Chorematic modeling to represent dynamics in the quinoa agroecosystems in Peru.

Our research occurred in the Andean region, one of the eight global centers of domestication of plant species grown for agriculture. The shores of Lake Titicaca (located between Peru and Bolivia), at 3800 meters above sea level, are recognized as the center of origin of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.). In this region, complex societies have emerged, thanks to the development of water and soil management technologies. They have managed to overcome high mountain territories' extreme and variable climatic conditions. These societies have traditionally protected and preserved quinoa as food for present and future generations through their long-standing knowledge and cultivation practices. The fieldwork occurred in the context of Andean family farming, and our study analyzes nature-society dynamics with a chorematic approach and interviews with local communities. The interest of this work is the transformation of the landscape at the scale of the mountain agroecosystem to understand better the impacts of rural development policies. Chorematic modeling was applied to two periods, before and after 1970, a pivotal year in Peru for agriculture, to show how socio-spatial dynamics in the Andean environment are changing, particularly concerning the evolution of quinoa cultivation. The results show that wild quinoa relatives' distribution is strongly linked to the socio-spatial organization of the agroecosystem. Different species of wild quinoa relatives are maintained by villagers for their multiple foods, medicinal and cultural uses in natural areas, grazed areas, on edge, and also within cultivated fields. However, this management is changing under the pressure of global issues related to the international quinoa market, whose requirements imply reducing the presence of wild relatives in cultivated fields.

DrugMap: A quantitative pan-cancer analysis of cysteine ligandability.

Cysteine-focused chemical proteomic platforms have accelerated the clinical development of covalent inhibitors for a wide range of targets in cancer. However, how different oncogenic contexts influence cysteine targeting remains unknown. To address this question, we have developed "DrugMap," an atlas of cysteine ligandability compiled across 416 cancer cell lines. We unexpectedly find that cysteine ligandability varies across cancer cell lines, and we attribute this to differences in cellular redox states, protein conformational changes, and genetic mutations. Leveraging these findings, we identify actionable cysteines in NF-κB1 and SOX10 and develop corresponding covalent ligands that block the activity of these transcription factors. We demonstrate that the NF-κB1 probe blocks DNA binding, whereas the SOX10 ligand increases SOX10-SOX10 interactions and disrupts melanoma transcriptional signaling. Our findings reveal heterogeneity in cysteine ligandability across cancers, pinpoint cell-intrinsic features driving cysteine targeting, and illustrate the use of covalent probes to disrupt oncogenic transcription-factor activity.

International promotion of Japanese aging-related health services and products: Perspective of an international agency.

Asia is at a critical juncture of health development. The population is aging and shrinking. At the same time, the economy is developing rapidly. These two factors, which necessitate a new paradigm of health development: departing from dependence on Official Development Assistance (ODA) and transitioning towards a model with more involvement of industries (private sector), academia, and health care providers, the so-called public-private partnership (PPP) model. The Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) is studying the potential for broader application of the new concept for collaboration between Asian countries and Japan. In this article, the authors attempt to introduce the complete picture of a new health ecosystem advocated by Japan. We first look at the impacts of population aging and shrinking, followed by introducing two new approaches; regional and country-specific, with the involvement of ERIA. Then, the outcomes of the projects and Japanese technology, services and products relevant to the older population are introduced. Finally, based on the various projects and products, we focus more closely on the new health development model, the PPP model. We start from the theory and move to examine a tool for implementation, which is the formulation of a dialogue forum named the MEX (Medical Excellence X, where X can be substituted by the acronym of any participating country) project. The experience of these projects and case studies will benefit all ASEAN member countries and beyond. ERIA finds that the facilitation works of the Institute catalyze the progress. ERIA will remain committed to helping the endeavors initiated by Japan for the benefit of all.

Somatic evolution of marine transmissible leukemias in the common cockle, Cerastoderma edule.

Transmissible cancers are malignant cell lineages that spread clonally between individuals. Several such cancers, termed bivalve transmissible neoplasia (BTN), induce leukemia-like disease in marine bivalves. This is the case of BTN lineages affecting the common cockle, Cerastoderma edule, which inhabits the Atlantic coasts of Europe and northwest Africa. To investigate the evolution of cockle BTN, we collected 6,854 cockles, diagnosed 390 BTN tumors, generated a reference genome and assessed genomic variation across 61 tumors. Our analyses confirmed the existence of two BTN lineages with hemocytic origins. Mitochondrial variation revealed mitochondrial capture and host co-infection events. Mutational analyses identified lineage-specific signatures, one of which likely reflects DNA alkylation. Cytogenetic and copy number analyses uncovered pervasive genomic instability, with whole-genome duplication, oncogene amplification and alkylation-repair suppression as likely drivers. Satellite DNA distributions suggested ancient clonal origins. Our study illuminates long-term cancer evolution under the sea and reveals tolerance of extreme instability in neoplastic genomes.

