Latin America and the Caribbean(hereinafter referred to as“LAC”)is an important part of the Global South.It is the region where developing countries that achieved independence the earliest and initiated their modern...Latin America and the Caribbean(hereinafter referred to as“LAC”)is an important part of the Global South.It is the region where developing countries that achieved independence the earliest and initiated their modernization process the earliest are located.LAC modernization has a history of over 150 years.In this process,it has been profoundly influenced by Western theories such as classical liberalism and neoliberalism.展开更多
On June 20,the 7th China-Latin America and Caribbean Think Tank Forum was held in Beijing.The forum carried the theme“Working Together to Build a China-LAC Community with a Shared Future.”Assistant Foreign Minister ...On June 20,the 7th China-Latin America and Caribbean Think Tank Forum was held in Beijing.The forum carried the theme“Working Together to Build a China-LAC Community with a Shared Future.”Assistant Foreign Minister Miao Deyu attended the opening ceremony and delivered remarks.Leonel Caraballo Maqueira,Vice President of the Cuban Diplomatic Academy,and Martin Charles,Ambassador of Dominica to China and Representative of the Latin American and Caribbean Diplomatic Corps in China,attended the meeting and delivered speeches.展开更多
The Caribbean presents a wide range of opportunities with varying potential to contribute to the Gross National Incomes of the countries.However,the tourism industry remains a key source of income but is vulnerable to...The Caribbean presents a wide range of opportunities with varying potential to contribute to the Gross National Incomes of the countries.However,the tourism industry remains a key source of income but is vulnerable to disasters and other upheavals.There are alternatives to sustainable growth such as the blue economy with the potential for hydrogen extraction from the Caribbean Sea,which can make a signi fiicant contribution.The Caribbean Transshipment Triangle boasts signi fiicant port infrastructure that plays a crucial role in transporting goods and has the potential to become hydrogen hubs.The aim of this research is to examine the potential for countries in the region to develop this industry.A quantitative methodology was employed to examine the correlation between renewable energy and economic growth among six major transshipment countries in the Caribbean transshipment triangle,from 2010 to 2020.The study employed the Pearson correlation coef fiicient to analyze the data collected from these countries.The fiindings indicated that the Dominican Republic and Panama had the highest correlation between renewable energy and economic growth.Speci fiically,Jamaica,Panama,and the Dominican Republic demonstrated a moderate to high correlation between Renewable Power Capacity(RPC)and GDP.Consequently,investing in port infrastructure to facilitate hydrogen production,storage,distribution,and export could have positive effects on these economies.These fiindings are of interest to governments,managers,professionals,policymakers,and investors in the power generation sector.The research supports visions of a resilient blue economy and addresses sustainable development concerns in the Caribbean region.展开更多
On February 8,2025,a remote area in the Caribbean Sea was rocked by a large M_(W)7.6(USGS,2025) earthquake,centered 209 km SSW of Georgetown,the capital of the Cayman Islands,and the largest city(population~41 000) of...On February 8,2025,a remote area in the Caribbean Sea was rocked by a large M_(W)7.6(USGS,2025) earthquake,centered 209 km SSW of Georgetown,the capital of the Cayman Islands,and the largest city(population~41 000) of the British Overseas Territories(Figure 1).The earthquake was significant due to its large magnitude,potential regional impact,and the possibility of generating a tsunami.展开更多
Today,more than 90%of children who are born with congenital heart disease survive and reach adulthood,especially in developed countries.Consequently,the population of adults with congenital heart disease has increased...Today,more than 90%of children who are born with congenital heart disease survive and reach adulthood,especially in developed countries.Consequently,the population of adults with congenital heart disease has increased signiffcantly over the last few decades.In Latin America and the Caribbean countries,this same scenario is occurring at an accelerated pace.Loss to follow-up is a global problem in adults with congenital heart disease,ranging from 30–60%.In Latin America and Caribbean countries,it is estimated that less than 10%of adults with congenital heart disease are being followed.The small number of specialists and adult congenital heart disease specialized centers,as well as virtually nonexistent transition and transfer programs,are some of the reasons for this.This article is a narrative review of the current status of the transition and transfer of young adults with congenital heart disease,with a special focus on Latin America and Caribbean countries.It describes the general concepts of transition and transfer,analyzes barriers and,ffnally,presents specialized care alternatives that would reduce losses and improve this population’s care.展开更多
Air pollution has become a critical issue in urban areas,so a broad understanding of its spatiotemporal characteristics is important to develop public policies.This study analyzes the spatiotemporal variation of atmos...Air pollution has become a critical issue in urban areas,so a broad understanding of its spatiotemporal characteristics is important to develop public policies.This study analyzes the spatiotemporal variation of atmospheric particulate matter(PM_(10) and PM_(2.5))and ozone(O_(3))in Barranquilla,Colombia from March 2018 to June 2019 in three monitoring stations.The average concentrations observed for the Móvil,Policía,and Tres Avemarías stations,respectively,for PM_(10):46.4,51.4,and 39.7μg/m^(3);for PM_(2.5):16.1,18.1,and 15.1μg/m^(3) and for O_(3):35.0,26.6,and 33.6μg/m^(3).The results indicated spatial and temporal variations between the stations and the pollutants evaluated.The highest PM concentrations were observed in the southern part of the city,while for ozone,higher concentrations were observed in the north.These variations are mainly associated with the influence of local sources in the environment of each site evaluated as well as the meteorological conditions and transport patterns of the study area.This study also verified the existence of differences in the concentrations of the studied pollutants between the dry and rainy seasons and the contribution of local sources as biomass burnings from the Isla Salamanca Natural Park and long-range transport of dust particles from the Sahara Desert.This study provides a scientific baseline for understanding air quality in the city,which enables policy makers to adopt efficient measures that jointly prevent and control pollution.展开更多
Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) arrived from China to Latin America and the Caribbean in the 1840s due to the massive migration of Chinese people to the region. In a few years, the press noticed the presence of Chin...Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) arrived from China to Latin America and the Caribbean in the 1840s due to the massive migration of Chinese people to the region. In a few years, the press noticed the presence of Chinese herbalists practicing in different cities and countries regardless of the demographic weight of the Chinese community. The fascination with Chinese doctors implicated not only the press but also the literature, a phenomenon particularly observed in Cuba. In the first decades of the 20th century, the reactivation of Chinese immigration to the region fostered an anti-Chinese climate that materialized in more significant migratory restrictions and control of their businesses, such as what happened with Chinese herbalists. These herbalists who practiced inside and outside the Chinese community started to object to criticism and persecution by the conservative press and professional doctors. Despite this, Chinese doctors will continue to maintain their support of a significant number of ill persons. This work seeks to illuminate the historical relevance of TCM in Latin America and the Caribbean, focusing on the cases of Peru, Chile, and Cuba. This last country was far from China culturally and geographically, but as in many other small towns in the region, Chinese medicine presented an alternative to the treatment of illnesses.展开更多
BACKGROUND Major hepatectomies are routinely performed because they are often the only curative treatment for metastatic liver disease.There has been a trend to concentrate major hepatectomies in referral hospitals th...BACKGROUND Major hepatectomies are routinely performed because they are often the only curative treatment for metastatic liver disease.There has been a trend to concentrate major hepatectomies in referral hospitals that perform these operations at high volumes.These high volume referral centers are usually located in developed countries,but many patients in developing nations are not able to access these centers because of financial limitations,lack of social support and/or travel restrictions.Therefore,local hospitals are often the only options many of these patients have for surgical treatment of metastatic liver disease.This is the situation in many Caribbean countries.AIM To determine the clinical outcomes after major liver resections in a low-resource hepatobiliary center in the Caribbean.METHODS We prospectively studied all patients who underwent major liver resections over five years.The following data were extracted:patient demographics,diagnoses,ECOG status,operation performed,post-operative morbidity and mortality.Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS ver 16.0 RESULTSThere were 69 major liver resections performed by two teams at a mean case volume of 13.8 major resections/year.Sixty-nine major hepatic resections were performed for:colorectal liver metastases 40(58%),non-colorectal metastases 9(13%),hepatocellular carcinoma 8(11.6%),ruptured adenomas 4(5.8%),hilar cholangiocarcinomas 4(5.8%),hemangiomata 2(2.9%),trauma 1(1.5%) and hepatoblastoma 1(1.5%).Twenty-one patients had at least one complication,for an overall morbidity rate of 30.4%.There were minor complications in 17(24.6%)patients,major complications in 11(15.9%) patients and 4(5.8%) deaths.CONCLUSION There are unique geographic,political and financial limitations to healthcare delivery in the Caribbean.Nevertheless,clinical outcomes are acceptable in the established,low-volume hepatobiliary centers in the Eastern Caribbean.展开更多
An analysis between the hourly distribution of earthquakes in three areas of the Caribbean and the high-frequency variations of the geomagnetic field is presented. The number of earthquakes selected for each zone is b...An analysis between the hourly distribution of earthquakes in three areas of the Caribbean and the high-frequency variations of the geomagnetic field is presented. The number of earthquakes selected for each zone is between 10,000 and 43,000, which guarantees a statistically significant distribution. The hourly distributions of seismicity in all areas show a bay-shape distribution with a significant increase in the number of earthquakes at night, from 11 PM to 5 AM. For example, in eastern Cuba 36.7% of earthquakes occur at that time, representing 11.7% over 25% in the absence of any time preference. Geomagnetic disturbances were compiled from several years to be able to make a statistically significant hourly distribution of their occurrence, being determined by sudden changes in the magnetic field at a short period of 1 minute. In this sense, geomagnetic data were processed between the years 2011-2016, recorded by the geostationary satellite GOES13 and the magnetic ground station SJG in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The result shows a significant </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">correlation between hourly earthquakes distribution and high-frequency </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">geomagnetic variations. The time-varying conductivity response of Earth’s interior also correlates with seismicity. The theory behind this correlation could be related to the piezoelectric phenomena and the electromagnetic force induced when the magnetic field is disturbed.展开更多
Diabetes-related amputation rates are high in the Caribbean. Many authorities have identified independent risk factors for diabetes-related amputations, but cultural factors remain underappreciated. We coined the term...Diabetes-related amputation rates are high in the Caribbean. Many authorities have identified independent risk factors for diabetes-related amputations, but cultural factors remain underappreciated. We coined the term “Caribbean substitution culture” to describe the attitude of patients with diabetic foot infections in which they refuse to access medical care, instead voluntarily choosing to substitute “bush medicines” or other alternative therapies in the place of conventional treatment. Recognizing that the Caribbean substitution culture is a barrier to effective treatment of diabetic foot infections is the first step in curbing these practices. In this paper, we discuss the issues related to the Caribbean substitution culture, including the demographics of the population at risk, the alternative therapeutic practices and potential public health strategies to combat this practice.展开更多
