Coastal Ecuador Research Articles

Biodiversidad de ecotipos y rangos de agresividad de Moniliophthora perniciosa, en Theobroma cacao L. nacional del Litoral Ecuatoriano

The objective of the work was focused on studying the biodiversity of ecotypes and aggressiveness ranges of Moniliophthora perniciosa, in Theobroma cacao. Plant material with the presence of the pathogen from 12 plantations of T. cacao L Nacional was sampled, analyzing its morphological characteristics, identification by PCR and the aggressiveness of the disease in national cacao EET-19. The basidiocarps differ in size and basidiospore production considering the strain MpLRBF-105 with the largest diameter of basidiocarp and basidiospore discharge. The basidiocarps differ in size and basidiospore production considering the strain MpLRBF-105 with the largest diameter of basidiocarp and basidiospore discharge. The content of lamelulas would be adding the increase of basidiospores in the strains (MpLRBF105 and MpBOLN107), with the largest dimensions between lengths of (11.58 to 12.01 µm) and width (6.23 and 5.95 µm) in the strains (MpLRBA-101, MpLRVE-102, MpLRMO-103, MpGUBA-104, MpLRBF-105 and MpBOLN-107). The genetic characterization of the ITS region of M. perniciosa showed genetic variability with the formation of three Sub-groups, this corresponds to their different agroecological zones of the Ecuadorian Coast. The highest degree of aggressiveness due to M. perniciosa infection gave rise to cotyledonal brooms with (4 to 11 axillary brooms) for the MpLRBF-105, MpGUBA-104, MpLRMO-103, and MpLRVE-102 strains. With 68% inhibition in fresh root weight, strain MpGUBA-104 (Balao). Consequently, the climatic conditions and the pressure to increase commercial plantations of T. cacao CCN-51, are generating changes in the ecology of M. pernciosa.

Метод гауссова обучения нейронной сети для решения задачи распознавания многоспектральных спутниковых изображений

The methods of Gaussian computer vision and machine learning used to process multispectral satellite images in the detection and recognition of research objects --- banana plantations in the area of El Porvenir on the coast of Ecuador --- are considered. Using computer vision and machine learning techniques, processing of multispectral satellite images and indirect raster data after calculating NDVI and NDWI vegetation indices, classification of vegetation and water objects was performed. The analysis of multispectral satellite image data is complicated by the presence of clouds and rasters that do not contain data other than the object of study. The machine learning method when labeling data with validation by vegetation indices is used in segmentation of classes that do not participate in the computer vision analysis in the detection and recognition of the research object. The probability of the given positive experimental results is ~ 96 %. The proposed methods of objects detection and recognition on multispectral satellite images can be implemented in agricultural systems to improve, analyze and assess the needs of crops, which are part of agriculture as the primary sector of the economy, to meet the needs of food and raw materials production. Thus, with the increased demand for agricultural products, it is necessary to introduce technologies that guarantee the quality and high productivity of agricultural machinery

Standing Water and Missing Data: The Murky Relationship between Flooding and Mosquito-Borne Diseases.

Standing Water and Missing Data: The Murky Relationship between Flooding and Mosquito-Borne Diseases.

Exploring Dental Modification from Coastal Ecuador from an Unprovenienced Museum Collection

In South America, most examples of dental modification come from Ecuador; however, none have been directly radiocarbon dated and few have associated cultural materials or context. In fact, many modified teeth and crania are housed in museum collections, divorced from their cultural and temporal milieus, and because of this it is generally assumed that this limits the interpretive possibility of these individuals. We used multiple methods to investigate temporal and geographic origins of seven crania with dental modification housed in the Museo Antropológico y Arte Contemporáneo in Guayaquil, Ecuador. We identified diverse forms of dental modification, including dental inlays and appliques, incised lines, and anterior dental avulsion. Additionally, teeth from four modified individuals were sampled for radiocarbon dating and isotopic analyses (Sr, Pb, O). The dates indicate that dental modification persisted for at least 600 years (cal. A.D. 990–1646). The relatively heavy oxygen isotopes in the sampled teeth are consistent with Ecuador as a place of origin for the four individuals assayed, but strontium isotopes are quite varied, from 0.70462 to 0.70777 indicating that they did not reside in the same geographical area. Interestingly, the observed variations in strontium isotopes in the four individuals are lower than the modeled 87Sr/86Sr for the region. The values suggest the individuals resided in terrains with volcanic bedrock, which are abundant in Ecuador, yet their influence on the strontium isoscapes is not well represented by the published regional models. This analysis highlights the utility of multiple methods in bioarchaeology and biogeochemistry to investigate “orphaned” museum collections.
 
