Oftalmomiasis orbitaria por Dermatobia hominis en un paciente inmunosuprimido en un área andina ecuatoriana / Orbital ophthalmomiasis due to Dermatobia hominis in an immunosuppressed patient from the ecuadorian andean area

Varón ecuatoriano de 83 años, indigente, con antecedente de desnutrición y alcoholismo crónico, acude por un cuadro clínico caracterizado por crecimiento progresivo de larvas a nivel ocular izquierdo (OI), asociado a áreas de putrefacción de tejidos oculares. Al ingreso, su visión en ojo derecho (OD) fue de movimiento de manos y el OI indicaba no percepción de luz, el segmento anterior de OD evidenció una catarata brunescente, sin otra alteración, mientras que el OI presentó edema, eritema bipalpebral y abundante cantidad de larvas móviles distribuidas en toda la órbita, asociado a áreas de necrosis, putrefacción y distorsión de la anatomía de los tejidos oculares. La tomografía de órbita mostró un compromiso importante de la órbita, indicándose manejo quirúrgico mediante exenteración orbitaria izquierda con identificación taxonómica de las larvas como Dermatobia hominis, asociado a ello, se implementó tratamiento antibiótico y realización de un colgajo fasciocutáneo frontal por el Departamento de Cirugía Plástica (AU)

An 83-year-old Ecuadorian male, indigent with a history of malnutrition and chronic alcoholism, presented with a clinical feature characterized by progressive growth of larvae at the left eye level (LE), associated with areas of ocular tissue putrefaction. Upon admission, his vision in the right eye (RE) was of hand movement and no light perception in LE, the anterior segment of the RE showed a brunescent cataract, with no other alteration, while the LE presented edema, bipalpebral erythema and an abundant number of mobile larvae distributed throughout the orbit, associated with areas of necrosis, putrefaction and distortion of the anatomy of the ocular tissues. Orbital tomography showed a significant compromise of the orbit, indicating surgical management by left orbital exenteration with taxonomic identification of the larvae as Dermatobia Hominis associated with it, antibiotic treatment was implemented and a frontal fasciocutaneous flap was performed by the plastic surgery department (AU)

Cavitación pulmonar asociada a infección por coronavirus: reporte de caso / Pulmonary cavitation associated with coronavirus infection: case report

La enfermedad causada por el coronavirus 2 del síndrome respiratorio agudo grave (SARS-CoV-2) identificada inicialmenteen la ciudad de Wuhan, China, abarca un espectro amplio de condiciones respiratorias, presentaciones en su mayoría leves;sin embargo, con un porcentaje de patologías potencialmente letales como es el caso del síndrome de dificultad respirato-ria aguda. Existen además hallazgos cuya asociación con el nuevo coronavirus aún es incierta; derrames pleurales, linfade-nopatías mediastinales, cavitaciones pulmonares, han sido descritas en pacientes con infección por el SARS-CoV-2.El presente trabajo tiene como finalidad exponer un caso de cavitación pulmonar en el contexto de la enfermedad causadapor el SARS-CoV-2 en un Hospital de Quito, Ecuador.(AU)

The disease caused by SARS COV2 initially identified in the city of Wuhan - China, covers a wide spectrum of respiratoryconditions, mostly mild presentations; however, with a percentage of potentially lethal pathologies such as ARDS. There arealso findings whose association with the new coronavirus is still uncertain; pleural effusions, mediastinal lymphadenopathy,pulmonary cavitations, have been described in patients with SARS COV2 infection. The purpose of this paper is to presenta case of pulmonary cavitation in the context of the disease caused by SARS COV2 in a Hospital in Quito-Ecuador.(AU)

Redescription of the monotypic plant bug genus Paraneella and Paraneella amazonica , with a neotype designation (Heteroptera: Miridae).

