Characterization of an At-Risk Population for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) in a Primary Care Setting Along the U.S.-Mexico Border.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to determine the burden of suspected nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in a predominantly Hispanic patient population and explore the utility of the American Gastroenterological Association's NAFLD Clinical Care Pathway (CCP). METHODOLOGY: Electronic medical records (n = 223) were used to divide patients into risk groups based on the amount of metabolic risk factors they presented, diabetic status, or if they presented other liver diseases. Fribosis-4 (FIB-4) scores were used to determine the risk for advanced fibrosis. RESULTS: Most patients (83.8%) were considered at risk for NAFLD based on CCP criteria, and about a third of patients (33.2%) were found to be at indeterminate (n = 60; 26.9%) or high risk (n = 14; 6.3%) for advanced fibrosis. Most indeterminate-risk patients (78.3%) were not referred for liver imaging. DISCUSSION: This study demonstrates the potential of the CCP as a corrective tool that could help to better identify and screen patients at risk for NAFLD.

High-fat and high-carbohydrate diets increase bone fragility through TGF-ß-dependent control of osteocyte function.

Obesity can increase the risk of bone fragility, even when bone mass is intact. This fragility stems from poor bone quality, potentially caused by deficiencies in bone matrix material properties. However, cellular and molecular mechanisms leading to obesity-related bone fragility are not fully understood. Using male mouse models of obesity, we discovered TGF-ß signaling plays a critical role in mediating the effects of obesity on bone. High-carbohydrate and high-fat diets increase TGF-ß signaling in osteocytes, which impairs their mitochondrial function, increases cellular senescence, and compromises perilacunar/canalicular remodeling and bone quality. By specifically inhibiting TGF-ß signaling in mouse osteocytes, some of the negative effects of high-fat and high-carbohydrate diets on bones, including the lacunocanalicular network, perilacunar/canalicular remodeling, senescence, and mechanical properties such as yield stress, were mitigated. DMP1-Cre-mediated deletion of TGF-ß receptor II also blunted adverse effects of high-fat and high-carbohydrate diets on energy balance and metabolism. These findings suggest osteocytes are key in controlling bone quality in response to high-fat and high-carbohydrate diets. Calibrating osteocyte function could mitigate bone fragility associated with metabolic diseases while reestablishing energy balance.

Using the Reach Effectiveness Adoption Implementation Maintenance (RE-AIM) Framework to Evaluate a Tailored Education Program to Reduce Obesity-Related Cancers in El Paso, Texas.

Background: Pasos Para Prevenir Cancer is a tailored lifestyle program that focuses on behavioral modification through knowledge and behavioral strategy education, which was delivered in El Paso, Texas, on the U.S.-Mexico border. Methods: Using the RE-AIM framework, we assessed Pasos Para Prevenir Cancer for efficacy and potential for sustainability. Survey, administrative, and observational data were collected between 2018 and 2022. The program was evaluated to determine reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance. Results: Tailoring and adapting to the U.S.-Mexico border context is feasible and necessary to deliver evidence-based healthy eating and active living education content. Pasos Para Prevenir Cancer was well received and delivered in diverse settings with varying linguistic needs. Components of the program were adopted by other organizations and integrated into existing programming. Conclusions: Adapting and tailoring evidence-based programs to improve healthy eating and active living is required to meet the needs of Latino subgroup populations, like those on the U.S.-Mexico border.

Change in Nutrition Behavior After Participating in an Obesity-Related Cancer Education Program in El Paso, Texas.