Multiple regions of the genome have been associated with the risk of prostate cancer in Caucasians, particularly including several polymorphisms located at 8q24. Region 2 of 8q24 has been repeatedly found to be associ...Multiple regions of the genome have been associated with the risk of prostate cancer in Caucasians, particularly including several polymorphisms located at 8q24. Region 2 of 8q24 has been repeatedly found to be associated with the risk of prostate cancer among men of African descent, although one study performed in the Caribbean island of Jamaica did not report this finding. In this study, the single nucleotide polymorphism rs16901979, located in region 2 of 8q24, was genotyped in 498 cases of histologically confirmed prostate cancer and 541 controls from the French Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe, where the population is largely of African descent. The AA genotype and the A allele at rs16901979 were associated with elevated risks of prostate cancer （odds ratios [ORs] = 1.84, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.26-2.69, P= 0.002 and OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.13-1.64, P= 0.001, respectively）. Following stratification of the patients by disease aggressiveness, as defined by the Gleason score, the pooled genotypes AC ＋ AA were associated with a higher risk of a Gleasen score 〉7 at diagnosis （OR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.17-2.73, P= 0.007）. In summary, the A allele at rs16901979 was associated with the risk of prostate cancer in the Caribbean population of Guadeloupe, confirming its involvement in populations of African descent. Moreover, our study provides the first evidence of an association between this variant and the risk of aggressive prostate cancer.展开更多
The results obtained in this study highlight that further the macroalgae diversity in this region is even higher than what is reported to date. Here we present eight new records of marine macroalgae collected from the...The results obtained in this study highlight that further the macroalgae diversity in this region is even higher than what is reported to date. Here we present eight new records of marine macroalgae collected from the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica between March 2011 and May 2019. The morphological characteristics of Bryocladia cuspidata, Ceratodictyon variabile, Gracilaria hayi, Padina boergesenii, Zonaria tournefortii, Sargassum furcatum, Chaetomorpha aerea, and Bryopsis pennata var. secunda are described. The genera Bryocladia and Zonaria are reported for the first time for this region.展开更多
AIM: To investigate pathological factors related to long term patient survival post surgical management of gas-tric adenocarcinoma in a Caribbean population.METHODS: This is a retrospective, observational study of all...AIM: To investigate pathological factors related to long term patient survival post surgical management of gas-tric adenocarcinoma in a Caribbean population.METHODS: This is a retrospective, observational study of all patients treated surgically for gastric adenocarci-noma from January 1st 2000 to December 31 st 2010 at The University Hospital of the West Indies, an urban Jamaican hospital. Pathological reports of all gastrecto-my specimens post gastric cancer resection during the specified interval were accessed. Patients with a final diagnosis other than adenocarcinoma, as well as pa-tients having undergone surgery at an external institu-tion were excluded. The clinical records of the selected cohort were reviewed. The following variables were analysed; patient gender, patient age, the number of gastrectomies previous performed by the lead surgeon, the gross anatomical location and appearance of the tumour, the histological appearance of the tumour, infil-tration of the tumour into stomach wall and surround-ing structures, presence of Helicobacter pylori and the presence of gastritis. Patient status as dead vs alive was documented for the end of the interval. The effect of the aforementioned factors on patient survival were analysed using Logrank tests, Cox regression models, Ranksum tests, Kruskal-Wallis tests and Kaplan-Meier curves.RESULTS: A total of 79 patients, 36 males and 43 fe-males, were included. Their median age was 67 years(range 36-86 years). Median survival time from surgery was 70 mo with 40.5% of patients dying before the termination date of the study. Tumours ranged from 0.8 cm in size to encompassing the entire stomach speci-men, with a median tumour size of 6 cm. The median number of nodes removed at surgery was 8 with a maximum of 28. The median number of positive lymph nodes found was 2, with a range of 0 to 22. Patients' median survival time was approximately 70 mo, with 40.5% of the patients in this cohort dying before the terminal date. An increase in the incidence of cardiac tumours was noted compared to the previous 10 year interval(7.9% to 9.1%). Patients who had serosal involvement of the tumour did have a significantly shorter survival than those who did not(P = 0.017). A significant increase in the hazard ratio(HR), 2.424, for patients with circumferential tumours was found(P = 0.044). Via Kaplan-Meier estimates, the presence of venous infiltration as well as involvement of the circum-ferential resection margin were found to be poor prog-nostic markers, decreasing survival at 50 mo by 46.2% and 36.3% respectively. The increased HR for venous infiltration, 2.424, trended toward significant(P = 0.055) Age, size of tumour, number of positive nodes found and total number of lymph nodes removed were not useful predictors of survival. It is noted that the results were mostly negative, that is many tumour character-istics did not indicate any evidence of affecting patient survival. The current sample, with 30 observed events(deaths), would have about 30% power to detect a HR of 2.5.CONCLUSION: This study mirrors pathological factors used for gastric cancer prognostication in other popu-lations. As evaluation continues, a larger cohort will strengthen the significance of observed trends.展开更多
During a molecular characterization of the genus Dictyota J. V. Lamouroux (Phaeophyceae, Dictyotales) along the Mexican coasts of the Gulf of Mexico and the Mexican Caribbean, using psbA and cox1 genes, it was found t...During a molecular characterization of the genus Dictyota J. V. Lamouroux (Phaeophyceae, Dictyotales) along the Mexican coasts of the Gulf of Mexico and the Mexican Caribbean, using psbA and cox1 genes, it was found that two particular collections did not match with the sequences published for a total of 39 species of Dictyota. For each gene, both collections diverged in high-uncorrected “p” distance values with respect to other related species. This high genetic divergence was corroborated by morphological analysis. Hence, we proposed Dictyota mayae J. Lozano-Orozco & Sentíes and Dictyota pedrochei J. Lozano-Orozco & Sentíes as new species.展开更多
Complementarities between wind and wave energies have many signifcant advantages that are unavailable with the sole deployment of either.Using all available wind speed,signifcant wave height,and wave period buoy obser...Complementarities between wind and wave energies have many signifcant advantages that are unavailable with the sole deployment of either.Using all available wind speed,signifcant wave height,and wave period buoy observations over a 10-year period(i.e.,2009–2019),colocated wind and wave energy resources are estimated.Although buoy records are imper-fect,results show that the inner Caribbean Sea(CS)under the infuence of the Caribbean low-level jet has the highest wind energy resource at~1500 W/m^(2),followed by the outer CS at~600 W/m^(2) and Atlantic Ocean(AO)at~550–600 W/m^(2) at a 100 m height.Wave energy was most abundant in the AO at 14 kW/m,followed by the inner CS at 13 kW/m and outer CS at 5 kW/m.The average and dominant wave energies can reach a maximum of 10 and 14 kW/m,respectively.Asymmetry between wind and wave energy resources is observed in the AO,where wave energy is higher than the low wind speed/energy would suggest.Swell is responsible for this discrepancy;thus,it must be considered not only for wave energy extraction but also for wind turbine fatigue,stability,and power extraction efciency.展开更多