HLA-G 14 bp Ins/Del (rs66554220) Variant Is Not Associated with Breast Cancer in Women from Western Mexico.

HLA-G is a physiology and pathologic immunomodulator detrimentally related to cancer. Its gene is heavily transcriptionally and post-transcriptionally regulated by variants located in regulator regions like 3'UTR, being the most studied Ins/Del of 14-bp (rs66554220), which is known to influence the effects of endogen cell factors; nevertheless, the reports are discrepant and controversial. Herein, the relationship of the 14-bp Ins/Del variant (rs66554220) with breast cancer (BC) and its clinical characteristics were analyzed in 182 women with non-familial BC and 221 disease-free women as a reference group. Both groups from western Mexico and sex-age-matched (sm-RG). The rs66554220 variant was amplified by SSP-PCR and the fragments were visualized in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The variant rs66554220 was not associated with BC in our population. However, we suggest the Ins allele as a possible risk factor for developing BC at clinical stage IV (OR = 3.05, 95% CI = 1.16-7.96, p = 0.01); nevertheless, given the small stratified sample size (n = 11, statistical power = 41%), this is inconclusive. In conclusion, the 14-bp Ins/Del (rs66554220) variant of HLA-G is not associated with BC in the Mexican population, but might be related to advanced breast tumors. Further studies are required.

Adaptación y evaluación de la eficacia de un programa psicoeducativo de navegación para disminuir síntomas de ansiedad y depresión en mu-jeres mexicanas con cáncer de mama / Design and evaluation of the efficacy of a psychoeducational navigation program to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in Mexican women with breast cancer

Objetivo:El cáncer de mama (CAM) es un problema de salud pública mundial. La ansiedad y depresión son las principales comorbilidades que aquejan a este sector, el programa psicoeducativo de navegación (PPN) se presenta como una estrategia psicosocial eficaz en hospitales públicos de México. Método: Se realizó la adaptación del PPN y la evaluación de eficacia en 47 mujeres con CAM de tres hospitales de la Zona Metropolitana de Guadalajara. El PPN integró acompañamiento emocional, educación para la salud y técnicas de relajación. Se evaluaron los síntomas y los niveles de ansiedad y depresión, pre-post intervención con la Escala Hospitalaria de Ansiedad y Depresión (HADS). Resultados: Se encontró una disminución en los síntomas de ansiedad pre-test (M= 6,79, DT= 4,01) y pos-test (M= 4,19, DT= 3,03), igual que en los síntomas de depresión antes (M= 6,02, DT= 4,07) y después (M= 4,23, DT= 3,05). Se obtuvieron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre las evaluaciones pre y post intervención tanto en las dimensiones, como en la puntuación global (p<0,001). Conclusiones: El PPN mostró eficacia para disminuir los síntomas y los niveles de ansiedad y depresión en mujeres mexicanas con CAM. Sugerimos replicar el programa en otros contextos de atención oncológica en seguimiento a las normativas nacionales (AU)

Objective: Breast cancer (BC) is a public health problem. Anxiety and depression are the main comorbidities that afflict this sector, the navigation psychoeducational program (NPP) is presented as an effective psychosocial strategy in public hospitals in Mexico.Method: The NPP was adapted and its efficacy evaluated in 47 women with BC from three hospitals in the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area. The NPP integrated emotional accompaniment, health education and relaxation techniques. Symptoms and levels of anxiety and depression were evaluated pre-post intervention with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results: A decrease was found in anxiety symptoms pre-test (M= 6.79, SD= 4.01) and post-test (M= 4.19, SD= 3.03), the same as in depression symptoms before (M= 6.02, SD= 4.07) and after (M= 4.23, SD= 3.05). Statistically significant differences were obtained between the pre- and post-intervention evaluations both in the dimensions and in the global score (p<0.001).Conclusions: The NPP showed efficacy in reducing symptoms and levels of anxiety and depression in Mexican women with BC. We suggest replicating the program in other cancer care contexts in compliance with national regulations (AU)

Knowledge, attitude, perception, and factors associated with the risk perception of COVID-19 among nursing college students in Japanese universities: A cross-sectional study.

