Exploring the Relationship Among Financial Hardship, Anxiety, and Depression in Patients With Cancer: A Longitudinal Study.

PURPOSE: Financial hardship (FH) is a complex issue in cancer care, affecting material conditions, well-being, and coping behaviors. This study aimed to longitudinally examine FH, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and their associations while incorporating social determinants of health and health care cost covariates in a sample of patients diagnosed with cancer. METHODS: This prospective, longitudinal cohort study analyzed data from 2,305 participants from the Northwestern University Improving the Management of Symptoms during and following Cancer Treatment trial. Outcomes assessed at baseline and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postbaseline included depressive symptoms, anxiety, and FH. Analysis involved random intercept cross-lagged panel models to explore between- and within-person effects, incorporating factors such as age, sex, insurance status, neighborhood area deprivation, health care charges, out-of-pocket costs, and health literacy. RESULTS: The cohort had a mean age of 60.7 (standard deviation [SD] = 12.7) years and was mostly female (64.9%) and White (86.2%). Correlations were found between FH and depressive symptoms (r = 0.310) and anxiety (r = 0.289). A predictive relationship was observed between FH and depressive symptoms, with baseline and 6-month depressive symptom levels predicting later FH (baseline ß = .079, P = .070; 6-month ß = .072, P = .081) and 9-month FH significantly predicting 12-month depressive symptoms (ß = .083, P = .025), even after accounting for health care charges and out-of-pocket costs. Baseline and 9-month anxiety showed a predictive relationship with subsequent FH (baseline ß = .097, P = .023; 9-month ß = .071, P = .068). CONCLUSION: FH emerged as a prominent issue, with nearly half of participants experiencing some level of FH. Depressive symptoms and anxiety were related to FH. These findings underscore the need for a comprehensive approach in cancer care that concurrently addresses anxiety, depressive symptoms, and FH, recognizing their interconnected impact.

Physicochemical Characterization, Antioxidant, and Proliferative Activity of Colombian Propolis Extracts: A Comparative Study.

Propolis extracts have been widely studied due to their popularity in traditional medicine, presenting incredible biodiversity. This study aimed to analyze propolis extracts' phytochemical, physicochemical, and biological activities from four different biogeographic zones of the Huila region (Colombia). The raw material samples were collected by the scraping method and the ethanolic extracts (EEPs) were obtained by cold maceration with ethanol (96%). The physicochemical and sensory characterization was carried out according to the protocols recommended by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and the main components of the EEPs were identified by LC-HRMS analysis. The determination of total phenols and flavonoids was carried out using colorimetric techniques. The antioxidant activity, cytotoxicity, and cell cycle regulation analyses in L929 and HGnF cells were evaluated using DPPH, Alamar Blue, and 7-amino actinomycin D (7-AAD) assays. The propolis samples presented an average yield of 33.1%, humidity between 1.6 and 2.8%, melting point between 54 and 62 °C, ashes between 1.40 and 2.19%, and waxes of 6.6-17.9%, respectively. The sensory characteristics of all samples were heterogeneous, complying with the quality specifications established by international standards. The polyphenolic and total flavonoid content was representative in the samples from Quebradon (255.9 ± 9.2 mg GAE/g, 543.1 ± 8.4 mg QE/g) and Arcadia (543.1 ± 8.4 mg GAE/g, 32.5 ± 1.18 g QE/g) (p < 0.05) that correlated with high antioxidant activity (Quebradon: 37.2 ± 1.2 µmol/g, Arcadia: 38.19 ± 0.7 µmol/g). In the chemical composition analysis, 19 compounds were characterized as phenolic acids and flavonoids, the most representative being chrysoeriol-O-methyl-ether, ellagic acid, and 3,4-O-dimethylcaffeic acid. Regarding biological activity, Quebradon and Arcadia propolis presented low toxicity with IC50 of 2.83 ± 2.3 mg/mL and 4.28 ± 1.4 mg/mL in HGnF cells, respectively, and an arrest of the cell cycle in the G2/M phase of 71.6% and 50.8% compared to the control (11.9%) (p < 0.05). In general, the results of this study contribute to the identification of valid quality criteria to evaluate Colombian propolis, contributing to its study and chemical and biological characterization as a source of raw material for industrial and pharmaceutical use. In addition, Quebradon and Arcadia propolis can be important sources of bioactive molecules for the development of new drugs.

