Tobacco use behavior among adults exposed to cumulative adverse childhood experiences: A systematic review and meta analysis.

BACKGROUND: Tobacco use remains one of the most used substances among adults globally and substantially impacts individuals and society. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) contribute to tobacco use. However, the association between cumulative ACEs and tobacco use behaviors (TUB) has not been established in the literature. In this review, we aimed to estimate the prevalence of ACEs among adult tobacco users and evaluated the relationship between cumulative ACEs and TUB. METHODS: We identified original articles published before October 2022 by searching PubMed, CINAHL, and Psych INFO databases. Inclusion criteria were: English language, adults and used instruments assessing for cumulative ACEs defined as four or more ACEs. RESULTS: Forty-two studies, totaling 674,087 participants; predominantly cohort and cross-sectional in study design (n = 33). Exposure to 4 ≥ ACEs was significantly associated with increasing the odds of current tobacco use (n = 35), ever or former tobacco use (n = 13), tobacco use initiation, (n = 3) nicotine dependence (n = 1), and ever using electronic cigarettes (n = 1). In the meta-analysis, as compared to those without ACEs, those with 4 ≥ ACEs were twice as likely to have ever used tobacco (OR = 2.16, 95 %CI:1.73-2.70) and approximately four times more likely to have used tobacco currently (OR = 3.73, 95 %CI:2.69-5.18). CONCLUSION: The cumulative ACEs exposure can increase the risk for TUB. However, the evidence is limited primarily to cigarette use. Ongoing research into the effects of cumulative ACEs on TUB is needed to integrate trauma-informed intervention in treating tobacco use and guide public health initiatives aimed to reduce the prevalence of ACEs and TUB among adults.

Leaving no-one behind in the workplace health promotion: towards regulatory equity in the Ecuadorian micro-enterprises.

The purpose of workplace public health programmes and regulations is to promote safety and health for the entire working population nationwide. Some countries limit the scope of such programmes to medium or big-sized companies, leaving out small and micro-enterprises, thus discriminating against many workers exposed to risks. This Viewpoint aims to identify inequalities in occupational health generated by the new Regulation for Workplace Health Promotion (WHP) in Ecuador. We showed how the regulation excludes all micro-enterprises and displayed the essential role of micro-enterprises in the business fabric and the Ecuadorian labour market. More than 93% of the registered companies are micro-enterprises and these include more than 25% of the employees in the formal economy. Integrating occupational health into the public health system will require deep analysis to improve protection for the working population.

Fatal work accidents in Ecuador from 2014 to 2020: How the age of the deceased worker relates to the accidents' temporal and geographical characteristics.

This article analyzes the relationship between the age of male workers deceased in work accidents and temporal (year, month, day of the week, working shifts), geographic (provinces), and economic sector characteristics in which the accidents occurred in Ecuador between 2014 and 2020. Available data on fatal accidents from the Ecuadorian Social Security Institute (IESS) were collected. The results, which report both frequencies and proportions (rates), indicate that fatal accidents have decreased in the period, although the average age of deceased workers has increased. No significant differences were found regarding the month, day of the week, and work shift, nor in the frequency of accidents or the age of the deceased workers. However, differences were found in terms of geographical areas and sectors of economic activity. This study contributes to the literature as it is the first to analyze the temporal and geographical characteristics of fatal accidents about the age of the deceased worker.

Adolescent Mental Health and Family Economic Hardships: The Roles of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Family Conflict.

Rising and economically disproportionate rates of adverse mental health outcomes among children and youth warrant research investigating the complex pathways stemming from socioeconomic status. While adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been considered a possible mechanism linking socioeconomic status (SES) and child and youth psychopathology in previous studies, less is understood about how family environments might condition these pathways. Using data from a longitudinal, multiple-wave study, the present study addresses this gap by examining the direct relationships between family economic status and youth internalizing and externalizing symptoms, if ACEs mediate these relationships, and if conflictual family environments moderate these direct and indirect relationships. The data were obtained from 5510 youth participants [mean age at baseline = 9.52 (SD = 0.50), 47.7% female, 2.1% Asian, 10.3% Black, 17.6% Hispanic, 9.8% Multiracial/Multiethnic, 60.2% White] and their caretakers from the baseline, 1-year, and 2-year follow up waves. Conditional process analysis assessed the direct, indirect, and moderated relationships in separate, equivalent models based on youth- versus caregiver-raters of ACEs and youth psychopathology to capture potential differences based on the rater. The results of both the youth- and caregiver-rated models indicated that lower family economic status directly predicted higher levels of externalizing symptoms, and ACEs indirectly accounted for higher levels of internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Additionally, family conflict moderated some, but not all, of these relationships. The study's findings highlight that lower family economic status and ACEs, directly and indirectly, contribute to early adolescent psychopathology, and conflictual family environments can further intensify these relationships. Implementing empirically supported policies and interventions that target ACEs and family environments may disrupt deleterious pathways between SES and youth psychopathology.