The monotypic Neotropical eccritotarsine genus Paraneella Carvalho (Heteroptera: Miridae) and its only included species, Paraneella amazonica Carvalho 1954, are diagnosed and redescribed, and new characters for their recognition are provided, illustrated, and photographed. Paraneella amazonica, previously known from the type locality in Brazil, is reported for the first time from Ecuador. Because the holotype deposited at the National Museum in Rio de Janeiro was destroyed by fire, a neotype is designated. Carvalho placed Paraneella in the "Neella-Neoneella genus complex" based on its similarity with Neella Reuter. The only existing key to identify these genera had in its first couplet characters referring to males that are unknown for Paraneella amazonica. A new key based on a new set of characters, which are photographed and illustrated, is provided.

Response of dung beetle diversity to remediation of soil ecosystems in the Ecuadorian Amazon.

Background: Efforts to alleviate the negative effects of oil spills in the Ecuadorian Amazon include remediation activities such as cleaning, reshaping, and revegetation of polluted areas. However, studies of the diversity of biological communities in these hydrocarbon-degraded ecosystems have never been carried out. Here, we evaluated the diversity of dung beetles on remediated soil ecosystems (Agricultural Soils and Sensitive Ecosystems) and on non-contaminated soils (Natural Forests and Palm Plantations). Methodology: The study was conducted in Sucumbíos and Orellana provinces, in the Ecuadorian Amazon at four sampling sites per ecosystem type (a total of 16 sites). At each sampling site, six pitfall traps remained active for 120 consecutive h per month for 1 year. Results: We collected 37 species and 7,506 individuals of dung beetles. We observed significant differences in mean species abundance, richness, and diversity between non-contaminated soil ecosystems and remediated soil ecosystems, with Natural Forests presenting the highest values, and Agricultural Soils the lowest values. Regarding sampling month, we also found significant differences among ecosystems, which were also higher in Natural Forests. Discussion: The results suggest that hydrocarbon-degraded ecosystems tend to conserve lower beetle diversity one year after remediation highlighting the importance of Natural Forests for the conservation of tropical biodiversity. Therefore, dung beetle diversity could be used for future landscape management of these hydrocarbon-degraded ecosystems.

A comprehensive study of Ecuadorian adult patients with a mild and moderate presentation of COViD-19.

AIM: To characterize non-hospitalized patients with mild and moderate clinical presentation. METHODS: We performed an epidemiological, observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study carried out in Ecuador, with 1,447 participants between 18 and 66 years, non-hospitalized, with a molecular RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV2. We analyzed demographic characteristics according to sex, age group, clinical findings, behavior after diagnosis, family and social behavior, sequelae, clinical evolution, type of exposure, and personal history. RESULTS: The sample analyzed had a mean age of 37 years (95% CI 18-66), women 713 individuals (49.27%), men 733 individuals (50.66%). Age group distribution was 18-30 years, 524 individuals (36.29%), 31-45, 538 individuals (37.26), and more of 45 years, 382 individuals (26.46%). 1416 individuals were mestizos (97.99%). According to the province of residence from Pichincha were 1019 patients (70.52%), followed by Imbabura, 93 patients (6.44%), and the others 335 (23.15%) patients come from all over the country. In women, the most common findings were fever >38°C (54.40%), sputum (27.43%) and hypoxia (16.32%); HTN (5.75%) and hypercholesterolemia (3.69%). Men were more prevalent in all other findings. Comorbidities were more prevalent in all those over 45 years of age. COVID-19 antibodies test was positive in 416 patients (28.85%). Neuropsychiatric symptoms such as sleep disorders, generalized anxiety disorder, depressed mood, and chronic fatigue were more prevalent in men than women. Still, generalized anxiety disorder and chronic fatigue were more common in individuals of 31 to 45 years. 868 patients (60.07%) were in contact with a known infected person, 318 patients (22.02%) were health workers, and 782 patients (57.63%) were informed about work exposure. 545 patients (37.72%) were overweight, primarily women 310 (42.29%). 609 patients (42.65%) showed symptoms after the acute period, and 331 individuals (23.49%) reported some sequelae. CONCLUSION: The epidemiological and clinical behavior of hospitalized and critical patients differs greatly from ambulatory or mild or moderate symptoms. It is essential to highlight those non-hospitalized patients constitute the predominant population of patients, hence the importance of adequate management that would directly affect the development of complicated forms and, consequently, the collapse of healthcare centers. It is vitally important to open more investigations that compare hospitalized and outpatient patients to have a clearer picture of the epidemic.