 En Sudamérica, la mayor parte de los ejemplos de modificación dental surgen de Ecuador; sin embargo, ninguno de estos casos ha sido fechados utilizando análisis de radiocarbono y pocos están asociados con contextos o materiales culturales. De hecho, varios dientes y cráneos modificados están localizados en colecciones museísticas y han sido divorciados de sus entornos culturales y temporales originales, generalmente con la suposición que limitan la posibilidad interpretativa de estos individuos. Nosotros utilizamos varios métodos bioarqueológicos y biogeoquímicos para investigar los orígenes temporales y geográficos de siete cráneos con modificaciones dentales ubicados en el Museo Antropológico y Arte Contemporáneo en Guayaquil, Ecuador. Nosotros identificamos varias formas de modificaciones dentales, incluyendo incrustaciones y aplicaciones dentales, incisiones de líneas y avulsión dental anterior. Adicionalmente, los dientes modificados de cuatro individuos fueron muestreados para fechar con análisis de radiocarbono y análisis isotópico (Sr, Pb, O). Las fechas indican que la modificación dental persistió durante por lo menos 600 años (990–1646 DC). Los isótopos de oxígeno relativamente pesados en los dientes muestreados son consistentes con Ecuador como lugar de origen para los cuatro individuos analizados, pero los isótopos de estroncio son bastante variados, de 0.70462 a 0.70777, lo que indica que no residían en la misma área geográfica. Las variaciones observadas en los isotopos de estroncio son más bajes de los 87Sr/86Sr modeladas para la región e indican que estos individuaos residían en regiones con la roca de fondo volcánica. Las rocas volcánicas son abundadas en Ecuador y aparentemente no está bien representadas en los modelos. Aún más, esta es la primera evidencia bioarqueológica sugerente de avulsión dental en Ecuador prehispánico. Finalmente, este análisis resalta la utilidad de métodos mixtos en bioarqueología y biogeoquímica para investigar colecciones museísticas que han “quedado huérfanas”.

Seasonal-To-Interannual Variability of Sea-Surface Temperatures in The Inter-Americas Seas: Pattern-Dependent Biases in The Regional Ocean Modeling System

The Inter-Americas Seas (IAS), involving the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean and a section of the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean bordering Central America, Colombia and Ecuador, exhibits very active ocean-land-atmosphere interactions that impact socio-economic activities within and beyond the region, and that are still not well understood or represented in state-of-the-art models. On seasonal-to-interannual timescales, the main source of variability of this geographical area is related to interactions between the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans, involving to anomalous sea-surface temperature (SST) patterns like El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), and regional features in the Caribbean linked to the bi-modal seasonality of the Caribbean Low-Level Jet. This study investigates seasonal-to-interannual IAS surface-temperature anomalies in observations, and their representation in am eddy-permitting, 1/9o-resolution simulation using the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS), interannually-forced by the Climate Forecast System Reanalysis. Here, rather than analyzing model biases locally (i.e., gridbox-by-gridbox), a non-local SST pattern-based diagnostic was conducted via a principal component analysis. The approach allowed to identify magnitude, variance and spatial systematic errors in SST patterns related to the Western Hemisphere Warm Pool, ENSO, the Inter-American Seas Dipole, and several other variability modes. These biases are mainly related to errors in surface heat fluxes, misrepresentation of air-sea interactions impacting surface latent cooling in the Caribbean, and too strong sub-surface thermal stratification, mostly off the coast of Ecuador and northern Peru.

