Caribbean Research Articles

Meteorological Modulation of Atmospheric Boundary Layer Height over a Caribbean Island

Meteorological Modulation of Atmospheric Boundary Layer Height over a Caribbean Island

Skin mycosis distribution, and burden of visits over a decade in Colombia: ecological study

ObjectivesTo describe the sociodemographic distribution of dermatomycosis and the visits burden over a 10-year period of care. MethodsAn ecological study was conducted using data on visits and people treated in the Colombian Health System during 2010-2019 using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes (ICD-10). Departments and geopolitical regions were the units of analysis, and visit burden was reported as frequency, intensity (visits per person), and rate of dermatomycosis visits (per 10,000 visits; 95% confidence interval). ResultsA total of 4,570,593 visits were analyzed. The most used ICD-10 codes were B369 (superficial mycosis, unspecified), B360 (pityriasis versicolor), B354 (Tinea corporis), B359 (dermatophytosis), and B351 (Tinea unguium) (56.5%), with visits primarily involving the adult population (27-59 years; 32.2%), women (43.4%), and urban populations (57.3%). Amazonas department had the highest rate of visits (2.36 per 10,000), while Nariño had the highest intensity of visits (1.94 visits per person). Caribbean region had the highest rate of visits (17.0 per 10,000 visits; 17.0-17.0), followed by the Amazon region (16.3 per 10,000 visits; 16.2-16.4). ConclusionsThe annual visits burden of dermatomycosis in Colombia is high and concentrated in susceptible geographic areas, possibly due to socio-environmental factors. This health problem is overshadowed by chronic diseases and trauma but is often recurrent, and chronic, and induces out-of-pocket costs for treatment.

Trypanosoma spp. infection in urban and wild ecotopes of the caribbean region in Colombia.

Motivation for the study. The role of bats as hosts of Trypanosoma spp. in the Atlantic department in Colombia, as well as its taxonomic diversity has been poorly studied. Main findings. This is the first report of frequency of infection by Trypanosoma spp. in bats in the Atlántico Department in Colombia. Implications. The great adaptive capacity of bats to different ecological niches and its role as hosts of Trypanosoma spp. for wild and urban ecotopes represents a risk factor in transmission cycles of epidemiological importance. We conducted a study to evaluate the frequency of infection by Trypanosoma spp. in bats captured in wild and urban ecotopes in the Department of Atlántico in the Caribbean region of Colombia from March 2021 to May 2022. Bats were taxonomically identified, and sex, relative age, and reproductive conditions were determined. A blood sample was used for parasitological analysis and DNA extraction to amplify a region of the 18S rRNA. 125 bats were collected, with the most abundant families being Molossidae (62/125; 49.6%) and Phyllostomidae (43/125; 34.4%). Molossus molossus collected in wild habitats showed an infection frequency of 8.1% (5/61) and 4.1% (3/61) through parasitological and molecular analysis, respectively. In comparison, Noctilio albiventris collected in urban habitats showed an infection frequency of 16.6% (2/12) for both analyses. These findings represent the first records of M. molossus harboring trypanosomes for the Department of Atlántico and of N. albiventris harboring trypanosomes in Colombia.

A case series of familial chylomicronemia syndrome from the Caribbean region of Colombia

A case series of familial chylomicronemia syndrome from the Caribbean region of Colombia

First Report on Detection and Molecular Characterization of Astroviruses in Mongooses.

