Syndemic, mental health and living with dependent persons in Latin America and Spain: a study with a gender perspective.

Objective: To analyze the sociostructural determinants associated with mental health problems during the lockdown period among populations residing in Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, and Spain who lived with minors or dependents, approached from a gender perspective.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in six participating countries via an adapted, self-managed online survey. People living with minors and/or dependents were selected.

Evaluation of the evidence-based practices for the management of PCOS in the Latin America context: the consensus of the Latin American Association of Gynecological Endocrinology (ALEG).

Objectives: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex condition affecting approximately 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. However, limited data are available regarding the specific characteristics and needs of women with PCOS in Latin America. This consensus sought to evaluate the evidence-based practices for the management of PCOS for Latin American populations, consolidate regional insights, identify eventual gaps in implementation and identify key research opportunities.

Bryophytes as Indicators of Disturbance in One of the Last Remnants of the Mountain Forests of El Oro Province, Ecuador.

Epiphytic bryophytes are an important component in terms of the diversity and functioning of montane forests known as biodiversity hotspots. Bryophytes are highly dependent on their external environments because they are sensitive to environmental changes related to disturbance, fragmentation, air pollution, and climate change. The richness and composition of bryophytes in remnants of primary and secondary forests were analyzed, where the richness and cover were recorded on trunk bases of 120 trees.

Physical-Chemical Characterization of Fruit Harvested at Different Maturity Stages of Grafted Yellow Pitahaya ( Haw.).

The physicochemical properties of fruits at different maturity stages using grafting technology are of great importance since grafting can alter the nutritional and functional parameters of the fruit. In this study, grafted yellow pitahaya ( Haw.) fruit, grown on live tutors, was evaluated from stages 0 to 5.

Enhancing Acclimatization Conditions for 'Fire': A Comparative Analysis of Substrate Effects on Growth and Survival.

This study investigates the acclimatization success of 'Fire', a popular ornamental bromeliad, through in vitro propagation on various substrates. Due to the increasing demand for , micropropagation offers a promising solution to overcome the limitations of traditional propagation methods. In this research, acclimatization was conducted in two trial types: in the one-step greenhouse conditions, and in two-step acclimatization, which introduced a controlled laboratory step before transferring plants to the greenhouse.

Psychoneurological Links Contributing to Body Mass Index and Eating Disorder Severity.

Background-objectives: Multiple dynamic interacting factors contribute to the presence and progression of eating disorders (ED). Empirical research has provided mixed findings regarding the mechanisms explaining the contribution of body mass index (BMI) to the diverse ED endophenotypes. The present study aims to evaluate the underlying processes (direct and indirect effects) contributing to BMI and ED severity, considering the contribution of multiple neuropsychological constructs.

A Comprehensive Review of Vision-Based Sensor Systems for Human Gait Analysis.

Analysis of the human gait represents a fundamental area of investigation within the broader domains of biomechanics, clinical research, and numerous other interdisciplinary fields. The progression of visual sensor technology and machine learning algorithms has enabled substantial developments in the creation of human gait analysis systems. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the advancements and recent findings in the field of vision-based human gait analysis systems over the past five years, with a special emphasis on the role of vision sensors, machine learning algorithms, and technological innovations.

Prevalence and Individualized Risk Factors of and Infections Among People Living with HIV (PLHIV) with Diarrhea in Ecuador: Insights from a Single-Center Cross-Sectional Study.

: Microsporidia, particularly and , are emerging opportunistic pathogens that pose significant health risks to immunocompromised individuals, especially people living with HIV (PLHIV). Despite the global recognition of microsporidia's impact, there has been limited research on their prevalence and associated risk factors in Ecuador. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and identify risk factors associated with microsporidia infections among PLHIV with diarrhea in Ecuador.

Hemoadsorption in Multiorgan Failure Due to Viscerocutaneous Loxoscelism.

