Multidimensional Analysis of a Social Behavior Identifies Regression and Phenotypic Heterogeneity in a Female Mouse Model for Rett Syndrome.

Regression is a key feature of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, Fragile X syndrome, and Rett syndrome (RTT). RTT is caused by mutations in the X-linked gene methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2). It is characterized by an early period of typical development with subsequent regression of previously acquired motor and speech skills in girls. The syndromic phenotypes are individualistic and dynamic over time. Thus far, it has been difficult to capture these dynamics and syndromic heterogeneity in the preclinical Mecp2-heterozygous female mouse model (Het). The emergence of computational neuroethology tools allows for robust analysis of complex and dynamic behaviors to model endophenotypes in preclinical models. Toward this first step, we utilized DeepLabCut, a marker-less pose estimation software to quantify trajectory kinematics and multidimensional analysis to characterize behavioral heterogeneity in Het in the previously benchmarked, ethologically relevant social cognition task of pup retrieval. We report the identification of two distinct phenotypes of adult Het: Het that display a delay in efficiency in early days and then improve over days like wild-type mice and Het that regress and perform worse in later days. Furthermore, regression is dependent on age and behavioral context and can be detected in the initial days of retrieval. Together, the novel identification of two populations of Het suggests differential effects on neural circuitry, opens new avenues to investigate the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms of heterogeneity, and designs better studies for stratifying therapeutics.

A Breast Cancer Education Program for D/deaf Women.

Barriers to obtaining breast cancer prevention knowledge and breast cancer screening have been noted among D/deaf women. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) is described that tested a culturally and linguistically tailored breast cancer education program conducted among a racially/ethnically diverse sample of 209 D/deaf women age 40 years or older. The study focused on D/deaf women with no more than a secondary education, a population at relatively high risk for incomplete breast health knowledge and services. This population's inadequate breast cancer knowledge and screening practices and the value of the education program were confirmed. Knowledge increased from -baseline to 12-month follow-up in the intervention group, and in some instances the control group; increased intention to get a mammogram was observed in the intervention group. Possible reasons for the few significant intervention/control group differences at 12 months were examined. Materials from the RCT are available online.

Results of a lay health education intervention to increase colorectal cancer screening among Filipino Americans: A cluster randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Filipino colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates fall below Healthy People 2020 goals. In this study, the authors explore whether a lay health educator (LHE) approach can increase CRC screening among Filipino Americans ages 50 to 75 years in Hawai'i. METHODS: A cluster randomized controlled trial from 2012 through 2015 compared an intervention, which consisted of LHEs delivering 2 education sessions and 2 telephone follow-up calls on CRC screening plus a CRC brochure versus an attention control, in which 2 lectures and 2 follow-up calls on nutrition and physical activity plus a CRC brochure were provided. The primary outcome was change in self-reported ever receipt of CRC screening at 6 months. RESULTS: Among 304 participants (77% women, 86% had > 10 years of residence in the United States), the proportion of participants who reported ever having received CRC screening increased significantly in the intervention group (from 80% to 89%; P = .0003), but not in the control group (from 73% to 74%; P = .60). After covariate adjustment, there was a significant intervention effect (odds ratio, 1.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-3.5). There was no intervention effect on up-to-date screening. CONCLUSIONS: This first randomized controlled trial for CRC screening among Hawai'i's Filipinos used an LHE intervention with mixed, but promising, results. Cancer 2018;124:1535-42. © 2018 American Cancer Society.

D/deaf Breast Cancer Survivors: Their Experiences and Knowledge.

D/deaf cancer patients and survivors, including D/deaf women diagnosed with breast cancer, have been largely overlooked in the research literature. To gain preliminary information we included 29 D/deaf breast cancer survivors in a larger program of community-academic research aimed at evaluating and addressing the breast cancer educational needs of D/deaf women. Seven D/deaf breast cancer survivors completed in-depth signed (American Sign Language) interviews and another 22 survivors completed a written/signed survey. Both studies revealed significant gaps in breast cancer knowledge among these women despite their having multiple contacts with medical providers, communication challenges in clinical settings, and inadequate access to support and advocacy services during diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Research is needed to develop tailored cancer control programs for this population and to identify strategies for disseminating to health care providers and organizations information about the challenges D/deaf people face in obtaining needed services.