Impacts of Climate Change on the Precipitation and Streamflow Regimes in Equatorial Regions: Guayas River Basin

The effects of climate change projected for 2050 to 2079 relative to the 1968–2014 reference period were evaluated using 39 CMIP5 models under the RCP8.5 emissions scenario in the Guayas River basin. The monthly normalized precipitation index (SPI) was used in this study to assess the impact of climate change for wet events and droughts from a meteorological perspective. The GR2M model was used to project changes in the streamflow of the Daule River. The climate projection was based on the four rigorously selected models to represent the climate of the study area. On average, an increase in temperature (~2 °C) and precipitation (~6%) is expected. A 7% increase in precipitation would result in a 10% increase in streamflow for flood periods, while an 8% decrease in precipitation could result in approximately a 60% reduction in flow for dry periods. The analysis of droughts shows that they will be more frequent and prolonged in the highlands (Andes) and the middle part of the basin. In the future, wet periods will be less frequent but of greater duration and intensity on the Ecuadorian coast. These results point to future problems such as water deficit in the dry season but also increased streamflow for floods during the wet season. This information should be taken into account in designing strategies for adaptation to climate change.

Bluetongue Virus Infections in Cattle Herds of Manabí Province of Ecuador.

Bluetongue (BT) is a viral disease transmitted by Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) to domestic and wild ruminants. Infections in cattle are mainly subclinical, but severe necrotic and hemorrhagic illness and death may occur depending on the strain of the virus and other factors; cattle act as a reservoir for the virus. Although the Ecuadorian coast has climatic conditions that favor the presence of the vector, there are few serologic or virologic BTV studies available. Manabí is a coastal province in which livestock farming is mostly implemented in the northern part. We conducted two studies to assess, for the first time, the presence of active BTV infections in Manabí province. We collected 430 serum samples from 38 randomly selected farms between March and July 2019 to perform BTV competitive ELISA. In addition, six seropositive farms were selected to place eight sentinel BTV-naive calves. All these calves were blood sampled and the presence of BTV RNA and antibodies was tested for by RT-PCR and competitive ELISA, respectively, once a week for 6–8 weeks until seroconversion was evidenced. A high individual seroprevalence (99%) was obtained, and all investigated farms had BTV seropositive animals. All sentinel calves became BTV viremic and seroconverted. The first viremia appeared after 2–5 weeks from arrival at the farm; they seroconverted 1–3 weeks later. We demonstrate for the first time that there is a high level of BTV circulation north of Manabí, with active infections on these farms. Integrated control strategies such as hygienic measures on farms to reduce midge populations would be advisable for the owners as mitigation measures.

Salacia juradoi (Celastraceae), a new species from coastal Ecuador

Salacia juradoi (Celastraceae), a new species of tree from the forest remnants of Guayaquil in coastal Ecuador, is here described and illustrated, and the affinities with closely morphologically related taxa is commented. The conservation status of Salacia juradoi is here assessed as Endangered.

Social capital and its relationship with malnutrition and anemia in children from rural coastal Ecuador.

Social capital is considered an important determinant of health and overall wellbeing; however, to the best of the authors' knowledge, literature relating social capital to malnutrition in developing countries is still relatively small. This article examines the relationships between social capital and chronic malnutrition and anemia in a population of rural coastal children in Ecuador. A cross-sectional study in two groups of 246 and 282 children under 5 years and their families was performed. Anemia and chronic malnutrition were analyzed as outcome variables. Variables about social capital were identified on the basis of the Social Capital Assessment Tool of the World Bank. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted. The prevalences of anemia and chronic malnutrition in the children were 15.0% and 12.8%, respectively. At the multivariate analysis, the variable 'mother has borrowed money' had an inverse association with chronic malnutrition (prevalence ratio (PR) 0.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.20-0.90). Receiving and providing help after the earthquake of 2016 was significantly associated with a lower prevalence of chronic malnutrition (PR 0.52, 95%CI 0.28-0.97), but not with anemia. However, a mother being part of a community organization was associated with a 1.90 times higher prevalence of anemia (95%CI 1.04-3.48) in children than mothers who were not part of a community organization. The relationship between maternal social capital and the nutritional status of their children in rural communities seems to be positively related. However, a mother's participation in community organizations increases the prevalence of anemia in the children. These mixed results highlight the need for further studies focused on the different types of social capital and how they impact on health in deprived areas.

