Evaluation of the water quality of an artificial inter-andean lake in northern Peru.

Lake Burlan, a lentic ecosystem artificially created by untreated runoff from adjacent rice fields, is located in the Amazon region within the dry forests of northern Peru. This body of water plays a fundamental role in agriculture and recreational activities in the area, which are fundamental to the local economy. This research aimed to evaluate the water quality of Lake Burlan using the Water Quality Index of Peru (WQI-PE). In addition, both spatial and depth variations of limnological parameters and trace elements were determined. The WQI-PE was calculated at seven sampling stations at two depths (surface level and one meter), using 18 limnological parameters and nine trace elements. The WQI-PE assessment indicated that the lake water quality ranged from poor to fair for both depths. Statistical analysis showed that nine limnological parameters and five trace elements showed spatial differences across seven sampling stations, while three limnological parameters and two trace elements showed depth-dependent variations. Concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead were in exceedance of the national and international standards on environmental water quality. Therefore, the water quality of Lake Burlan is affected mainly by the impact of the surrounding rice fields and recreational activities. This research establishes a starting point for future monitoring to assist in the implementation of prevention and mitigation.

Fungal Diversity in an Undisturbed Andean Páramo Soil in Quimsacocha (Ecuador).

The Andean Páramo is an environment known for its high biodiversity; however, due to its remote location and difficult access, it is still relatively poorly studied. The aim of this work was to explore the fungal biodiversity of Ecuadorian Páramo soils in the undisturbed natural reserve of Quimsacocha through ITS metabarconding with an MiSeq platform. This analysis revealed the presence of 370 fungal Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs), mainly composed by Ascomycota, Mortierellomycota and Basidiomycota. The biodiversity had a great variability among the 19 samples, but the soil humidity proved to be a significant driver of diversity in the relatively dry environment of Páramo. Some of most abundant fungal genera have important relationships with plant roots. This work represents the first glimpse into the complex biodiversity of soil fungi in this understudied area, and further studies will be needed to better understand the fungal biodiversity in this region, together with the development of necessary measures of environmental protection.

New Report of Cyanobacteria and Cyanotoxins in El Pañe Reservoir: A Threat for Water Quality in High-Andean Sources from PERU.

Cyanobacteria are cosmopolitan organisms; nonetheless, climate change and eutrophication are increasing the occurrence of cyanobacteria blooms (cyanoblooms), thereby raising the risk of cyanotoxins in water sources used for drinking, agriculture, and livestock. This study aimed to determine the presence of cyanobacteria, including toxigenic cyanobacteria and the occurrence of cyanotoxins in the El Pañe reservoir located in the high-Andean region, Arequipa, Peru, to support water quality management. The study included morphological observation of cyanobacteria, molecular determination of cyanobacteria (16S rRNA analysis), and analysis of cyanotoxins encoding genes (mcyA for microcystins, cyrJ for cylindrospermopsins, sxtl for saxitoxins, and AnaC for anatoxins). In parallel, chemical analysis using Liquid Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was performed to detect the presence of cyanotoxins (microcystins, cylindrospermopsin, saxitoxin, and anatoxin, among others) and quantification of Microcystin-LR. Morphological data show the presence of Dolichospermum sp., which was confirmed by molecular analysis. Microcystis sp. was also detected through 16S rRNA analysis and the presence of mcyA gene related to microcystin production was found in both cyanobacteria. Furthermore, microcystin-LR and demethylated microcystin-LR were identified by chemical analysis. The highest concentrations of microcystin-LR were 40.60 and 25.18 µg/L, in May and November 2022, respectively. Microcystins were detected in cyanobacteria biomass. In contrast, toxins in water (dissolved) were not detected. Microcystin concentrations exceeded many times the values established in Peruvian regulation and the World Health Organization (WHO) in water intended for human consumption (1 µg/L). This first comprehensive report integrates morphological, molecular, and chemical data and confirms the presence of two toxigenic cyanobacteria and the presence of microcystins in El Pañe reservoir. This work points out the need to implement continuous monitoring of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in the reservoir and effective water management measures to protect the human population from exposure to these contaminants.

Influence of Hydrogel and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on the Germination and Establishment of Chenopodium quinoa.