Background and Aim: The spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the world has brought different attitudes and perceptions among social strata. Nursing students being future first-line healthcare workers are more at risk of being infected and exposed to various stressors from shared information. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and perception of COVID-19 among nursing students and to estimate predictors of their risk perception. Methods: We conducted an online survey among undergraduate nursing students at three selected Japanese Universities. Data on knowledge, attitude, and perception toward COVID-19 were collected using a structured questionnaire. We performed multiple logistic regression analyses to identify factors associated with the risk perception toward COVID-19 infection. Results: Of the 414 nursing students who participated in the study, 368 (90.4%) reported that the media including radio, television, internet, and/or social media were the main source of knowledge. Fever (96.1%) and dry cough (89.6%) were reported as the main symptoms. Regarding the attitude toward the treatment and preventive measures, almost 92.8% of participants recommended the use of vaccines. Being female appeared to be three times associated with the fear of getting infected (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]:3.03; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.21-7.58). Students who took part in extracurricular activities reported that they feared being infected with COVID-19 (aOR:2.62; 95% CI:1.33-5.16). Other factors did not show an association. Conclusion: Knowledge and attitude of nursing students toward COVID-19 were accurate for the majority of them, with the main source of information being the media. Practicing extracurricular activities and being female were associated with the fear of the disease. Efficient and controlled communication is needed during widespread disease outbreaks.

Socioeconomic, Clinical, and Molecular Features of Breast Cancer Influence Overall Survival of Latin American Women.

Molecular profile of breast cancer in Latin-American women was studied in five countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and Uruguay. Data about socioeconomic characteristics, risk factors, prognostic factors, and molecular subtypes were described, and the 60-month overall cumulative survival probabilities (OS) were estimated. From 2011 to 2013, 1,300 eligible Latin-American women 18 years or older, with a diagnosis of breast cancer in clinical stage II or III, and performance status ≦̸1 were invited to participate in a prospective cohort study. Face-to-face interviews were conducted, and clinical and outcome data, including death, were extracted from medical records. Unadjusted associations were evaluated by Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests and the OS by Kaplan-Meier method. Log-rank test was used to determine differences between cumulative probability curves. Multivariable adjustment was carried out by entering potential confounders in the Cox regression model. The OS at 60 months was 83.9%. Multivariable-adjusted death hazard differences were found for women living in Argentina (2.27), Chile (1.95), and Uruguay (2.42) compared with Mexican women, for older (≥60 years) (1.84) compared with younger (≤40 years) women, for basal-like subtype (5.8), luminal B (2.43), and HER2-enriched (2.52) compared with luminal A subtype, and for tumor clinical stages IIB (1.91), IIIA (3.54), and IIIB (3.94) compared with stage IIA women. OS was associated with country of residence, PAM50 intrinsic subtype, age, and tumor stage at diagnosis. While the latter is known to be influenced by access to care, including cancer screening, timely diagnosis and treatment, including access to more effective treatment protocols, it may also influence epigenetic changes that, potentially, impact molecular subtypes. Data derived from heretofore understudied populations with unique geographic ancestry and sociocultural experiences are critical to furthering our understanding of this complexity.

The Transcriptomic Portrait of Locally Advanced Breast Cancer and Its Prognostic Value in a Multi-Country Cohort of Latin American Patients.