Down-regulation of human papillomavirus E6 oncogene and antiproliferative effect of Schisandra chinensis and Pueraria lobata natural extracts on Hela cell line.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Cervical cancer is one of the most common malignancies in women that continues to be a public health problem worldwide. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is closely related as the causative agent of almost all cases of cervical cancer. Currently, there is no effective treatment for the persistence of HPV. Although vaccines have shown promising results in recent years, they are still a costly strategy for developing countries and have no therapeutic effect on existing infections, which is why the need arises to search for new strategies that can be used in treatment, suppressing oncogenic HPV and disease progression. Extracts of Schisandra Chinensis and Pueraria lobata have been used in traditional medicine, and it has been shown in recent years that some of their bioactive compounds have pharmacological, antioxidant, antitumor, apoptotic, and proliferation effects in HPV-positive cells. However, its mechanism of action has yet to be fully explored. AIM OF THE STUDY: The following study aimed to determine the chemical composition, antioxidant activity, and potential antiproliferative and viral oncogene effects of natural extracts of S. chinensis and P. lobata on HPV-18 positive cervical cancer cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The HPV-18-positive HeLa cells were treated for 24 and 48 h with the ethanolic extracts of S chinensis and P. lobata. Subsequently, cell viability was evaluated using the resazurin method, the effect on the cell cycle of the extracts (1.0, 10, and 100 µg/mL) was measured by flow cytometry, the gene of expression of the E6/E7, P53, BCL-2, and E2F-1 were determined by RT-PCR and the protein expression of p53, Ki-67, x|and Bcl-2 by immunohistochemistry. Additionally, the chemical characterization of the two extracts was carried out using LC-MS, and the total phenolics content (TPC), Total flavonoid content (TFC), and DPPH radical scavenging capacity were determined. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney and Kruskal Wallis U test with GraphPad Prism 6 software. RESULTS: The natural extracts of Schisandra chinensis and Pueraria lobata induced down-regulation of E6 HPV oncogene (p<0.05) and a strong up-regulation of P53 (p<0.05), E2F-1 (p<0.05), and Bcl-2 (p<0.05) gene expression. Simultaneously, the natural extracts tend to increase the p53 protein levels and arrest the cell cycle of HeLa in the G1/S phase (p<0.05). Investigated extracts were characterized by the occurrence of bioactive lignans and isoflavones in S. chinensis and P. lobata, respectively. CONCLUSION: The extracts of S. chinensis and P. lobata within their chemical characterization mainly present lignan and isoflavone-type compounds, which are probably responsible for inhibiting the expression of the HPV E6 oncogene and inducing an increase in the expression of p53, Bcl -2 and E2F-1 producing cell cycle detection in S phase in HeLa cells. Therefore, these extracts are good candidates to continue studying their antiviral and antiproliferative potential in cells transformed by HPV.

Determinación social del consumo de frutas y verduras en Florida (Valle del Cauca, Colombia) / Social Determinants of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in Florida, Valle del Cauca ­ Colombia / Determinação social do consumo de frutas e verduras na Flórida, Valle del Cauca, Colômbia

Introducción: el consumo de frutas y verduras como proceso protector de la salud se ha analizado principalmente desde la perspectiva de los estilos de vida individuales; sin embargo, procesos de tipo estructural como los modelos de producción de alimentos y las políticas de alimentación determinan su producción, disponibilidad y acceso. Se planteó como objetivo analizar los procesos de determinación social del con- sumo de frutas y verduras en el municipio de Florida (Valle del Cauca, Colombia). Materiales y métodos: estudio cualitativo, tipo estudio de caso, con enfoque de determinación social. Incluyó revisión documental de políticas alimentarias y grupos de discusión con actores clave; el análisis de contenido permitió explicitar mensajes y discursos. Resultados: en la dimensión general, resaltan como procesos críticos de determinación, que limitan la producción y el acceso de frutas y verduras, el uso y tenencia inequitativa de la tierra y la explotación de las fuentes hídricas, y unas políticas que desde la lógica de libre mercado reducen cada vez más las estrategias locales de autosostenimiento y autoconsumo. En la dimensión particular, el conflicto armado (como proceso crítico adverso) y los ejercicios de soberanía alimentaria (como proceso crítico favorable al consumo de frutas y verduras). Conclusiones: la política alimentaria nacional y local reconoce, de manera discursiva, las determinaciones sociales de la seguridad alimentaria, pero en la práctica privilegia estrategias focalizadas y contingentes que no apuntan a la solución de condiciones estructurales que limitan la producción, disponibilidad, acceso y, por ende, el consumo de frutas y verduras

Introduction: Fruit and vegetable consumption as a preventive health measure depends mainly on the perspective of individual lifestyle. The structural processes such as food production models and food policies determine their production, availability, and access. This study aimed to analyze the social determinants of fruit and vegetable consumption in the municipality of Florida, Valle del Cauca, Colombia. Materials and Methods: This is a qualitative case study using a social determination approach. This study includes a documentary review of food policies and discussion groups among key stakeholders. A content analysis was conducted to allow an explicit analysis of the messages and speeches. Results: In the general dimension, deemed as critical processes of determination, the unequal use and possession of land and the exploitation of water sources and policies, from the logic of the free market, increasingly reduce the local strategies for self-support and self-consumption and limit the production and access of fruits and vegetables. In the particular dimension, a critical adverse process includes the armed conflict. However, the exercise of food sovereignty favors the consumption of fruits and vegetables. Conclusion: Food policy at the national and local level discursively recognizes the social determinants of food security; however, in practice, contingent strategies that do not aim at addressing the structural conditions that limit produc- tion, availability, access and, therefore, the consumption of fruits and vegetables, should be evaluated.