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of hydrogel and zinc oxide nanoparticles on quinoa germination and establishment. Various doses of a commercial potassium-based hydrogel (0, 5, 7, and 9 g), each dissolved in one liter of rainwater, were applied. Additionally, 1.5 g of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NP) and pre-crushed nitrogen fertilizer, at a rate of 1.6 kg/ha, were added to the solution to achieve a homogeneous mixture. Following the application of hydrogel in the 10-linear-meter rows corresponding to each treatment area in every block, 25 seeds per linear meter of the "Blanca de Juli" quinoa cultivar were sown with a 4 cm spacing between the seeds. Subsequently, a thin layer of soil, approximately 0.5 cm thick, was used to cover the seeds. Ten seedlings were randomly selected and labeled for subsequent evaluations. The experimental design employed in this research was a completely randomized block design. The collected data underwent an analysis of variance, and the means of all the treatments were compared using Tukey's test with a 5% probability. Height and diameter evaluations of the plant neck were conducted every 45 days. The doses used in this study (5, 7, and 9 g of hydrogel per liter of water) significantly enhanced seed germination and increased the number of plants per linear meter (from 82.00 to 90.33) compared to the control dose without hydrogel (14.66), which resulted in an average of one plant per linear meter.

Development of Edible Films Based on Nostoc and Modified Native Potato Starch and Their Physical, Mechanical, Thermal, and Microscopic Characterization.

Considering the potential of biopolymers from underutilized Andean sources in Peru to improve the characteristics of edible films, this work aimed to evaluate the formation of a polymeric matrix composed of Nostoc and modified potato starch for the formulation of edible films for food coating. The effects of polymer matrix ratio and drying temperature on films obtained by thermoforming were studied, determining the water vapor permeability and mechanical properties using a multifactorial design. Additionally, thermal properties were characterized by TGA and DSC, and structural properties by FT-IR and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the films exhibited lower solubility, lighter hues, better water vapor resistance, higher tensile strength, and improved thermal stability with increasing modified starch content. The formulation with higher Nostoc content exhibited a more homogeneous surface according to microscopy images, and no new chemical bonds were formed by adding modified starch and Nostoc to the polymer matrix, according to FT-IR spectra. These findings are promising and suggest using Nostoc for elaborating edible films composed of native and modified starch from native Andean potatoes as bio-based materials with potential application in the food industry.

Endoparasitism and risk factors in horses from ethnic communities in Andean areas of southern Chile.

Parasitic infections are among the most important causes of morbidity and mortality in horses worldwide. In the Andean mountainous regions of Chile, horses are a highly valued specie, playing a key role as working animals also providing support in cattle transhumance grazing into high mountainous areas during dry season. The breeding and maintenance of horses in the mountainous region of La Araucanía in Chile is a key issue allowing to the subsistence economy of communities with a strong ethnic component represented by Mapuche-Pehuenche origin families. However, the health status of these animals is unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine endoparasitic infections in horses from this area and the main factors that may influence parasitism. Thus, a cross-sectional study performed in 126 working horses from Andean region was achieved by using different coproparasitologycal analyses, resulting in a 97,6% of prevalence of endoparasitism with the strongyle eggs showing the highest prevalence of infection in analysed horses (96%) followed by Oxyuris equi (27%), Parascaris equorum (17,5%) and protozoans including ciliates (11,1%), Blastocystis spp (5,6%), Giardia spp (2,4%) and Cryptosporidium spp (1,6%) highlighting zoonotic relevance of some of these species. Concerning risk factors, the high prevalence suggests that exposure was high regardless of age or sex. The higher proportion of infected horses were grazing compared to those stabled, likewise drinking non-potable water, being these the main risks factors linked to the high prevalence of horse infections in Andean communities here studied.

Hyperexpansion of genetic diversity and metabolic capacity of extremophilic bacteria and archaea in ancient Andean lake sediments.

