Latin Research Articles

'Pourquoi pas Solanes?' Retracing genealogies of critical psychiatry through the emergence of mass exile and displacement as mental pathologies.

This article brings together contemporary works by Frantz Fanon and Catalan exile psychiatrist Josep Solanes to consider the simultaneous emergence at the end of the Second World War of discourses articulating the plight of refugees and racialized people through the medium of psychiatric discourses focusing on socially inflicted mental pathologies of exile and displacement. Emphasizing in particular their respective phenomenological approaches, it is argued that their trajectories can be attached to the same genealogy of radical psychiatry emerging in the Global North and then continuing into the Global South (Africa in the case of Fanon, Latin America in that of Solanes) where they were developed and made their impact.

Domestic violence and older women in Latin American countries: a scoping review protocol

IntroductionDomestic violence (DV) is a major public health problem for women around the world, and more commonly for women in Latin American countries (LACs). DV poses a threat to women’s...

Price Elasticity of the Residential Water Demand in Latin America: Empirical Analysis for Chile, Colombia, and Peru

Price Elasticity of the Residential Water Demand in Latin America: Empirical Analysis for Chile, Colombia, and Peru

Prevalence of anti-Trypanosoma cruzi and anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies in domestic dogs from Tremedal, Bahia: insights from the Oxente Chagas Bahia Project

BackgroundChagas disease (CD) and visceral leishmaniasis (VL) are two important zoonotic diseases that present significant public health challenges in Latin America. Domestic dogs, due to their close contact with humans, serve as key reservoirs for both Trypanosoma cruzi (the causative agent of CD) and Leishmania infantum (the causative agent of VL), making them important sentinels in disease surveillance. This study, conducted as part of the Oxente Chagas Bahia Project, aimed to assess the seroprevalence of anti-T. cruzi and anti-L. infantum antibodies in domestic dogs from Tremedal, Bahia, Brazil.MethodsSerum samples from 17 dogs were analyzed using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (using recombinant antigens (IBMP-8.1, IBMP-8.2, IBMP-8.3, IBMP-8.4) for T. cruzi and the TR DPP® rapid test and ELISA for L. infantum.ResultsThe results showed that 5.9% (1/17) of the dogs tested were seropositive for T. cruzi, indicating the presence of the parasite in the region. Similarly, 5.9% (1/17) of the dogs were confirmed to be positive for L. infantum by ELISA, although the results of the TR DPP® test initially suggested a higher prevalence (41.2%), highlighting the risk of false-positive results.ConclusionsThese findings underscore the critical role of dogs in CD and VL surveillance, given their involvement in both domestic and peridomestic transmission cycles. The study also emphasizes the need for confirmatory testing to ensure diagnostic accuracy, which will contribute to more effective disease control strategies in endemic areas. This work highlights the importance of a One Health approach in which human and animal health are closely monitored to mitigate the transmission of zoonotic diseases.Graphical

Immune profiling of gastric adenocarcinomas in EU and LATAM countries identifies global differences in immune subgroups and microbiome influence.

Gastric cancer (GC) patients from European (EU) and especially Latin American (LATAM) countries are underrepresented in previous large-scale multi-omic studies that have identified clinically relevant subgroups. The LEGACY study aimed to profile the molecular and immunological features of GCs from EU and LATAM countries. Tumor biopsies from 95 EU and 56 LATAM GCs were profiled with immunohistochemistry (CD3, CD8, FOXP3, PD-L1, MSI and HER2), Nanostring mRNA expression analyses, and microbiome sequencing. Immune profiling identified four distinct immune clusters: a T cell dominant cluster with enriched activation pathways, a macrophage dominant cluster and an immune excluded microenvironment which were equally distributed among the countries. A fourth cluster of mostly Mexican patients consisted of excessive T cell numbers accompanied by enhanced cytokine signaling in absence of enhanced antigen presentation and cytotoxicity signatures and a strong association with H. pylori infection. Both EU and LATAM countries have GCs with a T cell inflamed microenvironment that might benefit from checkpoint inhibition. We identified a highly inflamed GC subgroup that lacked antigen presentation and cytotoxicity associated with H. pylori CagA-positive strains, suggesting their contribution to tumor immune tolerance. Future studies are needed to unravel whether these cancers benefit from immunotherapy as well.

