Melanoma clinicopathological groups characterized and compared with dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy.

BACKGROUND: Dermoscopic and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) correlations between morphologic groups of melanoma have not yet been described. OBJECTIVE: Describe and compare dermoscopic and RCM features of cutaneous melanomas with histopathological confirmation. METHODS: Single center, retrospective analysis of consecutive melanomas evaluated with RCM (2015-2019). Lesions were clinically classified as typical, nevus-like, amelanotic/nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC)-like, seborrheic keratosis (SK)-like and lentigo/lentigo maligna (LM)-like. Presence or absence of common facial and nonfacial melanoma dermoscopic and RCM patterns were recorded. Clusters were compared with typical lesions by multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Among 583 melanoma lesions, significant differences between clusters were evident (compared to typical lesions). Observation of dermoscopic features (>50% of lesions) in amelanotic/NMSC-like lesions consistently displayed 3 patterns (atypical network, atypical vascular pattern + regression structures), and nevus-like and SK-like lesions and lentigo/LM-like lesions consistently displayed 2 patterns (atypical network + regression structures, and nonevident follicles + heavy pigmentation intensity). Differences were less evident with RCM, as almost all lesions were consistent with melanoma diagnosis. LIMITATIONS: Small SK-like lesions sample, single RCM analyses (no reproduction of outcome). CONCLUSION: RCM has the potential to augment our ability to consistently and accurately diagnose melanoma independently of clinical and dermoscopic features.

Effectiveness of two scrub methods with different chlorhexidine combinations for surgical field antisepsis in cats.

Objective: Assessing effectiveness of circular (CM) and linear (LM) scrub methods using 3 different combinations of chlorhexidine in surgical field antisepsis in cats. Animals and procedure: Surgical field antisepsis was applied with 2 scrub methods (CM and LM) and 3 different chlorhexidine combinations (A1, A2, and A3) in 51 female cats undergoing ovariectomy. Sterile swabs collected from the surgical field pre- and post-antisepsis were inoculated in the laboratory and colony-forming units (CFU/mL) were quantified. Results: Following the application of antisepsis, the number of positive samples decreased in all groups (P < 0.05) when using both CM and LM, except for CM in the A1 group (P = 0.063). The CFU/mL counts also decreased after antisepsis with both CM and LM in all groups (P < 0.05). A high reduction in CFU/mL counts was observed after antisepsis with both CM and LM in all groups, but no significant differences were observed between the 2 scrub methods (P > 0.05). Conclusion and clinical relevance: Surgical field antisepsis in cats with CM and LM scrub methods, using 2% chlorhexidine combined with 70% ethyl or 70% isopropyl alcohol, or 1% chlorhexidine combined with 70% ethyl alcohol, can effectively reduce the bacterial load on the skin.

Efficacité de deux méthodes de désinfection avec différentes combinaisons de chlorhexidine pour l'antisepsie du champ opératoire chez le chat. Objectif: Évaluation de l'efficacité des méthodes de désinfection par mouvements circulaires (CM) et linéaires (LM) utilisant 3 combinaisons différentes de chlorhexidine dans l'antisepsie du champ opératoire chez le chat. Animaux et procédure: Une antisepsie chirurgicale sur le terrain a été appliquée avec 2 méthodes de désinfection (CM et LM) et 3 combinaisons différentes de chlorhexidine (A1, A2 et A3) chez 51 chattes subissant une ovariectomie. Des écouvillons stériles prélevés sur le champ opératoire avant et après l'antisepsie ont été inoculés en laboratoire et les unités formant des colonies (UFC/mL) ont été quantifiées. Résultats: À la suite de l'application de l'antisepsie, le nombre d'échantillons positifs a diminué dans tous les groupes (P < 0,05) lors de l'utilisation à la fois de CM et de LM, à l'exception du CM dans le groupe A1 (P = 0,063). Le nombre d'UFC/mL a également diminué après antisepsie avec CM et LM dans tous les groupes (P < 0,05). Une forte réduction du nombre d'UFC/mL a été observée après antisepsie avec CM et LM dans tous les groupes, mais aucune différence significative n'a été observée entre les 2 méthodes de désinfection (P > 0,05). Conclusion et pertinence clinique: L'antisepsie chirurgicale sur le terrain chez les chats avec les méthodes de désinfection CM et LM, utilisant 2 % de chlorhexidine combinée à 70 % d'alcool éthylique ou 70 % d'alcool isopropylique, ou 1 % de chlorhexidine combinée à 70 % d'alcool éthylique, peut réduire efficacement la charge bactérienne sur la peau.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Salicornia ramosissima as a salt substitute in the fermentation of white cabbage.