BACKGROUND: The Andean Altiplano hosts a repertoire of high-altitude lakes with harsh conditions for life. These lakes are undergoing a process of desiccation caused by the current climate, leaving terraces exposed to extreme atmospheric conditions and serving as analogs to Martian paleolake basins. Microbiomes in Altiplano lake terraces have been poorly studied, enclosing uncultured lineages and a great opportunity to understand environmental adaptation and the limits of life on Earth. Here we examine the microbial diversity and function in ancient sediments (10.3-11 kyr BP (before present)) from a terrace profile of Laguna Lejía, a sulfur- and metal/metalloid-rich saline lake in the Chilean Altiplano. We also evaluate the physical and chemical changes of the lake over time by studying the mineralogy and geochemistry of the terrace profile. RESULTS: The mineralogy and geochemistry of the terrace profile revealed large water level fluctuations in the lake, scarcity of organic carbon, and high concentration of SO42--S, Na, Cl and Mg. Lipid biomarker analysis indicated the presence of aquatic/terrestrial plant remnants preserved in the ancient sediments, and genome-resolved metagenomics unveiled a diverse prokaryotic community with still active microorganisms based on in silico growth predictions. We reconstructed 591 bacterial and archaeal metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), of which 98.8% belonged to previously unreported species. The most abundant and widespread metabolisms among MAGs were the reduction and oxidation of S, N, As, and halogenated compounds, as well as aerobic CO oxidation, possibly as a key metabolic trait in the organic carbon-depleted sediments. The broad redox and CO2 fixation pathways among phylogenetically distant bacteria and archaea extended the knowledge of metabolic capacities to previously unknown taxa. For instance, we identified genomic potential for dissimilatory sulfate reduction in Bacteroidota and α- and γ-Proteobacteria, predicted an enzyme for ammonia oxidation in a novel Actinobacteriota, and predicted enzymes of the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle in Planctomycetota, Gemmatimonadota, and Nanoarchaeota. CONCLUSIONS: The high number of novel bacterial and archaeal MAGs in the Laguna Lejía indicates the wide prokaryotic diversity discovered. In addition, the detection of genes in unexpected taxonomic groups has significant implications for the expansion of microorganisms involved in the biogeochemical cycles of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur. Video Abstract.

Nectopsyche sp (Trichoptera: Leptoceridae) sublethal effects caused by different concentrations of arsenic (As): a biochemical markers approach.

Environmental impacts related to arsenic (As) contamination are a persistent issue of particular interest in Latin American countries with increasing mining activities. In Ecuador, the redefinition of public policies to promote the increase in mining since 2008 has led to a significant rise in the presence of this heavy metal in rivers and effluents, sometimes exceeding the 0.1 mg L-1, limit recommended by Ecuadorian Environmental Regulations. This study aimed to evaluate the sublethal effects through the detection of biochemical biomarker changes (Catalase, Antioxidant capacity by FRAP, and Glutathione S-transferase) generated in larvae of Nectopsyche sp following prolonged exposure to different concentrations of As (C1 = 0.05 mg L-1, C2 = 0.1 mg L-1, C3 = 0.8 mg L-1) in a controlled environment, emulating the maximum limits allowed by current Ecuadorian legislation. While As concentration levels in water increased, so did levels in the tissue of Nectopsyche sp specimens. On the other hand, behavioral parameters (mortality and mobility) did not show differences in either time or As concentrations. However, both Catalase and Antioxidant capacity by FRAP levels tended to decrease with increasing As concentration, and in both cases, the differences were significant. Additionally, Glutathione S-transferase activity did not increase significantly. These results preliminarily demonstrate that biochemical responses change with varying As concentrations in Nectopsyche sp and are affected at behavioral and biochemical levels produced by the As at chronic levels.

Morphological Differentiation, Yield, and Cutting Time of Lolium multiflorum L. under Acid Soil Conditions in Highlands.

