Chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of essential oil from the aerial parts of Chuquiraga arcuataHarling grown in the highlands of Ecuador / Composición química, actividades antioxidantes y antimicrobianas del aceite esencial de las partes aéreas de Chuquiraga arcuataHarling cultivado en las tierras altas del Ecuador

Thechemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the essential oil from aerial parts (leaves and flowers) of Chuquiraga arcuataHarling grown in the Ecuadorian Andes were studied. One hundred and twenty-six compounds were identified in the essential oil. Monoterpene hydrocarbons (45.8%) and oxygenated monoterpenes (44.1%) had the major percentages. The most abundant compounds were camphor (21.6%), myrcene (19.5%), and 1,8-cineole (13.4%). Antioxidant activity was examined using DPPH, ABTS,and FRAP assays. The essential oil had a moderate scavenging effect and reduction of ferric ion capacity through FRAP assay. Antimicrobial activity of the essential oil was observed against four pathogenic bacteria and a fungus. The essential oil exhibited activity against all microorganism strains under test, particularly against Candida albicansand Staphylococcus aureuswith MICs of 2.43-12.10 µg/mL.

Se estudió la composición química, actividades antioxidantes y antimicrobianas del aceite esencial procedente de las partes aérea (hojas y flores) de Chuquiraga arcuataHarling cultivadas en los Andes ecuatorianos. Se identificaron 126 compuestos en el aceite esencial. Los hidrocarburos monoterpénicos (45,8%) y los monoterpenos oxigenados (44,1%) tuvieron el mayor porcentaje. Los compuestos más abundantes fueron alcanfor (21,6%), mirceno (19,5%) y 1,8-cineol (13,4%). La actividadantioxidante se examinó mediante ensayos DPPH, ABTS y FRAP. El aceite esencial tuvo un efecto eliminador moderado y una reducción de la capacidad de iones férricos mediante el ensayo FRAP. Se observó actividad antimicrobiana del aceite esencial contra cuatro bacterias y un hongo patógenos. El aceite esencial mostró actividad contra todas las cepas de microorganismos bajo prueba, particularmente contra Candida albicansy Staphylococcus aureuscon CMI de 2,43-12,10 µg/mL.

Impact of the ´Alforja Educativa' on Ecuadorian schoolchildren's knowledge of bacteria, antibiotics, and antibiotic resistance, a pretest-posttest study.

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.

Diversity of nitrogen-fixing and phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria associated with the rhizosphere of Andean maize in Ecuador.

A great diversity of microorganisms in the soil plays an important role in the sustainability of agricultural production systems. Among these microorganisms are bacteria that have the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen or mineralize phosphorus, thus making it easily assimilable for plants. Maize is the main crop in the highlands of Ecuador (above 2000 meters) and it is predominantly traditional, using native seeds and very little or no agrochemicals. The National Institute of Agricultural Research (INIAP) has a collection of bacteria collected from the rhizosphere of maize in the highlands of Ecuador that has not been taxonomically identified. This research aimed to carry out a biochemical and genetic characterization to establish the identity of the collected nitrogen-fixing and phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria and to understand better the diversity of microorganisms present in the root biome of Andean maize. The hypothesis consisted of determining if there is a difference in the bacteria associated with the rhizosphere of maize in the Andean region of Ecuador compared with other regions. The bacteria underwent classical biochemical characterization based on catalase, oxidase, urease, sulfates, indole, sulfate-indole motility (SIM), and lactose, among others, and genetic identification by 16S rDNA ribosomal gene sequencing, PCR, and SANGER sequencing. A great diversity of microorganisms associated with the rhizosphere of the crop was found, including the genera Agrobacterium, Bacillus, Stenotrophomonas, Acinetobacter, Brevundimonas, Pseudomonas, and Pseudoxanthomonas. INIAP conserves these bacteria in a bank of microorganisms associated with crops of economic importance. They are useful for the development of biofertilizers that could contribute to a more sustainable agriculture in the region.

Multi-sensorial perceptions of risk: the aesthetics behind (muco)cutaneous leishmaniasis-related stigma in Ecuador.

