Collective good and individual choice: Perceptions on COVID-19 vaccine mandate among COVID-19 vaccinated individuals.

INTRODUCTION: Vaccine mandates are controversial, and people vary widely in their preferences to support or reject vaccine mandates. For some, vaccine mandates represent a commitment to reduce harm and support public health. For others, vaccine mandates are viewed as a threat to individual freedom and a violation of personal choice. This manuscript investigated support for a COVID-19 vaccine mandate among COVID-19-vaccinated individuals and identified differences by demographic characteristics and COVID-19 experience. METHODS: Cross-sectional surveys were given to COVID-19-vaccinated individuals at a vaccination clinic in South Texas in the U.S. with the goal of identifying attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions about COVID-19 vaccination and willingness to support a COVID-19 vaccination mandate. Associations of interest were analyzed using descriptive statistics. KEY RESULTS: Approximately half of the sample was of Hispanic or Latino origin (48 %); most respondents identified as White (59 %), followed by 12 % who identified as Asian. Overall, 59 % of participants supported the possibility for a COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Preliminary data showed significant racial differences in willingness to support a possible COVID-19 vaccine mandate (χ2 (1, n = 893) = 26.7, p < .001, phi = .17); 80 % of Asian people reported support for COVID-19 vaccination mandate compared to 50 % to 57 % for other racial groups. Significant differences also emerged by ethnicity (χ2 (4, n = 1033) = 7.12, p = .008, phi = .08) whereby a higher percentage of Latino participants (66 %) reported willingness to support a COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Similarly, significant differences were found by age (χ2 (4, n = 1045) = 20.92, p < .001, phi = .21), yet no significant differences were found by sex or previous COVID-19 diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Support for a COVID-19 vaccination mandate is controversial even among vaccinated people. Identifying and understanding cultural and contextual factors that underlie differences in attitudes and beliefs about COVID-19 vaccination mandates is essential to advance dialogue and inform educational health campaigns to increase COVID-19 vaccination rates.

Modulation of the Altered Intestinal Microbiota by Use of Antibiotics with a Novel Synbiotic on Wistar Rats.

The use of antibiotics unbalances the intestinal microbiota. Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics are alternatives for these unbalances. The effects of a new synbiotic composed of probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 and fructans from Agave salmiana (fAs) as prebiotics were assessed to modulate the intestinal microbiota. Two probiotic presentations, the commercial probiotic (CP) and the microencapsulated probiotic (MP) to improve those effects, were used to prepare the synbiotics and feed Wistar rats subjected to antibiotics (AB). Eight groups were studied, including five controls and three groups to modulate the microbiota after the use of antibiotics: G5: AB + MP-synbiotic, G6: AB + CP-synbiotic, and G8: AB + fAs. All treatments were administered daily for 7 days. On days 7 and 21, euthanasia was performed, cecum tissue was recovered and used to evaluate histological analysis and to study microphotograph by TEM, and finally, bacterial DNA was extracted and 16S rRNA gene metabarcode sequencing was performed. Histological analysis showed less epithelial damage and more abundance of the intestinal microbiota in the groups G5, G6, and G8 in comparison with the AB control group after 7 days. Microphotograph of the cecum at 2 weeks post treatment showed that G5 and G6 presented beneficial effects in epithelial reconstruction. Interestingly, in the groups that used the synbiotic without AB (G3 and G4) in addition to contributing to the recovery of the autochthonous microbiota, it promotes the development of beneficial microorganisms; those results were also achieved in the groups that used the synbiotic with AB enhancing the bacterial diversity and regulating the impact of AB.

A Survey of Vaping Use, Perceptions, and Access in Adolescents from South-Central Texas Schools.