Livestock production in the basins of the northern macro-region of Peru has as its primary source pastures of Lolium multiflorum L. 'Cajamarquino ecotype' (ryegrass CE) in monoculture, or in association with white clover Ladino variety, for feeding. The objective of this research work was the morphological characterisation, yield evaluation, and cutting time evaluation of two local genotypes (LM-58 and LM-43) of Lolium multiflorum L. in six locations. An ANOVA was performed to compare fixed effects and interaction. It was determined that the LM-58 genotype is intermediate, growing semi-erect, with a dark green colouring and 0.8 cm broadleaf, and can reach an average stem length of 46 cm, up to 1.6 cm. day-1, achieving fourth-leaf growth at 28 days under appropriate management conditions. Despite the differentiated characteristics, according to BLASTn evaluation, the ITS1 sequences showed a greater than 99.9% similar identification to Lolium multiflorum L., characterising it as such. It was determined that the LM-58 genotype outperforms LM-43, achieving a forage yield of 4.49 Mg. ha-1, a seed production of 259.23 kg. ha-1, and an average of 13.48% crude protein (CP). The best biomass yield (49.10 Mg. ha-1.yr-1) is reached at 60 days; however, at 30 days, there is a high level of CP (14.84%) and there are no differences in the annual protein production at the cutting age of 60 and 45 days. With the results of the present study, LM-58 from a selection and crossbreeding of 680 ryegrass EC accessions emerges as an elite genotype adapted to the conditions of the northern high Andean zone of Peru.

Immunocytochemical evaluation of aquaporins and cell wall components and their influence on foliar water uptake in Andean Melastomataceae.

Andean ecosystems are characterized by high humidity, mainly from rain and fog events. Because of differences in altitude two Andean ecosystems - sub-Andean forest and Páramo -face different environmental pressures that affect leaf anatomy and cell wall composition and, consequently, species foliar water uptake (FWU) capacity. Here, FWU capacity of eight species in the Melastomataceae was evaluated and found to be related to proportions of cell wall components and aquaporins in the two ecosystems. Cellulose was labelled with Calcofluor white, and aquaporin and pectins were labelled with monoclonal antibodies. There were differences in plant FWU capacity in both ecosystems, with higher FWU capacity in sub-Andean forest species than in Páramo forest species. Cell wall components were positively related to FWU, with increased FWU related to pectin and aquaporin content of the plasma membrane. Differences in water availability in the two analysed environments led to differences in FWU capacity that are associated with leaf anatomical traits and cell wall composition. In these two environments, plants with similar traits are selected to respond to given environmental pressures. Traits that favour FWU in sub-Andean forest species may lead to further advances of these species in this environments.

Kañihua (Chenopodium pallidicaule Aellen), an ancestral Inca seed and optimal functional food and nutraceutical for the industry: Review.

The Andean kañihua seed (Chenopodium pallidicaule Aellen) is widely used as an ancestral nutraceutical with great industrial potential and is a little-researched seed. It has high biological and nutritional value due to its protein content of 15-19 %, optimal balance of essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, mineral content, vitamins, and non-bitter saponin content. It is a potential source of peptides with different pharmacological activities such as antimicrobials, antioxidants, antihypertensives, and antidiabetics, among others. It has been a functional food in the Altiplano of Peru and Bolivia since the time of the Incas (between the 12th and 16th centuries) and is a functional food proposal for the world. In this bibliographic review, we present a detailed scientific description of the botanical characteristics, genetics, phytochemical composition, bioactives, and nutritional value. The potential uses at an industrial, medical, pharmacological, and biotechnological level and current advances in scientific research on the kañihua seed. In addition, it is an alternative grain to guarantee food security in terms of quantity, quality, and opportunity.

Gathering, agriculture, and exchange: an ethnoecological approach to the study of food patterns and feedstuff sources in communities of the Central Andes, Peru.