Two new species of Haploporus (Polyporales, Basidiomycota) from China and Ecuador based on morphology and phylogeny.

At present, 25 species are accepted in Haploporus and are distributed in Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Australia, and Africa. In this study, two new species, Haploporus ecuadorensis from Ecuador and H. monomitica from China, are described and illustrated based on morphological examination and phylogenetic analyses. H. ecuadorensis is characterized by annual, resupinate basidiomata with pinkish buff to honey yellow hymenophore when dry, round to angular pores of 2-4 per mm, a dimitic hyphal structure with generative hyphae bearing clamp connections, hyphae at dissepiment edge usually with one or two simple septa, the presence of dendrohyphidia and cystidioles, and oblong to ellipsoid basidiospores measuring 14.9-17.9 × 6.9-8.8 µm. Haploporus monomitica differs from other Haploporus species in that it has a monomitic hyphal system and strongly dextrinoid basidiospores. The differences between the new species and morphologically similar and phylogenetically related species are discussed. In addition, an updated key to 27 species of Haploporus is provided.

Soil amendments to reduce cadmium in cacao (Theobroma cacao L.): A comprehensive field study in Ecuador.

The new EU regulations on maximum levels of cadmium (Cd) in cacao products sparked research on countermeasures to reduce Cd concentrations in cacao beans. This study was set up to test the effects of soil amendments in two established cacao orchards (soil pH 6.6 and 5.1) in Ecuador. Soil amendments included: 1) agricultural limestone at 2.0 and 4.0 Mg ha-1 y-1, 2) gypsum at 2.0 and 4.0 Mg ha-1 y-1 and 3) compost at 12.5 and 25 Mg ha-1 y-1, all amendments were applied at the surface during two subsequent years. Lime application increased the soil pH by one unit down to 20 cm depth. On the acid soil, leaf Cd concentrations decreased by lime application and the reduction factor gradually rose to 1.5 after 30 months. No effects of liming or gypsum on leaf Cd was found in the pH neutral soil. Compost application in the pH neutral soil reduced leaf Cd concentration with factor 1.2 at 22 months but that effect was absent at 30 months after application. Bean Cd concentrations were unaffected by any of the treatments at 22 months after application (acid soil) or 30 months (pH neutral soil) suggesting that any treatment effects on bean Cd might be even more delayed than in leaves. Soil columns experiments in the laboratory showed that mixing lime with compost largely enhanced the depth of lime penetration compared to lime only. Compost + lime reduced 10-3 M CaCl2 extractable Cd in soil without lowering extractable Zn. Our results suggest that soil liming has the potential to lower Cd uptake in cacao in the long term in acid soils and that the compost + lime treatment should be tested at field scale to accelerate the effects of the mitigation.

Descriptive cross-sectional study on major bovine diseases and associated risk factors in north-eastern Ecuadorian Amazon.

Cattle raising is a crucial element of production systems in the tropics and subtropics. However, in recent years, global public health security has been threatened by disease emergence. In Orellana Province, livestock is the most important activity to generate economic income. Nevertheless, there is no available data about Animal Health status. With this objective, a study was performed to describe the major Bovine diseases recorded between 2011 to 2019, and the main Risk factors associated. Data on main Bovine diseases were retrieved from the World Animal Health Information System database. Whereas Bovine population data used to calculate the prevalence rates and confidence intervals were obtained from Ecuador's Ministry of Agriculture. By contrast, the Risk factors identified with an epidemiological questionnaire were applied to 300 livestock farmers. As a result, from 2011 to 2019 in Orellana has been confirmed: 90 cases of Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (31.58%), Bovine Rabies by hematophagous bats (Desmodus rotundus), 83 cases (29.12%), Bovine viral diarrhea with 43 cases (15.10%), Brucellosis by Brucella abortus 35 cases, which was (12.28%), and 34 cases related to Enzootic bovine leukosis (11.92%). Overall, the prevalence rates ranged from (0.24 to 15.37%). In addition, farm size, presence of forest, herd, and paddock sizes, cutting frequency of forages, and other animal species were involved as Risk factors (OR = 3.15 to 11.75; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.69). In conclusion, there are animal diseases with reproductive and neurologic symptomology and high-Risk factors implicated in the transmission. Consequently, space-temporal and seroprevalence epidemiological studies should be performed in Orellana.