BACKGROUND: Roughly 25% of the U.S- Border city, El Paso, Texas is obese. Obesity is a major risk factor for 13 cancers. Cancer is the leading cause of death in El Paso. Therefore, there is a growing urgency to implement evidence-based programs that support behavioral change that helps curb the impact of obesity in El Paso and the U.S.-Mexico border region. PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of an obesity-related cancer prevention program (Pasos Para Prevenir Cancer (PPPC) on changes in participant nutrition behaviors. METHODS: Culturally tailored, theory-based education was provided to adults through the PPPC program. A total of 256 PPPC participants agreed to take part in our program evaluation. Participants were asked to complete a survey at baseline and 6 months after they completed the program. Session included topics on obesity-related cancers, assessing your obesity risk, measuring body fat, SMART goal setting, and how to find the right type of physical activity. For this report we used the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) data to assess changes between baseline and six months. We also used perceived dietary barriers as moderators on the relationship between program participation and nutrition behaviors. RESULTS: Most participants (92.2%) identified as being of Mexican American descent, were between the ages of 41-75 years of age (n = 165) and identified as females (n = 225). 48.1% of the participants were born in Mexico while 50.4% were born in the U.S. Approximately 35-51% of participants improved and sustained their intake of healthier foods at 6 month follow up. Specifically, there was a statistically significant shift from higher fat and sugar content foods to light and low-fat foods, and fruits and vegetables. Participants also increased their consumption of ground chicken, lean red meat, and seafood. A key modifier in this relationship is perceived health risk. CONCLUSION: Latinos on the U.S.-Mexico border ascribe to a healthy living mindset. In general, they frequently eat fruits and vegetables. Participation in PPPC increased perceived barriers to healthy living around cost and convenience and enhanced decision-making around healthier options. Participants responded to our adapted evidence-based program resulting in sustained changes in nutrition behaviors. Using adapted evidence-based strategies developed outside of the U.S.-Mexico border region is a feasible approach to address persist health disparities.

Neighborhoods and Cardiovascular Health: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.

The neighborhoods where individuals reside shape environmental exposures, access to resources, and opportunities. The inequitable distribution of resources and opportunities across neighborhoods perpetuates and exacerbates cardiovascular health inequities. Thus, interventions that address the neighborhood environment could reduce the inequitable burden of cardiovascular disease in disenfranchised populations. The objective of this scientific statement is to provide a roadmap illustrating how current knowledge regarding the effects of neighborhoods on cardiovascular disease can be used to develop and implement effective interventions to improve cardiovascular health at the population, health system, community, and individual levels. PubMed/Medline, CINAHL, Cochrane Library reviews, and ClinicalTrials.gov were used to identify observational studies and interventions examining or targeting neighborhood conditions in relation to cardiovascular health. The scientific statement summarizes how neighborhoods have been incorporated into the actions of health care systems, interventions in community settings, and policies and interventions that involve modifying the neighborhood environment. This scientific statement presents promising findings that can be expanded and implemented more broadly and identifies methodological challenges in designing studies to evaluate important neighborhood-related policies and interventions. Last, this scientific statement offers recommendations for areas that merit further research to promote a deeper understanding of the contributions of neighborhoods to cardiovascular health and health inequities and to stimulate the development of more effective interventions.

CDKN2A deletion remodels lipid metabolism to prime glioblastoma for ferroptosis.

Malignant tumors exhibit heterogeneous metabolic reprogramming, hindering the identification of translatable vulnerabilities for metabolism-targeted therapy. How molecular alterations in tumors promote metabolic diversity and distinct targetable dependencies remains poorly defined. Here we create a resource consisting of lipidomic, transcriptomic, and genomic data from 156 molecularly diverse glioblastoma (GBM) tumors and derivative models. Through integrated analysis of the GBM lipidome with molecular datasets, we identify CDKN2A deletion remodels the GBM lipidome, notably redistributing oxidizable polyunsaturated fatty acids into distinct lipid compartments. Consequently, CDKN2A-deleted GBMs display higher lipid peroxidation, selectively priming tumors for ferroptosis. Together, this study presents a molecular and lipidomic resource of clinical and preclinical GBM specimens, which we leverage to detect a therapeutically exploitable link between a recurring molecular lesion and altered lipid metabolism in GBM.

The Implementation of Evidence-Based Obesity Education Curricula to Prevent Cancer in a Predominantly Mexican-American Community on the U.S.-Mexico Border.

