Latin Research Articles

Personalized nutrition: the end of the one-diet-fits-all era

Personalized Nutrition emerged as a new trend for providing nutritional and food advice based on the individual’s genetic composition, a field driven by the advancements in the multi-omic sciences throughout the last century. It intends not only to tailor the recommended daily allowances of nutrients and functional foods that a person may need but also to maintain the principles of sustainability and eco-friendliness. This principle implies the implementation of strategies within the healthcare system to advocate for the ending of the one-diet-fits-all paradigm by considering a personalized diet as an ally to prevent diet-related chronic diseases. In this Perspective, we highlight the potential benefits of such a paradigm within the region of Latin America, particularly Mexico, where the genetic admixture of the population, food biodiversity, and food culture provide unique opportunities to establish personalized nutrigenetic strategies. These strategies could play a crucial role in preventing chronic diseases and addressing the challenges confronted in the region.

The Latin American crisis and the new authoritarian state

The Latin American crisis and the new authoritarian state, by Manuel Larrabure, Routledge, 2023

“PATAGOTITAN – O MAIOR DO MUNDO”: CIÊNCIA, EDUCAÇÃO E DECOLONIALIDADE EM UMA EXPOSIÇÃO DE DINOSSAUROS

“Patagotitan - World’s Largest Dinosaur”: Science, Education and Decoloniality in a Dinosaur Exhibition. During three months, a dinosaur exhibition was held in the Central-South Zone of the city of São Paulo, Brazil. There were 21 educators serving tens of thousands of visitors from the general public, including 157 schools and 6528 students. The exhibition featured replicas of 14 species of dinosaurs found in Argentina and one dinosaur that inhabited southern Brazil, as well as six original fossils, originally from the Egidio Feruglio Paleontological Museum, located in Chubut, Argentina. Among these, the replica of the sauropod Patagotitan mayorum stands out, one of the largest dinosaurs described so far, estimated at around 37 meters in length. In this paper, we seek to report the potentiality of this type of exhibition with regard to dissemination, teaching and scientific literacy; the training of teachers in the different areas involved; and the importance of this event for education with a decolonial aspect, promoting awareness about Latin American scientific production. Keywords: Biology, scientific dissemination, decolonial education, scientific event, Geology, Museology.

Regional, state, and immigrants’ heritage languages in high school: The effect of geographic origin and linguistic acculturation profiles on language attitudes

Aims and Objectives/Purpose/Research Questions: This study explores the language attitudes that high-school students of immigrant origin hold toward Catalan, Spanish, and the heritage languages of immigrant communities, focusing on linguistic acculturation profiles at school and geographic origin of these students. It takes place in Catalonia (Spain), a multilingual setting where Spanish and Catalan have official status. Design/Methodology/Approach: Using a 5-point Likert-type scale, 198 students of immigrant background were asked about their attitudes regarding these three languages, as well as questions regarding their linguistic acculturation profiles at school. Data and Analysis: A K-means cluster analysis was conducted to create identity groups based on linguistic acculturation profiles at school. Then, a series of analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were run: first to analyze the relationship between linguistic acculturation profiles and attitudes toward heritage languages, such as Catalan and Spanish, and second between linguistic acculturation profiles and continent of origin. A two-factor ANOVA was conducted to test the interaction effects between linguistic acculturation and geographic origin regarding language attitudes. Findings/Conclusions: Those in the acculturation profile that incorporates all three languages at school have significantly lower attitudes toward Catalan, suggesting that heritage language maintenance is perceived as incompatible with Catalan at school. As for geographic origin, the European origin group is more commonly placed in the Catalan assimilation acculturation profile than the African and Latin American groups. There is also a significant interaction effect between origin and the acculturation profile, with the European multilingual group showing significantly less positive attitudes toward Catalan. Originality: While other studies have explored immigrant attitudes toward Catalan and Spanish, very few have incorporated the wide range of unofficial languages present in the territory, like Arabic, Amazigh, or Romanian. Significance/Implications: These results complement previous general acculturation research showing that, for linguistic acculturation as well, racialized ethnic hierarchies affect the acculturation options available to different linguistic groups.

