Panama Canal Authority

Human activities in Panama, such as agriculture, industry, and transport, have led to the release of pollutants that affect the health of marine and coastal ecosystems. However, there is a lack of bibliographic compilation studies to understand the current state of research on marine pollution in Panama. In recent years, bibliometric studies have attracted attention due to the development of new analytical and integrative online tools. This study conducts a bibliometric analysis of marine pollution and its environmental effects on Panama’s coastal areas. The results show consistent growth in scientific production, with increased collaboration among researchers. However, the involvement of national institutions is limited, highlighting the need to strengthen local research. Most publications focus on environmental sciences, with a recent shift towards studying a broader range of pollutants.

This study examined the degree to which genetic and environmental factors contribute to externalizing and internalizing problems in early adolescence, and the role of ethnic discrimination in moderating genetic and environmental influences. The sample included 740 racially/ethnically minoritized adolescent twins (50.3% female, mean age = 11.04 years) from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study. Adolescents reported on their ethnic discrimination experiences, and parents reported on adolescents’ externalizing and internalizing problems. Using univariate biometric twin modeling, we found that both genetic and environmental factors contributed to individual differences in externalizing and internalizing problems. Ethnic discrimination experiences moderated genetic influences on externalizing and internalizing problems, such that genetic influences were higher among youth who experienced higher levels of ethnic discrimination. Ethnic discrimination experiences exacerbate genetic influences on externalizing and internalizing problems among racial/ethnic minoritized adolescents. These findings advance our understanding of the interplay between genetic and cultural factors underlying externalizing and internalizing psychopathology among racially/ethnically minoritized adolescents.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10519-025-10247-9.

Strong evidence on the risk of haemorrhagic strokes for those with psychiatric conditions may lead to more effective interventions for mental health patients and inform future studies. This systematic review aimed to identify all the studies that compare the risk of haemorrhagic stroke for patients with and without depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar or personality disorders. It also aimed to provide a summary estimate of the risk, where possible, using meta-analysis. Electronic searches were conducted in Embase, PsycINFO, PubMED, Scopus and the Web of Science, from database inception to the 11th of March 2025. A Random-effects model to estimate the pooled effect size with 95% confidence intervals was used. 17,214 references were initially identified. Eleven articles were included. Seven of them, five observational and two mendelian randomisation studies, investigated depression. In the meta-analysis depression showed a significant association with an increased risk of haemorrhagic stroke, with pooled HR: 1.28 (1.19-1.38) when only observational studies were included. When mendelian randomisation studies were added the result was a pooled HR: 1.26 (1.08-1.44). The risk of haemorrhagic stroke was increased in one of the three studies that investigated patients with anxiety disorders and in one of the three that looked at patients with schizophrenia. Two studies of bipolar disorder, and one of personality disorders, reported that patients with these conditions do not have an increased risk of haemorrhagic stroke. Patients with depression have an increased risk of haemorrhagic stroke. The association of mental illness with haemorrhagic stroke needs further research.

