Implementation of the "Healthy Moms, Healthy Kids" Program in Head Start: An Application of the RE-AIM QuEST Framework Centering Equity.

BACKGROUND: Marginalized mothers are disproportionately impacted by depression and face barriers in accessing mental health treatment. Recent efforts have focused on building capacity to address maternal depression in Head Start; however, it is unclear if mental health inequities can be addressed by two-generation programs in Head Start settings. Therefore, this study examined the implementation outcomes and processes of a two-generation program called "Healthy Moms, Healthy Kids" (HMHK) that provided an evidence-based depression treatment to ethnic minority Head Start mothers. METHOD: Quantitative and qualitative data were collected and merged in a convergent mixed method design in accordance with the RE-AIM Qualitative Evaluation for Systematic Translation (RE-AIM QuEST) framework. Qualitative data included interviews with 52 key stakeholders, including intervention participants and staff members, and 176 sets of meeting minutes from the implementation period. Quantitative data included intervention study data and administrative data. RESULTS: It was difficult for HMHK to reach the target population, with only 16.8% of eligible mothers choosing to participate. However, mothers who participated experienced reductions in depressive symptoms and parenting stress and shared a variety of positive impacts in interviews. The program was also more successful in enrolling Latinx mothers who were Spanish-speaking or bilingual rather than English-speaking and Black/African American mothers, limiting its reach. CONCLUSION: Providing IPT therapy groups was effective in reducing maternal depressive symptoms and stress for those who enrolled, but additional work should focus on reducing barriers to participation, considering other delivery models to meet participants' needs, and identifying culturally relevant ways to meet the needs of Black mothers.

Pandemic-Related Stress and Resilience Among Latinx Mothers with a History of Depression: Differences by Immigration Status.

This study explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on low-income, Latinx mothers in Southern California with a history of depression, including undocumented mothers and members of mixed status families. Drawing participants from a parent study that provided a maternal depression intervention to Head Start mothers (n = 119), this mixed method study integrates qualitative and quantitative data in a convergent design. Thirty-four mothers completed semi-structured qualitative interviews and standardized questionnaires in the fall of 2020. Mothers shared overwhelming economic difficulties, with the majority reporting that their family income decreased and half reporting that they were unable to pay for housing. Stressors were compounded for undocumented mothers and members of mixed-status families who were excluded from major relief programs. Stress affected maternal mental health, and mothers with precarious status reported differences in functioning. Mothers also identified positive ways that they coped with adversity. Results show that Latinx mothers with a history of depression, particularly mothers with precarious immigration status, continue to suffer considerable economic, social, and emotional impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Social workers can support the human rights of this population by advocating for financial relief, food assistance, and the expansion of medical-legal partnerships and physical and mental health services.

Parámetros de laboratorio clínico en pacientes con la COVID-19 / Clinical laboratory parameters in patients with COVID-19

Introducción: Conocer las alteraciones en exámenes de laboratorio clínico, es de utilidad en el diagnóstico y el progreso de pacientes con la COVID-19. Objetivo: Describir los parámetros de laboratorio clínico en pacientes diagnosticados con la COVID-19. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo en 82 pacientes hospitalizados con la COVID-19. Las variables analizadas fueron edad, sexo, comorbilidad, reporte de paciente, estado al egreso, hemoglobina, recuento de glóbulos blancos, conteo absoluto de neutrófilos, conteo absoluto de linfocitos, conteo de plaquetas, eritrosedimentación, dímero D, creatinina, urea, alanina aminotransferasa, aspartato aminotransferasa, #947;-glutamil transpeptidasa, fosfatasa alcalina, lactato deshidrogenasa, relación neutrófilos/ linfocitos y de plaquetas/ linfocitos. Resultados: La edad promedio fue de 55,61 ± 22,04, fue mayoría el sexo femenino (57,3 por ciento), hipertensos (41,5 por ciento), el 18,3 por ciento reportados de grave y el 14,6 por ciento falleció. La edad avanzada y la comorbilidad se asociaron al reporte de gravedad. Hubo disminución significativa de la hemoglobina, linfocitos; elevación de la eritrosedimentación, dímero D, creatinina, #947;-glutamil transpeptidasa y lactato deshidrogenasa, sobre todo en graves. La relación neutrófilos/ linfocitos y de plaquetas/ linfocitos alertaron sobre el agravamiento del paciente y la posibilidad de fallecer. Conclusiones: Los pacientes tenían una media de edad de 55,61, del sexo femenino, con hipertensión arterial; egresaron vivos, reportados de no graves. Disminuyen los valores medios de hemoglobina, conteo global de los linfocitos, sobre todo en graves; aumenta el dímero D, creatinina, ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, y LD. La relación neutrófilos/ linfocitos y de plaquetas/ linfocitos muestran valores medios altos, sobre todo en graves y en quienes fallecieron (AU)