This research aimed to study the fermentation of white cabbage (Brassica oleracea) replacing salt, totally or partially, with halophyte Salicornia ramosissima, to reduce the sodium content in the final products. Three fermentation trials of cabbage were done: A with 2.91% salt (~ 1.15% Na) (control); B with salicornia (~ 1.56% salt equivalent, ~ 0.34% Na); and C with salt and salicornia (~ 1.94% salt equivalent, ~ 0.49% Na). The fermentation profile was followed by the physicochemical (pH, total acidity) and microbial parameters [mesophilic microorganisms (MM), lactic-acid bacteria (LAB), coliforms and fungi]. The content of phenolics and antioxidant activity in the fermented products were also measured. In all experiments, there was an increase, followed by a stabilization of the MM (5.5-7.2 Log CFU/g) and LAB populations (5.4-6.6 Log CFU/g) and a decrease of fungi and coliforms until they disappeared. A decrease in pH (< 4) and a rise in acidity (~ 1.0%) were observed throughout the fermentations. The phenolics and antioxidant activity increased during fermentation, being significantly higher in C (37.3 mg/100 g and 3.63 mmol Trolox/100 g, respectively). The fermentation of cabbage with salicornia results in the final products having similar microbial quality to the control, but with a reduction of sodium and an increase in the antioxidant activity.

Evaluation of Heavy Metals in Streams of the Bacanga and Cachorros Watersheds in São Luís, Brazil.

Impacts on urban water resources are invariably caused by the development of urban centers and the occupation of the watershed. The release of untreated effluents and urban runoff are sources of metals in adjacent water bodies. It is therefore important to conduct studies on the occurrence of these trace elements in the environment and the risks posed to human health. The aim of the present study was to determine Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn concentrations in water bodies located in the Bacanga and Cachorros watersheds and correlate the occurrence of these elements with physicochemical variables of the water (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and electrical conductivity). The variables were determined at the collection site with the aid of a multiparameter kit. Heavy metal concentrations were determined using anodic stripping voltammetry. The results revealed that the streams were not contaminated with the metals analyzed. The only exception was copper in the Limoeiro and Murtura streams, both of which are located in the industrial complex.

The Performance of Using the Parasympathetic Tone Activity (PTA) Index to Assess Intraoperative Nociception in Cats.

BACKGROUND: The monitoring of nociception/antinociception poses a significant challenge during anesthesia, making the incorporation of new tools like the Parasympathetic Tone Activity (PTA) monitor an added value in feline anesthesia. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effectiveness and speed of PTA monitoring when compared to heart rate (HR) in detecting surgical stimuli (SS) during the intraoperative period in 49 female cats undergoing ovariectomy (OV). METHODS: Instantaneous Parasympathetic Tone Activity (PTAi) values, HR, fR, and non-invasive SAP and MAP were continuously monitored and systematically assessed. The time required for HR (HR time) and PTAi (PTAi time) to reach their minimum peak values following each surgical stimulus was collected at five points for each anaesthetized cat. Each collected surgical stimulus was categorized into 3 groups for statistical analysis: no nociception detection, no hemodynamic reaction and a PTAi > 50 (Nhre); no hemodynamic reaction and a PTAi < 50 (Nhre < 50); and hemodynamic reaction and PTAi < 50 (Hre < 50). RESULTS: PTAi response demonstrated effectiveness in detecting nociception compared to HR. The SS were categorized as 36.1% in the Nhre group, 50% in the Nhre < 50 group, and only 13.9% in the Hre < 50 group. In the Hre < 50 group, PTAi time and HR time had similar speeds in detecting the SS (p = 0.821); however, PTA time was significantly slower in the Nhre < 50 group when compared to the Hre < 50 group (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: PTA monitoring may be a useful tool to complement HR monitoring for detecting nociception. PTA monitoring demonstrated a superior diagnostic value compared to HR for detecting nociception in cats undergoing OV and a similar speed to HR in detecting SS when HR increases above 20%. Future studies are needed to understand in a clinical setting the meaning of sympathetic activation/nociception detected using the PTA monitor when the HR increase is not clinically relevant.