Pérdidas laborales asociadas a la mortalidad por lesiones en accidentes de tránsito: estimaciones provinciales de ecuador / Labor productivity losses associated with road traffic injury fatalities: Provincial estimates of Ecuador

RESUMEN Objetivo Estimar los años potenciales de vida perdidos (APVP) y los años potenciales de vida laboral perdidos (APVLP) en la población en edad laboral asociados a los fallecimientos prematuros por lesiones en accidentes de tránsito para las 24 provincias de Ecuador. Métodos Se emplearon fuentes de información estadística (registro de defunciones CIE-10 V01 a V89 y censo poblacional) para estimar los APVP y APVLP en edades laborales (15 a 64 años de edad) por sexo y provincias. Además, se calcularon la tasa cruda y específica (edades laborales) y la edad media (IC95%). Resultados La mayoría de las muertes en edad laboral por lesiones en accidentes tránsito estuvo en hombres con edades jóvenes y en las provincias de las regiones amazónica (Orellana y Sucumbíos) y la costa del Pacífico del país (Los Ríos). El número de APVLP se estima en 69 314 años, mientras que los APVP asciende a 94 567 años, las provincias de Guayas y Pichincha acumulan la mayor cantidad de APVP y APVLP. Conclusiones Los años perdidos estimados por muertes prematuras por esta causa representan un problema de salud pública y un importante coste laboral para el desarrollo del país. Los resultados encontrados refuerzan la necesidad de intensificar la mejora de programas y actuaciones públicas en seguridad vial.

ABSTRACT Objetive To estimate the potential years of life lost (YPLL) and the potential years of wor-king life lost (YPPLL) in the working-age population associated with premature deaths from injuries in traffic accidents for the 24 provinces of Ecuador. Methods Statistical information sources (ICD-10 V01 to V89 death registry and population census) were used to estimate the YPLL and YPPLL for working ages (15 to 64 years of age) by sex and provinces. Additionally, the crude and specific rate (working ages) and the mean age (95% CI) were calculated. Results Most deaths of working age for injuries in traffic accidents was in men younger ages and in the provinces of the Amazon regions (Orellana and Sucumbíos) and the Pacific coast of the country (Los Ríos). The number of YPLL is estimated at 69,314 years, while the YPPLL amounts to 94,567 years, the provinces of Guayas and Pichincha accumulate the highest amount of YPLL and YPPLL. Conclusions Estimated lost years for this cause premature deaths represent a public health problem and a major labor cost for the development of the country. The results reinforce the need to strengthen public programs and improve road safety performances.

Sistema de indicadores de morbilidad y mortalidad por accidentes de tráfico: una revisión sistemática / System of morbidity and mortality indicators for traffic accidents: a systematic review

RESUMEN Objetivo Elaborar un sistema de indicadores de morbilidad y mortalidad por accidentes de tráfico, con el fin de mejorar los procesos de recopilación y registro de la información de seguridad vial en el país. Materiales y Métodos Revisión sistemática cualitativa de artículos científicos publicados en revistas indexadas en las principales bases de datos (Scopus, PubMed, Lilacs, SciELO, Google Scholar), sobre accidentes de tráfico desde el año 1995 hasta el año 2015. La información recolectada pasó por 4 fases de revisión. Resultados Se seleccionaron 84 indicadores, agrupados en nueve dimensiones: accidentalidad, morbilidad, mortalidad, temporalidad, geoespacial, sociodemográfica, parque vehicular, impacto en salud pública, tipos y causas. Conclusiones Una gestión eficaz sobre seguridad vial exige que cada país cuente con un sistema de indicadores efectivo e institucionalizado que permita recolectar, analizar y gestionar la información de forma rápida y oportuna, enmarcada en el campo de la investigación científica, para difundir a la comunidad y organismos responsables de la seguridad vial, con miras a la adopción de medidas preventivas y correctivas. Por lo que, se recomienda a los organismos competentes de seguridad vial del país incorporar el sistema de indicadores elaborado en la presente investigación, lo cual permitirá contar con un sistema de registro de datos confiables.