Introdução: o consumo de frutas e verduras como processo de proteção à saúde tem sido analisado principalmente na perspectiva dos estilos de vida individuais, porém processos estruturais como modelos de produção de alimentos e políticas alimentares determinam sua produção, disponibilidade e acesso; o objetivo do estudo foi analisar os processos de determinação social do consumo de frutas e verduras no município da Flórida, Valle del Cauca, Colômbia. Materiais e métodos: estudo qualitativo, do tipo estudo de caso, com enfoque na determinação social; incluiu uma revisão documental de políticas alimentares e grupos de discussão com atores-chave; a análise de conteúdo permitiu explicitar mensagens e discursos. Resultados: na dimensão geral, destacam-se o uso e posse desigual da terra e a exploração dos recursos hídricos como processos determinantes críticos que limitam a produção e o acesso a frutas e verduras; e políticas que, baseadas na lógica do livre mercado, reduzem cada vez mais as estratégias locais de autossustentabilidade e autoconsumo. Na dimensão particular, destaca-se o conflito armado como processo crítico adverso, e o exercício da soberania alimentar, como processo crítico favorável ao consumo de frutas e verduras. Conclusões: a política alimentar a nível nacional e local reconhece, de forma discursiva, as determinações sociais da segurança alimentar, mas na prática privilegia estratégias focalizadas e contingentes que não visam resolver condições estruturais que limitam a produção, a disponibilidade, o acesso e, portanto, o consumo de frutas e verduras.

Effectiveness and implementation of an electronic health record-integrated digital health intervention for managing depressive symptoms in ambulatory oncology: The My Well-Being Guide study rationale and protocol.

BACKGROUND: Rates of clinically elevated depressive symptoms among ambulatory oncology patients are higher than in the general population and are associated with poorer health-related quality of life. Furthermore, a reduction in depressive symptoms may be associated with improved cancer survival. Several interventions have demonstrated efficacy in reducing oncologic depressive symptoms, including cognitive-behavioral stress management (CBSM). However, more work is needed to understand how to best implement CBSM into practice, such as through stepped-care approaches and digital health interventions linked to electronic health records (EHR). This manuscript presents the protocol of the My Well-Being Guide study, a pragmatic type 1 effectiveness-implementation hybrid study. This trial will test the effectiveness of My Well-Being Guide, a seven-week structured, CBSM-based digital health intervention designed to reduce depressive symptoms. This trial will also evaluate My Well-Being Guide's implementation across two health systems. METHODS: The final sample (N = 4561) will be oncology patients at Northwestern Medicine or University of Miami Health System who are ≥18 years of age; have a cancer diagnosis; elevated depressive symptoms on the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Depression; and primary language is English or Spanish. Data collection will occur at baseline, and 2-, 6-, and 12-months post baseline. Outcome domains include depressive symptoms and implementation evaluation. DISCUSSION: This study may provide valuable data on the effectiveness of our depressive symptom management digital health intervention linked to the EHR and the scalability of digital health interventions in general.

Stem Cell Transplant Experiences Among Hispanic/Latinx Patients: A Qualitative Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Hispanic/Latinx (H/L) patients with cancer treated with stem cell transplant are vulnerable to adverse outcomes, including higher mortality. This study explored their unmet transplant needs, barriers, and facilitators. METHODS: Eighteen English- or Spanish-speaking H/L patients (M age = 59.2) who had a transplant in the past year were interviewed about their transplant experience and rated their interest in receiving information about transplant topics (0 = not at all to 10 = extremely). RESULTS: Content analysis revealed five main themes: (1) pre-transplant barriers and concerns; (2) complex relationships with medical teams; (3) informational mismatch; (4) impacts on daily life after transplant; and (5) methods of coping. Participants were most interested in information about ways of coping with transplant (M = 9.11, SD = 1.45) and words of hope and encouragement (M = 9.05, SD = 1.80). At just above the scale's midpoint, they were least interested in information about side effects and unintended consequences of transplant (M = 5.61, SD = 3.85). CONCLUSIONS: Cultural factors, social determinants, and structural inequalities give rise to unique needs in this growing patient population. Healthcare team members and researchers can better meet the needs of H/L transplant recipients through attention to described considerations, such as financial barriers, communication difficulties, family dynamics, and coping styles.

