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En la actualidad las actividades antrópicas han provocado un incremento en la disponibilidad de nutrientes en bosques tropicales, con efectos negativos sobre la diversidad y funcionamiento de estos ecosistemas. Se analizó los efectos de la adición en el suelo de nitrógeno (N), fósforo (P), nitrógeno más fósforo (N+P) y un tratamiento control sin fertilizar (Con) sobre la diversidad taxonómica y funcional de briófitos epífitos en un bosque montano de la Región Sur de Ecuador. Se registró la riqueza y composición en 320 cuadrantes de 20 x 30 cm de un total de 80 árboles. Los efectos de los tratamientos sobre la diversidad taxonómica y funcional se evaluaron mediante modelos lineales generalizados mixtos y los cambios en la composición de las comunidades con análisis multivariados. Un total de 59 especies de briófitos fueron registradas en el bosque montano. Los resultados indicaron que no hay efectos de la adicción de nutrientes en suelo sobre la riqueza, riqueza funcional y composición de briófitos epífitos, sin embargo, el diámetro de los árboles fue un factor limitante para los briófitos. Los tratamientos con nutrientes en bosques tropicales montanos no estuvieron relacionados con la riqueza, composición y diversidad funcional de briófitos, sin embargo, los rasgos del hospedador (DBH) fueron factores limitantes.

Background: Dorsal preservation rhinoplasty (DPR) has recently received significant academic attention in part due to theoretical benefits over excisional surgical methods. The purpose of this study was to assess the global practice patterns regarding this technique. Materials and Methods: An 11-item questionnaire was electronically distributed to regional academies/societies representing rhinoplasty surgeons worldwide. Respondent exposure to and use of DPR were assessed based on geographic location. Results: Eight hundred thirty-six responses were received. Despite early publications on DPR originating largely from Western Europe and the United States, Turkey and Mexico have the greatest use of DPR techniques currently. The familiarity across many regions with preservation techniques appear to be secondary to courses and conferences rather than incorporation into training. Mexico demonstrates the greatest exposure to DPR during training. One hundred twenty-five respondents had previously used but abandoned dorsal preservation techniques. Poor results, less predictability, and complications (largely hump recurrence) are cited as common reasons for this. Conclusion: There is variability in the global practice of DPR across regions and this will likely continue to evolve.

Los briófitos y hongos (liquenizados y no liquenizados) son altamente diversos en ecosistemas tropicales, y están relacionados con el funcionamiento de los mismos; sin embargo, la diversidad de estos organismos es aún poco estudiada en Ecuador. A nivel de país se ha reportado alrededor de 1700 especies de briófitos, 900 especies de líquenes y más de 2000 especies de hongos no liquenizados. Se realizó un inventario de briófitos, líquenes y hongos del Parque Universitario "Francisco Vivar Castro" en la Región Sur del Ecuador mediante colecciones al azar. Se registró un total de 152 especies, distribuidas en 74 briófitos, 40 líquenes y 38 macrohongos. Las familias con mayor número de especies de briófitos son Lejeuneaceae, Plagiochilaceae, Frullaniaceae, Radulaceae, Meterioraceae, Neckeraceae y Polytrichaceae. Para líquenes Physciaceae, Parmeliaceae, Lobariaceae y Ramalinaceae fueron las más representativas. Para hongos Polyporaceae, Physalacriaceae y Mycenaceae registraron el mayor número de especies. Concluimos que la zona del Parque Universitario "Francisco Vivar Castro" con las 152 especies alberga una alta diversidad de briofitos y hongos (líquenes y no liquenizados) siendo funcionalmente un refugio de biodiversidad en la hoya de Loja, como ya se ha documentado para plantas vasculares y algunos grupos de fauna. Bajo este contexto, la conservación del remanente de bosque de montaña, es necesario para preservar la alta diversidad de briófitos y hongos en Ecuador.