Previous research on the stigma associated with cutaneous leishmaniasis, a vector-transmitted parasitic disease, focuses on aesthetic appearance affectation as the leading cause of stigmatisation. However, Indigenous populations in the hinterland of Amazonian Ecuador trigger stigma expressions by recognising (muco)cutaneous leishmaniasis, primarily through atypical smell, followed by the odd voice sound, appearance and taste. This empirical way of recognising symptoms relies on embodied forms of identifying a disease, contrasting the Western supremacy of visuality and demanding to be understood via multi-sensorial anthropology. Through ethnographic research and data retrieved from eighty-three semistructured interviews and fifteen focus groups in seven Ecuadorian ethnic groups - including six Indigenous groups in the Amazon region - this paper analyses how the sensorium is a health thermometer. Findings reveal that differentiated cultural responses to a sense of peril, contagion and social (self)rejection, understood as stigma expressions, are linked to the holistic approach to health (or well-being) shared by Indigenous populations. In forest societies, well-being is explained through successful (non-)human relationships, and disease permeates through bodies that lack balanced relations.

Manejo del paciente con Hipertiroidismo en consulta externa de la Unidad Técnica de Endocrinología del Hospital Carlos Andrade Marín / Management of the patient with hyperthyroidism in the outpatient clinic of the Technical Unit of Endocrinology of the Endocrinology Technical Unit of the Carlos Andrade Marín Hospital

El hipertiroidismo es un trastorno caracterizado por el exceso de hormonas tiroideas. El déficit de yodo es un factor clave en dicha patología y en lugares con suficiencia del mismo se asocian a au-toinmunidad tiroidea. La prevalencia de hipertiroidismo mani-fiesto varía del 0,2% al 1,3% en áreas con suficiencia de yodo, sin embargo, esto puede variar en cada país por diferencias en umbrales de diagnóstico, sensibilidad de ensayo y población se-leccionada. Un reporte de The Third National Health and Nutri-tion Examination Survey (NHANES III) mostró que el hiperti-roidismo manifiesto se presenta en 0,7% de la población general e hipertiroidismo subclínico en el 1,7%1,2.En incidencia, la patología se asocia con la suplementación de yodo, con la mayor frecuencia en áreas de deficiencias, por au-mento de nódulos tiroideos en la población anciana, teniendo a regiones de áreas montañosas como América del Sur, África Central y suroeste de Asia dentro de este grupo. Un meta aná-lisis de estudios europeos mostró una incidencia general de 50 casos por 100000 personas/años1. En Ecuador, según los datos del Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas y Censos (INEC) del 2017, se reportaron 157 casos de hipertiroidismo, de los cuales la En-fermedad de Graves (EG) fue la causa más común, seguida por el bocio multinodular tóxico (BMNT) y finalmente el adenoma tóxico (AT) con una incidencia de 61 %, 24 % y 14 % respecti-vamente3.Los pacientes con esta patología tienen aumento de riesgo com-plicaciones cardiovasculares y mortalidad por todas las causas, siendo falla cardíaca uno de sus principales desenlaces, así el diagnóstico precoz evita estos eventos, principalmente en pobla-ción de edad avanzada.El presente protocolo se ha realizado para un correcto trata-miento de esta patología en el Hospital de Especialidades Carlos Andrade Marín (HECAM).

Hyperthyroidism is a disorder characterized by an excess of thyroid hormones. Iodine deficiency is a key factor in this pa-thology and in places with iodine deficiency it is associated with thyroid autoimmunity. The prevalence of overt hyperthyroidism varies from 0,2% to 1,3% in iodine-sufficient areas; however, this may vary from country to country due to differences in diag-nostic thresholds, assay sensitivity, and selected population. A report from The Third National Health and Nutrition Examina-tion Survey (NHANES III) showed that overt hyperthyroidism occurs in 0,7% of the general population and subclinical hyper-thyroidism in 1,7%1,2.In incidence, the pathology is associated with iodine supplemen-tation, with the highest frequency in areas of deficiencies, due to increased thyroid nodules in the elderly population, having regions of mountainous areas such as South America, Central Africa and Southwest Asia within this group. A meta-analysis of European studies showed an overall incidence of 50 cases per 100000 person/years1. In Ecuador, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC) in 2017, 157 cases of hyperthyroidism were reported, of which, Graves' di-sease (GD) was the most common cause, followed by toxic mul-tinodular goiter (BMNT) and finally toxic adenoma (TA) with an incidence of 61 %, 24 % and 14 % respectively3.Patients with this pathology have an increased risk of cardiovas-cular complications and all-cause mortality, with heart failure being one of the main outcomes, so early diagnosis avoids these events, mainly in the elderly population.The present protocol has been carried out for the correct treat-ment of this pathology at the Carlos Andrade Marín Specialties Hospital (HECAM).

