Latin Research Articles

Older Adults’ Wellbeing and Involvement in a Uruguayan Intergenerational Learning Initiative

ABSTRACT Within Latin America, the evidence surrounding intergenerational learning experiences remains limited. This study addresses this gap and marks a significant contribution to the literature by evaluating a Uruguayan intergenerational learning program using a systematic mixed-methods approach – the first of its kind in this country. Over eight workshops, the program assessed levels of wellbeing and involvement among older adult participants through observation, a series of interviews and focus groups. The findings revealed medium-to-high levels of wellbeing, increased involvement over time and a desire for program continuity. Notably, participants expressed interest in assuming leadership roles in planning and found smaller group settings to be more beneficial to engagement. The results provide comprehensive insights into participant preferences for intergenerational programs and their effectiveness. These findings pave the way for future research and the development of tailored intergenerational programs that cater to the unique sociocultural context of Uruguay and beyond.

What Radiographic and Spinopelvic Parameters do Spine Surgeons Consider in Decision-Making for Treatment of Degenerative Lumbar Spondylolisthesis?

Cross-sectional survey. Surgical treatment of degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis is remarkably varied due to heterogeneity of clinical-radiological presentations. This study aimed to assess which spinopelvic radiological parameters were considered for decision-making. Survey distributed to International AO Spine members to analyze surgeons' considerations for treatment. Data collected includes demographics, training background, years of experience, and treatment decisions based on various radiographical findings, including segmental and global spinopelvic parameters. From 479 responses, the most frequently radiological parameter considered was slippage on dynamic X-rays (79.1%), followed by disc height (78.9%), global sagittal balance SVA (71.4%), and PI-LL mismatch (69.7%), while the least important was absolute spondylolisthesis on static lateral radiograph (22.8%). Fellowship-trained surgeons were likelier to use SVA (OR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.02-2.99, P = 0.049), and disc height (2.13, 1.14-3.98, P < 0.05). There was no difference between orthopedics and neurosurgery in applying SVA and PI-LL mismatch. Surgeons from Asia Pacific emphasizes segmental lordosis (2.39, 1.11-5.15, P = 0.026) as from Latin America (2.55, 1.09-5.95, P = 0.030) and Middle East (4.33, 1.66-11.28, P = 0.003). However, surgeons from Latin America and Middle East also significant consider disc height (2.95, 1.07-8.15, P = 0.037) and (3.03, 1.04-8.83, P = 0.043), respectively. Additionally, the surgeons' age was associated with using angular motion on flexion-extension radiographs, and volume of treated cases yearly with consideration for disc height. Treatment of degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis was influenced by slippage on dynamic radiographs, disc height, global alignment, and PI-LL mismatch. Surgeons' age and Region, fellowship-trained, and volume of treated cases were significantly associated to apply these radiological parameters.

Unravelling the complexities of carnivals: potentials and challenges for social change in Mexico

PurposeThis research aimed to explore the complexity of the carnival as a space that both challenges and reinforces social hierarchies, as well as a potential catalyst for social transformation for marginalised groups.Design/methodology/approachParticipant observations were carried out at various carnival sites, with a particular emphasis on the “Carnaval de Ixtapan” in Central Mexico in 2024. These observations were supported by photographs and videos.FindingsThe carnival’s transgressive nature has led to progress in inclusivity, notably by featuring women and LGBTQ + individuals in prominent roles, thereby shifting gender and heteronormative dynamics. However, it remains predominantly male-dominated, hindering change and reinforcing existing power dynamics. While cross-dressing challenges societal norms, it can also inadvertently reinforce male supremacy, and LGBTQ + individuals often encounter resistance to their participation. Despite these challenges, the carnival’s temporary, spatial, and purposeful nature provides a platform for social change, offering visibility to marginalised groups and facilitating dialogue on diversity and inclusion.Originality/valueThis study provides rich insight into the ways in which carnival can be a mechanism for both reinforcing and challenging social norms in Latin America.