The exploitation of wind energy is rapidly evolving and is manifested in the ever-expanding global network of offshore wind energy farms.For the Small Island Developing States of the Caribbean Sea(CS),harnessing this ...The exploitation of wind energy is rapidly evolving and is manifested in the ever-expanding global network of offshore wind energy farms.For the Small Island Developing States of the Caribbean Sea(CS),harnessing this mature technology is an important first step in the transition away from fossil fuels.This paper uses buoy and satellite observations of surface wind speed in the CS to estimate wind energy resources over the 2009–201911-year period and initiates hour-ahead forecasting using the long short-term memory(LSTM)network.Observations of wind power density(WPD)at the 100-m height showed a mean of approximately 1000 W/m^(2) in the Colombia Basin,though this value decreases radially to 600–800 W/m^(2) in the central CS to a minimum of approximately 250 W/m^(2) at its borders in the Venezuela Basin.The Caribbean Low-Level Jet(CLLJ)is also responsible for the waxing and waning of surface wind speed and as such,resource stability,though stable as estimated through monthly and seasonal coefficients of variation,is naturally governed by CLLJ activity.Using a commercially available offshore wind turbine,wind energy generation at four locations in the CS is estimated.Electricity production is greatest and most stable in the central CS than at either its eastern or western borders.Wind speed forecasts are also found to be more accurate at this location,and though technology currently restricts offshore wind turbines to shallow water,outward migration to and colonization of deeper water is an attractive option for energy exploitation.展开更多
The genus Dallasiellus Berg (Hemiptera: Cydnidae) is revised with the description of a new species from Caribbean, Dallasiellus varaderensis nov. sp. A diagnosis of species is based on external morphology of males and...The genus Dallasiellus Berg (Hemiptera: Cydnidae) is revised with the description of a new species from Caribbean, Dallasiellus varaderensis nov. sp. A diagnosis of species is based on external morphology of males and genitalia examination. Dorsal view of adults and parameres are illustrated. Notes about their biology and host plants are briefly discussed.展开更多
Hispanic Americans of Caribbean origin are a fast-growing subset of the US population, but there are no studies on bone density, microstructure and biomechanical integrity in this minority group. In this study, we aim...Hispanic Americans of Caribbean origin are a fast-growing subset of the US population, but there are no studies on bone density, microstructure and biomechanical integrity in this minority group. In this study, we aimed to compare Caucasian and Caribbean Hispanic postmenopausal American women with respect to these characteristics. Thirty-three Caribbean Hispanics were age-matched to thirty-three Caucasian postmenopausal women. At the lumbar spine, the Hispanic women had significantly lower areal bone mineral density （aBMD）. At the radius by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography （HR-pQCT）, there were minimal differences between Hispanic and Caucasian women. At the tibia, Hispanic women had lower trabecular volumetric bone density and trabecular number, and higher trabecular separation. Individual trabecula segmentation （ITS） analyses indicated that at the tibia, Hispanic women not only had significantly lower bone volume fraction, but also had significantly lower rod bone volume fraction, plate trabecular number, rod trabecular number and lower plate-plate, plate-rod and rod-rod junction densities compared to Caucasian women. The differences in bone quantity and quality contributed to lower whole bone stiffness at the radius, and both whole bone and trabecular bone stiffness at the tibia in Hispanic women. In conclusion, Hispanic women had poorer bone mechanical and microarchitectural properties than Caucasian women, especially at the load-bearing distal tibia.展开更多
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major pathogen causing infections resulting in severe morbidity and mortality worldwide. To date, the true nature and extent of MRSA infections in the Caribbean ...Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major pathogen causing infections resulting in severe morbidity and mortality worldwide. To date, the true nature and extent of MRSA infections in the Caribbean are not well understood. This is a review of the limited studies in the Caribbean describing the prevalence, epidemiology, and molecular characteristics of MRSA in hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients. Relevant articles were searched and extracted from PubMed and Mendeley and a narrative review of the findings was constructed. An aggregate of 24 articles, from 1999 to 2020, was found from 10 of 27 countries. Majority of the studies were from Trinidad and Tobago (29%) and Jamaica (21%) while 50% were from Barbados, Dominican Republic, Martinique, Haiti, Cuba, St. Kits & Nevis, Guadeloupe, and Guyana. Approximately 75% of investigations were conducted on hospitalized patients versus 20% on outpatients. The data revealed geographical differences in the prevalence of MRSA within the Caribbean;20% - 100% of Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates from hospitalized patients and outpatients were resistant to methicillin, macrolides, and fluoroquinolones, but susceptible to several non-beta lactam antibiotics, due to the widespread occurrence of CA-MRSA clone ST8 SCCmec IV, PVL positive. There was moderate prevalence of ST72 SCCmec V (14% - 25%) in both hospital and community settings in a few of the countries while ST30 SCCmec IV, PVL positive, was moderately prevalent (27%) only in Dominican Republic. Also, there was moderate prevalence of HA-MRSA ST5 SCCmec II (18%) in community settings in the Dominican Republic and Martinique, but high prevalence of HA-MRSA ST239 SCCmec III (60%) in hospitalized patients in Cuba and Trinidad & Tobago. The epidemiologic profile of MRSA in both hospital and community settings is changing in the Caribbean. Epidemiological studies on outpatient settings and the implementation of stringent hospital infection control measures are needed in the region.展开更多
