The Hallmarks of Cervical Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms Induced by Human Papillomavirus.

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) and, specifically, high-risk HPVs (HR-HPVs) are identified as necessary factors in the development of cancer of the lower genital tract, with CaCU standing out as the most prevalent tumor. This review summarizes ten mechanisms activated by HR-HPVs during cervical carcinogenesis, which are broadly associated with at least seven of the fourteen distinctive physiological capacities of cancer in the newly established model by Hanahan in 2022. These mechanisms involve infection by human papillomavirus, cellular tropism, genetic predisposition to uterine cervical cancer (CaCU), viral load, viral physical state, regulation of epigenetic mechanisms, loss of function of the E2 protein, deregulated expression of E6/E7 oncogenes, regulation of host cell protein function, and acquisition of the mesenchymal phenotype.

Impact of an Educational Intervention for Healthy Eating in Older Adults: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

The elderly population in Ecuador is increasing rapidly, with an increasing incidence of diet-related diseases. The elderly living in the community seek alternative and complementary methods to improve their diet and quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the impact of an educational intervention on knowledge related to healthy eating among older adults. This intervention is rooted in the principles of meaningful learning and incorporates culturally adapted materials. A quasi-experimental study design was employed using a pre-test-post-test control group. Study participants were a total of 109 elderly (intervention: n = 51, control: n = 58) people in Cuenca, Ecuador. The educational intervention based on Ausubel's theory of significant learning and Vygotsky's sociocultural theory was programmed to be carried out for one session per week, over 24 weeks, with a duration of 120 min per session. The measures were the general characteristics of the study participants and knowledge about necessary amounts, food sources and the consequences of deficits or excesses in the consumption of macro- and micronutrients. Data were collected from August 2018 to February 2019. Statistically significant differences were observed between the intervention group (IG) and the control group (CG) in terms of knowledge about healthy eating for older adults following the educational intervention. The outcomes of this study strongly suggest the efficacy of the program in improving knowledge related to healthy eating among older adults. Healthcare providers should prioritize food education based on meaningful learning, utilizing culturally adapted materials for the elderly individuals residing within the community.

Human Papillomavirus Prevalence and Associated Factors in Indigenous Women in Ecuador: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study.

Cervical cancer (CC) is the second leading cause of death from malignancy in women in Ecuador. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main causative agent of CC. Although several studies have been conducted on HPV detection in Ecuador, there are limited data on indigenous women. This cross-sectional study aimed to analyze the prevalence of HPV and associated factors in women from the indigenous communities of Quilloac, Saraguro and Sevilla Don Bosco. The study included 396 sexually active women belonging to the aforementioned ethnicities. A validated questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data, and real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests were used to detect HPV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). These communities are located in the southern region of Ecuador and face geographical and cultural barriers to accessing health services. The results showed that 28.35% of women tested positive for both types of HPV, 23.48% for high-risk (HR) HPV, and 10.35% for low-risk (LR) HPV. Statistically significant associations were found between HR HPV and having more than three sexual partners (OR 1.99, CI 1.03-3.85) and Chlamydia trachomatis infection (OR 2.54, CI 1.08-5.99). This study suggests that HPV infection and other sexually transmitted pathogens are common among indigenous women, highlighting the need for control measures and timely diagnosis in this population.

Barriers and facilitators to cervical cancer screening among under-screened women in Cuenca, Ecuador: the perspectives of women and health professionals.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer screening is a cost-effective method responsible for reducing cervical cancer-related mortality by 70% in countries that have achieved high coverage through nationwide screening strategies. However, there are disparities in access to screening. In Ecuador, although cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women, only 58.4% of women of reproductive age have ever been screened for cervical cancer. METHODOLOGY: A qualitative study was performed to understand the current barriers to screening and to identify strategies that could increase uptake in Azuay province, Ecuador. Seven focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with under-screened women and health professionals (HPs). The FGDs were recorded and transcribed. Content analysis was done using the socio-ecological framework to categorize and analyse the data. RESULTS: Overall, 28 women and 27 HPs participated in the study. The two groups perceived different barriers to cervical cancer screening. The HPs considered barriers to be mainly at the policy level (lack of a structured screening plan; lack of health promotion) and the individual level (lack of risk perception; personal beliefs). The women identified barriers mainly at organizational level, such as long waiting times, lack of access to health centres, and inadequate patient-physician communication. Both groups mentioned facilitators at policy level, such as national campaigns promoting cervical cancer screening, and at community and individual level, including health literacy and women's empowerment. CONCLUSIONS: The women considered access to health services the main barrier to screening, while the HPs identified a lack of investment in screening programmes and cultural patterns at the community level as major obstacles. To take an integrated approach to cervical cancer prevention, the perspectives of both groups should be taken into account. Additionally, new strategies and technologies, such as self-administered human papillomavirus (HPV) testing and community participation, should be implemented to increase access to cervical cancer screening.

