Individual and Collective Forms of Stigma Resistance: Pathways Between HIV and Sex Work Stigma and Viral Suppression Among Female Sex Workers in the Dominican Republic.

Intersecting forms of stigma including both HIV and sex work stigma have been known to impede HIV prevention and optimal treatment outcomes among FSW. Recent research has indicated that intersectional stigma can be resisted at the community and individual level. We assessed pathways between HIV stigma, sex work stigma, social cohesion and viral suppression among a cohort of 210 FSW living with HIV in the Dominican Republic. Through Poisson regression we explored the relationship between HIV outcomes and internalized, anticipated and enacted HIV and sex work stigma, and resisted sex work stigma. We employed structural equation modeling to explore the direct effect of various forms of stigma on HIV outcomes, and the mediating effects of multi-level stigma resistance including social cohesion at the community level and occupational dignity at the individual level. 76.2% of FSW were virally suppressed and 28.1% had stopped ART at least once in the last 6 months. ART interruption had a significant negative direct effect on viral suppression (OR = 0.26, p < 0.001, 95% CI: 0.13-0.51). Social cohesion had a significant positive direct effect on viral suppression (OR = 2.07, p = 0.046, 95% CI: 1.01-4.25). Anticipated HIV stigma had a significant negative effect on viral suppression (OR = 0.34, p = 0.055, 95% CI: 0.11-1.02). This effect was mediated by the interaction between cohesion and dignity which rendered the impact of HIV stigma on viral suppression not significant. Findings demonstrate that while HIV stigma has a negative impact on viral suppression among FSW, it can be resisted through individual and collective means. Results reinforce the importance of community-driven, multi-level interventions.

Design of Two New Sulfur Derivatives of Perezone: In Silico Study Simulation Targeting PARP-1 and In Vitro Study Validation Using Cancer Cell Lines.

Poly-ADP-Ribose Polymerase (PARP-1) is an overexpressed enzyme in several carcinomas; consequently, the design of PARP-1 inhibitors has acquired special attention. Hence, in the present study, three compounds (8-10) were produced through a Michael addition protocol, using phenylmethanethiol, 5-fluoro-2-mercaptobenzyl alcohol, and 4-mercaptophenylacetic acid, respectively, as nucleophiles and perezone as the substrate, expecting them to be convenient candidates that inhibit PARP-1. It is convenient to note that in the first stage of the whole study, the molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and the quantum chemistry studies of four secondary metabolites, i.e., perezone (1), perezone angelate (2), hydroxyperezone (3), and hydroxyperezone monoangelate (4), were performed, to investigate their interactions in the active site of PARP-1. Complementarily, a docking study of a set of eleven sulfur derivatives of perezone (5-15) was projected to explore novel compounds, with remarkable affinity to PARP-1. The molecules 8-10 provided the most adequate results; therefore, they were evaluated in vitro to determine their activity towards PARP-1, with 9 having the best IC50 (0.317 µM) value. Additionally, theoretical calculations were carried out using the density functional theory (DFT) with the hybrid method B3LYP with a set of base functions 6-311++G(d,p), and the reactivity properties were compared between the natural derivatives of perezone and the three synthesized compounds, and the obtained results exhibited that 9 has the best properties to bind with PARP-1. Finally, it is important to mention that 9 displays significant inhibitory activity against MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells, i.e., 145.01 and 83.17 µM, respectively.

Stigma and HIV Treatment Outcomes Among Transgender Women Sex Workers in the Dominican Republic.

Trans women experience multiple forms of intersecting stigma due to trans identity, HIV, and sex work, which can negatively affect their health. There is limited understanding of the relationships between stigma and HIV care and treatment outcomes. We assessed associations between multiple forms and types of stigma and HIV treatment outcomes among trans women who conduct sex work in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic using cross-sectional survey data. Most participants had received HIV care (91%) and were currently taking anti-retroviral therapy (ART) (84%). Only 64% were virally suppressed. Nearly one-third (32%) had interrupted ART at some point; those who had never interrupted ART were more likely to be suppressed. Drug use was associated with ART interruption. Higher enacted HIV stigma was associated with current ART use. Higher enacted HIV stigma and higher anticipated sex work stigma were associated with ART adherence. Higher trans stigma was associated with being virally suppressed. Findings highlight the importance of addressing multiple forms of stigma at the individual and clinic levels to improve and sustain viral suppression. Future research is needed to assess if unexpected associations between stigma and HIV outcomes reflect processes of resilience. Future research is also needed to assess the pathways between drug use, ART interruption, and viral suppression among trans women.