Necrosis esofágica aguda (esófago negro) asociado a neoplasias digestivas / Acute esophageal necrosis (black esophagus) associated with digestive neoplasms

INTRODUCCIÓN. La necrosis esofágica aguda es un síndrome raro que se caracteriza endoscópicamente por una apariencia negra circunferencial irregular o difusa de la mucosa esofágica intratorácica, la afectación es generalmente del esófago distal y la transición abrupta de mucosa normal en la unión gastroesofágica, con extensión proximal variable. CASOS. Se presentan dos casos con diferentes comorbiliades, presentación de signos y síntomas, antecedentes y tratamiento, teniendo en común el diagnóstico a través de endoscopía digestiva alta. RESULTADOS. Caso clínico 1: tratamiento clínico basado en hidratación, suspensión de vía oral, omeprazol intravenoso y sucralfato; mala evolución clínica caracterizada por: disfagia, intolerancia oral y recurrencia del sangrado digestivo alto, se realiza colocación de gastrostomía endoscópica. Caso clínico 2: esófago con mucosa con fibrina y parches de necrosis extensa, se realiza compensación tanto de foco infeccioso pulmonar como hidratación y nutrición, en estudios complementarios se observa masa colónica, con estudio histopatológico confirmatorio de adenocarcinoma de colon en estado avanzado. DISCUSIÓN. La esofagitis necrotizante aguda es una entidad inusual, de baja prevalencia e incidencia, asociada con estados de hipoperfusión sistémica y múltiples comorbilidades que favorezcan un sustrato isquémico. Al revisar los reportes de casos que hay en la literatura médica, los casos que reportamos se correlaciona con las características clínicas, epidemiológicas, endoscópicas y factores de riesgo causales de la enfermedad. La presentación clínica más frecuente es el sangrado digestivo alto, que se debe correlacionar con el hallazgo endoscópico clásico. Nuestro primer caso reportado termina con la colocación de una gastrostomía para poder alimentarse. CONCLUSIÓN. El pronóstico de la necrosis esofágica aguda es malo y se requiere un alto índice de sospecha clínica y conocimiento de esta infrecuente patología para un diagnóstico temprano y un manejo oportuno. Se requiere una evaluación por endoscopia digestiva alta. Es una causa de sangrado gastrointestinal que conlleva tasas altas de mortalidad, principalmente en adultos mayores frágiles. El reconocimiento temprano y la reanimación agresiva son los principios fundamentales para un mejor resultado de la enfermedad.

INTRODUCTION. Acute esophageal necrosis is a rare syndrome that is characterized endoscopically by an irregular or diffuse circumferential black appearance of the intrathoracic esophageal mucosa, the involvement is generally of the distal esophagus and the abrupt transition of normal mucosa at the gastroesophageal junction, with variable proximal extension. CASES. Two cases are presented with different comorbidities, presentation of signs and symptoms, history and treatment, having in common the diagnosis through upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. RESULTS. Clinical case 1: clinical treatment based on hydration, oral suspension, intravenous omeprazole and sucralfate; poor clinical evolution characterized by: dysphagia, oral intolerance and recurrence of upper digestive bleeding, endoscopic gastrostomy placement was performed. Clinical case 2: esophagus with mucosa with fibrin and patches of extensive necrosis, compensation of both the pulmonary infectious focus and hydration and nutrition is performed, in complementary studies a colonic mass is observed, with a confirmatory histopathological study of colon adenocarcinoma in an advanced state. DISCUSSION. Acute necrotizing esophagitis is an unusual entity, with low prevalence and incidence, associated with states of systemic hypoperfusion and multiple comorbidities that favor an ischemic substrate. When reviewing the case reports in the medical literature, the cases we report correlate with the clinical, epidemiological, endoscopic characteristics and causal risk factors of the disease. The most common clinical presentation is upper gastrointestinal bleeding, which must be correlated with the classic endoscopic finding. Our first reported case ends with the placement of a gastrostomy to be able to feed. CONCLUSION. The prognosis of acute esophageal necrosis is poor and a high index of clinical suspicion and knowledge of this rare pathology is required for early diagnosis and timely management. Evaluation by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is required. It is a cause of gastrointestinal bleeding that carries high mortality rates, mainly in frail older adults. Early recognition and aggressive resuscitation are the fundamental principles for a better outcome of the disease.

