Universidad Católica de Cuenca

Science communicators are more critical than ever in a time when misinformation and hoaxes dominate social media, especially during global emergencies like the COVID‐19 outbreak. Researchers are good at communicating with peers but often struggle to explain complex ideas to the public. As shown previously, expanding outreach by combining science and art is not only possible, but effective. In the case of microbiology, the synergy between these two apparently divorced areas can help educating our communities and raising microbiological awareness, especially among students. Since Alexander Fleming's pioneering attempts, microorganisms have fascinated artists. Art may help us demystifying microbes and making them more approachable, improving public involvement with science. This article presents two personal experiences using art to teach and communicate scientific ideas (mainly from the microbiology field) to our fellow citizens. Above all, we emphasise the importance of contributing to the scientific literacy of our societies at all ages—including underrepresented and disadvantaged groups—by exploring novel ways to address this gap. By doing so, we align with the concepts and aims of the International Microbiology Literacy Initiative (IMiLI).

The urgent need for sustainable strategies to mitigate climate change has spurred the development of efficient carbon sequestration methods with minimal greenhouse gas emissions, presenting promising opportunities to produce biochar and, with this bioproduct, enhance crop productivity. Therefore, this research aimed to evaluate the carbon footprint produced by the low-temperature slow pyrolysis of biomass obtained from the pruning residues of four tree species present in parks and gardens of the southern Andean region of Ecuador. An electric reactor (ER), powered by 44 solar panels of 535 W each, was used to perform the pyrolysis process at 350 °C over four hours. For each species—Persea americana, Polylepis spp., Acacia spp., and Prunus salicifolia—three replicates of the process were conducted using 1.5 kg of biomass per trial. The results showed that Acacia spp. residues produced biochar with higher bulk density (0.303 g/cm³), organic matter (82.85%), total organic carbon (71.21%), oxygen (27.84%), C/N ratio (120.69), and potassium (459.12 ppm). The biochar produced from Prunus salicifolia exhibited the highest levels of pollutant gas emissions and carbon footprint (5.93 × 10⁻⁶ ton∙m⁻³ CO2 eq and 0.001067 ton∙m⁻³ CO2 eq, respectively). In contrast, the biochar produced from Polylepis spp. was the least polluting (0.001018 ton∙m⁻³ CO2 eq), highlighting its potential as a source for biochar production from tree species found in the southern Andean region of Ecuador. Meanwhile, the pyrolysis of Persea americana (avocado) resulted in very low gas emissions, although it exhibited the second-highest carbon footprint due to the high energy consumption associated with the process. In conclusion, this study identified Persea americana and Polylepis spp. as the best options for biochar production through pyrolysis, positioning them as viable alternatives for developing sustainable strategies to mitigate climate change.

Restricted range size brings about noteworthy genetic consequences that may affect the viability of a population and eventually its extinction. Particularly, the question if an increase in inbreeding can avert the accumulation of genetic load via purging is hotly debated in the conservation genetic field. Insular populations with limited range sizes represent an ideal setup for relating range size to these genetic factors. Leveraging a set of eight differently sized populations of Galápagos mockingbirds ( Mimus ), we investigated how island size shaped effective population size ( N e ), inbreeding and genetic load. We assembled a genome of M. melanotis and genotyped three individuals per population by whole‐genome resequencing. Demographic inference showed that the N e of most populations remained high after the colonisation of the archipelago 1–2 Mya. N e decline in M. parvulus happened only 10–20 Kya, whereas the critically endangered M. trifasciatus showed a longer history of reduced N e . Despite these historical fluctuations, the current island size determines N e in a linear fashion. In contrast, significant inbreeding coefficients, derived from runs of homozygosity, were identified only in the four smallest populations. The index of additive genetic load suggested purging in M. parvulus , where the smallest populations showed the lowest load. By contrast, M. trifasciatus carried the highest genetic load, possibly due to a recent rapid bottleneck. Overall, our study demonstrates a complex effect of demography on inbreeding and genetic load, providing implications in conservation genetics in general and in a conservation project of M. trifasciatus in particular.