Substance Use and Depression Impede ART Adherence Among Female Sex Workers Living with HIV in the Dominican Republic.

Female sex workers (FSW) have worse HIV outcomes in part due to lower anti-retroviral therapy (ART) adherence. Substance use and depression are important barriers to ART adherence, yet few studies have assessed these relationships among FSW in longitudinal studies. Cross-Lagged Panel Models and autoregressive mediation analyses assessed substance use (illicit drug use and alcohol use disorders) in relation to ART non-adherence and the mediation role of depressive symptoms among 240 FSW living with HIV in the Dominican Republic. In annual visits (T1, T2, T3), the majority (70%, 66%, and 53%) reported at-risk drinking and 15%, 13% and 9% used illicit drug during the past 6 months. Most FSW (70%, 62% and 46%) had mild-to-severe depression. Illicit drug use predicted later ART non-adherence. This relationship was not mediated via depressive symptoms. Integrated substance use and HIV care interventions are needed to promote ART adherence and viral suppression among FSW.

RESUMEN: Las trabajadoras sexuales (TRSX) tienen peores resultados de VIH debido en parte a la menor adherencia a la terapia antirretroviral (TAR). El uso de sustancias y la depresión son barreras importantes para la adherencia; sin embargo, pocos estudios longitudinales han evaluado estas relaciones entre las TRSX. Utilizamos modelos de panel y análisis de mediación para evaluar el uso de sustancias en relación a la falta de adherencia al TAR y el papel de mediación de los síntomas depresivos entre 240 TRSX con VIH en la República Dominicana. En visitas anuales (T1, T2, T3), la mayoría (70%, 66%, and 53%) reportó consumo riesgoso de alcohol y 15%, 13% y 9% consumieron alguna droga ilícita durante los últimos 6 meses. La mayoría (70%, 62% y 46%) tenían depresión leve a grave. El uso de drogas ilícitas predijo la falta de adherencia al TAR. Esta relación no fue mediada por síntomas depresivos. Se necesitan intervenciones integradas de atención del VIH y el uso de sustancias para promover la adherencia al TAR y la supresión viral entre TRSX.

The role of local inflammation in complications associated with intubation in pediatric patients: A narrative review.

Although the most important primary local inflammatory response factor to intubation is not yet clear, it is known that it may be directly attributed to the presence of trauma during intubation or the response of oral bacterial flora present in the trachea. It is known that prolonged intubation is associated with worse outcomes, but other underlying systemic issues, such as sepsis and trauma, are also associated with this result. Likewise, patients who require advanced airway management and excessive manipulation are more likely to experience complications. There are various inflammatory mediators that are generated during orotracheal intubation, many of which can be considered targets for therapies to help reduce inflammation caused by intubation. However, there is little evidence on the management of the inflammatory response induced by orotracheal intubation in pediatric patients. Therefore, the aim of this narrative review is to highlight the intubation associated complications that can arise from poorly controlled inflammation in intubated pediatric patients, review the proposed pathophysiology behind this, and discuss the current treatments that exist. Finally, taking into account the discussion on pathophysiology, we describe the current therapies being developed and future directions that can be taken in order to create more treatment options within this patient population.

Bioactive Molecules from Myrianthus arboreus, Acer rubrum, and Picea mariana Forest Resources.

