Assessing the Effect of Climate Variables on the Incidence of Dengue Cases in the Metropolitan Region of Panama City

The present analysis uses the data of confirmed incidence of dengue cases in the metropolitan region of Panama from 1999 to 2017 and climatic variables (air temperature, precipitation, and relative humidity) during the same period to determine if there exists a correlation between these variables. In addition, we compare the predictive performance of two regression models (SARIMA, SARIMAX) and a recurrent neural network model (RNN-LSTM) on the dengue incidence series. For this data from 1999–2014 was used for training and the three subsequent years of incidence 2015–2017 were used for prediction. The results show a correlation coefficient between the climatic variables and the incidence of dengue were low but statistical significant. The RMSE and MAPE obtained for the SARIMAX and RNN-LSTM models were 25.76, 108.44 and 26.16, 59.68, which suggest that any of these models can be used to predict new outbreaks. Although, it can be said that there is a limited role of climatic variables in the outputs the models. The value of this work is that it helps understand the behaviour of cases in a tropical setting as is the Metropolitan Region of Panama City, and provides the basis needed for a much needed early alert system for the region.

Sustainability Assessment of the Anthropogenic System in Panama City: Application of Biomimetic Strategies towards Regenerative Cities

To understand the sustainability problem for Panama’s metropolitan area, its urban metabolism was investigated. A way to evaluate its current state was obtained by estimating a sustainable indicator based on the Green City Index. With the abstraction of the identified problems, the biomimetic strategy “problem-based approach” was carried out, where different pinnacles of nature were selected as a reference for the design of regenerative solutions. These were inspired by the understanding of the living world and how to include ecosystems in urban designs. Therefore, a framework was proposed for positive generation and natural solutions in cities to take advantage of the regenerative potential in Panama City. Using ecosystem services, a set of indicators were developed to measure regeneration over the years at the city scale. The results indicate that from the 11 selected pinnacles, 17 solutions inspired in nature were proposed to regenerate cities. Consequently, a SWOT analysis was realized along with a questionnaire by experts from different fields. The findings obtained show that the feasible solutions were: arborization, green facades, solar roofs, e-mobility, green corridors, bicycle lanes, sidewalks, and biofilters. This research represents a step towards creating and developing regenerative cities, thus improving the quality of life of living beings and ecosystems present in society.

Prevalence and Characterization of Antibiotic-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Recovered from Pasteurized Cheese Commercialized in Panama City Markets

Foodborne bacteria, with a high degree of antibiotic resistance, play an important role in the morbidity and mortality of gastrointestinal diseases worldwide. Among 250 disease-causing bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus is one of the major causes of food poisoning, and its resistance to multiple antimicrobials remains of crucial concern. Cheese is often contaminated when proper sanitary procedures are not followed during its production and marketing. This work aimed to evaluate the microbiological quality of pasteurized white cheese commercialized in Panama City. Cheese from five different brands sold in local supermarkets were selected to determine the presence of S. aureus as well as its antibiotic resistance profile. The results showed significant contamination of S. aureus with a geometric median sample of 104–107 CFU/g. Four out of five (4/5) cheese brands analyzed presented risk of food poisoning by exceeding the allowed range of consumption with a geometric median sample of 1,8 × 106–1,4 × 107 CFU/g. Fourteen different resistance phenotypes were found. Fifty-five percent (55%) of the analyzed strains were resistant to erythromycin. The data confirm a relatively high prevalence and high levels of S. aureus, most likely originated during handling in Panama City retail markets. Further studies are needed to reduce bacterial contamination and to decrease the risk of food poisoning in the consumption of pasteurized cheese.

‘‘Those who do not vaccinate don’t love themselves, or anyone else’’: a qualitative study of views and attitudes of urban pregnant women towards maternal immunisation in Panama

ObjectivesTo identify pregnant women’s views and attitudes towards maternal immunisation in Panama based on in-depth interviews and focus groups.SettingTwo main urban centres in Panama (San Miguelito and Panama City).ParticipantsFifty-six pregnant women from Panama City (n=29) and San Miguelito (n=27).MethodsIn-depth interviews and focus groups were conducted, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using a deductive-inductive approach.ResultsOur findings suggest that this population perceives vaccination as a key component of maternal healthcare, not an elective part of it. The pregnant women interviewed disclosed a heightened perception of vulnerability to infectious diseases. For this reason, safety and effectiveness of maternal vaccines were closely associated for many participants (a vaccine was perceived as safe if it was effective against disease). Refusal of maternal vaccination was strongly associated with parental negligence. Participants reported the participation of husbands and partners in the decision-making around their health. Most participants reported high information-seeking behaviour, particularly online; many interviewees confirmed any information obtained online with their healthcare professionals (HCPs). Vaccine recommendations from HCPs appeared to be one of the main predictors of maternal immunisations among the sample interviewed. While acceptability of maternal vaccines was high in this sample, some pregnant women expressed concerns and doubts (e.g., that maternal vaccines could cause miscarriages) which require attention. Finally, many participants reported difficulties in accessing maternal vaccination, pointing to financial and physical barriers.ConclusionsThe acceptability of maternal immunisation was high among the interviewed women. The pregnant women’s receptiveness to maternal vaccinations, even when information provided was limited, is suggestive of high levels of trust in HCPs. Even so, HCPs and health officials should remain alert to apprehensions expressed by pregnant women. Many participants reported struggles in accessing maternal vaccination, pointing to issues that merit further examination.