ABSTRACT Objective Prepare a system of morbidity and mortality indicators for traffic accidents, to propose its implementation in Ecuador, in order to improve the processes for collecting and recording road safety information in the country. Materials and Methods Qualitative systematic review of scientific articles published in journals indexed in the main databases (Scopus, PubMed, Lilacs, SciELO, Google Scholer), on traffic accidents from 1995 to 2015. The information collected went through 4 phases review. Results 84 indicators were selected, grouped into nine dimensions: accident rate, morbidity, mortality, temporality, geospatial, socio-demographic, vehicle fleet, impact on public health, types and causes. Conclusions An effective management of road safety requires that each country have an effective and institutionalized system of indicators that allows the collection, analysis and management of information in a fast and timely manner, framed in the field of scientific research, to disseminate to the community and organizations. responsible for road safety, with a view to adopting preventive and corrective measures. Therefore, it is recommended that the competent road safety agencies of the country incorporate the system of indicators developed in this research, which will allow them to have a reliable data registration system.

I Encuesta sobre Condiciones de Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo para Ecuador. Principales resultados en la ciudad de Quito, 2016 / I Survey on Safety and Health Conditions at the Workplace in Ecuador. Main Results in Quito, 2016

OBJETIVO: Describir las condiciones de trabajo y el estado de salud de la población trabajadora afiliada a la seguridad social de la ciudad de Quito, Ecuador. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo basado en los resultados de la Primera Encuesta sobre Condiciones de Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo (I-ECSST). Se entrevistó entre abril y junio de 2016 a 741 personas en su domicilio. El diseño muestral fue probabilístico, bietápico y estratificado por las 32 parroquias urbanas de la ciudad de Quito. RESULTADOS: Un porcentaje considerable de los trabajadores estaba expuesto a factores de riesgos ergonómicos. En particular, el 60% de los trabajadores encuestados manifestó realizar movimientos repetitivos en su actividad laboral. Se observó una alta prevalencia de dolores o molestias de espalda (50%), cabeza (40%) y miembros superiores (26%). El 13% de los trabajadores declaró haber sufrido un accidente de trabajo en el último año. CONCLUSIONES: La I-ECSST revela multitud de factores de riesgos laboral presentes en los lugares de trabajo que pueden estar ocasionando daños a la salud de la población trabajadora. Estos resultados podrían servir para guiar a las políticas públicas orientadas a mejorar la salud de la población trabajadora

OBJECTIVE: To describe working conditions and health problems at the working-age population in the Ecuadorian social security system of Quito. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Descriptive study based on the results of the First Survey on Safety and Health at Work (I-ECSST, by its Spanish acronym). 741 people were interviewed at home between April and June 2016. The sampling design was probabilistic, multistage and stratified by 32 urban parishes. RESULTS: A considerable proportion of workers were exposed to ergonomic risk factors. In particular, 60% of surveyed workers evidenced repetitive movements throughout their work activity. A high prevalence of pains and problems were evidenced as follows: back (50%), head (40%) and upper limb (26%). 13% of workers reported having suffered a work-related accident in the previous year. CONCLUSIONS: The I-ECSST reveals a multitude of occupational risk factors at workplaces that may be causing damage to the health of the working population. These results could be helpful in guiding public policies in order to improve the health of the working population

Diseño y validación de un cuestionario para el diagnóstico de riesgos psicosociales en empresas ecuatorianas / Design and validation of a questionnaire for the diagnosis of psychosocial risks in Ecuatorian companies

OBJETIVO: presentar el diseño, construcción y validación de un cuestionario para el diagnóstico de riesgos psicosociales en Ecuador, conformado por 58 ítems que evalúan el riesgo psicosocial a través de 8 dimensiones. Diseño: estudio transversal en 2 fases: (i) diseño del marco conceptual y construcción del cuestionario y; (ii) valoración de la validez y consistencia interna aplicado en una muestra de 3.225 trabajadores de empresas ecuatorianas. Resultados: El cuestionario posee una alta fiabilidad en términos de consistencia interna (Alfa de Cronbach = 0,968) y una adecuación satisfactoria de los datos a la matriz factorial (KMO = 0,980; Bartlett = 93818,0, <0,05). Conclusiones: se recomienda el uso de este cuestionario como instrumento para el diagnóstico preliminar, permitiendo el diseño e implementación de futuros programas de prevención de riesgos psicosociales en empresas de más de 10 trabajadores en el país.