A dengue outbreak in a rural community in Northern Coastal Ecuador: An analysis using unmanned aerial vehicle mapping.

Dengue is recognized as a major health issue in large urban tropical cities but is also observed in rural areas. In these environments, physical characteristics of the landscape and sociodemographic factors may influence vector populations at small geographic scales, while prior immunity to the four dengue virus serotypes affects incidence. In 2019, a rural northwestern Ecuadorian community, only accessible by river, experienced a dengue outbreak. The village is 2–3 hours by boat away from the nearest population center and comprises both Afro-Ecuadorian and Indigenous Chachi households. We used multiple data streams to examine spatial risk factors associated with this outbreak, combining maps collected with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), an entomological survey, a community census, and active surveillance of febrile cases. We mapped visible water containers seen in UAV images and calculated both the green-red vegetation index (GRVI) and household proximity to public spaces like schools and meeting areas. To identify risk factors for symptomatic dengue infection, we used mixed-effect logistic regression models to account for the clustering of symptomatic cases within households. We identified 55 dengue cases (9.5% of the population) from 37 households. Cases peaked in June and continued through October. Rural spatial organization helped to explain disease risk. Afro-Ecuadorian (versus Indigenous) households experience more symptomatic dengue (OR = 3.0, 95%CI: 1.3, 6.9). This association was explained by differences in vegetation (measured by GRVI) near the household (OR: 11.3 95% 0.38, 38.0) and proximity to the football field (OR: 13.9, 95% 4.0, 48.4). The integration of UAV mapping with other data streams adds to our understanding of these dynamics.

Landscape Structure and Seasonality: Effects on Wildlife Species Richness and Occupancy in a Fragmented Dry Forest in Coastal Ecuador

Despite high fragmentation and deforestation, little is known about wildlife species richness and occurrence probabilities in tropical dry forest (TDF) landscapes. To fill this gap in knowledge, we used a Sentinel-2-derived land-cover map, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data and a multi-species occupancy model to correct for detectability to assess the effect of landscape characteristics on medium and large mammal occurrence and richness in three TDF areas that differ in disturbance and seasonality in Ecuador. We recorded 15 species of medium and large mammals, distributed in 12 families; 1 species is critically Endangered, and 2 are Near-Threatened. The results indicate that species occupancy is related to low forest cover and high vegetation seasonality (i.e., high difference in NDVI between the wet and dry seasons). We believe that the apparent negative effect of forest cover is an indicator of species tolerance for disturbance. The three sampling areas varied from 98% to 40% forest cover, yet species richness and occupancy were not significantly different among them. Vegetation seasonality indicates that more seasonal forests (i.e., those where most tree species lose their leaves during the dry season) tend to have higher mammal species occupancy compared to less seasonal, semi-deciduous forests. Overall, occupancy did not vary between the dry and wet seasons, but species-specific data indicate that some species exhibit higher occupancy during the wet season. This research offers a good understanding of mammal species’ responses to habitat disturbance and fragmentation in TDFs and provides insights to promote their conservation.

Origins of Galápagos’ land-locked vertebrates: what, whence, when, how?