BACKGROUND: Historically, the Andean people have experienced uncertainty in terms of the availability of food resources because of climatic and ecological variations that are typical of mountainous environments. Risk management strategies, including the diversified and complementary use and management of species and ecosystems at different elevations, have faced such uncertainty. The current effects of climate change on food security motivate studies on subsistence adaptative strategies. TEK offers extraordinary experience and local biocultural memory to meet present and future needs. From an ethnoecological perspective, we aim to identify the variety of local foods in Andean communities, their cultural and nutritional value for local people, their use frequencies, and their forms to obtain them from different environments, productive systems, and interchanges. We expected to identify traditional Andean diversified subsistence patterns despite the pressure of modern food and interchange systems. METHODS: This study was conducted in two communities in the highlands of the Department of Huánuco, Peru. We conducted 24 semistructured interviews with households sampled through the snowball method. We asked about their daily life food, plant and animal components of diet, frequencies and seasons in which they are consumed, and ways to obtain them. We complemented the information through ethnobotanical collection of wild, weedy, and ruderal edible plants and records on domestic and wild animals included in the diet. RESULTS: We recorded 37 crop species, 13 domestic animals, 151 wild, weedy, and ruderal food plant species, the 3 most commonly consumed wild animals, and 52 processed products obtained from local stores and markets. The main crops are potato and maize, while the main domestic animals included in the diet are cattle, pigs, and sheep. Rice, pasta, and bread are the main raw and processed foods included in the diet. Crops represent nearly half of the food consumed and purchased (in kg/year), and tubers and cereals provide most of the kilocalories, carbohydrates and proteins. Wild, weedy, and ruderal plants are consumed in relatively low amounts and at relatively low frequencies per species, but overall, they constitute a significant proportion of the kg of annually consumed food (14.4% in Cani and 9.6% in Monte Azul). Knowledge and use of these resources play a key role in local cuisine and nutrition. CONCLUSION: The current food patterns studied are based on diverse diets, including multiple feedstuffs, sources, and practices to obtain them, which reflects the traditional Andean subsistence pattern. The increasing adoption of processed food has influenced the declining consumption of local food, mainly among young people. Communication and policies to promote local food, emphasizing the role of wild plants and their adequate consumption, and provide information on their nutritional value are recommended to support efforts toward food sovereignty and conservation of Andean biocultural diversity.

Andean Crops Germination: Changes in the Nutritional Profile, Physical and Sensory Characteristics. A Review.

Andean crops such as quinoa, amaranth, cañihua, beans, maize, and tarwi have gained interest in recent years for being gluten-free and their high nutritional values; they have high protein content with a well-balanced essential amino acids profile, minerals, vitamins, dietary fiber, and antioxidant compounds. During the germination bioprocess, the seed metabolism is reactivated resulting in the catabolism and degradation of macronutrients and some anti-nutritional compounds. Therefore, germination is frequently used to improve nutritional quality, protein digestibility, and availability of certain minerals and vitamins; furthermore, in specific cases, biosynthesis of new bioactive compounds could occur through the activation of secondary metabolic pathways. These changes could alter the technological and sensory properties, such as the hardness, consistency and viscosity of the formulations prepared with them. In addition, the flavor profile may undergo improvement or alteration, a critical factor to consider when integrating sprouted grains into food formulations. This review summarizes recent research on the nutritional, technological, functional, and sensory changes occur during the germination of Andean grains and analyze their potential applications in various food products.

Behavioral Diversity Among Odonata Larvae Increases in Water with Greater Turbidity Under Captivity Conditions.

Various factors, including environmental variables, influence the behavior of aquatic insects. However, our understanding of insect behavior and their relationships with these variables remains limited. One important variable is water turbidity, which may be exacerbated by soil erosion, directly impacting visibility in the water and potentially affecting the organism's behaviors. In this study, we investigated larval behavior across seven Odonata species under controlled conditions, examining variations in behavioral diversity (frequency and type) associated with sex and three levels of water turbidity. Our findings revealed that heightened water turbidity correlated with increased behavior frequency, possibly attributable to predator avoidance in darker, seemingly safer habitats. Furthermore, behavior diversity differed between sexes, being higher for males in certain categories and for females in others. Anisoptera species predominantly displayed behaviors like resting, eating, and prey capture, whereas Zygoptera larvae were often observed perching and walking, possibly indicative of distinct predator response strategies. Behaviors shared by Anisoptera larvae could be associated with similar responses to predators and capture of prey. Our study found an increased frequency of behaviors when the larvae are in water with higher turbidity. Behavior frequency disparities between the sexes were observed across various behaviors, likely influenced by species-specific activity levels and individual behavioral plasticity in response to environmental cues. Overall, individuals exhibited heightened behavioral activity in environments with elevated turbidity, potentially reflecting a perceived lower risk environment.

Preliminary Report on Diet Estimation of Taruka (Hippocamelus antisensis d'Orbigny, 1834) in an Agricultural Area of the Andean Foothills of the Tarapacá Region, Chile.