Role of Self-Sampling for Cervical Cancer Screening: Diagnostic Test Properties of Three Tests for the Diagnosis of HPV in Rural Communities of Cuenca, Ecuador.

BACKGROUND: HPV primary screening has shown effectiveness for cancer prevention; however, gynaecological examination is considered uncomfortable. Self-sampling methods increase the acceptance of screening. The aim of this study is to compare the sensitivity and specificity of clinician sampling versus vaginal and urine self-sampling for HPV diagnosis. METHODS: A diagnostic test study was conducted in a rural parish of Cuenca, Ecuador. A total of 120 women participated. Each participant self-collected urine and vaginal samples and underwent clinician sampling for HPV testing. The latter was considered as the golden standard. All three samples were processed with the same amplification and hybridization protocol for HPV detection (Hybribio) following the manufacturer's instructions. RESULTS: Characteristics of the participants were: median age 35 years; 40.8% married; 46.7% had a primary level of education; and median age of sexual onset, 17.6 years. The prevalence of any type of HPV with clinician sampling was 15.0%, 17.5% with urine sampling and 18.3% with vaginal self-sampling. Self-sampling sensitivity reached 94.4% (IC 74.2-99.9), and specificity 92.1% (IC 85.2-95.9). Urine sampling had a sensitivity of 88.8% (IC 67.2, 96.9), and specificity 94.1% (IC 67.2-96.9). The negative predictive value was 98.9% (IC 94.2-99.8) for vaginal self-sampling and 97.6% (IC 92.6-99.4) for urine sampling. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that vaginal and urine self-sampling methods have similar sensitivity and specificity compared with clinician sampling for the diagnosis of HPV. The correlation between HPV genotypes among the three tests is satisfactory.

Minireview: Situación actual del cáncer de cuello uterino en Ecuador, 2019 / Minireview: Current situation of cervical cancer in Ecuador, 2019

El cáncer de cuello uterino (CCU) es una neoplasia producida principalmente por el virus del papiloma humano (VPH), mismo que se adquiere a través del contacto sexual. El CCU tiene mayor prevalencia en países de ingresos medios y bajos, el 88% de muertes por esta causa a nivel mundial, se producen en países en vías de desarrollo, tales como el Ecuador. El proyecto ELEVATE (Early detection of cervical cancer in hard-to-reach populations of women through portable and point- of-care HPV testing), financiado por la Unión Europea, busca caracterizar el contexto nacional de esta enfermedad; con esta finalidad, se realizó una búsqueda sistemática de artículos científicos y de literatura gris, producida en el Ecuador, utilizando motores de búsqueda especializados, y repositorios virtuales institucionales, de universidades e instancias gubernamentales.(au)

Cervical cancer is a neoplasm mainly caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is acquired through sexual contact. Cervical cancer is more prevalent in low and middle income countries; 88% of worldwide deaths from this cause, occur in developing countries, such as Ecuador. The ELEVATE project (Early detection of cervical cancer in hard-to-reach populations of women through portable and point-of-care HPV testing), funded by the European Union, seeks to characterize the national context of this disease; with this purpose, we carried out a systematic search for scientific articles and gray literature, produced in Ecuador, using specialized search engines, and virtual repositories from universities and government institutions.(au)

Parámetros dietéticos y alimentación habitual de adultos mayores. Cuenca 2018 ­ 2019 / Dietary parameters and habitual diet of older adults. Cuenca 2018 - 2019

