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El contexto de la investigación estableció estudiar la acción problémica que conlleva a la tendencia de votación ciudadana, antes y después de las elecciones anticipadas 2023, esta persigue el objetivo de documentar la percepción de la ciudadanía ecuatoriana, distinguiendo a la población con criterio étnico, sexo, edad e instrucción académica, sobre su decisión a elegir en las urnas a una de las candidaturas presidenciables a la segunda vuelta, frente a la situación problemática actual del país. Para ello se estableció un diseño de investigación científica con estudio descriptivo correlacional, utilizando bajo el enfoque cuali-cuantitativo, la investigación empírica, con recolección de data, ejecutándose bajo la unidad de análisis dirigida a la población ecuatoriana 16´938.986 dada por el Censo nacional 2023, instaurando una muestra obtenida por muestreo aleatorio estratificado no probabilístico por conveniencia con 10.076 habitantes equivalente a un nivel de confianza del 99% y margen de error de 3%. Se empleó la técnica de recolección de datos a través de la encuesta online usando el software Google Forms, con verificación de data, fortalecimiento estadístico y gráficas a través del software SPSS y Excel Office 365. Se logró establecer las tendencias de intención de voto por etnia, género, edad e instrucción. Finalmente, se realizó un comparativo con la data establecida por el órgano oficial del Consejo Nacional Electoral CNE en las elecciones anticipadas 2023, lográndose una gran cercanía a los resultados de la proyección de la investigación, esto es de 1,54% para Daniel Noboa, y 1,24% para Luisa Gonzáles versus los resultados electorales oficiales. Palabras clave: Política electoral, Democracia, Percepción ciudadana, Elecciones anticipadas, Participación ciudadana. ABSTRACT The context of the research established to study the problematic action that leads to the trend of citizen voting, before and after the 2023 early elections, this objective was to document the perception of Ecuadorian citizens, distinguishing the population with ethnic criteria, sex, age and academic instruction, about his decision to elect at the polls one of the presidential candidates for the second round, in the face of the current problematic situation in the country. For this, a scientific research design was established with a descriptive correlational study, using the qualitative-quantitative approach, empirical research, with data collection, executed under the unit of analysis aimed at the Ecuadorian population 16,938,986 given by the national Census. 2023, establishing a sample obtained by non-probabilistic stratified random sampling for convenience with 10,076 inhabitants equivalent to a confidence level of 99% and a margin of error of 3%. The data collection technique was used through the online survey using Google Forms software, with data verification, statistical strengthening and graphs through SPSS software and Excel Office 365. It was possible to establish voting intention trends by ethnicity, gender, age and education. Finally, a comparison was made with the data established by the official body of the National Electoral Council CNE in the 2023 early elections, achieving great closeness to the results of the research projection, this is 1.54% for Daniel Noboa, and 1.24% for Luisa Gonzáles versus the official election results. Keywords: Electoral politics, Democracy, Citizen perception, Early elections, Citizen participation

Summary: Molecular identification of pollen carried by insects informs about their history of visited plants. For migratory butterflies, it can be used to trace long-range movements enduring days of flight over thousands of kilometers. Here, we present a protocol to (1) isolate pollen grains from butterfly bodies and (2) prepare metabarcoding libraries for their identification using the internal transcribed spacer 2 fragment, a common barcode used to identify plants. This protocol would be applicable to other insect groups and metabarcoding markers.For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Suchan et al.1 and Gorki et al.2 : Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.