Forest trees are the world's most important renewable natural resources in terms of their dominance among other biomasses and the diversity of molecules that they produce. Forest tree extractives include terpenes and polyphenols, widely recognized for their biological activity. These molecules are found in forest by-products, such as bark, buds, leaves, and knots, commonly ignored in forestry decisions. The present literature review focuses on in vitro experimental bioactivity from the phytochemicals of Myrianthus arboreus, Acer rubrum, and Picea mariana forest resources and by-products with potential for further nutraceutical, cosmeceutical, and pharmaceutical development. Although these forest extracts function as antioxidants in vitro and may act on signaling pathways involved in diabetes, psoriasis, inflammation, and skin aging, much still remains to be investigated before using them as therapeutic candidates, cosmetics, or functional foods. Traditional forest management systems focused on wood must evolve towards a holistic approach, allowing the use of these extractives for developing new value-added products.

Medical representations in Mexican muralism. Medical-historical analysis of the murals at La Raza National Medical Center General Hospital.

BACKGROUND: In 1944, the call for the construction of "La Raza" Hospital in Mexico City was launched. The project included the proposal to create two murals, and the artists who were invited to participate were Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros, who, with their work, bore testimony to the advent of modern medicine and the construction of the social security model in force in Mexico. OBJECTIVE: To determine how mural art is historically linked to medicine in Mexico and how they complement each other, considering two works carried out at the same time and in the same hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis of the historical context and iconographic and iconological analysis of "La Raza" Hospital murals. RESULTS: It was possible to clarify the relationship of the artists with medicine and the role murals play within the modern vision of medicine. CONCLUSIONS: Mural art is intertwined with medicine because it bears witness to the advent of the construction of the social security model currently in force in Mexico, since hospitals became social achievements of the State and were to be known as symbols of welfare and modernity in Mexico.

ANTECEDENTES: En 1944 se lanzó la convocatoria para la construcción del Hospital de Zona Número 1 "La Raza" en el Distrito Federal, México. El proyecto incluyó la propuesta de realizar dos murales y los artistas invitados a participar fueron Diego Rivera y David Alfaro Siqueiros, quienes con su obra dieron testimonio del advenimiento de la medicina moderna y de la construcción del modelo de seguridad social vigente en México. OBJETIVO: Determinar cómo se enlaza históricamente el arte mural con la medicina en México y cómo se complementan entre sí, considerando dos trabajos realizados en la misma época y en el mismo hospital. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Análisis del contexto histórico y análisis iconográfico e iconológico de los murales del Hospital "La Raza". RESULTADOS: Se logró esclarecer cuál fue la relación de los artistas con la medicina y qué papel desempeñan los murales dentro de la visión moderna de la medicina. CONCLUSIONES: El arte mural se entrelaza con la medicina porque da testimonio del advenimiento de la construcción del modelo de seguridad social vigente en México, ya que los hospitales se convirtieron en logros sociales del Estado y se dieron a conocer como símbolos de bienestar y modernidad en México.

Guidelines on epidemics in Mexico. Historical perspective.

A perspective of epidemics and pandemics in Mexico is offered, focusing on three time periods, namely, end of the 18th century, the 20th century, and the 21st century, in order to analyze how they were approached by health and government authorities, as well as the challenges they have represented. Historical documentary sources were consulted and, in current cases, participation in them was analyzed. Epidemiological and social historical methodologies were combined. The presence of epidemics in Mexico is a constant on its evolution, which highlights the need for the epidemiological surveillance system to be updated, the importance of being prepared to face an epidemic and to develop a contingency plan.

Se ofrece una perspectiva de las epidemias y pandemias en México en tres periodos: fines del siglo XVIII y siglos XX y XXI, con el fin de analizar cómo las autoridades sanitarias y gubernamentales abordaron estos problemas, así como los desafíos que han representado. Se consultaron fuentes históricas documentales y, en los casos actuales, la participación en ellos. Se combinó metodología epidemiológica e histórica social. La presencia de las epidemias en México es una constante, lo cual evidencia la necesidad de actualizar el sistema de vigilancia epidemiológica, de estar preparados para enfrentar una epidemia y de elaborar un plan de contingencia.

The 5-HT1A receptor agonist, 8-OH-DPAT, attenuates long-lasting pain in imiquimod-induced psoriasis in mice.

