Region Of Ecuador Research Articles

Seroprevalence and risk factors for infection with Bartonella bacilliformis in Loja province, Ecuador

The seroprevalence and epidemiology of Bartonella bacilliformis infection in the Andean highlands of Ecuador is largely unknown. We conducted a sero-epidemiologic survey of 319 healthy children aged 1–15 years living in six rural, mountain communities in Loja Province, Ecuador. Blood was collected by finger stick onto filter paper and dried, and the eluted sera analyzed for antibodies to B. bacilliformis by rPap31 ELISA. Demographic, entomologic, and household variables were assessed to investigate associated risk factors for antibody seropositivity to B. bacilliformis. Seroprevalence of 28% was found among children in the study communities. Increased risk of seropositivity was associated with the presence of lumber piles near houses. Decreased risk of seropositivity was observed with the presence of animal waste and incremental 100 meter increases in elevation. Although investigation of clinical cases of Carrion’s disease was not within the scope of this study, our serology data suggest that infection of children with B. bacilliformis is prevalent in this region of Ecuador and is largely unrecognized and undiagnosed. This study highlights the need to further investigate the prevalence, pathogenesis, epidemiology, and disease impact of this pathogen in Ecuador.

Genetic diversity of the HLA system in human populations from the Sierra (Andean), Oriente (Amazonian) and Costa (Coastal) regions of Ecuador

We studied HLA class I (HLA-A, -B) and class II (HLA-DRB1, -DQB1) alleles by PCR-SSP based typing in a total of 1101 Ecuadorian individuals from three regions of the country, the Coastal region, the Andean region, and the Amazonian region, to obtain information regarding allelic and haplotypic frequencies and their linkage disequilibrium. We find that the most frequent HLA haplotypes with significant linkage disequilibrium in those populations are HLA-A*24∼B*35∼DRB1*04∼DQB1*03:02, A*02∼B*35∼DRB1*04∼DQB1*03:02, A*24∼B*35∼DRB1*14∼DQB1*03:01, A*02∼B*35∼DRB1*14∼DQB1*03:01 and A*02∼B*40:02∼DRB1*04∼DQB1*03:02. The only non-Native American haplotype with frequency >1% shared by all groups was A*29∼B*44∼DRB1*07∼DQB1*02. Admixture estimates obtained by a maximum likelihood method using HLA-B as genetic estimator revealed that the main genetic components for this sample of mixed-ancestry Ecuadorians are Native American (ranging from 52.86% to 63.83%) and European (from 28.95% to 46.54%), while an African genetic component was only apparent in the Coastal region (18.19%). Our findings provide a starting point for the study of population immunogenetics of Ecuadorian populations.

Interculturality in the Language Class – Teachers’ Intercultural Practices in Ecuador

The purpose of this study is to identify how Ecuadorian university teachers of English as a foreign language (EFL) tackle intercultural teaching practice in their classrooms. To this end, we studied the reported intercultural practices of 68 EFL university teachers from Ecuadorian Region 4. Quantitative data drawn from a questionnaire were analysed through descriptive statistics. The results suggest that the activities put into practice emphasize the development of intercultural attitudes rather than knowledge or skills. Furthermore, the data indicate that these teachers often focus on the culture of certain English-speaking countries, but they do not pay sufficient attention to other foreign cultures and give little importance to the students’ local culture, and to the comparison between cultures. In conclusion, these teachers’ reported practices suggest they would benefit from using strategies to introduce and discuss interculturality in their lessons, to raise intercultural awareness and to help their students develop the appropriate skills to deal with intercultural encounters. Indications are provided in this respect.

The geographical patterns of distribution of the genus Teuthraustes Simon, 1878 in Ecuador and description of three new species (Scorpiones, Chactidae).

Three new species of scorpions belonging to the genus Teuthraustes Simon, 1878 (Scorpiones: Chactidae) are described from the Amazonian and Pacific regions of Ecuador. The new descriptions raise to four the number of Teuthraustes species in Ecuadorian Amazonia and raise to two the number of species described from the Pacific region. The total number of species of Teuthraustes is now 27, including 15 in Ecuador. The geographical distribution of the genus in Ecuador is enlarged and its pattern of distribution in the country is also commented upon.