Preliminary evidence suggests that rural areas have poor nutritional indicators despite their self‐sufficient local production. Thus, this study aimed to categorize the food consumption patterns of the rural Indigenous population next to the Quilotoa Lagoon in Ecuador based on the frequency of food intake. Data were obtained from 258 Indigenous farmers using structured and validated consumption frequency questionnaires. The consumption of 91 foods classified into eight groups was evaluated using concordance indicators, correlation analysis, and multivariate techniques such as principal component analysis and correspondence factor analysis. Consumption levels were categorized by stratifying the proportion of families that consumed each food item. Four consumption pattern types were identified. The category with “high consumption” foods, greater than 66.8%, was based on foods rich in carbohydrates, such as rice (89.3%), potatoes (88.9%), oats (74.1%), and morocho (74%). Protein intake was limited to eggs (82%) and fish (73.5%). Vegetables, such as carrots (90.4%) and onions (96.1%), were highly consumed but classified as condiments in meal preparation. Chicken (66.5%) and milk (61%) were categorized as “moderate consumption.” Local foods such as melloco (37.1%) and oca (28.2%) were classified as “low consumption”. Lastly, the most produced local food, chocho, had a consumption rate of 14.3%, which was considered “very low consumption”. When analyzing consumption patterns by area, the Chugchilan parish with High Center or Quilotoa‐Paved Road zones showed very good concordance (0.81 and 0.79, respectively), while the Subtropical zone had less concordance (0.73). Foods rich in high‐calorie carbohydrates were the most commonly consumed across all four consumption patterns.

Leaves are critical to plant photosynthesis and the loss of leaf area can have negative consequences for an individual's performance and fitness. Variation in plant defenses plays a large role in protecting their leaves from attack by insect herbivores. However, trade‐offs in allocation among growth, reproduction, and defense may limit the availability of resources for any one aspect of a plant's life‐history strategy, which would lead to greater herbivory in those plants that allocate more resources to growth or reproduction than to defense. Patterns of sex‐biased herbivory in dioecious plants are well documented yet are known to vary in the direction (female or male) of their bias. A greater concentration of conspecifics may also increase herbivore attack through negative density dependence. In order to test the hypothesis that sex‐biased herbivory varies as a function of conspecific density, we measured standing herbivory on 2350 leaves on 302 trees of the dioecious understory tree Iryanthera hostmannii (Myristicaceae) situated in a large forest dynamics plot in a lowland tropical rain forest in Ecuador. We found no difference in standing herbivory between the 169 male and 133 female trees, nor for focal trees surrounded by higher densities of conspecifics. The slow‐growing, shade‐tolerant growth patterns of I. hostmannii may contribute to suppressed differential expression of secondary sex characters in leaf defenses, leading to similar levels of herbivory between males and females. Considering the factors that most strongly affect herbivory in dioecious species is important in understanding the evolution of sex‐related traits more broadly.

La salud es una prioridad en todas las agendas gubernamentales. Por ello, buena parte de los presupuestos nacionales son invertidos en salud. Actualmente, versiones vanguardistas se refieren al “capital salud”, como el bien más preciado y requisito sine qua non del desarrollo integral de los países. Las donaciones de sangre constituyen acciones altruistas y loables en el campo de la medicina, salvando vidas y mejorando la salud de enfermos y víctimas de accidentes. La Cruz Roja Internacional es la institución abanderada de esta noble causa, la cual tiene sede en el Ecuador. El objetivo general fue determinar la gestión del capital moral en una experiencia investigativa humanitaria, de los estudiantes de medicina de la Universidad Católica de Cuenca-Ecuador. Los métodos fueron cualitativos, basados en la investigación documental, observación directa y el método fenomenológico. El resultado principal, fue que la población ecuatoriana aun exhibe resistencia a donar sangre de forma voluntaria, producto de mitos, de una legislación ambigua y poco clara, al igual que del desconocimiento en torno a estas labores. La conclusión es que existe una débil “gestión del capital moral”, traducida en un frágil sentido humanitario y de solidaridad, incidiendo en un déficit de reservas de pintas de sangre.