Although cancer is the leading cause of death among Mexican-Americans, few community-based programs target obesity reduction as a way to reduce the prevalence of obesity-related cancer in underserved populations. Evidence suggests that obesity correlates with 13 types of cancer. The objective is to provide an overview of evaluation and selection of evidence-based content; details of the implementation process; modifications needed to tailor education programs to specific needs of different target audiences; and demonstrate challenges of implementing a community-based prevention program intended to reduce cancer incidence and mortality in Mexican-Americans. We used the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) to develop a 10-topic menu of educational classes using elements of multiple evidence-based curricula. Outcome measures for physical activity and nutrition were determined using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the Dietary Screener Questionnaire (DSQ). Weight status was determined using weight, body fat, and body mass index (BMI). To date, 2845 adults received wellness education from our program. Multiple delivery models were used to reach a larger audience; they included a 4-week model, 5-week model, employer model, low-income housing, 1- and 2-h sessions, and clinic encounters. Individuals were given education at multiple community locations including senior centers (14%), churches (0.6%), employers (17.6%), low-income housing (8.2%), community centers (16.6%), clinics (11.5%), and schools (32.5%). Our study indicates that our delivery model is feasible and can disseminate evidence-based obesity education. Further investigation is necessary to assess long-term behavioral change and to assess the most effective model for delivery.

Engagement in Physical Activity Improves after Participation in Pasos Para Prevenir Cancer-An Obesity-Related Cancer Prevention Program in El Paso, Texas.

BACKGROUND: This present study experimentally evaluated the Pasos Para Prevenir Cancer (PPPC) program to determine whether participation was associated with improved physical activity engagement. Evidence suggests that obesity prevention programs improve physical activity (PA) engagement and lead to healthier weights, which substantially impacts cancer and cardiometabolic disease risk. There is a shortage of knowledge on the effectiveness of programs tailored to populations along the U.S.-Mexico border. METHODS: We collected demographic, nutrition, and physical activity data at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months using the Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) for 209 participants. We analyzed the average metabolic equivalents (METS) per week for all physical activity levels and types and the achievement of the recommended METS per week to determine the demographic characteristics most associated with a change between baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. RESULTS: Light activity was the most common activity at all three points, and it slightly increased at 6 months in work settings. Subjects conducted moderate physical activity primarily at home and work, and moderate physical activity increased more compared to vigorous physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: Intervention tailoring might improve PA engagement in Mexican Americans residing on the U.S.-Mexico border; however, larger studies that are more diverse are required.

An electronic medical records study of population obesity prevalence in El Paso, Texas.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we determine the feasibility of using electronic medical record (EMR) data to determine obesity prevalence at the census tract level in El Paso County, Texas, located on the U.S.-Mexico border. METHODS: 2012-2018 Body Mass Index (BMI kg/m2) data from a large university clinic system in was geocoded and aggregated to a census tract level. After cleaning and removing duplicate EMR and unusable data, 143,524 patient records were successful geocoded. Maps were created to assess representativeness of EMR data across census tracts, within El Paso County. Additionally, maps were created to display the distribution of obesity across the same geography. RESULTS: EMR data represented all but one El Paso census tract. Representation ranged from 0.7% to 34.9%. Greatest representation were among census tracts in and around clinics. The mean EMR data BMI (kg/m2) was 30.1, this is approximately 6% less than the 36.0% estimated for El Paso County using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Study (BRFSS) estimate. At the census tract level, obesity prevalence ranged from 26.6 to 57.6%. The highest obesity prevalence were in areas that tended to be less affluent, with a higher concentration of immigrants, poverty and Latino ethnic concentration. CONCLUSIONS: EMR data use for obesity surveillance is feasible in El Paso County, Texas, a U.S.-Mexico border community. Findings indicate substantial obesity prevalence variation between census tracts within El Paso County that may be associated with population distributions related to socioeconomics.

An ORBIT Phase 1: Design study of a citywide employer-based walking challenges in a predominantly Mexican American metropolitan area.

