, Ecuador
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3SZ, UK
| | - Nathalia Fuentes
- Proyecto Washu/Fundación Naturaleza y Arte, Quito 170521, Ecuador
| | | | - Maria de Lourdes Torres
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Vegetal, Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Quito 170901, Ecuador
- Instituto Nacional de Biodiversidad (INABIO), Quito 170135, Ecuador
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Chóez-Guaranda I, Maridueña-Zavala M, Quevedo A, Quijano-Avilés M, Manzano P, Cevallos-Cevallos JM. Changes in GC-MS metabolite profile, antioxidant capacity and anthocyanins content during fermentation of fine-flavor cacao beans from Ecuador. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298909. [PMID: 38427658 PMCID: PMC10906890 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The fermentation of fine-flavor cacao beans is a key process contributing to the enhancement of organoleptic attributes and monetary benefits for cacao farmers. This work aimed to describe the dynamics of the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) metabolite profile as well as the antioxidant capacity and anthocyanin contents during fermentation of fine-flavor cacao beans. Samples of Nacional x Trinitario cacao beans were obtained after 0, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 hours of spontaneous fermentation. Total phenolic content (TPC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and total anthocyanin content were measured by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry. Volatiles were adsorbed by headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) while other metabolites were assessed by an extraction-derivatization method followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) detection and identification. Thirty-two aroma-active compounds were identified in the samples, including 17 fruity, and 9 floral-like volatiles as well as metabolites with caramel, chocolate, ethereal, nutty, sweet, and woody notes. Principal components analysis and Heatmap-cluster analysis of volatile metabolites grouped samples according to the fermentation time. Additionally, the total anthocyanin content declined during fermentation, and FRAP-TPC values showed a partial correlation. These results highlight the importance of fermentation for the improvement of the fine-flavor characteristics of cacao beans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Chóez-Guaranda
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Centro de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas del Ecuador (CIBE), ESPOL Polytechnic University, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - María Maridueña-Zavala
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Centro de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas del Ecuador (CIBE), ESPOL Polytechnic University, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Adela Quevedo
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Centro de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas del Ecuador (CIBE), ESPOL Polytechnic University, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - María Quijano-Avilés
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Centro de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas del Ecuador (CIBE), ESPOL Polytechnic University, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Patricia Manzano
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Centro de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas del Ecuador (CIBE), ESPOL Polytechnic University, Guayaquil, Ecuador
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida (FCV), ESPOL Polytechnic University, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Juan M. Cevallos-Cevallos
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Centro de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas del Ecuador (CIBE), ESPOL Polytechnic University, Guayaquil, Ecuador
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida (FCV), ESPOL Polytechnic University, Guayaquil, Ecuador
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Gómez-García AR, Chang AH, Valenzuela-Mendieta RO, García-Arroyo JA. Leaving no-one behind in the workplace health promotion: towards regulatory equity in the Ecuadorian micro-enterprises. J Public Health Policy 2024; 45:152-163. [PMID: 38233505 DOI: 10.1057/s41271-023-00466-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
The purpose of workplace public health programmes and regulations is to promote safety and health for the entire working population nationwide. Some countries limit the scope of such programmes to medium or big-sized companies, leaving out small and micro-enterprises, thus discriminating against many workers exposed to risks. This Viewpoint aims to identify inequalities in occupational health generated by the new Regulation for Workplace Health Promotion (WHP) in Ecuador. We showed how the regulation excludes all micro-enterprises and displayed the essential role of micro-enterprises in the business fabric and the Ecuadorian labour market. More than 93% of the registered companies are micro-enterprises and these include more than 25% of the employees in the formal economy. Integrating occupational health into the public health system will require deep analysis to improve protection for the working population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alywin Hacay Chang
- Universidad Espíritu Santo UEES, Samborondón Avenue 5, Samborondón, 092301, Ecuador
- Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - José A García-Arroyo
- Universidad Espíritu Santo UEES, Samborondón Avenue 5, Samborondón, 092301, Ecuador.
- Universidad Internacional de la Rioja (UNIR), La Rioja, Spain.
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Lara Icaza JD, Tapia RL, Triana CTC, Ramírez LCR. Refractoriness to anti-Helicobacter pylori treatment attributed to phenotypic resistance patterns in patients with gastroduodenopathy in Guayaquil- Ecuador. Helicobacter 2024; 29:e13060. [PMID: 38581134 DOI: 10.1111/hel.13060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment of Helicobacter pylori gastric infection is complex and associated with increased rates of therapeutic failure. This research aimed to characterize the H. pylori infection status, strain resistance to antimicrobial agents, and the predominant lesion pattern in the gastroduodenal mucosa of patients with clinical suspicion of refractoriness to first- and second-line treatment who were diagnosed and treated in a health center in Guayaquil, Ecuador. METHODS A total of 374 patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms and H. pylori infection were preselected and prescribed one of three triple therapy regimens for primary infection, as judged by the treating physician. Subsequently, 121 patients who returned to the follow-up visit with persistent symptoms after treatment were studied. RESULTS All patients had H. pylori infection. Histopathological examination diagnosed chronic active gastritis in 91.7% of cases; premalignant lesions were observed in 15.8%. The three triple therapy schemes applied showed suboptimal efficacy (between 47.6% and 77.2%), with the best performance corresponding to the scheme consisting of a proton pump inhibitor + amoxicillin + levofloxacin. Bacterial strains showed very high phenotypic resistance to all five antimicrobials tested: clarithromycin, 82.9%; metronidazole, 69.7%; amoxicillin and levofloxacin, almost 50%; tetracycline, 38.2%. Concurrent resistance to clarithromycin-amoxicillin was 43.4%, to tetracycline-metronidazole 30.3%, to amoxicillin-levofloxacin 27.6%, and to clarithromycin-metronidazole 59.2%. CONCLUSIONS In vitro testing revealed resistance to all five antibiotics, indicating that H. pylori exhibited resistance phenotypes to these antibiotics. Consequently, the effectiveness of triple treatments may be compromised, and further studies are needed to assess refractoriness in quadruple and concomitant therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier David Lara Icaza
- Centro Clínico Quirúrgico Ambulatorio (Hospital del Día) Efrén Jurado López, Guayaquil, Ecuador
- Universidad del Zulia (LUZ), Maracaibo, Venezuela
| | - Rosalina Lara Tapia
- Centro Clínico Quirúrgico Ambulatorio (Hospital del Día) Efrén Jurado López, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Cástula Tania Castro Triana
- Centro Clínico Quirúrgico Ambulatorio (Hospital del Día) Efrén Jurado López, Guayaquil, Ecuador
- Universidad Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil, Guayaquil, Ecuador