Applying a pan-astrovirus (AstV) RT-hemi-nested PCR assay, we report here high detection rates (28.3%, 15/53) of AstVs in the small Indian mongoose (Urva auropunctata) on the Caribbean Island of St. Kitts. Based on deduced amino acid (aa) identities and phylogenetic analysis of long RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) sequences (~315 aa, partial RdRp), the AstVs detected in the mongooses (designated as Mon-AstVs) were classified into two distinct groups (deduced aa identities of 66.45-67.30% between the groups). The putative RdRps of the Mon-AstVs shared low deduced aa identities with those of AstVs from other host species (<69%, <54%, and <50% identities with reptilian/amphibian AstVs, avastroviruses, and mamastroviruses, respectively). Phylogenetically, the group-I and group-II Mon-AstVs formed two distinct clusters, near the cluster of reptilian/amphibian AstVs, and were distantly related to avastroviruses and mamastroviruses. Since the mongooses were apparently healthy during sampling, we could not establish if the Mon-AstVs infected the animal or were of dietary origin. Although we could not ascertain the true host of the Mon-AstVs, phylogenetic analysis indicated that these viruses might have originated from lower vertebrates. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the detection and molecular characterization of AstVs in mongooses, highlighting the wide host range and significant genetic diversity within the family Astroviridae.

Understanding Institutional Compliance in Floor Risk Management: A Network Analysis Approach Highlighting the Significance of Institutional Linkages and Context

Governments worldwide are intensifying efforts to address escalating flood risks exacerbated by climate change. Central to this endeavor is the implementation of institutional frameworks, such as public policies, aimed at mitigating, planning for, responding to, and recovering from flood events. However, the effectiveness of these institutions relies heavily on their practical application. This study delves into the institutional landscape of flood risk management (FRM) through a comprehensive case study in Sint Maarten, a Caribbean island. Specifically, we scrutinize the degree of institutional compliance, focusing on the alignment between formally advised policies (institutions-in-form) and their informal adoption in practice (institutions-in-use). Employing Institutional Network Analysis (INA), we explore discrepancies between these two dimensions across the various phases of FRM (response, recovery, mitigation, and preparation). Our findings reveal that institutional compliance varies significantly across the FRM phases, with mitigation presenting the most pronounced challenges. Notably, the discrepancies are more prevalent among those tasked with implementing the policies rather than the targeted property owners. Generally speaking, the transition of institutions from mere forms to actionable rules is often hindered by established or emerging practices diverging from prescribed directives.

Net evaporation-induced mangrove area loss across low-lying Caribbean islands

Abstract Although mangroves provide many beneficial ecosystem services, such as blue carbon storage and coastal protection, they are currently under threat due to changes in climate conditions, such as prolonged drought exposure. Under drought conditions, evaporation exceeds precipitation and high soil salinities can lead to stunted growth and die-back. To quantify this interplay, we developed a database for low-lying and uninhabited mangrove islands in the Caribbean under various evaporation and precipitation regimes. We extracted physical and biological information from each island using remote sensing techniques and coupled it with a process-based model. We used this database to develop a model that explains both the spatial variability in vegetated area across the Caribbean—as a function of rates of evaporation and precipitation—and porewater salinity concentration and dispersion from island edge towards the interior of mangrove islands. We then used this validated model to predict mangrove area loss associated with increases in evaporation to precipitation rates by 2100 for different Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP). Less wealthy Caribbean regions such as Belize, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela are disproportionally affected, with mangrove area losses ranging from 3%–7% for SSP 2.6 and 13%–21% for SSP 7.0. Furthermore, foregone carbon sequestration in lost biomass under SSP 4.5 and 7.0 scenarios could compromise the ability of low-lying Caribbean mangrove islands to vertically adjust to sea level rise.

The Role of Vaccination, Testing, and Public Restriction Policies in COVID-19 Mortality and Incidence: Insights from Global Burden of Disease Regions

