The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Galapagos Islands' seafood system from consumers' perspectives.

The COVID-19 pandemic's early stages severely impacted global fisheries, particularly areas heavily reliant on imported food and tourism like the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. To contain the spread of the virus, a full lockdown was implemented. However, the collapse of the tourism industry precipitated the worst economic crisis in the history of this multiple-use marine protected area. This paper examines the impact of the pandemic's early stages on consumption patterns and seafood security in the Galapagos from consumers' perspective, drawing on online surveys conducted during the lockdown. Our findings revealed pre-existing seafood insecurity across the archipelago, further exacerbated by the pandemic on the least-populated island. Nevertheless, the seafood system displayed moderated resilience to the pandemic's socioeconomic disruptions. A variety of adaptive responses were adopted by Galapagos residents to cope with the lockdown. Consumers modified their seafood consumption habits, while fishers adapted their harvesting and marketing strategies. Such adaptive responses were shaped by the unique socioeconomic characteristics of each inhabited island and the ability of seafood suppliers to shift from a tourism- and export-oriented to a resident- and domestic-oriented market. This transition has created novel opportunities to foster a systemic transformation of the Galapagos seafood system to enhance its resilience against future crises caused by new pandemics, climate change, or other natural and anthropogenic drivers of change.

Analysis of metals and metalloid in commercial fish species from the Galapagos Marine Reserve: Toxicological and nutritional assessment.

Aquatic pollution derived from metal presence in the Galapagos Islands could affect biodiversity and human health. This research provide a baseline on food safety in commercial fish species of the Galapagos Islands. We sampled muscle tissue of pelagic (Acanthocybium solandri) and demersal (Caulolatilus affinis, Pontinus clemensi, Hyporthodus mystacinus, and Paralabrax albomaculatus) species. Metal and metalloid concentrations per species were analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Spectrometry (ICP-OES). According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) regulation none of the studied species should be ingested; and according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) regulation, all the studied species were above the Maximum Allowable Concentration (MAC) for Cd. According to EFSA, C. affinis should not be commercialized. Finally, A. solandri, P. clemensi and H. mystacinus do not represent a human health risk since its Margen of Safety (MoS) < 1 for people of up to 100 kg of body weight.

Fishing during the "new normality": social and economic changes in Galapagos small-scale fisheries due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The crisis caused by COVID-19 has profoundly affected human activities around the globe, and the Galapagos Islands are no exception. The impacts on this archipelago include the impairment of tourism and the loss of linkages with the Ecuadorian mainland, which has greatly impacted the local economy. The collapse of the local economy jeopardized livelihoods and food security, given that many impacts affected the food supply chain. During the crisis, the artisanal fishers of the Galapagos showed a high capacity to adapt to the diminishing demand for fish caused by the drastic drop in tourism. We observed that fishers developed strategies and initiatives by shifting roles, from being mainly tourism-oriented providers to becoming local-household food suppliers. This new role of fishers has triggered an important shift in the perception of fishers and fisheries in Galapagos by the local community. The community shifted from perceiving fisheries as a sector opposed to conservation and in conflict with the tourism sector to perceiving fisheries as the protagonist sector, which was securing fresh, high-quality protein for the human community. This study explores the socio-economic impacts and adaptations of COVID-19 on Galapagos' artisanal fisheries based on a mixed methods approach, including the analysis of fisheries datasets, interviews, surveys, and participant observation conducted during and after the lockdown. We illustrate the adaptive mechanisms developed by the sector and explore the changes, including societal perceptions regarding small-scale fisheries in the Galapagos. The research proposes strategies to enhance the Galapagos' economic recovery based on behaviors and traits shown by fishers which are considered potential assets to build-up resilience. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40152-022-00268-z.

Metal and metalloids concentration in Galapagos fish liver and gonad tissues.

The Galapagos Islands are one of the best-preserved archipelagos in the world. We sampled individuals of six demersal and three pelagic species. The metal concentration of liver and gonad tissues were analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Spectrometry. Findings suggest none of the pelagic species showed metallic concentrations that could pose a risk to their health or reproductive capacity. S. violacea and P. clemensi Zn levels were higher in liver than in gonads, indicating that these species could be in their reproduction period. Zn risk toxicity for the study species is negligible. High concentrations of Cd were found in the liver of C. princeps, C. affinis and P. albomaculatus which could cause morphological and physiological alterations. We hypothesize that the high metal concentrations found in the demersal species could come from the volcanism of the islands, since no major sources of anthropogenic metal contamination can be found in the archipelago.

Metals in commercial fish in the Galapagos Marine Reserve: Contribution to food security and toxic risk assessment.