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22
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Espinoza-Lozano L, Sumba M, Cañada-Bautista MG, Quito-Avila DF. Occurrence, Distribution, and Population Structure of Schlumbergera Virus X in Dragon Fruit in Ecuador. Plant Dis 2024; 108:587-591. [PMID: 37743588 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-03-23-0445-sc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of Schlumbergera virus X (SchVX) in commercial dragon fruit fields in three provinces of Ecuador has been identified in this study. The virus was found in symptomatic and asymptomatic cladodes of the two major species (Hylocereus undatus and H. megalanthus) cultivated in the country. Symptoms in H. undatus included irregular and ring-shaped chlorotic spots that coalesce into large chlorotic patches along the cladodes, whereas small chlorotic spot symptoms on the cladodes were observed in H. megalanthus. Phylogenetic inferences based on 27 partial nucleotide sequences of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and three whole genome comparisons showed that Ecuadorean isolates from H. undatus and H. megalanthus share a most recent ancestor with isolates from Spain and Portugal. In addition, an SchVX isolate with a distinct genomic lineage was found in symptomatic H. polyrhizus plants from a single location, suggesting two independent virus introductions into the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisbeth Espinoza-Lozano
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Martha Sumba
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Maria G Cañada-Bautista
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Diego F Quito-Avila
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, Guayaquil, Ecuador
- Centro de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas del Ecuador, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, Guayaquil, Ecuador
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Molina CA, Quiroz-Moreno C, Jarrín-V P, Díaz M, Yugsi E, Pérez-Galarza J, Baldeón-Rojas L. Bacterial community assessment of drinking water and downstream distribution systems in highland localities of Ecuador. J Water Health 2024; 22:536-549. [PMID: 38557569 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2024.290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Bacterial communities in drinking water provide a gauge to measure quality and confer insights into public health. In contrast to urban systems, water treatment in rural areas is not adequately monitored and could become a health risk. We performed 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to analyze the microbiome present in the water treatment plants at two rural communities, one city, and the downstream water for human consumption in schools and reservoirs in the Andean highlands of Ecuador. We tested the effect of water treatment on the diversity and composition of bacterial communities. A set of physicochemical variables in the sampled water was evaluated and correlated with the structure of the observed bacterial communities. Predominant bacteria in the analyzed communities belonged to Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria. The Sphingobium genus, a chlorine resistance group, was particularly abundant. Of health concern in drinking water reservoirs were Fusobacteriaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Ruminococcaceae; these families are associated with human and poultry fecal contamination. We propose the latter families as relevant biomarkers for establishing local standards for the monitoring of potable water systems in highlands of Ecuador. Our assessment of bacterial community composition in water systems in the Ecuadorian highlands provides a technical background to inform management decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Alfonso Molina
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Cdla. Universitaria y Gaspar de Carvajal s/n., 170521 Quito, Ecuador; Instituto de Investigación en Zoonosis (CIZ), Universidad Central del Ecuador, Cdla. Universitaria y Gaspar de Carvajal s/n., 170521, Quito, Ecuador E-mail:
| | - Cristian Quiroz-Moreno
- Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, Ohio State University, 2021 Coffey Road, Columbus OH 43210
| | - Pablo Jarrín-V
- Laboratorio de Secuenciamiento de Ácidos Nucleicos, Dirección de Gestión de la Innovación, Instituto Nacional de Biodiversidad INABIO, Pje. Rumipamba N341 y Av. de los Shyris, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Magdalena Díaz
- Instituto de Investigación en Zoonosis (CIZ), Universidad Central del Ecuador, Cdla. Universitaria y Gaspar de Carvajal s/n., 170521, Quito, Ecuador; Facultad de Ingeniería Química, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Ritter s/n y Bolivia, 170521 Quito, Ecuador; Institute of Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), University of Valencia and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Carrer del Catedràtic Agustín Escardino Benlloch, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Elizabeth Yugsi
- Centro de Biotecnología 'Dr Daniel Alkalay Lowitt', Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, General Bari 699, 2390136, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Jorge Pérez-Galarza
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Iquique N14-121 y Sodiro, Quito, Ecuador; Instituto de Investigación en Biomedicina, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Capitán Giovanni Calles y Derby, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Lucy Baldeón-Rojas
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Iquique N14-121 y Sodiro, Quito, Ecuador; Instituto de Investigación en Biomedicina, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Capitán Giovanni Calles y Derby, Quito, Ecuador
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Izquierdo-Condoy JS, Ortiz-Prado E. The imperative of bolstering life support training: A case from Ecuador. Med Teach 2024; 46:428. [PMID: 37874664 DOI: 10.1080/0142159x.2023.2271650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
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Ruiz-Bastidas RC, Ochoa-Durán C, Sanabria J, Cadavid-Rodríguez LS. Effect of Ecuadorian natural zeolite on the performance of anaerobic digestion of swine waste in semicontinuous regime. Chemosphere 2024; 352:141517. [PMID: 38387656 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
This study explores the potential of zeolite as an amendment to mitigate ammonium inhibition in the anaerobic digestion of swine waste. Two 50 L reactors, one with and one without zeolite amendment were operated at an OLR of 3.0 g VS L-1d-1 for 130 days, and fed with swine waste from a full-scale pig farm. Under these conditions, zeolite doses of 4 g L-1 allowed total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) concentrations to be kept below 1000 mgNH3-N L-1. The zeolite-amended reactor not only showed an average increase of 8% in methane production under stable conditions but also exhibited 34% reduction in H2S concentrations in the biogas, compared to the reactor without zeolite. The community of archaea originating from the inoculum was conserved in the reactor with zeolite amendment, particularly the acetoclastic methanogens of the genus Methanosaeta. On the other hand, in the reactor without zeolite addition, the microbial community went from being dominated by the acetoclastic methanogen Methanosaeta to having a high relative abundance of hydrogenotrophic methanogens. The zeolite addition also favoured the reactor stability, prevented foaming, and produced an enriched natural zeolite with N, P and K. However, additional studies on the potential of enriched zeolite as a fertilizer are required, which could make the use of zeolite in Anaerobic Digestion of swine waste not only energetically favourable but also economically feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Cecilia Ruiz-Bastidas
- Universidad Nacional de Colombia - Sede Medellín, Facultad de Ciencias, Cra. 65 #59a-110, Medellín, 050034, Colombia.
| | - Camilo Ochoa-Durán
- Universidad Nacional de Colombia - Sede Palmira, Facultad de Ingeniería y Administración, Departamento de Ingeniería, Cra. 32 No 12-00, Palmira, 763533, Colombia
| | - Janeth Sanabria
- Universidad del Valle, Microbiology and Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Cali, 760042, Colombia
| | - Luz Stella Cadavid-Rodríguez
- Universidad Nacional de Colombia - Sede Palmira, Facultad de Ingeniería y Administración, Departamento de Ingeniería, Cra. 32 No 12-00, Palmira, 763533, Colombia.