Introduction: Knowing the alterations in clinical laboratory tests is useful in the diagnosis and progress of patients with COVID-19. Objective: To describe the clinical laboratory parameters in patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Methods: Descriptive study in 82 hospitalized patients with COVID-19. The variables analyzed were age, sex, comorbidity, patient report, discharge status, hemoglobin, white blood cell count, absolute neutrophil count, absolute lymphocyte count, platelet count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, D-dimer, creatinine, urea, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, neutrophil / lymphocyte and platelet / lymphocyte ratio. Results: The average age was 55.61 ± 22.04, the majority were female (57.3 percent), hypertensive (41.5 percent), 18.3 percent reported serious and 14.6 percent died. Advanced age and comorbidity were associated with the severity report. There was a significant decrease in hemoglobin, lymphocytes; elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, D-dimer, creatinine, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, and lactate dehydrogenase, especially in severe patients. The neutrophil / lymphocyte and platelet / lymphocyte ratio warned about the worsening of the patient and the possibility of death. Conclusions: The patients a mean age of 55.61, female, with arterial hypertension; they were discharged alive, reported as not serious. Mean hemoglobin values ​​decrease, global lymphocyte count, especially in severe patients; increases D-dimer, creatinine, ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, and LD. The neutrophil / lymphocyte and platelet / lymphocyte ratio show high mean values, especially in severely ill patients and in those who died(AU)

Caracterización de la polifarmacia en adultos mayores de un consultorio médico urbano / Characterization of polypharmacy in older adults consulted in an urban medical office / Caracterização da polifarmácia em idosos em um escritorio médico urbano

RESUMEN La polifarmacia en adultos mayores es una problemática frecuente. Con el objetivo de caracterizar la polifarmacia en adultos mayores del consultorio urbano El Golfo, reparto Antonio Guiteras de Bayamo, Policlínico Jimmy Hirzel, se realizó un estudio retrospectivo, analítico, de utilización de medicamentos según clasificación del tipo de consumo con elementos de indicación-prescripción, en la cadena del medicamento, centrado en la prescripción. Muestra: 40 adultos mayores. Se emplearon métodos teóricos, empíricos y estadísticos. Los datos se analizaroncon el auxilio del Programa IBM SPSS versión 22 para Windows (Estadísticos Descriptivos). Predominaron los pacientes de 60 a 64 años (50%) y del sexo femenino (60%),la hipertensión arterial (37 casos) como enfermedad crónica diagnosticada, los antihipertensivos (37 pacientes) como grupo farmacológico más empleado, la asociación de 4 a 5 medicamentos involucrados en la polifarmacia (82,5%) y el captopril (47,5%) como el medicamento más prescrito. Se concluyó que la mayoría de los adultos mayores hacían uso de la polifarmacia, por prescripción facultativa.

ABSTRACT Polipharmacy in older adults is a frequent health problem. With the objective to characterize polypharmacy in older adults consulted in El Golfo urban medical office, of Jimmy Hirzel Policlinic in Antonio Guiteras locality, Bayamo, Granma; a retrospective, analitic, of medications utilization study was carried out, according to kind of consumption classification with elements of indication-prescription; in the medication chain, this study is centered on prescription. Sample were 40 older adult patients. Theoretical, empiric and statistical methods were used. Collected data was analyzed with IBM SPSS 22 software for Windows. In the study predominated patients from 60 to 64 years old (50%), female gender (60%), hypertension (37 patients) as diagnosed chronic illness, antihypertensives (37 patients) as the most used pharmacological group, association of 4 or 5 medications involved in polypharmacy (82,5%), and captopril (47,5%) as the most prescribed medication. Conclusion was that most older adults used polypharmacy by facultative's prescription.

RESUMO A polifarmácia em idosos é um problema frequente. Para caracterizar a polifarmácia em idosos da clínica urbana El Golfo, bairro Antonio Guiteras de Bayamo, Jimmy Hirzel Policlínica, foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo e analítico do uso de drogas de acordo com a classificação do tipo de consumo com elementos de indicação-prescrição ., na cadeia de medicamentos, com foco na prescrição. Amostra: 40 idosos. Foram utilizados métodos teóricos, empíricos e estatísticos. Os dados foram analisados ​​com auxílio do IBM SPSS versão 22 para Windows (Estatísticas Descritivas). Predominaram pacientes de 60 a 64 anos (50%) e do sexo feminino (60%), hipertensão arterial (37 casos) como doença crônica diagnosticada, anti-hipertensivos (37 pacientes) como grupo farmacológico mais utilizado, associação de 4 a 5 medicamentos envolvido em polifarmácia (82,5%) e captopril (47,5%) como medicamento mais prescrito. Concluiu-se que a maioria dos idososfazia uso de polifarmácia, por prescrição médica.