Metal pollution in the marine environment can damage places with exceptional biodiversity such as the Galapagos Islands. For this reason, it is important to evaluate the toxic risk from metals derived from fish consumption and to perform a nutritional assessment. We sampled 20 individuals of demersal (Caulolatilus princeps and Mycteroperca olfax) and pelagic (Thunnus albacares and Seriolella violacea) species. The levels of the toxic elements (Al, B, Ba, Cd, Ni, Pb and Sr), and the macroelements, microelements and trace elements (Ca, Cr, Fe, K, Li, Mn, Mo, Mg, Na, V and Zn) of species muscle tissue were analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Spectrometry (ICP-OES). Demersal species have higher concentrations of Cr, K, Mg and Mo; while pelagic species have higher levels of Zn. M. olfax could potentially cause Cd toxicity so it is recommended not to ingest more than 86 and 73 g of this species (i.e. roughly, one serving) per week for men and women, respectively. None of the species could be marketed in Europe and the USA due to Cd level exceed the allowed limits by EFSA and FAO. Furthermore, the dietary intake of C. princeps is recommended due to its high concentration of Ca, Na, K, Mg and Cr, while T. albacares is recommended for people with Zn deficiency. However, due to the Cd level in C. princeps it is not recommended to ingest more than five servings per week. We attribute the source of metals in the studied fish from the volcanic origin of the islands rather than from human pollution. This is the first study that thoroughly estimate concentration of metals in commercial fish species and its contribution to food security in the Galapagos.

Characterization of Enamel After the Use of Oral Hygiene Auxiliaries with Whiteners / Caracterización del esmalte después del uso de auxiliares de higiene bucal con blanqueadores

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the use of the combined auxiliaries of oral hygiene with whitening agents on the micro-hardness and micro-morphology of dental enamel. Materials and Methods. 40 human incisors were used and sectioned to obtain 4x4mm samples and divided into four study groups. Group 1: Electric brushing with Toothpaste (BTP); Group 2: Electric brushing with Toothpaste+mouthwash (BTP+MW); Group 3: Electric brushing with Toothpaste+whitening pen (BTP+WP); Group 4: Electric brushing with Toothpaste+mouth wash+whitening pen (BTP+MW+WP). Samples were submitted toVickers micro-hardness test and visualized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results. All groups, with the exception of group 1, showed a decrease in micro- hardness values after applying the treatments (p<0.05). Likewise, when comparing the values after the treatments between the groups, significant statistical differences were found in all of comparisons except for those of groups 2 and 4. SEM images showed changes in the morphology in all the study groups with the exception of group 1. Conclusion. Significant changes such as decrease in micro-hardness as well as in the topography of the enamel surface such as elevations, craters, porosities and etching patterns were founded after the use of the combination of auxiliaries of oral hygiene with whitening agents.

RESUMEN El propósito de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto del uso de los auxiliares de higiene oral combinados con agentes blanqueadores sobre la microdureza y la micro-morfología del esmalte dental. Materiales y métodos. Se utilizaron 40 incisivos humanos y se seccionaron para obtener muestras de 4x4 mm los cuales se dividieron en cuatro grupos de estudio. Grupo 1: cepillado eléctrico con pasta de dientes (BTP); Grupo 2: cepillado eléctrico con pasta dental+enjuague bucal (BTP+MW); Grupo 3: cepillado eléctrico con pasta dental+pluma blanqueadora (BTP+WP); Grupo 4: cepillado eléctrico con pasta dental+enjuague bucal+pluma blanqueadora (BTP+MW+WP). Las muestras fueron analizadas por medio de microdurezaVickers y microscopía electronica de barrido (SEM). Resultados. Todos los grupos, con la excepción del grupo 1, mostraron una disminución en los valores de microdureza después de aplicar los tratamientos (p<0.05). Del mismo modo, al comparar los valores después de los tratamientos entre los grupos, se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en todas las comparaciones, excepto en las de los grupos 2 y 4. Las imágenes de SEM nos muestran cambios en la morfología en todos los grupos de estudio con la excepción del grupo 1 Conclusión. Cambios significativos como la disminución de la microdureza y los cambios en la topografía de la superficie del esmalte, como elevaciones, cráteres, porosidades y patrones de grabado, se encontraron después del uso de la combinación de auxiliares de la higiene oral con agentes blanqueadores.