Despite efforts to dissuade major manufacturers and retailers from marketing and selling vape products to adolescents, the practice of vaping continues to increase in this population. Few studies have assessed adolescent perceptions of vaping, access to vaping, and use of vaping, and most rely, at least in part, on inferential conclusions drawn from data on smoking traditional combustible cigarettes. A novel electronic survey was created to assess the use of vapes, perceptions of vaping, and access to vaping among a convenience sample of adolescents (ages 12-20 years) in eleven schools in South-Central Texas from May to August 2021. The students' perceived threat of negative health outcomes due to vaping was calculated based on questions soliciting perceptions of severity (perceived danger) and susceptibility (perceived likelihood of illness). Trends were identified using descriptive and bivariate statistical tests. A total of 267 respondents were included; 26% had tried vaping. A majority (63%) did not believe vaping and smoking were synonymous. Most (70%) thought it was easy to obtain supplies and (76%) vape before and after (88%) or even during (64%) school. Respondents who vaped had a 34% lower perceived threat when compared to respondents who did not vape. In this sample of adolescents from South-Central Texas, one in four reported that they had tried vaping. Easy access to vapes and misperceptions regarding the safety of vaping might create a false sense of security with respect to vaping as an alternative to smoking, particularly among those who reported vaping, and is likely contributing to the increased use of vapes.

Patient Navigation Increases Linkage to Care and Receipt of Direct-acting Antiviral Therapy in Patients with Hepatitis C.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Patient navigation interventions can improve health outcomes in underserved, low-income, and racial and ethnic minority groups, who often experience health disparities. We examined the effectiveness of patient navigation to improve linkage to hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment receipt in a socioeconomically disadvantaged, racially diverse patient population. METHODS: We performed a pre-post analysis evaluating the effectiveness of a patient navigation program among baby boomers who tested positive for HCV in a safety-net health system. The usual care group (June 2013 to May 2015) and patient navigation group (January 2016 to December 2017) were balanced using a stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighting approach. We used logistic regression analyses to evaluate associations between patient navigation and linkage to care for HCV treatment evaluation, treatment initiation, and sustained virologic response. RESULTS: Among 1353 patients (62% black, 61% uninsured, 16% homeless), 769 were in the usual care group, and 584 were in the patient navigation group. The patient navigation group had significantly higher odds of linkage to care (odds ratio [OR], 3.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.9-4.8) and treatment initiation (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 2.3-4.2) within 6 months. The patient navigation group continued to have increased linkage to care (OR, 3.4; 95% CI, 2.7-4.3) and treatment initiation (OR 2.3; 95% CI, 1.7-3.0) at 12 months. However, there was no significant difference in sustained virologic response between the groups (86.9% vs 86.1%; P = .78). CONCLUSIONS: Patient navigation was associated with significantly increased linkage to care and treatment initiation among patients with HCV infection. Patient navigation programs can be used to promote HCV elimination among traditionally difficult-to-reach patient populations.

Factors Associated with HPV Vaccine Adherence among Latino/a Adolescents in a Rural, Texas-Mexico Border County.

Objective: Completion of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine series among Texas Hispanic adolescents is low compared to national data. We examined the association between HPV vaccine initiation and completion among Hispanic adolescents in a rural, Texas-Mexico border county and specific individual and neighborhood-level characteristics. Design: Cross-sectional analysis of data from a broader cancer prevention program. Setting: Underserved colonias communities in a Texas-Mexico border county. Participants: Hispanic mothers or caregivers (n=712) and adolescents aged 11-17 years (n=1120) linked to publicly available data about their neighborhood. Main Outcome Measures: HPV vaccine adherence (ie, initiation and completion) as reported in either the Texas Immunization Registry or adolescents' electronic medical records, measured at the end of the cancer prevention program. Methods: Logit and multi-level mixed-effects logistic regression of individual- and neighborhood-level data. Results: Factors associated with HPV vaccine initiation and completion were female gender (P<.01), adolescent insurance status (P<.001), and receipt of required vaccines (P<.001). After controlling for neighborhood-level characteristics, only receipt of required vaccines remained significant. Conclusions: Findings indicate a relationship between Hispanic adolescents' receiving the required vaccine series for school admission and HPV vaccine initiation and completion. In resource-limited settings like federally qualified health centers, further efforts should focus on implementing best practices at both the provider level (eg, education on bundled vaccine recommendation) and practice-level (eg, outreach and support by trained immunization navigators).

Serum lead levels and its association with overweight and obesity.