Determinants of self-reported health status during COVID-19 lockdown among surveyed Ecuadorian population: A cross sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the associations of sociodemographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral factors with depression, anxiety, and self-reported health status during the COVID-19 lockdown in Ecuador. We also assessed the differences in these associations between women and men. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey between July to October 2020 to adults who were living in Ecuador between March to October 2020. All data were collected through an online survey. We ran descriptive and bivariate analyses and fitted sex-stratified multivariate logistic regression models to assess the association between explanatory variables and self-reported health status. RESULTS: 1801 women and 1123 men completed the survey. Their median (IQR) age was 34 (27-44) years, most participants had a university education (84%) and a full-time public or private job (63%); 16% of participants had poor health self-perception. Poor self-perceived health was associated with being female, having solely public healthcare system access, perceiving housing conditions as inadequate, living with cohabitants requiring care, perceiving difficulties in coping with work or managing household chores, COVID-19 infection, chronic disease, and depression symptoms were significantly and independently associated with poor self-reported health status. For women, self-employment, having solely public healthcare system access, perceiving housing conditions as inadequate, having cohabitants requiring care, having very high difficulties to cope with household chores, having COVID-19, and having a chronic disease increased the likelihood of having poor self-reported health status. For men, poor or inadequate housing, presence of any chronic disease, and depression increased the likelihood of having poor self-reported health status. CONCLUSION: Being female, having solely public healthcare system access, perceiving housing conditions as inadequate, living with cohabitants requiring care, perceiving difficulties in coping with work or managing household chores, COVID-19 infection, chronic disease, and depression symptoms were significantly and independently associated with poor self-reported health status in Ecuadorian population.

Identification and genetic characterization of a new totivirus from Bursera graveolens in western Ecuador.

The complete genomic sequence of a previously uncharacterized virus provisionally named "Bursera graveolens associated totivirus 1" (BgTV-1) was obtained from Bursera graveolens (Kunth) Triana & Planch., a tree known as "palo santo" in Ecuador. The BgTV-1 genome is a monopartite double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) that is 4794 nucleotides (nt) long (GenBank accession number ON988291). Phylogenetic analysis of the capsid protein (CP) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) placed BgTV-1 in a clade with other plant-associated totiviruses. Amino acid (aa) sequence comparisons of putative BgTV-1 proteins showed the highest sequence similarity to those of taro-associated totivirus L (QFS21890.1-QFS21891.1) and Panax notoginseng virus A (YP_009225664.1- YP_009225665.1), with 51.4% and 49.8% identity, respectively, in the CP and 56.4% and 55.2% identity, respectively, in the RdRp. BgTV-1 was not detected in total RNA from either of the two endophytic fungi cultured from BgTV-1-positive B. graveolens leaves, suggesting that BgTV-1 may be a plant-infecting totivirus. Based on its distinct host and the low aa sequence similarity between the CP of BgTV-1 and its counterparts from the closest relatives, the virus described in this study should be assigned as a new member of the genus Totivirus.

Biological Activities and Chemical Composition of Essential Oil from Hedyosmum purpurascens (Todzia)-An Endemic Plant in Ecuador.