Purposes: Most molecular-based published studies on breast cancer do not adequately represent the unique and diverse genetic admixture of the Latin American population. Searching for similarities and differences in molecular pathways associated with these tumors and evaluating its impact on prognosis may help to select better therapeutic approaches. Patients and Methods: We collected clinical, pathological, and transcriptomic data of a multi-country Latin American cohort of 1,071 stage II-III breast cancer patients of the Molecular Profile of Breast Cancer Study (MPBCS) cohort. The 5-year prognostic ability of intrinsic (transcriptomic-based) PAM50 and immunohistochemical classifications, both at the cancer-specific (OSC) and disease-free survival (DFS) stages, was compared. Pathway analyses (GSEA, GSVA and MetaCore) were performed to explore differences among intrinsic subtypes. Results: PAM50 classification of the MPBCS cohort defined 42·6% of tumors as LumA, 21·3% as LumB, 13·3% as HER2E and 16·6% as Basal. Both OSC and DFS for LumA tumors were significantly better than for other subtypes, while Basal tumors had the worst prognosis. While the prognostic power of traditional subtypes calculated with hormone receptors (HR), HER2 and Ki67 determinations showed an acceptable performance, PAM50-derived risk of recurrence best discriminated low, intermediate and high-risk groups. Transcriptomic pathway analysis showed high proliferation (i.e. cell cycle control and DNA damage repair) associated with LumB, HER2E and Basal tumors, and a strong dependency on the estrogen pathway for LumA. Terms related to both innate and adaptive immune responses were seen predominantly upregulated in Basal tumors, and, to a lesser extent, in HER2E, with respect to LumA and B tumors. Conclusions: This is the first study that assesses molecular features at the transcriptomic level in a multicountry Latin American breast cancer patient cohort. Hormone-related and proliferation pathways that predominate in PAM50 and other breast cancer molecular classifications are also the main tumor-driving mechanisms in this cohort and have prognostic power. The immune-related features seen in the most aggressive subtypes may pave the way for therapeutic approaches not yet disseminated in Latin America. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT02326857).

A constitutively expressed fluorescent ubiquitination-based cell-cycle indicator (FUCCI) in axolotls for studying tissue regeneration.

Regulation of cell cycle progression is essential for cell proliferation during regeneration following injury. After appendage amputation, the axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) regenerates missing structures through an accumulation of proliferating cells known as the blastema. To study cell division during blastema growth, we generated a transgenic line of axolotls that ubiquitously expresses a bicistronic version of the fluorescent ubiquitination-based cell-cycle indicator (FUCCI). We demonstrate near-ubiquitous FUCCI expression in developing and adult tissues, and validate these expression patterns with DNA synthesis and mitosis phase markers. We demonstrate the utility of FUCCI for live and whole-mount imaging, showing the predominantly local contribution of cells during limb and tail regeneration. We also show that spinal cord amputation results in increased proliferation at least 5 mm from the site of injury. Finally, we use multimodal staining to provide cell type information for cycling cells by combining fluorescence in situ hybridization, EdU click-chemistry and immunohistochemistry on a single FUCCI tissue section. This new line of animals will be useful for studying cell cycle dynamics using in situ endpoint assays and in vivo imaging in developing and regenerating animals.

Mitochondrial genome sequencing of marine leukaemias reveals cancer contagion between clam species in the Seas of Southern Europe.

Clonally transmissible cancers are tumour lineages that are transmitted between individuals via the transfer of living cancer cells. In marine bivalves, leukaemia-like transmissible cancers, called hemic neoplasia (HN), have demonstrated the ability to infect individuals from different species. We performed whole-genome sequencing in eight warty venus clams that were diagnosed with HN, from two sampling points located more than 1000 nautical miles away in the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea Coasts of Spain. Mitochondrial genome sequencing analysis from neoplastic animals revealed the coexistence of haplotypes from two different clam species. Phylogenies estimated from mitochondrial and nuclear markers confirmed this leukaemia originated in striped venus clams and later transmitted to clams of the species warty venus, in which it survives as a contagious cancer. The analysis of mitochondrial and nuclear gene sequences supports all studied tumours belong to a single neoplastic lineage that spreads in the Seas of Southern Europe.