: The bite of the Loxosceles spider is a public health problem around the world, mainly in Latin America. The viscerocutaneous presentation is related to the inoculation of toxins (phospholipase-D) that generates a systemic inflammatory reaction with a subsequent increase in cytokines and chemokines. Hemoadsorption is proposed as a therapy that allows for the removal of the toxin and modulation of the inflammatory response in this disease.

Bayesian Estimation of the True Bovine Brucellosis Prevalence in Vaccinated and Non-Vaccinated Ecuadorian Cattle Populations, and the Sensitivity and Specificity of a Competitive and Indirect ELISA Using a New Synthetic Antigen.

Bovine brucellosis (bB) is a zoonosis mainly caused by the species in cattle. Bovine brucellosis can present with either a range of clinical symptoms, including spontaneous abortions in the last trimester of pregnancy, retained fetal membranes, and decreased milk production, or it can be asymptomatic. In Ecuador, vaccination against bB with S19 and/or RB51 is not mandatory and is the responsibility of the farmer.

Perceived Stress: Psychosocial-Sociodemographic Factors as Predictors of Tension, Irritability, and Fatigue Among Ecuadorian University Professors.

The objective of this study was to identify the factors that best predict variations in tension, irritability, and fatigue (TIF) among university professors in Ecuador. Using a quantitative approach with a non-experimental, cross-sectional design, data were collected from a probabilistic sample of 364 participants. Psychometric measures were adapted and linguistically validated to assess TIF, and participants completed the Perceived Stress Questionnaire, alongside a sociodemographic questionnaire.

MeStanG-Resource for High-Throughput Sequencing Standard Data Sets Generation for Bioinformatic Methods Evaluation and Validation.

Metagenomics analysis has enabled the measurement of the microbiome diversity in environmental samples without prior targeted enrichment. Functional and phylogenetic studies based on microbial diversity retrieved using HTS platforms have advanced from detecting known organisms and discovering unknown species to applications in disease diagnostics. Robust validation processes are essential for test reliability, requiring standard samples and databases deriving from real samples and in silico generated artificial controls.

Ecuadorian Cacao Mucilage as a Novel Culture Medium Ingredient: Unveiling Its Potential for Microbial Growth and Biotechnological Applications.

Cacao mucilage is typically disposed of during processing, yet its abundant content of organic compounds, polysaccharides, and nutrients renders it valuable for various applications. This scientific study investigates the suitability of cacao mucilage as an alternative culture medium for , , and , aiming to provide a viable alternative to traditional media. Through a mixed-design approach, the powdered mucilage, peptone, and yeast extract ingredients were optimized using the recovery rates of each micro-organism as the response variable.

Yellow Pitahaya ( Haw.): The Less Known of the Pitahayas.

Pitahaya or dragon fruit is an exotic fruit native to Mesoamerica and is cultivated in several regions of the world. In recent years, pitahaya has become increasingly in demand, firstly, for its good nutritional and organoleptic qualities and, secondly, for its richness in antioxidants and bioactive compounds. Spain has opted for new tropical crops, and among them, pitahaya is one of the most planted in recent years.

Population genetic structure of Phaedranassa cinerea Ravenna (Amaryllidaceae) and conservation implications.

Background: Andean orography has shaped the endemism of plant species in montane forests, creating a mosaic of habitats in small and isolated areas. Understanding these endemic species' genetic diversity patterns is crucial for their conservation. Phaedranassa cinerea (Amaryllidaceae), a species restricted to the western Andes of Ecuador, is listed as "vulnerable" according to the IUCN criteria.

Cellular plasticity and non-small cell lung cancer: role of T and NK cell immune evasion and acquisition of resistance to immunotherapies.

Lung cancer is a leading global cause of mortality, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounting for a significant portion of cases. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed NSCLC treatment; however, many patients remain unresponsive. ICI resistance in NSCLC and its association with cellular plasticity, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), enhanced adaptability, invasiveness, and resistance is largely influenced by epigenetic changes, signaling pathways, tumor microenvironment, and associated immune cells, fibroblasts, and cytokines.