On some minuscule spiders (Araneae: Theridiosomatidae, Symphytognathidae) from the Chocó region of Ecuador with the description of ten new species

The spider families Theridiosomatidae and Symphytognathidae found in the Chocó region of Ecuador are examined, a total of 16 and 69 adult specimens were collected respectively in a series of expeditions. In the family Theridiosomatidae, eight new species are described in four different genera; Chthonos kuyllur n. sp.; Naatlo mayzana n. sp.; Ogulnius laranka n. sp., O. paku n. sp.; Theridiosoma ankas n. sp., T. esmeraldas n. sp., T. kullki n. sp., and T. sacha n. sp. We present the first record of the family Symphytognathidae for Ecuador with the description of two new species in two different genera: Anapistula equatoriana n. sp. and Symphytognatha cabezota n. sp.

Developing a biocontrol strategy to protect stored potato tubers from infestation with potato tuber moth species in the Andean region

AbstractHeavy infestations of stored potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers by the two potato tuber moth species Symmetrischema tangolias (Gyen) and Tecia solanivora (Povolny) frequently occur in Andean potato‐growing regions of Ecuador. The aim of the study was to develop a biological control strategy for both species using powder formulations made of inert substances, Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) granulovirus (PhopGV) and Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner subsp. kurstaki (Btk). The LC50 of PhopGV on T. solanivora was 0.33 LE/L, and Btk caused 82.7% mortality at a concentration of 100 g/L in bioassays. The efficacy of talcum, kaolin, calcium carbonate and sand ranged between 76.2% and 98.7%. Calcium carbonate was highly effective to control both species; however, its efficacy was affected by the relative humidity and dropped to 55.4% at relative humidity of 100%. PhopGV at concentrations of five larvae equivalents (LE) per kg kaolin and Btk at a concentration of 60 g Btk/kg talcum caused 95.7% and 88.1% mortality of T. solanivora, respectively. In storage experiments, the efficacy of calcium carbonate alone and in combination with PhopGV (20 LE/kg) and Btk (15 g/kg) caused 95.0–99.8% mortality of T. solanivora in all treatments and reduced infestation on potato tubers by 83.6%–91.0%. In the case of S. tangolias, Btk significantly increased mortality to 96.5% compared with calcium carbonate alone and reduced tuber infestation by 83.4%. Storage of potato tubers in thin layers enhanced the efficacy of the calcium carbonate treatment compared with storage in bags. It was concluded that calcium carbonate alone seems to be appropriate for the control of T. solanivora, and an addition of 15 g Btk/kg would improve the control of S. tangolias. It is suggested to test these new formulations under on‐farm storage conditions.

MON-P268: Analysis of Serum Ferritin and Iron Concentration According to Nutritional Status and Sex in Children from the Andean Region of Ecuador

MON-P268: Analysis of Serum Ferritin and Iron Concentration According to Nutritional Status and Sex in Children from the Andean Region of Ecuador

April 2016 Ecuador Earthquake of Moment Magnitude M<sub>w</sub>7.8: Overview and Damage Report

The northern coastal region of Ecuador was affected by a moment magnitude Mw7.8 strong earthquake on April 16, 2016, with a recorded PGA of 1.41 g close to the epicenter. The earthquake was named “Pedernales” because the epicenter was near this small town located in the coastal province of Manabí, with a hypocentral depth of 21 km. Two strong aftershocks of Mw6.7 and Mw6.9 were felt a month later and they continued the destruction caused by the main event. Ecuador is located in a seismic zone with a long history of major earthquakes that have caused a lot of destruction in the last six centuries, the main seismic source comes from the subduction of the Nazca Plate under the South American Plate, but there are also crustal earthquakes and volcanism on the Andes Mountains that cross the country from north to south. In the northern coastal province of Esmeraldas a powerful earthquake of moment magnitude Mw8.8 was recorded in 1906, with a rupture area that has caused strong earthquakes in the 20th and 21st centuries. This paper describes the seismological aspects and the recorded strong ground motions, the geotechnical and infrastructure performance, site amplification and liquefaction on a few places, structural damage and collapse of buildings, extensive non-structural damage (mainly large damage to masonry walls) at high-rise buildings in cities near (100 km) and far away (270 km) from the epicenter, due to local soil conditions and flexible framed reinforced concrete structures.