BACKGROUND: Lead (Pb) exposure has been associated with cardiovascular diseases and metabolic syndrome, nevertheless its association with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and dyslipidemia markers has been little explored in Mexico. Therefore, we evaluated the association of serum Pb levels (Pb-S), with body mass index (BMI), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), total cholesterol (TC), and triglycerides (TG). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed on 85 Mexican adults (57 women and 28 men). BMI was calculated, while FPG, TC, and TG were measured by the enzymatic colorimetric method. Total Pb-S levels were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). RESULTS: The study population was 20.3 ± 1.9 years old, showed an average of Pb-S of 0.0982 ± 0.068 µg dL-1, and presented a frequency of overweight (OW) and obesity (OB) of 50.5% and 18.8%, respectively. Men had higher average FPG than women (Women= 83.930 ± 5.662 vs Men= 84.953 ± 6.495; p = 0.037). When we analyzed anthropometric and clinical variables, Pb-S and frequency of OW and OB were observed to increase within the categories of Pb-S tertiles (<0.001). The averages of Pb-S were 0.051 ± 0.035 µg dL-1, 0.107 ± 0.067 µg dL-1, and 0.151 ± 0.063 µg dL-1 for individuals with normal weight (NW), OW, and OB, respectively. In addition, an analysis adjusted for age and sex shows Pb-S is positively associated with BMI (ß = 2.76 ± 0.498, p = <0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results evidence a significant association between Pb-S and the increase of BMI in Mexican adults and highlight the important health impact that may represent environmental Pb exposure.

A qualitative descriptive study of providers' perspectives on human papillomavirus vaccine administration among Latino/a adolescents in South Texas clinics: barriers and facilitators.

BACKGROUND: South Texas Latinas experience higher cervical cancer incidence and mortality compared to Latinas nationwide. Despite the availability of effective human papillomavirus vaccines, South Texas Latino/a adolescents sub-optimally complete the series. Research shows provider recommendation strongly predicts vaccine uptake, but minority adolescents are less likely to report that their provider recommended the vaccine and series completion. There is also scant information on the HPV vaccine administration process in clinic practices providing vaccination services to Latino adolescents with limited access to healthcare resources. The purpose of the study was to describe providers' experience with administering the HPV vaccine to Latino/a patients in their practices. METHODS: The study used qualitative description to describe the experience of 15 South Texas healthcare providers (doctors and nurses) with the process of HPV vaccine administration in their practices. We conducted open ended, audio-recorded interviews, which were subsequently transcribed verbatim and uploaded into Atlas.(ti) 7.0 for analysis. The interviews yielded detailed descriptions of barriers and facilitators that could potentially impact HPV vaccine uptake. RESULTS: Providers identified parental exposure to provider recommendation as enhancing HPV acceptance and existing policies and implementation of evidence-based practices as facilitators of HPV vaccine uptake. Barriers ranged from parental fears of adolescent sexual activity and potential vaccine side effects to lack of transportation and the cost of the vaccine. CONCLUSION: These findings reflect barriers and facilitators to administering the HPV vaccine previously identified and also highlight issues unique to the situation among Latinos in South Texas. Implications include the need to design and implement efforts to improve provider-parent communication and enhance parental and adolescent patients' understanding of and confidence in the HPV vaccine. Furthermore, policy changes are needed to rectify organizational/structural challenges to HPV vaccine administration.

Stress-Busting Program for Family Caregivers: Validation of the Spanish version using biomarkers and quality-of-life measures.

Hispanic family caregivers of people with dementia experience higher levels of stress compared to non-Hispanic white caregivers. Long-term stress causes depression, caregiver burden, cellular aging, and dysregulation of the immune, nervous, and endocrine systems. The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of the Spanish version of the English Stress-Busting Program (SBP) for Family Caregivers by determining changes in quality-of-life measures and biomarkers. Thirty-six caregivers completed the SBP in the language of their choice (14 Spanish-speaking Hispanics [HS], 8 English-speaking Hispanics [HE], and 14 non-Hispanic English [NHE] speakers). Quality-of-life measures included the Perceived Stress Scale, the Screen for Caregiver Burden, and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Assessment of oral health and immunity included salivary flow rate, pH, buffer capacity, total protein, and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA). Indicators of stress (salivary cortisol), inflammation (C-reactive protein), and cellular aging (leukocyte telomere length) were assessed. Following completion of the SBP, the Spanish-speaking group had less depression and caregiver burden along with improved oral health and reduced cellular aging. When comparing baseline values to post-intervention, all three groups showed significant improvement in subjective caregiver burden. When the data from all three groups were combined, biomarkers that showed improvement after nine weeks of SBP included the stress hormone cortisol, salivary pH, and leukocyte telomere length. The results indicate that the Spanish SBP reduces caregiver stress as assessed by quality-of-life indicators and biomarkers. The Spanish SBP can help to mitigate health disparities in Hispanic Spanish-speaking caregivers.