Objetivo: conocer los parámetros dietéticos y hábitos alimenticios de adultos mayores atendidos en centros de salud de primer nivel, en la ciudad de Cuenca-Ecuador.Población y métodos: en el estudio descriptivo participaron 102 adultos mayores (AM) pertenecientes a los clubes de la tercera edad de los centros de salud de primer nivel. Los estudiantes del ciclo comunitario de la carrera de Medicina aplicaron un formulario validado previamente con preguntas de condiciones sociodemográficas, parámetros dietéticos y hábitos alimenticios, previa capacitación y firma del consentimiento informado.Resultados: la edad promedio fue de 76 ± 7.20 años, de entre 65 a 95 años, la mayoría eran mujeres, casadas, jubiladas, con educación prima-ria, desocupadas y de estrato socioeconómico bajo. Casi todos ingieren desayuno, almuerzo y merienda, con una consistencia normal. Uno de cada cuatro AM ingiere suplementos vitamínicos, minerales y hierbas. Eligen los alimentos por sabor y menor costo. Ocho de cada diez no pueden preparar sus alimentos. Seis de cada diez se alimentan en forma deficiente, sin necesidad que les agrade o les desagrade lo que comen. Conclusiones: los parámetros y hábitos alimenticios de los AM están relacionados con el envejecimiento y varios factores determinantes. Su cono-cimiento servirá para plantear propuestas sobre alimentación saludable y prevenir enfermedades relacionadas.

Objective: to describe the dietary parameters and eating habits of the elderly who were treated in health centers of the first level, in the city of Cuenca-Ecuador.Population and methods: the descriptive study involved 102 elderly adults belonging to the senior clubs of the first level health centers. The students of the Community Cycle of the medical career applied a validated form, with questions of sociodemographic conditions, dietary parameters and eating habits, with prior training and signing of the informed consent. Results: the average age was 76 ± 7.20 years, between 65 and 95 years, the majority was, married and retired women with primary education, they were unemployed and with low socioeconomic status. Almost everyone eats breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a normal consistency. One in four AM ingests vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements. They choose foods by taste and lower cost. Eight in ten people cannot prepare their food. Six in ten people feed poorly, it does not matter if they like or dislike what they eat. Conclusions: the parameters and eating habits of the AM are related to aging and several determining factors. The knowledge will serve to propose healthy eating and prevent related diseases.

Estudio Transversal: Perfil Epidemiológico de Sífilis Notificada en el Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública. Zonas 6 y 7 Ecuador / Cross-sectional Research: Epidemiological Profile of Syphilis Notified in the National Institute of Public Health Research. Zones 6 and 7 Ecuador

INTRODUCCIÓN: La sífilis constituye un desafío para la salud pública nacional y global por las repercusiones en la vida humana. El objetivo del estudio fue caracterizar el perfil epidemiológico de los casos de sífilis atendidos en el sistema de salud de las zonas 6 y 7. MÉTODOS: Estudio de corte transversal, de datos recogidos en los formularios de investigación/notificación de sífilis de todas las personas atendidas y diagnosticadas mediante pruebas de absorción de anticuerpos treponémicos fluorescentes. Los criterios de inclusión fueron los datos clínicos y epidemiológicos de sospecha para sífilis. Las variables analizadas fueron edad, sexo, procedencia, residencia y pruebas diagnósticas. Para el análisis de inferencia estadística se utilizó Odds Ratio y Chi2 mediante el programa Epi info 7.2 RESULTADOS: El 72 % de las personas diagnosticadas de sífilis tienen entre 20 a 49 años, 53 % del sexo femenino. Las pruebas confirmatorias resultaron reactivas en el 75 % de los casos, de los cuales el 27 % presentaron pruebas serológicas no reactivas y 77 % sin pruebas previas. Las provincias con mayor incidencia de casos fueron Cañar (93 %) y Morona Santiago (87 %) . Se detectaron como factores protectores el sexo femenino (OR 0.41; IC95 % 0.25 ­ 0.68) y la residencia en la provincia de Loja (OR 0.21; IC 95 % 0.10 ­ 0.46). CONCLUSIONES: La prevalencia de casos de sífilis se encuentra en el grupo etario de 20 a 49 años y de sexo masculino. Los factores protectores identificados de manera estadísticamente significativos fueron el sexo femenino y la residencia en la provincia de Loja. Se sugieren desarrollar estrategias para ampliar la cobertura en las personas con sospecha de sífilis, para emprender programas prevención y promoción de la salud.