Hedyosmum purpurascens is an endemic species found in the Andes of Ecuador and it is characterized by its pleasant smell. In this study, essential oil (EO) from H. purpurascens was obtained by the hydro-distillation method with a Clevenger-type apparatus. The identification of the chemical composition was carried out by GC-MS and GC-FID in two capillary columns, DB-5ms and HP-INNOWax. A total of 90 compounds were identified, representing more than 98% of the total chemical composition. Germacrene-D, ϒ-terpinene, α-phellandrene, sabinene, O-cymene, 1,8-cineole and α-pinene accounted for more than 59% of the EO composition. The enantioselective analysis of the EO revealed the occurrence of (+)-α-pinene as a pure enantiomer; in addition, four pairs of enantiomers were found (α-phellandrene, o-cymene, limonene and myrcene). The biological activity against microbiological strains and antioxidants and the anticholinesterase properties were also evaluated and the EO showed a moderate anticholinesterase and antioxidant effect, with an IC50 value of 95.62 ± 1.03 µg/mL and a SC50 value of 56.38 ± 1.96. A poor antimicrobial effect was observed for all the strains, with MIC values over 1000 µg/mL. Based on our results, the H. purpurasens EO presented remarkable antioxidant and AChE activities. Despite these promising results, further research seems essential to validate the safety of this medicinal species as a function of dose and time. Experimental studies on the mechanisms of action are essential to validate its pharmacological properties.

Settlement dynamics, subsistence economies and climate change during the late Holocene at Nunura Bay (Sechura Desert, Peru): A multiproxy approach.

Long considered on the margins, far from the major cultural traditions, the Sechura Desert is situated at the crossroads between the cultures of southern Ecuador and those of the northern Peruvian coast and preserves a large number of varied archaeological sites. Despite this evidence, little is known about the societies that inhabited this region during the Holocene. Exposed to natural hazards, including El Niño events, and to major climatic changes, they were able to adapt and exploit the scarce resources that this extreme environment offered them. Because of this rich history, we have been conducting archaeological research in this region since 2012 in order to clarify the dynamics of human occupation and their links with climate oscillations and environmental changes. This paper present the results of a multidisciplinary study of Huaca Grande, a mound located on Nunura Bay, 300 m from the Pacific Ocean. The nature of the human occupations at Huaca Grande was varied, and several adjustments occurred over time. The subsistence economy was based mainly on local marine resources and a continual use of terrestrial vegetal resources. However, a major change occurred in the more recent occupations, with the apparition of non-local resources (maize and cotton) indicating that Huaca Grande was connected to trade networks. The results show two main phases of occupation separated by a long abandonment (mid-5th century CE to mid-7th century CE and mid-13th century to mid-15th century CE). The occupation of the site appears to have been influenced by changes in the local climate and by extreme El Niño events. Our results highlight the great adaptability of these human groups over the span of a millennium and their capacity to react to the climatic changes and hazards that characterise this region.

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.

The Role of Remote Sensing and Geospatial Analysis for Understanding COVID-19 Population Severity: A Systematic Review.

Remote sensing (RS), satellite imaging (SI), and geospatial analysis have established themselves as extremely useful and very diverse domains for research associated with space, spatio-temporal components, and geography. We evaluated in this review the existing evidence on the application of those geospatial techniques, tools, and methods in the coronavirus pandemic. We reviewed and retrieved nine research studies that directly used geospatial techniques, remote sensing, or satellite imaging as part of their research analysis. Articles included studies from Europe, Somalia, the USA, Indonesia, Iran, Ecuador, China, and India. Two papers used only satellite imaging data, three papers used remote sensing, three papers used a combination of both satellite imaging and remote sensing. One paper mentioned the use of spatiotemporal data. Many studies used reports from healthcare facilities and geospatial agencies to collect the type of data. The aim of this review was to show the use of remote sensing, satellite imaging, and geospatial data in defining features and relationships that are related to the spread and mortality rate of COVID-19 around the world. This review should ensure that these innovations and technologies are instantly available to assist decision-making and robust scientific research that will improve the population health diseases outcomes around the globe.

Beta-Lactam Antibiotic Resistance Genes in the Microbiome of the Public Transport System of Quito, Ecuador.