Relationship Between Serum Levels of Arsenic, Cadmium, and Mercury and Body Mass Index and Fasting Plasma Glucose in a Mexican Adult Population.

In Mexico, few studies have analyzed the associations between toxic elements and metabolic diseases. In the present study, we analyzed the associations between serum arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) levels and body mass index (BMI) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) in a Mexican adult population. Anthropometric data corresponding to 86 Mexican healthy adults (59 females and 27 men) were analyzed. FPG was analyzed by an enzymatic colorimetric method, and serum As, Cd, and Hg levels were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The data show that the median serum As, Cd, and Hg levels were relatively higher in females (As = 1.78 ng mL-1, Cd = 1.00 ng mL-1, Hg = 0.96 ng mL-1) than those in males (As = 1.22 ng mL-1, Cd = 0.91 ng mL-1, Hg = 0.95 ng mL-1). However, these differences were not statistically significant (p ≥ 0.097). We also found that the median level of As significantly increased with an increase in the body weight categories (normal weight = 1.08; overweight = 1.50; obesity = 2.75; p < 0.001). In addition, a positive association between serum As levels and FPG before and after adjustment for BMI was demonstrated (RhoUnadjusted = 0.012; (RhoAdjusted = 0.243, p = 0.032). Serum As levels are positively associated with BMI and FPG in the adult population of Mexico. Nevertheless, these results need to be replicated and confirmed with a larger sample size.

Educating Primary Care Providers and Associate Care Providers About Hepatitis C Screening of Baby Boomers: a Multi-practice Study.

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) increases the risk for hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite higher prevalence of HCV in persons born 1945-1965 (baby boomer), screening has not been widely adopted. Both primary care providers (PCPs) and associate care providers (ACPs) need to be educated about the rationale and methods to screen for HCV. In five Federally Qualified Health Centers serving low-income Hispanic communities, PCPs and ACPs attended a 50-min training lecture about HCV epidemiology, screening methods, and evaluation. Using a 12-item questionnaire, knowledge and attitudes were compared for PCPs and ACPs at baseline (pre-test) and following training (post-test). A higher proportion of PCPs correctly answered 3 of 6 knowledge questions on both pre-test and post-test but ACPs' showed more improvement in knowledge (all P < 0.05). ACPs had more favorable attitudes about linking patients to care on pre- and post-tests than PCPs, and ACPs' attitudes improved on all 6 items versus 4 for PCPs. Both PCPs and ACPs improved knowledge and attitudes after training about HCV screening but ACPs had more favorable attitudes than PCPs. Engaging the entire primary care practice team in learning about HCV screening promotes knowledge and attitudes necessary for successful implementation.

Bootstrapping implementation research training: A successful approach for academic health centers.

Demand for building competencies in implementation research (IR) outstrips supply of training programs, calling for a paradigm shift. We used a bootstrap approach to leverage external resources and create IR capacity through a novel 2-day training for faculty scientists across the four Texas Clinical & Translational Science Awards (CTSAs). The Workshop combined internal and external expertise, targeted nationally established IR competencies, incorporated new National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute OpenAccess online resources, employed well-known adult education principles, and measured impact. CTSA leader buy-in was reflected in financial support. Evaluation showed increased self-reported IR competency; statewide initiatives expanded. The project demonstrated that, even with limited onsite expertise, it was possible to bootstrap resources and build IR capacity de novo in the CTSA community.