Embarazo postmanga gástrica en pacientes con irregularidades menstruales / Pregnancy after gastric sleeve in patients with menstrual irregularities

Resumen OBJETIVO: Estimar la cantidad de pacientes con irregularidades menstruales que se embarazaron luego de una cirugía bariátrica (manga gástrica) y describir los desenlaces de los embarazos. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de serie de casos de pacientes obesas y con irregularidades menstruales intervenidas mediante cirugía bariátrica (manga gástrica). Se operaron entre el 1 de junio de 2014 y el 31 de diciembre de 2019 en el Centro Médico Imbanaco Cali, Colombia. RESULTADOS: De 1418 cirugías bariátricas, tipo manga gástrica, 117 pacientes cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión, 80 de ellas se localizaron telefónicamente y aceptaron incluirse al estudio. Luego de la manga gástrica, el 86.25% (n = 69) de las pacientes logró la regularización de sus ciclos menstruales. Además, el 31% (n = 25) consiguió el embarazo, 80% (n = 20) de ellas tenían la intención de buscar el embarazo. Los desenlaces de esos embarazos fueron favorables, con partos a término, con adecuado peso y talla al nacer. CONCLUSIONES: Después de la cirugía bariátrica, tipo manga gástrica, en mujeres con irregularidades menstruales, 25 de las 80 pacientes se embarazaron y los desenlaces obstétricos fueron satisfactorios. Sin duda, hacen falta más estudios prospectivos para poder afirmar, con una mejor representación estadística, las repercusiones de la disminución del peso corporal en la tasa de fertilidad.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To estimate the number of patients with menstrual irregularities who became pregnant after bariatric surgery (gastric sleeve) and to describe the pregnancy outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of a series of cases of obese patients with menstrual irregularities who underwent bariatric surgery (gastric sleeve). They were operated between June 1, 2014 and December 31, 2019 at the Imbanaco Cali Medical Center, Colombia. RESULTS: Of 1418 bariatric surgeries, gastric sleeve type, 117 patients met the inclusion criteria, 80 of them were located by telephone and agreed to be included in the study. After gastric sleeve, 86.25% (n = 69) of the patients achieved regularization of their menstrual cycles. In addition, 31% (n = 25) achieved pregnancy, 80% (n = 20) of them intended to seek pregnancy. The outcomes of these pregnancies were favorable, with full-term deliveries, with adequate weight and height at birth. CONCLUSIONS: After bariatric surgery, gastric sleeve type, in women with menstrual irregularities, 25 of the 80 patients became pregnant and the obstetric outcomes were satisfactory. Undoubtedly, more prospective studies are needed to be able to affirm, with a better statistical representation, the repercussions of the decrease in body weight on the fertility rate.

Antiproliferative and Pro-Apoptotic Effects of a Phenolic-Rich Extract from Lycium barbarum Fruits on Human Papillomavirus (HPV) 16-Positive Head Cancer Cell Lines.

The in vitro antiproliferative activity of a phenolic-rich extract from Lycium barbarum fruits against head and neck HPV16 squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has been demonstrated, indicating for the first time that L. barbarum extract inhibits human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 cell lines. Ethanol extract of L. barbarum was used for cell viability evaluation on SCC090, CAL27, and HGnF cell lines. After 24 and 48 h, the cell cycle effect of L. barbarum extract (at 1.0, 10, and 100 µg/mL) was measured via flow cytometry. In addition, the mRNA expression on E6/E7 and p53 via RT-PCR and the expression of p16, p53, Ki-67, and Bcl-2 via immunohistochemistry were also determined. Untreated cells, 20 µM cisplatin, and a Camellia sinensis-derived extract were used as negative and positive controls, respectively. We demonstrated that the studied L. barbarum extract resulted in G0/G1 arrest and S phase accumulation in SCC090 at 1.0 and 10 µg/mL. A reduction in mRNA levels of E6/E7 oncogenes (p < 0.05) with p53 overexpression was also observed through PCR, while immunohistochemical analyses indicated p16 overexpression (p > 0.05) and a decrease in p53 overexpression. The observed effects were associated with anticancer and immunomodulatory phenolics, such as flavonols/flavan-3-ols and tyramine-conjugated hydroxycinnamic acid amides, identified in the studied extract. These findings revealed that the phenolic-rich extract of L. barbarum fruits has promising properties to be considered further for developing new therapies against oral and oropharyngeal HPV lesions.

Rationale and usability findings of an e-health intervention to improve oral anticancer adherence among breast cancer survivors: The My Journey mindfulness study.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 80% of breast cancer survivors are prescribed oral endocrine therapy (ET) medication for 5-10 years following primary treatment, making adherence to ET a critical aspect of cancer survivorship care. Despite the benefits of ET, non-adherence is problematic, and up to half of breast cancer survivors ave been documented to discontinue ET early. Our team developed My Journey, an online, mindfulness-based program designed to improve adherence to ET. This manuscript describes the usability testing of My Journey and the protocol development for the My Journey randomized feasibility trial. METHODS: Usability participants were women (N = 15) with a diagnosis of hormone receptor-positive non-metastatic breast cancer who had initiated ET. Participant impressions and feedback were collected qualitatively and quantitatively using items on usefulness, satisfaction, and ease of use. Participants in the 8-week feasibility trial (N = 80) will be randomized to receive the web-based My Journey intervention or a health education comparison condition. RESULTS: Quantitative feedback on the usability trial was favorable, with a mean overall usability score of 106.3 (SD = 7.7; Range: 83-115) indicating above average usability. Qualitative data showed that participants found several strengths in the initial design of the My Journey online tool and that participants liked the layout of My Journey. CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate that the My Journey online tool is useable. The program's feasibility is being evaluated in a randomized trial.