Caracterización de la polifarmacia en adultos mayores de un consultorio médico urbano / Characterization of polypharmacy in older adults consulted in an urban medical office

La polifarmacia en adultos mayores es una problemática frecuente. Con el objetivo de caracterizar la polifarmacia en adultos mayores del consultorio urbano El Golfo, reparto Antonio Guiteras de Bayamo, Policlínico Jimmy Hirzel, se realizó un estudio retrospectivo, analítico, de utilización de medicamentos según clasificación del tipo de consumo con elementos de indicación-prescripción, en la cadena del medicamento, centrado en la prescripción. Muestra: 40 adultos mayores. Se emplearon métodos teóricos, empíricos y estadísticos. Los datos se analizaron con el auxilio del Programa IBM SPSS versión 22 para Windows (Estadísticos Descriptivos). Predominaron los pacientes de 60 a 64 años (50 por ciento) y del sexo femenino (60 por ciento), la hipertensión arterial (37 casos) como enfermedad crónica diagnosticada, los antihipertensivos (37 pacientes) como grupo farmacológico más empleado, la asociación de 4 a 5 medicamentos involucrados en la polifarmacia (82,5 por ciento) y el captopril (47,5 por ciento) como el medicamento más prescrito. Se concluyó que la mayoría de los adultos mayores hacían uso de la polifarmacia, por prescripción facultativa(AU)

Polipharmacy in older adults is a frequent health problem. With the objective to characterize polypharmacy in older adults consulted in El Golfo urban medical office, of Jimmy Hirzel Policlinic in Antonio Guiteras locality, Bayamo, Granma; a retrospective, analitic, of medications utilization study was carried out, according to kind of consumption classification with elements of indication-prescription; in the medication chain, this study is centered on prescription. Sample were 40 older adult patients. Theoretical, empiric and statistical methods were used. Collected data was analyzed with IBM SPSS 22 software for Windows. In the study predominated patients from 60 to 64 years old (50 percent), female gender (60 percent), hypertension (37 patients) as diagnosed chronic illness, antihypertensives (37 patients) as the most used pharmacological group, association of 4 or 5 medications involved in polypharmacy (82,5 percent), and captopril (47,5 percent) as the most prescribed medication. Conclusion was that most older adults used polypharmacy by facultatives prescription(EU)

Vertical transmission of dengue virus in Aedes aegypti and its role in the epidemiological persistence of dengue in Central and Southern Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are the main mosquito species responsible for dengue virus (DENV) transmission to humans in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The role of vertical transmission in the epidemiology of dengue and the maintenance of this arbovirus in nature during interepidemic periods remain poorly understood, and DENV vertical transmission could sustain the existence of virus reservoirs within Aedes populations. METHODS: Between April 2011 and October 2012, we monitored vertical transmission of DENV in Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus in 9 cities of 4 Mexican states. Aedes eggs were collected in ovitraps, then adults were reared under laboratory conditions and their heads were used to infect C6/36 cells. The presence of flavivirus was detected by immunofluorescence assays (IFA), and DENV infection was confirmed by RT-PCR. RESULTS: About 96% of reared adults were Ae. aegypti and 4.0% were Ae. albopictus. No infection was detected in Ae. albopictus, whereas 54 of 713 (7.8%) of Ae. aegypti pools tested positive. A minimum infection rate (MIR) of 2.52 per 1000 mosquitoes was estimated for Ae. aegypti. DENV-1, DENV-2 & DENV-3 serotypes were detected even during interepidemic periods. CONCLUSIONS: This study reports the evidence of vertical transmission of dengue virus with viral isolation and molecular confirmation in Ae. aegypti eggs collected in four endemic regions of Central and Southern Mexico. Vertical transmission may play a role as a reservoir mechanism during mosquito dormancy in interepidemic periods but with minor participation in transmission during epidemic periods.