Comparison between Bilateral Ultrasound-Guided Quadratus Lumborum Block and Sacrococcygeal Epidural in Cats Undergoing Ovariectomy.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound-guided quadratus lumborum block (QLB) and sacrococcygeal epidural anaesthesia (ScE) have been used for neutering cats, providing effective pain relief. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of the QLB with those of ScE in cats undergoing ovariectomies. METHODS: Feral cats undergoing ovariectomy were premedicated with dexmedetomidine (20 µg kg-1) and methadone (0.2 mg kg-1) intramuscularly. Anaesthesia was induced with 2-4 mg kg-1 of propofol intravenously and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. The cats were randomly allocated to the groups QLB (bilateral QLB with 0.4 mL kg-1 of 0.25% bupivacaine) and ScE (0.3 mL kg-1 of 0.25% bupivacaine). Hemodynamic data and analgesia rescue were collected at four intraoperative periods. The pain scale and motor block were assessed in both groups during the postoperative period. RESULTS: The ScE results in increased hypotension, prolonged extubation time, and higher postoperative motor block than the QLB (p < 0.05). The QLB and ScE groups required a similar number of intraoperative rescues and presented the same postoperative pain scale classification. CONCLUSIONS: The QLB with 0.25% bupivacaine is a potential alternative to ScE with 0.25% bupivacaine in perioperative pain management in elective cat ovariectomy. The QLB promoted less hypotension and postoperative motor block when compared with the ScE group.

Can a Sacrococcygeal Epidural of 0.25% Bupivacaine Prevent the Activation of the Sympathetic Nervous System during Feline Ovariectomy?

The ovariectomy (OVE) procedure can trigger somatosensory and visceral peritoneal nociception. Sacrococcygeal epidural (ScE) anesthesia may complement or replace systemic analgesia used for feline OVE, reducing opioid consumption and their related undesirable adverse effects and consequently reducing or completely blocking the sympathetic nervous system activation during this procedure. The present study aimed to evaluate the activation of the sympathetic nervous system resulting from adding an ScE injection of bupivacaine 0.25% (0.3 mL kg-1) in feline OVE and identify whether this translates to hemodynamic variables stability. A Parasympathetic Tone Activity (PTA) monitor was applied given that it performs analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) detecting changes in sympathetic and parasympathetic tone, making it a good tool for detecting activation of the sympathetic nervous system during the study. Two groups of animals were evaluated in five perioperative times, namely, the control group (CG) (n = 18) with systemic analgesia alone and the sacrococcygeal epidural group (ScEG) (n = 20) with 0.25% bupivacaine combined with systemic analgesia. Thirty-eight female cats were selected. All animals assigned to CG and ScEG were premedicated with dexmedetomidine (20 µg kg-1 IM) and methadone (0.2 mg kg-1 IM). General anesthesia was induced with propofol IV ad effectum and maintained with isoflurane in 100% oxygen. Heart rate, non-invasive systolic and median blood pressure, respiratory rate, and instantaneous parasympathetic tone activity were recorded. Compared to systemic analgesia alone (CG), sacrococcygeal epidural (ScEG) reduced the rise of common hemodynamic variables but did not prevent sympathetic nervous system activation.

Case report: Regression of in-transit metastases of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma with combination pembrolizumab and topical diphencyprone.