Este estudio tuvo como finalidad generar estrategias de dinamización de turismo comunitario en filiales de la Corporación para el Desarrollo del Turismo Comunitario de Chimborazo CCORDTUCH Ecuador. Para lo cual, se realizó un diagnóstico situacional del sector turístico, posteriormente se elaboró un estudio de mercado. En base a lo recabado anteriormente se formularon las estrategias de dinamización para las iniciativas de turismo comunitario. Para el cumplimiento de los objetivos planteados se aplicó una metodología de tipo descriptiva con enfoque mixto. Este proceso se llevó a cabo por medio de entrevistas dirigidas a representantes de esta organización, con diagnóstico situacional, encuestas dirigidas a turistas nacionales y extranjeros para el análisis de la demanda turística en el estudio de mercado. Las estrategias determinadas se encuentran dentro de tres programas (atractivos, planta, y demanda turística) y 22 proyectos, en función de las necesidades turísticas de las filiales. Se determinó un requerimiento de inversión de $378.000 para implementación de las estrategias en los próximos 5 años; requiriéndose el apoyo técnico, económico y político de entidades del sector público y privado para realizar una eficiente gestión de implementación de la propuesta.

Uma revisão da literatura publicada sobre Carcinomas de Células Claras da Tireóide é realizada e 4 novos casos são descritos.

Os monumentos geológicos, geomorfológicos, arqueológicos e as paleopaisagens oriundas de processos mecânicos, químicos e biológicos representam um verdadeiro geopatrimônio com relevância científica e precisam ser reconhecidos, mensurados, catalogados e conservados. Essa variedade abiótica e natural da Terra é compreendida como geodiversidade, que apresenta valores superlativos de cunho informacional, científico, educacional, turístico e/ou econômico. Nesse sentido, os geossítios possuem informações que contam uma história do passado e que, com técnicas específicas, permitem compreender a evolução de um geoambiente. Com base em discussões que versam sobre a temática da geodiversidade, especificamente o ambiente semiárido, foi elaborado este estudo com o objetivo de valorizar os tanques quanto aos aspectos científicos resultantes do intemperismo físico, químico e biológico, bem como incentivar a geoconservação e o geoturismo desse geopatrimônio no distrito de Fazenda Nova, Brejo da Madre de Deus, no estado de Pernambuco.

BackgroundResource-rich countries are facing the challenge of aging societies, a high risk of dependence, and a high cost of care. Researchers attempted to address these issues by using cost-efficient, innovative technology to promote healthy aging and regain functionality. After an injury, efficient rehabilitation is crucial to promote returning home and prevent institutionalization. However, there is often a lack of motivation to carry out physical therapies. Consequently, there is a growing interest in testing new approaches like gamified physical rehabilitation to achieve functional targets and prevent rehospitalization. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of a personal mobility device compared with standard care in the rehabilitation treatment of patients with musculoskeletal issues. MethodsA total of 57 patients aged 67-95 years were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n=35) using the gamified rehabilitation equipment 3 times a week or to the control group (n=22) receiving usual standard care. Due to dropout, only 41 patients were included in the postintervention analysis. Outcome measures included the short physical performance battery (SPPB), isometric hand grip strength (IHGS), functional independence measure (FIM), and the number of steps. ResultsA noninferiority related to the primary outcome (SPPB) was identified during the hospital stay, and no significant differences were found between the control and intervention groups for any of the secondary outcomes (IHGS, FIM, or steps), which demonstrates the potential of the serious game-based intervention to be as effective as the standard physical rehabilitation at the hospital. The analysis by mixed-effects regression on SPPB showed a group×time interaction (SPPB_I_t1=–0.77, 95% CI –2.03 to 0.50, P=.23; SPPB_I_t2=0.21, 95% CI –1.07 to 0.48, P=.75). Although not significant, a positive IHGS improvement of more than 2 kg (Right: 2.52 kg, 95% CI –0.72 to 5.37, P=.13; Left: 2.43 kg, 95% CI –0.18 to 4.23, P=.07) for the patient from the intervention group was observed. ConclusionsSerious game-based rehabilitation could potentially be an effective alternative for older patients to regain their functional capacities. Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03847454; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03847454