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Mero Piedra AL, Pesthy O, Marton K. Effects of a physical education intervention on attention and inhibitory control in Ecuadorian children with intellectual disabilities. J Intellect Disabil 2024; 28:261-274. [PMID: 37458606 DOI: 10.1177/17446295231189018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Background: Studies on physical activity interventions indicated a facilitative effect on cognitive performance in persons with intellectual disabilities; however, research is scarce, especially in low/middle-income countries. Aim: We explored the effects of a 6-week enriched physical education program on inhibitory control and attention functions in Ecuadorian children with intellectual disabilities. Methods: Thirty children with mild intellectual disabilities (10-14 years old) were randomly assigned to an intervention or control group. Before and after the intervention, attention and inhibitory control were measured using computer-based nonverbal tasks. Results: The findings showed significantly more accurate and faster responses in the vigilance task in the intervention group than in the controls. There were no significant intervention-related changes in inhibitory control; however, there were more prominent accuracy tendencies toward improvement in the intervention group. Conclusions: Results provide evidence of the potential of physical activity programs to enhance attention in this population, which could serve as a mediator for inhibitory control.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Orsolya Pesthy
- Institute of Psychology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; Doctoral School of Psychology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Klara Marton
- MTA-ELTE Language-Learning Disorders Research Group, Bárczi Gusztáv Faculty of Special Needs Education, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; Brooklyn College, City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY, USA; Graduate School and University Center, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
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Galapagos giant tortoises were supersized before arrival. Nature 2024; 627:11-11. [PMID: 38424336 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-024-00567-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
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Parreño L, Pablo-Martí F. Fuzzy cognitive maps for municipal governance improvement. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0294962. [PMID: 38422075 PMCID: PMC10903849 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
This paper applies Fuzzy Cognitive Maps (FCMs) to understand the diverse behavior of municipal governments in Ecuador to find common elements that influence the well-being of citizens in the short and long term. Information gathering was conducted in two stages: in the first one, a group of 16 national experts was consulted to develop the initial FCM; in the second stage, local experts from 220 municipalities were interviewed to collect information on the general validity of initial FCMs and specific values given to concepts and relationships in their municipalities. Results show the importance of certain concepts for long-term municipal performance, such as the need for a competitive entrepreneurial sector, improving human resources in the municipality, and, particularly, having a competent mayor with leadership skills and a forward-looking vision that enables the development of municipal projects required to reach an efficient and equitable coverage of goods and services throughout the city. Through the application of genetic algorithms, the FCM was calibrated to ascertain the long-term dynamics of municipal development and the optimal values of the concepts that would optimize the attainment of the set objectives. The derived outcomes suggest the desirability of the maintenance of, in principle, unwanted structures like financial transfers from the central government and the need to exploit natural resources to attain urban development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenin Parreño
- Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador PUCE, Quito, Ecuador
- SCCS Research Group, University of Alcala, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
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Zaman M, McCann V, Friesen S, Noriega M, Marisol M, Bartels SA, Purkey E. Experiences of pregnant Venezuelan migrants/refugees in Brazil, Ecuador and Peru: a qualitative analysis. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:157. [PMID: 38395816 PMCID: PMC10885441 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06334-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is estimated that since 2014, approximately 7.3 million Venezuelan migrants/refugees have left the country. Although both male and female migrants/refugees are vulnerable, female migrants/refugees are more likely to face discrimination, emotional, physical, and sexual violence. Currently there is a lack of literature that explores the experiences of pregnant Venezuelan migrants/refugees. Our aim is to better understand the experience of this vulnerable population to inform programming. METHODS In the parent study, Spryng.io's sensemaking tool was used to gain insight into the gendered migration experiences of Venezuelan women/girls. A total of 9339 micronarratives were collected from 9116 unique participants in Peru, Ecuador and Brazil from January to April 2022. For the purpose of this analysis, two independent reviewers screened 817 micronarratives which were identified by the participant as being about someone who was pregnant, ultimately including 231 as part of the thematic analysis. This was an exploratory study and an open thematic analysis of the narratives was performed. RESULTS The mean age and standard deviation of our population was 25.77 ± 6.73. The majority of women in the sample already had at least 1 child (62%), were married at the time of migration (53%) and identified as low socio-economic status (59%). The qualitative analysis revealed the following main themes among pregnant Venezuelan migrants/refugees: xenophobia in the forms of racial slurs and hostile treatment from health-care workers while accessing pregnancy care; sexual, physical, and verbal violence experienced during migration; lack of shelter, resources and financial support; and travelling with the hopes of a better future. CONCLUSION Pregnant Venezuelan migrants/refugees are a vulnerable population that encounter complex gender-based and societal issues that are rarely sufficiently reported. The findings of this study can inform governments, non-governmental organizations, and international organizations to improve support systems for pregnant migrants/refugees. Based on the results of our study we recommend addressing xenophobia in health-care centres and the lack of shelter and food in host countries at various levels, creating support spaces for pregnant women who experience trauma or violence, and connecting women with reliable employment opportunities and maternal healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Zaman
- School of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Victoria McCann
- School of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Sofia Friesen
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Monica Noriega
- International Organization for Migration, Panama City, Panama
| | - Maria Marisol
- International Organization for Migration, Pacaraima, Brazil
| | - Susan A Bartels
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Eva Purkey
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
- Department of Family Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
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Taylor L. Ecuador becomes second Latin American country to decriminalise euthanasia. BMJ 2024; 384:q357. [PMID: 38336384 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.q357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
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Toapanta-Pinta P, Vasco-Morales S, Céspedes-Granda S, Sartorelli DS, Moisés ECD. Dietary Patterns and Factors Associated with Food Affinity in Pregnant Women from Quito, Ecuador. Nutrients 2024; 16:475. [PMID: 38398800 PMCID: PMC10892012 DOI: 10.3390/nu16040475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Nutrition during pregnancy influences perinatal outcomes and predispositions to chronic diseases. A prospective cohort study was carried out with the objectives of describing the dietary patterns in the pregnant population in the city of Quito, Ecuador and analysing the sociodemographic and lifestyle factors that influence the adherence to each dietary pattern. The body mass index was calculated for each patient, and the patients were classified according to the Atalah criteria. The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire was also applied. The dietary patterns were assessed using a dietary survey with a 24 h recall on two occasions. A total of 535 pregnant women were included. A positive association was found between the pattern "dairy, salads and sweet snacks/dressings" and foreign nationality (β = 0.82 (0.43;1.21)). The "refined carbohydrates" pattern was negatively associated with education equal to or less than 7 years and an income of up to one basic salary (β = -0.59 (-1.05; -0.14)). The "traditional Ecuadorian" pattern showed a positive association with being born in the coastal region of Ecuador (β = 0.62 (0.22; 1.01)). This study identified three dietary patterns in pregnant women and their possible associations with certain sociodemographic factors. More studies are needed to better understand these patterns as well as to analyse their nutritional and caloric properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Toapanta-Pinta
- Obstetrics Career, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito 170403, Ecuador; (S.V.-M.); (S.C.-G.)
- Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-900, Brazil
| | - Santiago Vasco-Morales
- Obstetrics Career, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito 170403, Ecuador; (S.V.-M.); (S.C.-G.)
- Neonatology Department, Hospital Gineco-Obstétrico Isidro Ayora, Quito 170136, Ecuador
| | - Sara Céspedes-Granda
- Obstetrics Career, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito 170403, Ecuador; (S.V.-M.); (S.C.-G.)