The success of conservation programs for the taruka (Hippocamelus antisensis d'Orbigny), an endemic and endangered deer, depends on many factors, highlighting anthropogenic and ecological effects. Among the latter, how this herbivore interacts with forage resources is important. The objective of the study was to describe the main attributes of the diet of this deer in rangelands adjacent to agricultural areas of the foothills of the Tarapacá Region, Chile. The botanical composition of the diet (BCD) was determined by microhistology of feces and fecal nitrogen (NF, %) was measured in two contrasting seasons (rainy summer and dry winter). From the BCD and FN, their relative diversity (J) and crude protein percentage were estimated. In the BCD, Medicago sativa dominated (27.6 ± 8.2% vs. 53.9 ± 9.2%, in rainy summer and dry end winter, respectively), followed by herbaceous dicots (46.2 ± 9.4% vs. 19.4 ± 8.7%) and shrubby species (21.5 ± 7.8% vs. 23.4 ± 7.0%), from rangelands. The contribution of grasses and graminoid species was low, not exceeding 3% and 0.4% of the diet, respectively, with no differences between seasons of the year. Intake of horticultural crop species was marginal (1.3 ± 1.3%), being detected only in the wet season. Diet relative diversity was higher during the wet period (0.75 ± 0.07) compared to the dry period (0.58 ± 0.06), since in the first period it was possible to find a greater number of palatable species. There were no significant differences in the FN attributed to the time of the year (average of 1.8 ± 0.19%), which indicates that the diet of this deer would be stable in terms of its protein quality. These FN levels estimate sufficient dietary protein content to satisfy maintenance and early pregnancy, but these could be limiting during late gestation and lactation.

Trophic ecology of Brycon henni (Pisces: Bryconidae) in Nare and Guatapé Rivers, Magdalena River basin, Colombia / Ecología trófica de Brycon henni (Pisces: Bryconidae) en afluentes de los Ríos Nare y Guatapé, cuenca del río Magdalena, Colombia

ABSTRACT Understanding the trophic ecology of fish and how they use resources in space and time is important to support conservation and management actions. The trophic ecology of Brycon henni in the Nare and Guatapé rivers, Magdalena river basin, Colombia was determined. Five field samplings were carried out between October 2007 and January 2010, in rainy, dry, and dry-to-rainy transition periods. Stomachs of 262 specimens were collected. A Kruskall-Wallis analysis and a Mann-Whitney pairwise comparison test was performed to detect differences in the alimentary importance index of each food category between sex, size class, hydrological period and basins (Nare vs Guatapé). The Levin's Measure of Niche Breadth and the Morisita's Diet Overlapping Index were calculated to establish differences between size class in the different hydrological periods. Vegetable material was the most important food item, followed by Insecta, and fish. Individuals from Guatapé basin consumed more plant material and fish and fewer insects. We observed increased consumption of plant material and fish in ontogeny. Levin's niche breadth was lower and diet overlapping between individuals of length classes was higher during rainy period because the diet was mainly based on plant material. The diet of B. henni was composed mainly of plant material and Insects, and to a lesser extent from other groups such as fish, crustaceans and arachnids.

RESUMEN La comprensión de la ecología trófica de los peces y la forma en que utilizan los recursos en el espacio y en el tiempo es importante para la toma de acciones para su conservación y manejo. Se determinó la ecología trófica de Brycon henni en los ríos Nare y Guatapé, cuenca del río Magdalena, Colombia. Se realizaron cinco muestreos entre octubre de 2007 y enero de 2010, en periodos de lluvia, seca y transición de seca a lluvia. Se recolectaron estómagos de 262 ejemplares. Para detectar diferencias en el índice de importancia alimentaria de cada categoría de alimentos entre sexo, clase de talla, período hidrológico y cuencas se realizó un análisis de Kruskall-Wallis y una prueba de Mann-Whitney. Se calculó la amplitud del nicho de Levin y el Índice de superposición de dieta de Morisita para establecer diferencias entre clases de talla en diferentes períodos hidrológicos. El material vegetal fue el alimento más importante, seguido de Insecta y peces. Los individuos de la cuenca del Guatapé consumieron más material vegetal y peces, y menos insectos. Se detectó mayor consumo de material vegetal y de peces en individuos de mayor tamaño. La amplitud de nicho fue menor y la superposición entre clases de talla fue mayor en temporada de lluvias porque la dieta se basó principalmente en material vegetal. La dieta de B. henni estuvo compuesta principalmente por material vegetal e insectos y en menor proporción de otros grupos como peces, crustáceos y arácnidos.