TRANSMISSION VERTICALE DU VIRUS DE LA DENGUE CHEZ AEDES AEGYPTI ET SON RÔLE DANS LA PERSISTANCE ÉPIDÉMIOLOGIQUE DE LA DENGUE DANS LE CENTRE ET LE SUD DU MEXIQUE: OBJECTIF: Aedes aegypti et Aedes albopictus sont les principales espèces de moustiques responsables de la transmission du virus de la dengue (DENV) à l'homme dans les régions tropicales et subtropicales du monde. Le rôle de la transmission verticale dans l'épidémiologie de la dengue et le maintien de cet arbovirus dans la nature pendant les périodes d'inter-épidémiques restent mal compris, et la transmission verticale du DENV pourrait maintenir l'existence de réservoirs de virus au sein des populations d'Aedes. Notre objectif était d'évaluer la transmission verticale du DENV au Mexique. MÉTHODES: Entre avril 2011 et octobre 2012, nous avons surveillé la transmission verticale du DENV chez Ae. aegypti et Ae. albopictus dans 9 villes de 4 états mexicains. Les œufs d'Aedes ont été collectés dans des ovitraps, puis les adultes ont été élevés dans des conditions de laboratoire et leur tête a été utilisée pour infecter les cellules C6/36. La présence de flavivirus a été détectée par des tests d'immunofluorescence (IFA) et l'infection par DENV a été confirmée par RT-PCR. RÉSULTATS: 96% des adultes élevés étaient Ae. aegypti et 4,0% étaient Ae. albopictus. Aucune infection n'a été détectée chez Ae. albopictus, alors que 54 des 713 (7,8%) des pools d'Ae. aegypti ont été testés positifs. Un taux d'infection minimum (MIR) de 2,52 pour 1000 moustiques a été estimé pour Ae. aegypti. Les sérotypes DENV-1, DENV-2 et DENV-3 ont été détectés même pendant les périodes inter-épidémiques. CONCLUSIONS: Cette étude rapporte les preuves de transmission verticale du virus de la dengue avec isolement viral et confirmation moléculaire dans les œufs d'Ae. Aegypti collectés dans quatre régions d'endémie du centre et du sud du Mexique. La transmission verticale pourrait jouer un rôle de mécanisme réservoir lors de la dormance des moustiques en période inter-épidémique, mais avec une participation mineure à la transmission en période d'épidémie.

Plasmodium vivax CSP-Pvs25 variants from southern Mexico produce distinct patterns of infectivity for Anopheles albimanus versus An. pseudopunctipennis, in each case independent of geographical origin.

BACKGROUND: The susceptibility of Anopheles albimanus and An. pseudopunctipennis to local Plasmodium vivax has been associated in southern Mexico with two ookinete surface proteins (Pvs25/28) polymorphism. Perhaps parasite population selection (i.e. adaptation to local vectors) contributes to this phenomenon. It is also possible that certain molecular interactions exist between P. vivax and each mosquito species independently of geographical origin. This study aimed to explore the susceptibility of An. albimanus and An. pseudopunctipennis (collected from different geographical sites) to P. vivax cspVk/Pvs25-130 haplotypes from southern Mexico. RESULTS: Of the 120 P. vivax-infected blood samples used to simultaneously feed An. albimanus and An. pseudopunctipennis mosquitoes originating from various geographical sites, 80 produced at least one infected mosquito species. Three parasite haplotypes were identified in infected blood: Vk210/Pvs25-A (12.5%), Vk210/Pvs25-B (20%) and Vk247/Pvs25-B (67.5%). Two parameters (the proportion of infected mosquitoes and number of oocysts/mosquito) showed a similar pattern for each mosquito species (independently of geographical origin). For An. albimanus mosquitoes (from the Pacific coast, Mexican gulf and Lacandon Forest lowlands), these two parameters were higher in specimens infected with P. vivax Vk210/Pvs25-A versus Vk210/Pvs25-B or Vk247/Pvs25-B (P < 0.001). For An. pseudopunctipennis mosquitoes (from the Pacific coast, northeast Mexico and east Guatemala foothills), the same two parameters were higher in specimens infected with Vk247/Pvs25-B or Vk210/Pvs25-B versus Vk210/Pvs25-A (P < 0.001). Higher infection rates were caused by Vk247/Pvs25-B than Vk210/Pvs25-B parasites in An. pseudopunctipennis (P = 0.011) and An. albimanus (P = 0.001). The greatest parasitaemia, gametocytaemia and microgamete formation was observed in Vk247/Pvs25-B infected blood, and each of these parameters correlated with each other and with the number of oocysts in An. pseudopunctipennis from the sympatric colony. CONCLUSIONS: Plasmodium vivax Vk247/Pvs25-B infections were the most prevalent, likely due to the higher parasitaemia produced in the susceptible vector (especially An. pseudopunctipennis). The analysis of mosquito-parasite interactions indicate that An. pseudopunctipennis and An. albimanus each have a unique pattern of transmitting genetic variants of P. vivax, and this is not dependent on geographical origin. The present findings highlight the importance of parasite genotyping to understand transmission dynamics and vectorial participation.