Characterization of Soil and Rock Hosting an Aquifer in Southeast Panama City using Geotechnical, Geophysical and Geochemical Parameters

The aim of the present study is to assess the combined use of geotechnical and electrical geophysical methods to determine water quality and rocks mechanics in an aquifer. The aquifer studied is located in the Tocumen sector of Panamá City, located to the southeast of city, where there is a need to study the possible use of this aquifer to provide drinking and/or irrigation water based on its quality. To this end, a 10 m well was perforated and sampled to characterize the host soil and rock trough granulometry, determine the Atterberg limits, measure the physicochemical parameters and perform a chemical analysis, including reactivity (pH), electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter content, cation exchange capacity, calcium carbonate, sulfates, chlorides, SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, CaO, MgO, SO3, Na2O and K2O. In addition, a 2D electrical resistivity tomography profile was conducted in order to correlate the electric parameters with the physicochemical and chemical ones and extend them laterally to check the continuity of the characteristics measured. The results show a good correlation between geotechnical, geophysical and chemical parameters, thus highlighting the presence of discontinuities that must be overcome by infiltrated rainwater to reach the deepest levels, which are characterized by the presence of water. The water chemistry varies with depth, with sodium bicarbonated water being the predominant facies.

CONSIDERATIONS OF MORPHOLOGIC OBSERVATIONS OF MOSQUITO SPECIES FROM IDENTIFYING COMPLETE SAMPLES IN PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA

In Panama City Beach, Florida, thirteen mosquito species have been recently registered into public health data banks over the span of 7 years [2014-2020], ten species within their published geographic range and three species outside of their noted geographic range. The underreporting is likely due to past identification practices of sub-sampling and aliquoting surveillance collections while only recording the top-most three abundant species for control application thresholds. However, these thirteen species have not been recorded in this area by public health operations up until their respective record timelines. Timelines of identification, species specific character states, the dynamic of identifying similar species and alternate identification methods are discussed. As of 2020, 10 genera and 50 species within Diptera: Culicidae are recorded in Panama City Beach, FL, U.S.A.

Pandemic frustrations will drive Panama discontent

Significance The COVID-19 crisis has prompted a sharp decline in revenues. The fiscal crunch and related austerity measures are driving mounting popular dissatisfaction with the government, expressed through protests in Panama City in mid-March. Impacts Rising unemployment will push more families back below the poverty line, reversing gains made in this area over recent years. Travel and tourism will remain muted over much of 2021 until most major source markets are vaccinated. Business closures are likely to increase when economic support measures are withdrawn, probably later in 2021.

Phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of carbapenemase- and extended spectrum β-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae ozaenae clinical isolates within a hospital in Panama City

Klebsiella pneumoniae spp ozaenae is a versatile bacterial species able to acquire antimicrobial resistance; the species presents a higher antimicrobial resistance profile compared to Klebsiella pneumoniae spp pneumoniae. Carbapenemase and extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria commonly arise in clinical settings where antimicrobial stewardship is limited. Our study aims to report the phenotypical and genetic characteristics of nosocomial Klebsiella pneumoniae spp ozaenae isolates associated with mortality collected from a tertiary-level hospital in Panama City. In October 2020, 11 consecutive multidrug-resistant Gram-negative isolates were recovered from secretions and blood cultures from hospitalized patients. Nearly 90% (10/11) of these patients died, and bacteria was obtained from six patients for investigation. Biochemical evaluation of the six isolates revealed the presence of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae spp ozaenae. Phenotypic evaluation indicated resistance to carbapenemase and EBSL. In contrast, genetic evaluation by PCR showed that only 30% (2/6) were resistant to CTX-M-1 (CTX-M group 1), whereas 60.7% (4/6) presented carbapenemase resistance genes, and 33.3% (2/6) presented New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase ( NDM) resistance genes. Klebsiella pneumoniae ST258 was identified in 83.3% (5/6) of the isolates. Phylogenetic analysis using 16S revealed low homology among the six isolates. These results suggest that antibiotic resistance genes may have been incorporated into these Klebsiella pneumoniae spp ozaenae isolates within the hospital environment. We recommend strengthening the antimicrobial stewardship program and antibiotic control policy, as well as heightened infection control and prevention measures, such as ward sanitation and increased hand washing frequency.