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We take stock of three decades of a love-hate relationship between Latin American policies and the Washington Consensus, reviewing its implementation, national debate, and outcomes. Using regional data and case studies of Brazil, Chile, and Mexico, we discuss the various degrees of the Washington Consensus implementation and evaluate performance. We find mixed results: macroeconomic stability is much improved, but economic growth has been heterogeneous and generally disappointing, despite improvement relative to the 1980s. We discuss the risk that the region could revert parts of the Washington Consensus reforms, which are necessary building blocks for a new agenda more focused on social integration, a fairer and just society, and environmentally sustainable growth based on better education.

The aim of this study was to validate the English version of the Itch Cognition Questionnaire in a sample of patients with chronic itch due to psoriasis or atopic dermatitis. An English-language version of an instrument assessing itch-related cognitions is needed since cognitions can contribute to a worsening of itch, and chronic itch is prevalent in English-speaking counties and internationally. The German Itch Cognitions Questionnaire was translated into English, and cognitive interviewing was conducted to finalize item wording. Internal and test-retest reliability, item discrimination, responsiveness to change, and construct, convergent, and discriminant validity were assessed in a national sample of 137 individuals with chronic itch due to atopic dermatitis or psoriasis recruited online. Internal reliability was high with Cronbach's alphas of 0.93 for the Catastrophizing subscale and 0.88-0.90 for Coping. The Pearson's correlation assessing 1-month test-retest reliability for the Catastrophizing subscale was r = 0.62 and for the Coping subscale was r = 0.61. The corrected item-total correlation revealed that items were relatively consistent with the scores for the subscales (with correlations ranging from 0.58 to 0.79), indicating very good item discrimination. Results of factor analysis, convergent and discriminant, and responsiveness to change analyses provided evidence for validity. This study showed good psychometric characteristics of the English version of the Itch Cognitions Questionnaire. We suggest that future studies investigate the use of the measure in clinical practice to assist with treatment planning and outcome assessment related to itch as well as address study limitations such as sampling and replication.

This study delves into the dynamics of price linkages and transaction costs in agricultural markets, emphasizing the sustainability of food supply chains. By exploring vertical and horizontal price linkages in agro-farming value chains of a developing country, it addresses the efficiency of market information transmission and the capacity for arbitrage among chain participants. The methodological core of the research involves analyzing price linkages in Chilean horticultural wholesale markets, focusing on key vegetables such as, onions, lettuce, maize, and tomatoes. This analysis is underpinned by a novel approach that models and estimates time-dependent, conditional threshold bands, extending the traditional cointegration models. This method allows a more nuanced understanding of how agricultural market linkages evolve over time, enhancing our comprehension of price transmission behavior and market integration. The results reveal significant non-linear relationships between fuel prices and vegetable prices, particularly in central Chilean regions. This finding challenges the traditional linear perspective, suggesting that factors such as storage capacity and arbitrage behavior can influence price signal transmission. Such insights are crucial for stakeholders in the agribusiness value chain, offering a deeper understanding of market dynamics and aiding in the development of more sustainable and efficient market strategies. This research contributes significantly to the field of agricultural economics by providing a more robust framework for analyzing market behaviors and transaction costs in the context of sustainability and value chains. Its findings have profound implications for both theory and practice, informing policy-making and strategic decision-making in the agribusiness sector.

Mycobacterial spindle cell pseudotumor (MSP) is a rare proliferation of spindle-shaped histiocytes that occurs most frequently in lymph nodes but has also been documented in the skin, soft tissue, abdomen, and other sites. These lesions contain acid-fast mycobacteria, most commonly  complex. Fewer than 10 cases of cutaneous MSPs have been published, and most have occurred in immunocompromised patients, either due to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or immunosuppressive medications. The differential diagnosis includes Kaposi's sarcoma and other spindle cell neoplasms, which can be distinguished based on histology and special stains. We present the case of a 76-year-old man with HIV infection who presented with a diffuse rash on his arms and legs. A pretibial biopsy was performed and revealed tubercular MSP.