AbstractBased on a synthesis of new molecular phylogenetic data, a detailed review is presented for the origins of the Galápagos’ native land-locked vertebrates [42 species; 11 clades: geckos (3), lava lizards (2), giant tortoises (1), iguanas (1), racer snakes (1) and oryzomyine rodents (3)]. Nine groups have roots in coastal Ecuador and Peru and would have been transported to the archipelago on rafts, many on the Humboldt Current. Inferring the sources of the giant tortoises, which probably floated over unaided, and the iguanas is more challenging because their closest living relatives occupy ground remote from the Pacific. Acknowledging uncertainties with the age-dating of both the phylogenetic tree nodes and the landmass emergences, seven, probably eight, of the colonizations likely involved beachings on the modern-day islands within the last 4 Myr. Three, possibly four, of the earlier arrivals may have been on now-submerged landmasses that were created by the Galápagos volcanic hotspot. Alternatively, the true sister taxa of the Galápagos species could be extinct and these colonizations, too, are more recent. This is likely for the giant tortoises. The assembled data set hints at the oldest/youngest clades showing the highest/lowest levels of diversification, although other factors also exert an influence.

Characterizing ozone throughout the atmospheric column over the tropical Andes from in situ and remote sensing observations

In this study, we characterize atmospheric ozone over the tropical Andes in the boundary layer, the free troposphere, and the stratosphere; we quantify each contribution to total column ozone, and we evaluate the performance of the multi-sensor reanalysis (MSR2) in the region. Thus, we present data taken in Ecuador and Peru (2014–2019). The contribution from the surface was determined by integrating ozone concentrations measured in Quito and Cuenca (Ecuador) up to boundary layer height. In addition, tropospheric and stratospheric column ozone were quantified from ozone soundings (38) launched from Quito during the study time period. Profiles were compared against soundings at Natal (SHADOZ network) for being the closest observational reference with sufficient data in 2014–2019. Data were also compared against stratospheric mixing ratios from the Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (Aura MLS). Findings demonstrate that the stratospheric component of total column ozone over the Andes (225.2 ± 8.9 Dobson Units [DU]) is at similar levels as those observed at Natal (223.3 ± 8.6 DU), and observations are comparable to Aura MLS data. In contrast, the tropospheric contribution is lower over the Andes (20.2 ± 4.3 DU) when compared to Natal (35.4 ± 6.4 DU) due to a less deep and cleaner troposphere. From sounding extrapolation of Quito profiles down to sea level, we determined that altitude deducts about 5–7 DU from the total column, which coincides with a 3%–4% overestimation of the MSR2 over Quito and Marcapomacocha (Peru). In addition, when MSR2 data are compared along a transect that crosses from the Amazon over Quito, the Ecuadorian coast side, and into the Pacific, observations are not significantly different among the three first locations. Results point to coarse reanalysis resolution not being suitable to resolve the formidable altitude transition imposed by the Andes mountain chain. This work advances our knowledge of atmospheric ozone over the study region and provides a robust time series of upper air measurements for future evaluations of satellite and reanalysis products.

Selection of self-compatible progenies of high productivity cocoa in the Ecuadorian coast

Cocoa in Ecuador is one of the main crops of economic importance, mainly for small and medium farmers on the coast. Sexual self-compatibility is one of the most important criteria for the selection of clonal plants from members of hybrid progeny. Trees with higher levels of self-compatibility are those that tend to produce earlier compared to self-compatible ones. The study consisted of selecting 333 trees from a group of 71 hybrid progenies, based on selection criteria such as productivity and health during 5 years of evaluation (2002-2007) and thus determining the level of self-compatibility per individual within a group of hybrid progenies. of cocoa, estimate the level of self-compatibility of the hybrid progeny under study and its relationship with yield and select self-compatible trees with high productivity. Binomial test was used, which determined a minimum of 30% of successful pollinations. The 0.05% probability level was considered as the compatibility threshold of each tree. For hybrid progenies, at least 70% of their individuals must present this characteristic, for which data were recorded at three, seven and fifteen days respectively, in order to have more precision in the process of fruit initial development and performance. The results showed that there was a wide variability regarding the self-compatibility level of the individuals within all the studied families. Only 3 of 71 studied families had a sufficient number of self-compatible individuals to be classified likewise. However, their average performance was not necessarily superior to other families that were self-compatible. On the other hand, it could also be confirmed that the compatibility of a tree, clone or cross can change its percentage of fertilization according to time and environmental conditions.