Perceptions of Response Burden Associated with Completion of Patient-Reported Outcome Assessments in Oncology.

BACKGROUND: Patient response burden is often raised as a human subject concern in consideration of the length or complexity of patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments used in oncology. OBJECTIVES: To quantify patient response burden and identify its predictive factors. METHODS: Data were collected presurgically during a prospective trial that used a comprehensive symptom and health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) PRO assessment. A subset of patients also completed HRQOL interviews. Response burden was captured using an internally developed six-item instrument. Demographic and clinical characteristics as well as HRQOL scores were examined as potential predictors using hierarchical regression. Response burden was used to predict participant dropout at the first follow-up interval. RESULTS: A total of 275 patients (mean age 67.5 years; 23.6% female) completed surveys (n = 126) or surveys in addition to interviews (n = 149). Patients experienced low response burden (mean 12.19 ± 11.65). Repetitive questions were identified by 60 patients (21.8%), whereas 31.6% indicated that additional information should be gathered; 35 patients (12.7%) identified repetitive questions and expressed a desire for additional items. Low self-reported cognitive function was a significant predictor of higher response burden (ß = -0.20; t(270) = -3.38; P = 0.01; model-adjusted R2 = 0.04). Response burden was not a significant predictor of study dropout. CONCLUSIONS: Despite completing a large battery of PRO measures and interviews, patients reported minimal response burden, with nearly one-third expressing that more questions should have been asked. Patients with lower cognitive function are more likely to report higher response burden when completing PRO measures. Further examination of patient characteristics related to response burden may reveal useful pathways for tailoring patient-centered interventions.

Molecular and Clinical Characterization of Chikungunya Virus Infections in Southeast Mexico.

Chikungunya fever is an arthropod-borne infection caused by Chikungunya virus (CHIKV). Even though clinical features of Chikungunya fever in the Mexican population have been described before, there is no detailed information. The aim of this study was to perform a full description of the clinical features in confirmed Chikungunya-infected patients and describe the molecular epidemiology of CHIKV. We evaluated febrile patients who sought medical assistance in Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico, from June through July 2015. Infection was confirmed with molecular and serological methods. Viruses were isolated and the E1 gene was sequenced. Phylogeny reconstruction was inferred using maximum-likelihood and maximum clade credibility approaches. We studied 52 patients with confirmed CHIKV infection. They were more likely to have wrist, metacarpophalangeal, and knee arthralgia. Two combinations of clinical features were obtained to differentiate between Chikungunya fever and acute undifferentiated febrile illness. We obtained 10 CHIKV E1 sequences that grouped with the Asian lineage. Seven strains diverged from the formerly reported. Patients infected with the divergent CHIKV strains showed a broader spectrum of clinical manifestations. We defined the complete clinical features of Chikungunya fever in patients from Southeastern Mexico. Our results demonstrate co-circulation of different CHIKV strains in the state of Chiapas.

Development of a practical outcome measure to account for individual differences in quality-of-life appraisal: the Brief Appraisal Inventory.

BACKGROUND: The present study evaluated the distributional and structural characteristics and explanatory power of the 23-item Brief Appraisal Inventory (BAI), a more practical appraisal measure for use in clinical research and practice. METHODS: A heterogeneous, online cohort of chronic disease patients and caregivers completed the BAI, along with demographics, comorbidities, PROMIS-10, and the Brief NEO Personality Inventory. Principal components, bivariate, and linear and logistic regression analyses addressed BAI item distributions, structure, and construct validity. RESULTS: The study sample (n = 592) had a mean age of 43.8 (SD = 18.5), and was 79% female. The BAI items exhibited good distributions, and principal component analysis yielded five composite scores: (1) Health Worries; (2) Interpersonal and Independence concerns; (3) Accomplishing Goals and Problem-Solving; (4) Calm, Peaceful, and Active; (5) Spiritual Growth and Altruism. The construct validity of appraisal factors is supported by their zero-order correlations with demographic, health, personality, and health-related QOL measures. Comparisons of appraisal-correlates among comorbidity-burden subgroups shed light on the mediating role that appraisal may play in adapting to chronic illness. Appraisal moderated the influence of comorbidities on emotional but not physical functioning. The performance of the BAI in explaining unique variance in physical and emotional functioning is comparable to results obtained with earlier measures. CONCLUSIONS: The BAI provides a practical, short tool for evaluating appraisal in a wide range of assessment situations. Future research might utilize the BAI in longitudinal research aimed at detecting response-shift effects over time, and in clinical settings to improve patient-provider communication about concerns related to health, health care, or QOL.