Chronic itch in the elderly is a common problem, with a significant impact on quality of life and sleep in elderly patients. Chronic itch may be attributable to several causes, including dry skin, immunosenescence and neural degeneration. Itch may also be caused by skin diseases, such as seborrhoeic dermatitis and stasis dermatitis; systemic conditions, such as end-stage renal disease and diabetes; and psychogenic conditions, such as depression and anxiety. The use of polypharmacy may also cause itch, with or without a rash. Specifically, thiazides and calcium channel blockers have been known to cause itch in elderly patients. Management should be tailored according to the underlying dermatological or systemic aetiology of itch. Topical treatment is the mainstay of therapy, providing special emphasis on skin hydration and barrier repair. In addition, topical and oral medications that target the nervous system and reduce neuronal hypersensitization, such as gabapentin and selective antidepressants, have a role in treating patients with severe chronic itch. Furthermore, management must account for changes in metabolism and pharmacokinetics of drugs in the aging population in order to prevent the occurrence of adverse effects.

This paper investigates the key drivers influencing the internationalization of agricultural small and medium-sized enterprises (agri-SMEs) in Latin America, with a particular emphasis on the role of social and ethnic networks. Focusing on Argentina, Brazil, and Chile—three of the region’s largest agricultural economies—this study examines how familial and cultural connections between descendants of European immigrants and European entrepreneurs facilitate the global expansion of agri-SMEs. Using a cross-sectional quantitative analysis, data from agri-SME managers reveal the importance of these networks in reducing market entry barriers by providing insider knowledge of foreign markets, regulatory conditions, and potential business partnerships. The findings demonstrate that ethnic networks significantly reduce market entry barriers, providing Latin American agri-SMEs access to essential insider knowledge on foreign markets and local regulations, thereby facilitating internationalization. Additionally, agri-SMEs that leverage these networks are better positioned to meet growing global demands for sustainable, traceable food products, gaining a competitive advantage in international markets. The strength and frequency of interactions within ethnic networks are positively correlated with the degree of internationalization, highlighting the importance of social capital in overcoming operational challenges. This paper contributes to the literature by highlighting the underexplored role of ethnic networks in shaping the international marketing strategies of agricultural firms and their capacity to adapt to evolving consumer behaviors. The study offers practical insights for supporting the global integration of agri-SMEs in Latin America, addressing both operational challenges and the increasing need for sustainable food production practices.