Multidrug-resistant bacteria present resistance mechanisms against ß-lactam antibiotics, such as Extended-Spectrum Beta-lactamases (ESBL) and Metallo-ß-lactamases enzymes (MBLs) which are operon encoded in Gram-negative species. Likewise, Gram-positive bacteria have evolved other mechanisms through mec genes, which encode modified penicillin-binding proteins (PBP2). This study aimed to determine the presence and spread of ß-lactam antibiotic resistance genes and the microbiome circulating in Quito's Public Transport (QTP). A total of 29 station turnstiles were swabbed to extract the surface environmental DNA. PCRs were performed to detect the presence of 13 antibiotic resistance genes and to identify and to amplify 16S rDNA for barcoding, followed by clone analysis, Sanger sequencing, and BLAST search. ESBL genes blaTEM-1 and blaCTX-M-1 and MBL genes blaOXA-181 and mecA were detected along QPT stations, blaTEM being the most widely spread. Two subvariants were found for blaTEM-1, blaCTX-M-1, and blaOXA-181. Almost half of the circulating bacteria found at QPT stations were common human microbiota species, including those classified by the WHO as pathogens of critical and high-priority surveillance. ß-lactam antibiotic resistance genes are prevalent throughout QPT. This is the first report of blaOXA-181 in environmental samples in Ecuador. Moreover, we detected a new putative variant of this gene. Some commensal coagulase-negative bacteria may have a role as mecA resistance reservoirs.

Risk Factors for the Mental Health of Adolescents from the Parental Perspective: Photo-Voice in Rural Communities of Ecuador.

Mental health in adolescence is a very important topic worldwide, especially in rural areas. The implementation of Participatory Action Research (PAR) through the photo-voice method was a way to encourage adults to recognize problematic situations (at personal, family or community levels) that threaten the well-being of adolescents, but that in everyday life may go unnoticed by parents and caregivers. Our study aimed to identify risk factors for mental health in adolescents living in rural communities of Ecuador from the parental perspective through photographs and focus group discussions. The study sought to raise awareness of this issue at the family and community levels. The photo-voice method was conducted with the participation of 29 parents. The photographs and the collaborative construction of meanings allowed parents to have a better understanding about the importance of mental health and its benefit for adolescents. The principal risk factors mentioned by parents were stress, sleep deprivation, tiredness, poverty, difficulties in continuing education and alcohol consumption. In conclusion, we point out the importance of this intervention to explore the knowledge and understanding of the topic by parents as well as to communicate information that demystifies false beliefs around mental health.

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.

Feeding ecology of the Terciopelo pit viper snake (Bothrops asper) in Ecuador.

Thoroughly documenting prey items and diet composition is crucial for understanding a predator's role in the ecosystem. In gape restricted predators, such as snakes, documenting and analyzing the type and size of the prey is important to interpret their ecological role. We describe the diet patterns of a species of venomous snake, the Terciopelo pit viper (Bothrops asper), from its Ecuadorian populations. Examining the gastrointestinal contents of museum specimens collected over an extensive area of the Pacific lowlands of Ecuador, we encountered 69 identifiable prey items from four major taxonomic groups (amphibians, centipedes, mammals, and reptiles). We evaluated the observed composition of prey to check for differences between sexes and size-classes. To complement our observations of the Terciopelo species complex throughout their distribution, we carried out a systematic literature review. Our data show an ontogenetic shift in diet, with a transition from more diverse diet in juveniles towards a mammal-specialized diet in adults, and distinct proportion of prey taxa between the sexes in the juvenile size class.

Occurrence of Sex Chromosomes in Fish of the Genus Ancistrus with a New Description of Multiple Sex Chromosomes in the Ecuadorian Endemic Ancistrus clementinae (Loricariidae).

Ancistrus Kner, 1854, is the most diverse genus among the Ancistrini (Loricariidae) with 70 valid species showing a wide geographic distribution and great taxonomic and systematic complexity. To date, about 40 Ancistrus taxa have been karyotyped, all from Brazil and Argentina, but the statistic is uncertain because 30 of these reports deal with samples that have not yet been identified at the species level. This study provides the first cytogenetic description of the bristlenose catfish, Ancistrus clementinae Rendahl, 1937, a species endemic to Ecuador, aiming to verify whether a sex chromosome system is identifiable in the species and, if so, which, and if its differentiation is associated with the presence of repetitive sequences reported for other species of the family. We associated the karyotype analysis with the COI molecular identification of the specimens. Karyotype analysis suggested the presence of a ♂ZZ/♀ZW1W2 sex chromosome system, never detected before in Ancistrus, with both W1W2 chromosomes enriched with heterochromatic blocks and 18S rDNA, in addition to GC-rich repeats (W2). No differences were observed between males and females in the distribution of 5S rDNA or telomeric repeats. Cytogenetic data here obtained confirm the huge karyotype diversity of Ancistrus, both in chromosome number and sex-determination systems.

