Considerable attention has been directed to studying the infection dynamics of the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) affecting amphibians in the high elevations of the Neotropics. However, lowland forests of the same realm remain comparatively understudied in this context. Herein, we attempt to bridge this gap by measuring the prevalence of Bd via quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in several anuran taxa inhabiting the Amazonian lowlands in the northeast of Ecuador.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAlthough the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020 had some environmental benefits, the pandemic's impact on the global economy has also had conservation repercussions, especially in biodiverse nations. Ecuador, which is heavily reliant on petroleum, agricultural exports, and ecotourism, experienced a rise in poverty in response to pandemic shutdowns. In this study, we sought to quantify levels of illegal timber extraction and poaching before and after the start of COVID-19 lockdowns throughout two protected areas (Reserva Jama Coaque [JCR] and Bosque Seco Lalo Loor [BSLL]) in the endangered Pacific Forest of Ecuador.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: The Tropical Andes is the world's most biodiverse hotspot. This region contains >1,000 amphibian species, more than half of which are endemic. Herein we describe two new glassfrog species (Centrolenidae: ) that we discovered within relatively unexplored and isolated localities of the Ecuadorian Andes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Children with CF have been reported to consume significantly more energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods than controls where there are now concerns of inadequate micronutrient intake. There are no current or comprehensive dietary studies assessing micronutrient intake in CF children.
Objectives: To evaluate micronutrient intake in children with CF compared to recommended dietary intakes (RDIs).
Background: Prescription of a high-energy, high-fat diet is a mainstay of nutrition management in cystic fibrosis (CF). However, families may be relying on energy-dense, nutrient-poor (EDNP) foods rather than nutrient-dense (ND) foods to meet dietary targets. We aimed to evaluate the relative contribution of EDNP and ND foods to the usual diets of children with CF and identify sociodemographic factors associated with higher EDNP intakes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: This study investigated the nature and extent of unhealthy food, beverage, alcohol and gambling sponsors of children's sport development programs.
Methods: Websites of junior development sport programs (n=56) associated with sporting organisations that received funding from the Australian Sporting Commission were analysed. Sponsors were considered unhealthy if they were alcohol or gambling companies or sold food and/or beverages that failed independent nutrition criteria.