#1157 Body mass and fluid balance in dialysis: global profiles in Apollo Dial DB

Abstract Background and Aims Fluid management is a fundamental component of dialysis care. Achieving euvolemia and avoiding fluid overload can be challenging in dialysis. Apollo Dial DB, an anonymised dialysis database from a global kidney care network, was used to gain deeper insights in patterns of patient body mass and fluid balance during dialysis treatments worldwide. Method Apollo Dial DB, a global anonymised dialysis database, contains real-world data from patients in 40 countries beginning January 2018 throughout March 2021. Parameters include demographics, diagnoses, laboratories, medications, treatments, quality of life, and outcomes. This analysis assessed body mass and fluid status parameters on patients in Asia-Pacific (AP), Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), Latin America (LA), Northern America (NA). In addition, bioimpedance for body compositions of patients was assessed as it was available in AP, EMEA, and LA. Results The first version of the Apollo Dial DB includes data on 543, 169 patients, with 4.6% from AP, 13.9% from EMEA, 7.0% from LA, and 74.5% from NA countries. EMEA and NA have a higher proportion of patients in the bigger height categories versus the AP and LA regions (Table 1). There is a difference in mean body weight post dialysis of more than 10 kg between regions; the highest weights were observed in EMEA and NA in contrast to the AP and LA regions. Average albumin levels were consistent in all global regions. Intradialytic weight gain is lowest in EMEA at 1.8 kg and highest in NA at 2.2 kg between treatments. While ultrafiltration volume ranged from 2.0 L to 2.4 L, being the highest in AP and NA. Bioimpedance measures defining body compositions were available for the majority of patients in AP (59.3%), EMEA (86.9%), and LA (90.7%). Patient averages in EMEA are slightly higher for ATM, FTM, LTM, TBW than for LA and AP; this is somewhat explained by the differences in body weight between the cohorts (Fig. 1). Conclusion A descriptive analysis of the body mass and fluid status across minor and major regions bring to light key profiles and differences in the characteristics of dialysis patients across the world and fluid management practices in dialysis care. Differences in intradialytic weight gain may deserve further analysis considering the impact of dialysis modality on fluid balance, such as potential influences of convective therapies. These findings act as benchmarks for the nephrology community. Apollo Dial DB offers opportunities for investigators to conduct global analytics and advance kidney disease research.

Organic residue analysis in Latin American archaeology: Past, present, and future perspectives

AbstractOrganic residue analysis (ORA) studies residual anthropogenic organic molecules within archaeological matrices, offering valuable insights into various research inquiries. Despite the development of ORA in Latin America, its significance remains largely unrecognised and underrepresented. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the evolution, status, and prospects of ORA in Latin America. To achieve this, we conducted a thorough bibliographic survey and analysed contributions related to topics such as foodways, psychoactive consumption, the utilisation of paints, dyes, adhesives, binders, activity areas, and residue radiocarbon dating. We examine the geographical distribution of the studies, the flow between countries of sample origin and destination for ORA, and the chronological development in publications. We address challenges encountered in the production of ORA data in Latin America and emphasise the need for multiproxy and multi‐analytical approaches to characterise and identify robust biomarker sets to investigate the use and circulation of local commodities.