The Impact of Latino Values and Cultural Beliefs on Brain Donation: Results of a Pilot Study to Develop Culturally Appropriate Materials and Methods to Increase Rates of Brain Donation in this Under-Studied Patient Group.

OBJECTIVES: Increasing the number of Latino persons with dementia who consent to brain donation (BD) upon death is an important public health goal that has not yet been realized. This study identified the need for culturally sensitive materials to answer questions and support the decision-making process for the family. METHODS: Information about existing rates of BD was obtained from the Alzheimer's Disease Centers. Several methods of data collection (query NACC database, contacting Centers, focus groups, online survey, assessing current protocol and materials) were used to give the needed background to create culturally appropriate BD materials. RESULTS: A decision was made that a brochure for undecided enrollees would be beneficial to discuss BD with family members. For those needing further details, a step-by-step handout would provide additional information. CONCLUSIONS: Through team collaboration and engagement of others in the community who work with Latinos with dementia, we believe this process allowed us to successfully create culturally appropriate informational materials that address a sensitive topic for Hispanic/Latino families. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Brain tissue is needed to further knowledge about underlying biological mechanism of neurodegenerative diseases, however it is a sensitive topic. Materials assist with family discussion and facilitate the family's follow-through with BD.

Clinical characterization of acute and convalescent illness of confirmed chikungunya cases from Chiapas, S. Mexico: A cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The emerging chikungunya virus (CHIKV), is an arbovirus causing intense outbreaks in North America. The situation in Mexico is alarming, and CHIKV threatens to spread further throughout North America. Clinical and biological features of CHIKF outbreaks in Mexico have not been well described; thus, we conducted a cross sectional study of a CHIKV outbreak in Chiapas, Southern Mexico to further characterize these features. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We collected blood samples from patients suspected of having chikungunya fever (CHIKF) who presented to Clinical Hospital ISSSTE Dr. Roberto Nettel in Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico. In addition to the clinical examination, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) standardized for the Asian Chikungunya lineage and/or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for immunoglobulin M (IgM) were used to confirm CHIKV diagnosis. Of a total of 850 patients who presented with probably CHIKV at Hospital "Dr. Roberto Nettel", 112 probable CHIKF cases were enrolled in this study from November 2014- June 2015, of which 95 patients (84.8%) were CHIKV positive and 17 were negative (15.2%). Of these 95 CHIKV positive patients, 62 were positive by real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (+qRT-PCR); and 33 were seropositive to +IgM with a negative qRT-PCR. The most frequent symptoms reported were fever (100%), headache (82.3%), polyarthralgia (72.1%), and exanthem (82.3%). Biological abnormalities observed during CHIKV infection were lymphopenia (41.1%), leukopenia (51.6%), elevated transaminases (30.5%-46.3%) and high LDH (46.3%) and CRP (60.0%). CONCLUSION: Clinical and biological data obtained from this study is providing more useful information for benchmarking purposes with outbreaks from different parts of the world and would be helpful for better patient care and treatment.

Distinguishing appraisal and personality influences on quality of life in chronic illness: introducing the quality-of-life Appraisal Profile version 2.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive appraisal of quality of life (QOL) differs across individuals in ways that explain otherwise paradoxical findings, such as similar QOL ratings among individuals in highly divergent health states. Although warranted by a growing body of evidence, routine assessment of appraisal in QOL research has been impeded by measurement challenges. This study describes the QOL Appraisal Profile-version 2 (QOLAPv2), a new measure that addresses these challenges. METHODS: A heterogeneous, on-line cohort of chronic disease patients and caregivers completed the QOLAPv2, along with demographics, PROMIS10 and Brief NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI). Analyses address the psychometric properties and construct validity of this new measure using principal components, bivariate, canonical correlation, and linear regression analyses. RESULTS: Analysis including 4173 respondents yielded 12 second-order QOLAPv2 principal components. Appraisal components varied with age and disease duration. Appraisals involving "Wellness," "Health," and "Recent Challenges" were correlated with QOL and with NEO-PI scales of "Agreeableness" and "Conscientiousness." Canonical correlation analysis revealed that QOL scales were associated with appraisals involving "Spirituality," "Anticipating Decline," and "Lightness of Being." Appraisal dimensions of "Relationships," "Maintaining Roles," "Independence," "Pursuing Dreams," and "Lightness of Being" were also associated with personality scales. Appraisal measures accounted for significantly more variance in QOL than personality and demographics alone. CONCLUSIONS: Findings corroborate the Rapkin and Schwartz QOL appraisal theory. QOL appraisal measures correlate as expected with personality scales, and explain more variance in QOL than does personality. The QOLAPv2 can be used across populations to provide insight into patients' concerns, salient experiences, and comparators.