Multidrug-Resistant Uropathogens in Companion Animals: A Comprehensive Study from Clinical Cases and a Genomic Analysis of a CTX-M-14-Producing Escherichia coli ST354, a Leading Cause of Urinary Tract Infections.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in small animals, posing significant clinical challenges due to their recurrence and discomfort. This study investigated the bacterial causes and antimicrobial resistance patterns of UTIs in dogs and cats presented to an important Veterinary Teaching Hospital in São Paulo, Brazil, the largest city in Latin America. Samples were collected from 31 dogs and 9 cats via ultrasound-guided cystocentesis. Bacterial cultures were performed, species identification was accomplished with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done using the Kirby-Bauer method. Escherichia coli was the most frequently isolated pathogen, accounting for 27.9% of cases, followed by Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, Proteus mirabilis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Ampicillin resistance was observed in 70.4% of enterobacteria, with many E. coli strains exhibiting multidrug resistance. Whole-genome sequencing of an extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing uropathogenic Escherichia coli strain from a feline patient was performed; it was identified as ST354, a leading cause of UTIs worldwide in humans and animals, carrying the blaCTX-M-14 gene and other resistance determinants. Phylogenetic analysis indicated genetic proximity between this strain and others from Brazilian poultry and environmental sources. These findings emphasize the need for antimicrobial resistance surveillance in veterinary UTIs and advocate for stricter antibiotic stewardship to inform diagnostic and therapeutic approaches within a One Health perspective.

Environmental Migrations: A Social and Philosophical Approach in Latin America and the Caribbean

Environmental Migrations: A Social and Philosophical Approach in Latin America and the Caribbean

Public Policies to Restrict Food Marketing to Children in Latin America: Progress and Challenges

Public Policies to Restrict Food Marketing to Children in Latin America: Progress and Challenges

Global prevalence of cannabis and amphetamine/methamphetamine use among adolescents in 47 countries: a population-based study from WHO database.

Adolescent drug use poses significant public health challenges worldwide, with detrimental effects on mental and physical health. Most existing research focuses on Western countries, holding a gap in understanding drug use in low- and middle-income countries. Thus, we aimed to assess the prevalence of cannabis and amphetamine or methamphetamine use among school-going adolescents aged 12-15years across 47 countries globally. We used data from the Global School-based Student Health Survey from 47 countries (2009-2018) to analyze cannabis and amphetamine/methamphetamine use and age at first drug use among adolescents (n = 220,362). A meta-analysis utilizing random-effects models estimated prevalence rates and weighted linear regression analyzed trends. Student's t tests were used to compare two-subgroup categories, while one-way ANOVA was employed for analyses involving the four-subgroup category. Stratification analysis by sex, World Bank income category, region, and country-specific characteristics based on World Health Organization data were also performed. The study included a total of 220,362 school-going adolescents aged 12-15years (49.96% girls) from 47 countries. The overall prevalence of cannabis use was 7.02% [95% confidence interval (CI) 6.16-7.89], with higher usage among boys [9.20% (95% CI 8.05-10.36)] compared to girls [4.20% (95% CI 3.68-4.72)]. Amphetamine/methamphetamine use prevalence was 4.05% (95% CI 3.51-4.60), also higher among boys [5.14% (95% CI 4.45-5.84)] than girls [2.34% (95% CI 2.00-2.69)]. The region of the Americas exhibited the highest prevalence of cannabis use [11.31% (95% CI 8.44-14.17)], while the African region showed the highest prevalence of amphetamine use [4.34% (95% CI 3.14-5.53)]. High-income countries reported the highest prevalence of cannabis use [9.45% (95% CI, 6.06 to 12.84)], whereas low-income countries had the lowest [3.46% (95% CI 2.01-4.91)]. Higher prevalence rates were associated with countries having higher homicide rates, better sanitation services, and higher health expenditures. Cannabis use among adolescents is more prevalent than amphetamine or methamphetamine use, with significant sex differences showing higher prevalence among boys. The highest prevalence of cannabis use was observed in Latin America, while Africa exhibited the highest rates of amphetamine use. Findings from the present study indicate a need for public policies and programs targeting adolescents to effectively reduce adolescent drug use.

Adolescent marriage, maternity, and limited access to education in 106 countries: Bayesian analysis of prevalence, trend, and prediction

Effectively addressing issues related to adolescent children being out of school and vulnerable to harmful practices is essential for advancing SDG 3—5. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, trends, and future projections of adolescent child vulnerability. We analyzed data from 386 datasets spanning 106 countries, encompassing 1,292,258 adolescent girls year 1990— 2023. Bayesian methods were employed to estimate prevalence, trends, and future projections. Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America & the Caribbean showed a high prevalence of child marriage and early childbirth. Overall, these indicators decreased from 1990 to 2023, but recent years have seen increases in some countries. Projections for 2025 to 2030 suggest that changes in rates will occur in some countries, while most are expected to remain stable. The disparities are in underscore ongoing public health challenges. These issues risk derailing progress towards SDG targets of eliminating harmful practices and ensuring universal access to quality education. Addressing these challenges demands coordinated efforts from countries and the global community to implement effective interventions and strategies.