Clasificación de cesárea según el sistema de Robson en una IPS privada de Cali, 2017 / Cesarean section classification according to Robson's system in a private HSPI in Cali, 2017

RESUMEN Objetivo: Caracterizar las cesáreas según el sistema de clasificación de Robson en una IPS privada de alta complejidad, en el periodo comprendido entre el 1 de enero y el 31 de diciembre de 2017. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo y de corte transversal realizado en una IPS privada de la ciudad de Cali. Se incluyó en el estudio gestantes ingresadas para atención del parto en el 2017. Se construyó una base de datos en Microsoft Excel 2010, con las variables definidas en la clasificación de Robson y se calculó la tasa de cesáreas, el tamaño relativo de cada grupo y la contribución relativa de cada grupo a la tasa general de cesáreas, así como se analizó las causas de las cesáreas. Se presentan los resultados en tablas. Resultados : La tasa de cesáreas general fue del 35,4 %. Los grupos de mayor contribución al porcentaje total de cesáreas fueron los grupos 2, 1 y 10, con 20,4%, 3,9 % y 3,3 %, respectivamente. El antecedente de cesárea previa fue la causa principal. Conclusiones. Utilizando la clasificación de Robson se logra concluir que es posible reducir la tasa de cesáreas en un 14 % interviniendo el antecedente de cesárea previa.

ABSTRACT Objective : To characterize cesarean sections according to the Robson classification system in a private high complexity HPSI, in the period between January 1 December 31, 2017. Methods : Descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional study conducted in a private HPSI in the city of Cali. The study included pregnant women admitted for delivery care in 2017. A database was constructed in Microsoft Excel 2010, with the variables defined in Robson's classification. The rate of cesarean sections, the relative size of each group and the relative contribution of each group to the overall rate of cesarean sections were calculated, as well as the causes of cesarean sections were analyzed. The results are presented in tables. Results : The overall cesarean section rate was 35.4 %. The groups with the highest contribution to the total percentage of cesarean sections were groups 2, 1 and 10 with 20.4 %, 3.9 % and 3.3 %, respectively. History of previous cesarean section was the main cause. Conclusions: Using Robson's classification, it can be concluded that it is possible to reduce the rate of cesarean section rate by 14 % by intervening in the history of previous cesarean section.

Effects of smartphone interventions on cancer knowledge and coping among Latina breast cancer survivors: Secondary analysis of a pilot randomized controlled trial.

Objective: The My Guide smartphone application was developed to improve quality of life and symptom burden (primary outcomes) for Latina breast cancer survivors (BCS) and tested in a pilot randomized controlled trial compared to an attention-control condition (My Health smartphone application). This secondary analysis examined effects on breast cancer knowledge, coping, and cancer-related self-efficacy (intervention targets).Method: Latina BCS (N = 78) were randomized to My Guide or My Health for six weeks. Linear mixed-effects modeling evaluated the effects of time and study condition on the intervention targets. Effects by engagement were explored. Results: Both conditions showed improved breast cancer knowledge (p < 0.001), with a trend for greatest improvement among My Guide high users (p = 0.082). My Guide participants reported less self-blame overall than My Health participants (p = 0.020). There were no effects on cancer-related self-efficacy (ps > 0.05). Conclusion: Culturally-informed smartphone applications may enhance breast cancer knowledge and promote adaptive coping among Latina BCS.

Patterns of Use of Smartphone-Based Interventions Among Latina Breast Cancer Survivors: Secondary Analysis of a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Latina breast cancer survivors experience poorer health-related quality of life (HRQoL), greater symptom burden, and more psychosocial needs compared to non-Latina breast cancer survivors. eHealth platforms such as smartphone apps are increasingly being used to deliver psychosocial interventions to cancer survivors. However, few psychosocial eHealth interventions have been developed specifically for Latina breast cancer survivors. Further, little is known about how Latinas, in general, engage with eHealth interventions and whether specific participant characteristics are associated with app use in this population. We evaluated the use of 2 culturally informed, evidence-based smartphone apps for Latina breast cancer survivors-one that was designed to improve HRQoL and reduce symptom burden (My Guide) and the other to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors (My Health). OBJECTIVE: The objectives of our study were to explore the patterns of use of the My Guide intervention app and My Health attention-control app among Latina breast cancer survivors. METHODS: Eighty Latina breast cancer survivors were randomized to use the My Guide or My Health app for 6 weeks. Assessments were collected at baseline (T1), immediately after the 6-week intervention (T2), and 2 weeks after T2 (T3). Specific study outcomes included subdomains of HRQoL, symptom burden, cancer-specific distress, cancer-relevant self-efficacy, and breast cancer knowledge. RESULTS: On average, participants used their assigned app for more than 1 hour per week. Sociodemographic or psychological characteristics were not significantly associated with app use, except for employment status in the My Health group. Content related to common physical and emotional symptoms of breast cancer survivors as well as recommendations for nutrition and physical activity were most frequently accessed by My Guide and My Health participants, respectively. Lastly, clinically meaningful improvements were demonstrated in breast cancer well-being among low app users (ie, <60 minutes of use/week) of My Guide and social well-being among high app users (ie, ≥60 minutes of use/week) of My Health. CONCLUSIONS: The favorable rates of participant use across both apps suggest that Latina breast cancer survivors are interested in the content delivered across both My Guide and My Health. Furthermore, since sociodemographic variables, excluding employment status, and baseline HRQoL (psychological variable) were not related to app use, My Guide and My Health may be accessible to diverse Latina breast cancer survivors. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03645005; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03645005.