Este estudio aborda el uso de la piedra como material presente en las edificaciones patrimoniales de tipología civil y religiosa situadas en la provincia de Cañar con relativas a la arquitectura Inca, con particular interés en el análisis del inmueble religioso conocido como "Iglesia de San Alfonso de Cojitambo". Se identifican las principales anomalías que generalmente afectan a construcción levantadas con el referido material lítico, así como los factores que pudieran originar los posibles riesgos naturales y antrópicos. Además, se registra un levantamiento de patologías del inmueble en cuestión como caso de estudio, el cual pretende aportar con datos que contribuirán a la generación de propuestas encaminadas a la conservación, restauración y protección de elementos tangibles que conforman este bien patrimonial.

Objective To describe the sexual practices and behaviour towards HIV infection among Ecuadorian university students. Methods This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study carried out between February 2019 and August 2020 among university students from all over the country. Students aged 18 years and older of each participating institution were contacted by an official email account and invited to fill out a survey through Google Forms. Results Data from a total of 5677 sexually active participants were analysed. The majority were female (57.1%), 48.7% corresponded to the age range 18–20 years and nearly half studied in the field of health. Only 28.5% (n=1612) mentioned having ever been tested for HIV at least once. Regarding sexual behaviour, the vast majority reported having only one partner in the last 2 months. Condom use during the ‘last’ sexual contact was significantly lower in the never tested group (33.5% vs 43.3%, p<0.0001, respectively). Having a higher number of ever or current sexual partners (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.13) and not using a condom (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.82) were significantly related to having an HIV test performed. More than half of the participants indicated that they took the HIV test as part of their routine control, and nearly half mentioned not taking it because they felt sure they were free of HIV. Conclusions Behaviour towards testing for HIV in university students was related to their risky sexual practices and behaviour. Prevention campaigns focused on the general population as well as at-risk populations, including university students, are needed to curb the escalating incidence of HIV in Ecuador.

Introduction Nicaragua is a Central American country with a high prevalence of patients with chronic kidney disease, particularly among young men. This is largely attributable to Mesoamerican nephropathy, a form of interstitial nephritis that predominantly affects young agricultural workers. While the majority of patients have access to chronic dialysis programs, a very small number have an option of receiving a renal transplant. Consequently, they must spend years on hemodialysis (HD), where the vascular access issue is of vital importance for their survival. Given that prosthetic arteriovenous grafts (AVG) are expensive devices with a lower cost-benefit ratio, limited availability within the health system and are unaffordable for the majority of patients, it is crucial to perform autogenic arteriovenous fistula (AVF) whenever possible. Patients and methods This paper presents a 4-year period review (2020–2023) of a single-center vascular access program that optimizes vasculature utilization of each patient for creation of AFV and describes the surgical revision techniques used to prolong the patency of vascular accesses. Results The autogenic vascular access program has resulted in more than 80% of prevalent patients undergoing HD at our center being hemodialyzed through an autogenic AVF by the end of 2023. Conclusions It can be concluded that it is possible to significantly increase the proportion of autogenic vascular accesses in each center by optimizing the patient’s own vasculature. This approach has the potential to reduce morbidity and costs, particularly in low-income countries.

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a biomarker of inflammation whose levels are elevated in patients with several diseases associated with dysregulation of the immune response. The main limitations of currently used anti‐TNF therapies are the induction of immunodepression, which in many cases leads to serious adverse effects such as infection and cancer, and the inability to cross the blood‐brain barrier in neuroinflammatory conditions. Melatonin, in addition to being a chronobiotic compound, is widely known for its antioxidant and immunomodulatory capacity to control inflammatory processes in different pathological contexts. The aim of the present review is to address human‐based studies that describe the effect of melatonin on TNF production. The review includes all the articles published in PubMed databases until April 15, 2024. After depuration, 45 studies were finally included in the review, 23 related to the in vitro action of melatonin in human cells and 22 in vivo studies in humans. Most of the data reviewed support the idea that melatonin has an immunosuppressive effect on TNF levels, which, together with its low toxicity profile, low cost, and ability to cross the blood‐brain barrier, points to melatonin as a potential anti‐TNF therapy. Therefore, improving our knowledge of the action of melatonin in regulating TNF through appropriate clinical trials would reveal the true potential of this molecule as a possible anti‐TNF therapy.