Rhinoviruses (RVs) and coronaviruses (CoVs) upregulate host cell metabolic pathways such as glycolysis to meet their bioenergetic demands for rapid multiplication. Using the glycolysis inhibitor 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2-DG), we assessed the dose-dependent inhibition of viral replication of minor- and major-receptor group RVs in epithelial cells. 2-DG disrupted RV infection cycle by inhibiting template negative-strand as well as genomic positive-strand RNA synthesis, resulting in less progeny virus and RV-mediated cell death. Assessment of 2-DG's intracellular kinetics revealed that after a short-exposure to 2-DG, the active intermediate, 2-DG6P, is stored intracellularly for several hours. Finally, we confirmed the antiviral effect of 2-DG on pandemic SARS-CoV-2 and showed for the first time that it also reduces replication of endemic human coronaviruses. These results provide further evidence that 2-DG could be used as a broad-spectrum antiviral.

Pyrin is a cytosolic immune sensor that nucleates an inflammasome in response to inhibition of RhoA by bacterial virulence factors, triggering the release of inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β. Gain-of-function mutations in the MEFV gene encoding Pyrin cause autoinflammatory disorders, such as familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) and Pyrin-associated autoinflammation with neutrophilic dermatosis (PAAND). To precisely define the role of Pyrin in pathogen detection in human immune cells, we compared initiation and regulation of the Pyrin inflammasome response in monocyte-derived macrophages (hMDM). Unlike human monocytes and murine macrophages, we determined that hMDM failed to activate Pyrin in response to known Pyrin activators Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) toxins A or B (TcdA or TcdB), as well as the bile acid analogue BAA-473. The Pyrin inflammasome response was enabled in hMDM by prolonged priming with either LPS or type I or II interferons and required an increase in Pyrin expression. Notably, FMF mutations lifted the requirement for prolonged priming for Pyrin activation in hMDM, enabling Pyrin activation in the absence of additional inflammatory signals. Unexpectedly, in the absence of a Pyrin response, we found that TcdB activated the NLRP3 inflammasome in hMDM. These data demonstrate that regulation of Pyrin activation in hMDM diverges from monocytes and highlights its dysregulation in FMF.

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition characterized by uncontrolled systemic inflammation and coagulation, leading to multiorgan failure. Therapeutic options to prevent sepsis-associated immunopathology remain scarce. Here, we established a mouse model of long-lasting disease tolerance during severe sepsis, manifested by diminished immunothrombosis and organ damage in spite of a high pathogen burden. We found that both neutrophils and B cells emerged as key regulators of tissue integrity. Enduring changes in the transcriptional profile of neutrophils include upregulated Cxcr4 expression in protected, tolerant hosts. Neutrophil Cxcr4 upregulation required the presence of B cells, suggesting that B cells promoted disease tolerance by improving tissue damage control via the suppression of neutrophils’ tissue-damaging properties. Finally, therapeutic administration of a Cxcr4 agonist successfully promoted tissue damage control and prevented liver damage during sepsis. Our findings highlight the importance of a critical B-cell/neutrophil interaction during sepsis and establish neutrophil Cxcr4 activation as a potential means to promote disease tolerance during sepsis.

La investigación pretendió establecer una propuesta de solución a la problemática que impide la dinamización de la economía local vinculada a fincas agroturísticas rurales del cantón Milagro en relación a la oferta turística local, en un primer término se focalizó con una visión descriptiva y correlacional la relación entre el comportamiento del turista y la percepción de la población residente del cantón, determinándose el perfil sociodemográfico de los turistas, además se analizó la percepción de la población residente del cantón; de esta manera se logró vincular a las fincas agroturísticas de la zona rural a la oferta turística local. Se utilizó la metodología no experimental, el tipo de enfoque es mixto, con método deductivo, con investigación de campo en la que se emplearon herramientas de recolección de datos como encuestas dirigidas a los visitantes y entrevistas dirigidas a gestores de la actividad turística del cantón, apreciando fortalezas y debilidades que estos poseen, determinando el perfil socio demográfico del turista, visualizando gustos y preferencias agroturísticas locales. La correlación de variables, tomó en cuenta la Varianza y la Anova dando un resultado de relación positiva en la descripción de la relación o influencia del agroturismo como opción de desarrollo.