Cierre de conducto arterioso persistente con dispositivo OcclutechTM, experiencia en un país andino / Closure of patent ductus arteriosus with OcclutechTM device, experience in an andean country

Resumen Objetivo: Presentar la experiencia en un país andino con el dispositivo OcclutechTM Duct Occluder para el cierre del conducto arterioso persistente. Método: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo, de corte transversal con análisis estadístico básico. Periodo: diciembre/2014 a diciembre/2022. Datos: historia clínica, informes de laboratorio de cateterismo. Resultados: Cuarenta y seis pacientes; de sexo femenino 71.3%, de sexo masculino 28.7%; edad: 0.6-38 años (mediana [Me]: 5.2); peso: 6.3-60 kg (Me: 16.5). Procedencia: andina 91.3%, costa 8.7%. Tipos de conducto arterioso persistente: E 54.4%, A 32.6%, D 13%. Diámetro ductal mínimo: 1.8-11.8 mm (Me: 3.5). Presión media de la arteria pulmonar previo a la oclusión: 14-67 mmHg (Me: 27). Índice de resistencias vasculares pulmonares previo a la oclusión: 0.28-4.9 UW/m2 (Me: 1.3). Fueron catalogados como conductos arteriosos persistentes hipertensivos seis de ellos. Tasa de oclusión: inmediata el 47.8%, a las 24 horas el 81%, a los seis meses el 100%. Tiempo de fluoroscopia: 2-13.8 minutos (Me: 4). Complicaciones: un dispositivo migrado. Seguimiento: 1-6.5 años. Conclusiones: El dispositivo OcclutechTM Duct Occluder fue efectivo y seguro para el cierre de conducto arterioso persistente tipo E, A y D en habitantes de baja y alta altitud, ya sea que estos hubieran sido niños o adultos, incluso cuando estos conductos arteriosos fueron hipertensivos.

Abstract Objective: To communicate the experience in an Andean country with the OcclutechTM Duct Occluder device for the closure of patent ductus arteriosus. Method: Observational, retrospective, cross-sectional study with basic statistical analysis. Period: December/2014 to December/2022. Data: medical chart, reports of catheterization. Results: Forty-six patients, female 71.3%, male 28.7%; age: 0.6-38 years-old (median [Me]: 5.2); weight: 6.3-60 kg (Me: 16.5). Origin: andean 91.3%, coast 8.7%. Types of patent ductus arteriosus: E 54.4%, A 32.6%, D 13%. Minimum ductal diameter: 1.8-11.8 mm (Me: 3.5). Mean pulmonary artery pressure prior to occlusion: 14-67 mmHg (Me: 27). Pulmonary vascular resistance index prior to occlusion: 0.28-4.9 WU/m2 (Me: 1.3). Six of them were classified as hypertensive patent ductus arteriosus. Occlusion rate: 47.8% immediate, 81% at 24 hours, 100% after six months. Fluoroscopy time: 2-13.8 minutes (Me: 4). Complications: a migrated device. Follow-up: 1-6.5 years. Conclusions: OcclutechTM Duct Occluder device was effective and safe for the closure of patent ductus arteriosus type E, A and D in low-altitude and high-altitude dwellers, whether they were children or adults, even when these ductus arteriosus were hypertensive.

Water quality assessment methods of the highland Andean rivers: A scoping systematic review.

Water is a resource that influences sustainable development in different ways in social, economic, and environmental aspects, being the Andes the major provider of this resource. However, they have been affected mainly by anthropogenic activities due to the proximity of settlements in the watersheds, so they tend to have more significant contamination, and their evaluation is essential to mitigate problems for those who consume them. However, despite being a fundamental resource and one of the main contributors of water, it is not so studied, so the present study aims to determine the studies based on the water quality of the high mountain rivers of the Andes by using a PRISMA methodology with the scoping review extension, based on search techniques, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and monitoring tables, in order to maintain a line of research attached to the objective of the study. After using the methodology, ten articles were obtained, which were analyzed after a bibliometric analysis to determine features of interest, such as countries in which the studies were carried out, years of publication, methodologies used, and authors' consensus. High Andean rivers' importance, the need for more studies within these areas, and the lack of suitable indexes for these unique ecosystems are highlighted.