Psoriasis pain is a common symptom underestimated and rarely evaluated in psoriasis clinical trials. This work aimed to investigate whether the development of secondary chronic allodynia and hyperalgesia in the imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis mice model could be modulated by anti-inflammatory agents and compound 48/80 (C48/80) and to determine whether the activation of 5-HT1A receptor modulates these nociceptive behaviours. C57BL/6 male mice were treated with 5% IMQ for 7 days. The paw withdrawal responses to von Frey filaments (10 and 250 mN) were used to assess the allodynia and hyperalgesia. Nociceptive behaviours were also evaluated using ketorolac 15 mg/kg s.c., adalimumab 10 mg/kg s.c. and C48/80 10 mg/kg i.p. Then, the serum serotonin and the impact of 8-OH-DPAT (1 mg/kg s.c), a 5-HT1A receptor agonist, on long-lasting pain were examined. Mice receiving IMQ showed enhanced nociception, which decreased with all tested compounds. The serum serotonin in the IMQ group showed a significant decrease (947.042 ng/ml) regarding the control group (1143.68 ng/ml). The pretreatment with 8-OH-DPAT alleviated pain-related behaviours. These results suggest that the long-lasting pain resulting from psoriasis inflammation is also associated with the serotonergic system. The 5-HT1A receptor should be further explored as a potential therapeutic target for psoriasis pain modulation.

Assessing the Relationship Between HIV Quality of Care and Treatment Literacy on ART Adherence and Viral Suppression Among Female Sex Workers Living in the Dominican Republic.

This study assessed the relationship between the quality of HIV care and treatment literacy on antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence and viral suppression among female sex workers (FSWs) living with HIV (n = 211) in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Multivariable logistic regression results indicate better patient-provider communication (AOR 1.04; 95% CI 1.01-1.07) and respectful treatment (AOR 2.17; 95% CI 1.09-4.32) increase the odds of viral suppression, while higher costs reduce both the odds of ART adherence (AOR 0.57, 95% CI 0.34- 0.95) and being virally suppressed (AOR 0.59, 95% CI 0.41-0.85). Greater treatment literacy was associated with an increased odds of ART adherence (AOR 4.15 for understanding of viral load; 95% CI 1.50-11.52) and viral suppression (AOR 2.75 for understanding of CD4 count; 95% CI 1.31-5.80). Findings support investments in treatment education, effective and respectful patient-provider communication, dignified care, and cost-support for associated HIV care costs to facilitate FSWs' pathway towards viral suppression.

RESUMEN: Este estudio evaluó la relación entre la calidad de la atención para el VIH y la alfabetización relacionada al tratamiento sobre la adherencia a la terapia antirretroviral (TAR) y la supresión viral entre las trabajadoras sexuales (TRSX) que viven con el VIH (n = 211) en Santo Domingo, República Dominicana. Los resultados de la regresión logística multivariable indican una mejor comunicación entre el paciente y el proveedor (RMa: 1.04; IC del 95%: 1.01­1.07) y un tratamiento respetuoso (RMa: 2.17; IC del 95%: 1.09­4.32) aumenta la probabilidad de supresión viral, mientras que los costos elevados reducen tanto las probabilidades de adherencia al TAR (RMa: 0.57; IC del 95%: 0.34­0.95) como la supresión viral (RMa: 0.59, IC del 95%: 0.41­0.85). Una mayor alfabetización relacionada al tratamiento se asoció con una mayor probabilidad de adherencia al TAR (RMa: 4.15 para la comprensión de la carga viral; IC del 95%: 1.50­11.52) y la supresión viral (RMa: 2.75 para la comprensión del conteo de CD4; IC del 95%: 1.31­5.80). Los hallazgos respaldan inversiones en educación sobre el tratamiento, la comunicación efectiva y respetuosa entre el paciente y el proveedor, la atención digna y el apoyo económico para los costos asociados con la atención del VIH para facilitar el camino de las TRSX hacia la supresión viral.

Validation of the medium and short version of CENSOPAS-COPSOQ: a psychometric study in the Peruvian population.