IntroductionThis study aimed to examine the impacts of vaccination, testing, and government policies on COVID-19 mortality and incidence rates and compare these strategies' effectiveness by seven super regions of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD).Material and methodsThis study used data from January 3, 2020, to March 29, 2023. The incidence and mortality indices were calculated using “daily cases” and “daily deaths” and selected as dependent variables. Vaccination, COVID-19 tests, strictness of a government's policy were explored using corresponding metrics.ResultsDaily cases were four times higher in the high-income region (371.1) than those in the Latin America and the Caribbean region (98.3), but the mortality rate was similar (1.5). The number of vaccinated people did not consistently reduce the mortality across all GBD regions. However, full vaccination was associated with decreased mortality in all regions except Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe and Central Asia (CEEECA). Regarding daily testing, a favorable correlation was observed between daily deaths on a global scale, excluding Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania. Overall, vaccination coverage and government policies were effective in reducing the COVID-19 mortality and incidence rates. However, only the high-income region showed a negative association between the stringency index to COVID-19 and incidence and mortality rates.ConclusionsFull vaccination significantly reduced COVID-19 mortality globally, except in the CEEECA region. HI regions showed lower incidence and mortality rates with stricter government measures. Effective vaccination programs and policies are crucial, emphasizing the need for strengthened international cooperation in future pandemics.

Barriers to access to antihypertensive medicines: insights from the HEARTS initiative in latin American and Caribbean region.

Hypertension significantly impacts the global cardiovascular disease burden, presenting a pronounced challenge within Latin America and the Caribbean. The Pan American Health Organization's (PAHO) HEARTS initiative endeavours to meet this challenge by enhancing comprehensive cardiovascular risk management, inclusive of improved access to antihypertensive medications. This study scrutinises the challenges and barriers in accessing these medications, which are crucial for effective hypertension management in these regions. The research employed a two-phase approach: an initial analysis of National Essential Medicines Lists (NEMLs) from 22 countries involved in the HEARTS initiative for the presence of antihypertensive medications, followed by an in-depth pharmaceutical market analysis in six selected countries to evaluate the availability, pricing, and procurement practices of these medications. The study revealed notable inconsistencies in the inclusion of recommended antihypertensive medications across NEMLs, particularly the lack of fixed-dose combinations (FDCs). The market analysis brought to light significant limitations in medicine registration and substantial variations in pricing, which adversely impact the accessibility and affordability of essential antihypertensive treatments. Furthermore, an examination of procurement practices identified considerable diversity across countries, highlighting potential areas for optimisation, including the use of the PAHO Strategic Fund. The barriers to accessing essential antihypertensive medications in Latin America and the Caribbean are multifaceted, stemming from outmoded NEMLs, limited market availability of advised medications, and disparate procurement processes. Leveraging pooled procurement mechanisms such as the PAHO Strategic Fund, coupled with vital updates to NEMLs, stands to markedly improve both the accessibility and affordability of these treatments.

Blue Economy Financing Solutions for the Fisheries and Aquaculture Sectors of Caribbean Island States

This study reviews various financing solutions available for fisheries and aquaculture development in Caribbean small island developing states (SIDS) and Barbados, Grenada, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Previously identified financing needs within the fisheries and aquaculture sectors have been matched with the most suitable financing mechanisms. However, the use of blue levies is recommended and applicable in almost every scenario, as they allow these sectors to drive their own development in financing research and conservation projects to their own benefit. The use of “blue tokens” with sufficiently low repayment coupons allows development projects to gather public support for fisheries, thereby increasing the likelihood of the project being successful through community buy-in. The possibility of natural capital being traded as public equities as “Natural Asset Companies” provides the opportunity for development projects to fund themselves. The review concludes that natural capital can be leveraged as the base through which public-private partnerships (PPPs) can facilitate optimal delivery of ecosystem services, benefit multiple stakeholders, and provide numerous development opportunities. An enabling environment for debt and lending with low-interest loan repayments is also applicable to almost every scenario, as it facilitates access to capital finance for infrastructure development and the acquisition of increasingly sustainable fishing equipment. Steps towards generating an enabling environment for financing fisheries and aquaculture in the Caribbean region are also discussed. The establishment of dedicated financing institutions, PPPs, and sufficient data reporting infrastructure for the fisheries and aquaculture industry are essential for driving development in these sectors. Likely, the largest limiting factor in financing Caribbean fisheries and aquaculture industries is a lack of awareness of the range of finance and financing mechanisms available to stakeholders, as well as an enabling environment for financing blue Economy sectors. This review is thus intended to aid financing institutions, Blue Economy developers, and specifically Caribbean fisheries and aquaculture stakeholders and Caribbean governments by raising awareness of the financing mechanisms available, encourage the incorporation of their use in the fisheries and aquaculture industries in the Caribbean, and encourage policymakers to create an enabling environment for financing development in these crucial sectors.