Lay health educators and print materials for the promotion of colorectal cancer screening among Korean Americans: A randomized comparative effectiveness study.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer among Korean American men and women. Although CRC screening is effective in reducing the burden of this disease, studies have shown that Korean Americans have low screening rates. METHODS: The authors conducted a 2-arm cluster randomized controlled trial comparing a brochure (print) with a brochure and lay health educator (LHE) outreach (print + LHE) in increasing CRC screening rates among Korean American individuals. Self-administered written surveys at baseline and at 6 months assessed knowledge of CRC and its screening, ever screening, and being up to date with screening. RESULTS: A total of 28 LHEs recruited 348 participants aged 50 to 75 years from their social networks. Significant percentages of participants reported not having health insurance (29.3%) or a usual source of care (35.6%). At 6 months postintervention, the print + LHE participants had a greater increase in knowledge compared with those in the print arm (P = .0013). In multivariable analyses, both groups had significant increases in ever screening (print plus LHE: odds ratio [OR], 1.60 [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.26-2.03] and print: OR, 1.42 [95% CI, 1.10-1.82]) and being up to date with screening (print plus LHE: OR, 1.63 [95% CI, 1.23-2.16] and print: OR, 1.40 [95% CI, 1.04-1.89]). However, these increases did not differ significantly between the study arms. Having insurance and having seen a provider within the past year were found to be positively associated with screening. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with a brochure, LHE outreach yielded greater increases in knowledge but resulted in similar increases in CRC screening in a Korean American population with barriers to health care access. More work is needed to appropriately address logistical and system barriers in this community. Cancer 2017;123:2705-15. © 2017 American Cancer Society.

Lay health educators increase colorectal cancer screening among Hmong Americans: A cluster randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Asian Americans have lower colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates than non-Hispanic white individuals. Hmong Americans have limited socioeconomic resources and literacy. The current randomized controlled trial was conducted to determine whether bilingual/bicultural lay health educator (LHE) education could increase CRC screening among Hmong Americans. METHODS: A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted among Hmong Americans in Sacramento, California. LHEs and recruited participants were randomized to intervention or control groups. The intervention group received CRC education over 3 months delivered by an LHE. The control group received education regarding nutrition and physical activity delivered by a health educator. The outcomes were changes in self-reported ever-screening and up-to-date CRC screening after 6 months. RESULTS: All 329 participants were foreign-born with mostly no formal education, limited English proficiency, and no employment. The majority of the participants were insured and had a regular source of health care. The intervention group experienced greater changes after the intervention than the control group for ever-screening (P = .068) and being up-to-date with screening (P<.0001). In multivariable regression analyses, the intervention group demonstrated a greater increase than the control group in reporting ever-screening (adjusted odds ratio, 1.73; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-2.79) and being up-to-date with screening (adjusted odds ratio, 1.71; 95% confidence interval, 1.26-2.32). Individuals who had health insurance were found to have >4 times the odds of receiving screening, both ever-screening and up-to-date screening. A higher CRC knowledge score mediated the intervention effect for both screening outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: A culturally and linguistically appropriate educational intervention delivered by trained LHEs was found to increase CRC screening in an immigrant population with low levels of education, employment, English proficiency, and literacy. Cancer 2017;98-106. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

Cluster-Randomized Trial to Increase Hepatitis B Testing among Koreans in Los Angeles.