Technology-Based Interventions for Cancer Caregivers: Concept Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is a taxing chronic disease that demands substantial care, most of which is shouldered by informal caregivers. As a result, cancer caregivers often have to manage considerable challenges that could result in severe physical and psychological health consequences. Technology-based interventions have the potential to address many, if not all, of the obstacles caregivers encounter while caring for patients with cancer. However, although the application of technology-based interventions is on the rise, the term is seldom defined in research or practice. Considering that the lack of conceptual clarity of the term could compromise the effectiveness of technology-based interventions for cancer caregivers, timely research is needed to bridge this gap. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to clarify the meaning of technology-based interventions in the context of cancer caregiving and provide a definition that can be used by cancer caregivers, patients, clinicians, and researchers to facilitate evidence-based research and practice. METHODS: The 8-step concept analysis method by Walker and Avant was used to analyze the concept of technology-based interventions in the context of cancer caregiving. PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus were searched for studies that examined technology-based interventions for cancer caregivers. RESULTS: The defining attributes of technology-based interventions were recognized as being accessible, affordable, convenient, and user-friendly. On the basis of insights gained on the defining attributes, antecedents to, and consequences of technology-based interventions through the concept analysis process, technology-based interventions were defined as the use of technology to design, develop, and deliver health promotion contents and strategies aimed at inducing or improving positive physical or psychological health outcomes in cancer caregivers. CONCLUSIONS: This study clarified the meaning of technology-based interventions in the context of cancer caregiving and provided a clear definition that can be used by caregivers, patients, clinicians, and researchers to facilitate evidence-based oncology practice. A clear conceptualization of technology-based interventions lays foundations for better intervention design and research outcomes, which in turn have the potential to help health care professionals address the needs and preferences of cancer caregivers more cost-effectively.

Gut microbiome differences among Mexican Americans with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PURPOSE: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an urgent public health problem and disproportionately affects Mexican Americans. The gut microbiome contributes to the pathophysiology of diabetes; however, no studies have examined this association in Mexican-Americans. The objective of this study was to compare gut microbiome composition between Mexican-Americans with and without T2DM. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of volunteers from San Antonio, TX. Subjects were 18 years or older and self-identified as Mexican American. Subjects were grouped by prior T2DM diagnosis. Eligible subjects attended a clinic visit to provide demographic and medical information. Thereafter, subjects recorded their dietary intake for three days and collected a stool sample on the fourth day. Stool 16s rRNA sequences were classified into operational taxonomic units (OTUs) via the mothur bayesian classifier and referenced to the Greengenes database. Shannon diversity and bacterial taxa relative abundance were compared between groups using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. Beta diversity was estimated using Bray-Curtis indices and compared between groups using PERMANOVA. RESULTS: Thirty-seven subjects were included, 14 (38%) with diabetes and 23 (62%) without diabetes. Groups were well-matched by body mass index and comorbid conditions. Shannon diversity was not significantly different between those with and without T2DM (3.26 vs. 3.31; p = 0.341). Beta diversity was not significantly associated with T2DM diagnosis (p = 0.201). The relative abundance of the most common bacterial phyla and families did not significantly differ between groups; however, 16 OTUs were significantly different between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Although alpha diversity was not significantly different between diabetic and non-diabetic Mexican Americans, the abundance of certain bacterial taxa were significantly different between groups.

Technology-based health solutions for cancer caregivers to better shoulder the impact of COVID-19: a systematic review protocol.

BACKGROUND: Cancer patients are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, partially owing to their compromised immune systems and curbed or cut cancer healthcare services caused by the pandemic. As a result, cancer caregivers may have to shoulder triple crises: the COVID-19 pandemic, pronounced healthcare needs from the patient, and elevated need for care from within. While technology-based health interventions have the potential to address unique challenges cancer caregivers face amid COVID-19, limited insights are available. Thus, to bridge this gap, we aim to identify technology-based interventions designed for cancer caregivers and report the characteristics and effects of these interventions concerning cancer caregivers' distinctive challenges amid COVID-19. METHODS: A systematic search of the literature will be conducted in PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus from the database inception to the end of March 2021. Articles that center on technology-based interventions for cancer caregivers will be included in the review. The search strategy will be developed in consultation with an academic librarian who is experienced in systematic review studies. Titles, abstracts, and full-text articles will be screened against eligibility criteria developed a priori. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses procedures will be followed for the reporting process. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 has upended cancer care as we know it. Findings of this study can shed light on evidence-based and practical solutions cancer caregivers can utilize to mitigate the unique challenges they face amid COVID-19. Furthermore, results of this study will also offer valuable insights for researchers who aim to develop interventions for cancer caregivers in the context of COVID-19. In addition, we also expect to be able to identify areas for improvement that need to be addressed in order for health experts to more adequately help cancer caregivers weather the storm of global health crises like COVID-19 and beyond. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42020196301.