Between 1838 and 1917,close to half a million Indians arrived in the Caribbean as labourers under the British scheme of Indian indenture.Upon completion of their respective periods of indenture,most of these immigrant...Between 1838 and 1917,close to half a million Indians arrived in the Caribbean as labourers under the British scheme of Indian indenture.Upon completion of their respective periods of indenture,most of these immigrants did not return to India,opting instead to make the Caribbean their home.Due to a range of very provocative social,economic,and political factors all indubitably tied to British colonial agenda,Indians were unceremoniously implanted into the various colonies where they continued to exist in a pariah like state for the duration of the system of Indian indenture.Upon termination of the system by 1920,Indians had begun a very checkered journey towards integration in the wider Caribbean societies.For three Caribbean countries,these journeys culminated in the election of Indian prime ministers and presidents;for many others,they were often marked by the emergence of profoundly eminent Indians who carved out niches for themselves in the social,political,economic,and cultural landscapes of the Caribbean community.As communities within nations,the experiences of Indians were marked by varying facets and degrees of growth and development in the locations with substantially large numbers of Indians.In those locations with substantially smaller numbers,the Indian communities were either assimilated as a cultural/ethnic group into the wider social fabrics or,have been struggling to retain their Indian identity as a minority group.The objective of this paper is to chart the many trajectories that have emerged with and for Indians in the Caribbean,and to explore the many images and imaginings of Indians in the Caribbean that have been framed along these trajectories;both of and among themselves and from the larger Caribbean framework.展开更多
文摘Latin America and the Caribbean(hereinafter referred to as“LAC”)is an important part of the Global South.It is the region where developing countries that achieved independence the earliest and initiated their modernization process the earliest are located.LAC modernization has a history of over 150 years.In this process,it has been profoundly influenced by Western theories such as classical liberalism and neoliberalism.
文摘On June 20,the 7th China-Latin America and Caribbean Think Tank Forum was held in Beijing.The forum carried the theme“Working Together to Build a China-LAC Community with a Shared Future.”Assistant Foreign Minister Miao Deyu attended the opening ceremony and delivered remarks.Leonel Caraballo Maqueira,Vice President of the Cuban Diplomatic Academy,and Martin Charles,Ambassador of Dominica to China and Representative of the Latin American and Caribbean Diplomatic Corps in China,attended the meeting and delivered speeches.
文摘The Caribbean presents a wide range of opportunities with varying potential to contribute to the Gross National Incomes of the countries.However,the tourism industry remains a key source of income but is vulnerable to disasters and other upheavals.There are alternatives to sustainable growth such as the blue economy with the potential for hydrogen extraction from the Caribbean Sea,which can make a signi fiicant contribution.The Caribbean Transshipment Triangle boasts signi fiicant port infrastructure that plays a crucial role in transporting goods and has the potential to become hydrogen hubs.The aim of this research is to examine the potential for countries in the region to develop this industry.A quantitative methodology was employed to examine the correlation between renewable energy and economic growth among six major transshipment countries in the Caribbean transshipment triangle,from 2010 to 2020.The study employed the Pearson correlation coef fiicient to analyze the data collected from these countries.The fiindings indicated that the Dominican Republic and Panama had the highest correlation between renewable energy and economic growth.Speci fiically,Jamaica,Panama,and the Dominican Republic demonstrated a moderate to high correlation between Renewable Power Capacity(RPC)and GDP.Consequently,investing in port infrastructure to facilitate hydrogen production,storage,distribution,and export could have positive effects on these economies.These fiindings are of interest to governments,managers,professionals,policymakers,and investors in the power generation sector.The research supports visions of a resilient blue economy and addresses sustainable development concerns in the Caribbean region.
文摘On February 8,2025,a remote area in the Caribbean Sea was rocked by a large M_(W)7.6(USGS,2025) earthquake,centered 209 km SSW of Georgetown,the capital of the Cayman Islands,and the largest city(population~41 000) of the British Overseas Territories(Figure 1).The earthquake was significant due to its large magnitude,potential regional impact,and the possibility of generating a tsunami.
文摘Today,more than 90%of children who are born with congenital heart disease survive and reach adulthood,especially in developed countries.Consequently,the population of adults with congenital heart disease has increased signiffcantly over the last few decades.In Latin America and the Caribbean countries,this same scenario is occurring at an accelerated pace.Loss to follow-up is a global problem in adults with congenital heart disease,ranging from 30–60%.In Latin America and Caribbean countries,it is estimated that less than 10%of adults with congenital heart disease are being followed.The small number of specialists and adult congenital heart disease specialized centers,as well as virtually nonexistent transition and transfer programs,are some of the reasons for this.This article is a narrative review of the current status of the transition and transfer of young adults with congenital heart disease,with a special focus on Latin America and Caribbean countries.It describes the general concepts of transition and transfer,analyzes barriers and,ffnally,presents specialized care alternatives that would reduce losses and improve this population’s care.
文摘Air pollution has become a critical issue in urban areas,so a broad understanding of its spatiotemporal characteristics is important to develop public policies.This study analyzes the spatiotemporal variation of atmospheric particulate matter(PM_(10) and PM_(2.5))and ozone(O_(3))in Barranquilla,Colombia from March 2018 to June 2019 in three monitoring stations.The average concentrations observed for the Móvil,Policía,and Tres Avemarías stations,respectively,for PM_(10):46.4,51.4,and 39.7μg/m^(3);for PM_(2.5):16.1,18.1,and 15.1μg/m^(3) and for O_(3):35.0,26.6,and 33.6μg/m^(3).The results indicated spatial and temporal variations between the stations and the pollutants evaluated.The highest PM concentrations were observed in the southern part of the city,while for ozone,higher concentrations were observed in the north.These variations are mainly associated with the influence of local sources in the environment of each site evaluated as well as the meteorological conditions and transport patterns of the study area.This study also verified the existence of differences in the concentrations of the studied pollutants between the dry and rainy seasons and the contribution of local sources as biomass burnings from the Isla Salamanca Natural Park and long-range transport of dust particles from the Sahara Desert.This study provides a scientific baseline for understanding air quality in the city,which enables policy makers to adopt efficient measures that jointly prevent and control pollution.