Most Mexican-Americans do not meet current physical activity recommendations. This paper uses the ORBIT model of obesity intervention development as a framework to outline the process of establishing three employer-based walking challenges in El Paso, Texas, a predominantly Mexican American community. The walking challenges were planned and implemented through the Border Coalition for Fitness and participating partnering organizations. Over 2000 participants and several employers took part in the walking challenges. Results from this ORBIT Phase 1 design intervention suggest that walking challenges are a feasible approach to increase physical activity in Mexican-Americans.

Walking Engagement in Mexican Americans Who Participated in a Community-Wide Step Challenge in El Paso, TX.

In the United States, the Latinx population has the highest prevalence of physical inactivity compared with other ethnicities. Research shows that work-based physical activity interventions have been widely implemented in the non-Latinx population and effectively increase physical activity in the non-Latinx population. In an effort to improve physical activity and reduce obesity among the Latinx population, we conducted 10,000 Steps for 100 Days, an employer-based walking challenge campaign, to increase walking engagement among Latinx employees located in El Paso, Texas. Participants reported their number of steps using a pedometer or smartphone. Step counts were collected at baseline, 2 weeks post challenge, and 6 months post challenge. Screenshots of the tracking device were uploaded to an online tracker. Regression analysis was conducted to identify covariates associated with baseline and 2-week and 6-month average daily steps. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were performed to predict steps over time by demographic characteristics. Participation in the 10,000 Steps for 100 Days walking challenge was associated with a sustained increase in average daily steps. Participants with less than 7000 steps per day demonstrated the greatest increase in average daily steps (921 steps at 2 weeks; 1002.4 steps at 6 months). Demographic characteristics were not significant predictors of average steps, except that married participants had higher average steps. Participants with 10,000 or more daily steps had a 51% (p = 0.031) higher chance of having a professional occupation than a non-professional one compared to those with 7000 or fewer daily steps. We provided initial evidence that the walking challenge is an effective approach for improving physical activity in the Latinx population.

Using Electronic Medical Record Data to Better Understand Obesity in Hispanic Neighborhoods in El Paso, Texas.

The prevalence of obesity has been persistent amongst Hispanics over the last 20 years. Socioeconomic inequities have led to delayed diagnosis and treatment of chronic medical conditions related to obesity. Factors contributing include lack of insurance and insufficient health education. It is well-documented that obesity amongst Hispanics is higher in comparison to non-Hispanics, but it is not well-understood how the socioeconomic context along with Hispanic ethnic concentration impact the prevalence of obesity within a community. Specifically studying obesity within Hispanic dominant regions of the United States, along the Texas-Mexico border will aid in understanding this relationship. El Paso, Texas is predominantly Mexican-origin Hispanic, making up 83% of the county's total population. Through the use of electronic medical records, BMI averages along with obesity prevalence were analyzed for 161 census tracts in the El Paso County. Geographic weighted regression and Hot Spot technology were used to analyze the data. This study did identify a positive association between Hispanic ethnic concentration and obesity prevalence within the El Paso County. Median income did have a direct effect on obesity prevalence while evidence demonstrates that higher education is protective for health.

Physical activity change after a promotora-led intervention in low-income Mexican American women residing in South Texas.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine physical activity (PA) preferences associated with increases in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and decrease in sedentary time in Mexican American (MA) women participating in a Promotora (community health worker)-led intervention on the U.S.-Mexico border. METHODS: Enlace ('to link' in Spanish) was a randomized clinical trial to increase PA in low-income, MA women living in South Texas on the U.S.-Mexico border. A total of 620 participants were recruited into the study. The primary outcome was increase in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) using the Actigraph GT3X 16 Mb accelerometer. A modified version of the Community Health Activities Model Program for Seniors Physical Activity (CHAMPS) instrument was used to predict MVPA. Adjusted and unadjusted logistic regression models predicted change in MVPA by change in CHAMPS activities. ANOVA analysis determined the variance explained in change in MVPA by change in time engaged in activity. Individual effect sizes were then calculated for significant activity type change on MVPA increase. RESULTS: There were significant increases in all CHAMPS activities except aerobic machines and errand walking. An increase in leisure walking (O.R. = 2.76, p = .046), errand (O.R. = 3.53, p = .051), and brisk walking (O.R. = 4.74, p = .011), dance (O.R. = 8.22, p = .003), aerobics class (O.R. = 32.7, p = .001), and light housework (O.R. = 6.75, p = .000), were associated with a decrease in sedentary time. Significant effect sizes for MVPA were observed for jogging (1.2, p = .050), general exercise (1.6, p = .024), and other exercise not specified (2.6, p = .003). Significant effect sizes for sedentary time were detected for leisure time (.031, p = .036), errands (.017, p = .022), brisk walking (.022, p = .003), dance (.042, p = .005), and aerobics class (.013, p = .009). DISCUSSION: Participants who engaged in walking and aerobic activities through this intervention significantly increased their engagement in MVPA and decreased their sedentary time. These findings are novel, since preferences have not been examined in relation to MVPA or sedentary time in MA women. CONCLUSION: PA preferences need to be considered when aiming to promote activities that reduce sedentary time and increase PA participation among marginalized groups, such as MA women. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02046343 .