Cancer-Relevant Self-Efficacy Is Related to Better Health-Related Quality of Life and Lower Cancer-Specific Distress and Symptom Burden Among Latina Breast Cancer Survivors.

BACKGROUND: Latina breast cancer survivors (BCS) often report poorer health-related quality of life (HRQOL), higher symptom burden, and greater psychosocial needs compared to non-Latina BCS. However, Latinas are underrepresented in cancer survivorship research and more work is needed to examine the factors contributing to these psychosocial disparities. This study aimed to evaluate potentially modifiable patient characteristics associated with HRQOL, breast cancer concerns, and cancer-specific distress among Latina BCS. METHODS: Baseline data was evaluated in 95 Latina BCS who participated in a smartphone-based psychosocial intervention designed to improve HRQOL. Hierarchical linear regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the associations between modifiable factors that have been shown to favorably impact outcomes in cancer populations (i.e., cancer-relevant self-efficacy, breast cancer knowledge) with overall and domain-specific HRQOL, breast cancer symptom burden, and cancer-specific distress, after controlling for sociodemographic and cancer-related characteristics. RESULTS: Greater cancer-relevant self-efficacy was related to better overall HRQOL as well as better social, emotional, and functional well-being domains. Greater cancer-relevant self-efficacy was also related to less breast cancer symptom burden and less cancer-specific distress. Breast cancer knowledge was not associated with any of the study outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Results demonstrate that cancer-relevant self-efficacy is a significant correlate of general and domain-specific HRQOL, breast cancer symptom burden, and cancer-specific distress among Latina BCS. Future interventions in this population should target cancer-relevant self-efficacy as a possible mechanism to improve HRQOL outcomes and survivorship experiences for Latina BCS.

My health smartphone intervention decreases daily fat sources among Latina breast cancer survivors.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Latina women, and Latina women are at higher risk for breast cancer mortality than white women. Lifestyle factors, such as consuming a nutritious diet and engaging in regular physical activity, promote health and are protective against heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and breast cancer recurrence. Previous studies have developed and tested interventions for Latina breast cancer survivors to improve diet and increase physical activity, however, no studies to date have developed a smartphone delivered intervention. The purpose of the current study was to compare two Smartphone delivered interventions, My Health, which focused on diet and physical activity, and My Guide, which focused on psychosocial functioning, on dietary and physical activity outcomes, post-intervention, and at a 2-week follow-up assessment. Overall, participants receiving the My Health intervention reported a greater reduction in daily fat sources than the My Guide group over time. However, daily sources of fat did not differ between conditions. Walking, measured by estimated weekly metabolic equivalents, increased across time points in both groups. These preliminary findings suggest that eHealth interventions aimed at improving lifestyle factors may favorably impact nutritional intake and physical activity. Future research should utilize more comprehensive and objective measures of diet and physical activity, and incorporate more behavioral lifestyle components into the intervention in larger samples with a longer follow-up period.

Brief culturally informed smartphone interventions decrease breast cancer symptom burden among Latina breast cancer survivors.

OBJECTIVE: Latina breast cancer survivors (BCS) report more symptom burden and poorer health-related quality of life than non-Latina BCS. However, there are few evidence-based and culturally informed resources that are easily accessible to this population. This study aimed to establish the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of the My Guide and My Health smartphone applications among Latina BCS. Both applications are culturally informed and contain evidence-based information for reducing symptom burden and improving health-related quality of life (My Guide) or healthy lifestyle promotion (My Health). METHODS: Participants (N = 80) were randomized to use the My Guide or My Health smartphone applications for 6 weeks. Assessments occurred at baseline (T1) after the 6-week intervention (T2) and 2-week post-T2 (T3). Outcomes were participant recruitment and retention rates, patient-reported satisfaction, and validated measures of symptom burden and health-related quality of life. RESULTS: Recruitment was acceptable (79%), retention was excellent (>90%), and over 90% of participants were satisfied with their application. On average, participants in both conditions used the applications for more than 1 hour per week. Symptom burden declined from T1 to T2 across both conditions, but this decline was not maintained at T3. Breast cancer well-being improved from T1 to T2 across both conditions and was maintained at T3. CONCLUSIONS: Latina BCS who used the My Guide and My Health applications reported temporary decreases in symptom burden and improved breast cancer well-being over time, though there were no differential effects between conditions. Findings suggest that technology may facilitate Latina BCS engagement in care after breast cancer treatment.