Algae on coral rocky reefs as indicators of disturbances along the Ecuadorian coast

We present an analysis of algal communities of two coral rocky reefs of the Ecuadorian coast. This study aims to determine which algae classify best two sites with different degrees of disturbance, considering the spatio-temporal variation of algal groups (macroalgae and turf) using a random forest approach. 14 algae species were recorded, eight belong to Rhodophyta, five to Chlorophyta and four to Phaeophyta. Overall macroalgae coverage species displayed significant differences between sites, among months and the interaction Site*Month. Based on a random forest classification algorithm, we performed a systematic study of the interactions using the algal coverage values. Our data indicated that coral rocky reefs disturbance in these sites of the Ecuadorian coast can be classified by the interactions of Dictyota dichotoma, Lobophora variegata and algal turf. Results of this study indicated that lower diversity of macroalgae were associated with higher macroalgae coverage of L. variegata and the presence of turf algae in the disturbed site. The presence of D. dichotoma and lower coverage of turf was associated with the undisturbed site. Our results evidence the interaction among algal turf and macroalgae on coral rocky reefs and exhibits them as indicators of disturbances along the coral rocky reef systems. Results from random forest analysis revealed that, with presence of Dictyota dichotoma, turf can function as a healthy alternate state at undisturbed sites.

Cultural sustainability and community water management in coastal Ecuador: jagüeyes or albarradas and small dams or detention ponds

The objective of this article is to highlight the sustainability capacity of pre-Columbian water management systems called jagüeyes or albarradas (detention ponds) compared with modern technologies like dams which are used today in coastal Ecuador. These are compared using interdisciplinary field research, which included ethnographic fieldwork with an observation of participative action projects and a literature review. In the case of tapes (arroyo or small river dams made by farmers or farm owners), the lack of participation and inclusion of social actors and their cultural knowledge about nature is evident. This regional study underlines how the albarradas system achieves long-term sustainability because it is an appropriate technology for the local communal ecosystem with which it is associated. This experience opens up the opportunity to explore the difference between what is currently promoted as sustainability and an alternative form of sustainability which introduces the sociocultural strand in public actions on environmental intervention.

Attributes of the service that influence and predict satisfaction in typical gastronomy

Typical gastronomy is an essential component in the diversification of destinations and a way to understand the behavior of the modern tourist. The aims of this study are (i) to conduct an assessment of service attributes in typical food restaurants, (ii) to identify the service attributes that overall influence satisfaction in typical food restaurants, (iii) to establish the service attributes that influence and predict overall satisfaction in typical food restaurants. The investigation is located in the Guayas province, on the coast of Ecuador. Statistical tools such as Spearman's correlation coefficient and the step-by-step multiple regression method were used to analyze the data. The Results show that the food's taste and quality were most valued by visitors, who expressed a high level of satisfaction with typical food. Likewise, the attributes that influenced the visitors' general satisfaction were the prices and the taste and quality of the food. Meanwhile, the taste and quality of food and prices were the attributes that predicted satisfaction in typical food restaurants. These results demonstrate the importance of the flavor and quality attributes of food in this typology of restaurants. The theoretical and practical implications concerning tourist satisfaction in typical gastronomy are analyzed. It will also serve as valuable information to create management guides and to improve the quality of service.