BACKGROUND: In the United States, Korean immigrants experience a disproportionately high burden of chronic hepatitis B (HBV) viral infection and associated liver cancer compared with the general population. However, despite clear clinical guidelines, HBV serologic testing among Koreans remains persistently suboptimal. METHODS: We conducted a cluster-randomized trial to evaluate a church-based small group intervention to improve HBV testing among Koreans in Los Angeles. Fifty-two Korean churches, stratified by size (small, medium, large) and location (Koreatown versus other), were randomized to intervention or control conditions. Intervention church participants attended a single-session small-group discussion on liver cancer and HBV testing, and control church participants attended a similar session on physical activity and nutrition. Outcome data consisted of self-reported HBV testing obtained via 6-month telephone follow-up interviews. RESULTS: We recruited 1,123 individuals, 18 to 64 years of age, across the 52 churches. Ninety-two percent of the sample attended the assigned intervention session and 86% completed the 6-month follow-up. Sample characteristics included were as follows: mean age 46 years, 65% female, 97% born in Korea, 69% completed some college, and 43% insured. In an intent-to-treat analysis, the intervention produced a statistically significant effect (OR = 4.9, P < 0.001), with 19% of intervention and 6% of control group participants reporting a HBV test. CONCLUSION: Our intervention was successful in achieving a large and robust effect in a population at high risk of HBV infection and sequelae. IMPACT: The intervention was fairly resource efficient and thus has high potential for replication in other high-risk Asian groups.

Community collaborative for colorectal cancer screening in Los Angeles Koreatown.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) rates are high among Korean Americans due in large part to low rates of screening. The Asian American Network for Cancer Awareness, Research, and Training (AANCART) developed the Korean CRC Project to increase awareness of and access to CRC screening for Los Angeles County Korean Americans.

Underinsurance before the implementation of the Affordable Care Act: From the Research Involving Outpatient Settings Network (RIOS Net).

BACKGROUND: As the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is implemented and many uninsured become insured, rates of underinsurance may persist or increase. This study was designed to estimate the rate of underinsurance in primary care safety net clinics serving low income, multiethnic populations in New Mexico. METHODS: Data were collected from 2 primary care clinics in an urban setting during a 2-week period in 2011 and 2012. Voluntary, anonymous, self-administered surveys were distributed to adult patients waiting to be seen by their doctor. Surveys were available in English and Spanish. RESULTS: Of those insured, 44% were underinsured. The underinsured comprised higher proportions of patients who were Hispanic, young, and poor; 39% reported fair or poor health, 23% reported that their health suffered from an inability to seek care because of cost, and 53% had either Medicaid or state coverage insurance. Patients with an income of ≤$25,000 were 8 times more likely to be underinsured. CONCLUSION: A high level of underinsurance was found in these safety net clinics. Because millions of Americans gain health care insurance benefits, monitoring whether the current reform provides adequate health care coverage or whether those with new and existing health care insurance are underinsured is critical.

Breast cancer knowledge and practices among D/deaf women.

BACKGROUND: Limited scientific evidence is available regarding D/deaf women's breast cancer knowledge and early detection practices, as well as about how to increase D/deaf women's breast cancer control practices. OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: To assess baseline breast cancer knowledge and practices among a sample of D/deaf women recruited into a randomized controlled trial of a breast cancer education program developed for this population. METHODS: A written and signed (American Sign Language) survey was administered to a racially/ethnically diverse sample of 209 D/deaf women, 40+ years old, with lower levels of education, recruited in California between October 2008 and May 2009. RESULTS: There were misconceptions about breast cancer risk factors, screening, and treatment; only 64.2% of respondents correctly identified the purpose of mammography. Mammography in the prior 2 years was reported by 57.3% of the sample, by 69.8% of White women, and by 43.5% of women from other racial/ethnic groups. Rates also varied by education, having seen a physician in the prior year, and type of insurance. CONCLUSIONS: This study underscores significant gaps in breast cancer screening knowledge and practices, communication issues in health care settings, and unmet needs for tailored health information and materials in this population. Challenges faced in conducting the research needed to develop and test such programs are noted.