Repeated Porphyromonas gingivalis W83 exposure leads to release pro-inflammatory cytokynes and angiotensin II in coronary artery endothelial cells.

The role of Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) or its virulence factors, including lipopolysaccharide (LPS) not only has been related with periodontitis but also with endothelial dysfunction, a key mechanism involved in the genesis of atherosclerosis and hypertension that involving systemic inflammatory markers as angiotensin II (Ang II) and cytokines. This study compares the effect of repeated and unique exposures of P. gingivalis W83 LPS and live bacteria on the production and expression of inflammatory mediators and vasoconstrictor molecules with Ang II. Human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC) were stimulated with purified LPS of P. gingivalis (1.0, 3.5 or 7.0 µg/mL) or serial dilutions of live bacteria (MOI 1: 100 - 1:0,1) at a single or repeated exposure for a time of 24 h. mRNA expression levels of AGTR1, AGTR2, IL-8, IL-1ß and MCP-1 were determined by RT-qPCR, and IL-6, MCP-1, IL-8, IL-1ß and GM-CSF levels were measured by flow cytometry, ELISA determined Ang II levels. Live bacteria in a single dose increased mRNA levels of AGTR1, and repeated doses increased mRNA levels of IL-8 and IL-1ß (p < 0.05). Repeated exposure of live-P. gingivalis induced significant production IL-6, MCP-1 and GM-CSF (p < 0.05). Moreover, these MCP-1, IL-6 and GM-CSF levels were greater than in cells treated with single exposure (p < 0.05), The expression of AGTR1 and production of Ang II induced by live-P. gingivalis W83 showed a vasomotor effect of whole bacteria in HCAEC more than LPS. In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest that repeated exposure of P. gingivalis in HCAEC induces the activation of proinflammatory and vasoconstrictor molecules that lead to endothelial dysfunction being a key mechanism of the onset and progression of arterial hypertension and atherosclerosis.

An Electronic Health Intervention for Latina Women Undergoing Breast Cancer Treatment (My Guide for Breast Cancer Treatment): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Among Latinas and Hispanics (henceforth referred to as Latinas), breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. However, few interventions have been developed to meet the needs of Latina women undergoing active treatment for breast cancer. OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to describe the procedures and methods of My Guide for Breast Cancer Treatment and the plans for conducting a multisite randomized controlled trial to investigate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of this smartphone-based app for Latina women in active treatment for breast cancer. METHODS: Study participants will be randomized to the My Guide for Breast Cancer Treatment intervention or the enhanced usual care control condition for 12 weeks. Participants will have access to innovative features such as gamification via virtual awards to reinforce usage and an adaptive section that presents targeted material based on their self-reported concerns and needs. Using a stepped-care approach, intervention participants will also receive telecoaching to enhance their adherence to the app. Study outcomes and intervention targets will be measured at study enrollment (before randomization), 6 and 12 weeks after initial app use. General and disease-specific health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and symptom burden are the study's primary outcomes, whereas anxiety, depression, fear of cancer recurrence, physical activity, and dietary intake are secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Recruitment began in August 2019 and is expected to be completed by August 2020. We expect to submit study results for publication by fall 2020. CONCLUSIONS: My Guide for Breast Cancer Treatment has the potential to improve HRQoL and reduce symptom burden, and increase access to supportive care resources among Latina breast cancer patients. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/14339.

Community Perspectives: Developing and Implementing a Smartphone Intervention for Latina Breast Cancer Survivors in Chicago.

Compared with non-Latina White breast cancer survivors (BCS), Latina BCS have poorer health-related quality of life and greater psychosocial needs. However, Latinas are less engaged in clinical research owing to barriers including less access to health-related information, less awareness of clinical trials, and practical barriers (e.g., competing time demands). Latina BCS are in need of educational and health-related resources that are culturally informed, scalable, and accessible. In 2015, the Chicago Cancer Health Equity Collaborative (ChicagoCHEC), a National Cancer Institute research collaborative, and ALAS-WINGS, a community organization providing educational and supportive resources to Latina BCS, partnered to develop My Guide. My Guide is a smartphone application-based intervention for Latina BCS designed to improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This article summarizes the experiences of ChicagoCHEC and ALAS-WINGS throughout the community-engaged research (CEnR) partnership. Using existing relationships in community and academic settings via CEnR provides an ideal starting point for tailoring resources to Latina BCS and engaging Latina BCS in health-related research.