基金funded by ANID—Millennium Science Initiative Program (No. NCS2022_053)。
文摘Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) arrived from China to Latin America and the Caribbean in the 1840s due to the massive migration of Chinese people to the region. In a few years, the press noticed the presence of Chinese herbalists practicing in different cities and countries regardless of the demographic weight of the Chinese community. The fascination with Chinese doctors implicated not only the press but also the literature, a phenomenon particularly observed in Cuba. In the first decades of the 20th century, the reactivation of Chinese immigration to the region fostered an anti-Chinese climate that materialized in more significant migratory restrictions and control of their businesses, such as what happened with Chinese herbalists. These herbalists who practiced inside and outside the Chinese community started to object to criticism and persecution by the conservative press and professional doctors. Despite this, Chinese doctors will continue to maintain their support of a significant number of ill persons. This work seeks to illuminate the historical relevance of TCM in Latin America and the Caribbean, focusing on the cases of Peru, Chile, and Cuba. This last country was far from China culturally and geographically, but as in many other small towns in the region, Chinese medicine presented an alternative to the treatment of illnesses.
文摘BACKGROUND Major hepatectomies are routinely performed because they are often the only curative treatment for metastatic liver disease.There has been a trend to concentrate major hepatectomies in referral hospitals that perform these operations at high volumes.These high volume referral centers are usually located in developed countries,but many patients in developing nations are not able to access these centers because of financial limitations,lack of social support and/or travel restrictions.Therefore,local hospitals are often the only options many of these patients have for surgical treatment of metastatic liver disease.This is the situation in many Caribbean countries.AIM To determine the clinical outcomes after major liver resections in a low-resource hepatobiliary center in the Caribbean.METHODS We prospectively studied all patients who underwent major liver resections over five years.The following data were extracted:patient demographics,diagnoses,ECOG status,operation performed,post-operative morbidity and mortality.Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS ver 16.0 RESULTSThere were 69 major liver resections performed by two teams at a mean case volume of 13.8 major resections/year.Sixty-nine major hepatic resections were performed for:colorectal liver metastases 40(58%),non-colorectal metastases 9(13%),hepatocellular carcinoma 8(11.6%),ruptured adenomas 4(5.8%),hilar cholangiocarcinomas 4(5.8%),hemangiomata 2(2.9%),trauma 1(1.5%) and hepatoblastoma 1(1.5%).Twenty-one patients had at least one complication,for an overall morbidity rate of 30.4%.There were minor complications in 17(24.6%)patients,major complications in 11(15.9%) patients and 4(5.8%) deaths.CONCLUSION There are unique geographic,political and financial limitations to healthcare delivery in the Caribbean.Nevertheless,clinical outcomes are acceptable in the established,low-volume hepatobiliary centers in the Eastern Caribbean.
文摘An analysis between the hourly distribution of earthquakes in three areas of the Caribbean and the high-frequency variations of the geomagnetic field is presented. The number of earthquakes selected for each zone is between 10,000 and 43,000, which guarantees a statistically significant distribution. The hourly distributions of seismicity in all areas show a bay-shape distribution with a significant increase in the number of earthquakes at night, from 11 PM to 5 AM. For example, in eastern Cuba 36.7% of earthquakes occur at that time, representing 11.7% over 25% in the absence of any time preference. Geomagnetic disturbances were compiled from several years to be able to make a statistically significant hourly distribution of their occurrence, being determined by sudden changes in the magnetic field at a short period of 1 minute. In this sense, geomagnetic data were processed between the years 2011-2016, recorded by the geostationary satellite GOES13 and the magnetic ground station SJG in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The result shows a significant </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">correlation between hourly earthquakes distribution and high-frequency </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">geomagnetic variations. The time-varying conductivity response of Earth’s interior also correlates with seismicity. The theory behind this correlation could be related to the piezoelectric phenomena and the electromagnetic force induced when the magnetic field is disturbed.
文摘Diabetes-related amputation rates are high in the Caribbean. Many authorities have identified independent risk factors for diabetes-related amputations, but cultural factors remain underappreciated. We coined the term “Caribbean substitution culture” to describe the attitude of patients with diabetic foot infections in which they refuse to access medical care, instead voluntarily choosing to substitute “bush medicines” or other alternative therapies in the place of conventional treatment. Recognizing that the Caribbean substitution culture is a barrier to effective treatment of diabetic foot infections is the first step in curbing these practices. In this paper, we discuss the issues related to the Caribbean substitution culture, including the demographics of the population at risk, the alternative therapeutic practices and potential public health strategies to combat this practice.
文摘Multiple regions of the genome have been associated with the risk of prostate cancer in Caucasians, particularly including several polymorphisms located at 8q24. Region 2 of 8q24 has been repeatedly found to be associated with the risk of prostate cancer among men of African descent, although one study performed in the Caribbean island of Jamaica did not report this finding. In this study, the single nucleotide polymorphism rs16901979, located in region 2 of 8q24, was genotyped in 498 cases of histologically confirmed prostate cancer and 541 controls from the French Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe, where the population is largely of African descent. The AA genotype and the A allele at rs16901979 were associated with elevated risks of prostate cancer （odds ratios [ORs] = 1.84, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.26-2.69, P= 0.002 and OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.13-1.64, P= 0.001, respectively）. Following stratification of the patients by disease aggressiveness, as defined by the Gleason score, the pooled genotypes AC ＋ AA were associated with a higher risk of a Gleasen score 〉7 at diagnosis （OR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.17-2.73, P= 0.007）. In summary, the A allele at rs16901979 was associated with the risk of prostate cancer in the Caribbean population of Guadeloupe, confirming its involvement in populations of African descent. Moreover, our study provides the first evidence of an association between this variant and the risk of aggressive prostate cancer.