Therapeutic Applications of Essential Oils from Native and Cultivated Ecuadorian Plants: Cutaneous Candidiasis and Dermal Anti-Inflammatory Activity.

Essential oils are a complex mixture of aromatic substances whose pharmacological actions, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities, have been widely reported. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-Candida and dermal anti-inflammatory activity of essential oils from native and cultivated Ecuadorian plants. Essential oils from Bursera graveolens, Dacryodes peruviana, Mespilodaphne quixos, and Melaleuca armillaris were isolated by hydrodistillation and were characterized physically and chemically. Its tolerance was analyzed by in vitro and in vivo studies. The antifungal activity was studied against Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and Candida parapsilosis, whereas the anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated by a mouse ear edema model. The main compounds were limonene, α-phellandrene, (E)-methyl cinnamate, and 1,8-cineole, respectively. All essential oils showed high tolerability for skin application, antifungal activity against the three Candida strains, and anti-inflammatory efficacy by decreasing edema and overexpression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Dacryodes peruviana essential oil showed the highest antifungal activity. On the other hand, Dacryodes peruviana and Melaleuca armillaris showed the greatest anti-inflammatory potential, decreasing edema by 53.3% and 65.25%, respectively, and inhibiting the overexpression of TNF-α, IL-8, IL-17A, and IL-23. The results suggest that these essential oils could be used as alternative therapies in the treatment of both cutaneous candidiasis and dermal inflammation.

Effects of intensive agriculture and urbanization on water quality and pesticide risks in freshwater ecosystems of the Ecuadorian Amazon.

The Ecuadorian Amazon has experienced a significant land use change due to the demographic increase and the expansion of the agricultural frontier. Such changes in land use have been associated to water pollution problems, including the emission of untreated urban wastewater and pesticides. Here we provide the first report on the influence of urbanization and intensive agriculture expansion on water quality parameters, pesticide contamination and the ecological status of Amazonian freshwater ecosystems of Ecuador. We monitored 19 water quality parameters, 27 pesticides, and the macroinvertebrate community in 40 sampling locations of the Napo River basin (northern Ecuador), including a nature conservation reserve and sites in areas influenced by African palm oil production, corn production and urbanization. The ecological risks of pesticides were assessed using a probabilistic approach based on species sensitivity distributions. The results of our study show that urban areas and areas dominated by African palm oil production have a significant influence on water quality parameters, affecting macroinvertebrate communities and biomonitoring indices. Pesticide residues were detected in all sampling sites, with carbendazim, azoxystrobin, diazinon, propiconazole and imidacloprid showing the largest prevalence (>80% of the samples). We found a significant effect of land use on water pesticide contamination, with residues of organophosphate insecticides correlating with African palm oil production and some fungicides with urban areas. The pesticide risk assessment indicated organophosphate insecticides (ethion, chlorpyrifos, azinphos-methyl, profenofos and prothiophos) and imidacloprid as the compounds posing the largest ecotoxicological hazard, with pesticide mixtures potentially affecting up to 26-29% of aquatic species. Ecological risks of organophosphate insecticides were more likely to occur in rivers surrounded by African palm oil plantations, while imidacloprid risks were identified in corn crop areas as well as in natural areas. Future investigations are needed to clarify the sources of imidacloprid contamination and to assess its effects for Amazonian freshwater ecosystems.

Access to health services for chronic disease care during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ecuador: A qualitative analysis using a Social Determinants of Health approach.

This qualitative study aims to explore how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted healthcare access for patients with chronic conditions in Ecuador from the patient's perspective. We interviewed 19 patients diagnosed with arterial hypertension or type 2 diabetes in rural and urban areas of Ecuador during August and September 2020. We used the Framework Method to analyse the interview transcripts with ATLAS.Ti 8.4 and organised the ideas discussed using categories from the World Health Organization Commission on the Social Determinants of Health conceptual framework. Reorganization of health services during the pandemic meant that patients with arterial hypertension or diabetes could no longer attend face-to-face appointments for disease follow-up. System failures related to medication supply led to increased out-of-pocket payments, which, together with reduced or absent earnings, and in a context with limited social protection policies, meant that patients frequently went for prolonged periods without medication. Rural health initiatives, support from family and use of traditional medicine were reported as ways to manage their chronic condition during this time. Barriers to disease management disproportionately affected individuals with low socioeconomic positions. Stock shortages, lack of protective labour policies and limited reach of anticipatory policies for health emergencies likely worsened pre-existing health inequities in Ecuador.