Organizational and financial resilience have emerged as crucial topics for the sustainability of SMEs, particularly in emerging economies where organizations face uncertain and volatile environments. This study presents a systematic literature review (SLR) to evaluate the current state of research on organizational and financial resilience in SMEs. Fifty-one primary studies published between 2000 and 2023 were reviewed using strict inclusion and quality evaluation criteria to ensure the relevance and robustness of the findings. The results revealed that only 5.88% of the evaluated studies rigorously followed SLR guidelines, highlighting the scarcity of comprehensive reviews in this field. This review also underscores that organizational resilience, encompassing both planned and adaptive dimensions, is essential for SMEs to respond effectively to financial and operational crises. However, few studies have specifically focused on the Ecuadorian context, indicating a gap in the literature that should be addressed more thoroughly. The study concludes that future research should adopt more holistic approaches that incorporate both qualitative and quantitative methodologies to develop models that strengthen resilience among SMEs. Future studies should consider applying more rigorous SLR guidelines to improve research quality in this field.

Emerging hardware and software technologies have increased the development of technological solutions for people, particularly those focused on older adults’ healthcare. Human-computer interaction is a research area that uses motion capture devices as input interaction devices, e.g., touch screen devices, wearables, eye trackers, and more. Numerous primary studies have provided support and training tools for older people with physical and cognitive diseases. However, there is a need for more secondary studies that systematically summarize and evidence these solutions. To address this gap, a systematic literature review was conducted to identify and interpret all studies from 2006 to 2023 that present human-computer techniques, motion capture devices, tools, and methodologies for older adults’ physical and cognitive training and support. The review aims to answer the research question: " What devices and applications of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) can be used to support the neuropsychological and motor condition of older adults?". The review identified 1140 potential papers from automatic searches in three digital libraries and manual searches in specialized journals and conferences. Three domain experts (computer engineer, electronics engineer, and psychologist) reviewed the papers based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and selected 79 papers for the review. Additionally, Fleiss’ kappa measure was used to achieve agreement between raters. The results provide a comprehensive overview of the state of research in this area, which can assist researchers in identifying weaknesses, directing research efforts, and new research lines. Additionally, the results can serve as a reference guide for professionals in technical and health areas who can contribute to creating better and innovative solutions to aid the older population’s physical and cognitive training and support.

Introducción. Los casos de COVID-19 en adultos mayores han revelado una asociación entre la infección respiratoria y la deficiencia de vitamina D. Se ha observado que el calcitriol, la forma activa de la vitamina D, interviene en el ataque a las células que presentan antígenos, desencadenando así una respuesta inmunitaria adaptativa. Objetivo. Describir las patologías más comunes asociadas a la deficiencia de vitamina D en pacientes geriátricos post-COVID-19 mediante una revisión sistemática. Metodología. Esta investigación es un artículo de revisión bibliográfica de enfoque descriptivo que utiliza una revisión sistemática para recopilar información basada en artículos de investigación relacionados con la deficiencia de vitamina D en pacientes geriátricos y SARS-CoV-2. La información se recolectó de bases de datos como PubMed, Web of Science y Scopus. Resultados. Se incluyeron 16 estudios que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión, donde se encontró que la mayoría de los pacientes tenían niveles séricos de vitamina D inferiores a 20 ng/Ml, lo que sugiere una prevalencia significativa de deficiencia o insuficiencia de vitamina D en esta población. Además, se evidenció una relación entre esta deficiencia y la hipertensión arterial, la diabetes y, sobre todo, los casos graves de la enfermedad. Conclusión. La conexión entre niveles bajos de vitamina D y peores resultados en caso de COVID-19 o complicaciones durante y después de la enfermedad se presenta de manera clara, lo que enfatiza la importancia de considerar la vitamina D como un factor relevante en la gestión y pronóstico de la enfermedad en adultos mayores. Área de estudio específica: Bioquímica Tipo de estudio : Revisión bibliográfica