Hereditary Breast Cancer Risk Analysis in Uninsured Mexican-Origin Women Living in the U.S.-Mexico Border Region.

PURPOSE: This article describes the risk of hereditary breast cancer (HBC) in low-income Hispanic women living on the U.S.-Mexico border using the Pedigree Assessment Tool (PAT). METHOD: The PAT was administered as part of the El Paso and Hudspeth County Breast Cancer Education, Screening and NavigaTion program (BEST). Baseline data (n = 1,966) from this program was used to analyze risk factors for HBC. Analysis was conducted to determine significant covariates associated with the presence of any PAT risk factors. RESULTS: The PAT identified 17% (95% CI [15%, 19%]) of the women in the study as having some risk of HBC. Having had a mammogram within 3 years was significantly associated with having any PAT risk factors (odds ratio [OR] = 1.79, p = .006). Women who immigrated to the United States during childbearing age (OR = 0.610, p = .009) or during peri/menopause (OR = 0.637, p = .024) were significantly less likely to have any PAT risk factors. DISCUSSION: The PAT instrument detected a substantial pool of women who may be at risk for HBC. A significant proportion of these women were not up to date mammogram. CONCLUSIONS: The PAT is an effective tool to identify women at risk for HBC and encourage regular screening.

The Role of Social Support and the Neighborhood Environment on Physical Activity in Low-income, Mexican-American Women in South Texas.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the relationships between physical activity (PA), the neighborhood environment support for PA, and social support for PA among Mexican-American women living in South Texas. The Enlace study was a randomized controlled trial that tested the effectiveness of a promotora-led PA intervention among low-income Mexican origin women (n=614) living in colonias. METHODS: The dependent measures included accelerometer-measured average moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary breaks and the Community Health Activities Model Program for Seniors PA 41-item questionnaire. The independent measures included the Physical Activity and Neighborhood Environment Scale (PANES) and the 13-item Physical Activity Social Support (PASS) scale. RESULTS: Enlace participants were on average 40.4 (standard deviation, 10.3) years old, born in Mexico (86.1%), and uninsured (83.1%). Adjusted linear regression results indicated that each 1-point increment in the PANES overall score was associated with 0.050 (p<0.001) unit increase in sedentary break and a -0.043 (p=0.001) unit decrease in sedentary break duration. Both PANES (ß=0.296; p=0.002) and PASS scores (ß=0.076; p<0.001) were associated with weekly average self-reported MVPA. Interaction effects were observed between PASS scores and accelerometer-measured frequency of sedentary breaks and sedentary time duration. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study indicate that the relationships between PA and built environment and social support are measure-dependent and suggest that reducing sedentary time in this population may require a closer assessment of social support for PA.

Change in Breast Cancer Screening Knowledge is Associated With Change in Mammogram Intention in Mexican-Origin Women After an Educational Intervention.