- Puengasí 2 Health Center, District 17D04 Puengasí in Itchimbia, Quito 170145, Ecuador
| | - Daniela Saes Sartorelli
- Department of Social Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-900, Brazil;
| | - Elaine Christine Dantas Moisés
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, Brazil;
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Cueva DF, Zug R, Pozo MJ, Molina S, Cisneros R, Bustamante MR, Torres MDL. Evidence of population genetic structure in Ecuadorian Andean bears. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2834. [PMID: 38310153 PMCID: PMC10838292 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53003-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Wildlife conservation in Andean countries is a global priority because of the high levels of biodiversity and endemism. Historically, these countries have had limited resources to monitor wildlife (e.g., through genetic tools) and establish conservation programs. Focusing on the study and emblematic use of a few charismatic species has been a strategic approach to direct efforts for conservation and development planning. Consequently, the Andean bear is a flagship and umbrella species for highly biodiverse Andean countries like Ecuador. The few studies exploring the population genetics of this species have concluded that it has low genetic diversity and few units for conservation as populations appear to be well connected. However, these results might be attributed to ascertainment bias as studies have been performed with heterologous molecular markers. Here, using both mtDNA sequences and species-specific microsatellite markers, we show that Andean bears in Ecuador have population structure. Additionally, we found through the study of three Ecuadorian populations that the species might have a higher genetic diversity than we previously thought. These results could support the revision of research priorities, conservation, and planning strategies to improve connectivity for this species which occurs in crucial biodiversity hotspots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario F Cueva
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Vegetal, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Diego de Robles y Via Interoceanica s/n, Quito, 170157, Ecuador
| | - Rebecca Zug
- Laboratorio de Carnívoros, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Diego de Robles y Vía Interoceanica s/n, Quito, 170157, Ecuador
| | - María José Pozo
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Vegetal, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Diego de Robles y Via Interoceanica s/n, Quito, 170157, Ecuador
| | - Santiago Molina
- Laboratorio de Carnívoros, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Diego de Robles y Vía Interoceanica s/n, Quito, 170157, Ecuador
- Fundación Zoológica del Ecuador, Pircapamaba s/n y Rumichupa, Guayllabamba, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Rodrigo Cisneros
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, San Cayetano Alto, C/París s/n., 1101608, Loja, Ecuador
| | - Martín R Bustamante
- Fundación Zoológica del Ecuador, Pircapamaba s/n y Rumichupa, Guayllabamba, Quito, Ecuador
| | - María de Lourdes Torres
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Vegetal, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Diego de Robles y Via Interoceanica s/n, Quito, 170157, Ecuador.
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Camargo-Martinez ND, Camacho-Erazo M, Amarillo-Suárez AR, Herrera HW, Sarmiento CE. Morphologic Differentiation of the Exotic Parasitoid Eupelmus pulchriceps (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) in the Galapagos Archipelago. Neotrop Entomol 2024; 53:140-153. [PMID: 38133733 PMCID: PMC10834596 DOI: 10.1007/s13744-023-01097-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The historical and geographical properties of the archipelagos allow a detailed study of species diversification, and phenotypic traits can indicate the extent of such processes. Eupelmus pulchriceps (Cameron, 1904) is an exotic species to the Galapagos archipelago, and generalist parasitoid that attacks a beetle species that consumes the seeds of the invasive shrub Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit. Despite extensive sampling, the wasp is recorded only in Santa Cruz and San Cristobal islands of the Galapagos archipelago. Thus, using 112 female wasps, we compare body size, proportion, and allometric differentiations within and between the two islands. There were no body size differences between islands. A PerMANOVA indicates differences between the islands and a single differentiation between two localities of one island. Allometric differences between islands were not the same for all structures. These results are consistent with the greater distance between islands than between localities and suggest a differentiation process. The variables with allometric differentiation are associated with wings and ovipositor, possibly responding to different ecological pressures. It is interesting that this parasitoid, recently arrived at the archipelago, is already showing differentiation. Also, it is essential to monitor the behavior of these wasps in the archipelago, given their potential to access other species affecting the trophic interactions of the local biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas David Camargo-Martinez
- Lab de Sistemática y Biología Comparada de Insectos, Instituto de Ciencias Naturales, Univ Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Mariana Camacho-Erazo
- Museo de Entomología, Facultad de Recursos Naturales, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Chimborazo, Riobamba, Ecuador
| | - Angela R Amarillo-Suárez
- Depto de Ecología y Territorio, Facultad de Estudios Ambientales y Rurales, Pontificia Univ Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Henri W Herrera
- Museo de Entomología, Facultad de Recursos Naturales, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Chimborazo, Riobamba, Ecuador
| | - Carlos E Sarmiento
- Lab de Sistemática y Biología Comparada de Insectos, Instituto de Ciencias Naturales, Univ Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia.
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Gaus D, Conway J, Herrera D. Continuing Professional Development at Two Rural Hospitals in Ecuador. Ann Glob Health 2024; 90:4. [PMID: 38273869 PMCID: PMC10809859 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.4175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background E-learning Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is an activity demonstrated to improve the quality of healthcare delivery. The CPD of medical and nursing staff in high income countries (HICs) is commonplace. CPD of administrative staff is less common, but increasingly frequent. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), CPD of any kind is infrequent, particularly in rural and remote areas. Objective The aim of this study was to describe a hospital-based e-learning CPD program for clinical and non-clinical personnel as a unique example of a successful, ongoing educational pilot, quality improvement program involving a broad cohort of employees, in a country that does not require such activities. Methods Using the online educational platform Chamilo, e-learning modules were created for eight groups including clinical and non-clinical employees. Upon completion of each module, one to two paragraph discussions were provided for each incorrect answer submitted. Two additional chances were offered for the employee to achieve a passing score of 70%. This study reports on the first 10-month period of the program. Findings All participants achieved the 70% passing threshold after the first or second attempt. There was 100% participation by the employees required to complete the e-learning modules. Employee feedback suggested the modules were good for continuing education, but some felt the CPD was imposed on them. Conclusion E-learning CPD is an important and emerging element for CPD and may provide opportunities for healthcare service quality improvement as part of broader pedagogical modalities, such as conferences and directed readings, in rural and remote areas of LMICs. These pilot programs could provide important information to develop Spanish-language e-learning CPD programs across a broader region, promote collaboration with regional professional societies, and possibly contribute to the establishment of national health program CPD standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Gaus
- Andean Health & Development, US
- Ecuador, Brisas de Colorado, Sector 1, Via Quininde, Santo Domingo de las Tsachilas, Ecuador
| | - James Conway
- SMPH Office of Global Health, University of Wisconsin–Madison, School of Medicine & Public Health, 750 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53726, US
| | - Diego Herrera
- Ecuador, Brisas de Colorado, Sector 1, Via Quininde, Santo Domingo de las Tsachilas, Ecuador
