The Shortcomings of COVID-19 Testing in Ecuador: Time to Incentivize Research and Innovation.

The COVID-19 pandemic hit Ecuador severely. The country caught the attention of international media due to its high death toll and overwhelmed healthcare system. The clinical diagnostics system was rapidly overloaded, and the import of PCR tests was delayed. The case of Ecuador illustrates how middle-income countries rely heavily on the importation of biotechnological products for their healthcare systems. The Ecuadorian experience during the COVID-19 pandemic serves as a call for the formation of policies for the development of the biotechnological industry.

Characterizing the genetic diversity of the Andean blueberry (Vaccinium floribundum Kunth.) across the Ecuadorian Highlands.

The Ecuadorian páramo, a high altitude tundra-like ecosystem, is a unique source of various ecosystem services and distinct biodiversity. Anthropogenic activities are associated with its fragmentation, which alters ecological factors and directly threatens resident species. Vaccinium floribundum Kunth., commonly known as Andean blueberry or mortiño, is a wild shrub endemic to the Andean region and highly valued in Ecuador for its berries, which are widely used in food preparations and hold an important cultural value. Since it is a wild species, mortiño could be vulnerable to environmental changes, resulting in a reduction of the size and distribution of its populations. To evaluate the extent of these effects on the mortiño populations, we assessed the genetic diversity and population structure of the species along the Ecuadorian highlands. We designed and developed a set of 30 species-specific SSR (simple sequence repeats) markers and used 16 of these to characterize 100 mortiño individuals from 27 collection sites. Our results revealed a high degree of genetic diversity (HE = 0.73) for the Ecuadorian mortiño, and a population structure analyses suggested the existence of distinct genetic clusters present in the northern, central and southern highlands. A fourth, clearly differentiated cluster was also found and included individuals from locations at higher elevations. We suggest that the population structure of the species could be explained by an isolation-by-distance model and can be associated with the geological history of the Andean region. Our results suggest that elevation could also be a key factor in the differentiation of mortiño populations. This study provides an extensive overview of the species across its distribution range in Ecuador, contributing to a better understanding of its conservation status. These results can assist in the development of conservation programs for this valuable biological and cultural resource and for the páramo ecosystem as a whole.

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis in an elderly patient, better to be safe than sorry.

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis is a rare pathology with nonspecific symptoms that can be easily misdiagnosed. Clinical awareness along with close surveillance is critical to effectively diagnose and treat this condition. Current treatment is based on conservative therapy including antibiotics and oxygen. Surgery is only recommended when complications are suspected. Here, we present the case of a 72-year-old female admitted to the emergency department with abdominal pain and vomits. Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis was diagnosed and was successfully treated. On follow-up visits, patient is recovering and doing well.

Micropropagation of Solanum quitoense var. quitoense by apical bud, petiole and hypocotyl culture.

The development of in vitro propagation methods can improve the current commercial use and conservation of plants like naranjilla (Solanum quitoense), a distinctive Andean crop and key emerging agricultural product. In the present study, we report in vitro culture protocols for naranjilla apical buds, hypocotyls and petioles. In apical bud culture, MS medium supplemented with 0.10 mg l-1 1-naphtaleneacetic acid (NAA) produced longer plantlets with greater number of leaves. Hypocotyl culture yielded higher number of shoots when using older explants in MS medium supplemented with different combinations of NAA, 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and gibberellic acid (GA3). Petiole culture produced a significantly higher number of shoots per explant, with more abundant and bigger leaves, when using MS medium supplemented with 0.02 mg l-1 NAA, 4.50 mg l-1 BAP and 1.00 mg l-1 GA3. A factorial analysis reveals that the interaction between GA3 and NAA/BAP plays an important role in shoot regeneration. These results provide new tools for the in vitro regeneration of naranjilla plants, improving on previously reported protocols for this species by using alternative explant types and regeneration protocols.

Ascaris lumbricoides and its almost deadly complication.

Parasitic infections are still a burden in developing countries. The lack of sanitation and hygiene measures can result in an increase in morbidity and mortality due to parasitic infections. Surgery may be needed to treat serious complications caused by some of these parasites. Ascaris lumbricoides is one of the most common parasites and although infections are usually mild, severe complications, although rare, still exist. We present a case of a patient from the Ecuadorean Amazon region with limited access to drinking water. She presented to the emergency room with abdominal pain and a mass in the abdomen. After surgery, a mass with a perforation due to Ascaris was discovered. After discharge and due to lack of follow up and self-care, she became infected again, this time making her prognosis more complex and her clinical presentation more difficult. However, after proper clinical and surgical management, patient fully recovered.