Technology-based Health Solutions for Cancer Caregivers to Better Shoulder the Impact of COVID-19: A Systematic Review Protocol.

Background: Cancer patients are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, partially owing to their compromised immune systems and curbed or cut cancer healthcare services caused by the pandemic. As a result, cancer caregivers may have to shoulder triple crises: the COVID-19 pandemic, pronounced healthcare needs from the patient, and elevated need for care from within. While technology-based health interventions have the potential to address unique challenges cancer caregivers face amid COVID-19, limited insights are available. Thus, to bridge this gap, we aim to identify technology-based interventions designed for cancer caregivers and report the characteristics and effects of these interventions concerning cancer caregivers' distinctive challenges amid COVID-19. Methods: A systematic search of the literature will be conducted in PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus from the database inception to the end of March, 2021. Articles that center on technology-based interventions for cancer caregivers will be included in the review. The search strategy will be developed in consultation with an academic librarian who is experienced in systematic review studies. Titles, abstracts, and full-text articles will be screened against eligibility criteria developed a priori. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses procedures will be followed for the reporting process. Conclusions: COVID-19 has upended cancer care as we know it. Findings of this study can shed light on evidence-based and practical solutions cancer caregivers can utilize to mitigate the unique challenges they face amid COVID-19. Furthermore, results of this study will also offer valuable insights for researchers who aim to develop interventions for cancer caregivers in the context of COVID-19. In addition, we also expect to be able to identify areas for improvement that need to be addressed in order for health experts to more adequately help cancer caregivers weather the storm of global health crises like COVID-19 and beyond. Study Protocol Registration: PROSPERO CRD42020196301.

Efecto del aceite esencial de Chrysactinia mexicana A. Gray sobre aislados clínicos de Candida glabrata / Effect of the essential oil of Chrysactinia mexicana A. Gray on clinical isolates of Candida glabrata

El objetivo del trabajo fue evaluar el efecto del aceite esencial Chrysactinia mexicana A. Gray en aislados clínicos de C. glabrata. Se obtuvo aceite esencial por arrastre de vapor de las flores, hojas y ramas secundarias de C. mexicana. Se realizó cromatografía de gases y espectrometría de masas para conocer la composición del aceite. Se hicieron ensayos de microdilución en fase logarítmica y fase estacionaria con Saccharomyces cerevisiae y aislados clínicos de C. glabrata para determinar la Concentración Mínima Inhibitoria (CMI) en presencia del aceite esencial. Los principales compuestos del aceite esencial fueron la piperitona (29.57 %), eucaliptol (26.86 %), a-terpineol (14.65 %), delta-3-careno (12.37 %) y linalool (3.56 %). Se determinaron las CMI del aceite esencial, para las cinco cepas utilizadas en las dos fases de crecimiento, siendo menor la CMI para S. cerevisiae que para los diferentes aislados clínicos de C. glabrata. El aceite esencial de C. mexicana tiene efecto fungicida en S. cerevisiae y los aislados clínicos de C. glabrata.

Effects of Agave Fructans, Inulin, and Starch on Metabolic Syndrome Aspects in Healthy Wistar Rats.

Healthy Wistar rats were supplemented during 20 weeks with commercial inulin (I) and Agave tequilana fructans (CAT), experimental fructans from A. tequilana (EAT) and A. salmiana (AS) mature stems, rice starch 10% (RS), and standard feed for rodents (C). Feed intake was kept steady, but with I, body weight and abdominal adipose tissue (6.01 g) decreased at the end. Glucose (mg/dL) (C, 120.52; I, 110.69; CAT, 105.75; EAT, 115.48; AS, 101.63; and RS, 121.82), total cholesterol (C, 89.89; I, 64.48; CAT, 68.04; EAT, 68.74; AS, 68.04; and RS, 82), and triglycerides (C, 84.03; I, 59.52; CAT, 68.56; EAT, 59.08; AS, 75.27; and RS, 81.8) kept being normal and without differences between fructans. At the end, there was a significant increase in lactic acid bacteria when the I and AS groups were compared to the C group (C, 9.18; I, 10.64; CAT, 10.34; EAT, 10.36; AS, 10.49; and RS, 9.62 log 10 CFU/g of feces). In addition, with fructans, there was an accelerated process in feces emptiness, Lieberkühn crypts kept their morphology, and there was an increment of goblet cells.