Abstract: Objective: to present the design, construction and validation of a questionnaire for the diagnosis of psychosocial risks in Ecuador, consisting of 58 items that assess psychosocial risk through 8 dimen sions. Design: cross-sectional study in 2 phases: (i) design of the conceptual framework and construction of the questionnaire and; (ii) assessment of the validity and internal consistency applied to a sample of 3.225 workers from ecuadorian companies. Results: The questionnaire has a high reliability in terms of internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0,968) and a satisfactory adaptation of the data to the factorial matrix (KMO = 0,980; Bartlett = 93818,0, <0,05). Conclusions: the use of this questionnaire is recommended as an instrument for preliminary diagnosis, allowing the design and imple mentation of future psychosocial risk prevention programs in com panies with more than 10 workers in the country.

Area-socioeconomic disparities in mental health service use among children involved in the child welfare system.

Relying on data from a nationally representative sample of youth involved in the child welfare system (CWS) in 1999-2000 (the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being, Cohort 1) and 2008-2009 (Cohort 2), this study implemented a diverse set of disparity indicators to estimate area-socioeconomic disparities in mental health (MH) services use and changes in area-socioeconomic disparities between the two cohorts. Our study found that there are area-socioeconomic disparities in MH service use, indicating that the rates of MH service use among youth referred to the CWS differ by area-socioeconomic positions defined by county-level poverty rates. We also found that area-socioeconomic disparities increased over time. However, the magnitude of the increase varied widely across disparity measures, suggesting that there are different conclusions about the trend and magnitude of area-socioeconomic disparities, depending upon which disparity measures are implemented. A greater understanding of the methodological differences among disparity measures is warranted, which will in turn impact how interventions are designed to reduce socioeconomic disparities among children in the CWS.

Adverse childhood experiences among youth reported to child welfare: Results from the national survey of child & adolescent wellbeing.

The negative influence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on social, emotional, and behavioral (SEB) outcomes are well documented. However, no research to date has examined the effect of ACEs on SEB outcomes in youth who received mental health services after reporting to the child welfare system. This study's analyses of data from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being II revealed that the most prevalent ACEs included hospitalization for a medical condition, neglect, and exposures to domestic and community violence. Logistic regression of this data showed that the odds of being diagnosed with internalizing problems increased with age and when sexual abuse was reported. The results also showed that compared to Caucasian youth, Latinos were less likely to be diagnosed with externalizing behaviors, even when sexual abuse had been reported. Contrary to one of this study's hypotheses, mental health service use within the past 18 months increased the odds of being diagnosed with SEB problems. These findings highlight the persistence of SEB problems despite receipt of mental health services. Future research should assess the impact of interventions that aim to mitigate poor SEB outcomes due to ACEs, especially sexual abuse.

Measuring Use of Research Evidence: The Structured Interview for Evidence Use.

OBJECTIVES: This article describes the Standard Interview for Evidence Use (SIEU), a measure to assess the level of engagement in acquiring, evaluating, and applying research evidence in health and social service settings. METHOD: Three scales measuring input, process, and output of research evidence and eight subscales were identified using principal axis factor analysis and parallel analysis of data collected from 202 state and county child welfare, mental health, and juvenile justice systems leaders. RESULTS: The SIEU scales and subscales demonstrate strong internal consistency as well as convergent and discriminant validity. CONCLUSIONS: The SIEU is easy to use and can be administered as a complete scale or as three smaller scales to separately examine evidence in acquisition, evaluation, or application. The measure demonstrates potential in understanding the role of research evidence in service settings and in monitoring the process of evidence-based practice and application of scientific principles in social work practice.

Measuring Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Mental Health Service Use Among Children Referred to the Child Welfare System.