While typically low-risk, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) can infrequently progress to metastatic disease with in-transit lesions, localized to the dermis or subcutaneous tissue between the primary tumor and draining regional lymph nodes. These lesions are associated with poor prognostic values, including decreased survival rates and increased risk of recurrence. We present the case of a 75-year-old male with cSCC and in-transit metastases on his scalp treated with the immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) pembrolizumab in conjunction with diphencyprone (DPCP), a topical hapten that induces a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction in the skin. The patient was enrolled in a clinical trial (NCT05481658) that involved the twice-weekly application of DPCP 0.04% ointment to four of the in-transit metastases on his frontal scalp, concurrent with pembrolizumab 300 mg administered every three weeks. Following effective sensitization and a twelve-week treatment course, complete clearance of all lesions, DPCP-treated and non-DPCP treated, was achieved, with no adverse events. The immunologic profiles of the post-treatment biopsies were analyzed by TaqMan Low Density Array quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction to measure immune marker gene expression. Relative to the non-DPCP-treated lesion, the DPCP-treated lesion demonstrated increased pro-inflammatory genetic markers and T-cell activation. This case represents the first reported instance of in-transit metastases of cSCC successfully treated with DPCP and an ICI. It highlights the potential safety and efficacy of DPCP with systemic immunotherapy for the management of in-transit metastases of cSCC in patients for whom surgery and radiation may be contraindicated.

Determination of metals in estuarine fishes in a metropolitan region of the coastal zone of the Brazilian Amazon.

The aim of the present study was to determine concentrations of cadmium, copper, chromium, manganese and iron in fishes in the São Marcos (SMB), São Jose (SJB) and Arraial (AB) Bays. Metal concentrations were determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Mean Cd and Cr levels were above the permissible limits set by different international or national guidelines in all three bays, whereas copper levels were well below the maximum acceptable limit. High concentrations of iron were found in all species analyzed, whereas high concentrations of manganese were found, especially in specimens caught in SJB. Spatial analysis indicated significant differences among the elements investigated. Copper was correlated more with SMB and AB as well as the species Macrodon ancylodon (carnivore) and Sciades herzbergii (omnivore). Cadmium and iron were strongly associated with AB and SJB, while manganese was only associated with SJB, mainly in carnivorous and herbivorous species.

Psychosocial and Cultural Processes Underlying the Epidemiological Paradox within U.S. Latino Sexual Risk: A Systematic Review.

According to the epidemiological paradox, less acculturated Latina/o youth display fewer sexual risk behaviors. A systematic review was performed on psychosocial and cultural mechanisms potentially underlying the epidemiological paradox in sexual risk behaviors of U.S. Latina/o youth across acculturation measures (between January 2000 to October 2022). Thirty-five publications (n = 35) with forty-eight analyses of underlying mechanisms met the inclusion criteria. Thirty-one results from twenty-three publications found supporting evidence that one of the five factors was an underlying mechanism in the epidemiological paradox (n = 13 parenting practices, n = 4 peer influences, n = 4 familismo values, n = 4 religiosity, n = 6 traditional gender norms) as, generally protective, mediators or moderators in the link between acculturation and sexual risk behaviors. Studies varied in the sexual risk behavior examined and measurement of acculturation, but primarily employed cross-sectional designs and recruited samples through schools. Mechanisms that enhance close ties and unity of the family, such as those of familismo values and positive parenting, reduce the likelihood of sexual risk behaviors as Latina/o youth become more acculturated. Future directions are discussed which may provide guidance for risk prevention and intervention.

Attomolar detection of hepatitis C virus core protein powered by molecular antenna-like effect in a graphene field-effect aptasensor.

Biosensors based on graphene field-effect transistors have become a promising tool for detecting a broad range of analytes. However, their performance is substantially affected by the functionalization protocol. In this work, we use a controlled in-vacuum physical method for the covalent functionalization of graphene to construct ultrasensitive aptamer-based biosensors (aptasensors) able to detect hepatitis C virus core protein. These devices are highly specific and robust, achieving attomolar detection of the viral protein in human blood plasma. Such an improved sensitivity is rationalized by theoretical calculations showing that induced polarization at the graphene interface, caused by the proximity of covalently bound molecular probe, modulates the charge balance at the graphene/aptamer interface. This charge balance causes a net shift of the Dirac cone providing enhanced sensitivity for the attomolar detection of the target proteins. Such an unexpected effect paves the way for using this kind of graphene-based functionalized platforms for ultrasensitive and real-time diagnostics of different diseases.