The authors here present geodetic and seismic data for a complete eruptive cycle (2005-2018) for Sierra Negra volcano, Galapagos Island. The data shows the largest pre-eruptive inflation (6.5 m) and rates of seismicity ever observed before a basaltic eruption and provides a rare illustration of caldera resurgence mechanisms.

Abstract Background Incidence of pulmonary aspergillosis is rising worldwide, owing to an increased population of immunocompromised patients. Notable potential of the pulmonary route has been witnessed in antifungal delivery due to distinct advantages of direct lung targeting and first-pass evasion. The current research reports biomimetic surface-active lipid-polymer hybrid (LPH) nanoparticles (NPs) of voriconazole, employing lung-specific lipid, i.e., dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine and natural biodegradable polymer, i.e., chitosan, to augment its pulmonary deposition and retention, following nebulization. Results The developed nanosystem exhibited a particle size in the range of 228–255 nm and drug entrapment of 45–54.8%. Nebulized microdroplet characterization of NPs dispersion revealed a mean diameter of ≤ 5 μm, corroborating its deep lung deposition potential as determined by next-generation impactor studies. Biophysical interaction of LPH NPs with lipid-monolayers indicated their surface-active potential and ease of intercalation into the pulmonary surfactant membrane at the air-lung interface. Cellular viability and uptake studies demonstrated their cytocompatibility and time-and concentration-dependent uptake in lung-epithelial A549 and Calu-3 cells with clathrin-mediated internalization. Transepithelial electrical resistance experiments established their ability to penetrate tight airway Calu-3 monolayers. Antifungal studies on laboratory strains and clinical isolates depicted their superior efficacy against Aspergillus species. Pharmacokinetic studies revealed nearly 5-, 4- and threefolds enhancement in lung AUC, Tmax, and MRT values, construing significant drug access and retention in lungs. Conclusions Nebulized LPH NPs were observed as a promising solution to provide effective and safe therapy for the management of pulmonary aspergillosis infection with improved patient compliance and avoidance of systemic side-effects.

El síndrome coronario crónico (SCC) previamente conocido como enfermedad coronaria estable, es la principal causa de mortalidad en el mundo; en el Perú es una de las más importantes. Esta patología presenta una naturaleza dinámica que resulta en diferentes escenarios clínicos que pueden ser modificados mediante diversas opciones terapéuticas, una de ellas es el tratamiento intervencionista coronario, principalmente en pacientes de alto riesgo isquémico definido como una isquemia mayor al 10% de toda la masa ventricular izquierda. Por esta razón analizamos la información más relevante y actual disponible para concluir que el tratamiento del síndrome coronario crónico de alto riesgo isquémico, luego de una evaluación individual, correspondería a un manejo invasivo desde el inicio que, si bien no impactarían en la mortalidad o eventos cardiovasculares, sí contribuiría a mejorar la calidad de vida, considerando, además, la incompleta disponibilidad de todas las opciones terapéuticas para el manejo sintomático de esta patología, el limitado acceso al manejo de eventos cardiovasculares agudos en nuestro medio así como el riesgo de efectos adversos e interacciones medicamentosas.

Background and objectives: The emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) strains of Plasmodium falciparum highlights the need to develop novel antimalarial drugs. Present study explores the in vivo antiplasmodial activity of ethanol leaf extract of Thalictrum foliolosum (ELETF) against lethal murine malaria. Methods: The acute toxicity of the extract was assessed by Limit test of Lorke. The suppressive activity of the extract was evaluated by Peter’s 4 day test. In vivo preventive and curative activity of ELETF was assessed by Peter’s method and Ryley and Peter’s method respectively. Biochemical assays were carried out using standard methods. Results: ELETF (1000 mg/kg) exhibited considerable in vivo schizontocidal activity with 67.11% chemosuppression on Day 5. The ED50 of the extract was 579.56 mg/kg. ELETF also showed significant repository activity with 87.70% chemosuppression at 750 mg/kg, which was greater than pyrimethamine (78.78%). ELETF exhibited dose dependent chemosuppression in the curative test with maximum 70.06% chemosuppression (750 mg/kg). Maximum Mean Survival Time (MST) was 19.2±4.60 and 22.66±4.41 days respectively in the suppressive and curative test, which was extremely statistically significant (p