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Romero–Medina N, Flores–Tipán E, Carvache-Franco M, Carvache-Franco O, Carvache-Franco W, González-Núñez R. Organizational design for strengthening community-based tourism: Empowering stakeholders for self-organization and networking. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0294849. [PMID: 38261593 PMCID: PMC10805285 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The San Pablo community in El Triunfo, Ecuador, is emerging as a promising community-based tourism destination. Despite its potential, the lack of knowledge about self-organization and its implementation has hindered effective tourism management. To address this challenge, a participatory approach was employed, involving the community and key stakeholders, such as the local government of El Triunfo. Through the utilization of Design Thinking and both online and in-person interviews, it was identified that an organizational structure based on networks and a culture of self-organization can drive local tourism. These aspects were incorporated into a Design Thinking-guided process, contributing to the understanding of how to forge an appropriate organizational framework for the community. Furthermore, this study aims for broader impact. The goal is not only to strengthen tourism in San Pablo, but also to inform the management of strategies and policies in other entities. The findings offer valuable insights to similar communities in Ecuador and the region. Collectively, this research enhances the comprehension of community-based tourism and proposes practical solutions for optimizing its management in emerging contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Romero–Medina
- Facultad de Ciencias Sociales y Humanísticas, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Emily Flores–Tipán
- Facultad de Ciencias Sociales y Humanísticas, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | | | - Orly Carvache-Franco
- Facultad de Economía y Empresa, Universidad Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Wilmer Carvache-Franco
- Facultad de Ciencias Sociales y Humanísticas, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Ruth González-Núñez
- Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Educación comercial y Derecho, Universidad Estatal de Milagro, Milagro, Ecuador
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Carrera-Beltrán L, Gavilanes-Terán I, Idrovo-Novillo J, Valverde VH, Rodríguez-Pinos A, Paredes C, Signes-Pastor AJ, Carbonell-Barrachina ÁA. Environmental pollution by heavy metals within the area influenced by the Tungurahua volcano eruption - Ecuador. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2024; 270:115919. [PMID: 38176183 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Volcanic eruptions can have long-lasting negative effects on nearby environments and communities, especially those relying on agriculture. The Tungurahua and Sangay volcanoes in Ecuador's highlands pose a significant risk to the region's agricultural economy and inhabitants. The most recent eruption of the Tungurahua volcano spanned from September 1999 to March 2016. Volcanic ash is known to contain both non-essential and essential elements for plant growth, but excessive amounts of the latter can also be toxic and disrupt physiological processes. Additionally, the use of pesticides and fertilizers introduces additional elements to agricultural soils, which can potentially transfer to edible plants and raise health concerns for consumers. Despite this, little is known about the impact of the Tungurahua volcano's latest eruption on soil deposition of micronutrient and heavy metals and their potential transfer to the food chain. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a study to explore the impact of the Tungurahua volcano's latest eruption on soil deposition of Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, As, Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn, as well as the physicochemical characteristics of cultivated and uncultivated soil samples and vegetables in the cantons most affected by volcanic ash. According to our findings, the physicochemical properties, micronutrient, and heavy metal concentrations of both cultivated and uncultivated soils differ and, in some cases, exceeded the maximum limits established, which could affect the health of the soil as well as of human beings through the trophic chain. This study provides valuable information for monitoring the chemical and physical properties of soil and vegetables in areas affected by the Tungurahua volcanic activity and agriculture, aiding in understanding their impact on the environment, agriculture, and potential health risks associated with locally grown crops in rural Ecuadorian communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lourdes Carrera-Beltrán
- Facultad de Ciencias. Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo (ESPOCH) EC060155-Riobamba (Chimborazo), Ecuador
| | - Irene Gavilanes-Terán
- Facultad de Ciencias. Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo (ESPOCH) EC060155-Riobamba (Chimborazo), Ecuador
| | - Julio Idrovo-Novillo
- Facultad de Ciencias. Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo (ESPOCH) EC060155-Riobamba (Chimborazo), Ecuador
| | - Victor Hugo Valverde
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo, Riobamba 060108, Chimborazo, Ecuador
| | - Adrián Rodríguez-Pinos
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, 57 Campus Drive, Saskatoon S7N5A9, Canada
| | - Concepción Paredes
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Miguel Hernandez University, EPSO-Orihuela, Ctra. Beniel km 3.2, Orihuela, Alicante 03312, Spain
| | - Antonio J Signes-Pastor
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Miguel Hernandez University, EPSO-Orihuela, Ctra. Beniel km 3.2, Orihuela, Alicante 03312, Spain; Unidad de Epidemiología de la Nutrición. Universidad Miguel Hernández, Alicante, Spain; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), Spain.
| | - Ángel A Carbonell-Barrachina
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Miguel Hernandez University, EPSO-Orihuela, Ctra. Beniel km 3.2, Orihuela, Alicante 03312, Spain.
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Real-Jaramillo S, Bustillos JJ, Moncayo AL, Neira M, Fárez L, Beltrán E, Ocaña-Mayorga S. Phenotypic resistance not associated with knockdown mutations (kdr) in Anopheles albimanus exposed to deltamethrin in southern coastal Ecuador. Malar J 2024; 23:17. [PMID: 38217047 PMCID: PMC10787486 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04818-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Decrease in malaria rates (e.g. incidence and cases) in Latin America maintains this region on track to achieve the goal of elimination. During the last 5 years, three countries have been certified as malaria free. However, the region fails to achieve the goal of 40% reduction on malaria rates and an increase of cases has been reported in some countries, including Ecuador. This scenario has been associated with multiple causes, such as decrease of funding to continue anti-malarial programmes and the development of insecticide resistance of the main malaria vectors. In Ecuador, official reports indicated phenotypic resistance in Aedes aegypti and Anopheles albimanus to deltamethrin and malathion, particularly in the coastal areas of Ecuador, however, information about the mechanisms of resistance have not been yet elucidated. This study aims to evaluate phenotypic response to deltamethrin and its relationship with kdr mutations in An. albimanus from two localities with different agricultural activities in southern coastal Ecuador. METHODS The CDC bottle assay was carried out to evaluate the phenotypic status of the mosquito's population. Sequencing the voltage gated sodium channel gene (VGSC) sought knockdown mutations (kdr) in codons 1010, 1013 and 1014 associated with resistance. RESULTS Phenotypic resistance was found in Santa Rosa (63.3%) and suspected resistance in Huaquillas (82.1%); with females presenting a higher median of knockdown rate (83.7%) than males (45.6%). No statistical differences were found between the distributions of knockdown rate for the two localities (p = 0.6048) which indicates no influence of agricultural activity. Although phenotypic resistance was confirmed, genetic analysis demonstrate that this resistance was not related with the kdr mechanism of the VGSC gene because no mutations were found in codons 1010 and 1013, while in codon 1014, 90.6% showed the susceptible sequence (TTG) and 7.3% ambiguous nucleotides (TKK and TYG). CONCLUSIONS These results highlighted the importance of continuous monitoring of resistance in malaria vectors in Ecuador, particularly in areas that have reported outbreaks during the last years. It is also important to elucidate the mechanism involved in the development of the resistance to PYs to propose alternative insecticides or strategies for vector control in areas where resistance is present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebasthian Real-Jaramillo
- Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Calle Pambacienda y San Pedro del Valle, Campus Nayón, 170530, Nayón, Ecuador
| | - Juan J Bustillos
- Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Calle Pambacienda y San Pedro del Valle, Campus Nayón, 170530, Nayón, Ecuador
| | - Ana L Moncayo
- Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Calle Pambacienda y San Pedro del Valle, Campus Nayón, 170530, Nayón, Ecuador
| | - Marco Neira
- Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Calle Pambacienda y San Pedro del Valle, Campus Nayón, 170530, Nayón, Ecuador
- The Cyprus Institute, Climate and Atmosphere Research Center (CARE-C), Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Leonardo Fárez
- Laboratorio de Referencia Intermedio de Entomología CZ707D02, Ministerio de Salud Pública de Ecuador, Machala, Ecuador
| | - Efraín Beltrán
- Unidad Académica de Ciencias Químicas y de La Salud, Universidad Técnica de Machala, Machala, Ecuador
| | - Sofía Ocaña-Mayorga
- Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Calle Pambacienda y San Pedro del Valle, Campus Nayón, 170530, Nayón, Ecuador.