文摘The results obtained in this study highlight that further the macroalgae diversity in this region is even higher than what is reported to date. Here we present eight new records of marine macroalgae collected from the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica between March 2011 and May 2019. The morphological characteristics of Bryocladia cuspidata, Ceratodictyon variabile, Gracilaria hayi, Padina boergesenii, Zonaria tournefortii, Sargassum furcatum, Chaetomorpha aerea, and Bryopsis pennata var. secunda are described. The genera Bryocladia and Zonaria are reported for the first time for this region.
文摘AIM: To investigate pathological factors related to long term patient survival post surgical management of gas-tric adenocarcinoma in a Caribbean population.METHODS: This is a retrospective, observational study of all patients treated surgically for gastric adenocarci-noma from January 1st 2000 to December 31 st 2010 at The University Hospital of the West Indies, an urban Jamaican hospital. Pathological reports of all gastrecto-my specimens post gastric cancer resection during the specified interval were accessed. Patients with a final diagnosis other than adenocarcinoma, as well as pa-tients having undergone surgery at an external institu-tion were excluded. The clinical records of the selected cohort were reviewed. The following variables were analysed; patient gender, patient age, the number of gastrectomies previous performed by the lead surgeon, the gross anatomical location and appearance of the tumour, the histological appearance of the tumour, infil-tration of the tumour into stomach wall and surround-ing structures, presence of Helicobacter pylori and the presence of gastritis. Patient status as dead vs alive was documented for the end of the interval. The effect of the aforementioned factors on patient survival were analysed using Logrank tests, Cox regression models, Ranksum tests, Kruskal-Wallis tests and Kaplan-Meier curves.RESULTS: A total of 79 patients, 36 males and 43 fe-males, were included. Their median age was 67 years(range 36-86 years). Median survival time from surgery was 70 mo with 40.5% of patients dying before the termination date of the study. Tumours ranged from 0.8 cm in size to encompassing the entire stomach speci-men, with a median tumour size of 6 cm. The median number of nodes removed at surgery was 8 with a maximum of 28. The median number of positive lymph nodes found was 2, with a range of 0 to 22. Patients' median survival time was approximately 70 mo, with 40.5% of the patients in this cohort dying before the terminal date. An increase in the incidence of cardiac tumours was noted compared to the previous 10 year interval(7.9% to 9.1%). Patients who had serosal involvement of the tumour did have a significantly shorter survival than those who did not(P = 0.017). A significant increase in the hazard ratio(HR), 2.424, for patients with circumferential tumours was found(P = 0.044). Via Kaplan-Meier estimates, the presence of venous infiltration as well as involvement of the circum-ferential resection margin were found to be poor prog-nostic markers, decreasing survival at 50 mo by 46.2% and 36.3% respectively. The increased HR for venous infiltration, 2.424, trended toward significant(P = 0.055) Age, size of tumour, number of positive nodes found and total number of lymph nodes removed were not useful predictors of survival. It is noted that the results were mostly negative, that is many tumour character-istics did not indicate any evidence of affecting patient survival. The current sample, with 30 observed events(deaths), would have about 30% power to detect a HR of 2.5.CONCLUSION: This study mirrors pathological factors used for gastric cancer prognostication in other popu-lations. As evaluation continues, a larger cohort will strengthen the significance of observed trends.
文摘During a molecular characterization of the genus Dictyota J. V. Lamouroux (Phaeophyceae, Dictyotales) along the Mexican coasts of the Gulf of Mexico and the Mexican Caribbean, using psbA and cox1 genes, it was found that two particular collections did not match with the sequences published for a total of 39 species of Dictyota. For each gene, both collections diverged in high-uncorrected “p” distance values with respect to other related species. This high genetic divergence was corroborated by morphological analysis. Hence, we proposed Dictyota mayae J. Lozano-Orozco & Sentíes and Dictyota pedrochei J. Lozano-Orozco & Sentíes as new species.
文摘Complementarities between wind and wave energies have many signifcant advantages that are unavailable with the sole deployment of either.Using all available wind speed,signifcant wave height,and wave period buoy observations over a 10-year period(i.e.,2009–2019),colocated wind and wave energy resources are estimated.Although buoy records are imper-fect,results show that the inner Caribbean Sea(CS)under the infuence of the Caribbean low-level jet has the highest wind energy resource at~1500 W/m^(2),followed by the outer CS at~600 W/m^(2) and Atlantic Ocean(AO)at~550–600 W/m^(2) at a 100 m height.Wave energy was most abundant in the AO at 14 kW/m,followed by the inner CS at 13 kW/m and outer CS at 5 kW/m.The average and dominant wave energies can reach a maximum of 10 and 14 kW/m,respectively.Asymmetry between wind and wave energy resources is observed in the AO,where wave energy is higher than the low wind speed/energy would suggest.Swell is responsible for this discrepancy;thus,it must be considered not only for wave energy extraction but also for wind turbine fatigue,stability,and power extraction efciency.