Interest in health promotion among Korean American Seventh-day Adventists attending a religious retreat.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about interest in faith-based health promotion programs among Asian American populations. Among the Christian denominations, the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) church is known to place a strong doctrinal emphasis on health. OBJECTIVES: To understand appropriate ways to develop and implement health promotion programs and to conduct research among Korean American SDAs. METHODS: We collaborated with the North American Division of Korean SDA Churches which sponsors annual week-long religious retreats for their church members. We developed and administered a 10-page questionnaire at their 2009 retreat in order to assess socio-demographic and church characteristics, religiosity, perceived relationship between health and religion, and interest and preferences for church-based health promotion programs. RESULTS: Overall, 223 participants completed our survey (123 in Korean and 100 in English). The sample consisted of regular churchgoers who were involved in a variety of helping activities, and many holding leadership positions in their home churches. The vast majority was interested in receiving health information at church (80%) in the form of seminars, cooking classes and workshops (50-60%). Fewer respondents were interested in support groups (27%). Some interests and preferences differed between English and Korean language groups. CONCLUSION: Korean American SDA church retreat participants from a large geographic area are very interested in receiving health information and promoting health at their churches and can potentially serve as "agents of influence" in their respective communities.

Peer navigation improves diagnostic follow-up after breast cancer screening among Korean American women: results of a randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: To test an intervention to increase adherence to diagnostic follow-up tests among Asian American women. METHODS: Korean American women who were referred for a diagnostic follow-up test (mainly diagnostic mammograms) and who had missed their follow-up appointment were eligible to participate in the study. Women from two clinics (n = 176) were randomly allocated to a usual care control arm or a peer navigator intervention arm. A 20-min telephone survey was administered to women in both study arms six months after they were identified to assess demographic and socio-economic characteristics and the primary outcome, self-reported completion of the recommended follow-up exam. RESULTS: Among women who completed the survey at six-month follow-up, self-reported completion of follow-up procedures was 97% in the intervention arm and 67% in the control arm (p < 0.001). Based on an intent-to-treat analysis of all women who were randomized and an assumption of no completion of follow-up exam for women with missing outcome data, self-reported completion of follow-up was 61% in the intervention arm and 46% in the usual care control arm (p < 0.069). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that a peer navigator intervention to assist Korean American women to obtain follow-up diagnostic tests after an abnormal breast cancer screening test is efficacious.

Conducting health research in Korean American churches: perspectives from church leaders.

Korean Americans experience many challenges to obtaining adequate health care coverage and access to needed services. Because a large proportion of Korean Americans attend churches on a regular basis, churches may be a promising venue where health programs can be delivered. In order to gain an in-depth understanding of Korean American churches with respect to conducting future health intervention research, we conducted exploratory interviews and focus groups with 58 leaders from 23 Korean American churches and three community organizations. From these interviews and focus groups, we found that Korean churches and church leaders seek to meet a variety of social and health needs of their congregation and their surrounding community. Several leaders have stated that assisting with social and medical needs of their members is an important component of their current ministry. They described profound health needs of their congregations and have suggested various ways in which the university can partner with the local churches to help address these needs through research. Additionally, they described various resources churches can provide to researchers such as: their personal assistance, church volunteer base, church facility, and church network and contacts. Our findings suggest that Korean churches have a high potential to serve an important role in the health of Korean Americans. On the basis of the promising results of the present study, we are planning to conduct a cross sectional survey of Korean church leaders and members in Los Angeles County to substantiate our findings in a larger representative sample.

Why are Korean American physicians reluctant to recommend colorectal cancer screening to Korean American patients? Exploratory interview findings.

BACKGROUND: Korean Americans have one of the lowest screening rates for colorectal cancer. Although physician recommendation is one of the most important predictors of cancer screening across populations, only few Korean American patients receive such a recommendation. METHODS: We interviewed 14 Korean American physicians in Los Angeles area who primarily serve Korean Americans to explore why they are reluctant to recommend colorectal cancer screening to their Korean patients. RESULTS: Physicians identified barriers attributable to themselves (i.e., lack of knowledge, fear of medicolegal liability), their patients (i.e., patient's unfamiliarity with the concept of screening), and the health care system (i.e., lack of referral network, poor reimbursement). DISCUSSION: Our results suggest the need for multi-faceted interventions directed at the physicians, their patients, and the health care system. Further research is needed to validate our results and to assess the extent to which they apply to physicians from other racial/ethnic groups.