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Salinas L, Cárdenas P, Graham JP, Trueba G. IS 26 drives the dissemination of bla CTX-M genes in an Ecuadorian community. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0250423. [PMID: 38088550 PMCID: PMC10783052 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02504-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The horizontal gene transfer events are the major contributors to the current spread of CTX-M-encoding genes, the most common extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL), and many clinically crucial antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes. This study presents evidence of the critical role of IS26 transposable element for the mobility of bla CTX-M gene among Escherichia coli isolates from children and domestic animals in the community. We suggest that the nucleotide sequences of IS26-bla CTX-M could be used to study bla CTX-M transmission between humans, domestic animals, and the environment, because understanding of the dissemination patterns of AMR genes is critical to implement effective measures to slow down the dissemination of these clinically important genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liseth Salinas
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Instituto de Microbiología, Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador
| | - Paúl Cárdenas
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Instituto de Microbiología, Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador
| | - Jay P. Graham
- Environmental Health Sciences Division, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Gabriel Trueba
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Instituto de Microbiología, Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador
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Fernandez-Palomino CA, Hattermann FF, Krysanova V, Vega-Jácome F, Menz C, Gleixner S, Bronstert A. High-resolution climate projection dataset based on CMIP6 for Peru and Ecuador: BASD-CMIP6-PE. Sci Data 2024; 11:34. [PMID: 38182605 PMCID: PMC10770365 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-023-02863-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Here, we present BASD-CMIP6-PE, a high-resolution (1d, 10 km) climate dataset for Peru and Ecuador based on the bias-adjusted and statistically downscaled CMIP6 climate projections of 10 GCMs. This dataset includes both historical simulations (1850-2014) and future projections (2015-2100) for precipitation and minimum, mean, and maximum temperature under three Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP1-2.6, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5). The BASD-CMIP6-PE climate data were generated using the trend-preserving Bias Adjustment and Statistical Downscaling (BASD) method. The BASD performance was evaluated using observational data and through hydrological modeling across Peruvian and Ecuadorian river basins in the historical period. Results demonstrated that BASD significantly reduced biases between CMIP6-GCM simulations and observational data, enhancing long-term statistical representations, including mean and extreme values, and seasonal patterns. Furthermore, the hydrological evaluation highlighted the appropriateness of adjusted GCM simulations for simulating streamflow, including mean, low, and high flows. These findings underscore the reliability of BASD-CMIP6-PE in assessing regional climate change impacts on agriculture, water resources, and hydrological extremes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Antonio Fernandez-Palomino
- Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), Member of the Leibniz Association, PO Box 60 12 03, D-14412, Potsdam, Germany.
- Institute of Environmental Science and Geography, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany.
| | - Fred F Hattermann
- Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), Member of the Leibniz Association, PO Box 60 12 03, D-14412, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Valentina Krysanova
- Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), Member of the Leibniz Association, PO Box 60 12 03, D-14412, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Fiorella Vega-Jácome
- Institute of Environmental Science and Geography, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Christoph Menz
- Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), Member of the Leibniz Association, PO Box 60 12 03, D-14412, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Stephanie Gleixner
- Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), Member of the Leibniz Association, PO Box 60 12 03, D-14412, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Axel Bronstert
- Institute of Environmental Science and Geography, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
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40
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Daz-Guevara DR, Macas-Tulcn M, Galvis W. Taczanowskia yasuni new species: A new enigmatic species of spider (Araneidae) from the Ecuadorian Amazon canopy. Zootaxa 2024; 5397:295-300. [PMID: 38221201 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5397.2.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- David R Daz-Guevara
- Instituto Nacional de Biodiversidad INABIO; Quito; Ecuador; Fundacin Araas Tropicales - ArachnoTrAC; Bogot; Colombia; Fundacin Uru; Quito; Ecuador.
| | - Mauricio Macas-Tulcn
- Universidad de Especialidades Espritu Santo; km 2.5 va Samborondn; Guayas; Ecuador.
| | - William Galvis
- Grupo de Investigacin en Aracnologa & Miriapodologa (GAM-UN); Instituto de Ciencias Naturales; Universidad Nacional de Colombia; Bogot; Fundacin Araas Tropicales - ArachnoTrAC; Bogot; Colombia; Fundacin Uru; Quito; Ecuador.
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Vlasak J, Santos-Silva A. Ecuadorian Acanthocinini: description of two new species and transference and notes on Sympagus cooperi Monn & Monn. Zootaxa 2024; 5397:80-90. [PMID: 38221218 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5397.1.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Two new Acanthocinini are described from Ecuador: Nealcidion apunctatum sp. nov.; and Xenocona nubicola sp. nov. Sympagus cooperi Monn & Monn, 2017 is transferred to Stenolis Bates, 1864, and notes on the differences between these two genera are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josef Vlasak
- 207 Silverbrook Drive; Schwenksville; PA 19473; U.S.A..