Evidence-based practice in respiratory healthcare professionals in Latin America:

Background:Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a systematic approach to professional practice using the best available evidence to make informed clinical decisions in healthcare. It is necessary to measure and identify strengths and opportunities for improvement. Objective: To assess the knowledge and application of EBP in respiratory health professionals in Latin America. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. The questionnaire was distributed online to health professionals in Latin American countries. Demographic data, professional characteristics, EBP training, and questionnaire responses were collected. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed. Results: A total of 448 respiratory health professionals participated in the study. Responses were obtained from 17 countries where the majority were female, with an average age of 42. Participants included physicians, physiotherapists, nurses, respiratory therapists, speech therapists, and occupational therapists. Overall scores indicated moderate to high levels of EBP knowledge and application. However, variations were observed in different dimensions. Factors such as EBP training, reading scientific articles, and professional characteristics were associated with higher scores. Barriers to implementing EBP were identified mostly related to institutional support. Conclusions: This study provides information on the knowledge and implementation of EBP in respiratory health professionals in Latin America. Although the overall levels of knowledge and application of EBP were moderate to high, there are options for improvement, especially in addressing barriers to implementation.

#729 Application of ChatGPT to support nutritional recommendations for dialysis patients

Abstract Background and Aims The rising diversity of food preferences and the desire to provide better personalized care provide challenges to renal dietitians working in dialysis clinics. To address this situation, we explored the use of a Large Language Model (LLM), specifically, ChatGPT using the GPT-4 model (openai.com), to support nutritional advice given to dialysis patients. Method We applied a prompt that allows us to consider various factors that determine personalized dietary recommendations, menu options, and nutritional analysis. The prompt integrates several domains, including patient demographics (age, sex, race, and ethnicity) and food preferences (vegetarian, Indian, Latin American, Mediterranean, East Asian), laboratory data (levels of serum phosphate, potassium, albumin, calcium, and normalized protein catabolic rate), and clinical characteristics (height, BMI, comorbidities, and dialysis modality). Twenty virtual patients were created using Monte Carlo simulation in the statistical software R; we provided the characteristics of one randomly selected patient to ChatGPT (Fig. 1). The resulting daily recipe recommendations, cooking instructions, and nutritional analyses were reviewed and rated on a five-point Likert scale by an experienced renal dietitian. In addition, we entered the ChatGPT-generated recipes into an USDA-approved nutrient analysis software (ESHA research, Salem, OR, USA) for comparison. A pre-defined kidney-friendly recipe from the website of a large dialysis organization (Fresenius Medical Care (FMC), Waltham, MA, USA) was included for comparison as well. We were able to narrow down and personalize requests in a short dialogue with the bot, for example: “John is a hemodialysis patient. Age, years: 63.58; Height, cm: 181.52; BMI: 37.27; Serum albumin, g/dL: 3.08; Serum phosphate, mg/dL: 4.39; Serum potassium, mmol/L: 5.08; Total serum calcium, mg/dL: 8.63; nPCR, g/kg/day: 0.709; Sex: Male; Race/Ethnicity: Black; DM: No; CHF: No; Diet Restriction: No restriction; Food preferences: Latin American; Dialysis modality: HD; Budget: around $25. Can you create a one-day sample menu for this hemodialysis patient with recipes and nutritional analyses?” Results A daily menu comprising five recipes was created. The renal dietitian rated the recipes (2.9 on the 5-point Likert scale) and cooking instructions (4.8) as moderately satisfactory, but the nutritional analysis (2) was questionable. While ChatGPT's carbohydrate content estimation was relatively accurate, it underestimated calories by 36%, protein by 28%, and fat, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium by around 50% (Fig. 2A). Discrepancies observed with potassium may be partly explained by the analyses of raw vs. cooked ingredients (which may be altered by cooking techniques), unspecified portion sizes, and limited data for ChatGPT training (e.g., potassium is not a required nutrition label component). Interestingly, these discrepancies are much smaller with recipes garnered from the FMC website (Fig. 2B). The percentage differences between USDA's (=100%) and ChatGPT's estimations of recipes from different sources were shown in Fig. 2C. In addition, we explored the use of ChatGPT to create personalized dietary recommendations/menus in different languages, such as Mandarin. The translations, as judged by native speakers, were reliable. Conclusion While LLMs such as ChatGPT hold promise to provide personalized nutritional guidance to diverse populations of dialysis patients, we think that there is substantial room for improvement. Our findings underscore the importance of a critical approach and the need to assess qualitatively and quantitatively the output created by LLMs, especially regarding medical use cases.