In Ecuador, the presence of melanistic individuals of Southern Tamandua Tamandua tetradactyla Linnaeus (1758) has been recognized but there has not been a formal report written about it. Neither has there been one on the observations or the collected specimens in museums. We present six records of melanism in Tamandua tetradactyla from southern Ecuador and discuss other records in wildlife and from museum collections. Half of the records are recent photographic ones (2018), and the other three are museum specimens collected between 2009 and 2016. Our report of melanistic individuals suggests that dark coloration varieties are frequent mutations in the region. This report can be useful to promote conservation initiatives, based on the Southern Tamandua as a potential flagship-species.

Lipocalin 2 (LCN2) is a secreted glycoprotein with roles in multiple biological processes. It contributes to host defense by interference with bacterial iron uptake and exerts immunomodulatory functions in various diseases. Here, we aimed to characterize the function of LCN2 in lung macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) using Lcn2-/- mice. Transcriptome analysis revealed strong LCN2-related effects in CD103+ DCs during homeostasis, with differential regulation of antigen processing and presentation and antiviral immunity pathways. We next validated the relevance of LCN2 in a mouse model of influenza infection, wherein LCN2 protected from excessive weight loss and improved survival. LCN2-deficiency was associated with enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes and increased lung T cell numbers, indicating a dysregulated immune response to influenza infection. Depletion of CD8+ T cells equalized weight loss between WT and Lcn2-/- mice, proving that LCN2 protects from excessive disease morbidity by dampening CD8+ T cell responses. In vivo T cell chimerism and in vitro T cell proliferation assays indicated that improved antigen processing by CD103+ DCs, rather than T cell intrinsic effects of LCN2, contribute to the exacerbated T cell response. Considering the antibacterial potential of LCN2 and that commensal microbes can modulate antiviral immune responses, we speculated that LCN2 might cause the observed influenza phenotype via the microbiome. Comparing the lung and gut microbiome of WT and Lcn2-/- mice by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we observed profound effects of LCN2 on gut microbial composition. Interestingly, antibiotic treatment or co-housing of WT and Lcn2-/- mice prior to influenza infection equalized lung CD8+ T cell counts, suggesting that the LCN2-related effects are mediated by the microbiome. In summary, our results highlight a novel regulatory function of LCN2 in the modulation of antiviral immunity.

After eight years of quiescence, Fernandina volcano experienced two short-lived eruptions, on 4 September 2017 and 16 June 2018. The eruptions were characterized by very short periods of unrest that started a few hours before the initiation of the eruptive activity. On the other hand, Sierra Negra volcano (Isabela Island) began a new eruptive period on 26 June 2018, after almost one year of persistent unrest characterized by an increase in the magnitude and number of seismic events and more than 5 meters of uplift since its last eruption in 2005. The Sierra Negra and Fernandina eruptions were located in remote zones where access is extremely complex. Thus, satellite images complement the continuous monitoring data of the Instituto Geofísico (IG-EPN) with remote observations and allow rapid response mapping in order to identify the areas affected by the lava flows. Finally, the aim of this Report is to encourage other scientists to investigate the behaviors of both pre-eruptive and eruptive periods registered during these eruptions.

We report the highest and southernmost documented records of 2 species of Ecuadorian birds: Sunbittern Eurypyga helias (Pallas, 1781) in the southern end of Podocarpus National Park and Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus (Statius Müller, 1776) in Yacuri National Park. Considering these and other records, both species might be expanding their ranges into the highlands, but the necessity to fill geographical, morphological, and taxonomic gaps on Ecuadorian birds remains.

