ZAMBRANO ESPINOSA, ANA KARINA
Preferred name
ZAMBRANO ESPINOSA, ANA KARINA
Main Affiliation
CIGG - Centro de Investigación Genética y Genómica
Web Site
ORCID
0000-0003-4102-3965
Scopus Author ID
57195753150
94 results
Now showing 1 - 10 of 94
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Item type:Publication, Avian Influenza: Strategies to Manage an Outbreak(MDPI AG, 2023-04-17) ;Alison Simancas-Racines; ; ; <jats:p>Avian influenza (AI) is a contagious disease among the poultry population with high avian mortality, which generates significant economic losses and elevated costs for disease control and outbreak eradication. AI is caused by an RNA virus part of the Orthomyxoviridae family; however, only Influenzavirus A is capable of infecting birds. AI pathogenicity is based on the lethality, signs, and molecular characteristics of the virus. Low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) virus has a low mortality rate and ability to infect, whereas the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus can cross respiratory and intestinal barriers, diffuse to the blood, damage all tissues of the bird, and has a high mortality rate. Nowadays, avian influenza is a global public health concern due to its zoonotic potential. Wild waterfowl is the natural reservoir of AI viruses, and the oral–fecal path is the main transmission route between birds. Similarly, transmission to other species generally occurs after virus circulation in densely populated infected avian species, indicating that AI viruses can adapt to promote the spread. Moreover, HPAI is a notifiable animal disease; therefore, all countries must report infections to the health authorities. Regarding laboratory diagnoses, the presence of influenza virus type A can be identified by agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID), enzyme immunoassay (EIA), immunofluorescence assays, and enzyme-linked immunoadsorption assay (ELISAs). Furthermore, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction is used for viral RNA detection and is considered the gold standard for the management of suspect and confirmed cases of AI. If there is suspicion of a case, epidemiological surveillance protocols must be initiated until a definitive diagnosis is obtained. Moreover, if there is a confirmed case, containment actions should be prompt and strict precautions must be taken when handling infected poultry cases or infected materials. The containment measures for confirmed cases include the sanitary slaughter of infected poultry using methods such as environment saturation with CO2, carbon dioxide foam, and cervical dislocation. For disposal, burial, and incineration, protocols should be followed. Lastly, disinfection of affected poultry farms must be carried out. The present review aims to provide an overview of the avian influenza virus, strategies for its management, the challenges an outbreak can generate, and recommendations for informed decision making.</jats:p> - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Molecular mechanisms of semaglutide and liraglutide as a therapeutic option for obesity(Frontiers Media SA, 2024-04-29); ; ;Raynier Zambrano-Villacres; Obesity, a chronic global health problem, is associated with an increase in various comorbidities, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and certain types of cancer. The increasing global prevalence of obesity requires research into new therapeutic strategies. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, specifically semaglutide and liraglutide, designed for type 2 diabetes mellitus treatment, have been explored as drugs for the treatment of obesity. This minireview describes the molecular mechanisms of semaglutide and liraglutide in different metabolic pathways, and its mechanism of action in processes such as appetite regulation, insulin secretion, glucose homeostasis, energy expenditure, and lipid metabolism. Finally, several clinical trial outcomes are described to show the safety and efficacy of these drugs in obesity management. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Mediterranean diet and breast cancer: A narrative review(Medwave Estudios Limitada, 2025-03-04) ;Claudia Reytor-González; ;Evelyn Frias-Toral ;Martín Campuzano-DonosoDaniel Simancas-RacinesBreast cancer is the second most common neoplasm and the deadliest among women worldwide. Its incidence varies according to human development and is associated with several risk factors, including age, genetic factors, obesity, and dietary habits. Recent research has revealed a significant influence of dietary habits on the onset and progression of this disease, which is why this review aims to comprehensively analyze the available literature to understand better the role played by the mediterranean diet in the development and management of breast cancer. The mediterranean diet has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, may influence gene regulation, and produce hormonal and intestinal microbiota changes, resulting in improved quality of life for breast cancer patients by alleviating symptoms such as pain, inflammation, and reducing the risk and mortality from this disease. Evidence suggests that greater adherence to the mediterranean diet reduces the risk of breast cancer, as well as an improvement in patients' quality of life and mortality. These findings underscore its potential relevance in the context of dietary patterns associated with breast cancer prevention and management, which could inform considerations for public health policies. Further research is needed to confirm these observations and to understand the underlying mechanisms better. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, X-STR decaplex study in the population of Imbabura-Ecuador(Elsevier BV, 2019-12); ;Michelle Vaca-Pólit ;Lissett Boada ;Margarita VelaCristina Rodríguez-Pólit - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Nutritional Status Assessment of Newborns: Comparison of the CAN Score (Metcoff Methodology), Growth Curves, Anthropometry, and Plicometry(MDPI AG, 2025-05-12) ;Maria L. Felix; ; ;Susana HidalgoPatricia Guevara-RamírezFetal malnutrition, characterized by inadequate fat and muscle accretion during intrauterine development, has been linked to adverse outcomes, ranging from neonatal complications to long-term developmental and metabolic disorders. Traditionally, growth curves and birth weight have guided the assessment of newborns’ nutritional status; however, these measures often do not accurately reflect changes in body composition. This review compares several evaluation methods—CAN score (Metcoff methodology), body mass index (BMI), Ponderal Index (PI), McLaren Index, mid–upper arm circumference (MUAC), and plicometry—to provide suggestions on selecting the most appropriate approach, depending on the healthcare setting and population needs. Findings from multiple international studies indicate that the CAN score and BMI are among the most accurate tools, offering better sensitivity and specificity than traditional anthropometric indicators. The CAN score, based on a clinical observation of fat deposits, skin texture, and muscle tone, has been widely used in Latin America and remains a practical and cost-effective option. Nonetheless, recent research suggests that BMI, mainly when used alongside the PI, may outperform the CAN score in certain contexts. Considering the complexity of fetal nutritional assessments, integrating multiple methods enhances the diagnostic accuracy. Early identification of malnourished newborns is essential for timely intervention and improved long-term outcomes. Standardizing these diagnostic tools globally could advance efforts to reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality by 2030. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
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Item type:Publication, Population Admixture and APOB Variant Landscape in Ecuadorian Mestizo Patients with Cardiac Diseases: Potential Implications for Familial Hypercholesterolemia GeneticsApolipoprotein B (APOB) is a key structural component of atherogenic lipoproteins and one of the principal genes implicated in familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). However, APOB genetic variation remains poorly characterized in Latin American and admixed populations. In this study, we performed a descriptive analysis of APOB variants in 60 Ecuadorian mestizo patients with inherited cardiac conditions using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and genetic ancestry inference. A total of 227 APOB variants were identified, the majority of which were classified as benign (n = 220) or likely benign (n = 3) according to ACMG criteria, while three variants were classified as variants of uncertain significance (VUS). The most frequently observed variants included rs1042034, rs679899, rs676210, and rs1367117. Comparative allele-frequency analyses using ALFA and PAGE Latin American reference datasets demonstrated that the APOB variant frequencies observed in the cohort were comparable to those reported in other Latin American populations, reflecting the admixed genetic background of Ecuadorian mestizos, predominantly of Native American and European ancestry. No pathogenic APOB variants were detected. Although lipid measurements were not available and genotype–phenotype associations could not be assessed, this study provides the first comprehensive overview of APOB variation in Ecuadorian mestizo individuals. These findings expand population-specific genomic data for an underrepresented group and underscore the importance of regional reference datasets for accurate variant interpretation in admixed populations. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Associations of MYPN, TTN, SCN5A, MYO6 and ELN Mutations With Arrhythmias and Subsequent Sudden Cardiac Death: A Case Report of an Ecuadorian Individual(Elmer Press, Inc., 2023-10); ; ;Rita Ibarra-Castillo; Jose Luis Laso-Bayas - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
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Item type:Publication, Case Report Series: Genetic and clinical characterization of long QT syndrome in admixed Ecuadorian patients and its implications for sudden cardiac death risk(Frontiers Media SA, 2026-02-12); ; ; ; Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a hereditary cardiac channelopathy associated with delayed ventricular repolarization and increased risk of life-threatening arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. We report three Ecuadorian patients with LQTS, each presenting distinct clinical features and carrying pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in KCNH2 or KCNQ1. Subject A, an 18-year-old woman with exertion-related syncope and a QTc of 520 ms, was diagnosed with LQT2 due to a KCNH2 p.Ala614Val variant. Subject B, a 3-year-old girl with congenital deafness and a QTc of 580 ms, was diagnosed with Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome (JLNS), harboring a homozygous KCNQ1 p.Arg192Cys variant. Subject C, a 44-year-old man with recurrent syncope misdiagnosed as epilepsy and a strong family history of sudden death, was found to carry a KCNH2 p.Val612Met variant and had a QTc of 600 ms. All variants were classified according to ACMG/AMP guidelines and supported by in silico and functional data. Ancestry analysis provided additional genomic context in this admixed population. These cases underscore the clinical utility of integrating ECG findings, genetic testing, and ancestry-informed interpretation to improve diagnostic accuracy and personalize management in patients with inherited arrhythmia syndromes.