This study aims to compare different approaches to measuring racial/ethnic disparities in mental health (MH) service use among a nationwide representative sample of children referred to the child welfare system and compare the magnitude and direction of potential disparities in MH service use over time. Using data from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being, six summary measures of disparity were implemented to quantify racial/ethnic disparities in MH service use. This study found that youth of color were less likely than their White counterparts to receive MH services. This racial/ethnic disparity was found to increase over time; however, the magnitude of the increase varied considerably across disparity measures. In addition, the estimated increases in disparity were even greater when the sample was limited to youth in need of MH services. This study shows that the same data may produce different magnitudes of disparity, depending on which metric is implemented and whether MH need is accounted for. A greater understanding of and justification for selection of methods to examine MH disparities among child welfare researchers and policy makers is warranted.

Socio-contextual Determinants of Research Evidence Use in Public-Youth Systems of Care.

Recent efforts have been devoted to understanding the conditions by which research evidence use (REU) is facilitated from the perspective of system leaders in the context of implementing evidence-based child mental health interventions. However, we have limited understanding of the extent to which outer contextual factors influence REU. Outer contextual factors for 37 counties in California were gathered from public records in 2008; and child welfare, juvenile justice, and mental health system leaders' perceptions of their REU were measured via a web-based survey from 2010 to 2012. Results showed that leaders with higher educational attainment and in counties with lower expenditures on inpatient mental health services were significantly associated with higher REU. Positive relationships between gathering research evidence and racial minority concentration and poverty at the county level were also detected. Results underscore the need to identify the organizational and socio-political factors by which mental health services and resources meet client demands that influence REU, and to recruit and retain providers with a graduate degree to negotiate work demands and interpret research evidence.

From placement to prison revisited: Do mental health services disrupt the delinquency pipeline among Latino, African American and Caucasian youth in the child welfare system?

Racial and ethnic disparities in delinquency among child welfare-involved youth are well documented. However, less is known about the mechanisms through which these disparities occur. This study explores the extent to which sets of variables predict the occurrence of juvenile delinquency and whether race/ethnicity moderates the strength of the relationships between (1) social, emotional, and behavioral (SEB) problems and delinquency and (2) mental health service use and delinquency. We used a nationally representative sample of 727 African American, Caucasian, and Latino youth between the ages of 12-17 who were referred to the child welfare system. Controlling for age, gender, placement instability, maltreatment history, poverty, and urbanicity, linear regression analyses revealed that African American and Latino youth engaged in more delinquent acts than Caucasian youth did. However, service use decreased the likelihood of engaging in more delinquent acts for African Americans. Additional efforts are needed to illuminate and address the contextual and organizational barriers to delivering effective mental health services as a strategy to reduce racial disparities in delinquent behavior.

Incidencia de accidentes de trabajo declarados en Ecuador en el período 2011-2012 / Incidence of accidents reported in Ecuador in 2011-2012

INTRODUCCIÓN: el conocimiento de la incidencia de los accidentes de trabajo es un aspecto fundamental para conocer y adoptar políticas gubernamentales para reducir la siniestralidad laboral. Existen razones para pensar que en Ecuador preexiste una infraestimación de la declaración y registro de accidentes de trabajo. OBJETIVOS: la información y análisis de la incidencia de los accidentes de trabajo permite conocer la siniestralidad laboral de un país y formular acciones encaminadas a mejorar las condiciones de trabajo. En la actualidad no existen datos estadísticos sobre el índice de incidencia en Ecuador que permitan la comparación homogénea y estadística con otros países. El objetivo del presente estudio es describir los accidentes de trabajo registrados en el Instituto Ecuatoriano de Seguridad Social en los períodos de 2011 y 2012 y calcular su correspondiente índice de incidencia. MÉTODOS: estudio descriptivo y transversal. La fuente de información analizada de los accidentes de trabajo se obtuvo a través de la Subdirección de Prevención de Riesgos y Control de Prestaciones del IESS. Para el análisis se establecieron las variables: provincia, actividad económica, género, tipo de lesión, ubicación, consecuencias, día, hora y tipo de incapacidad del accidente de trabajo. Se establecieron como indicadores porcentajes e índices de incidencia. RESULTADOS: las notificaciones de accidentes de trabajo registrados en 2012 representan una incidencia de 550,5 casos por cada por 100.000 trabajadores, índice superior al registrado en 2011 con 419,7. La incidencia de los accidentes de trabajo que derivan en una incapacidad temporal en 2012 es de 527 por cada 100.000 trabajadores. CONCLUSIONES: con la entrada en vigor de la Resolución C.D. No. 390 -Reglamento del Seguro General de Riesgos del Trabajo de 2011- se han incrementado el número de notificaciones de accidentes de trabajo. La industria manufacturera es la de mayor índice de incidencia. Las principales provincias del país con mayor índice de incidencia son Pichincha, con 371,1 casos por cada 100.000 trabajadores, y 1037,7 en la provincia del Guayas en 2012.