Current landscape of BRAF-V600E metastatic CRC management in Latin America: an expert Latin American panel’s recommendations

Current landscape of BRAF-V600E metastatic CRC management in Latin America: an expert Latin American panel’s recommendations

Whose side are you on? Balancing impartiality and proximity in the study of civil wars

ABSTRACT When conducting research and fieldwork on civil war, it is not only challenging to remain impartial or get physically and emotionally close to conflict participants, but it is especially difficult to do both, given that more of one often requires – or leads to – less of the other. We present the theoretical and practical tensions between impartiality and proximity and introduce three ideal-type approaches that scholars utilise in response: avoiding proximity, shunning impartiality, or eschewing both. Each of these approaches to mitigate the tension between impartiality and proximity possesses different – and often complementary – strengths and weaknesses. Despite the challenges it brings, we use our own experiences studying civil wars in Latin America, the Middle East, and North Africa to demonstrate the plausibility and benefits of a fourth approach – proximate impartiality – which navigates this tension head on. We then spell out how proximate, impartial research can be successfully executed across different phases of the research process. We conclude by offering a blueprint for a methodologically pluralistic community to generate a more comprehensive understanding of political outcomes than any homogenising approach could yield.

Latinity and Modernity: Cultural Identities and Transnational Exchange in a Globalizing World

This article introduces the concept of Latinity as a central term in shaping debates about modernity, progress and cultural identities in Southern Europe and Latin America since the mid-nineteenth century. During this time, Latin countries struggled with their perceived decline in the face of rising global powers. In the midst of rapid globalization, technological advancements and shifting political dynamics, Latin intellectuals revisited their cultural identities and Latinity’s role in the modern world. This reflection, inherently transnational but adapted to local contexts, was often framed by a barbarism-civilization dichotomy rooted in ancient and premodern ideas of Hellenicity, Romanitas and Latinitas. These legacies evolved to shape pan-Latinism and various cultural, political and ideological projects. This introductory article provides a comprehensive overview of recent scholarship on Latinity and presents the key themes explored by the contributors throughout the remainder of this special issue.

Climate-based modelling and forecasting of dengue in three endemic departments of Peru.

Amid profound climate change, incidence of dengue continues to rise and expand in distribution across the world. Here, we analysed dengue in three coastal departments of Peru which have recently experienced public health emergencies during the worst dengue crises in Latin American history. We developed a climate-based spatiotemporal modelling framework to model monthly incidence of new dengue cases in Piura, Tumbes, and Lambayeque over 140 months from 2010 to 2021. The framework enabled accurate description of in-sample and out-of-sample dengue incidence trends across the departments, as well as the characterisation of the timing, structure, and intensity of climatic relationships with human dengue incidence. In terms of dengue incidence rate (DIR) risk factors, we inferred non-linear and delayed effects of greater monthly mean maximum temperatures, extreme precipitation, sustained drought conditions, and extremes of a Peruvian-specific indicator of the El Niño Southern Oscillation. Building on our model-based understanding of climatic influences, we performed climate-model-based forecasting of dengue incidence across 2018 to 2021 with a forecast horizon of one month. Our framework enabled representative, reliable forecasts of future dengue outbreaks, including correct classification of 100% of all future outbreaks with DIR ≥ 50 (or 150) per 100,000, whilst retaining relatively low probability of 0.12 (0.05) for false alarms. Therefore, our model framework and analysis may be used by public health authorities to i) understand climatic drivers of dengue incidence, and ii) alongside our forecasts, to mitigate impacts of dengue outbreaks and potential public health emergencies by informing early warning systems and deployment of vector control resources.

The Brief Observation of Symptoms of Autism: Validation study in a Latin American sample.

Autism spectrum disorder is a complex condition associated with significant impairments in social communication and behavioral functioning. Diagnosis is dependent on clinician expertise, gathering of developmental history, and observation of specific behaviors. The suggested protocols include tools rendered invalid during the pandemic, which created significant barriers for diagnostic assessments. Furthermore, there are additional barriers in low-income countries in access to screening tools and standardized diagnostic tests for autism spectrum disorders that were only exacerbated during COVID-19. The Brief Observation of Symptoms of Autism instrument was developed to improve access to diagnostic assessment via telehealth during this time. The current study sought to validate the use of the Brief Observation of Symptoms of Autism within two Latin American countries. A sample of 313 children and adults from Argentina and Chile were examined. Results showed valid sensitivity and specificity scores with good fit across modules using two factors (i.e. Social Affect and Restricted, Repetitive Behaviors). Preliminary results of the current study demonstrated that the Brief Observation of Symptoms of Autism is a valid instrument for Latin American population and shows promise to be used beyond the pandemic to ease the diagnostic process. This is a collaborative work with BRINCAR Parent Association, who defined the need in our country to run the validation of Brief Observation of Symptoms of Autism and gave us support as the stakeholders at Lancet Commission.