Objetivo: analizar las primeras décadas de un proyecto pedagógico de inspiración cristiana, centrado en la formación de instructores de educación física y personal administrativo para las Asociaciones Cristianas de Jóvenes (YMCA) de Sudamérica. El artículo también busca comprender las redes técnicas e institucionales que sustentaron al Instituto Técnico Continental (ITC) y la participación de sus graduados en los debates locales sobre políticas deportivas y recreativas. Metodología: a partir de fuentes primarias del ITC, de fondos documentales de algunas YMCA sudamericanas y del archivo de la YMCA estadounidense, se examinaron los objetivos del instituto, las trayectorias de sus graduados y la circulación de ideas pedagógicas en el circuito panamericano que dio forma a la YMCA durante la primera mitad del siglo XX. Originalidad: la investigación destaca por su enfoque historiográfico y su perspectiva transnacional, al combinar fuentes primarias de diversas instituciones del continente. Esto permite una visión más completa y compleja de la instalación, puesta en marcha y consolidación de un proyecto educativo de alcance regional. Conclusiones: el trabajo discute la expansión de un proyecto panamericano y liberal para la promoción de la cultura física y el uso del tiempo libre. Se identifican los logros en la consolidación de este modelo, así como los obstáculos que enfrentó para arraigarse plenamente entre las juventudes sudamericanas de la posguerra. Objective: To analyze the first decades of a Christian-inspired pedagogical project focused on the training of physical education instructors and administrative staff for Young Men’s Christian Associations (YMCAs) in South America. The article also seeks to understand the technical and institutional networks that supported the Continental Technical Institute (ITC) and the participation of its graduates in local debates on sports and recreation policies. Methodology: Using primary sources from the ITC, documentary collections from some South American YMCAs, and the archive of the American YMCA, the article examines the institute’s objectives, the trajectories of its graduates, and the circulation of pedagogical ideas in the Pan-American circuit that shaped the YMCA during the first half of the 20th century. Originality: This research stands out for its historiographical approach and transnational perspective, combining primary sources from various institutions across the continent. This allows for a more complete and complex view of the establishment, implementation, and consolidation of a regional educational project. Conclusions: This paper discusses the expansion of a Pan-American liberal project for the promotion of physical culture and the use of free time. It identifies the achievements in consolidating this model, as well as the obstacles it faced in taking full root among postwar South American youth. Objetivo: analisar as primeiras décadas de um projeto pedagógico de inspiração cristã voltado para a formação de instrutores de educação física e pessoal administrativo para Associações Cristãs de Moços (ACMs) na América do Sul. O artigo também busca compreender as redes técnicas e institucionais que deram suporte ao Instituto Técnico Continental (ITC) e à participação de seus egressos em debates locais sobre políticas de esporte e recreação. Metodologia: utilizando fontes primárias do ITC, acervos documentais de algumas ACMs sul-americanas e o arquivo da ACM americana, o artigo examina os objetivos do instituto, as trajetórias de seus egressos e a circulação de ideias pedagógicas no circuito pan-americano que moldaram a ACM durante a primeira metade do século XX. Originalidade: esta pesquisa se destaca pela abordagem historiográfica e perspectiva transnacional, combinando fontes primárias de diversas instituições do continente. Isso permite uma visão mais completa e complexa da constituição, implementação e consolidação de um projeto educacional regional. Conclusões: este artigo discute a expansão de um projeto liberal pan-americano para a promoção da cultura física e do uso do tempo livre. Identifica as conquistas na consolidação desse modelo, bem como os obstáculos que enfrentou para se enraizar plenamente entre os jovens sul-americanos do pós-guerra.

This paper empirically analyzes a broad range of real exchange rate appreciation episodes. The objective is twofold. First, the paper studies the dynamics of appreciations, using a sample that is not limited to cases that end in crisis (or devaluation). Second, the paper analyzes the mechanism by which overvaluations are corrected. In particular, for various degrees of misalignment we calculate the proportion of the reversions that occur through nominal devaluations rather than through cumulative inflation differentials. The overall conclusion is that in most cases large and medium appreciations are reversed with nominal devaluations.

Background The development of agricultural value chains in developing countries has been the focus of much international interest, prompting the exploration of technology adoption strategies. These strategies hinge upon a multitude of factors like farmer characteristics, farm structure, location, organizational and institutional elements, as well as information-related factors. Purpose In this study, we delve into the influential social and productive factors that underpin technology adoption among small horticultural producers in Chile. Design/methodology/approach Data pertaining to the five primary horticultural crops in Chile—namely, corn, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and onion—were collected, considering their respective cultivated areas. A comprehensive evaluation of 13 technologies encompassing cultural practices, crop improvement, and irrigation was conducted. The methodological approach comprised two stages. Initially, an ordered probit model was employed to analyze the adoption intensity of cultural practices, crop improvement, and irrigation. Subsequently, a Kruskal–Wallis test was utilized to compare the means across technology adoption groups. Results The findings reveal a positive correlation between technology adoption intensity and the level of education, composition of the family nucleus, and investment intensity. Moreover, the production system’s location emerged as the most critical determinant for technology adoption. Conclusions The factors under scrutiny furnish direct and indirect evidence of their impact on the productivity and competitiveness of agricultural value chains. Thus, this paper significantly contributes to comprehending the role of technology adoption in designing and executing rural development strategies within developing countries.