Introducción: La ingesta de alimentos contaminados pueden provocar enfermedades transmitidas por los alimentos (ETAs). La presencia de E. coli y Coliformes son indicadores de contaminación por una mala manipulación, en el mercado 9 de octubre de Cuenca, Ecuador se examinó la calidad microbiológica de ensaladas cocidas siendo uno de los principales alimentos que se encuentran listos para ser consumidos, previniendo la alteración del alimento y garantizando la seguridad alimentaria. Objetivo: Determinar la presencia de E. coli/Coliformes en ensaladas cocidas expendidas en el mercado 9 de octubre de la ciudad de Cuenca, periodo agosto 2023. Metodología: Para el desarrollo de este artículo se emplea un diseño de tipo experimental de análisis microbiológico de laboratorio. El universo de este estudio está conformado por el mercado 9 de octubre de la ciudad de Cuenca. Fueron analizadas 30 muestras de ensaladas cocidas para la determinación de E. coli/Coliformes, con el uso de placas Compact Dry EC. Se cuantificó la presencia de UFC según las normativas INEN 1529- 7 y NTS N° 071- MINSA/DIGESA/V 01. Resultados: Se identificó la presencia de E. coli/Coliformes por unidades formadoras de colonias UFC/g en las muestras, presentando una superación del límite permisible mencionado en la normativa peruana, determinando que es inaceptable el expendio y consumo de este alimento. Conclusión: Se analizó la calidad microbiológica de las ensaladas cocidas en el mercado 9 de octubre, con evidencia de riesgo sanitario, debido a un alto crecimiento de microorganismos observadas en las placas Compact Dry. EC. Área de estudio general: Microbiología. Área de estudio específica: Bacteriología. Tipo de estudio: Artículo original.

Introducción: Los dientes supernumerarios, son reconocidos como una patología derivada de una desviación embriológica del órgano dentario, su etiología se debe a la hiperactividad de la lámina dental, y la hiperplasia de otras organizaciones epiteliales, produciendo una evaginación y proliferación de la capa externa de la vaina epitelial, formando un órgano paradentario supernumerario normal o minúsculo. Objetivo: analizar detalladamente la etiología, tratamiento y características de los dientes supernumerarios. Metodología: en esta revisión bibliográfica se analiza tanto, su ubicación e identificación que llegan a ser muy complejas, en especial en las denticiones mixtas, donde es esencial su diferenciación con los elementos erupcionados y los gérmenes dentarios en desarrollo de erupción, razón por la cual la presente investigación se enfocara en analizar causas y tratamientos en la alteración del desarrollo de dientes supernumerarios, anomalía que afecta a su funcionalidad y estética, presentándose con una frecuencia del 90% en el maxilar superior. Conclusión: los dientes supernumerarios son una anomalía cuya etiología es incierta pero vinculado a la alteración de la odontogénesis e hiperactividad de la lámina dental, su diagnóstico requiere varias evaluaciones clínicas, radiográfica y tomográfica, depende mucho de su clasificación que incluye, ubicación, erupción, número y morfología siendo su tratamiento más común la extracción. Área de estudio general: Odontología. Área de estudio específica: Anomalías dentarias. Tipo de estudio: revisión bibliográfica.

Breast milk substitute (BMS) marketing significantly influences global infant feeding practices. Ecuador, like many countries, seeks to regulate these promotions under the WHO's International Code of Marketing of Breast‐Milk Substitutes. This cross‐sectional analysis assessed BMS marketing compliance with WHO's Code in Ecuador. Surveys were conducted with mothers (n = 330) and healthcare professionals (n = 66), complemented by observations at health facilities (n = 33) and retail outlets (n = 44). Media monitoring and product labelling evaluations were also conducted. The study revealed widespread exposure to BMS marketing outside health facilities (91.21% of mothers). Promotional activities targeted healthcare professionals, with significant interactions involving free supplies (26.09%) and gifts (21.74%). Retail outlets prominently displayed BMS promotions, often featuring discounts (95%). Compliance with labelling criteria was notably low, particularly concerning nutrition and health claims (39%). TV emerged as the dominant platform for BMS advertising, with 2884 ads aired over 16 h and 24 min, totalling $1,876,915.50 in expenditures. Digital platforms also featured BMS ads, with significant engagement on social media (533,845 interactions). This study reveals widespread violations of the WHO Code in Ecuador, emphasizing the need for stronger regulations and targeted education for healthcare professionals and the public to protect infant health and promote breastfeeding. Despite existing regulations, the pervasive advertising and substantial investment in BMS marketing across various media underscore significant enforcement gaps. To effectively safeguard maternal and child health, Ecuador must fully incorporate and rigorously enforce all Code recommendations within its national legislation.