In humans and other animals, cancer cells divide excessively, forming tumours or flooding the blood, but they rarely spread to other individuals. However, some animals, including dogs, Tasmanian devils and bivalve molluscs like clams, cockles and mussels, can develop cancers that are transmitted from one individual to another. Despite these cancers being contagious, each one originates in a single animal, meaning that even when the cancer has spread to many individuals, its origins can be traced through its DNA. Cancer contagion is rare, but transmissible cancers seem to be particularly common in the oceans. In fact, 7 types of contagious cancer have been described in bivalve species so far. These cancers are known as 'hemic neoplasias', and are characterized by the uncontrolled division of blood-like cells, which can be released by the host they developed in, and survive in ocean water. When these cells encounter individuals from the same species, they can infect them, causing them to develop hemic neoplasia too There are still many unanswered questions about contagious cancers in bivalves. For example, how many species do the cancers affect, and which species do the cancers originate in? To address these questions, Garcia-Souto, Bruzos, Díaz et al. gathered over 400 specimens of a species of clam called the warty venus clam from the coastlines of Europe and examined them for signs of cancer. Clams collected in two regions of Spain showed signs of hemic neoplasia: one of the populations was from the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea, while the other came from the Atlantic coast of northwestern Spain. Analyzing the genomes of the tumours from each population showed that the cancer cells from both regions had likely originated in the same animal, indicating that the cancer is contagious and had spread through different populations. The analysis also revealed that the cancer did not originally develop in warty venus clams: the cancer cells contained DNA from both warty venus clams and another species called striped venus clams. These two species live close together in the Mediterranean Sea, suggesting that the cancer started in a striped venus clam and then spread to a warty venus clam. To determine whether the cancer still affected both species, Garcia-Souto, Bruzos, Díaz et al. screened 200 striped venus clams from the same areas, but no signs of cancer were found in these clams. This suggests that currently the cancer only affects the warty venus clam. These findings confirm that contagious cancers can jump between clam species, which could be threat to the marine environment. The fact that the cancer was so similar in clams from the Atlantic coast and from the Mediterranean Sea, however, suggests that it may have emerged very recently, or that human activity helped it to spread from one place to another. If the latter is the case, it may be possible to prevent further spread of these sea-borne cancers through human intervention.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards menopause among Congolese middle-aged and postmenopausal women.

INTRODUCTION: with the increase in life expectancy, women will live longer during their postmenopausal period. To improve their quality of life, they should be aware of what challenges they will be facing. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices of middle-aged women towards menopause. METHODS: in this cross-sectional study, data collected using a multistage clustered random sampling from 54 health centres in the Democratic Republic of Congo were used. Participants filled a questionnaire derived from the menopause rating scale and from local beliefs. The knowledge, attitudes and practices towards menopause were evaluated among pre- and postmenopausal women. RESULTS: of the 353 women, both pre- and postmenopausal women knew the definition of menopause but for the symptoms, postmenopausal women were more informed than premenopausal. For the attitudes and practices towards menopause, while both had equally positive attitudes, the premenopausal women did not know which practice to adopt. CONCLUSION: Congolese women had limited knowledge, positive attitudes and unconventional practices towards menopause. Health-care providers, therefore, need to dispense appropriate advice to middle-aged women before the advent of menopause.

Biomass energy, particulate matter (PM2.5), and the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among Congolese women living near of a cement plant, in Kongo Central Province.

This study investigated whether the individual and combined effects of using biomass energy and living in the neighborhood of a cement plant were associated with the risk of COPD and respiratory symptoms among Congolese women. A total of 235 women from two neighborhood communities of a cement plant participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants were classified into the more exposed group (MEG = 137) and a less exposed group (LEG = 98), as well as into biomass users (wood = 85, charcoal = 49) or electricity users (101 participants). Participants completed a questionnaire including respiratory symptoms, sociodemographic factors, medical history, lifestyle, and household characteristics. In addition to spirometry performance, outdoor PM2.5 (µg/m3) was measured. Afternoon outdoor PM2.5 concentration was significantly higher in MEG than LEG (48.8 (2.5) µg/m3 vs 42.5 (1.5) µg/m3). Compared to electricity users, wood users (aOR: 2.6, 95%CI 1.7; 5.9) and charcoal users (aOR: 2.9, 95%CI 1.4; 10.7) were at risk of developing airflow obstruction. Combined effects of biomass use and living in the neighborhood of a cement plant increased the risk of COPD in both wood users (aOR: 4, 95%CI 1.3; 12.2) and charcoal users (aOR: 3.1, 95%CI 1.7; 11.4). Exposure to biomass energy is associated with an increased risk of COPD. In addition, combined exposure to biomass and living near a cement plant had additive effects on COPD.

Comparative evaluation of anthropometric measurements and prevalence of hypertension: community based cross-sectional study in rural male and female Cambodians.