Chemical profile and anti-leishmanial activity of three Ecuadorian propolis samples from Quito, Guayaquil and Cotacachi regions

Three propolis samples were collected from different regions of Ecuador (Quito, Guayaquil and Cotacachi) and their methanolic extracts were prepared. Preliminary information supplied by TLC and NMR data, allowed us to define two main types of propolis: Cotacachi propoli sample (CPS), rich in flavonoids and Quito and Guayaquil samples (QPS and GPS) containing triterpenic alcohols and acetyl triterpenes as the main constituents. Two different approaches based on RP-HPLC preparative procedure and NMR structural determination (CPS) and GC–MS analysis (QPS and GPS) were successfully used for the chemical characterization of their major compounds. All three propolis extracts were able to inhibit Leishmania amazonensis growth but propolis sample rich in flavonoids was the most active (IC50=17.1±1.7μg/mL). In the literature this is the first study on propolis from Ecuador.

Fuzzy Logic Methods to Evaluate the Quality of Life in the Regions of Ecuador

Purpose: The aim of this paper is to propose a methodological framework that calculates a synthetic indicator of satisfaction of citizens of the nine geographical areas of planning and development of Ecuador (zones).Methodology/Approach: The methodology is based on fuzzy logic and the degree of similarity to ideal solutions. The information is obtained through the application of a structured survey based on the European Social Survey to the Ecuadorian society. The analysis is based on eight different dimensions of satisfaction, namely: (1) Life; (2) Economy; (3) City Government; (4) Transparency; (5) Education; (6) Health System; (7) Roads; and (8) National Government.Findings: The results obtained help different stakeholders to have important insights about how the citizens’ quality of life and satisfaction depend to some extent on important public services that form the pillars of the social welfare, education and health system. However, our results also suggest that other areas of Ecuador can also benefit from the improvement of the policies developed by the local governments.Research Limitation/implication: An important research limitation is based on the limited number of segment variables used in the study, the geographical zones. Thus, an important venue for future research can be envisaged including other interesting traits analyzed by other scholars, like access to the internet, the social class or the size of the city.Originality/Value of paper: The analysis of individual satisfaction and citizens’ quality of life is paramount by the existing interdependence with social cohesion that exists nowadays in Ecuador.

Cardiometabolic risk factors, metabolic syndrome and pre-diabetes in adolescents in the Sierra region of Ecuador

BackgroundExcess weight (overweight and obesity) is the major modifiable risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and other non-communicable diseases. However, excess weight may not be as predictive of diabetes risk as once thought. While excess weight and other obesity-related non-communicable diseases are of growing concern in low-middle income countries in Latin America, there is limited research on risk factors associated with T2DM in adolescents. This study investigated prevalence of overweight, obesity, prediabetes, diabetes and metabolic syndrome in adolescents in Ecuador.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with 433 adolescents from two schools in a small urban center in southern Ecuador and two schools in a large urban center in Quito. Risk factors were measured, including: height, weight, BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, fasting glucose, lipid panel, and HbA1c. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was separately applied to risk factors and demographic factors as a set of dependent variables with sex, location and their interaction included as predictors. An independent t test was run on the data at 95% confidence intervals for the mean difference. The values for the triglycerides, LDL and VLDL were positively skewed. A Mann–Whitney U test was run on these data.ResultsUsing IOTF standards, 9.8% were overweight and 1.9% were obese. Only 1.6% of the sample met the criteria for prediabetes by fasting glucose but 12.4% of the sample met the criteria for prediabetes by HbA1c. None of the participants met criteria for diabetes. There were 2.3% of the participants that met the IDF criteria for metabolic syndrome. Adolescents from the larger urban center had higher rates of prediabetes, higher mean HbA1c, blood pressure, lipid values, and lower HDL levels.ConclusionsUse of HbA1c identified more adolescents with prediabetes than FBG. The HbA1c measure is an attractive screening tool for prediabetes in developing countries. Although rates of obesity in Ecuadorian adolescents are low there is significant evidence to suggest that prediabetes is permeating the smaller urban centers. Traditional screening tools may underestimate this risk.

Assembly of Matted Panels with Guadua Cane (Angustifolia Kunth), for Construction of Houses in the Province of Manabí

In some regions of Ecuador, mainly in the rural areas, the bamboo cane (Angustifolia Kunth), is presented as a renewable natural resource par excellence, which has ecological importance, the wood obtained from this plant is used since very ancient times in the construction of Housing, its technology has not changed in several years. Its industrialization is restricted, due to different factors, mainly because the natural characteristics of the material are unknown, such as age, moisture content, soil nutrients, and treatment after cutting, among others. Knowing these elements can be implemented technologies for the cutting and sterilization of the wood obtained from these plantations and develops a national technology for the construction of housing for social use, thereby achieving an impact on society by having more comfortable, safe and economic facilities. The objective of the research is to propose machine tools that allow creating panels for the construction of houses with higher quality, improving with it the living conditions of many populations in Ecuador, mainly in the province of Manabi, being a territory that does not have machines Suitable for the processing of bamboo cane.