BACKGROUND: The presence of psychosocial risks at work are associated with mental and physical health issues in workers. The study aim was to adapt the COPSOQ-ISTAS21 (Spanish version of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire and Union Institute of Work, Environment and Health) Medium-Version to the Peruvian context and to develop a Short-Version of the instrument. METHOD: Cross-sectional design study. The COPSOQ-ISTAS21 Medium Version was used. A confirmatory factor analysis was performed to determine the internal structure of each subdimension (first-order) and dimension (second-order) using the Robust Maximum Likelihood estimation method, and classic fit indices in the literature (CFI, SRMR, RMSEA). Internal consistency was evaluated using the alpha and omega coefficients. A short version was developed based on the items with the highest factorial load and that reduce the factorial complexity. RESULTS: A total of 1707 participants were evaluated. In the confirmatory factor analysis, the goodness-of-fit indices for seventeen of the 20 one-dimensional models (subdimensions) were identified; two subdimensions could not be evaluated because they presented only two items. When conducting a multidimensional analysis, we identified that all second-order models presented optimal goodness-of-fit indices, except "psychological demands at work". Finally, a short version of only 31 items was designed from the items with optimal fit indices. CONCLUSIONS: The new adapted versions of COPSOQ-ISTAS21 were renamed CENSOPAS-COPSOQ (National center of occupational health and environment protection for health -in Spanish- and Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire). The CENSOPAS-COPSOQ is an instrument with sufficient evidence of validity and reliability in its medium and short version, which is why its use is recommended in Peruvian work centers to identify the evaluation and prevention of psychosocial risks at work in Peru.

Exploring peer navigation and support in the quality of HIV care experiences of female sex workers in the Dominican Republic.

BACKGROUND: Despite evidence on peer navigation's association with positive HIV outcomes, such as engagement in HIV care and antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, the mechanisms through which peer navigation may influence these outcomes have been less explored. The purpose of this study is to describe the role of peer navigation and support on enhancing the quality of HIV treatment and care services experienced by female sex workers (FSWs). METHODS: Survey data was derived from a quantitative cohort (n = 211) of FSWs living with HIV in the Dominican Republic and complemented with data from two rounds of in-depth interviews (IDIs) from a qualitative subsample (n = 20 per round). Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regressions were used to explore the association between peer navigation and relational aspects of care and overall satisfaction of the quality of HIV treatment and care. Thematic analysis was employed to code and synthesize textual data from IDIs. RESULTS: 41.2% of the participants reported having had contact with a peer navigator in the last 6 months. Qualitative data revealed that peer navigation and support was instrumental in assisting FSWs linkage to HIV care after diagnosis, elevating FSWs' ability to access more comprehensive clinical care facilities, and promoting agency by improving FSWs' skills to more strategically and effectively engage with the clinic environment and health care providers. Peer navigation was positively associated with experiencing more respectful treatment by clinic staff (AOR: 6.65, 95% CI: 2.32-19.02), and greater satisfaction with overall HIV care services (AOR: 2.57, 95% CI: 1.77-3.74). CONCLUSION: Promoting the full integration of peer navigation into healthcare structures is a strategic approach to enhance the quality of HIV care experienced by FSWs and improve their HIV-related outcomes.

In Vitro and Computational Studies of Perezone and Perezone Angelate as Potential Anti-Glioblastoma Multiforme Agents.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) represents the most malignant type of astrocytoma, with a life expectancy of two years. It has been shown that Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) protein is over-expressed in GBM cells, while its expression in healthy tissue is low. In addition, perezone, a phyto-compound, is a PARP-1 inhibitor with anti-neoplastic activity. As a consequence, in the present study, both in vitro and computational evaluations of perezone and its chemically related compound, perezone angelate, as anti-GBM agents were performed. Hence, the anti-proliferative assay showed that perezone angelate induces higher cytotoxicity in the GBM cell line (U373 IC50 = 6.44 µM) than perezone (U373 IC50 = 51.20 µM) by induction of apoptosis. In addition, perezone angelate showed low cytotoxic activity in rat glial cells (IC50 = 173.66 µM). PARP-1 inhibitory activity (IC50 = 5.25 µM) and oxidative stress induction by perezone angelate were corroborated employing in vitro studies. In the other hand, the performed docking studies allowed explaining the PARP-1 inhibitory activity of perezone angelate, and ADMET studies showed its probability to permeate cell membranes and the blood-brain barrier, which is an essential characteristic of drugs to treat neurological diseases. Finally, it is essential to highlight that the results confirm perezone angelate as a potential anti-GBM agent.