Estado nutricional de los adultos ecuatorianos y su distribución según las características sociodemográficas. Estudio transversal / Nutritional status in Ecuadorian adults and its distribution according to socio-demographic characteristics. A cross-sectional study

Introducción: el 30 % de la población mundial presenta actualmente problemas de sobrepeso y obesidad, mientras que en Ecuador la incidencia es del 64,68 %. La identificación de grupos poblacionales más vulnerables al sobrepeso y la obesidad es un tema básico para establecer mejores políticas públicas. Objetivo: identificar a los grupos poblacionales con riesgo de sobrepeso y obesidad según determinantes sociodemográficos (etnia, estado civil, pobreza y edad). Métodos: estudio transversal. Se analizaron los datos de 89.212 adultos de ambos sexos provenientes del estudio ENSANUT-EC 2018. Se utilizó el índice de masa corporal (IMC) para evaluar la prevalencia del sobrepeso y la obesidad, y se realizó un análisis de regresión lineal múltiple para relacionar el IMC con los determinantes sociodemográficos. Resultados: las mujeres presentaron en promedio 1,03 kg/m2 más que los hombres y el IMC se elevó 0,04 kg/m2 por cada año de edad. En relación al estado civil, los casados presentaron 1,14 kg/m2 más que los solteros. Tomando en cuenta los quintiles de pobreza y al q1 como categoría de referencia, los quintiles 2, 3 y 4 mostraron un IMC mayor en 0,65, 0,88, 0,77 y 0,41 kg/m2, respectivamente (p < 0,001). En cuanto a la etnia, los indígenas presentaron un IMC 0,78 kg/m2 menor que el de los blancos; los montubios y los afroamericanos presentaron 0,37 y 0,61 kg/m2, respectivamente, más que los blancos. Las personas que residen en el área urbana presentan 0,41 kg/m2 más que los residentes del área rural. Conclusiones: identificamos grupos de mayor riesgo nutricional, como las mujeres y las personas casadas, para el sobrepeso y la obesidad, mientras que los indígenas y las personas más pobres tienen riesgo de bajo peso, lo que indica que en Ecuador los adultos presentan problemas tanto de exceso como de déficit. Es necesaria la implementación de políticas dirigidas a grupos poblacionales especificos. (AU)

Introduction: 30 % of the world population currently has overweight and obesity problems, while in Ecuador this is 64.68 %. The identification of population groups more vulnerable to overweight and obesity is a basic issue to establish better public policies.Objective: to identify the population groups at risk of overweight and obesity according to socio-demographic determinants (ethnicity, marital status, poverty and age).Methods: a cross-sectional study. Data from 89,212 adults of both sexes were analyzed. Body mass index (BMI) was used to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity, and multiple linear regression analysis was performed to relate BMI to sociodemographic determinants.Results: women had an average of 1.03 kg/m2 more than men, and BMI rose by 0.04 kg/m2 for each year of age. In relation to marital status, married people presented 1.14 kg/m2 more than single people. Taking into account the poverty quintiles and q1 as a reference category, quintiles 2, 3 and 4 showed a higher BMI of 0.65, 0.88, 0.77 and 0.41 kg/m2, respectively (p < 0.001). Regarding ethnicity, indigenous people had a BMI 0.78 kg/m2 less than whites; Montubios and Afro-Americans had 0.37 and 0.61 kg/m2, respectively, more than whites. People residing in the urban area present 0.41 kg/m2 more than the residents in the rural area.Conclusions: we identified groups of higher nutritional risk such as women and married people for overweight and obesity, while indigenous people and the poorest people were at risk for low weight, which indicates that in Ecuador adults have problems of both excess and deficit. It is necessary to implement policies aimed at specific population groups. (AU)