Review and future perspectives on soil and groundwater inorganic contamination by non-sanitary landfills in Latin America

Review and future perspectives on soil and groundwater inorganic contamination by non-sanitary landfills in Latin America

Fact-Checkers Around the World: Regional, Comparative, and Institutional Perspectives

&lt;span&gt;This thematic issue explores the global fact-checking field, focusing on its organizations, practices, and institutional dynamics. Over the past decade, fact-checking has expanded to over 400 organizations, with approximately half operating in the Global South. Fact-checkers have built a solid institutional framework featuring annual conferences, regulatory bodies, and partnerships with big techs and public organizations. Even with this cohesion, the fact-checking movement remains deeply heterogeneous. Organizations range from small local outlets to global media giants, operating within varied media and political systems. These differences shape how fact-checkers define their mission and approach misinformation, and offer a valuable lens for journalism and political communication studies to analyze evolving media systems and digitalization effects worldwide. Given such diversity, our issue addresses the need for research to observe regional and comparative perspectives on fact-checking alongside studies of broader global trends. Recent scholarship has focused on how fact-checkers adapt to diverse environments, particularly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, and how the field is evolving. It also examines fact-checkers' relationships with platform companies, policymakers, and transnational institutions combating misinformation. Contributions employing diverse methodologies, from case studies to large-scale content analyses, are included, with a particular emphasis on understanding organizational and contextual specificities in this crucial area of media and political communication.&lt;/span&gt;

Unraveling the Dynamics of Climate Disinformation. Understanding the Role of Vested Interests, Political Actors, and Technological Amplification

This special issue aims to investigate the dynamics of climate disinformation, focusing on the roles of vested interests, political actors, and technological amplification. It seeks to provide theoretical and empirical insights into how various actors shape climate disinformation across Europe and Latin America, addressing a significant gap in the existing literature. The articles in this issue explore various dimensions of climate disinformation, underscoring the complexity of climate discourse. The authors explore how climate disinformation manifests itself in political and social media debates, the role of far-right parties in defying and coopting environmental narratives, and whether algorithms contribute to the spread of disinformation. This special issue emphasises the need for improved communication strategies and public engagement to counteract disinformation and foster informed and transformative climate action.

Molecular identification of whole squids and calamari at fairs and markets in regions of Latin America

The commercial importance of cephalopods has increased considerably, being an important fishing resource. However, during the preparation for commercialization of those species, they suffer the process known as “finning” which includes removing and separating the head, arm, skin or even having the body structure cut into rings, which ends up making it difficult or often prevents the identification of the species, which can lead to replacements. In this sense, the present study aimed to use the large ribosomal region, rrnL (16S rDNA) to genetically identify cephalopod species sold in markets and fairs in Latin America. Whole and processed samples were collected from supermarkets and directly from local fishers the approximate collection location. Each generated sequence was submitted to the blastn portal for molecular comparison and included in the database for subsequent genetic identification. Our results indicate labeling errors in samples from the State of Pará that contained the species Dosidicus gigas found only in the Pacific Ocean and were generically labeled as “National Lula”. No type of substitution was found among the samples that were being sold at fairs and markets, only labeling errors. Thus, our results demonstrate the effectiveness of the rrnL for identifying species and evaluating labeling errors.

Evaluation of multiple breast cancer polygenic risk score panels in women of Latin American heritage.

A substantial portion of the genetic predisposition for breast cancer is explained by multiple common genetic variants of relatively small effect. A subset of these variants, which have been identified mostly in individuals of European and Asian ancestry, have been combined to construct a polygenic risk score (PRS) to predict breast cancer risk, but the prediction accuracy of existing PRSs in Hispanic/Latinx individuals (H/L) remain relatively low. We assessed the performance of several existing PRS panels with and without addition of H/L specific variants among self-reported H/L women. PRS performance was evaluated using multivariable logistic regression and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Both European and Asian PRSs performed worse in H/L samples compared to original reports. The best European PRS performed better than the best Asian PRS in pooled H/L samples. European PRSs had decreased performance with increasing Indigenous American (IA) ancestry while Asian PRSs had increased performance with increasing IA ancestry. The addition of 2 H/L SNPs increased performance for all PRSs, most notably in the samples with high IA ancestry and did not impact the performance of PRSs in individuals with lower IA ancestry. A single PRS that incorporates risk variants relevant to the multiple ancestral components of individuals from Latin America, instead of a set of ancestry specific panels, could be used in clinical practice. Results highlight the importance of population-specific discovery and suggest a straightforward approach to integrate ancestry specific variants into PRS for clinical application.