Regional disparities of prostate cancer mortality in Ecuador: an examination of trends and correlates from 2004 to 2019.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Ecuadorian men. However, there is a lack of information regarding the evolution of prostate cancer mortality rates in Ecuador and its regions in the last few decades. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to report prostate cancer mortality rates in Ecuador and its geographical areas and observe the evolution of these rates between 2004 and 2019. METHODS: An observational ecological study was conducted, analysing data for prostate cancer deaths from 2004 to 2019 in Ecuador. Age standardized mortality rates (ASMR) were calculated per 100,000 men using the world standard population with the direct method proposed by SEGI. Joinpoint regression analysis was performed to examine mortality trends. We used a Cluster Map to explore relationships among regions between 2015 and 2019. RESULTS: Ecuador reported 13,419 deaths by prostate cancer between 2004 and 2019, with the Coastal region accounting for 49.8% of the total deaths. The mean age at death was 79 years (± 10 years), 91.7% were elderly (more than 65 years old) and had primary education (53%). Deaths by prostate cancer were more frequently reported among mestizos (81.4%). There were no significant variations in these percentages in Ecuador and its regions during the study period. Carchi province had the highest mortality rate in 2005 and 2019 (> 13 deaths per 100,000). Heterogeneity in the evolution of mortality rates was reported among the provinces of Ecuador. Azuay decreased in the first few years, and then increased from 2010 to 2019, whereas Guayas and Pichincha decreased throughout the whole period. CONCLUSION: Although prostate cancer mortality rates in Ecuador have remained stable over the past few decades, there are significant disparities among the different regions. These findings suggest the need for the development of national and provincial registration measures, integrated healthcare actions, and targeted interventions to reduce the burden of prostate cancer in the Ecuadorian population.

Improving the Management of Children with Fevers by Healers in Native Rural Areas in the South of Ecuador.

BACKGROUND: Indigenous populations are represented among the poor and disadvantaged in rural areas. High rates of infectious diseases are observed in indigenous child populations, and fever as a general symptom is common. OBJECTIVE: We aim to improve the skills of healers in rural indigenous areas in the South of Ecuador for managing children with fevers. METHOD: We performed participatory action research (PAR) for this study with 65 healers. RESULTS: The PAR focused on the following four phases: (1) 'observation,' eight focus groups were used. (2) 'planning' phase was developed, and with culturally reflective peer group sessions, a culturally adapted flowchart was constructed titled "Management of children with fever." In phase (3): 'action', the healers were trained to manage children with fever. Phase (4): 'evaluation', 50% of the healers used the flowchart. CONCLUSIONS: Explicit recognition of the need for traditional healers and health professionals in indigenous communities to work together to improve health indicators such as infant mortality exists. Additionally, strengthening the transfer system in rural areas is based on knowledge and cooperation between the community and the biomedical system.

Antibiotic prescription patterns and non-clinical factors influencing antibiotic use by Ecuadorian veterinarians working on cattle and poultry farms: A cross-sectional study.

Understanding antibiotic prescription patterns and non-clinical factors influencing antibiotic use is essential for implementing strategies to promote appropriate antibiotic use. There is, however, limited research exploring these issues with Ecuadorian veterinarians. Therefore, a questionnaire was developed and applied cross-sectionally to veterinarians (n = 173) from two professional organizations to explore the antibiotic prescription patterns and non-clinical factors (e.g., attitudes and perceptions) influencing antibiotic use, and to identify strategies to reduce antibiotic use. The response rate was 78.4%. Responses were compared between veterinarians working mainly on cattle and poultry farms using Mann-Whitney U tests. The most important attitudes, beliefs and perceptions towards antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and antibiotic use were identified with the Relative Importance Index (RII). Veterinarians showed high awareness of AMR and its implications for public health, as well as the necessity of reducing antibiotic use. However, some veterinarians appear to underestimate the potential contribution of veterinary antibiotic use on AMR in humans. Veterinarians self-reported high prescription (> 20%) of antibiotics for cattle and poultry that are critically important for human medicine, such as 3rd and 4th generation cephalosporins, polymyxins and quinolones. Further, antibiotic therapy was not tailored to disease type. Cattle and poultry veterinarians perceived similar barriers to increasing antibiotic stewardship including: poor biosecurity measures, animal confinement, low feed quality, farmers' behaviors (such as stopping antibiotic treatment, storing antibiotics on farms, buying antibiotics in veterinary supply stores), and sales agents' roles as non-professional prescribers of antibiotics. Overall, veterinarians were broadly supportive (>90%) of most strategies to promote appropriate antibiotic use. They saw more merit in improving biosecurity of farms and implementing educational programs for farmers and veterinarians. This study provides insight into the complexity of antibiotic use on Ecuadorian farms and the need for holistic strategies in a One Health context, to achieve antibiotic stewardship.