Análisis descriptivo del síndrome metabólico en trabajadores de empresas en la costa ecuatoriana, 2017 y 2018

El Sindrome metabolico (SM) es un conjunto de alteraciones causadas por la combinacion de factores geneticos y ambientales, mala alimentacion e inactividad, que se relaciona con aumento del riesgo de diabetes, enfermedad coronaria y cerebrovascular, e incremento de mortalidad cardiovascular. Objetivo : Realizar un analisis descriptivo del SM segun los criterios del NCEP-ATP-III en trabajadores de empresas situadas en la costa ecuatoriana entre el ano 2017 y 2018. Metodologia: Descriptiva de corte transversal, la informacion fue obtenida de la base de datos de Biodimed con un total de 7550 personas, de ellos 5965 (79%) hombres y 1585 (21%) mujeres. Empleando criterios de NCEP-ATP-III para la definicion de SM y la clasificacion de diagnosticos medicos del CIE10. Resultados: La prevalencia del Sindrome Metabolico en la poblacion en estudio fue del 7,1% siendo el grupo etareo de 29 a 38 anos el que mayor porcentaje obtuvo; el 74% de las personas en estudio obtuvo un IMC superior a 30 y el 55,4% de ellos pasa el limite permitido del perimetro abdominal. Conclusion: El Sindrome Metabolico va en aumento, con mayor prevalencia en la edad adulta joven que no tiene estilos de vida saludables, como una adecuada alimentacion y ejercicio fisico regular.

Dietary Oily Fish Intake is Inversely Associated with Severity of White Matter Hyperintensities of Presumed Vascular Origin. A Population-Based Study in Frequent Fish Consumers of Amerindian Ancestry

BackgroundOily fish is a major dietary source of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and other nutrients that may reduce the expression of cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) biomarkers, including white matter hyperintensities (WMH) of presumed vascular origin. However, information on this relationship is limited. We aimed to assess the association between oily fish intake and WMH severity in a population of frequent fish consumers. MethodsThe study included 572 individuals aged ≥60 years living in three neighboring rural villages of coastal Ecuador. Dietary oily fish intake was calculated and all participants received a brain MRI. Logistic regression models, adjusted for demographics, level of education, cardiovascular risk factors and other cSVD biomarkers, were fitted to assess the independent association between amounts of oily fish intake and WMH severity. ResultsOverall, the mean intake of oily fish was 8.5 ± 4.7 servings per week, and 164 individuals (29%) had moderate-to-severe WMH (according to the modified Fazekas scale). A multivariate logistic regression model disclosed a significant inverse association between the amount of oily fish intake and the presence of moderate-to-severe WMH (OR: 0.89; 95% C.I.: 0.85–0.94; p < 0.001). Predictive margins revealed an almost linear inverse relationship between quartiles of oily fish intake and probabilities of WMH severity, which became significant when the 1st quartile was compared with the 3rd and 4th quartiles. ConclusionsIncreased amounts of oily fish intake are inversely associated with WMH severity. Further studies are warranted to determine whether oily fish intake reduces the risk of cSVD-related cerebrovascular complications.

Exploring the utility of social-ecological and entomological risk factors for dengue infection as surveillance indicators in the dengue hyper-endemic city of Machala, Ecuador.

The management of mosquito-borne diseases is a challenge in southern coastal Ecuador, where dengue is hyper-endemic and co-circulates with other arboviral diseases. Prior work in the region has explored social-ecological factors, dengue case data, and entomological indices. In this study, we bring together entomological and epidemiological data to describe links between social-ecological factors associated with risk of dengue transmission at the household level in Machala, Ecuador. Households surveys were conducted from 2014–2017 to assess the presence of adult Aedes aegypti (collected via aspiration) and to enumerate housing conditions, demographics, and mosquito prevention behaviors. Household-level dengue infection status was determined by laboratory diagnostics in 2014–2015. Bivariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify social-ecological variables associated with household presence of female Ae. aegypti and household dengue infection status, respectively. Aedes aegypti presence was associated with interruptions in water service and weekly trash collection, and household air conditioning was protective against mosquito presence. Presence of female Ae. aegypti was not associated with household dengue infections. We identified shaded patios and head of household employment status as risk factors for household-level dengue infection, while window screening in good condition was identified as protective against dengue infection. These findings add to our understanding of the systems of mosquito-borne disease transmission in Machala, and in the larger region of southern Ecuador, aiding in the development of improved vector surveillance efforts, and targeted interventions.