Gut bacterial communities in roadkill animals: A pioneering study of two species in the Amazon region in Ecuador.

Studying the microbial communities within the gastrointestinal tract of vertebrate species can provide insights into biodiversity, disease ecology, and conservation. Currently, we have very limited understanding of the composition of endogenous microbiota in wildlife, particularly in high biodiversity tropical areas. Knowledge is limited by the logistical and ethical challenges of obtaining samples for free-living animals.

Luminescence Properties of Samarium-Doped Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles and Cytotoxicity Assessment on SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cells.

Samarium-doped nanohydroxyapatite is a biomaterial with nerve regeneration activity and bioimaging. In this work, Sm/HAp; (Ca Sm (PO)(OH)) (0 ≤ ≤ 1) was synthesized using the hydrothermal method and thermally treated from 200 to 800 °C. The samples were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and luminescence spectroscopy.

Evaluating the Human Risks of Consumption of Foods of Bovine Origin with Ivermectin Residues in Ecuador.

Ivermectin is a widely used antiparasitic in livestock, but its use can result in residues in bovine products and excretions. The objective of the present study was to determine the presence of ivermectin residues in cattle meat, liver, milk, faeces, and urine and assess consumer risk from chronic exposure through contaminated bovine products using a deterministic approach. To determine the presence of ivermectin residues, 124 samples were analysed by liquid chromatography.

Underlying drivers of coral reef vulnerability to bleaching in the Mesoamerican Reef.

Coral bleaching, a consequence of stressed symbiotic relationships between corals and algae, has escalated due to intensified heat stress events driven by climate change. Despite global efforts, current early warning systems lack local precision. Our study, spanning 2015-2017 in the Mesoamerican Reef, revealed prevalent intermediate bleaching, peaking in 2017.

Drivers and evolution of acaricide resistance and multi-resistance in two Ecuador's subtropical livestock farming areas.

The management of cattle ticks, particularly Rhipicephalus microplus, poses a global challenge in subtropical regions like Ecuador due to its impact on meat and milk productivity, leading to economic losses. Misuse of acaricides has resulted in resistance and multi-resistance, diminishing their effectiveness. This study evaluated resistance to amitraz, alpha-cypermethrin, and ivermectin using the Larval Packet test, laboratory-reared tick larvae collected from cattle were tested.