Pollen preferences of stingless bees in the Amazon region and southern highlands of Ecuador by scanning electron microscopy and morphometry.

Stingless bees are effective pollinators of native tropical flora. Their environmental service maintains flow of pollen through pollination, increase reproductive success and influence genetic structure in plants. The management of stingless bees "meliponiculture", is an activity limited to the countryside in Ecuador. The lack of knowledge of their managers about pollen resources can affect the correct maintenance/production of nests. The objective is to identify botanical families and genera of pollen grains collected by stingless bees by morphological features and differentiate potential species using geometric morphometry. Thirty-six pot pollen samples were collected from three Ecuadorian provinces located in two climatically different zones. Pollen type identification was based on the Number, Position, Character system. Using morphological features, the families and genera were established. Morphometry landmarks were used to show variation for species differentiation. Abundance, diversity, similarity and dominance indices were established by counting pollen grains, as well as spatial distribution relationships by means of Poisson regression. Forty-six pollen types were determined in two study areas, classified into 27 families and 18 genera. In addition, it was possible to identify more than one species, classified within the same family and genus, thanks to morphometric analysis. 1148 ± 799 (max 4211; min 29) pollen grains were counting in average. The diversity showed a high richness, low dominance and similarity between pollen resources. Families Melastomataceae and Asteraceae, genera Miconia and Bidens, were found as the main pollen resources. The stingless bee of this study are mostly generalist as shown the interaction network. The results of the present survey showed that stingless bees do not collect pollen from a single species, although there is evidence of a predilection for certain plant families. The diversity indexes showed high richness but low uniformity in the abundance of each family identified. The results of the study are also meaningful to the meliponiculture sector as there is a need to improve management practices to preserve the biodiversity and the environment.

Suillin: A mixed-type acetylcholinesterase inhibitor from Suillus luteus which is used by Saraguros indigenous, southern Ecuador.

Suillus luteus (L.) Roussel is an edible mushroom commonly known as slippery jack or "Kallampa" by indigenous people from Loja province. It is used in traditional medicine to manage gastrointestinal disorders and headaches. In addition, edible mushrooms have been used for neurodegenerative diseases; however, there is no report about the anticholinesterase effect produced by this species. The aim of this work was to isolate the main secondary metabolite of Suillus luteus and characterize its inhibitory potential against acetylcholinesterase. Fruiting bodies were extracted with ethanol (EtOH) and ethyl acetate (EtOAc). From the EtOAc, suillin, is reported as the major compound. The cholinesterase inhibitory potential of extracts and the major isolated compound was assessed by Ellman´s method and progression curves were recorded at 405 nm for 60 min. Donepezil hydroclhoride was used as a positive control. The samples were dissolved in methanol at 10 mg/mL and two more 10× dilutions were included to obtain final concentrations of 1, 0.1 and 0.01 mg/mL at the mix of reaction. IC50, Km, Vmax, and Ki were calculated for suillin. Suillin (200 mg) along with linoleic acid, ergosterol peroxide and ergosterol were isolated. The EtOH and EtOAc extracts exerted a moderate inhibitory effect (IC50 > 200 µg/mL. In adittion, suillin exerted a non-competitive mixed mechanism. against AChE with an IC50 value of 31.50 µM and Ki of 17.25 µM. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the anticholinesterase effect of Suillus luteus and suillin. The kinetic parameters and the moderate potency of the compound determined in this study, encourage us to propose suillin as a promising chemopreventing agent for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer.