INTRODUCTION: Hypertension is a major and preventable risk factor that can lead to cardiovascular disease. The extent that obesity impacts hypertension differs when using body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) or waist to height ratio (WHtR). This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hypertension and to compare several anthropometric measurements in the prediction of hypertension between males and females from Chet Borey district of Kratie province, in Cambodia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 276 healthy adults aged 18 years or older, including 94 males and 182 females who visited the local health post of Kaoh chraeng in Kratie province from November 21 to 27, 2015. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured. Anthropometric measures: Body mass index (BMI), as well as waist circumference (WC) and waist to height ratio (WHtR) were assessed to analyze adiposity indices. Multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate the association between anthropometric measures and hypertension among males and females after adjustment for confounders. RESULTS: Hypertension was more prevalent in males (38.3%) compared to females (26.4%). When considering adiposity indices, WC was higher in females than males (35.7% vs 10.6% females vs males), the same for WHtR (55.0% vs 30.9% females vs males). In the multivariate analysis, for males, in addition to high BMI [aOR 4.37 (1.01-18.81)], high WC [aOR 7.55 (1.42-39.99)] was associated with the risk of developing hypertension. Whereas for females, only WC [aOR 3.24 (1.54-6.83)] was associated with the concerned risk. CONCLUSION: Prediction of hypertension using anthropometric measurements differs by sex and by the index used. In our population, BMI and WC appeared more appropriate for men while only WC was applicable to women. These results afford alternatives to hypertensive screening that may be useful tools for the majority of rural Cambodians since accessibility to health facilities is limited.

The -174G>C and -596G>A Polymorphisms Are Not Associated with Circulating IL-6 Levels in Breast Cancer Patients from Jalisco, México.

Introduction: Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a circulating proinflammatory cytokine that fulfills an important role in the survival and proliferation of cancer cells. Overexpression of IL-6, possibly due to the -174G>C and -596G>A polymorphisms in the IL6 gene, has been shown to be related to breast cancer (BC) and a more aggressive course of the disease. Aim: To determine the influence of the -174G>C and -596G>A polymorphisms of the IL6 gene on the circulating levels of IL-6 in BC patients from Jalisco, México. Methodology: Genotyping of the two polymorphisms was carried out on 208 BC patients and 219 healthy controls through polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses. In addition, the plasma IL-6 concentration levels were measured in the BC patients. Results: There was no significant association between BC and the IL-6 alleles and genotypes (-174G>C, p = 0.276; -596G>A, p = 0.762) under study. Similarly, there were no significant differences in the mean plasma IL-6 concentrations associated with the polymorphisms that were analyzed (-174G>C, p = 0.839; -596G>A, p = 0.848). Conclusions: No evidence was found that the analyzed polymorphisms are associated with the IL-6 expression or concentration in patients suffering from BC from Jalisco, Mexico.

Association of the genetic variants (-794 CATT5-8 and -173 G > C) of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) with higher soluble levels of MIF and TNFα in women with breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Functional variants -173 G > C (rs755622) and -794CATT5-8 (rs5844572) MIF gene have been associated with the risk in several types of cancer, as well as with the increase of soluble levels of MIF and TNFα. However, in previous studies contradictory and uncertain results have been presented on the implication of MIF polymorphisms with the association in cancer, specifically in breast cancer (BC). We investigated whether the variants are associated with the susceptibility to develop BC and the soluble levels of MIF and TNFα in women with BC from western Mexico. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 152 women with BC and 182 control subjects (CS) were enrolled in this study. The determination of genotypes -173 G > C and -794 CATT5-8 MIF polymorphisms was performed by PCR-RFLP and PCR, respectively. In addition, the soluble levels of MIF and TNFα in both studied groups were quantified by ELISA and MILLIPLEX assay, respectively. RESULTS: The most frequent allele found in BC was the G (74.3%) and 6 (54%) in the variants -173G > C and -794 CATT5-8 , respectively, without significant differences in both groups. Nevertheless, the women with BC carriers -173*C and -794CATT7 have higher levels of MIF in comparison with CS. An increase of MIF (BC: 11.1 ng/mL vs CS: 5.2 ng/mL, P < .001) and TNFα (BC: 24.9 ng/mL vs CS: 9.9 pg/mL, P < .001) was found. CONCLUSION: The functional variants of MIF are not genetic susceptibility markers for BC. Nevertheless, the alleles -173*C and -794CATT7 are associated with the increase of MIF circulating in women with BC.

Selective estrogen receptor modulators in the prevention of breast cancer in premenopausal women: a review.