Adaptive Radiation Without Independent Stages of Trait Evolution in a Group of Caribbean Anoles.

Adaptive radiation involves diversification along multiple trait axes, producing phenotypically diverse, species-rich lineages. Theory generally predicts that multi-trait evolution occurs via a "stages" model, with some traits saturating early in a lineage's history, and others diversifying later. Despite its multidimensional nature, however, we know surprisingly little about how different suites of traits evolve during adaptive radiation. Here, we investigated the rate, pattern, and timing of morphological and physiological evolution in the anole lizard adaptive radiation from the Caribbean island of Hispaniola. Rates and patterns of morphological and physiological diversity are largely unaligned, corresponding to independent selective pressures associated with structural and thermal niches. Cold tolerance evolution reflects parapatric divergence across elevation, rather than niche partitioning within communities. Heat tolerance evolution and the preferred temperature evolve more slowly than cold tolerance, reflecting behavioral buffering, particularly in edge-habitat species (a pattern associated with the Bogert effect). In contrast to the nearby island of Puerto Rico, closely related anoles on Hispaniola do not sympatrically partition thermal niche space. Instead, allopatric and parapatric separation across biogeographic and environmental boundaries serves to keep morphologically similar close relatives apart. The phenotypic diversity of this island's adaptive radiation accumulated largely as a by-product of time, with surprisingly few exceptional pulses of trait evolution. A better understanding of the processes that guide multidimensional trait evolution (and nuance therein) will prove key in determining whether the stages model should be considered a common theme of adaptive radiation.

Wide-ranging migration of post-nesting hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) from the Caribbean island of Nevis

Wide-ranging migration of post-nesting hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) from the Caribbean island of Nevis

Phenotypic covariation predicts diversification in an adaptive radiation of pupfishes.

Phenotypic covariation among suites of traits may constrain or promote diversification both within and between species, yet few studies have empirically tested this relationship. In this study, we investigate whether phenotypic covariation of craniofacial traits is associated with diversification in an adaptive radiation of pupfishes found only on San Salvador Island, Bahamas (SSI). The radiation includes generalist, durophagous, and lepidophagous species. We compared phenotypic variation and covariation (i.e., the P matrix) between (1) allopatric populations of generalist pupfish from neighboring islands and estuaries in the Caribbean, (2) SSI pupfish allopatric lake populations with only generalist pupfish, and (3) SSI lake populations containing the full radiation in sympatry. Additionally, we examine patterns observed in the P matrices of two independent lab-reared F2 hybrid crosses of the two most morphologically distinct members of the radiation to make inferences about the underlying mechanisms contributing to the variation in craniofacial traits in SSI pupfishes. We found that the P matrix of SSI allopatric generalist populations exhibited higher levels of mean trait correlation, constraints, and integration with simultaneously lower levels of flexibility compared to allopatric generalist populations on other Caribbean islands and sympatric populations of all three species on SSI. We also document that while many craniofacial traits appear to result from additive genetic effects, variation in key traits such as head depth, maxilla length, and lower jaw length may be produced via non-additive genetic mechanisms. Ultimately, this study suggests that differences in phenotypic covariation significantly contribute to producing and maintaining organismal diversity.

Seroprevalence of bovine leukemia virus and association with bovine infectious abortion in Creole breeds from tropical grazing herds in the Colombian Caribbean.