Estudio comparativo de tres materiales de impresión en su capacidad para reproducir el margen cervical de la preparación mediante las técnicas de doble hilo y cofia de trasferencia / Comparative study of three impression materials in their capacity to reproduce the cervical margin of preparation using techniques of coping and double cord

En prótesis fija la integridad marginal o perfección del margen es de suma importancia así como una impresión que copie perfectamente el terminado de la preparación ya que de esto depende la adaptabilidade de la prótesis que permita la supervivencia de la restauración y el mantenimiento de la salud periodontal en la boca del paciente. En este estudio se compara la capacidad de tres materiales de impresión (2 siliconas por adición y 1 poliéter) para copiar el margen cervical de la preparación mediante las técnicas de doble hilo y cofia de trasferencia. Se utilizaron 96 primeros molares inferiores izquierdos divididos en 6 grupos de 16 c/u se restauraron los dientes con ionómero de vidrio, resina o poste colado según fuera el caso, se prepararon los dientes con terminación en chamfer, el grupo 1: técnica de doble hilo con silicone por adición (Silicona 1), grupo 2: técnica de doble hilo con poliéter, grupo 3: técnica de cofia de transferência con silicona (Silicona 1), grupo 4: técnica de cofia de transferencia con poliéter, grupo 5: Técnica de doble hilo con silicona (Silicona 2), grupo 6: Técnica de cofia con silicona (Silicona 2). Posteriormente fueron observados en el estereomicroscopio para evaluar la cantidad de burbujas e irregularidades en el margen cervical según la escala de Jokstad. Donde la prueba estadística de Chi-cuadrada con un nivel de confianza de < 0.05 no mostró diferencia estadística significativa entre las técnicas de impresión de doble hilo y la de cofia de trasferencia, independientemente del material usado. Aunque numéricamente la técnica de doble hilo se comportó mejor que la técnica de cofia por lo que se sugiere su uso.

In fixed prosthesis, the integrity of perfection of the margin is of utmost importance, as well as an impression that perfectly copies the finish of the preparations, since the adaptability of the prosthesis that ensures survival of the restoration and periodontal health depends on this. This study compares the capacity of 3 different materials (2 silicones addition and 1 polyether) to copy the cervical margin of the preparation in the impression between the techniques of double cord and coping. We used 96 lower left molars divided into 6 groups of 16 each. The teeth were restored with glass ionomer, resin or cast post and core depending on the case, the margins were finished in a chamfer (group 1), double thread with addition silicone (group 2), double thread with polyether, (group 3), coping with PVS, (group 4), coping with polyether, (group5) double cord with PVS (group 6), coping With PVS. They were subsequently evaluated in a stereomicroscope to observe the number of bubbles and irregularities in the cervical margin according to the Jockstad scale, where the Chi-square test with a confidence level of <0.05 showed no statistically significant difference between impression techniques and coping regardless of material used. Although numerically the double-thread technique behaved better than coping technique, so it is suggested its use.

Efecto del blanqueamiento y el remineralizante sobre la microdureza y micromorfología del esmalte dental / Effect of whitening and remineralizing agent on the microhardness and micromorphology of dental enamel

Diversos estudios han demostrado mayor o menor grado de afectacióndel esmalte después del uso de los distintos tratamientos para blanqueamiento dental. Por este motivo, se han propuesto varios métodos ytratamientos remineralizantes que pudieran revertir los efectos negativosde dicho tratamiento. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar el efecto del Opalescence PF 15 por ciento (peróxido de carbamida al 15%) y delremineralizante Flor-Opal (NaF al 1.1 por ciento), ambos de la casa comercialUltradent, así como de la saliva artifi cial sobre la microdureza y la micromorfología del esmalte humano. Se utilizaron 10 incisivos centrales superiores recién extraídos provenientes de centros de salud del Puerto de Veracruz, México. Réplicas de estos dientes fueron obtenidas en lasdiferentes fases del tratamiento de blanqueamiento para ser posteriormente observadas en el microscopio electrónico de barrido (MEB). Asimismo, se realizaron mediciones de microdureza en la superficie del esmalte de los dientes seleccionados durante las diferentes fases del tratamiento de blanqueamiento. Se observó que la microdureza del esmalte se ve disminuida (aunque no significativamente) después de la aplicación del peróxido de carbamida al 15 por ciento, y vuelve a subir después de la aplicación de los remineralizantes, para posteriormente volver a descender siete días después del uso de los mismos. Los datos de microdureza coincidieron con los de micromorfología obtenidos enel MEB. Se concluye que el peróxido de carbamida al 15 opr ciento sí afecta lamicromorfología de la superficie del esmalte, además de que disminuyela microdureza del mismo. Con el uso del remineralizante Flor-Opal se onsiguieron mayores valores de microdureza y mejores características micromorfológicas comparado con la saliva artificial.