Impact of a print intervention to increase annual mammography screening among Korean American women enrolled in the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.

BACKGROUND: Although Korean American women have one of the lowest rates of mammography screening, only few interventions have been developed for them. We developed a theory-based Korean-language print intervention to increase annual mammography screening with the goal to disseminate it through the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP). METHODS: Korean American staff and patients at a community clinic advised on the content and layout of the brochure. We pilot tested the intervention from July to September 2005 at a community clinic in Koreatown, Los Angeles County that provides free mammograms through the NBCCEDP. The proportion of Korean American women who received a repeat mammogram during the intervention period was compared to the pre-intervention period using a NBCCEDP database. RESULTS: We found a non-significant 6 percentage point increase in repeat screening from 32% to 38%. A debriefing survey with a subsample of 59 women revealed that only 32% recalled receipt of the brochure and a subsequent investigation revealed that only about 60% had identical address information in the NBCCEDP records and in their charts. CONCLUSIONS: Although dissemination of print information through NBCCEDP is very feasible, the reach and effectiveness of the intervention was limited due to incorrect or outdated address information.

Colorectal cancer screening among underserved Korean Americans in Los Angeles County.

OBJECTIVES: Use of colorectal cancer screening is extremely low among Korean Americans. The objective of this study was to gather information on predictors, facilitators, barriers, and intervention preferences with respect to colorectal cancer screening that may inform the development of future interventions for underserved Korean Americans. DESIGN: We developed a questionnaire guided by the Health Behavior Framework and administered it to a convenience sample of 151 Korean Americans aged 40-70 recruited through a community based organization in Los Angeles. RESULTS: In our sample in which 60% of the subjects did not have health insurance, only 17% reported having received a stool blood test within the past year or sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy within the past 5 years. Having received a physician recommendation was significantly associated and having symptoms of the disease was marginally associated with the outcome variable. Although 64% of respondents reported having a primary care physician, only 29% received a screening recommendation from a physician. Barriers to colorectal cancer screening were lack of health insurance and inability to afford testing, not knowing where to go for testing, language barrier, and fear of being a burden to the family. Intervention preferences included educational seminars, media campaigns, and print materials. CONCLUSION: Our findings point to the need for a multi-faceted approach that includes educational seminars at community venues, a media campaign, and physician education to increase colorectal cancer screening in this underinsured Korean American population.

Hepatitis B testing for liver cancer control among Korean Americans.

INTRODUCTION: In Los Angeles County, Koreans surpass all other groups with respect to liver cancer incidence and mortality. An estimated 80%-85% of all liver cancer is etiologically related to chronic hepatitis B viral infection. Hepatitis B serologic testing of adult immigrants from highly endemic areas such as Asia is recommended as the first step in the control of hepatitis B infection and associated morbidities including liver cancer. OBJECTIVE: To collect pilot data to obtain an initial understanding of hepatitis B serologic testing and vaccination rates and associated knowledge and beliefs in a community sample of Korean adults (N=141, 85% foreign born, mean age 45 years) in the greater Los Angeles area. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Five Korean Christian churches and one Korean-serving primary care clinic. RESULTS: The hepatitis B serologic testing rate in our sample was 56%. Approximately one quarter of those tested reported that they were either chronic carriers or were immune as a result of a previous infection. Of those who remained susceptible to future infections, only 38% reported having been vaccinated. Constructs from our conceptual model, the Health Behavior Framework, were significant predictors of serologic testing, including hepatitis B knowledge, barriers to testing, and receipt of a physician's recommendation to get tested. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that intervention research is urgently needed to increase hepatitis B awareness and testing among Korean American adults with subsequent vaccination and followup as indicated.