A systematic review and meta-analysis: prevalence and clinical implications of anatomical variants of the hepatic portal vein

The hepatic portal vein is the main vascular route responsible for collecting blood from the liver, spleen, pancreas, stomach, gallbladder, and intestines. Its key function is to metabolize the components acquired from the blood. The objective of this study was to analyze the characteristics of HPV variants and understand the possible clinical considerations that arise with them. The databases Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences were researched until January 2024. Tree authors independently performed the search, study selection and data extraction. Methodological quality was evaluated with an assurance tool for anatomical studies. Pooled prevalence was estimated using a random effects model. A total of 31 studies met the established selection criteria. In this study, 21 articles were included for the meta-analysis with a total of 51,244 subjects. Of these 21 articles, the topics studied came mainly from Europe and Asia, with three (n = 554; 1.08%) and 11 articles (n = 50,090; 97.75%) respectively, also having six articles from North America (n = 442; 0.86%) and one from Africa (n = 158; 0.31%), discarding the articles from Oceania and South America. For the HPV trifurcation variant, it was 8% (CI = 7-10%). Apropos the right posterior portal vein variant, as the primary tributary from the main HPV, it was 7% (CI = 4-11%). About the right anterior portal vein variant originating from the left portal vein, it was 4% (CI = 1-6%). Finally, the prevalence of the isolated variants was 2% (CI = 1-3%). The knowledge of HPV and its anatomical variants is of utmost importance for both medical professionals and anatomists, as it is one of the vessels that collects blood from many important viscera found in the abdominal cavity, any structural alteration could be crucial in diagnosis and surgical procedures.

Sporothrix brasiliensis as the major causative species of the zoonotic outbreak of human sporotrichosis in the Brazilian Amazon.

Sporotrichosis is a neglected tropical disease and the most common subcutaneous mycosis, mainly caused by Sporothrix species, particularly S. brasiliensis, S. schenckii and S. globosa, which exhibit varying biological behaviours and virulence. The epidemic of sporotrichosis in Brazil, initiated in Rio de Janeiro in the late 1990s, rapidly spread to other states, including Amazonas in 2021. This study aimed to identify the specific Sporothrix species responsible for the human sporotrichosis outbreak in the Brazilian Amazon. A cross-sectional study was conducted by enrolling clinically suspected cases of sporotrichosis attended at a reference dermatologic centre, in Manaus (Brazil). Biological material was collected from their skin lesions for culture (Mycosel) and for species identification (qPCR). Sporothrix cultures were obtained from 150 cases. Sporotrichosis predominantly affected females (67.3%), aged 44.5 years on average, with lymphocutaneous lesions (72.7%). Sporothrix brasiliensis was identified in 89.3% of patients. Up to 83.3% of these patients reported contact with cats previously to the skin lesion, and the time-spatial progression of the human cases followed the notification of cases in cats, in the metropolitan region of Manaus. Sporothrix brasiliensis is the dominant species in the zoonotic outbreak of human sporotrichosis in the Brazilian Amazon, with cats identified as the primary vectors. Effective sanitary control measures, education and responsible pet ownership are crucial to mitigating zoonotic sporotrichosis' impact in Brazil and preventing its spread to neighbouring Latin American cities.

Does national intellectual capital matter for productivity? International evidence

PurposeIn the context of the contemporary globalized environment and the rapid progression of Industry 4.0, the existing literature suggests that national intellectual capital does play a significant role in shaping diverse economic metrics. However, the connection between national intellectual capital and total factor productivity (TFP) has been largely overlooked. This paper examines the effect of national intellectual capital on productivity across 84 countries, encompassing diverse income levels, human development index (HDI) levels and continents.Design/methodology/approachThis study utilizes dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS), fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS), two-stage least squares (2SLS), generalized method of moments (GMM) and pooled mean group (PMG) estimation techniques on a sample of 84 economies from 2000 to 2019.FindingsThe results reveal a significant effect of national intellectual capital on productivity. Countries with robust intellectual capital exhibit enhanced productivity and, by extension, sustainable economic growth. The findings are nuanced, illustrating varied impacts across low, middle and high-income countries and offering insights into tailored strategies for each income group. Nations with lower HDI levels derive significant benefits from investments in intellectual capital, whereas higher HDI countries experience lower returns in productivity gains from additional intellectual capital investments. Interestingly, Latin America exhibits a paradoxical negative effect of national intellectual capital on TFP.Practical implicationsThis paper makes a significant contribution to the literature by extending the discourse on intellectual capital to the national level, an area that has been relatively underexplored. The comparative analysis across income groups, human development index levels and continents enriches the understanding of the multifaceted impacts of intellectual capital on productivity. These insights are valuable for policymakers, researchers and international development agencies, providing a comprehensive perspective on how intellectual capital influences productivity in diverse economic and developmental contexts.Originality/valueTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first empirical study to investigate the impact of national intellectual capital on productivity across 84 countries, considering diverse income levels, HDI levels and continents.