文摘The exploitation of wind energy is rapidly evolving and is manifested in the ever-expanding global network of offshore wind energy farms.For the Small Island Developing States of the Caribbean Sea(CS),harnessing this mature technology is an important first step in the transition away from fossil fuels.This paper uses buoy and satellite observations of surface wind speed in the CS to estimate wind energy resources over the 2009–201911-year period and initiates hour-ahead forecasting using the long short-term memory(LSTM)network.Observations of wind power density(WPD)at the 100-m height showed a mean of approximately 1000 W/m^(2) in the Colombia Basin,though this value decreases radially to 600–800 W/m^(2) in the central CS to a minimum of approximately 250 W/m^(2) at its borders in the Venezuela Basin.The Caribbean Low-Level Jet(CLLJ)is also responsible for the waxing and waning of surface wind speed and as such,resource stability,though stable as estimated through monthly and seasonal coefficients of variation,is naturally governed by CLLJ activity.Using a commercially available offshore wind turbine,wind energy generation at four locations in the CS is estimated.Electricity production is greatest and most stable in the central CS than at either its eastern or western borders.Wind speed forecasts are also found to be more accurate at this location,and though technology currently restricts offshore wind turbines to shallow water,outward migration to and colonization of deeper water is an attractive option for energy exploitation.
文摘The genus Dallasiellus Berg (Hemiptera: Cydnidae) is revised with the description of a new species from Caribbean, Dallasiellus varaderensis nov. sp. A diagnosis of species is based on external morphology of males and genitalia examination. Dorsal view of adults and parameres are illustrated. Notes about their biology and host plants are briefly discussed.
基金supported by NIH Grants R01 AR051376 (XEG), NIH R01 AR058004 (XEG, ES), NIH U01 AR055968 (ES)the Thomas L.Kempner and Katheryn C.Patterson Foundation
文摘Hispanic Americans of Caribbean origin are a fast-growing subset of the US population, but there are no studies on bone density, microstructure and biomechanical integrity in this minority group. In this study, we aimed to compare Caucasian and Caribbean Hispanic postmenopausal American women with respect to these characteristics. Thirty-three Caribbean Hispanics were age-matched to thirty-three Caucasian postmenopausal women. At the lumbar spine, the Hispanic women had significantly lower areal bone mineral density （aBMD）. At the radius by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography （HR-pQCT）, there were minimal differences between Hispanic and Caucasian women. At the tibia, Hispanic women had lower trabecular volumetric bone density and trabecular number, and higher trabecular separation. Individual trabecula segmentation （ITS） analyses indicated that at the tibia, Hispanic women not only had significantly lower bone volume fraction, but also had significantly lower rod bone volume fraction, plate trabecular number, rod trabecular number and lower plate-plate, plate-rod and rod-rod junction densities compared to Caucasian women. The differences in bone quantity and quality contributed to lower whole bone stiffness at the radius, and both whole bone and trabecular bone stiffness at the tibia in Hispanic women. In conclusion, Hispanic women had poorer bone mechanical and microarchitectural properties than Caucasian women, especially at the load-bearing distal tibia.
文摘Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major pathogen causing infections resulting in severe morbidity and mortality worldwide. To date, the true nature and extent of MRSA infections in the Caribbean are not well understood. This is a review of the limited studies in the Caribbean describing the prevalence, epidemiology, and molecular characteristics of MRSA in hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients. Relevant articles were searched and extracted from PubMed and Mendeley and a narrative review of the findings was constructed. An aggregate of 24 articles, from 1999 to 2020, was found from 10 of 27 countries. Majority of the studies were from Trinidad and Tobago (29%) and Jamaica (21%) while 50% were from Barbados, Dominican Republic, Martinique, Haiti, Cuba, St. Kits & Nevis, Guadeloupe, and Guyana. Approximately 75% of investigations were conducted on hospitalized patients versus 20% on outpatients. The data revealed geographical differences in the prevalence of MRSA within the Caribbean;20% - 100% of Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates from hospitalized patients and outpatients were resistant to methicillin, macrolides, and fluoroquinolones, but susceptible to several non-beta lactam antibiotics, due to the widespread occurrence of CA-MRSA clone ST8 SCCmec IV, PVL positive. There was moderate prevalence of ST72 SCCmec V (14% - 25%) in both hospital and community settings in a few of the countries while ST30 SCCmec IV, PVL positive, was moderately prevalent (27%) only in Dominican Republic. Also, there was moderate prevalence of HA-MRSA ST5 SCCmec II (18%) in community settings in the Dominican Republic and Martinique, but high prevalence of HA-MRSA ST239 SCCmec III (60%) in hospitalized patients in Cuba and Trinidad & Tobago. The epidemiologic profile of MRSA in both hospital and community settings is changing in the Caribbean. Epidemiological studies on outpatient settings and the implementation of stringent hospital infection control measures are needed in the region.
文摘Between 1838 and 1917,close to half a million Indians arrived in the Caribbean as labourers under the British scheme of Indian indenture.Upon completion of their respective periods of indenture,most of these immigrants did not return to India,opting instead to make the Caribbean their home.Due to a range of very provocative social,economic,and political factors all indubitably tied to British colonial agenda,Indians were unceremoniously implanted into the various colonies where they continued to exist in a pariah like state for the duration of the system of Indian indenture.Upon termination of the system by 1920,Indians had begun a very checkered journey towards integration in the wider Caribbean societies.For three Caribbean countries,these journeys culminated in the election of Indian prime ministers and presidents;for many others,they were often marked by the emergence of profoundly eminent Indians who carved out niches for themselves in the social,political,economic,and cultural landscapes of the Caribbean community.As communities within nations,the experiences of Indians were marked by varying facets and degrees of growth and development in the locations with substantially large numbers of Indians.In those locations with substantially smaller numbers,the Indian communities were either assimilated as a cultural/ethnic group into the wider social fabrics or,have been struggling to retain their Indian identity as a minority group.The objective of this paper is to chart the many trajectories that have emerged with and for Indians in the Caribbean,and to explore the many images and imaginings of Indians in the Caribbean that have been framed along these trajectories;both of and among themselves and from the larger Caribbean framework.