Narrowing the Gap: Understanding Lung Cancer Care Intervals and Their Barriers in Latin American Low and Middle-Income Countries.

Narrowing the Gap: Understanding Lung Cancer Care Intervals and Their Barriers in Latin American Low and Middle-Income Countries.

Mexico and the Balancing of Nuclear Perils and Promises in the 1960s

ABSTRACT Conventional interpretations of the origins of the global nuclear order are incomplete. In the 1960s, the representatives of eighteen countries, including Mexico, drafted the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). While these negotiations took place, Mexico led a Latin American process to create the first nuclear-weapon-free zone (NWFZ) in a densely populated area with the Treaty of Tlatelolco. Mexican representatives purposedly linked these lawmaking processes. They used the Treaty of Tlatelolco precedent and coalition to amplify their voice in the NPT debates. They also ensured that the NPT did not interfere with the consolidation of the NWFZ.

Geographic divergence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ST5-SCCmecI in the aftermath of a major earthquake and tsunami: impact of a plasmid harboring heavy metal resistance genes.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major public health menace. The global spread of MRSA is characterized by successive waves of epidemic clones dominating specific geographical regions. The acquisition of genes encoding resistance to heavy metals (HMRGs) is thought to be a key feature in the geographic divergence of MRSA. However, the cause-effect relationship between the presence of HMRGs and the divergence of MRSA clones remains to be clarified. In this study, we assessed the role that HMRGs may have played in the evolutionary divergence of the MRSA ST5-SCCmecI lineage in Latin America. We conducted a genomic characterization of 113 MRSA clinical isolates from six Latin American healthcare centers, including 53 isolates collected from two cities in Chile (Santiago and Concepción). We found a plasmid (pSCL4752) harboring arsenic, cadmium, and mercury resistance genes in 65% (n = 71) of the ST5-SCCmecI isolates. We also observed a geographic divergence associated with the presence of pSCL4752 in Chilean isolates, with a higher frequency in isolates from Concepción (88%) compared to Santiago (29%). Interestingly, a molecular clock analysis revealed that this divergence occurred in the aftermath of an 8.8 Mw earthquake and tsunami that struck the Concepción area in 2010. Moreover, our results demonstrate that the carriage of pSCL4752 can be beneficial or detrimental for ST5-SCCmecI isolates, depending on the environmental availability of these heavy metals. Our results suggest that the divergence of the ST5-SCCmecI MRSA lineage in Latin America could have been fostered by environmental disasters and influenced by the presence/absence of HMRGs harbored in a plasmid.IMPORTANCEMethicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major cause of life-threatening infections worldwide and a growing public health concern. The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, such as MRSA, is often linked to genetic adaptations that enhance their survival. Our research sheds light on how environmental changes, such as those triggered by a natural disaster, can influence the evolution and geographic spread of a highly resistant MRSA lineage in Latin America. We identified a plasmid carrying genes for resistance to arsenic, cadmium, and mercury, which was associated with the geographic divergence of the ST5-SCCmecI MRSA lineage, with striking differences in its prevalence between regions affected by a major earthquake and tsunami. By linking environmental events to pathogen evolution, our study highlights the role of ecological pressures in the spread of MRSA. These findings emphasize the need to integrate environmental monitoring into public health strategies to better understand the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance.

Clinical insights into heterogeneity of rheumatoid factor negative polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis across the world

BackgroundTo our knowledge, limited information is available about the differences in the characteristics of rheumatoid factor (RF)-negative polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) throughout the world. This study was aimed to compare the demographic and clinical features of patients with RF-negative polyarthritis across the world.MethodsPatients were part of a multinational sample included in a study aimed to investigate the prevalence of disease categories, treatment regimens, and disease status in patients from different geographical areas (EPOCA Study). All patients underwent a retrospective assessment, based on the review of clinical chart, and a cross-sectional evaluation, which included assessment of physician- and parent-reported outcomes and collection of ongoing medications.ResultsAmong the 9081 patients enrolled in the EPOCA study, 2141 patients (23.6%) with RF-negative polyarthritis were included in the present analysis. The prevalence of RF-negative polyarthritis was highest in North America and lowest in Southeast Asia (12.7%). The age at disease onset was lower in Northern and Southern Europe, where the highest prevalence of uveitis was found. Uveitis was rare in Southeast Asia, Africa & Middle East and Latin America. Patients from Eastern Europe, Latin America and Africa and Middle East presented with the highest prevalence of active joints at the visit. The combination of early onset, ANA positivity, and uveitis was observed mainly in Southern Europe (39%).ConclusionsOur results confirm the wide heterogeneity of the clinical presentation and outcome of children with RF-negative polyarticular JIA throughout the world. In particular, relevant differences in the onset age were observed across geographic areas. The group of children with early onset polyarthritis, ANA positivity, and risk of uveitis is remarkably frequent in Southern Europe.