Guest editorial: Special issue introduction: strategic management in Latin America: exploring a VUCA context within a change of era

Guest editorial: Special issue introduction: strategic management in Latin America: exploring a VUCA context within a change of era

Análisis de la producción y exportación de fresa mexicana: 1988-2020.

The objective of this study was to carry out a descriptive analysis of the variables that determine strawberry production in Mexico; to analyze the potential export markets for Mexican strawberries; and to determine the effect of strawberry exports on production using a regression model for the period 1988-2020. The results were that, if the average rural price increases 1%, suppliers will be willing to produce 118,096 tons more and if strawberry exports increase 1%, production will increase 2.9%. The COVID-19 sanitary crisis reduced Mexican strawberry production by 279,794 tons. Since export demand influences strawberry supply, it is necessary to assist small and medium-sized producers to meet export quality standards and take advantage of market opportunities in Latin America and Europe.

#1861 Association of the polymorphisms of the angiotensin converting enzyme and FRMD3 genes in the development of diabetic kidney disease

Abstract Background and Aims Individual genetic biomarkers, called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), have been proposed that could represent potential non-invasive markers for the early diagnosis of diabetic kidney disease (DKD), in addition to their association with a characteristic phenotype. Aim To determine the association of polymorphisms of the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme and FRMD3 genes with the risk of developing ERD in patients with type 2 diabetes. Method Case-control study, comparative, observational, ambispective and cross-sectional, in which men and women, over 18 years of age with T2D with and without ERD and healthy patients, who underwent DNA extraction, participated. genomic and subsequent genotyping, and detection of SNPs by mass spectrometry. Results A total of 400 patients participated, 199 men and 201 women, within which they were divided into three groups: 100 patients with type 2 diabetes and ERD confirmed by renal biopsy, 100 patients with type 2 diabetes without ERD and 200 healthy controls. A total of 3 polymorphisms of the ACE and FRMD3 genes were studied. Among the polymorphisms analyzed in the logistic regression, rs179975 CA (OR, 6.2; 95% CI: 1.15-7.48, p = 0.03), rs1888747 GA (OR, 6.6; 95% CI: 4.60-8.45, p = 0.002) and rs10868025 resulted. CG (OR, 4.1; 95% CI: 2.40-5.60, p = 0.002) Table 1. Conclusion Our study demonstrated the association of well-established genetic variants of the ACE and FRMD3 gene polymorphisms with the presence of ERD, showing that these SNPs, specifically rs179975 CA, rs1888747 GA and rs10868025 GC, may represent important genetic markers in the development of ERD and could be a predisposing factor due to the high frequency and strength of association that were observed in our studied population, this being the first study in Latin America.

#1368 Podocytopathy associated with IgA nephropathy: is it really a prognostic factor?