Rickettsia rickettsii is the most virulent agent of the genus Rickettsia that causes one of the most relevant vector-borne diseases in the Americas (RRSF). RRSF manifests with many non-specific acute clinical symptoms complicating its diagnosis and can lead to death if not treated appropriately. RRSF has been reported in Canada, the United States of America, Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Brazil, and Argentina. In addition to R. rickettsii, mild and severe spotted fever group rickettsioses (SFGR) have been reported in the Americas; however, the true prevalence of these diseases is unknown. In Panama, RRSF have been reported in four of 14 provinces during two outbreak periods: five cases including two fatalities were identified in 1950–1951, and 23 cases including 17 fatalities between 2004 and 2025. This paper presents the clinical characterization of a fatal case of RRSF in Coclé province and a severe case of SFGR in a mountainous area of the Gnäbe Buglé Indigenous Comarca (GBIC). Laboratory confirmation was performed by molecular analysis of tissues obtained from necropsies in the case of RRSF and by immunofluorescence assay (IFA) in the case of SFGR. Furthermore, this paper identifies existing gaps in the initial clinical suspicion and pertinent to SFGR in Panama, which may be applicable to other countries in the region. In the last 21 years, cases have occurred upon contact with ticks in rural areas (13), urban and suburban locations (7), rural woodlands (2), and forests (1). Provinces with more cases are Panamá (7 of 23, 6 died), Coclé (5 of 23, 5 died), Colón (3 of 23, 1 died), Panamá Oeste (1 of 23, 1 died), and GBIC (7 of 23, 4 died), including a cluster of seven cases in 2019. Therefore, Coclé province is considered one of the endemic areas for RRSF in Panama, while the latest cases from the GBIC since 2019 indicate that mountainous areas are an eco-epidemiological scenario to include in the transmission of these diseases. Although this disease has a low prevalence, patients who present symptoms commonly associated with more common diseases such as dengue, other arboviruses, malaria, and leptospirosis, among others, should be included in the diagnostic suspicion. Without diagnostic suspicion and adequate treatment, the patient can die.

El organismo responsable de regular la industria marítima a nivel global ha desarrollado una nueva normativa orientada a promover la eficiencia energética en las operaciones navales. Esta regulación impactará directamente a los armadores, quienes han manifestado inquietudes sobre su aplicación práctica y los costos asociados. En este contexto, se plantea como objetivo examinar la eficiencia energética en el sector marítimo de Panamá, a partir de los desafíos derivados de la reciente normativa. La investigación se enmarca en un enfoque cualitativo, de tipo exploratorio y documental, mediante el cual se analizaron disposiciones recientes emitidas por el Grupo de Trabajo de la Organización Marítima Internacional (OMI). Entre los hallazgos, se destaca que dicho grupo ha anunciado la próxima incorporación de nuevas exigencias para buques de 500 toneladas de registro bruto o más, a través del mejoramiento progresivo del Índice de Diseño de Eficiencia Energética (EEDI). Cabe señalar que la normativa contempla excepciones para ciertas categorías de buques, como los tipos RO-RO y aquellos que emplean sistemas de propulsión eléctricos, de turbina o híbridos, cuya inclusión dependerá del establecimiento de líneas de referencia técnicas específicas. En conclusión, el transporte marítimo continúa siendo el medio de carga más eficiente en términos comerciales; sin embargo, dada su escala operativa, este sector es responsable de entre el 2% y el 4% de las emisiones globales de CO₂, lo que justifica la necesidad de regulaciones que impulsen su sostenibilidad.

ABSTRACT Studying declining and rare species is inherently challenging, particularly when the cause of rarity is emerging infectious diseases (EIDs). Tracking changes in the distribution of pathogens that cause EIDs, and the species made scarce by them, is necessary for conservation efforts, but it is often a time and resource intensive task. Here, we demonstrate how using environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect rare species—and the pathogens that threaten them—can be a powerful tool to understand disease dynamics and develop effective conservation strategies. Amphibian populations around the world have undergone rapid declines and extinctions due to the emerging fungal pathogen, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis ( Bd ). We developed and validated a qPCR assay using eDNA sampling methods for some of the most imperiled amphibian species, harlequin frogs ( Atelopus varius , Atelopus zeteki , and Atelopus chiriquiensis ), and applied this assay in concert with a standard qPCR assay for Bd in rainforest streams of Panamá. We confirmed the presence of Atelopus at sampling locations across three regions. In addition, we used genomic analysis of eDNA samples to show that Bd in Panamá falls within the Global Panzootic Lineage, a lineage associated with disease‐induced declines. We detected Bd DNA in most of our historic sites, and its concentration in water samples correlated with stream characteristics and the pathogen load of the local amphibian community. These results suggest that some populations of Atelopus persist in their historic localities. They also show how eDNA analysis can be effectively used for monitoring species presence, pathogen concentrations, and the distribution and spread of pathogen lineages. EIDs are a growing threat to endangered species around the world. Simultaneous detection of rare and declining host species and their pathogens with eDNA will help to provide key insights for effective conservation management.