Is Social Jetlag Associated With Physical Fitness Among Spanish Adolescents? Insights From the EHDLA Study.

Background: The misalignment of sleeping times during weekdays/weekends (i.e., social jetlag) is particularly common among adolescents and plausibly associated with their physical fitness.

Characterization, Quantification, and Molecular Identification of Co-Infection of Canine Parvovirus (CPV-2) Variants in Dogs Affected by Gastroenteritis in Ecuador During 2022-2023.

Canine parvovirus (CPV-2) is a highly contagious virus in canines, and it is mostly spread by touching infected feces. Dogs of all ages can catch it, but puppies are more likely to suffer from it. Severe signs include vomiting, diarrhea with blood, feeling tired, and not drinking enough water.

Acute Febrile Illness Accompanied by 7th and 12th Cranial Nerve Palsy Due to Lyme Disease Following Travel to Rural Ecuador: A Case Report and Mini-Review.

The causative agent of Lyme disease, , is endemic to Canada, the northeastern United States, northern California, and temperate European regions. It is rarely associated with a travel-related exposure. In this report, we describe a resident of southern Ontario, Canada who developed rash, fever, and cranial nerve VII and XII palsies following a 12 day trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos islands approximately four weeks prior to referral to our center.

SPR Biosensor Based on Bilayer MoS for SARS-CoV-2 Sensing.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgent need for rapid, sensitive, and reliable diagnostic tools for detecting SARS-CoV-2. In this study, we developed and optimized a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor incorporating advanced materials to enhance its sensitivity and specificity. Key parameters, including the thickness of the silver layer, silicon nitride dielectric layer, molybdenum disulfide (MoS) layers, and ssDNA recognition layer, were systematically optimized to achieve the best balance between sensitivity, resolution, and attenuation.

Psychometric Validation of the Dating Violence Questionnaire (DVQ-R) in Ecuadorians.

Gender-based violence among young people is a pressing global problem, causing injury and disability to women and posing physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health risks. This study aimed to psychometrically validate the Dating Violence Questionnaire-Revised (DVQ-R) in a sample of 340 Ecuadorian university students. The study included 340 male and female students from two universities in Ecuador.

An Open-Source 3D Printed Three-Fingered Robotic Gripper for Adaptable and Effective Grasping.

This research focuses on the design of a three-finger adaptive gripper using additive manufacturing and electromechanical actuators, with the purpose of providing a low-cost, efficient, and reliable solution for easy integration with any robot arm for industrial and research purposes. During the development phase, 3D printing materials were employed in the gripper's design, with Polylactic Acid (PLA) filament used for the rigid mechanical components and Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) for the flexible membranes that distribute pressure to the resistive force sensors. Stress analysis and simulations were conducted to evaluate the performance of the components under load and to gradually refine the design of the adaptive gripper.

Case Report: Craniofacial deafness hand syndrome with unusual cardiovascular symptoms and lack of holistic care.

Background: Delays in diagnosing rare genetic disorders often arise due to limited awareness and systemic challenges in primary care. This case highlights the importance of a holistic approach to patient care, encompassing timely detection and comprehensive evaluation of clinical features.

Methods: We report the case of a 21-year-old Ecuadorian male with facial and hand dysmorphias, cardiomegaly, pulmonary hypertension, and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).

Dynamic association of antimicrobial resistance in urinary isolates of and between primary care and hospital settings in the Netherlands (2008-2020): a population-based study.

Background: It is unclear whether changes in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in primary care influence AMR in hospital settings. Therefore, we investigated the dynamic association of AMR between primary care and hospitals.

Methods: We studied resistance percentages of and isolates to co-amoxiclav, ciprofloxacin, fosfomycin, nitrofurantoin and trimethoprim submitted by primary care, hospital outpatient and hospital inpatient settings to the Dutch National AMR surveillance network (ISIS-AR) from 2008 to 2020.