In the Caribbean region of Colombia, the concomitance of endemic infectious agents is a common problem, and coinfections are possible, increasing the complexity of cattle herds' sanitary, reproductive, and productive problems. This study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of bovine leukemia virus and its association with bovine infectious abortion in grazing Creole breeds from tropical herds in the Colombian Caribbean. For the determination of bovine leukemia virus (BLV), bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), bovine herpes virus-1 (BoHV-1), and Neospora Caninum (NC), the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique was used. Matrix analysis was performed to represent multiple seroprevalence in the same cow. To explore the association between the seroprevalence of BLV and bovine infectious abortion agents, a multivariate logistic regression model was used. The seroprevalence was as follows: BLV 30.78%, BVDV 33.01%, BoHV-1 12.85%, and NC 8.96%. In the multivariate logistic regression model, seroprevalence of BVDV (OR 10.8; 95% CI: 7.5-15.6) and seroprevalence of BoHV-1 (OR 1.8; 95% CI: 1.1-3.0) were associated with the seroprevalence of BLV. Animals infected with BLV are more susceptible to coinfections with BVDV and BoHV-1. Implementing healthy measures against these two immunosuppressive infections could enhance the hygiene of numerous cattle herds. This study was designed as a retrospective cross-sectional study, which limits the ability to confirm that BLV is the primary infection. Further studies to confirm the primary infection of BLV with an active viral coinfection are necessary and the factors associated with these phenomena.

Extreme Heat in the Caribbean: Impacts on Wellbeing and Buildings Energy Infrastructure—The 2023 Summer Case

Abstract The summer of 2023 in Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands witnessed an unprecedented surge in extreme heat, surpassing historical norms prompting the analysis of the broader implications for the Caribbean region. This study presents the initial analysis of this remarkable heatwave, the broader context of global climate change, and its potential impacts on people's well-being and energy demand. Historical and 2023 summer daily maximum heat index (HI) are calculated using local stations and regional gridded data. The results show that summer 2023 exhibited a significant departure from the historical climate. For about 70% of summer days, HI values above 100 °F were recorded. It was found that the extreme summer is part of a broader regional pattern. The summer of 2023 recorded higher sea surface temperatures with anomalies above 2.07 °C and the weakening of the Azores High resulting in reduced wind speed in the region. This diminished the cooling effect associated with cooler maritime air aiding the stagnation of air masses over the region. The analysis sets a threshold of HI of 103 °F to assess human exposure. A significant portion of the region's population, especially in urban areas, was exposed to HI above this threshold. Concurrently, the intense heat led to increased energy demands, with about a 25% increase in peak energy demand in buildings. Per capita consumption exceeded 200 kWh/month for cooling and human comfort and anomalies adding around 15 kWh/month. The study is a step forward in developing adaptive strategies to safeguard vulnerable communities due to global warming-induced extreme events.

The Importance of Listening in Police-Community Dialogue: Insights From the Hearts and Minds Initiative in Trinidad and Tobago

Community policing relies on communication and dialogue to break down barriers between police and communities. Community policing is implicitly premised on the notion that for relationships between police and communities to improve, both sides need to find ways to accommodate one another. These ideas are consistent with Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT), which focuses on the communicative mechanisms through which people accommodate or fail to accommodate one another. Genuine listening is a key mechanism for accommodating others. Drawing on CAT, we explore a community policing initiative called Hearts and Minds that was developed and implemented in Trinidad and Tobago, a Caribbean nation that has experienced a significant outbreak of violence over the past two decades. Our qualitative analysis relies on interviews with police officers. Based on this analysis, we discuss the importance of listening in police-community dialogue. We also discuss the implications of this research for theory, research, and practice.