"Todo se trata de a quién conoces": Social Networks and Drug Use Among Female Sex Workers Living with HIV in the Dominican Republic.

The purpose of this study was to characterize the social networks of female sex workers (FSWs) living with HIV in the Dominican Republic (DR) and to examine the association between daily drug use and network risk profile. The study employed a micro-longitudinal observational design using a 7-day mobile health (mHealth) daily diary to collect daily substance use behaviors and social network data was collected at study enrollment. A series of crude and adjusted modified log-Poisson repeated measures regression models with generalized estimating equations (GEE), clustering by individual with a compound symmetry working correlation structure were fit to estimate the relative risks and 95% confidence intervals. Controlling for individual level factors, findings revealed that FSWs with more network members who were drug users (≥ 3) and more network members who were sexual partners and also drugs users (≥ 2) were 8.89 (95% CI 2.62, 30.22) and 6.08 (95% CI 1.20, 30.92) times more likely to engage in daily drug use compared to women with small drug and sex and drug networks. Study findings demonstrate the role high risk networks have on risk behaviors. Results may be used to inform interventions that focus on modifying negative social ties, creating and/or improving existing positive support relationships, and integrating drug use harm reduction promotion within HIV treatment programs.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio era de caracterizar las redes sociales de las trabajadoras sexuales viviendo con VIH en la República Dominicana y examinar la asociación entre el uso diario de drogas y las características de la red de riesgo. El estudio utilizó un diseño observacional micro-longitudinal utilizando un diario móvil de 7 días para capturar los comportamientos diarios del uso de sustancias, y los datos de las redes sociales fue recolectado durante la inscripción al estudio. Una serie de modelos crudos y ajustados de regresión de log-Poisson con medidas repetidas y Ecuaciones de Estimación Generalizadas (EEG), agrupando por individuo con una estructura de correlación de simetría compuesta para estimar el riesgo relativo y los intervalos de confianza al 95%. Los hallazgos mostraron que las trabajadoras sexuales con mayor número de miembros de sus redes sociales que usaran drogas (>3) y parejas sexuales que usaran drogas (>2) fueron 8.89 (95% IC: 2.62, 30.33) y 6.08 (95% CI: 1.02, 30.92) veces más probables de participar en el consumo diario de drogas en comparación con las mujeres con pequeñas redes de consumo de drogas y sexo, controlando por factores a nivel individual. Los resultados del estudio demuestran el papel que las redes de alto riesgo tienen en los comportamientos de riesgo. Los resultados pueden ser utilizados para informar intervenciones que se enfoquen en el cambio de las relaciones negativas, creando o mejorando las relaciones de apoyo, e integrando la promoción de la reducción del uso de drogas dentro de los programas de tratamiento del VIH.

Mindfulness, Mental Health and HIV Outcomes Among Female Sex Workers in the Dominican Republic and Tanzania.

We examined the relationship between mindfulness, mental health and HIV outcomes among female sex workers (FSW) from the Dominican Republic (DR) (n = 201) and Tanzania (n = 208) using cross-sectional survey and biologic data. We employed stratified multivariate linear and logistic regression. Depression was associated with lower odds of ART adherence in the DR (AOR 0.25, 95% CI: 0.08-0.78) and of viral suppression in Tanzania (AOR 0.49, 95% CI: 0.24-0.97). In both countries, mindfulness was associated with lower odds of moderate to severe depression (AOR 0.82, 95% CI: 0.76-0.88 for the DR; AOR 0.85, 95% CI: 0.77-0.95 for Tanzania). In the DR, mindfulness was associated with lower odds of anxiety (AOR 0.83, 95% CI: 0.77-0.89), lower HIV stigma (ß = - 0.28 per unit change, 95% CI: - 0.37 to - 0.19) and greater odds of viral suppression (AOR 1.09, 95% CI: 1.02-1.15). Findings demonstrate the potential of tailored mindfulness interventions to improve mental health and HIV outcomes among FSW.