Abstract Background and Aims Since 2017, the clinical value of podocyte injury in IgA nephropathy (IgAN) has been studied, the presence of podocyte hypertrophy and tip- lesions are markers of podocyte damage. It has been observed that these histological findings tend to be treated with immunosuppression, so they have a better kidney prognosis, but those who do not receive immunosuppression have a worse prognosis. In Latin America there are no cohorts that evaluate the clinical course of these lesions. Method Cases and control. Results A total of 37 patients with a diagnosis of IgAN were evaluated, of these 27% presented podocytopathy (IgAN-P) and 72.9% presented IgAN without histological data in the optical microscopy of podocytopathy (IgAN-NP), with an average follow-up of 41 ± 32 months. Clinically, the proteinuria in IgAN-P patients was higher with a mean of 3.9 ± 3.0 gr/gr vs 1.6 ± 1.5 gr/gr in the group with IgAN-NP, without being statistically significant p = 0.54. Kidney function in the group with podocytopathy was slightly lower with an average eGFR of 65.9 ± 45 ml/min/1.73 m2 vs 80.2 ± 36.4 ml/min/1.73 m2 p = 0.23, associated with a greater presence of granular casts in podocytopathy (92% vs 80% p = 0.02) describing probable associated acute tubular injury. Histologically, patients with podocytopathy presented 80% of podocyte hypertrophy and 2% of tip-type FSGS. The findings in the MEST-C score had no differences between the groups, except for mesangial proliferation that was present in 96.3% of subjects with podocytopathy compared to 70% of subjects without podocytopathy, p = 0.02. The prognosis based on the international score was not statistically significant between the groups p = 0.59. Patients with podocytopathy tended to be treated with immunosuppression prior to the biopsy in 50% vs 37% in the group without podocytopathy p = 0.01, however once the histological diagnosis was obtained it was more common to decide to continue with immunosuppressants in subjects with podocytopathy with 90% vs 63% (p = 0.11). Finally, long-term results reported no differences in the requirement for kidney replacement therapy. When evaluating MAKE outcomes, there were no differences between groups with respect to ESKD; 40% decrease in eGFR and need for kidney replacement therapy. Conclusion In previous reports the presence of podocytopathy reported as podocyte hypertrophy and tip-lesions were 16%. In our population this finding was more frequent (27%), with podocyte hypertrophy being more prevalent. Greater proteinuria and worse kidney function were observed compared to IgAN-NP, justifying a greater frequency of immunosuppressive therapy, impacting the kidney outcome being the same as that reported in patients without podocytopathy. Similar result to that observed in previous cohorts.

Pediatric Environmental Health In Brazil and Latin America: An Appraisal and Future Perspectives

Pediatric Environmental Health In Brazil and Latin America: An Appraisal and Future Perspectives

Pharmaceutical Market Access in Latin America: Analyzing Approval Requirements in Three Key Nations: Ecuador, Dominican Republic, and Nicaragua

Pharmaceutical Market Access in Latin America: Analyzing Approval Requirements in Three Key Nations: Ecuador, Dominican Republic, and Nicaragua

#1849 Returning to dialysis after kidney transplant failure: preliminary findings of a multi-centre database

Abstract Background and Aims Kidney transplant failure contributes to a considerable proportion of new dialysis starters. In some centres there are dedicated clinics for patients with failing kidney transplants, however, the specific needs of patients with dialysis after graft loss (DAGL) may be lost in the non-specific clinical review practiced in the general dialysis community. This study examines the mortality and morbidity risk in patients returning with DAGL and compares it to transplant-naïve (T-N) dialysis starters, to determine if the former warrant a more specialised approach. Method This is a retrospective observational study of mortality in all adult patients who started dialysis treatments in Fresenius Medical Care (North America, Latin America, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific) from 1st January 2018 to 31st March 2021, were identified in the Apollo Dial DB dataset. DAGL was identified from the ICD-10 codes ‘Kidney transplant failure’, ‘Unspecified complication of kidney transplant’ and ‘Other complication of kidney transplant’ at dialysis start. The T-N control group had not previously received a kidney transplant and had not received immunosuppressive medication during the first six months of dialysis start. The first six months on dialysis were defined as baseline, months 7 to the end of year 5 were defined as the follow-up period. All-cause mortality was recorded during follow-up. Cox proportional hazards models were applied to explore the association between DAGL and all-cause mortality. Results A total of 360 469 dialysis starter patients from 41 countries were included in the analysis. 10 010 patients had DAGL and were compared with 350 459 in the T-N control group. In univariate analysis, DAGL patients were significantly younger in all age categories and had a higher proportion of male sex. Serum creatinine, ferritin, phosphate and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio were higher in the DAGL group. Haemoglobin was lower in the DAGL group (Table 1). In the Cox proportional model adjusted for age, gender, and other laboratory and clinical markers, patients with DAGL had an equivalent survival probability compared with T-N dialysis starters (HR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.86, 1.02) (Table 2). Conclusion DAGL patients appeared to have an increased mortality compared to T-N dialysis starters historically in the literature. Our large and recent study is in line with other recent publications suggesting a more equivalent survival in the two groups. Our results are compatible with younger patients receiving kidney transplantation early in their renal replacement therapy journey, thus constituting a significant proportion of DAGL patients. We posit that DAGL patients may start dialysis at a lower level of renal function, with higher levels of inflammation. Our analysis is preliminary and limited, not fully accounting for confounding factors. Future analysis of this large and well recorded dataset will allow us to examine these interesting associations and design a more specialised management approach to DAGL more closely.