INTRODUCTION: knowledge of the incidence of accidents at work is a key aspect to understand and adopt government policies to reduce workplace accidents. There are reasons to believe that in Ecuador preexists an underestimation of the declaration and registration of accidents. OBJECTIVES: The information and analysis of the incidence of occupational accidents allows to know a the workplace accidents of a country and make efforts to improve working conditions. Currently there are no statistics on the incidence rate in Ecuador that allow homogeneous and statistical comparison with other countries. The aim of this study is to describe the accidents recorded in the Ecuadorian Institute of Social Security in the periods 2011 to 2012 and calculate its corresponding incidence rate. Methods: It is a cross-sectional study. The source of information analyzed accidents at work was obtained through the Office of Risk Prevention and Control Features IESS. To analyze the next variables were established: province, economic activity, gender, type of injury, location, consequences, day, time and type of disability accident. They were established as percentages indicators and incidence rates. RESULTS: notifications of accidents recorded in 2012 represent an incidence of 550,5 cases per 100,000 workers, more than in 2011 with 419,7 index. The incidence of occupational accidents which result in temporary incapacity in 2012 is 527 per per 100.000 workers. CONCLUSIONS: With the entry into force of Resolution CD No. 390 -Regulation of the Seguro General de Riesgos del Trabajo de 2011- have increased the number of notifications of accidents. Manufacturing is a key indicator of incidence. The main provinces with the highest incidence are Pichincha with 371,1 cases per 100.000 workers and 1037,7 in the province of Guayas in 2012.

Structural and theoretical studies on rhodium and iridium complexes with 5-nitrosopyrimidines. Effects on the proteolytic regulatory enzymes of the renin-angiotensin system in human tumoral brain cells.

The reactions of [RhCl(CO)(PPh3)2], [RhCl(CO)2]2 and [IrCl(CO)(PPh3)2] with different 5-nitrosopyrimidines afforded sixteen complexes which have been structurally characterized by elemental analysis, IR and NMR ((1)H and (13)C) spectral methods and luminescence spectroscopy. The crystal and molecular structures of [Rh(III)Cl(VIOH-1)2(PPh3)], [Rh(III)Cl(DVIOH-1)2(PPh3)] and [Rh(II)(DVIOH-1)2(PPh3)2] have been established from single crystal x-ray structure analyses. The three complexes are six-coordinated with both violurato ligands into an equatorial N5,O4-bidentate fashion, but with different mutually arrangements. Theoretical studies were driven on the molecular structure of [Rh(III)Cl(VIOH-1)2(PPh3)] to assess the nature of the metal-ligand interaction as well as the foundations of the cis-trans (3L-2L) isomerism. An assortment of density functional (SOGGA11-X, B1LYP, B3LYP, B3LYP-D3 and wB97XD) has been used, all of them leading to a similar description of the target system. Thus, a topological analysis of the electronic density within AIM scheme and the study of the Mulliken charges yield a metal-ligand link of ionic character. Likewise, it has been proved that the cis-trans isomerism is mainly founded on that metal-ligand interaction with the relativistic effects playing a significant role. Although most of the compounds showed low direct toxicity against the human cell lines NB69 (neuroblastoma) and U373-MG (astroglioma), they differently modify in several ways the renin-angiotensin system (RAS)-regulating proteolytic regulatory enzymes aminopeptidase A (APA), aminopeptidase N (APN) and insulin-regulated aminopeptidase (IRAP). Therefore, these complexes could exert antitumor activity against both brain tumor types, acting through the paracrine regulating system mediated by tissue RAS rather than exerting a direct cytotoxic effect on tumor cells.

Consistency with evidence-based treatments and perceived effectiveness of children's community-based care.