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Knutie SA, Webster CN, Vaziri GJ, Albert L, Harvey JA, LaRue M, Verrett TB, Soldo A, Koop JAH, Chaves JA, Wegrzyn JL. Urban living can rescue Darwin's finches from the lethal effects of invasive vampire flies. Glob Chang Biol 2024; 30:e17145. [PMID: 38273516 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.17145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Human activity changes multiple factors in the environment, which can have positive or negative synergistic effects on organisms. However, few studies have explored the causal effects of multiple anthropogenic factors, such as urbanization and invasive species, on animals and the mechanisms that mediate these interactions. This study examines the influence of urbanization on the detrimental effect of invasive avian vampire flies (Philornis downsi) on endemic Darwin's finches in the Galápagos Islands. We experimentally manipulated nest fly abundance in urban and non-urban locations and then characterized nestling health, fledging success, diet, and gene expression patterns related to host defense. Fledging success of non-parasitized nestlings from urban (79%) and non-urban (75%) nests did not differ significantly. However, parasitized, non-urban nestlings lost more blood, and fewer nestlings survived (8%) compared to urban nestlings (50%). Stable isotopic values (δ15 N) from urban nestling feces were higher than those from non-urban nestlings, suggesting that urban nestlings are consuming more protein. δ15 N values correlated negatively with parasite abundance, which suggests that diet might influence host defenses (e.g., tolerance and resistance). Parasitized, urban nestlings differentially expressed genes within pathways associated with red blood cell production (tolerance) and pro-inflammatory response (innate immunological resistance), compared to parasitized, non-urban nestlings. In contrast, parasitized non-urban nestlings differentially expressed genes within pathways associated with immunoglobulin production (adaptive immunological resistance). Our results suggest that urban nestlings are investing more in pro-inflammatory responses to resist parasites but also recovering more blood cells to tolerate blood loss. Although non-urban nestlings are mounting an adaptive immune response, it is likely a last effort by the immune system rather than an effective defense against avian vampire flies since few nestlings survived.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Knutie
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
- Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Cynthia N Webster
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Grace J Vaziri
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Lauren Albert
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Johanna A Harvey
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Michelle LaRue
- School of Earth and Environment, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Taylor B Verrett
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Alexandria Soldo
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jennifer A H Koop
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois, USA
| | - Jaime A Chaves
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California, USA
- Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Jill L Wegrzyn
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
- Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
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Gould CF, Davila L, Bejarano ML, Burke M, Jack DW, Schlesinger SB, Mora JR, Valarezo A. Exposure to Nitrogen Dioxide and Fine Particulate Matter When Cooking with Electricity Compared to Gas, a Randomized Crossover Study in Quito, Ecuador. Environ Health Perspect 2024; 132:17702. [PMID: 38261301 PMCID: PMC10805131 DOI: 10.1289/ehp13134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos F. Gould
- Doerr School of Sustainability, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Lissete Davila
- Institute for Energy and Materials, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - M. Lorena Bejarano
- Institute for Energy and Materials, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Marshall Burke
- Doerr School of Sustainability, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Center on Food Security and the Environment, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
- National Bureau of Economic Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Darby W. Jack
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - José R. Mora
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Alfredo Valarezo
- Institute for Energy and Materials, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
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Buffle P, Armijos C, Naranjo A, Gentaz E. Feasibility of an observational procedure to enhance early identification of autism spectrum disorder in paediatric settings: A mixed-methods study on an Ecuadorian sample. Autism 2024; 28:84-94. [PMID: 37313623 PMCID: PMC10771021 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231175587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT In Ecuador, the low official estimate of the number of persons with autism spectrum disorder suggest that many children are not identified and are not receiving support. Screening tools are short parent-addressed questionnaires used to identify children that may be developing with autism. Their use is recommended, but their application can be perceived as challenging in paediatric routines. Some professionals prefer looking for autism-related behaviours in a child rather than using screening questionnaires. Although a short observation does not replace the use of validated screening questionnaires, tasks to guide the observation of autistic early signs can help professionals decide to screen or refer the family for assessment and early intervention. In this study, we tested observational tasks that could be adapted to the Ecuadorian paediatric contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Buffle
- University of Geneva, Switzerland
- Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Ecuador
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45
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Calva J, Silva M, Morocho V. Composition and Anti-Acetylcholinesterase Properties of the Essential Oil of the Ecuadorian Endemic Species Eugenia valvata McVaugh. Molecules 2023; 28:8112. [PMID: 38138598 PMCID: PMC10746026 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28248112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is a global health problem due to the scarcity of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, the basis for symptomatic treatment of this disease; this requires new approaches to drug discovery. In this study, we investigated the chemical composition and anticholinesterase activity of Eugenia valvata McVaugt (Myrtaceae) collected in southern Ecuador, which was obtained as an essential oil (EO) with a yield of 0.124 ± 0.03% (w/w); as a result of the chemical composition analysis, a total of 58 organic compounds were identified-representing 95.91% of the total volatile compounds-using a stationary phase based on 5% phenyl-methylpolysiloxane, as analyzed via gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and flame ionization detection (GC-FID). The main groups were hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes (37.43%), oxygenated sesquiterpenes (31.08%), hydrocarbon monoterpenes (24.14%), oxygenated monoterpenes (0.20%), and other compounds (3.058%). Samples were characterized by the following compounds: α-pinene (22.70%), α-humulene (17.20%), (E)-caryophyllene (6.02%), citronellyl pentanoate (5.76%), 7-epi-α-eudesmol (4.34%) and 5-iso-cedranol (3.64%); this research was complemented with an enantioselective analysis carried out using 2,3-diethyl-6-tert-butyldimethylsilyl-β-cyclodextrin as a stationary phase chiral selector. As a result, α-pinene, limonene, and α-cadinene enantiomers were identified; finally, in the search for new active principles, the EO reported strong anticholinesterase activity with an IC50 of 53.08 ± 1.13 µg/mL, making it a promising candidate for future studies of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Calva
- Departamento de Química, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (UTPL), Loja 1101608, Ecuador; (M.S.); (V.M.)
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Luzuriaga-Neira N, Ennis K, Moens MA, Leon J, Reyes N, Luzuriaga-Neira A, Rau JR, Rojas-VeraPinto R. The Andean Ibis ( Theristicus branickii) in South America: potential distribution, presence in protected areas and anthropic threats. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16533. [PMID: 38099301 PMCID: PMC10720468 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The avifauna of South America is one of the most widely studied groups of vertebrates. However, certain species, such as the Andean Ibis (Theristicus branickii), have received limited attention regarding their ecological patterns, biology, current distribution, and environmental requirements. This study analyzed observation data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) on the Andean Ibis in four countries to identify and understand critical variables that determine the species' presence, assess the proportion of its habitat within protected areas and identify possible threats to the species. Additionally, this study considered environmental and ecological variables to model ecological niches using the maximum entropy approach in MaxEnt to map the suitable habitat of the species. The findings revealed the extent of suitable Andean Ibis habitats in Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Chile. The variables that most determined the presence of the species were: altitude (36.57%), distance to lakes (23.29%) and ecological isothermality (13.34%). The distribution area of the Andean Ibis totaled 300,095.00 km2, spanning both sides of the Andean mountains range. Human activities have left a significant impact on the Andean Ibis habitat, with 48% of this area impacted by the human footprint and only 10% of the territory falling within protected areas designated by the respective countries. The results of this study show that the Andean Ibis presents characteristics of a specialist species due to its adaptation to the climate conditions of the plateau and highlands, including low temperatures, herbaceous vegetation and the presence of water bodies. The species is distributed in disconnected Andean landscape areas, whose functionality could be compromised by increased human activities. Complementary studies will be necessary to understand the ecological role and effectiveness of protected areas for conserving the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nivia Luzuriaga-Neira