Age-varying association between discrimination, childhood family support, and substance use disorders among Latin American immigrants in the United States.

The cultural stress theory posits that immigrants experience a constellation of cultural stressors such as discrimination that could exacerbate alcohol- and other substance-related problems. Drawing on cultural stress theory, this study investigated the age-varying association between past-year discrimination and substance use disorders (SUDs) among Latin American immigrants aged 18-60 and whether childhood family support moderated the above association. We used data from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III (NESARC-III) among adults aged 18-60 who identified as a Latin American immigrant (N = 3,049; 48% female). Time-varying effect models (TVEMs) revealed that experiencing past-year discrimination was associated with greater odds of having a SUD during young and middle adulthood for Latin American immigrants. Furthermore, for immigrants with lower childhood family support, discrimination was associated with SUD risk in young and middle adulthood. The present study documents that past-year discrimination was linked to greater SUD risk during young and middle adulthood. Childhood family support may serve as a protective factor in the association between discrimination and risk for SUD among Latin American immigrants. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

#1166 ACTION3 pivotal Phase 3 & open-label extension study assessing DMX-200 in adult & paediatric patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)

Abstract Background and Aims Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a major cause of glomerular disease that affects both adults and children. FSGS can rapidly progress to end-stage kidney disease. Lack of safe and effective treatment represents a significant unmet need for patients with FSGS. Development of treatments has been hampered by complexities including the rare nature of the disease, varying drivers of pathogenesis, and the evolving diagnostic and clinical trial designs, necessitating innovative research approaches. DMX-200 (repagermanium) is a C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) pathway inhibitor. Activation of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) and CCR2 have been independently implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of FSGS. These receptors form a functional complex so inhibition of both receptors may provide an efficient approach to FSGS treatment. In vivo data shows co-administration of DMX-200 and the angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) irbesartan demonstrated a synergistic reduction in proteinuria, macrophage infiltration, and podocyte loss compared with vehicle or either antagonist alone. A subsequent Phase 2a cross-over study (NCT03649152) in N = 8 patients with biopsy-proven primary FSGS showed that the combination of DMX-200 and irbesartan (compared to placebo) was well tolerated with most patients experiencing a reduction in proteinuria. Based on these data, the global Phase 3 study (ACTION3) was initiated to confirm the proteinuria lowering effects of DMX-200 and assess effects on eGFR decline. ACTION3 is a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, long-duration study of FSGS patients and on completion will provide a resource for the wider nephrology community and advocacy groups on the natural history of FSGS patients and the effects of a CCR2-inhibitor on the background of an ARB. Here we present the baseline data from the first 90 patients enrolled in ACTION3 at 12th January 2024. Method The ACTION3 (NCT05183646) study is a pivotal Phase 3, multicentre study of the efficacy and safety of DMX-200, 120 mg twice daily compared with placebo in adult patients with biopsy-proven FSGS receiving maximal tolerated ARB, with persistent proteinuria >1.5g/ day and eGFR >25 ml/min/1.73 m2. The study plans to enroll approximately 286 patients with primary FSGS, genetic FSGS and FSGS of undetermined cause with the primary objective of evaluating the efficacy of DMX-200 in percent change in 24-hour urine PCR and eGFR slope. The initial 104-week randomized period will be extended in a 2-year open label extension study. A futility analysis by an Independent Data Monitoring Committee following the first 72 patients completing 35 weeks of treatment confirm that continuation of the study is non-futile. Results The study is actively recruiting at 71 sites in 11 countries listed in Table 1. Demographic data of randomised patients is listed in Table 2. Patients are predominantly male (65%), with an average age of 46.6 yrs. and mean eGFR 56.3 ± 27.6 (ml/min/1.73 m2). The study is expanding recruitment into additional countries in the Asia Pacific, Europe, and Latin American regions. Further, the study protocol has sought and received regulatory approval to enroll adolescent patients aged 12-18 in Argentina, Mexico, UK and the US. Conclusion DMX-200 (repagermanium) has shown encouraging signs of safety and efficacy in combination with an ARB for the treatment of FSGS. The contributing countries and baseline characteristics of the patients enrolled in ACTION3 are similar to the populations studied in other recent FSGS trials. No clinically significant safety concerns have been observed in patients enrolled to date in the ACTION3 Phase 3 study.