E-cigarette use and intentions related to psychological distress among cigarette, e-cigarette, and cannabis vape users during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: This study examines associations between psychological distress, intentions to use e-cigarettes, and cigarette smoking, e-cigarette use, and cannabis consumption through e-cigarette use among a diverse sample of U.S. young adults. PROCEDURES: Young adults (N = 314; 72.5% female) were recruited to complete an online survey during the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: Associations between psychological distress and cigarette smoking, e-cigarette use, cannabis vaping, and intentions to use e-cigarettes were found. Current e-cigarette use (OR = 1.23, 95% CI 1.17, 1.28, p < .001; 7.5%) and cannabis vaping (OR = 2.03, 95% CI 1.88, 2.18, p < .001; 10%) was higher among female, possibly due to the significantly higher psychological distress reported among females. Interactions between intentions to use e-cigarettes and psychological distress variables were found for all smoking and vaping behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Public health efforts should increase focus on providing psychological services for young adults to improve coping strategies that are alternative to smoking and vaping behaviors.

Longitudinal associations of parent-child communication, dating behaviors, decision-making processes, and sex initiation among United States Latina/o adolescents.

Objective: This study examined differences and identified developmental predictors of oral, vaginal, and anal intercourse initiation across generational status among Latina/o adolescents of both genders. More specifically, we compare generational status and gender differences in the longitudinal predictions from parent-child sex communication and dating behaviors to sex initiation 5 years later, and how these associations may be mediated by perceived peer norms, intentions, and attitudes regarding sex among Latina/o adolescents. Methods: Using prospective longitudinal data from the Healthy Passages™ project collected in Houston and Los Angeles, Latina/o girls (n = 879) and boys (n = 885) who were identified as 1st- (18%), 2nd- (58%), or 3rd (24%)-immigrant generational status reported on their dating behaviors and parent-child communication about sex at 5th grade (M age = 11.12 years), their perceived peer norms and attitudes regarding sex at 7th grade (M age = 13.11 years), and if they had initiated oral, vaginal, or anal sexual intercourse by 10th grade (M age = 16.06 years). Results: Third-generation Latina girls were more likely than 1st- and 2nd-generation Latinas to have initiated sexual intercourse by 10th grade. More advanced dating behaviors in 5th grade had a positive association with sex initiation for all generational status groups among Latino boys, but only among 1st-generation Latina girls. Moreover, mediating decision-making processes of peer norms and attitudes differed for each group. Conclusion: Pre-adolescent dating behaviors are associated with long-term differences in adolescents' sexual behaviors, which may point to targets for prevention efforts. Acculturation differences may contribute to different ways in which adolescents decide to engage in sexual intercourse based on the previous dating experiences.

Clean-Room Lithographical Processes for the Fabrication of Graphene Biosensors.

This work is on developing clean-room processes for the fabrication of electrolyte-gate graphene field-effect transistors at the wafer scale for biosensing applications. Our fabrication process overcomes two main issues: removing surface residues after graphene patterning and the dielectric passivation of metallic contacts. A graphene residue-free transfer process is achieved by using a pre-transfer, sacrificial metallic mask that protects the entire wafer except the areas around the channel, source, and drain, onto which the graphene film is transferred and later patterned. After the dissolution of the mask, clean gate electrodes are obtained. The multilayer SiO2/SiNx dielectric passivation takes advantage of the excellent adhesion of SiO2 to graphene and the substrate materials and the superior impermeability of SiNx. It hinders native nucleation centers and breaks the propagation of defects through the layers, protecting from prolonged exposition to all common solvents found in biochemistry work, contrary to commonly used polymeric passivation. Since wet etch does not allow the required level of control over the lithographic process, a reactive ion etching process using a sacrificial metallic stopping layer is developed and used for patterning the passivation layer. The process achieves devices with high reproducibility at the wafer scale.