Acceptance of evolutionary theory among pre-service teacher students and in-service teachers in Ecuador

BackgroundDespite its prominent role in contemporary biology and science, the theory of evolution is still contested by many social groups, showing a deficient understanding of its central postulates and low acceptance rates in many countries. A region traditionally understudied in this respect is Latin America. Within this region, Ecuador stands out as a key territory in the history of evolutionary thought, given the importance of the Galápagos fauna to the eventual realization of the fact of evolution by Charles Darwin. In the present study, we investigate the acceptance of the theory of evolution in a heterogeneous sample of pre-service teacher students (enrolled in formal education programs for teaching certification) from the Sierra region and in-service teachers (participating in professional development) from the Amazonia and Galápagos Islands regions. To gain insights into the potential causes of acceptance of evolutionary theory (MATE instrument), a series of sociodemographic variables, as well as measures of knowledge of evolution (KEE) and religiosity (DUREL) were also taken.ResultsOur results show low values of acceptance (MATE = 67.5 out of 100), a very low level of knowledge (KEE = 3.1 out of 10), and moderate religiosity (DUREL = 3.2 out of 5). The relationship between variables was complex, but two of them showed a trend: knowledge and religiosity affect positively and negatively, respectively, the acceptance of evolutionary theory, although this influence is only moderate and varies between regions.ConclusionsA series of potential explanations for this trend are discussed in light of the religious and educational differences of each region.

Children administrative data linkage and integration: Readiness diagnosis for National Statistical Offices in Countries in Latin America and the Caribbean

Children administrative data linkage and integration: Readiness diagnosis for National Statistical Offices in Countries in Latin America and the Caribbean

Ecosystem leadership in catalyzing the emergence of entrepreneurial ecosystems: social capital perspectives

PurposeThe level of social capital is a crucial indicator of the evolutionary stage of entrepreneurial ecosystems. While prior studies have highlighted the role of leadership by anchor organizations in building networks within nascent entrepreneurial ecosystems, there is limited understanding of how these organizations develop bonding and bridging social capital and how their leadership catalyzes the early evolution of ecosystems. Against the background, this study endeavors to unravel the role of anchor organizations performing ecosystem leadership as creators of social capital in the early stages of ecosystem development, with a specific focus on bonding and bridging social capital.Design/methodology/approachThe study applied explorative qualitative research methods to examine two distinct entrepreneurial ecosystems – one in Latin America and the other in Southern Africa. These locations were chosen because a single anchor organization played a visible role in ecosystem leadership during the early phases of evolution in both instances.FindingsThe study reveals a tripartite sequence of steps that anchor organizations take to instigate social capital at the ecosystem level (1) creating bonding social capital, (2) creating bridging social capital and (3) converting bridging into bonding social capital. The study formulates a theoretical framework that elucidates how anchor organizations perform ecosystem leadership to create social capital, thereby generating initial evolutionary forces within ecosystems. By discerning context-specific dimensions in each ecosystem, the study identifies essential considerations for generalizing its findings.Practical implicationsFor anchor organizations, specifically startup support entities strategically dedicated to fostering local entrepreneurial ecosystems, key insights can be gleaned from this study to cultivate a burgeoning startup community, serving as a catalyst for early-phase ecosystem development. For policymakers seeking to cultivate thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems in their regions, the study provides insights into distinct approaches for leveraging anchor organizations in social capital development.Originality/valueThis study revealed strategic functions of ecosystem leadership in creating social capital, which catalyze early ecosystem evolution. Furthermore, by contrasting two different emerging entrepreneurial ecosystems, this study particularly highlights how contexts can enable or constrain ecosystem leadership in social capital creation activities. This study also illuminated the cycle mechanisms of creating bonding and bridging social capital and converting bridging into bonding social capital. This finding extends the recent discussions on the transition from bonding to bridging social capital.