Expanding BRICS Authority in Latin America: Geopolitical Significance for Russia

The paper analyzes the geopolitical situation in Latin America and the Caribbean (LACB), examines the prospects for expanding the BRICS interstate association in the region and the advantages of this organization that attracts LACB countries. Based on the criteria the authors carried out put forward, the analysis of scenarios to expand the BRICS in the strategic interests of the Russian Federation in the international arena, the directions for the most favorable cooperation and ensuring the interests of Russia in the conditions of a tense political situation and a hybrid war launched by the collective West against our country are determined. The role of BRICS is increasing in a change in the balance of power in the UN, G20 and G7 groups after the start of a special military operation by the Russian Federation. The work is based on neorealism, which considers both the global situation in international relations and Russia’s possibilities for promoting its interests in interaction with various actors. The major methods used: situational analysis and document analysis. The paper’s aim is to determine the strategic advantages of implementing Russian foreign policy interests associate the potential expansion of BRICS in Latin America.

Structural adjustment, economic performance, and electoral volatility in presidential elections in Latin America

AbstractDrawing upon the Latin American Presidential and Legislative Elections database and our own original data set, we assess the effects of structural adjustment and other economic factors on presidential electoral volatility in 24 Latin American countries in 1982–2016. The results of our study indicate that both structural adjustment and inflation have a positive association with Type B presidential electoral volatility (the volatility generated from changes in the vote shares of established parties). Economic growth appears to have only a weak negative association with overall presidential electoral volatility. Type A presidential electoral volatility (the volatility associated with the rise of new parties) is mostly determined by demographic factors and the electoral system for the presidency. As with legislative volatility in Latin America, Africa, and postcommunist Europe, explaining stable party presidential volatility appears more challenging than explaining party replacement presidential volatility. Overall, several of the findings about legislative volatility are echoed in this study, but presidential electoral volatility is notably higher than legislative volatility in Latin America.

Tropicalizing platformization? Tensions in research on algorithms and platforms in Latin America

This short article critically examines the growing body of research on algorithms and platforms in Latin America. Drawing on an analysis of articles published in Portuguese or Spanish in journals of the region, we discuss the main analytical approaches that shape Latin American platformization research. We reveal a tension between two dominant analytical orientations. On one hand, there is a tendency to directly apply concepts and theories from the global North to interpret Latin American experiences, a phenomenon we call “tropicalization.” On the other hand, research from the region also produces context-specific knowledge that questions established theoretical frameworks or bridges the study of the local and the global. While both orientations are valuable, we emphasize the importance of developing analytical approaches tailored to address the specific realities of Latin America. These approaches underscore the significance of regionally grounded scholarship in understanding contemporary cultural practices.