Atividade física, tempo de tela e duração de sono de adolescentes antes e durante a COVID-19 / Physical activity, screen time, and sleep duration of adolescents before and during COVID-19

O isolamento social associado à pandemia da COVID-19, incluindo o fechamento de escolas, impactou diretamente nos hábitos diários de adolescentes. Desta maneira, o presente estudo objetivou analisar o nível de atividade física, tempo de tela e duração de sono de adolescentes antes e durante a COVID-19. Para tanto, realizou-se um estudo transversal, quantitativo, conduzido com 85 adolescentes com idades entre 14 a 18 anos, estudantes de um Instituto Federal. Os participantes responderam a questionários sociodemográfico, de nível de atividade física, tempo de tela e duração de sono. Os dados foram analisados por meio do Teste-T de Student pareado. O nível de significância adotado foi p<0,05. Os resultados revelaram que houve um aumento significativo na duração de sono nos dias de semana para meninas (p=0,001) e meninos (p=0,001) e no tempo de tela durante a pandemia para meninas (p=0,028) e meninos (p=0,004). Houve uma diminuição no nível de atividade física de meninas (p=0,025). Conclui-se que a pandemia da COVID-19, nos estudantes do Instituto Federal, aumentou a duração de sono e tempo de tela de adolescentes do sexo masculino e feminino, e diminuiu o nível de atividade física de meninas.

The social isolation associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, including school closures, directly impacted the daily habits of adolescents. Thus, the present study aimed to analyze the level of physical activity, screen time, and sleep duration of adolescents before and during COVID-19. Therefore, a cross-sectional, quantitative study was carried out with 85 adolescents aged 14 to 18 years, students at a Federal Institute. Participants answered questionnaires on sociodemographic data, physical activity level, screen time, and sleep duration. Data were analyzed using the paired Student's T-Test. The significance level adopted was p<0.05. The results revealed that there was a significant increase in sleep duration on weekdays for girls (p=0.001) and boys (p=0.001) and in screen time during the pandemic for girls (p=0.028) and boys (p= 0.004). There was a decrease in the level of physical activity of girls (p=0.025). It is concluded that, among the students at this Federal Institute, the COVID-19 pandemic increased the sleep duration and screen time of male and female adolescents and decreased the level of physical activity of girls.

[Correlation between the carotid resistance and functional autonomy of old women]. / Correlaçõ entre resistência carotídea e autonomia funcional de mulheres idosas.

This study had as objective to correlate the resistance of the carotid artery and the functional autonomy of old women. The resistance of the carotid artery was evaluated through the method called Doppler and the functional autonomy through tests related to daily activities (Protocol GDLAM). In the description of the data it was used measures of localization and dispersion. The internal right carotid resistance got mean and pattern deviation respectively (0.71 +/- 0.07) and functional autonomy mean and pattern deviation respectively (30.40 +/- 6.31). The coefficient of the correlation of Spearman showed a strong association between the variation of the study (r = 0.998; p = 0.000). The results suggest that the bigger the table of contents of the resistance of the carotid artery is the bigger will be the difficulty of execution of the daily life tasks.

Generational status and social factors predicting initiation of partnered sexual activity among Latino/a youth.