BACKGROUND: Syphilis constitutes a challenge for national and global public health due to the repercussions on human life. The objective of the study was to characterize the epidemiological profile of the cases of syphilis treated in the health system of zones 6 and 7. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of secondary data collected in the form of investigation / notification of syphilis of all people attended and diagnosed by fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption tests. The inclusion criteria were the clinical and epidemiological data of suspicion for syphilis. The variables analyzed were age, sex, origin, residence and diagnostic tests. Odds Ratio and Chi2 were used for the statistical inference analysis using the Epi info 7.2 programs RESULTS: 72 % of people diagnosed with syphilis are between 20 and 49 years old, 53 % of women. The confirmatory tests were reactive in 75 % of the cases, of which 27 % presented non-reactive serological tests and 77 % without previous tests. The provinces with the highest incidence of cases were Cañar (93 %) and Morona Santiago (87 %). Protective factors were female sex (OR 0.41, 95 % CI 0.25 - 0.68) and residence in the province of Loja (OR 0.21, 95 % CI 0.10 - 0.46) CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of cases of syphilis is found in the age group of 20 to 49 years andmale. The protective factors identified in a statistically significant manner were female sex and residence in the province of Loja. It is suggested to develop strategies to expand coverage in people with suspected syphilis, to undertake prevention and health promotion programs.

Situación de Salud de los Médicos Especialistas Graduados en la Universidad de Cuenca, Años 2004 - 2013 / Health situation of medical specialists graduated from the University of Cuenca, years 2004 - 2013

OBJETIVO: Describir la situación de salud de los egresa-dos y especialistas médicos graduados en la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de la Universidad de Cuenca durante los años 2004 a 2013 y su relación con las condiciones laborales.METODOLOGÍA: Se realizó un estudio de corte transversal mediante un formulario validado autoadministrado por 102 médicos especialistas, luego del consentimien-to informado; también se realizaron entrevistas a informantes claves y revisión de fuentes documentales. El análisis estadístico descriptivo se efectuó mediante frecuencias y porcentajes, y para el cálculo de la probabilidad de asociación entre la autopercepción de la sa-lud con las condiciones laborales, se utilizó la Regresión Logística multivariable, a través del programa SPSS v-20.RESULTADOS: La situación de salud de los especialistas médicos se caracterizó por una autopercepción de la salud entre más que regular y mal en el 22%, riesgo de sufrir algún problema de salud mental (13%), muy poca actividad física (33%), práctica de deporte menos de una vez por semana o no lo hacen (64%), alimentación inadecuada (47%), presencia de dolor (72%), enferme-dades provocadas o agravadas por el trabajo (25%), accidentes laborales (7%), consumo de analgésicos (40%). La autopercepción buena y muy buena de la salud están asociados de manera estadísticamente significativa con el apoyo económico familiar (OR 3.20; IC 95% 1.18 ­ 8.70), vivir con familiares (OR 4.58; IC 95% 1.49 ­ 13.99), y decisión sobre cuándo descansar (OR 5.37; IC 95% 2.19 ­ 13.17). El riesgo de salud mental se asocia de manera significativa con la preocupación sobre los cambios en el salario (OR 5.12; IC 95% 1.46 ­ 17.93).CONCLUSIONES: La autopercepción de buena salud depende del apoyo familiar y del descanso, y el riesgo de la salud mental está asociado con los cambios en los salarios.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out using a validated self-administered form by 102 medical spe-cialists after informed consent; also conducted inter-views with key informants and review of documentary sources were done. The descriptive statistical analysis was performed using frequencies and percentages, and for the calculation of the probability of association between self-perception of health and working con-ditions, the Multivariable Logistic Regression was used through the SPSS v-20 program. RESULTS: The health status of medical specialists was cha-racterized by a self-perception of the health between regular and bad in 22% with risk to suffer any health mental problem (13%), very little physical activity (33%) people who practice any sport less than one time per week or nothing (64%), inadequate food (47%), presen-ce of pain (72%), diseases provoked or aggravated by work (25%), occupational accidents (7%), consumption of analgesics (40%). A good and very good self-percep-tion of health are associated in a statistically significant way with family economic support (OR 3.20, 95% CI 1.18 - 8.70), live with relatives (OR 4.58, 95% CI 1.49 - 13.99), and decision on when to rest (OR 5.37; 95% CI 2.19 to 13.17). The health mental risk is significantly associated with changes in wages (OR 5.12, 95% CI 1.46 - 17.93). CONCLUSIONS: The self-perception of good health de-pends on family support and rest, and the health mental risk is associated with changes in wages.Keywords: Occupational Health, Mental Health, Socioe-conomic Factors, Risk Factors. Medical Staff, Hospital. Universidad de Cuenca.