PURPOSE: To determine the relationship between breast cancer screening knowledge and intent to receive a mammogram within 6 months in a sample of Mexican-origin women living in El Paso, Texas. METHODS: A total of 489 uninsured Mexican-origin women were assigned to treatment or control and completed surveys at pre- and postintervention. Pre-post associations between breast cancer screening knowledge and intent were tested. RESULTS: Participants were on average were 56.7 years of age and spoke primarily Spanish (92.6%). Most of the samples had not had a mammogram in 3 or more years (51.6%) and 14.6% had never had a mammogram. At baseline, the majority intended to be screened for breast cancer within the next 6 months (93.4%). At postintervention, half of the intervention group changed their 6-month intent to be screened for breast cancer from likely to unlikely. Change in intent was associated with a change in knowledge of risk of having a first child by the age of 30 and breast cancer being rare after the age of 70. DISCUSSION: Intent to be screened for breast cancer in Mexican-origin women may be influenced by the type of knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: Change in screening knowledge may influence perceived risk that influences intention to be screened.

Evaluation of Healthy Fit: A Community Health Worker Model to Address Hispanic Health Disparities.

INTRODUCTION: Hispanics in the United States have disproportionately high rates of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes and poorer access to preventive health services. Healthy Fit uses community health workers to extend public health department infrastructure and address Hispanic health disparities related to cardiovascular disease and access to preventive health services. We evaluated the effectiveness of Healthy Fit in 1) reaching Hispanic Americans facing health disparities, and 2) helping participants access preventive health services and make behavior changes to improve heart health. METHODS: Community health workers recruited a sample of predominantly low-income Hispanic immigrant participants (N = 514). Following a health screening, participants received vouchers for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening, and received vaccinations as needed for influenza, pneumonia, and human papillomavirus. Participants who were overweight or had high blood pressure received heart health fotonovelas and referrals to community-based exercise activities. Community health workers completed follow-up phone calls at 1, 3, and 6 months after the health screening to track participant uptake on the referrals and encourage follow-through. RESULTS: Participants faced health disparities related to obesity and screening for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer. Postintervention completion rates for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening were 54%, 43%, and 32%, respectively, among participants who received a voucher and follow-up phone call. Among participants with follow-up data who were overweight or had high blood pressure, 70% read the fotonovela, 66% completed 1 or more heart health activities in the fotonovela, 21% attended 1 or more community-based exercise activities, and 79% took up some other exercise on their own. CONCLUSION: Healthy Fit is a feasible and low-cost strategy for addressing Hispanic health disparities related to cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Type 2 diabetes, depressive symptoms and disability over a 15-year follow-up period in older Mexican Americans living in the southwestern United States.

AIMS: To evaluate how depression and diabetes severity impact disability progression among Mexican Americans over a 15-year period. METHODS: We used seven waves of the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly (H-EPESE). Primary disability outcomes included the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scales. Explanatory variables included time since diagnosis with diabetes (no type 2 diabetes, 1-10, 11-20, 21+), an indicator of disease severity, and depression. Longitudinal generalized estimating equation models were used to estimate the relationship between time since diabetes diagnosis, depressive symptoms and ADL and IADL disability progression over a 15-year time period. RESULTS: Years since diabetes diagnosis was associated with more rapid ADL and IADL disability progression compared to those without type 2 diabetes. Depression accelerated the disabling process in participants who were diagnosed with diabetes 11years or more years ago. CONCLUSIONS: Longer duration of diabetes and greater symptoms of depression increase vulnerability for disability among older Mexican American adults.

Species abundance and temporal variation of arbovirus vectors in Brownsville, Texas.