Confronting the challenge: a regional perspective by the Latin American pediatric infectious diseases society (SLIPE) expert group on respiratory syncytial virus-tackling the burden of disease and implementing preventive solutions.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of acute lower respiratory infections in children around the world. The post-pandemic era has resulted in a notable increase in reported cases of RSV infections, co-circulation of other respiratory viruses, shifts in epidemiology, altered respiratory season timing, and increased healthcare demand. Low- and middle-income countries are responsible for the highest burden of RSV disease, contributing significantly to health expenses during respiratory seasons and RSV-associated mortality in children. Until recently, supportive measures were the only intervention to treat or prevent RSV-infection, since preventive strategies like palivizumab are limited for high-risk populations. Advances in new available strategies, such as long-acting monoclonal antibodies during the neonatal period and vaccination of pregnant women, are now a reality. As the Regional Expert Group of the Latin American Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (SLIPE), we sought to evaluate the burden of RSV infection in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region, analyze current strategies to prevent RSV infection in children, and provide recommendations for implementing new strategies for preventing RSV infection in children in LAC region.

Updated checklist of the order Thysanoptera in Colombia

We present here the first comprehensive checklist of Thysanoptera in Colombia. This study is based on a literature review, examination of specimens deposited in museums, and fieldwork conducted from 2012 to 2018 across various agroecosystems in the Andean, Caribbean, and Orinoco regions. Our study reports 38 new records of Thysanoptera for Colombia, bringing the total number of documented species to 183.

Outcome of Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Not Altered With Transatlantic Airplane Transfer: A Bicentric Matched Case-control Study.

It is recommended that ruptured cerebral aneurysms are treated in a high-volume center within 72 hours of ictus. We assessed the impact of long-distance aeromedical evacuation in patients presenting aSAH. This case-control study compared patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) who had a 6750km air transfer from Guadeloupe (a Caribbean island) to Paris, France, for neurointerventional management in a tertiary center with a matched cohort from Paris region treated in the same center over a 10-year period (2010 to 2019). The 2 populations were matched on age, sex, World Federation of Neurological Surgeons score, and Fisher score. The primary outcome was a 1-year modified Rankin Scale score ≤3. Secondary outcomes included time from diagnosis to securing aneurysm, 1-year mortality, and a cost analysis. Among 128 consecutive aSAH transferred from Guadeloupe, 93 were matched with 93 patients from the Paris area. The proportion of patients with 1-year modified Rankin Scale ≤3 (75% vs 82%, respectively; P= 0.5) and 1-year mortality (18% vs 14%, respectively; P= 0.2) was similar in the Guadeloupe and Paris groups. The median (interquartile range: Q1, Q3) time from diagnosis to securing the aneurysm was higher in the patients from Guadeloupe than those from Paris (48 [30, 63] h vs 23 [12, 24] h, respectively; P< 0.001). Guadeloupean patients received mechanical ventilation (58% vs 38%; P< 0.001) and external ventricular drainage (55% vs 39%; P= 0.005) more often than those from Paris. The additional cost of treating a Guadeloupe patient in Paris was estimated at 7580 Euros or 17% of the estimated cost in Guadeloupe. Long-distance aeromedical evacuation of patients with aSAH from Guadeloupe to Paris resulted in a 25-hour increase in time to aneurysm coiling embolization time but did not impact 1-year functional outcomes or mortality.

First record of Scaphiodontophis annulatus (Dum&amp;eacute;ril, Bibron &amp;amp; Dum&amp;eacute;ril, 1854) (Squamata, Sibynophiidae) from Serran&amp;iacute;a Montes de Mar&amp;iacute;a, department of Sucre, Colombia

We present a new record of Scaphiodontophis annulatus (Dum&amp;eacute;ril, Bibron &amp; Dum&amp;eacute;ril, 1854) from Serran&amp;iacute;a Montes de Mar&amp;iacute;a, department of Sucre, Colombia. This represents the second record of this species from the Colombian Caribbean region and the &amp;#64257;rst from a tropical dry forest habitat. We discuss color variation across this species range, as the taxonomy of this species remains unresolved.&amp;nbsp;