Snapshot of a Decade: Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies in Chile-A 10-Year Short Report.

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) are rare autoimmune diseases with limited epidemiological data from Latin America. To characterize IIMs through incident rate patterns and clinical features in a major Chilean referral center over a 10-year period. Historical cohort study (2012-2021) reviewing clinical records from rheumatology outpatient clinic of patients with IIM diagnosis. Incident rates were calculated as IIM cases per specialty consultations. Clinical characteristics, antibody profiles, and treatment outcomes were analyzed. Both consultation-based and population-based estimates for incidence and prevalence were determined. Among 3,594,047 specialty consultations, 100 IIM cases were identified (2.78 cases per 100,000 consultations; 95% confidence interval, 2.27-3.39). Mean annual incidence was 0.58 cases per 100,000 adults (95% confidence interval, 0.47-0.69), with 2021 prevalence ranging from 5.07 to 8.57 per 100,000 adults, depending on the denominator population. Dermatomyositis was the most frequent subtype (71%). This first consultation-based analysis of IIMs in Chile provides baseline data for health care resource utilization. The methodology offers a practical approach for rare disease epidemiology in similar health care settings, whereas the findings align with international reports.

Global trends and projections in the burden of malignant neoplasm of bone and articular cartilage

ObjectiveThis study provides an analysis of the global burden of Malignant Neoplasm of Bone and Articular Cartilage (MNBAC) from 1990 to 2021, with projections to 2030.MethodsUtilizing the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 study, we assessed trends in Malignant Neoplasm of Bone and Articular Cartilage (MNBAC) across 204 countries, analyzing age-standardized rates for incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), along with their changes through estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs). We employed decomposition analysis to explore how population growth, aging, and epidemiological shifts impact MNBAC’s burden. Additionally, we used the Bayesian Age-Period-Cohort (BAPC) model to forecast future MNBAC trends.ResultsIn 2021, there were 91.38 thousand new cases of MNBAC, bringing the total number of prevalent cases worldwide to 598.64 thousand. The global burden of MNBAC increased significantly, with notable disparities across genders and regions. The EAPCs for all metrics were notably high in East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Central Latin America. Males consistently presented higher incidence and prevalence rates than females, particularly among adolescents and the elderly. The EAPCs for all metrics were negatively correlated with the Socio-Demographic Index (SDI), the Human Development Index (HDI), and the Universal Health Coverage Index (UHCI). The BAPC prediction model forecasted that the global burden of MNBAC is expected to decrease by 2030.ConclusionMNBAC's significant global impact calls for targeted public health interventions tailored to the hardest-hit regions and demographic groups. Addressing socio-economic and demographic factors is essential for effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Accelerated global burden of depressive disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic from 2019 to 2021

A thorough and current analysis of the burden and evolving trends in depressive disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic from 2019 to 2021 remains unavailable. Employing the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database, we evaluated the burden of depressive disorders at the global, regional, and national levels, stratifying the analysis by age, gender, and socio-demographic index (SDI). To examine trends in depressive disorders during the epidemic, we calculated the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) in age-standardized incidence rates (ASIR), age-standardized prevalence rates (ASPR), and age-standardized DALYs rates (ASDR) across all levels from 2019 to 2021. Furthermore, we performed a frontier analysis of depressive disorders across various countries, incorporating risk factor analyses at multiple levels. In 2021, the global incidence of depressive disorders stood at 357.43 million, while the prevalence was recorded at 332.41 million, accompanied by 56.33 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a notable upward trend in ASIR (EAPC = 8.33 [-0.46 to 17.9]), ASPR (EAPC = 6.02 [0.28 to 12.09]), and ASDR (EAPC = 7.13 [-0.18 to 14.97]) for depressive disorders on a global scale. The burden of depressive disorders is most pronounced among females and individuals aged 60 to 64 within their respective subgroups. From 1990 to 2021, the burden of depressive disorders consistently remained highest in the low SDI region; however, it experienced the most significant increase in the high SDI region during the COVID-19 pandemic from 2019 to 2021. In 2021, the burden of depressive disorders was highest in central sub-Saharan Africa, Greenland, and Uganda, while the Andean region of Latin America, along with Bulgaria and Belarus, experienced the most significant increase in depressive disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Globally, bullying victimization, intimate partner violence, and childhood sexual abuse contributed to 6.47%, 4.91%, and 2.65% of the ASDR for depressive disorders, respectively. The global burden of depressive disorders has markedly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, gradually shifting from low to high SDI regions, particularly in North America and Europe.