A preocupação em popularizar as Geociências está presente em todos os aspectos das temáticas que abrangem a geodiA preocupação em popularizar as Geociências está presente em todos os aspectos das temáticas que abrangem a geodiversidade, a geoconservação, o patrimônio geológico, o geoturismo e os geoparques. Popularizar os elementos abióticos é contribuir para que a sociedade desperte e reconheça a importância de praticar a geoconservação. Este trabalho destaca a relevância do processo educativo a partir de atividades voltadas para a educação formal e não formal. Assim, sugere alternativas que possam facilitar a compreensão de alunos e do público em geral, norteadas por atividades pautadas na interdisciplinaridade, geoconservação e popularização das Geociências. Para isso, foram elaborados protótipos de “jogos geoeducativos”, tendo como proposta aplicá-los em espaços educacionais formais e não. Nesse sentido, foram realizadas pesquisas bibliográficas e vivenciadas experiências in loco, como visitas a museus, geoparques e participação em workshops. A partir do conhecimento adquirido com este trabalho ratifica-se a importância da utilização de materiais específicos direcionados à geodiversidade e ao patrimônio geológico.

From birth onward, the lungs are exposed to the external environment and therefore harbor a complex immunological milieu to protect this organ from damage and infection. We investigated the homeostatic role of the epithelium-derived alarmin interleukin-33 (IL-33) in newborn mice and discovered the immediate upregulation of IL-33 from the first day of life, closely followed by a wave of IL-13-producing type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s), which coincided with the appearance of alveolar macrophages (AMs) and their early polarization to an IL-13-dependent anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. ILC2s contributed to lung quiescence in homeostasis by polarizing tissue resident AMs and induced an M2 phenotype in transplanted macrophage progenitors. ILC2s continued to maintain the M2 AM phenotype during adult life at the cost of a delayed response to Streptococcus pneumoniae infection in mice. These data highlight the homeostatic role of ILC2s in setting the activation threshold in the lung and underline their implications in anti-bacterial defenses.

This article explores the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the development of vaccines against pathogens. AI has shown promise in predicting and forecasting potential vaccines based on genetic and proteomic data, which can help expedite the vaccine creation process. The article also discusses the use of AI in developing vaccines for viral, bacterial, and parasitic diseases. However, there are challenges in using AI for parasite vaccines due to limited data on nematodes. The article emphasizes that while AI can enhance vaccine development, it should not replace traditional laboratory testing and regulatory processes for ensuring safety and effectiveness. [Extracted from the article]

Itajaí is a port city in southern Brazil with one of the highest incidence and mortality rates from AIDS in the country. The prevalence and incidence of HIV infection were investigated in 1085 of 3196 new HIV-1 infection cases evaluated in the counseling and testing center of Itajaí from January 2002 to August 2008. Recent infections were assessed using the BED™, and pol region sequencing was performed in 76 samples. The prevalence ranged from 3.08% to 6.17% among women and from 10.26% to 17.36% among men. A total of 17% of infections were classified as recent, with annual incidence varying from 1.6% to 4.8 per 100 patient/year among women and from 2.05% to 8.5 per 100 patient/year among men. Pol sequences were obtained from 38 randomly recent infections selected individuals: 71% were infected by subtype C, 24% B, 2% D, and 2% F1. Among 38 subjects with established infection, 76% were subtype C, and 24% B. Transmitted drug resistance was detected in 18.4% of recent infection subjects (7.8% to nucleoside analog reverse-transcriptase inhibitors, 5.2% to non-nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors, and 5.2% protease inhibitors) and 5.2% of subjects with established infection had nucleoside analog reverse-transcriptase inhibitors resistance.The high prevalence and incidence of HIV infection in this region is unprecedented in studies involving cases evaluated in the counseling and testing centers in Brazil. Keywords: Recent HIV infection, HIV subtype, Brazil, Transmitted drug resistance