This study examined whether delivery of psychotherapeutic strategies consistent with common elements of evidence-based (EB) treatments for child disruptive behavior problems was associated with parents' report of treatment effectiveness. The intensity of delivery of practice elements consistent with EB treatments was coded from a random sample of 538 videotaped psychotherapy sessions with 157 children/families and 75 therapists from six community-based clinics. Multilevel regression analyses tested whether intensity of EB practice elements was associated with parents' report of treatment effectiveness after 4 months, controlling for intensity of other practice elements. Results indicate parents reported greater perceived treatment effectiveness when community-based treatment included more intensive delivery of practice elements consistent with EB treatments to children. These findings may reassure providers about the acceptability of EB practice elements and may motivate efforts to integrate EB practice elements more intensively into community-based care.

Inter-organizational collaboration in the implementation of evidence-based practices among public agencies serving abused and neglected youth.

This study examined the role of inter-organizational collaboration in implementing new evidence-based practices for addressing problem behaviors in at-risk youth. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 38 systems leaders of probation, mental health, and child welfare departments of 12 California counties participating in a large randomized controlled trial to scale-up the use of Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care. Three sets of collaboration characteristics were identified: (1) characteristics of collaboration process, (2) characteristics of the external environment, and (3) characteristics of participating organizations and individuals. Inter-organizational collaboration enables an exchange of information and advice and a pooling of resources individual agencies may require for successful implementation.

Antiproliferative effects of palladium(II) complexes of 5-nitrosopyrimidines and interactions with the proteolytic regulatory enzymes of the renin-angiotensin system in tumoral brain cells.

Seventeen new palladium(II) complexes of general formulaes PdCl2L, PdCl(LH-1)(solvent) and PdCl2(PPh3)2L containing pyrimidine ligands derived from 6-amino-5-nitrosouracil and violuric acid have been prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, IR and NMR ((1)H and (13)C) methods and, two of them, PdCl(DANUH-1)(CH3CN)]·½H2O and [PdCl(2MeOANUH-1)(CH3CN)] by X-ray single-crystal diffraction (DANU: 6-amino-1,3-dimethyl-5-nitrosouracil; 2MeOANU: 6-amino-2-methoxy-5-nitroso-3H-pyrimidin-4-one). The coordination environment around palladium is nearly square planar in the two compounds with different supramolecular arrangements. Crystallographic and spectral data are consistent with a bidentate coordination mode through N5 and O4 atoms when the ligands act in neutral form and N5 and N6 atoms in the monodeprotonated ones. The cytotoxicity of the complexes against human neuroblastoma (NB69) and human glioma (U373-MG) cell lines has been tested showing a considerable antiproliferative activity. Also, the study of the effects of palladium(II) complexes on the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) regulating proteolytic regulatory enzymes aminopeptidase A (APA), aminopeptidase N (APN) and insulin-regulated aminopeptidase (IRAP) shows a strong dependence on the compound tested and the tumoral cell type, also affecting different catalytic routes; the compounds affect in a different way the activities of enzymes of the RAS system, changing their functional roles as initiators of cell proliferation in tumors as autocrine/paracrine mediators.

A potential antitumor agent, (6-amino-1-methyl-5-nitrosouracilato-N3)-triphenylphosphine-gold(I): structural studies and in vivo biological effects against experimental glioma.

The synthesis and molecular and supramolecular structures of the compound (6-amino-1-methyl-5-nitrosouracilato-N3)-triphenylphosphine-gold(I) with interesting abilities to inhibit tumor growth in an animal model of experimental glioma are reported. Thus, its antitumor properties, effects on both enzyme and non-enzyme antioxidant defense systems and the response of several biochemical biomarkers have been analyzed. After seven days of treatment, the gold compound decreased the tumor growth to ca. one-tenth and reduced oxidative stress biomarkers (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and protein oxidation levels) compared to animals treated with the vehicle. Also, gold compound maintained non-enzyme antioxidant defense systems as in non-tumor animals and increased enzyme antioxidant defenses, such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities, and decreased catalase activity. Analysis of serum levels of electrolytes, nitrogenous compounds, glucose, lipids, total protein, albumin, transaminases and alkaline phosphatase indicated that gold compound treatment showed few adverse effects, while effectively inhibiting tumor growth through mechanisms that involved endogenous antioxidant defenses.