To date, an endonasal approach has not been described that combines different incisions to provide exposure of all of the key anatomical structures, allowing for adequate, comprehensive visualization of the nasal architecture including the complete quadrangular cartilage and its extension with the upper lateral cartilages, including the caudal septal border from the ventral border and anterior nasal spine to the anterior septal angle, the scroll, and internal nasal valve.The endonasal approach that Fausto Lopez-Infante designed, the FLI technique, combines several basic known endonasal incisions that together allow excellent access and great visualization of the intranasal surgical field, enables extensive septal work, and preserves the natural anatomy of the dorsum as well as the tip support structures.This technique and approach to nasal surgery are based on an understanding of anatomy, allow standardization of the surgery, and make it reproducible. It is an outstanding option with excellent cosmetic and functional results.

In Ecuador, 100% of the mangroves are protected through different mechanisms: protected areas, community mangrove concessions, and protective forests. However, there is still deforestation of the mangroves, even in protected areas, which is caused mainly by the construction/expansion of shrimp pools. Shrimp is currently Ecuador’s first non-oil export product. The Sustainable Use and Mangrove Custody Agreements are very important because they cover an area almost similar to that of protected areas. This mechanism is effective because it allows the sustainable extraction of resources from the mangrove, but forces the “custodians” to protect this ecosystem. This chapter includes a case study on the management of the “mangrove concessions” of the province of El Oro, southern Ecuador, in which the management effectiveness of these areas is analyzed. We found that despite the limited resources that these mangrove concessions have, the level of management is “satisfactory”, which means that most of the management objectives are met. However, these areas should receive more support, both from the state and private organizations, as they conserve more than 40% of Ecuador’s mangrove.

In the last 50 years, oil extraction activities in the Northeast Amazonian Region (NAR) of Ecuador impacted ecosystems and may still affect the local population health. To our knowledge, no previous studies have determined the concentrations of metal(loid)s in the oil Ecuadorian Amazon environment. A total of 15 small farms, located in the Orellana and Sucumbios provinces, were sampled in order to determine the concentrations of As, Ba, Co, Cu, Cd, Cr, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, V and Zn in soils, crops, drinking water and air (PM10). Among non-essential metal(loid)s, Ba concentrations in soils exceeded the Ecuadorian limits of 200 mg kg− 1 in 53% of the sampling sites. In crops, Cd concentrations in cacao and Pb in manioc exceeded the FAO/WHO recommendations. In drinking water and PM10, regulated metal(loid)s did not exceed the international thresholds. Nevertheless metals such as Ba and Mo showed the highest annual mean concentrations in PM10 in both sampling sites. Natural (bedrock, volcanic ashes) and anthropogenic (oil activities, agrochemical products) sources could explain the high content of some meta(loid)s in the environment. According to the hazard quotient and cancer risk indexes, crops and water ingestion represent 71% and 88% of the exposure pathways for non-carcinogenic elements in adults and children respectively while inhalation is the main exposure pathways for carcinogenic elements for the whole population. Both indexes were 2 to 13 times higher than the US EPA recommended values. However, estimates of exposure pathways should be considered taking into account the risk perception of residents: they may be overestimated for people who are able to change their dietary and/or agricultural practices to limit their exposure, or underestimated in the case of persons who are socio-economically vulnerable and who cannot leave the impacted areas.

The unregulated oil exploitation in the Northern Ecuadorian Amazon Region (NEAR), mainly from 1964 to the 90's, led to toxic compounds largely released into the environment. A large majority of people living in the Amazon region have no access to drinking water distribution systems and collects water from rain, wells or small streams. The concentrations of major ions, trace elements, PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) and BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes) were analyzed in different water sources to evaluate the impacts of oil extraction and refining. Samples were taken from the NEAR and around the main refinery of the country (Esmeraldas Oil Refinery/State Oil Company of Ecuador) and were compared with domestic waters from the Southern region, not affected by petroleum activities. In most of the samples, microbiological analysis revealed a high level of coliforms representing significant health risks. All measured chemical compounds in waters were in line with national and international guidelines, except for manganese, zinc and aluminum. In several deep-water wells, close to oil camps, toluene concentrations were higher than the natural background while PAHs concentrations never exceeded individually 2 ng·L−1. Water ingestion represented 99% of the total exposure pathways for carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic elements (mainly zinc) in adults and children, while 20% to 49% of the Total Cancer Risk was caused by arsenic concentrations. The health index (HI) indicates acceptable chronic effects for domestic use according the US-EPA thresholds. Nevertheless, these limits do not consider the cocktail effects of metallic and organic compounds. Furthermore, they do not include the social determinants of human exposure, such as socio-economic living conditions or vulnerability. Most (72%) of interviewed families knew sanitary risks but a discrepancy was observed between knowledge and action: religious beliefs, cultural patterns, information sources, experience and emotions play an important role front to exposure.