The recent outbreaks of the dengue fever and West Nile viruses and the looming threats of the Zika and chikungunya viruses highlight the importance of establishing effective, proactive arboviral surveillance in communities at high risk of transmission, such as those on the Texas-Mexico border. Currently, there are no approved human vaccines available for these mosquito-borne diseases, so entomological control and case management are the only known methods for decreasing disease incidence. The principal vectors, which include Culex quinquefasciatus, Aedes aegypti, and Ae. Albopictus, all have an established presence in South Texas. The public health response to most arbovirus outbreaks in the region has been reactionary rather than proactive. However, after the 2005 dengue outbreak and subsequent fatality, the City of Brownsville Public Health Department began collecting data on mosquito vector abundance and incidence. The objective of this study was to describe the various species of mosquitoes found in vector surveillance in Brownsville, Texas, during 2009-2013; quantify their prevalence; and identify any associations with temporal or weather-related variations. The results confirm a significant mosquito population in Brownsville in late winter months, indicating a high risk of arbovirus transmission in South Texas year-round, and not just until November, previously considered the end date of arbovirus season by state health services. The data from Brownsville's surveillance program can help characterize local vector ecology and facilitate more proactive mitigation of future arboviral threats in South Texas.

Species abundance and temporal variation of arbovirus vectors in Brownsville, Texas / Abundancia de especies y variación temporal de los vectores de arbovirus en Brownsville, Texas

The recent outbreaks of the dengue fever and West Nile viruses and the looming threats of the Zika and chikungunya viruses highlight the importance of establishing effective, proactive arboviral surveillance in communities at high risk of transmission, such as those on the Texas– Mexico border. Currently, there are no approved human vaccines available for these mosquito-borne diseases, so entomological control and case management are the only known methods for decreasing disease incidence. The principal vectors, which include Culex quinquefasciatus, Aedes aegypti, and Ae. Albopictus, all have an established presence in South Texas. The public health response to most arbovirus outbreaks in the region has been reactionary rather than proactive. However, after the 2005 dengue outbreak and subsequent fatality, the City of Brownsville Public Health Department began collecting data on mosquito vector abundance and incidence. The objective of this study was to describe the various species of mosquitoes found in vector surveillance in Brownsville, Texas, during 2009–2013; quantify their prevalence; and identify any associations with temporal or weather-related variations. The results confirm a significant mosquito population in Brownsville in late winter months, indicating a high risk of arbovirus transmission in South Texas year-round, and not just until November, previously considered the end date of arbovirus season by state health services. The data from Brownsville’s surveillance program can help characterize local vector ecology and facilitate more proactive mitigation of future arboviral threats in South Texas.

Los últimos brotes de los virus del dengue y del Nilo Occidental y la inminente amenaza del virus del Zika y el chikunguña ponen de relieve la importancia de instaurar un sistema eficaz y proactivo de vigilancia de los arbovirus en las comunidades expuestas a un riesgo alto de transmisión, como las ubicadas en la frontera entre Texas y México. Actualmente no se dispone de ninguna vacuna humana aprobada contra estas enfermedades transmitidas por mosquitos, de manera que el control entomológico y el manejo de los casos son los únicos métodos conocidos para reducir la incidencia de estas enfermedades. Está comprobada la presencia de los princi-pales vectores, entre los que se cuentan las especies Culex quinquefasciatus, Aedes aegypti y Ae. albopictus, en la zona sur de Texas. La respuesta de salud pública a la mayoría de los brotes de arbovirus en la región ha sido reactiva en lugar de proactiva. Sin embargo, después del brote de dengue registrado en el 2005 y dada su letalidad, el Departamento de Salud Pública de la Ciudad de Brownsville empezó a recopilar datos sobre la abundancia de los mosquitos vectores y la incidencia de las enfermedades que transmi-ten. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir las diversas especies de mos-quitos encontrados mediante la vigilancia de vectores realizada en Brownsville (Texas) entre los años 2009 y 2013, cuantificar su prevalencia y determinar si hay alguna relación con las variaciones temporales o climáti-cas. Los resultados confirman que Brownsville tiene una población signifi-cativa de mosquitos en los últimos meses del invierno, lo que indica un alto riesgo de transmisión de arbovirus en la zona sur de Texas durante todo el año y no solo hasta noviembre, mes en el que los servicios de salud del estado solían considerar que culminaba la temporada de arbovirus. Los datos del programa de vigilancia de Brownsville pueden ayudar a caracte-rizar la ecología local de los vectores y propiciar una mitigación más proac-tiva de las futuras amenazas arbovirales en la zona sur de Texas.