Antibiotic use by backyard food animal producers in Ecuador: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Antibiotics are increasingly used throughout the world in food animal production for controlling and preventing disease and for promoting growth. But this trend also has the potential for promoting antibiotic resistance, which represents a threat to human, animal, and environmental health. The use of antibiotics and the potential effects of antibiotic dependence has often been associated with large-scale food animal production. But rural households also engage in small-scale production, often operating literally in backyards. While some small-scale producers use veterinary antibiotics, many do not. This paper examines knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and agricultural practices (KAP) that represent an alternative to dependence on antibiotics. METHODS: Qualitative field research was based on four focus group discussions (FGDs) with non-indigenous backyard food animal producers in four communities near Quito, Ecuador and two FGDs with veterinarians. FGDs were supplemented by structured observations and key informant interviews. They were recorded with digital audio devices and transcriptions were analyzed independently by two researchers using a three-stage coding procedure. Open coding identifies underlying concepts, while axial coding develops categories and properties, and selective coding integrates the information in order to identify the key dimensions of the collective qualitative data. RESULTS: Backyard food animal producers in the Ecuadorian highlands generally do not use antibiotics while rearing small batches of animals and poultry for predominantly non-commercial household consumption. Instead, they rely on low cost traditional veterinary remedies. These practices are informed by their Andean history of agriculture and a belief system whereby physical activity is a holistic lifestyle through which people maintain their health by participating in the physical and spiritual environment. CONCLUSIONS: Backyard food animal producers in the Ecuadorian highlands implement complex strategies based on both economic calculations and sociocultural underpinnings that shape perceptions, attitudes, and practices. They use traditional veterinary remedies in lieu of antibiotics in most cases because limited production of food animals in small spaces contributes to a predictable household food supply, while at the same time conforming to traditional concepts of human and environmental health.

Evaluation of Adding Natural Gum to Pectin Extracted from Ecuadorian Citrus Peels as an Eco-Friendly Corrosion Inhibitor for Carbon Steel.

The production and use of eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors allows valuable compounds contained in plant waste to be identified and repurposed while reducing the use of polluting synthetic substances. Pectin extracted from Tahiti limes (Citrus latifolia) and King mandarin (Citrus nobilis L.) in addition to natural gums-xanthan gum and latex from the "lechero" plant (Euphorbia laurifolia)-were used to create an eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor. The optimal extraction conditions for pectin were determined from different combinations of pH, temperature, and time in a 23 factorial design and evaluated according to the obtained pectin yield. The highest pectin extraction yields (38.10% and 41.20% from King mandarin and lime, respectively) were reached at pH = 1, 85 °C, and 2 h. Extraction of pectic compounds was confirmed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetry analyses. Subsequently, a simplex-centroid mixture design was applied to determine the formulation of extracted pectin and natural gums that achieved the highest corrosion inhibitor effect (linear polarization and weight loss methods in NACE 1D-196 saline media using API-5LX52 carbon steel). Impedance spectroscopy analysis showed that the addition of xanthan gum to pectin (formulation 50% pectin-50% xanthan gum) improved the corrosion inhibitor effect from 29.20 to 78.21% at 400 ppm due to higher adsorption of inhibitory molecules on the metal surface.

Exploring the Link between Oil Exploitation and Cancer in the Indigenous Population of Ecuador: A Scoping Review.

With cancer accounting for 19% of deaths and projected to rise in the coming years, Ecuador's inequities in healthcare coverage remain a major concern for the rural, indigenous populations. While the cancer burden among this vulnerable population has been much publicized in the context of the controversial oil extraction in the Amazon, there is contradictory evidence on its occurrence and determinants. This review critically discusses the available literature on cancer among indigenous people in Ecuador and explores the link between oil exploitation and cancer occurrence among indigenous people using a scoping review approach. The results of this review show there is a clear but inconsistent association between oil exposure and cancer risk in indigenous populations of Ecuador. While the environmental magnitude of oil extraction in this region is a topic of debate, our findings point to the interplay with social determinants and other sources of carcinogenic compounds, which exacerbates the risks faced by indigenous communities. Based on these findings, this study puts forward three arguments to contextualize the occurrence of cancer related to oil exploitation in the Amazon, and puts forth key recommendations for public health initiatives embedded within the local community.

Breastfeeding, feeding practices and stunting in indigenous Ecuadorians under 2 years of age.