Estudiamos la dieta del búho terrestre Athene cunicularia punensis en cuatro territorios dentro del archipiélago de Jambelí, provincia de El Oro, suroeste de Ecuador, entre noviembre de 2015 y abril de 2016, mediante la recolección y análisis de 182 egagrópilas. Los artrópodos constituyeron el principal grupo-presa en frecuencia de aparición (86.5%), seguido por los mamíferos (12%) y las aves (1.5%). En cuanto a biomasa consumida, los mamíferos (Mus musculus y Rattus rattus) aportaron 58.5%, los artrópodos 33.2% y las aves 8.2%. No encontramos diferencias significativas de la dieta entre las cuatro parejas estudiadas. En este trabajo se confirmó el rol de Athene cunicularia como un importante depredador de plagas como roedores introducidos y artrópodos potencialmente dañinos., The diet of Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia punensis) was studied in four territories in the Jambelí archipelago, El Oro, southwestern Ecuador, from November 2015 to April 2016, collecting 182 pellets. Arthropods were the main prey group in frequency of occurrence (86.5%), followed by mammals (12%) and birds (1.5%), but mammals (Mus musculus and Rattus rattus) contributed 58.5% of the biomass, arthropods 33.2% and birds 8.2%. No significant differences were found in the diet among the four pairs studied. Our study confirmed the important role of Athene cunicularia as predator of pests like introduced rodents and potentially harmful arthropods.

El Tinamú Serrano Nothocercus bonapartei es un ave rara y poco conocida que habita bosques densos y poco disturbados del este de los Andes de Ecuador. Es de comportamiento sigiloso y posee pocos registros en el país. En este documento, presentamos los primeros registros de la presencia de esta especie en la Cordillera del Cóndor, cordillera oriental aislada de los Andes, en la cual no existía evidencia previa de su distribución.

Cacao from South America is especially used to produce premium quality chocolate. Although the European Food Safety Authority has not established a limit for cadmium (Cd) in chocolate raw material, recent studies demonstrate that Cd concentrations in cacao beans can reach levels higher than the legal limits for dark chocolate (0.8 mg kg−1, effective January 1st, 2019). Despite the fact that the presence of Cd in agricultural soils is related to contamination by fertilizers, other potential sources must be considered in Ecuador. This field study was conducted to investigate Cd content in soils and cacao cultivated on Ecuadorian farms in areas impacted by oil activities. Soils, cacao leaves, and pod husks were collected from 31 farms in the northern Amazon and Pacific coastal regions exposed to oil production and refining and compared to two control areas. Human gastric bioaccessibility was determined in raw cacao beans and cacao liquor samples in order to assess potential health risks involved. Our results show that topsoils (0–20 cm) have higher Cd concentrations than deeper layers, exceeding the Ecuadorian legislation limit in 39% of the sampling sites. Cacao leaves accumulate more Cd than pod husks or beans but, nevertheless, 50% of the sampled beans have Cd contents above 0.8 mg kg−1. Root-to-cacao transfer seems to be the main pathway of Cd uptake, which is not only regulated by physico-chemical soil properties but also agricultural practices. Additionally, natural Cd enrichment by volcanic inputs must not be neglected. Finally, Cd in cacao trees cannot be considered as a tracer of oil activities. Assuming that total Cd content and its bioaccessible fraction (up to 90%) in cacao beans and liquor is directly linked to those in chocolate, the health risk associated with Cd exposure varies from low to moderate.

In the last two decades, more than 35% of coastal wetlands in the tropics and subtropics have been destroyed, mangrove forest being the most affected habitat. However, mangroves have been poorly studied around the world, particularly in the Neotropics. The spatio-temporal diversity of the mangrove bird community in the Jambeli archipelago, in southwestern Ecuador, was studied. Between 2 August 2015 and 25 July 2016, a total of 118 species (35 migratory and 83 resident species) belonging to 44 families were documented. Nine of the 83 resident species are endemic to the coasts of Ecuador and northwestern Peru; six are threatened species. The most abundant species in the archipelago were Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) and Neotropic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus), while the best represented family was Laridae (n = 12 species). No spatial or temporal differences in bird diversity were detected (P > 0.35). The Jambeli archipelago has a high diversity of bird species, particularly as a wintering and stopover site for boreal migratory species. A long-term monitoring program for bird populations in the area has been proposed as an effective tool to assess the conservation status of this important and threatened ecosystem.