RESUMEN: Examinamos la relación entre la atención plena, la salud mental y los resultados del VIH entre las trabajadoras sexuales (TRSX) de la República Dominicana (RD) (n = 201) y Tanzania (n = 208) utilizando una encuesta transversal y datos biológicos. Empleamos regresión lineal multivariada estratificada y regresión logística. La depresión se asoció con menores probabilidades de adherencia al terapia antiretroviral (TAR) en la República Dominicana (AOR 0.25, IC del 95%: 0.08­0.78) y de supresión viral en Tanzania (AOR 0.49, IC del 95%: 0.24­0.97). En ambos países, la atención plena se asoció con menores probabilidades de depresión moderada a grave (AOR 0.82, IC del 95%: 0.76­0.88 para la República Dominicana; AOR 0.85, IC del 95%: 0.77­0.95 para Tanzania). En la República Dominicana, la atención plena se asoció con menores probabilidades de ansiedad (AOR 0.83, IC del 95%: 0.77­0.89), menor estigma del VIH (ß = − 0.28 por unidad de cambio, IC del 95%: − 0.37 to − 0.19) y mayores probabilidades de supresión viral (AOR 1.09, 95% CI: 1.02­1.15). Los hallazgos demuestran el potencial de las intervenciones de atención plena para mejorar la salud mental y los resultados del VIH entre las TRSX.

Development of the Experiences of Sex Work Stigma Scale Using Item Response Theory: Implications for Research on the Social Determinants of HIV.

While HIV stigma has received significant attention, limited work has been conducted on the measurement of intersecting stigmas. We developed the Experiences of Sex Work Stigma (ESWS) scale in the Dominican Republic (DR) and Tanzania. We conducted in-depth interviews with 20 female sex workers (FSW) per country to identify scale domains followed by cognitive debriefing interviews to assess content validity. Items were administered in a survey to FSW in DR (n = 211) and Tanzania (n = 205). Factor analysis established four sex work stigma domains including: shame (internalized), dignity (resisted), silence (anticipated) and treatment (enacted). Reliability across domains ranged from 0.81 to 0.93. Using item response theory (IRT) we created context-specific domain scores accounting for differential item functioning between countries. ESWS domains were associated with internalized HIV stigma, depression, anxiety, sexual partner violence and social cohesion across contexts. The ESWS is the first reliable and valid scale to assess multiple domains of sex work stigma and can be used to examine the effects of this form of intersectional stigma on HIV-related outcomes across settings.

Participatory geographic mapping and activity space diaries: innovative data collection methods for understanding environmental risk exposures among female sex workers in a low-to middle-income country.

BACKGROUND: A common approach for measuring place-based exposure is to use geographically-defined administrative boundaries and to link neighborhood characteristics at this level. This approach, however, may not be feasible in low-to middle-income countries where neighborhood-level data are limited or unavailable, and administrative boundaries are often unstandardized and not proportional to population size. Furthermore, such traditional approaches may not be appropriate for marginalized populations whose environments can be more difficult to study. In this paper, we describe two innovative and feasible methods to generate geospatial data to characterize and assess the role of risk environments on drug use among female sex workers living with HIV in the Dominican Republic. METHODS: Participatory geographic mapping and daily activity space travel diaries were employed. RESULTS: The methods presented in this study were feasible to implement, acceptable by study participants, and yielded rich geospatial data to analyze the impact of contextual factors on risk behaviors of female sex workers in a low-to middle-income country. CONCLUSION: Participatory geographic mapping and activity space diaries are two alternative methods for collecting geospatial data among hard-to-reach populations in resource constrained settings. Moreover, the methods are interactive and educational, allowing study participants to take an active role in the data collection process and potentially allowing for a deeper understanding of place-based effects on health and behavior.