The detection of premenopausal women at high risk of breast cancer is key to chemoprevention. Therapy with selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) induces a significant antiproliferative effect in estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer. This review was designed according the guidelines of the 2009 PRISMA statement. Searching different databases, including PubMed, MedlinePlus, PLoS One, Cochrane Breast Cancer Specialized Register, Clinical Trials.gov and American Society of Clinical Oncology. From 168 records screened, 15 full text articles were assessed for eligibility and only 7 studies met the inclusion criteria. Three of the studies included analyzed changes in Ki-67 expression, revealing weaker expression after treatment with acolbifene and raloxifene (P<0.001). Three studies also analyzed the breast volume by magnetic resonance imagining (MRI) and demonstrate a significant difference after 1 year with raloxifene treatment (P=0.0017). Moreover, a 20% reduction in breast density was observed after a 2-year treatment with tamoxifen in premenopausal women. SERMs reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. The studies reviewed here demonstrate the modulation of Ki-67 expression and changes in breast density, suggesting an important preventive role for this group of drugs in prevention for premenopausal women at high risk of developing breast cancer.

Circulating soluble levels of MIF in women with breast cancer in the molecular subtypes: relationship with Th17 cytokine profile.

Breast cancer (BC) is a health problem worldwide; there is evidence that inflammatory cytokines are increased in BC. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) has multiple effects on immune cells, inflammation and cancer. Besides, in previous studies, contradictory and uncertain results have been presented on the implication of Th17 cytokine profile in BC. The aim of this study was to evaluate the plasma levels of MIF and the Th17 cytokine profile in BC and their association with their molecular subtypes and clinical stage. A total of 150 women with BC of Ella Binational Breast Cancer Study and 60 healthy women (HW) were evaluated in cross-sectional study. The molecular subtypes were identified by immunohistochemistry. The plasma levels of MIF were quantified by ELISA and Th17 cytokine profile by multiplex system. MIF and IL-17 were significantly increased in BC versus HW (11.1 vs. 5.2 ng/mL and 14.8 pg/mL vs. 2.5 pg/mL p < 0.001, respectively). Our analysis showed that both MIF and IL-17A were associated with increased risk of breast cancer (OR 3.85 CI 95% 1.98-7.50 and OR 4.51 95% 1.83-11.15, respectively), higher in aggressive subtypes Luminal B, HER2 and TN. Likewise, we observed positive correlation between MIF and IL-17A (p < 0.001). In addition, IL-17E was lower in BC versus HW (p <0.001). Likewise, we observed a positive correlation between MIF and IL-17A (p < 0.001). In conclusion, both MIF and IL-17A were associated with high risk for breast cancer and aggressive molecular subtypes.

Prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among Congolese cement workers exposed to cement dust, in Kongo Central Province.

Chronic exposure to cement dust may induce adverse health effects, including a significant decrease in lung function. The study investigated whether the prevalence of COPD and respiratory symptoms was associated with working at different tasks exposed to varying levels of cement dust. The cross-sectional study was carried out among 223 exposed and 156 less exposed workers from two cement factories from November 20 to December 15, 2016 in DRC. Workers completed a questionnaire and spirometry was performed. Multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate the association between occupation exposed to cement dust, COPD, and respiratory symptoms, after adjustment for confounders. Morning cough and cough on most days for as much as 3 months each year were significantly higher in the exposed group (p < 0.05) (p = 0.001) than in the less exposed group. As compared to the less exposed group, the prevalence of COPD was higher among the exposed group, 28.2 and 9.6% respectively (p < 0.001). A significant association with COPD, aOR 14.49 (5.33; 39.40), aOR 3.37 (1.44; 7.89), and aOR 3.09 (1.58; 6.05) was found among cleaning, transportation, and production workers, respectively. Working at certain tasks exposed to cement dust is associated with the higher prevalence of COPD and respiratory symptoms. A greater risk is being among cleaning, transportation, and production workers. This suggests the necessity to prioritize the quality of preventive measures in each work area.

Evaluation of psychosocial aspects in participants of cancer genetic counseling.

BACKGROUND: The instrument called "Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale" (HADS) is frequently used to evaluate anxious and depressive symptomatology in patients who receive Cancer Genetic Counseling (CGC). However, this instrument cannot identify all of the psychosocial factors, such as the antecedents of the patients' emotional states or their concerns. The objective of the present research was to compare cases detected with psychosocial alterations by means of HADS and a Psychological Health Interview (PHI). METHODS: A transversal analytical design was used. One hundred ten participants were included (97.3% females and 2.7% males). The average age was 45 years ±10 years. RESULTS: The PHI identified twice the amount of participants with psychosocial alterations than did HADS, which only detected 43% of these participants. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study suggest that the PHI should be applied in addition to HADS to identify participants who would require psychological support due to recurrent concerns.