Evaluation ofCucumis sativusontogeny in open field, low, medium and high cost greenhouses in warm tropical regions of Ecuador

Evaluation of<i>Cucumis sativus</i>ontogeny in open field, low, medium and high cost greenhouses in warm tropical regions of Ecuador

Collaborating with Communities and Higher Education to Address the Health-care Needs of Individuals with Disabilities in Ecuador.

Individuals with disabilities experience inequities in access to health care, education, employment, and social inclusion. Causes for Change International (CCI), a non-governmental Organization (NGO), using a community-based rehabilitation approach has worked for 20 years to build self-sufficiency, improve health-care services, and education for women, children, and persons with disabilities in Ecuador. CCI initially addressed health; advocacy for individuals with disabilities; and promoted educational opportunities for children with disabilities, starting in one rural community. CCI’s outreach has expanded through Ecuador’s coastal provinces, Andean provinces, and Galapagos Islands. CCI also focused on local health-care workforce development, developing employment skills for individuals with disabilities and social inclusion for this population. CCI collaborated with local organizations, government, and universities to provide resources, managed by local leadership. Key program elements of the CCI approach include (1) develop trust between CCI, local communities, local agencies, and government; (2) empower local groups to assume leadership and sustain programs; (3) support communities and groups invested in developing self-sufficiency; and (4) strengthen collaborations and partnerships between local and international organizations, universities, and government agencies. Key lessons learned by CCI are to be supportive of cultural differences; understand that limited financial and material resources may limit the program development; recognize that it is difficult not to foster dependent relationships with communities and appreciate the importance of working with and within the host country’s governmental systems. CCI is expanding its service base to other regions of Ecuador and is focusing on development of the Ecuadorian health-care workforce and social inclusion opportunities for individuals with disability. The efforts of a small NGO have helped build community self-sufficiency in meeting the health care and rehabilitation needs of all Ecuadorian citizens and a greater awareness of the abilities and potential contributions of individuals with disabilities.

Adverse Environmental Effects of Tourism on Communities in the Ecuadorian Highlands Region

The objective of this study is to determine the adverse environmental effects of tourism activities on various heritage populations located in the sierra or Andean highlands region of Ecuador. The effects being studied have been classified into impacts on the physical, abiotic, biotic, socio-culture and economic environment. The automated method using RIAM (Rapid Impact Assessment Matrix) software was employed in this analysis, which required the preparation of a baseline study in the small communities evaluated. A social perception survey was conducted of local residents regarding tourism, assisted by International University of Ecuador students fulfilling practical coursework requirements. Based on the conclusions of the case studies, some strategic proposals and recommendations were developed that can be incorporated into sustainable tourism management plans in communities with natural and cultural heritage values.

Overview of the Anyphaenids (Araneae, Anyphaeninae, Anyphaenidae) spider fauna from the Chocó forest of Ecuador, with the description of thirteen new species

The spider diversity of the family Anyphaenidae in premontane, low evergreen montane and cloud forest from the Chocó region of Ecuador is examined. A total of 287 adult specimens were collected and 19 morphospecies were identified based on male specimens. Thirteen new species are described and one new genus is proposed. Five new species are described in the genus Katissa Brescovit, 1997: Katissa kurusiki sp. nov., K. puyu sp. nov., K. tamya sp. nov., K. yaya sp. nov. and K. guyasamini sp. nov. The new genus Shuyushka gen. nov. is proposed and includes three species: Shuyushka achachay gen. et sp. nov., S. moscai gen. et sp. nov. and S. wachi gen. et sp. nov. Finally, five species are described in the genus Patrera Simon, 1903: P. hatunkiru sp. nov., P. philipi sp. nov., P. suni sp. nov., P. shida sp. nov. and P. witsu sp. nov. New records are provided for Patrera fulvastra Simon, 1903 and Josa nigrifrons Simon, 1897.

Awareness, Comprehension, and Use of Newly-Mandated Nutrition Labels Among Mestiza and Indigenous Ecuadorian Women in the Central Andes Region of Ecuador.