Design and validation of quality indicators for drug dispensing in a pediatric hospital.

OBJECTIVES: This article presents a methodological strategy to design and validate quality indicators for drug dispensing in a pediatric hospital. SETTING: The literature evaluation, design, and validation of indicators by experts were carried out from September 2017 to March 2018 in the pharmaceutical services of a pediatric hospital at the Autonomous University of the State of Hidalgo, Mexico. PRACTICE DESCRIPTION: The design and validation of quality indicators for dispensing allow the evaluation, planning, and follow-up of this activity. PRACTICE INNOVATION: The development of the indicators follows a holistic vision considering the relationship between the structure on which the pediatric dispensation is based, the involved processes, and the outcomes and provide a simple tool to improve the quality of the dispensing service. EVALUATION: A methodological investigation for the development of systems and health services in drug dispensing was performed. For the indicator's design, the Mexican standards for establishments dedicated to the sale and supply of drugs, the Good Dispensation Practices, and the Donabedian model were considered. The validation of such indicators was carried out using the Delphi method and the Torgerson mathematical model. RESULTS: Indicators of structure, process, and results were designed; of the 16 indicators designed, 15 reached the average score of greater than 3.5, and the percentage of experts who qualified each indicator in the highest categories was greater than 50%. CONCLUSION: The design of indicators guarantees the quality of the dispensing service and can be extrapolated to the pharmaceutical services of any pediatric hospital.

Expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor and its receptor CD74 in systemic sclerosis.

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) has been associated with the pathogenesis of several rheumatic diseases. In systemic sclerosis (SSc) it has been shown that MIF expression is dysregulated in serum and skin. However, the MIF receptor, CD74, has been poorly investigated and its potential role in the pathogenesis of SSc remains unknown. This study aimed to analyze mRNA, tissue, and serum expression of MIF and CD74 in patients with limited (lcSSc) and diffuse (dcSSc) systemic sclerosis. A case-control study in 20 SSc patients and 20 control subjects (CS) from southern México was conducted. MIF and CD74 mRNA expression levels were quantified by real-time PCR, MIF serum levels were measured by an ELISA kit, and MIF and its receptor CD74 were evaluated by immunohistochemistry of skin biopsies. MIF mRNA expression was significantly higher in CS than in SSc patients (p = 0.02), while CD74 showed no differences between patients and CS. MIF serum levels were similar between SSc patients and CS: dcSSc = 3.82 ng/ml, lcSSc = 3.57 ng/ml, and CS = 3.28 ng/ml. In skin biopsies of SSc, MIF and CD74 were enhanced in keratinocytes, while they showed decreased expression in endothelial cells. On the other hand, the staining of CD74 was high in fibroblasts of dcSSc patients. Our findings show MIF and CD74 deregulation at the transcriptional and translational levels in SSc, which might be associated with the proinflammatory process leading to tissue remodeling and excessive fibrosis in SSc.

Assessing and Addressing Social Determinants of HIV among Female Sex Workers in the Dominican Republic and Tanzania through Community Empowerment-Based Responses.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review describes social determinants of HIV in two geographic and epidemic settings, the Dominican Republic (DR) and Tanzania, among female sex workers (FSW), their influence on HIV outcomes including 90-90-90 goals, and the development and impact of tailored, context driven, community empowerment-based responses in each setting. RECENT FINDINGS: Our review documents the significance of social determinants of HIV including sex work-related stigma, discrimination, and violence and the impact of community empowerment-based approaches on HIV incidence in Tanzania and other HIV prevention, treatment, and care outcomes, including care engagement and adherence, in the DR and Tanzania. Community empowerment approaches where FSW drive the response to HIV and strategically engage partners to target socio-structural and environmental factors can have a demonstrable impact on HIV prevention, treatment, and care outcomes. Such approaches can also support further gains towards reaching the 90-90-90 across geographies and types of epidemics.