Civic education, school climate, and gender in Latin American countries: A path analysis using ICCS 2016 data

This multilevel path analysis of data collected from the International Civic and Citizenship Study investigates how differing civic education experiences between girls and boys predict notions of citizenship across five Latin American countries. Findings show statistically significant differences by gender. Generally, classroom activities, including the value of civic learning in the classroom, willingness to participate in classroom activities, and an open classroom climate were positively related to engagement, while student experience with abuse had a negative relationship. Additionally, evidence suggests that civic learning at school had a stronger impact on male students. This finding varies between countries and notions of citizenship. Teachers can increase civic learning with participation opportunities and monitor their interactions with girls and boys to ensure equity.

A Temporal Graph Network Algorithm for Detecting Fraudulent Transactions on Online Payment Platforms

A temporal graph network (TGN) algorithm is introduced to identify fraudulent activities within a digital platform. The central premise is that digital transactions can be modeled via a graph network where various entities interact. The data used to build an event-based temporal graph (ETG) were sourced from an online payment platform and include details such as users, cards, devices, bank accounts, and features related to all these entities. Based on these data, seven distinct graphs were created; the first three represent individual interaction events (card registration, device registration, and bank account registration), while the remaining four are combinations of these graphs (card–device, card–bank account, device–bank account, and card–device–bank account registration). This approach was adopted to determine if the graph’s structure influenced the detection of fraudulent transactions. The results demonstrate that integrating more interaction events into the graph enhances the metrics, meaning graphs containing more interaction events yield superior fraud detection results than those based on individual events. In addition, the data used in this work correspond to Latin American payment transactions, which is relevant in the context of fraud detection since this region has the highest fraud rate in the world, yet few studies have focused on this issue.

Influence of the COIL methodology on the development of intercultural competence and sustainability in Latin American business students

Purpose This study aims to investigate the impact of an collaborative online international learning (COIL) program on student behavioral satisfaction and community engagement, with a focus on diversity and sustainability. Explore how these changes affect students’ perceptions of the impact of these activities and their motivation to use sustainable practices in their future careers. Design/methodology/approach A combination of research methods combining qualitative and quantitative methods was adopted. Quantitative data were collected through satisfaction surveys that included Likert scale to measure various aspects of the COIL experience. Qualitative data were obtained from students’ open statements and semi-structured interviews. Analysis uses statistical and literary techniques to identify key themes and patterns in the student’s understanding. Findings Results showed overall high student satisfaction with COIL’s activities; this highlighted the positive impact of multicultural leadership and integrating sustainability into the business. Statistical analysis revealed a positive relationship between the relationship quality created by COIL and the perception of safety-related factors. In addition, students have the desire to apply the principles they have learned in their future work. Originality/value This study contributes to the understanding of sustainability education within COIL by examining three critical dimensions: the promotion of sustainable practices in future professional environments, the development of sustainability competencies and the impact of sustainability topics on students’ perceived relationship quality and safety within collaborative international projects. Through this lens, the author investigates how COIL-based activities shape students’ commitment to sustainable practices, enhancing their intercultural competence and readiness for a globalized workforce.

Challenges for Media and Information Literacy (MIL) policies in Latin America and the Caribbean

This article examines the challenges of Media and Information Literacy (MIL) policies in Latin America and the Caribbean. In a context marked by misinformation, hate speech, and artificial intelligence, MIL emerges as a key tool for empowering citizens and fostering critical participation in the digital ecosystem. Through recent examples and data, the importance of an inclusive MIL that addresses both the digital divide and the need for robust national regulations is highlighted. Finally, the article emphasizes the role of MIL in building a trustworthy and resilient digital space that respects human rights