In 2014, Ecuador became the first country in Latin America to adopt the nutritional traffic light labeling system as a public policy aimed at guiding informed food choices. To describe the differences in comprehension and use of the new nutrition label in 2 different ethnic populations residing in a limited resource area of central Ecuador. A total of 394 women (18-75 years, 54.8% indigenous and 45.2% mixed-race mestizas) were randomly selected in the Chimborazo Province and were requested by a questionnaire to provide information regarding their awareness and comprehension of the traffic light nutritional labeling system and personal use of the food label in food selection. Indigenous women had a high percentage who lacked any formal education (43.5%) and a greater proportion were not aware of the labeling system when compared with the mestizas (84.3% vs 46%; P = .001). In both groups, the main reason for not reading labels was lack of understanding of its meaning (50% indigenous vs 32.7% mestiza; P < .05). The reported use of the labeling system for food choices was low-on average, 32% of the mestizas and 5% of the indigenous women reported using nutrition label information to guide their purchase and consumption of packaged food items. The use of nutritional labeling is low in both mestiza and indigenous Ecuadorians, although higher among the mestizas. Among the indigenous women, mostly likely owing to less education, limited nutrition-related health knowledge, and higher risk for food insecurity, the utility of the new traffic light food label is limited.

Syphilis and HIV/Syphilis Co-infection Among Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM) in Ecuador.

There is a reemergence of syphilis in the Latin American and Caribbean region. There is also very little information about HIV/Syphilis co-infection and its determinants. The aim of this study is to investigate knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding sexually transmitted infections (STIs), in particular syphilis infection and HIV/Syphilis co-infection, as well as to estimate the prevalence of syphilis among men who have sex with men (MSM) in a city with one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in Ecuador. In this study, questionnaires were administered to 291 adult MSM. Questions included knowledge about STIs and their sexual practices. Blood samples were taken from participants to estimate the prevalence of syphilis and HIV/syphilis co-infection. In this population, the prevalence of HIV/syphilis co-infection was 4.8%, while the prevalence of syphilis as mono-infection was 6.5%. Participants who had syphilis mono-infection and HIV/syphilis co-infection were older. Men who had multiple partners and those who were forced to have sex had increased odds of syphilis and HIV/syphilis co-infection. A high prevalence of syphilis and self-reported STI was observed, which warrants targeted behavioral interventions. Co-infections are a cause for concern when treating a secondary infection in a person who is immunocompromised. These data suggest that specific knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among MSM are associated with increased odds of STIs (including HIV/syphilis co-infections) in this region of Ecuador.

Lepanthopsis kayi(Pleurothallidinae, Orchidaceae), a New Species from Eastern Ecuador

Abstract. Lepanthopsis kayi, a new species from the Amazonas region in Ecuador, is described, illustrated, compared with similar species, and its generic placement discussed. Lepanthopsis kayi is distinguished from all other species in the genus by the combination of ramicauls shorter than the leaf, with glabrous sheaths with the ribs and ostia thickened, and a very congested inflorescence bearing many overlapping, simultaneous flowers arranged in two opposite-facing ranks, the flowers with a proportionally very large, densely pubescent lip, ca. 50 percent longer than the lateral sepals.

Ptyctimous mites (Acari, Oribatida) of Ecuador (South America)

ABSTRACTTill recently, 59 species of ptyctimous mites were recorded from Ecuador, most of them exclusively from the Sierra and Oriente regions. The number of species of limited distributions, endemic or indigenous is very low, the majority of them are widely distributed in the Neotropical Region or are pantropical or semicosmopolitan. We processed 47 soil samples collected from the three main regions of Ecuador (Costa, Sierra and Oriente) and found 292 specimens of ptyctimous mites. In total, 28 species were identified; among them three species that are new for science and 11 that are new records for the mite fauna of Ecuador. The new species, Mesoplophora (Parplophora) fusiformis Niedbała sp. nov. Austrophthicarus obtusus Niedbała sp. nov. and Notophthiracarus paraschizocomus Niedbała sp. nov., are described and figured. Some morphological comments are given on four known species: Acrotritia brasiliana (Mahunka, 1983), A. clavata (Märkel, 1964), Arphthicarus saucius (Niedbała, 1988) and Atropacarus (Hoplophorella) andrei (Balogh, 1958). Apart from three new and one endemic species (Notophthiracarus ecphylus Niedbała & Illig, 2007) found in this study, the majority of species found are widely distributed in Neotropical region.http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:41852ADB-27DE-4E16-9159-CBF3FFBF19E3http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:94C5B42C-05E0-4830-A07A-1AE2E4072EB4http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:7D763213-19DC-43DC-B011-C2906ACC96F0