Experiencia en la utilización de hipolipemiantes en una cohorte de pacientes en 12 ciudades colombianas / Experience in the use of oral lipid-lowering medicines in a group of patients followed in 12 colombian cities

Resumen Introducción: Los estudios de utilización de medicamentos sirven para evaluar la efectividad y seguridad de los fármacos en la práctica real, diferente al contexto del estudio clínico controlado. Los hipolipemiantes actúan sobre el perfil lipídico disminuyendo el riesgo de enfermedades cardiovasculares. Objetivo: Describir el desempeño clínico y seguridad de la utilización de medicamentos hipolipemiantes en la práctica médica real en una cohorte de pacientes con diagnóstico de dislipidemia. Metodología: Estudio observacional de cohorte. Se siguió una cohorte de pacientes con indicación de hipolipemiantes durante 6 meses, en 12 ciudades de Colombia pertenecientes a un registro biomédico de seguimiento de pacientes tratados con medicamentos del portafolio de Abbott. Se midieron variables demográficas y clínicas basales, de seguridad y de desempeño clínico de los medicamentos sobre el perfil lipídico a los 3 y 6 meses. Resultados: Se siguieron 501 pacientes en tratamiento con hipolipemiantes. Las estatinas solas disminuyeron el colesterol de baja densidad de 249 mg/ dL (RIQ=226-268) en la medición basal a 190 (177.6-210) y 170 (108-170) en la segunda y tercera medición, respectivamente. Para estatina + ezetimibe, de 167 mg/dL (RIQ=139-184) a 132 (110-150) y 128.5 (101.5-128.5). El fenofibrato disminuyó los triglicéridos de 275 mg/dL (RIQ=21çj-346) a 201 (172-239) y 150.5 (140-150.5). Conclusiones: la administración de estatinas sola o en combinación disminuyó los niveles de LDL y colesterol total, mientras que el fenofibrato demostró su efectividad al disminuir los triglicéridos. No se reportaron efectos adversos. Hubo una adherencia parcial del médico tratante a la guía de práctica clínica para dislipidemias. MÉD.UIS.2019;32(1):13-20.

Abstract Introduction: Drug use studies are important to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of drugs in daily practice, outside the controlled clinical study. Lipid-lowering drugs act on the lipid profile, decreasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Objective: To describe the clinical performance and safety of the use of lipid-lowering drugs in real practice in a group of patients diagnosed with dyslipidemia. Methods: An observational, descriptive cohort study. A cohort of patients with hypolipidemic indication for 6 months was followed in 12 cities of Colombia that belong to the biomedical registry of follow-up of patients treated with medicines from the Abbott portfolio. Baseline demographic and clinical variables, safety and efectivity of the drugs were measured on the lipid profile at 3 and 6 months. Results: 501 patients received lipid-lowering agents. Statins alone decreased the low density (LDL) cholesterol of 249 mg / dL (RIQ = 226-268) at baseline to 190 (177.6-210) and 170 (108-170) at the second and third measurements, respectively. For statin + ezetimibe, from 167 mg / dL (RIQ = 139-184) to 132 (110-150) and 128.5 (101.5-128.5). Fenofibrate decreased triglycerides from 275 mg / dL (RIQ = 219-346) to 201 (172-239) and 150.5 (140-150.5). Conclusions: The administration of statins alone or in combination decreased LDL and total cholesterol levels, while fenofibrate demonstrated its effectiveness in lowering triglycerides. No adverse effects were reported. There was partial adherence of the treating physician to GPC for dyslipidemias. There were no adverse events. MÉD.UIS.2019;32(1):13-20.

Feasibility of a Smartphone-based pilot intervention for Hispanic breast cancer survivors: a brief report.

Hispanic breast cancer survivors (BCS) are at high risk for experiencing poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after completion of active breast cancer treatment. Therefore, there is a need to develop culturally tailored interventions for Hispanic BCS. To date, there have been limited interventions that have demonstrated that increasing cancer-related knowledge, self-efficacy in communication, and self-management skills can improve HRQoL among Hispanic BCS. These interventions have been delivered in person or by phone, which may be burdensome for Hispanic BCS. To facilitate intervention delivery, we developed My Guide, a Smartphone application aimed at improving HRQoL among Hispanic BCS. The purpose of the current study is to describe the feasibility results of a 4-week pilot trial testing My Guide among Hispanic BCS. Twenty-five women enrolled in the study (75% recruitment rate) and 22 women were retained (91.6% retention rate). Mean time spent using My Guide across the 4 weeks was 9.25 hr, and mean score on the satisfaction survey was 65.91 (range 42-70), in which higher scores reflect greater satisfaction. Participants' scores on the Breast Cancer Knowledge Questionnaire significantly improved from study baseline (M = 9.50, SD = 2.92) to the postintervention assessment (M = 11.14, SD = 2.66), d = 0.59. Participants' HRQoL scores improved over the course of 4 weeks, but these improvements were not statistically significant. Overall, My Guide was feasible and acceptable. Future studies will assess the preliminary efficacy of My Guide in improving HRQoL in a larger, randomized trial of Hispanic BCS.