Health Literacy and Cervical Cancer Screening Among Mexican-American Women.

BACKGROUND: Health literacy is a requisite skill for making personal health and health care decisions. Low health literacy may contribute to lower cervical cancer screening rates and cervical cancer health disparities among Mexican-American women in South Texas. OBJECTIVE: To explore older Mexican-American women's health literacy related to cervical cancer from the perspective of Zarcadoolas, Pleaseant, and Greer's health literacy model. METHODS: We conducted five focus groups and seven individual interviews with 30 Mexican and Mexican-American women in South Texas. We analyzed demographic data using descriptive statistics and conducted thematic analysis of focus group and individual interview data. KEY RESULTS: Several themes reflected the domains of health literacy, including fundamental literacy ("speaking of language"), science literacy (cancer prevention), cultural literacy ("we are different"), civic literacy (the availability of "consejos" [advice]), and media literacy (e.g., "telenovelas" [soap-operas] teach a lot). In this article, we present findings related to culture and language under the domains of fundamental and cultural literacy. CONCLUSIONS: Mexican-American women's cultural values and language use may serve as both deterrents and incentives to cervical cancer screening. The meaning of words can be lost in translations. Health care providers can use this information to provide cervical cancer screening education congruent with Mexican-American's culture, language, and code switching. [HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice. 2019;3(1):e1-e8.]. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: The understanding of culture and language can help health care providers improve cervical cancer screening practices among Mexican-American women. The results from this study can be used to individualize patient care and to develop education and communication strategies that are similar to the population we serve, including Mexican-American women.

Aflatoxins Contamination in Maize Products from Rural Communities in San Luis Potosi, Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Aflatoxins are a group of mycotoxins that have been associated with hepatic damage and cancer. Aflatoxins B1 and B2 are secondary metabolites produced by fungi Aspergillus. These toxins can be found in a variety of commodities, especially in maize, and have been studied around the world due to their effects in human health. The Latin American population is especially exposed to aflatoxins given that maize products can be found in traditional diets all over the continent. Interestingly, in Mexico, chronic hepatic diseases and cirrhosis are leading causes of death in adult population. METHODS: In order to observe the effect of physical variables like temperature and humidity, this study was conducted collecting samples in four different seasons, in two communities in the State of San Luis Potosi, in Mexico. The content of aflatoxins in tortillas was measured using immunoaffinity columns prior to HPLC-FLD analysis. FINDINGS: Results showed that 18% of samples exceeded the Mexican limits for AFB1; whereas, 26% of the samples exceeded the limits of the European Union for AFB1. The AFB1 was detected in 80% of samples in one site and higher concentrations were found in samples collected during fall and winter seasons. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of control in storing practices is the principal cause for the contamination of maize. Considering that maize products are part of the staple diet of Mexican population, our results show that AFB1 detection has to be declared a public health priority. Detection and prevention of aflatoxins through a surveillance program, may avoid chronic health effects.

Health Care Access, Utilization, and Cancer Screening Among Low-Income Latina Women.

INTRODUCTION: Cancer screening reduces mortality rates for breast, cervical, and colon cancer. Yet cancer screening rates for Latina women are lower than for non-Latino Whites, and below Healthy People 2020 goals. Additionally, Latinos face many health care access barriers. This study examined health care access and utilization in relation to cancer screening among low-income Latina women recruited from a high-risk area and enrolled in a navigation-plus-education intervention. METHODS: Latina women considered rarely or never screened for breast, cervical, or colorectal cancer were recruited from community-based organizations and events (N = 691). We gathered self-reported survey data on insurance status, usual source of care, health care utilization, and cancer screening behavior. We conducted multivariable logistic regression models to estimate odds ratios of receipt of at least one cancer screening test. RESULTS: Overall, 28% of women received at least one cancer screening test. Results indicated that women without insurance (odds ratio [OR] = 2.08; confidence interval [CI] = 1.09, 3.98) and without a doctor's visit in the past year (OR = 2.02; CI = 1.28, 3.18), compared with their counterparts, had greater odds of receiving at least one screening test. CONCLUSION: Findings highlight the continued need to explore ways to support uninsured individuals' screening efforts and further investigate barriers among insured women who are not up-to-date with screenings.