BACKGROUND: The indigenous child population in Ecuador has a high prevalence of stunting. There is limited evidence of the association between breastfeeding, feeding practices, and stunting in indigenous children. This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices and explore their association with stunting in Ecuadorian indigenous children under two years of age. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of secondary data analysis using the 2012 Ecuador National Health and Nutrition Study, in 625 children aged 0-23 months (48,069 expanded sample), representative for the indigenous population. Breastfeeding and complementary feeding indicators were analyzed by age groups. Timely initiation of breastfeeding (within one hour after birth), exclusive breastfeeding (infants under six months who received only breast milk for the previous day), and other indicators were measured. Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test and logistic regression for complex samples were used to explore association with demographic and socioeconomic factors and stunting. RESULTS: Twenty-six-point eight percent of the children were stunted. Stunting occurred mainly in children with rural residence, on poor households, and where there were four or more children. Most of the children had a timely initiation of breastfeeding (69.5% for 0-12 months and 75.5% for 13-23 months) and exclusive breastfeeding up to six months (78.2%). Among children between 6-12 months of age, 99.3% continued to be breastfed. In children from ages 6 to 12 months, 32.5% received food with adequate dietary diversity. Lower percentages of complementary feeding occurred in the poorest, adolescent mothers or those with less education. Children who did not receive the minimum frequency of meals for their age had higher odds of stunting (OR 3.28; 95% CI 1.3, 8.27). Children from age 19 to 23 months who consumed foods rich in iron showed lower probabilities of stunting (OR 0.04; 95% CI 0.00, 0.51). CONCLUSIONS: Breastfeeding practices reached a prevalence of 70% or more, without being associated with stunting. Complementary feeding practices showed differences by socioeconomic condition. Not reaching the minimum meal frequency between 6 and 12 months of age was associated with stunting. Plans and strategies are necessary to promote adequate feeding and breastfeeding practices in the indigenous population.

On the Andean genus Leschenius (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae): Updated phylogeny, with a new species from Ecuador, discovery of males, and larval description of the potato weevil Leschenius vulcanorum.

The weevil genus Leschenius del Río (Curculionidae: Entiminae: Naupactini) is distributed in the northern Andes, in Colombia and Ecuador. Among its species, L. vulcanorum stands out as an important pest of potatoes in its parthenogenetic form, which is known as "tiroteador de la papa". In this study, the adult male and the larval stage (first and mature larvae) of L. vulcanorun are described and illustrated for the first time. A description of the male of Leschenius bifurcatus is also provided. A new bisexual species was discovered, Leschenius ventrilingulatus sp. nov., and is described from Ecuador. An updated phylogenetic analysis was performed, including the new species, with results indicating a sister group relationship between L. ventrilingulatus and L. vulcanorum. They can be distinguished because the former is usually of smaller size and is covered by denser and thicker setae, has shorter antennae, a subcylindrical shape of the pronotum, shorter elytra (about 1.5×longer than wide at base), the female has ventrite 4 with a posterior rounded projection, and posterior margin of ventrite 5 subacute, not excavated. This paper also includes lectotype designations, a revised key to all known species of Leschenius, habitus photos of males and females, illustrations of genitalia, and a distribution map.

Chemical composition, enantiomeric analysis and anticholinesterase activity of Lepechinia betonicifolia essential oil from Ecuador.

CONTEXT: Due to the interesting potential of essential oils (EO) against cholinesterases and their close relation in Alzheimer's disease, the EO of Lepechinia betonicifolia (Lam) Epling (Lamiaceae), a native shrub from Ecuador, was assessed. Chemical profiling and enantiomeric distribution were also recorded for the first time. OBJECTIVE: To analyse the chemical profile including the enantiomeric composition and anticholinesterase effect exerted by EO of L. betonicifolia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The EO of L. betonicifolia fresh aerial parts was obtained by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger-type apparatus. Physical properties were determined according to standard norms. The chemical composition was determined by GC-MS and GC-FID. Enantioselective GC-MS analysis was carried out by using a capillary chiral column. Anticholinesterase effect was assessed by Ellman's method with acetylthiocoline as substrate and Ellman's reagent (DTNB) to detect its hydrolysis at 405 nm for 60 min. Donepezil was used as a reference drug. EO was dissolved in methanol to reach 10 mg/mL concentration and two more 10× dilutions were included. RESULTS: Thirty-nine constituents were identified corresponding to 97.55% of the total oil composition. The main components were ß-pinene (30.45%), sabinene (27.98%), α-pinene (4.97%), ß-phellandrene (4.79%), E-caryophyllene (4.44%) and limonene (3.84%). L. betonicifolia EO exerted a strong inhibitory effect over the AChE enzyme with an IC50 value of 74.97 ± 1.17 µg/mL. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Current chemical characterisation and anticholinesterase effect of EO of L. betonicifolia encourage us to propose this EO as a candidate for the preparation of functional foods or as adjuvant therapy for Alzheimer's disease.