Studies have shown varying degrees of involvement of the enamel following the use of tooth-whitening treatments. Consequently, a range of methods and remineralizing treatments have been proposed to reverse their negative effects. The aim of this study was, therefore, to evaluate the effect of Opalescence PF 15% (carbamide peroxide 15%) and the remineralizing treatment Flor-Opal (1.1% NaF), both produced by Ultradent, as well as artifi cial saliva on the microhard-ness and micromorphology of human enamel. Ten recently-extracted central incisors from health centers in the port of Veracruz, Mexico, were used. Replicas of these teeth were made at the various stages of the whitening treatment in order to observe these under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Microhardness measurements were also taken on the surface of the enamel of the teeth selected at each of the various stages of the whitening treatment. The microhardness of the enamel was found to decrease (though not signifi cantly) after the ap-plication of carbamide peroxide 15%, then increase again following the application of the remineralizing agents, only to decrease again seven days after these were applied. The microhardness data coincided with that for micromorphology obtained from the SEM. We conclude that carbamide peroxide 15% does affect the micromorphology of the enamel surface and also decreases its microhardness. Flor-Opal produced higher microhardness values and better micromorphological characteristics compared to artifi cial saliva.

Evaluation del cierre apical con hidróxido de calcio, MTA y plasma rico en factores de crecimiento in vivo / Evaluation of the apical closing with calcium hydroxide, MTA and PRGF

Objetivo. Observar la formación de un tope apical mediante el empleo de Ca(OH)2, MTA y PRGF colocado en dientes inmaduros de perros a un solo período de observación. Metodología. Fueron utilizados dos perros en los cuales se trabajó con 16 muestras. Este trabajo se realizó en dos tiempos operatorios, el primero para impedir el desarrollo normal del ápice radicular provocando una lesión apical colocando una torunda de algodón con placa dentobacteriana de humano durante dos meses, el segundo tiempo operatorio para colocar los materiales a probar formando cuatro grupos: 1. control (limpieza del conducto); 2. hidróxido de calcio (Ca(OH)2); 3. mineral trióxido agregado (MTA); 4. plasma rico en factores de crecimiento (PRGF). Siete meses después, los perros fueron sacrificados y las muestras preparadas para ser observadas al microscopio óptico. Resultados. Los resultados obtenidos fueron muy similares entre las muestras de su propio grupo. Grupo control: el ápice se encontró totalmente abierto y sin vías de reparación. Grupo del hidróxido de calcio: el ápice se encontró abierto pero en vías de reparación, formando un tejido de osteocemento o de tipo cementoide, pequeños focos de infiltrado inflamatorio. Mineral trióxido agregado: se observó un cierre total del ápice, con dentina bien organizada y con engrosamiento del cemento en la porción apical. Plasma rico en factores de crecimiento: ápice abierto en vías de reparación, tejido cementoide o de tipo osteocemento. Dentro de todo el conducto se observan fibras de colágeno, tejido conectivo laxo yalgunos vasos sanguíneos. Conclusiones. Con base a los resultados observados, sobresalen dos de los materiales utilizados, estos son el MTA por el cierre apical tan similar a la fisiología natural, y PRGF por el tejido formado dentro del conducto radicular; sin embargo el hidróxido de calcio también logra estimular la formación de tejido calcificado periapical

The objective of this work was to observe the formation of an apical top by means of the use of Ca(OH)2, MTA and PRGF placed in immature teeth of dogs to a single period of observation. Two dogs were used, in which 16 samples were worked. This work was made in two operating times, first to prevent the normal development of the apex, causing an injury placing a short portion of cotton with dentobacterian plaque of human during two months. In the second operating time the teeth were divided into four groups according to the materials to prove: 1. Control cleaning of the canal; 2. Calcium Hydroxide - Ca(OH)2; 3. Mineral Aggregate Trioxide; 4. Blood Plasma Rich in growth factors (PRGF). Seven months later, the dogs were sacrificed and samples were prepared to be observed in optical microscope. The obtained results were very similar among the samples of their own group. Control Group: the apex was totally open, without repair. Group of Ca(OH)2: the apex was open but on the way to repair, forming a weave of hard tissue, small centers of inflammatory infiltrate. MTA group: a total closing of the apex was observed, with organized affluent dentine, and thickening of cement in the apical portion. Plasma Rich in Growth Factors Group: apex opened on the way to repair, cement weave or a type of osteocement was present. Within all the canal, collagen fibers and connective tissue weave were observed and some blood vessels. Based on the observed results, they excel two of the used materials, these are the MTA similar to the natural physiology while PRGF by the weave formed within the root canal; nevertheless the Calcium Hydroxide also stimulates the calcified weave apical formation.