Chikungunya Virus as Cause of Febrile Illness Outbreak, Chiapas, Mexico, 2014.

Since chikungunya virus (CHIKV) was introduced into the Americas in 2013, its geographic distribution has rapidly expanded. Of 119 serum samples collected in 2014 from febrile patients in southern Mexico, 79% were positive for CHIKV or IgM against CHIKV. Sequencing results confirmed CHIKV strains closely related to Caribbean isolates.

First Report of Aedes aegypti Transmission of Chikungunya Virus in the Americas.

During a chikungunya fever outbreak in late 2014 in Chiapas, Mexico, entomovirological surveillance was performed to incriminate the vector(s). In neighborhoods, 75 households with suspected cases were sampled for mosquitoes, of which 80% (60) harbored Aedes aegypti and 2.7% (2) Aedes albopictus. A total of 1,170 Ae. aegypti and three Ae. albopictus was collected and 81 pools were generated. Although none of the Ae. albopictus pools were chikungunya virus (CHIKV)-positive, 18 Ae. aegypti pools (22.8%) contained CHIKV, yielding an infection rate of 32.3/1,000 mosquitoes. A lack of herd immunity in conjunction with high mosquito populations, poor vector control services in this region, and targeted collections in locations of human cases may explain the high infection rate in this vector. Consistent with predictions from experimental studies, Ae. aegypti appears to be the principal vector of CHIKV in southern Mexico, while the role of Ae. albopictus remains unknown.

Barriers and facilitators to the implementation of SPNS interventions designed to engage and retain HIV positive women of color in medical care.

The use of evidence-based strategies to increase access to medical care and improve health outcomes for people living with HIV is a major public health priority in the United States. As part of a multi-site evaluation funded under the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), a process evaluation was conducted with the goal of understanding barriers and facilitators to the implementation of eleven heterogeneous interventions designed to engage and retain HIV positive women of color (WoC) in medical care. Findings identified barriers and facilitators to program implementation at five levels: (1) program; (2) team; (3) agency; (4) partner network; and (5) the larger socio-ecological context. We conclude with a series of recommendations that may be useful for the implementation of similar interventions focused on recruitment and retention of WoC in HIV medical care.

Factors associated with retention and viral suppression among a cohort of HIV+ women of color.

Access to sustained HIV medical care is critical to achieving viral suppression. However, a variety of factors may impede or facilitate retention in care or becoming virally suppressed. Though retention and suppression are often treated separately, this study examined both in a cohort of 921 HIV+ women of color who participated in eight demonstration programs across the US. For women who met the inclusion criteria, 83% (n = 587) were retained and 73% (n = 357) were virally suppressed. Average age of women retained was 40.9, and 41.9 for those virally suppressed. The majority were African American/Black or Hispanic/Latina, single, and had no children less than 18 years of age, had health insurance, a high school degree or higher, were stably housed, and unemployed. Some factors associated with retention in care were indecision about seeking HIV medical care (AOR = 0.42) and having children under the age of 18 (AOR = 0.59). Some factors associated with being virally suppressed were living with others (AOR = 0.58), current substance abuse (AOR = 0.38), and fair/poor health (AOR = 0.40). The findings suggest different processes and social mechanisms may influence retention and viral suppression. Interventions seeking to improve retention in care may require tailored program components and strategies that focus on improving viral suppression.

Identificación y caracterización de modos de discriminación hacia grupos con riesgo de enfermedades de transmisión sexual / Identification and Characterization of Forms of Discrimination against Groups at Risk for Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Fundamento: El estigma y la discriminación hacia los hombres que tienen relaciones sexuales con hombres, se encuentran entre los mayores obstáculos para prevenir nuevas infecciones y dar tratamiento a las personas que viven con el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana. Objetivo: Identificar y caracterizar los niveles y las formas de discriminación hacia los hombres que tienen relaciones sexuales con hombres. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo, en seis municipios de la provincia de Cienfuegos, durante los años 2009 y 2010, a partir de la Sección de estigma y discriminación, incluida en la Encuesta sobre Indicadores de Prevención de Infección por virus de inmunodeficiencia humana/sida. Se analizaron variables sociodemográficas, índice de discriminación y nivel de discriminación, estas últimas mediante los constructos CONSHSH y NIVELHSH, respectivamente. Resultados: Predominó la aceptación hacia los hombres que tienen relaciones sexuales con hombres, aunque se identificaron tres niveles de discriminación en un 34,5 % de los entrevistados, en el 98 % de ellos, predominaron los niveles alto y medio. El 30-34 % de los entrevistados manifestó rechazo, de ellos 21,5 % fueron hombres. Los factores incidentes en la discriminación se vieron relacionados al contexto institucional y el entorno familiar. Conclusión: Se apreció una discreta disminución del porcentaje de casos que manifiestan rechazo hacia los hombres que tienen relaciones sexuales con hombres en el 2010 con relación al 2009, por lo que se espera una tendencia hacia la aceptación cada vez mayor de estas personas, aspecto que concuerda con resultados obtenidos a nivel nacional.