Cystoid macular edema (CME) presents with thickening of the macula with an accumulation of fluid due to breakage of the inner and outer blood-retinal barriers. It is referred to as pseudophakic CME (PCME) if it occurs after cataract surgery. PGF2a is a prostaglandin analog (PGA) used to lower intraocular pressure (IOP). In uncomplicated cataract surgery, the cumulative effect of topical PGA can make clinically significant PCME more prevalent. There are conflicting data regarding the association of PCME and the use of PGA in the perioperative period of uncomplicated cataract surgery, and its use remains controversial. We aim to determine the effect of PGA usage in the perioperative period in cases of uncomplicated cataract surgery on the development of PCME. A systematic review following thePreferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA) in seven electronic databases was performed. The main outcome measure included the development of PCME diagnosed by clinical examination, OCT, or FAof adult patients (age > 16 years) undergoing routine cataract surgery using PGA in the perioperative period reported in randomized controlled trials. The search returned 196 articles, and 155 unique citations were identified after removing duplicates. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, four studies were selected for our review. They did not find a measurable effect on PCME incidence by PGA in the perioperative period in patients undergoing cataract surgery. The results show no causal relationship between PCME in patients using PGA undergoing uneventful cataract surgery, suggesting they do not have to be suspended in patients without known risk factors of PCME.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been associated with salivary disorders such as xerostomia and hyposalivation. Theaim of this study was to determine the prevalence of these disorders and their risk factors in DM patients. DM patients from two health centers were included. Epidemiological and DM control-related variables were collected. Xerostomia Inventory was filled out by the patients and unstimulated whole salivary flow was collected. Logistic regression tests were performed. A total of 168 patients were included (46.4% men, 53.6% women, mean age 72.54 [SD 11.03 years]). Thirteen patients had Type 1 DM and 155 had Type 2 DM. 52.4% experienced xerostomia and 41.1% had unstimulated whole salivary flow hyposalivation. Women were more likely to suffer hyposalivation than men (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.32-4.73; p = 0.005). Patients with T2DM were less likely to suffer UWS hyposalivation than T1DM patients (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.08-0.95; p = 0.04). Glycemic control was not significantly worse in patients with xerostomia and hyposalivation. The drugs for the treatment of DM were not associated with salivary disorders. However, some drugs to treat other comorbidities such hypertension and neurological diseases were associated with xerostomia and hyposalivation. The prevalence of xerostomia and unstimulated whole salivary flow hyposalivation in patients with DM is high. Female sex, T1DM, and the use of certain non-antidiabetic drugs increased the risk of suffering these disorders. The possible association between DM, xerostomia, and/or hyposalivation is complex and may be influenced by multiple factors. Therefore, further studies are needed to evaluate whether DM influences these salivary disorders.

Corn is the second most important component of the grain segment after soybeans, averaging close to 35.7% of total grain traffic through the Panama Canal. The objective of this paper is to attempt to fit a preliminary general demand model for corn traffic through the Panama Canal using Ordinary Least Square (OLS). The corn traffic estimated is the U.S. Gulf and East Coast to East Asia, particularly China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, and the research hypothesized the possible variables that may explain the downward trend inthe movements of corn in this route between October 2004 to September 2022. Canal costs, U.S. Gulf freight rates, U.S. Gulf and Pacific Northwest grains inspections and the energy index were the most important explanatory variables in the study. This research also discusses the future of corn traffic through the waterway in terms of alternative sources, routes, and possible demand for corn, and explores the decarbonization process impacting the Panama Canal and the U.S. corn supply chain. For the literature review, the research is leveraging on previous estimation of demand functions for grains and the decarbonization studies related to the maritime industry, and examine papers related to Panama Canal shipping demand, thus closing the gap on the literature about transportation demand through the waterway.