Protected areas are home to biodiversity, habitats and ecosystem as well as a critical component of human well-being and a generator of leisure-related revenues. However, management is sometimes unsatisfactory and requires new ways of evaluation. Management effectiveness of 36 protected areas in southern Ecuador have been assessed. The protected areas belong to three categories: Heritage of Natural Areas of the Ecuadorian State (PANE), created and funded by the State, Areas of Forest and Protective Vegetation (ABVP), created but no funded by the State, and private reserves, declared and funded by private entities. Management effectiveness was evaluated by answers of managers of the protected areas to questionnaires adapted to the socio-economic and environmental characteristics of the region. Questions were classified into six elements of evaluation: context, planning, inputs, processes, outputs and outcomes as recommended by IUCN. Results were classified into four levels: unsatisfactory, slightly satisfactory, satisfactory and very satisfactory. The PANE areas and private reserves showed higher management effectiveness levels (satisfactory and very satisfactory) than ABVP areas, where slightly satisfactory and unsatisfactory levels prevailed. Resources availability was found as the main reason behind this difference. The extension, age and province of location were found irrelevant. Outputs, inputs and processes require main efforts to improve management effectiveness. Improving planning and input in the PANE areas and inputs and outcomes on ABVP areas is necessary to obtain a similar result in all areas. © 2016 Elsevier Ltd

La contaminación por metales pesados debido a la actividad petrolera es uno de los problemas de mayor preocupación a nivel mundial, regional y local, porque constituyen un peligro para la biota acuática y la salud humana. Los elementos mayores y metales pesados tienden a acumularse en los sedimentos, los cuales actúan como recursos secundarios de contaminación. Estos están íntimamente relacionados con las condiciones redox, la distribución del tamaño de las partículas en los sedimentos y la cantidad de materia orgánica sedimentaria. Por tanto, el objetivo de este proyecto realizado dentro del marco del programa de Investigación Franco-Ecuatoriano MONOIL, es determinar la concentración de los elementos mayores (K, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn y Al) en la fracción fina de sedimentos colectados en las cuencas de los ríos Aguarico, Napo y Esmeraldas, que constituyen áreas de influencia de la zona petrolera en el Ecuador, y compararlos con las concentraciones analizadas en el bulk de cada muestra en estudios anteriores. Los parámetros ambientales in situ que se determinaron en cada punto de muestreo fueron temperatura, oxígeno disuelto, pH, conductividad y potencial de óxido reducción. La separación de la fracción fina, partículas

Background: The objectives of this study were to determine whether intramedullary reaming increases bone temperature in vivo to a level that is high enough to produce bone necrosis and to determine the influence of the size and the condition of the reamers on the temperature increase. Methods: Bone temperature variations were recorded in vivo during intramedullary tibial reaming in fourteen minipigs. The left tibiae were progressively reamed from 6 to 9 mm. The right tibiae were reamed with only 8 and 9-mm reamers. The variables studied were the initial and final temperature and the increase in the temperature. Two weeks after reaming, the tibiae were removed and studied histologically. Results: Intramedullary reaming produced an average increase (and standard deviation) in bone temperature of 6.9°C ± 4.1°C. The peak temperatures ranged from 34.9°C to 49.4°C. The average maximum bone temperature was 38.1°C ± 2.8°C when the reaming was done progressively from 6 to 9 mm and 41.1°C ± 4.4°C when the reaming was done only with the 8 and 9-mm reamers. The mean increase in the temperature in the second group of animals (8.2°C ± 4.3°C) was greater than that in the first group (5.4°C ± 3.5°C). Reaming with sharper reamers in the first seven animals resulted in a smaller mean increase in temperature than did reaming with less sharp reamers in the last seven animals (4.6°C compared with 9.2°C; p = 0.001). Histological examination of the tibiae showed periosteal proliferation and an altered disposition of the osteons at the inner cortex with occasional necrotic bone fragments in the medullary canal. Conclusions: Intramedullary reaming in the minipig increased bone temperature. When the reamer initially used was larger than the diameter of the medullary canal and when the reamers were blunted by repeated use, the maximum temperature reached by the bone was higher. This increase in temperature with use of typical medullary reaming techniques did not exceed the limits that would produce bone necrosis. Clinical Relevance: Use of appropriately sized reamers in good condition reduces the increase in bone temperature that occurs during intramedullary reaming.