Background: stigma and discrimination against men who have sex with men are among the major obstacles to preventing new infections and providing treatment to people living with human immunodeficiency virus. Objective: to identify and characterize levels and forms of discrimination against men who have sex with men. Methods: a retrospective study was conducted in six municipalities of the province of Cienfuegos during 2009-2010 as a result of the Section of stigma and discrimination included in the Survey on human immunodeficiency virus/AIDS Prevention Indicators. Sociodemographic variables, discrimination index and level of discrimination were analyzed, the latter by CONSHSH and NIVELHSH constructs, respectively. Results: acceptance of men who have sex with men predominated, although three levels of discrimination were identified in 34.5% of the respondents; medium and high levels prevailed in 98% of them. Thirty to 34% of the respondents expressed rejection, 21.5 % of them were men. Factors contributing to discrimination were related to the institutional context and the family environment. Conclusions: a slight decrease in the percentage of cases rejecting men who have sex with men was observed in 2010 compared to 2009, therefore a trend toward increasing acceptance of these people is expected, which is consistent with the results obtained at the national level.

Identificación y caracterización de modos de discriminación hacia grupos con riesgo de enfermedades de transmisión sexual / Identification and characterization of forms of discrimination against groups at risk for sexually transmitted diseases

Fundamento: El estigma y la discriminación hacia los hombres que tienen relaciones sexuales con hombres, se encuentran entre los mayores obstáculos para prevenir nuevas infecciones y dar tratamiento a las personas que viven con el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana.Objetivo: Identificar y caracterizar los niveles y las formas de discriminación hacia los hombres que tienen relaciones sexuales con hombres.Métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo, en seis municipios de la provincia de Cienfuegos, durante los años 2009 y 2010, a partir de la sección de estigma y discriminación, incluida en la encuesta sobre indicadores de prevención de infección por virus de inmunodeficiencia humana/sida. Se analizaron variables sociodemográficas, índice de discriminación y nivel de discriminación, estas últimas mediante los constructos CONSHSH y NIVELHSH, respectivamente. Resultados: Predominó la aceptación hacia los hombres que tienen relaciones sexuales con hombres, aunque se identificaron tres niveles de discriminación en un 34,5 por ciento de los entrevistados, en el 98 por ciento de ellos, predominaron los niveles alto y medio. El 30-34 por ciento de los entrevistados manifestó rechazo, de ellos 21,5 por ciento fueron hombres. Los factores incidentes en la discriminación se vieron relacionados al contexto institucional y el entorno familiar. Conclusión: Se apreció una discreta disminución del porcentaje de casos que manifiestan rechazo hacia los hombres que tienen relaciones sexuales con hombres en el 2010 con relación al 2009, por lo que se espera una tendencia hacia la aceptación cada vez mayor de estas personas, aspecto que concuerda con resultados obtenidos a nivel nacional(AU)

Background: stigma and discrimination against men who have sex with men are among the major obstacles to preventing new infections and providing treatment to people living with human immunodeficiency virus.Objective: to identify and characterize levels and forms of discrimination against men who have sex with men.Methods: a retrospective study was conducted in six municipalities of the province of Cienfuegos during 2009-2010 as a result of the Section of stigma and discrimination included in the Survey on human immunodeficiency virus/AIDS Prevention Indicators. Sociodemographic variables, discrimination index and level of discrimination were analyzed, the latter by CONSHSH and NIVELHSH constructs, respectively. Results: acceptance of men who have sex with men predominated, although three levels of discrimination were identified in 34.5 percent of the respondents; medium and high levels prevailed in 98 percent of them. Thirty to 34 percent of the respondents expressed rejection, 21.5 percent of them were men. Factors contributing to discrimination were related to the institutional context and the family environment. Conclusions: a slight decrease in the percentage of cases rejecting men who have sex with men was observed in 2010 compared to 2009, therefore a trend toward increasing acceptance of these people is expected, which is consistent with the results obtained at the national level(AU)