El estudio tuvo como objetivo, evaluar la acción de los bioaditivos probióticos sobre los cambios histomorfometricos y nivel de colonización en diferentes segmentos de tracto digestivo en cuyes con 90 días (d) de edad. De manera aleatorizada se seleccionaron 80 cuyes de raza Kuri con 30 d de edad, 250 g de peso vivo, y se distribuyeron en cuatro grupos de 20 animales cada uno. Ctrl, Control. Bal, sustrato vinaza–melaza fermentado con Lactobacillus acidophilus. Lev, sustrato vinaza–melaza fermentado con Kluyveromyces fragilis. B+L, sustrato vinaza–melaza fermentado con L. acidophilus y K. fragilis. El Bal, Lev y B+L en su base contenía sustrato melaza – vinaza. Los parámetros evaluados fueron, lesiones macroscópico en los órganos del tracto digestivo, cambios morfométricos y microbiota del tracto digestivo. Los órganos del tracto digestivo en cuyes del grupo control presentaron mayor (P<0,05) cantidad de lesiones macroscópicas; las muestras el intestino, duodeno, yeyuno e ilion de los animales que consumieron probióticos presentaron mayor (P<0,05) longitud; similar situación presentó los cambios histomorfométricos de tejidos intestinales en cuyes con probióticos, la carga microbiana detectada a partir del hisopado rectal en los diferentes medios de cultivos con diferencias estadísticas significativas (P<0,05). Se concluye que la inclusión aditivo microbiano en los cuyes influyen en los cambios morfométricos sobre todo en la longitud y ancho de vellosidades intestinales, profundidad de criptas y relación longitud/profundidad a los 45 y 90 d de edad. Asimismo, se pudo verificar el nivel de colonización que realizan las cepas de los microorganismos beneficiosos en diferentes segmentos del tracto digestivo.

La lactancia materna es crucial para la salud y desarrollo del recién nacido. La Constitución y leyes como la Ley de Fomento, Apoyo y Protección a la Lactancia Materna, garantizan este derecho. El derecho de cuidado del recién nacido es una responsabilidad principalmente de la madre, pero debe ser apoyado por toda la familia y el Estado. En ese sentido, el presente artículo tuvo como objetivo el análisis de la evolución de los derechos de las mujeres durante la maternidad y lactancia en Ecuador a partir de los precedentes jurisprudenciales dispuestos por la Corte Constitucional del Ecuador. Esta investigación se enfocó en cómo estos derechos, han sido vulnerados en la práctica, tanto en el sector público como privado. Para ello, se aplicó una metodología con enfoque cualitativo, de tipo descriptivo, no experimental, con un método inductivo-deductivo partiendo de la generalidad a la singularidad, analítico-sintético y dogmático jurídico, con la aplicación de la técnica de revisión bibliográfica y como instrumentos se empleó el fichaje de diferentes bases académicas como Redalyc y Scielo. Con esta base, se analizó el criterio de varios autores, la normativa pertinente y varias sentencias de la Corte Constitucional del Ecuador, lo que permitió comprender conceptos como el de estabilidad laboral reforzada, discriminación, maternidad, lactancia y derecho de cuidado. Esta investigación concluyó que a pesar de que existe normativa nacional e internacional que protege los derechos estudiados los mismos siguen siendo vulnerados por lo que el artículo propone la promoción de políticas públicas para fortalecer su protección legal.