Percepciones Sobre la Salud Sexual y Reproductiva de las Mujeres Indígenas Kichwas y Shuaras. Ecuador, 2016 / Perceptions on the Sexual and Reproductive Health of Kichwa and Shuara Indigenous Women. Ecuador, 2016

El cáncer de cuello uterino (CCU), es un problema de salud aún no resuelto en los países en vías de desarrollo; esta patología es la principal causa de muerte por cáncer ginecológico en el Ecuador. La cobertura del tamizaje preventivo está influenciada por concepciones culturales de la población, que tienen asidero en las percepciones de cada etnia sobre el proceso etiológico del complejo salud-enfermedad. OBJETIVO: Interpretar las percepciones que tienen las mujeres de los pueblos y nacionalidades indígenas Shuar de Sevilla Don Bosco y Kichwas de Quilloac y Saraguro, acerca de la salud sexual y reproductiva, las infecciones de transmisión sexual, CCU y condiciones asociadas. METODOLOGÍA: Se realizó un estudio cualitativo fenomenológico, mediante 17 grupos focales, 13 historias de vida, con un total de 102 personas entrevistadas. RESULTADOS: Los relatos de las mujeres, entendidos como construcciones colectivas de sus respectivos grupos étnicos, en el contexto de una cultura hegemónica occidental, patriarcal y machista, hacen referencia principalmente a procesos destructivos de su salud sexual y reproductiva, manifestados como infidelidad y promiscuidad masculina, así como la falta de protección con preservativos, lo cual incide en la prevalencia de infecciones de transmisión sexual y CCU. CONCLUSIONES: Las mujeres tienen conciencia sobre un concepto amplio de la salud, que incluye nociones de salud sexual y reproductiva; sin embargo, refieren obstáculos en su ejercicio pleno relacionados con inequidades de clase, género, etnia y generacional, expresados como procesos destructivos de su salud.

Cervical cancer is a health problem unresolved in de-veloping countries; this disease is the leading cause of death from gynecologic cancer in Ecuador. Coverage of preventive screening is influenced by cultural con-ceptions of the population, which are based on the per-ceptions of each ethnic group on the etiologic process health-disease complex. OBJECTIVE: To interpret the perceptions of women of in-digenous peoples and nationalities Shuar of Sevilla Don Bosco and Kichwas of Quilloac and Saraguro, about sexual and reproductive health, sexually transmitted in-fections, cervical cancer and associated conditions. METHODOLOGY: A qualitative, phenomenological study was conducted through 17 focus groups and 13 stories of life study. A total of 102 people interviewed. RESULTS: The stories of women understood as collective constructions of their respective ethnic groups in the context of a Western, patriarchal and maleness hege-monic culture, mainly refer to destructive processes of sexual and reproductive health, manifested as infideli-ty and male promiscuity and as the lack of protection with condoms, which affects the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections and Cervical Cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Women have awareness of a broad concept of health, including notions of sexual and re-productive health; however, relate obstacles in their full exercise, related to inequalities of class, gender, and generational etnia1 expressed as destructive processes of their health.

Efectos de la capacitación en el uso de herramientas informáticas en la docencia médica / Effects of training in the use of computer tools in medical teaching

Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de una estrategia educativa, dirigida a docentes y estudiantes de pregrado y posgrado del área de la salud, para la aplicación de tecnologías de información y comunicación TICs, como apoyo en el proceso formativo. Material y métodos: Se utilizó el diseño cuasiexperimental en el que participaron 477 estudiantes y 123 docentes, el mismo grupo fue considerado antes de la capacitación como expuesto y después como expuesto. El programa educativo incluyó técnicas para la búsqueda, elaboración, presentación y comunicación de la información. La medida del efecto se estableció en los cambios en el uso de las TICs por los docentes y estudiantes, con base en la prueba de McNemar. Resultados: Luego del proceso de capacitación, los docentes incrementaron de manera significativa sus competencias en el uso del 50% de las herramientas informáticas, así como de equipos y recursos de telemedicina y en 6 de 9 valores éticos. Los estudiantes mejoraron de manera significativa en 80% en el uso de herramientas informáticas, 100% de equipos y recursos de telemedicina y en 5 de 9 valores éticos seleccionados para el estudio.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of an educational strategy, aimed at teachers and undergraduate and graduate students in the area of health, for the application of information and communication technologies ICTs as support in the training process. Methods: We used a quasi-experimental design involving 477 students and 123 teachers, the same group was seen before and after training as exposed as above. The educational program included techniques for searching, processing, presentation and communication of information. The measure of effect was established as changes in the use of ICT for teachers and students, based on the McNemar test. Results: After the training process, teachers significantly increased their skills in the use of 50% of the tools and equipment and telemedicine resources and ethical September 6. Students improved significantly by 80% in the use of tools, 100% of telemedicine equipment and resources and September 5 ethical values selected for the study.