Introduction: Shoulder arthroscopy has become increasingly used in recent years, especially in rotator cuff repair. The purpose of this study was to determine whether arthroscopic rotator cuff repair could prevent proximal migration of the humeral head. Material and Methods: We performed a retrospective study of 56 patients suffering from shoulder pain. They were divided into two groups, one comprising patients with impingement syndrome who underwent acromioplasty only and another comprising patients with rotator cuff tear who underwent acromioplasty combined with rotator cuff repair. The pre-operative Hirooka angle and the results of the simple shoulder test (SST) were compared after 1 year. Results: We found no differences between the groups for the Hirooka angle or SST results. We did find a significant difference (P

El infarto agudo del miocardio se define como la muerte del músculo cardíaco por falta de oxígeno. Esta patología se encuentra estrechamente relacionada con los factores de riesgo: tabaquismo, hipercolesterolemia, hipertrigliceridemia, hipertensión arterial, diabetes mellitus, sexo masculino y la edad. Verificar la relación existente entre el infarto y los factores de riesgo ha sido el objetivo de esta investigación Para la realización de esta investigación, en la que se empleó un método retrospectivo, se estudiaron 40 pacientes que ingresaron al Hospital Salvador B. Gautier tras haber sufrido un episodio de infarto agudo del miocardio en el período comprendido entre enero 1998-abril 1999. Un 82.5% de la población era del sexo masculino, 27.5% padecía de diabetes mellitus, 90% tenía hipertensión arterial, 5% poseía hipercolesterolemia, 5% tenía hipertrigliceridemia, 50% presentaba tabaquismo, 90% se encontraba en edad de riesgo La cantidad de factores de riesgo presentes en la mayoría de los pacientes era alta (mayor de 3 factores) a excepción de 5 pacientes que sólo presentaban 2 factores de riesgo. Estos resultados prueban que a mayor número de factores de riesgo, mayor es la probabilidad existente de que ocurra un episodio de infarto agudo del miocardio.

Objetivo: Determinar las características clínicas de la amiloidosis secundaria. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de 115 pacientes con diagnóstico histopatológico de amiloidosis secundaria entre 1964 y 1997, determinados por biopsia renal (97.5%) o de glándula salival menor (2.5%). Resultados: Como enfermedades determinantes se encontraron TBC pulmonar (90.43%), bronquiectasias (6.08%), osteomielitis (1.74%). Las manifestaciones clínicas fueron: edema en 98.2%, proteinuria 100%, e hipotensión en 30.43%. La proteinuria en 24 horas fluctuó entre 1.26 y 3.23 gr. El rango en que fluctuó la albúmina sérica fue de 0.6 a 3 gr/dl. Se encontró función renal normal en 5% e insuficiencia renal en 95% de los pacientes. ( Rev Med Hered 1999; 10:45-48 ). Objective: To determine the clinical characteristics of secundary amyloidosis. Material and methods: Retrospective study of 115 patients with histopatologic diagnosis of secundary amyloidosis since 1964 up to 1997, performed by renal (97.5%) or minor salival gland biopsy (2.5%). Results: Conditioning diseases were tuberculosis (90.43%), bronchiectasis (6.08%) osteomielitis (1.74%). The clinical manifestations were edema in 98.2% of cases, proteinuria in 100%, hypotension in 30.43% and diahrrea in 33.91% of the patients. Proteinuria in 24 hour fluctuated between 1.26 gr. and 3.23 gr. The ranged in which serum albumin fluctuated was 0.6 to 3 gr/dl. Only 5% of patients had normal renal function and 95% renal insufficiency. ( Rev Med Hered 1999; 10:45-48 ).