- Unidad de Estudios de la Vida Silvestre-Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador
| | - Keenan Ennis
- School of Natural Resources, Knoxville College, Knoxville, TN, United States of America
| | | | - Jose Leon
- Fundación de Conservación Jocotoco, Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador
| | - Nathaly Reyes
- Unidad de Estudios de la Vida Silvestre-Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador
| | - Agusto Luzuriaga-Neira
- Department of Ornithology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY, United States of America
- Biology Department, University of Nevada - Reno, Reno, NV, United States of America
| | - Jaime R. Rau
- Laboratorio de Ecología, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas & Biodiversidad, Universidad de los Lagos, Osorno, Chile
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47
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Cabezas JE, Cabezas M, Ureña-López V, Lafuente LV, Méndez-Flores KM, Luna JF, Miño C, Palacios-Alvarez SA. Dermoscopic Evaluation of Actinic Changes in the Lips of Indigenous Children Living at High Altitude in Ecuador: A Descriptive Study. Med Sci Monit 2023; 29:e942554. [PMID: 38053328 DOI: 10.12659/msm.942554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High altitude increases sunlight exposure, resulting in actinic keratosis, which predisposes people to skin cancer. The dermoscopy procedure evaluates keratotic and pigmented skin changes. This study aimed to describe the clinical and dermoscopic actinic changes in the lips of 25 indigenous children living at high altitude in Ecuador. MATERIAL AND METHODS An observational study was conducted in a public school in the Andes region of Ecuador (August-November 2019). Twenty-five children, males and females, age 5-15 years were assessed by complete physical examination, digital dermoscopic photographs, and punch biopsies. Descriptive statistics and Fisher's exact test were used to summarize and analyze the data. RESULTS We included 17 (68%) boys and 8 (32%) girls with a mean age of 9.8±2.0 years. Clinical lips findings reported desquamation [52% Upper Lip (UL); 40% Lower Lip (LL)], fissuring (8% UL; 8% LL), scabs (8% UL; 8% LL), and discoloration (40% UL; 20% LL). Dermoscopic features included a white-yellow lip color (24% UL; p=0.02). The main morphologic pattern of blood vessels was monomorphic (88% UL; p<0.001), polymorphous (60% LL; p<0.001), dotted pattern (64% UL; 28% LL; p=0.02), and linear-irregular (32% UL; 72% LL; p=0.01). Girls had radiating white structures on UL (p=0.025), while boys presented white structureless areas (UL 63.6%; LL 77.8%; p=0.032). No differences in dermoscopic findings were observed according to Fitzpatrick scale score (FSS). Punch biopsies showed no indications of actinic cheilitis. CONCLUSIONS Dermoscopic features in indigenous children living in high altitudes were related to actinic damage, but histopathological findings were negative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Elisa Cabezas
- School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Maria Cabezas
- School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | | | | | - José F Luna
- Health Science Faculty, Universidad Internacional SEK, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Camila Miño
- School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
- Public Health School, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Santiago Alberto Palacios-Alvarez
- School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
- Dermatology Service, Centro de la Piel "CEPI", Quito, Ecuador
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48
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Plunkett E, Negoita L, Sevilla C, Velasco N, Jaramillo Díaz P. Enhancing restoration success of rare plants in an arid-tropical climate through water-saving technologies: a case study of Scalesia affinis ssp. brachyloba in the Galapagos Islands. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16367. [PMID: 38077418 PMCID: PMC10710167 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Arid tropical archipelagos, such as the Galapagos Islands, host a high concentration of endemic plant species, many of which require restoration intervention to recover from past environmental degradation. Water-saving technologies (WSTs) have potential for hastening restoration by providing plants with additional water during the early stages of growth. However, it remains unclear whether such technologies provide an advantage for plant species of arid-tropical regions. This study examined the effect of the water-saving technology Groasis Waterboxx® (Groasis) on the rare endemic plant species Scalesia affinis ssp. brachyloba during early stages of restoration. Survival was monitored for 374 individuals planted across six sites on Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos (326 with technology and 48 as controls). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the use of Groasis reduced mortality during the first two years of the seedling survival. A mixed-effect logistic regression that modelled plant survival as a function of total precipitation, maximum temperature, and WST treatment (Groasis and no-technology control) found that despite low overall survival rates, plants grown with Groasis exhibited a three-fold higher predicted survival by the end of the 3.7 year duration of the study. Finally, through a resampling method, we demonstrate that the effect of the WST treatment is not dependent on the unbalanced design typical of a restoration project framework. We conclude that water-saving technologies such as the Groasis Waterboxx® can enhance survival of rare plant species such as S. affinis ssp. brachyloba in restoration programs in arid-tropical regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esme Plunkett
- Charles Darwin Foundation, Puerto Ayora, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
| | - Luka Negoita
- Charles Darwin Foundation, Puerto Ayora, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
| | - Christian Sevilla
- Galapagos National Park Directorate, Puerto Ayora, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
| | - Nicolás Velasco
- Charles Darwin Foundation, Puerto Ayora, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
- Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Patricia Jaramillo Díaz
- Charles Darwin Foundation, Puerto Ayora, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
- Department of Botany and Plant Physiology, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
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49
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Beausoleil MO, Carrión PL, Podos J, Camacho C, Rabadán-González J, Richard R, Lalla K, Raeymaekers JAM, Knutie SA, De León LF, Chaves JA, Clayton DH, Koop JAH, Sharpe DMT, Gotanda KM, Huber SK, Barrett RDH, Hendry AP. The fitness landscape of a community of Darwin's finches. Evolution 2023; 77:2533-2546. [PMID: 37671423 DOI: 10.1093/evolut/qpad160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
Divergent natural selection should lead to adaptive radiation-that is, the rapid evolution of phenotypic and ecological diversity originating from a single clade. The drivers of adaptive radiation have often been conceptualized through the concept of "adaptive landscapes," yet formal empirical estimates of adaptive landscapes for natural adaptive radiations have proven elusive. Here, we use a 17-year dataset of Darwin's ground finches (Geospiza spp.) at an intensively studied site on Santa Cruz (Galápagos) to estimate individual apparent lifespan in relation to beak traits. We use these estimates to model a multi-species fitness landscape, which we also convert to a formal adaptive landscape. We then assess the correspondence between estimated fitness peaks and observed phenotypes for each of five phenotypic modes (G. fuliginosa, G. fortis [small and large morphotypes], G. magnirostris, and G. scandens). The fitness and adaptive landscapes show 5 and 4 peaks, respectively, and, as expected, the adaptive landscape was smoother than the fitness landscape. Each of the five phenotypic modes appeared reasonably close to the corresponding fitness peak, yet interesting deviations were also documented and examined. By estimating adaptive landscapes in an ongoing adaptive radiation, our study demonstrates their utility as a quantitative tool for exploring and predicting adaptive radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paola Lorena Carrión
- Redpath Museum and Department of Biology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Jeffrey Podos
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - Carlos Camacho
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Estación Biológica de Doñana-CSIC, Sevilla, Spain
| | | | - Roxanne Richard
- Redpath Museum and Department of Biology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Kristen Lalla
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Québec, Canada
| | | | - Sarah A Knutie
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Luis F De León
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jaime A Chaves
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Dale H Clayton
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Jennifer A H Koop
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, United States
| | - Diana M T Sharpe
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Kiyoko M Gotanda
- Redpath Museum and Department of Biology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Département de biologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Sarah K Huber
- Virginia Institute of Marine Science, William and Mary, Gloucester Point, VA, United States
| | - Rowan D H Barrett
- Redpath Museum and Department of Biology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Andrew P Hendry
- Redpath Museum and Department of Biology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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50
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Lewis J. A Thorny Problem: Glyphosate and 2,4-D Associated with Neurobehavioral Effects for Ecuadorian Adolescents. Environ Health Perspect 2023; 131:124001. [PMID: 38147367 PMCID: PMC10750889 DOI: 10.1289/ehp14169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Among adolescents in an area known for its rose and other flower crops, exposures to 2,4-D and glyphosate (but not DEET) were associated with lower scores on neurobehavioral assessments. Notably, these kids did not work in floriculture.
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