Starch-based films affected by the addition of collagen from Prochilodus magdalenae residues and HPMC: Application in Andean blackberry (Rubus glaucus Benth) coatings.

Starch-based films offer the advantages of biodegradability, edibility, barrier properties, flexibility, and adaptability. This study compared the physicochemical properties of starch-based films by adding raw fish collagen and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC). The tensile properties were evaluated, and the interaction with water was analyzed. Barrier properties, such as water vapor and oxygen permeability, were examined, and optical properties, such as gloss and good internal transmittance, were evaluated. The films were evaluated as coatings on Andean blackberries (Rubus glaucus Benth) for 2 weeks at 85% RH and 25°C. The results showed that the inclusion of collagen caused a reduction in the tensile strength and elastic modulus of the films. Also, the formulation with the highest collagen concentration (F7) exhibited the lowest weight loss and water vapor permeability, also it had the highest collagen concentration and showed the highest reduction in Xw and WAC, with values of 0.048 and 0.65 g water/g dry film, respectively. According to analyzing the optical properties, F1 presented the highest bright-ness and transmittance values, with 18GU and 82 nm values, respectively. In general, the films and coatings are alternatives to traditional packaging materials to prolong the shelf life of these fruits.

Obstetrical Complications in Venezuelan Refugee and Migrant Women: Analysis of Ecuadorian National Hospital Discharge Data, 2018-2021.

An estimated 7.7 million Venezuelans have fled a severe humanitarian crisis in their country, most (70%) to other middle-income host countries in the same Andean region. Migration-related exposures during periconception and other critical gestational periods can adversely impact maternal-perinatal outcomes. Emerging evidence suggests that Venezuelan refugee and migrant women (VRMW) who migrate to Andean host countries are at-risk for delivering preterm and low birthweight infants and for Cesarean-sections. However, relatively few studies have examined obstetrical complications that could contribute to these or other short- and longer-term health outcomes of VRMW and/or their offspring. Our exploratory study analyzed four recent years of national hospital discharge data (2018-2021) from Ecuador to compare the primary discharge diagnoses of VRMW (n = 29,005) and Ecuadorian nationals (n = 1,136,796) for ICD-10 O code obstetrical complications related to or aggravated by pregnancy, childbirth, or the puerperium. Our findings indicated that VRMW were hospitalized for 0.5 days longer than Ecuadorian reference group women and they had higher adjusted odds (aOR) for a primary discharge diagnosis for obstetrical complications including preeclampsia (aOR:1.62, 95% CI:1.55,1.69), preterm labor (aOR:1.20, 95% CI:1.11,1.31), premature rupture of membranes (aOR: 1.72, 95% CI:1.63,1.83), oligohydraminos (aOR:1.24, 95% CI:1.12,1.36), obstructed labor (aOR: 1.39, 95% CI:1.31,1.47), perineal lacerations/other obstetric trauma (aOR:1.76, 95% CI:1.63, 1.91), STIs (aOR:2.59, 95% CI:1.29,2.92), anemia (aOR:1.33, 95% CI:1.24,1.42), and ectopic pregnancy (aOR:1.16 95% CI:1.04,1.28). They had similar aOR for diagnosed gestational diabetes and spontaneous abortion (SAB) compared to the reference group but a reduced aOR for genitourinary infections (aOR:0.79, 95% CI:0.74,0.84) and early pregnancy hemorrhage not ending in SAB (aOR:0.43, 95% CI:0.36,0.51). Our findings underscore the vulnerability of VRMW for a number of potentially serious obstetrical complications with the potential to adversely impact the short- and longer-term health of mothers and their offspring. Future studies should collect more detailed information on the migration status, experiences, and exposures of MRMW that influence their risk for obstetrical complications. These are needed to expand our findings to better understand why they have excess risk for these and to inform social and public health policies, programs and targeted interventions aimed at reducing the risk of this vulnerable refugee and migrant group.