OBJECTIVE: Examine the longitudinal association of generational status (first = child and parent born outside the United States; second = child born in the United States, parent born outside the United States; third = child and parent born in the United States) and parent and peer social factors considered in 5th grade with subsequent oral, vaginal, and anal intercourse initiation by 7th and 10th grade among Latino/a youth. METHOD: Using data from Latino/a participants (N = 1,790) in the Healthy Passages™ study, the authors measured generational status (first = 18.4%, second = 57.3%, third-generation = 24.3%) and parental (i.e., monitoring, involvement, nurturance) and peer (i.e., friendship quality, social interaction, peer norms) influences in 5th grade and oral, vaginal, and anal intercourse initiation by 7th and 10th (retention = 89%) grade. RESULTS: Among girls, parental monitoring, social interaction, friendship quality, and peer norms predicted sexual initiation. Among boys, parental involvement, social interaction, and peer norms predicted sexual initiation (ps < .05). When ≥1 friend was perceived to have initiated sexual intercourse, third-generation Latinas were more than twice as likely as first- and second-generation Latinas (ps < .05) to initiate vaginal intercourse by 10th grade and almost 5 times as likely as first-generation Latinas to initiate oral intercourse by 7th grade. CONCLUSIONS: Among Latina youth, generational status plays a role in social influences on vaginal and oral intercourse initiation. Moreover, Latinas and Latinos differ in which social influences predict sexual intercourse initiation. Preventive efforts for Latino/a youth may need to differ by gender and generational status. (PsycINFO Database Record

Physical activity, fatigue and quality of life in breast cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the relationship between levels of physical activity, fatigue and quality of life (QOL) in women diagnosed with breast cancer. METHODS: 215 women between the ages of 40 and 65 years were recruited at a cancer clinic. Physical activity levels were assessed by using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), fatigue levels by using the revised Piper scale, and QOL by means of EORTC QLQ-C30 and WHOQOL-Bref. Statistical analysis was performed using Minitab statistical software, version 16. RESULTS: the mean age of subjects was 52.66 years (SD=8.6); patients were mostly white (58.14%) and overweight (55.81%). Most women were fatigued (72.09%) while physically active women showed lower symptoms of fatigue (p<0.001). Mean scores for QOL were significantly lower among fatigued women (p<0.001). More active women scored higher on all scales of QOL (EORTC), especially for functional capacity (p<0.001), compared with the sedentary patients. A significant association was found between level of physical activity and overall QOL (WHOQOL-Bref) for all domains (p<0.001). Climacteric symptoms ranged from mild to strong and did not show any statistically significant results; however, the most active women had the fewest symptoms. CONCLUSION: physical activity appears to positively influence fatigue and QOL in women diagnosed with breast cancer.

Prevalence of Sexual Dysfunction among Expectant Women.

Purpose To identify pregnancy as a causative factor of sexual dysfunction among expectant women. Methods A prospective study with 225 expectant mothers seen in the prenatal clinic of a federal university. Sexual function was evaluated by means of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and all domains were analyzed (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain). Initially, a univariate analysis of the sample was done. The averages for each domain according to the risk of sexual dysfunction (FSFI ≤ 26.5) were compared using the Student's t-test for independent samples. The strength of the correlation between sexual dysfunction and all sociodemographic, clinical and behavioral variables was measured by the Chi-Square (χ2) test. Then, odds ratios (ORs) and their confidence intervals were assigned to perform a bivariate analysis. Any p values less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results Approximately two-thirds of the women (66.7%) showed signs of risk of sexual dysfunction (FSFI ≤ 26.5). Within these cases, all sexual dysfunction domains (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain) were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.001). The domains most affected were desire (2.67), satisfaction (2.71) and arousal (2.78). Conclusions Pregnancy appears to be an important causative factor of sexual dysfunction among pregnant women.

Physical activity and sexual function in middle-aged women.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between physical activity level and sexual function in middle-aged women. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with a sample of 370 middle-aged women (40-65 years old), treated at public health care facilities in a Brazilian city. A questionnaire was used containing enquiries on sociodemographic, clinical and behavioral characteristics: the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), short form, and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). RESULTS: The average age of the women studied was 49.8 years (± 8.1), 67% of whom exhibited sexual dysfunction (FSFI ≤ 26.55). Sedentary women had a higher prevalence (78.9%) of sexual dysfunction when compared to active (57.6%) and moderately active (66.7%) females (p = 0.002). Physically active women obtained higher score in all FSFI domains (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction and pain) and total FSFI score (20.9), indicating better sexual function than their moderately active (18.8) and sedentary (15.6) counterparts (p <0.05). CONCLUSION: Physical activity appears to influence sexual function positively in middle-aged women.