The STOP Program: a Hybrid Smoking Prevention and Cessation Training for Cancer Care Providers in Colombia and Peru.

We designed and tested the feasibility of the Smoking Cessation Training Program for Oncology Practice (STOP), a hybrid (face-to-face plus web-based) educational intervention to enhance Spanish-speaking cancer care professionals' (CCPs') ability to provide brief smoking prevention and cessation counseling to cancer patients and survivors. Changes in the CCPs' competencies (knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, and practices toward smoking and smoking cessation services) were assessed post-training. Sixty CCPs from one major cancer center in Colombia (n = 30) and Peru (n = 30) were invited to participate in a 4-module hybrid training program on smoking prevention and cessation. Demographic and pre- and post-test evaluation data were collected. The training's acceptability was measured after each module. Bivariate analysis was conducted using Wilcoxon signed-rank test to compare the CCPs' competencies before and after the delivery of the STOP Program. Effect sizes were computed over time to assess the sustainability of the acquired competencies. Twenty-nine CCPs in Colombia and 24 CCPs in Peru completed the STOP Program (96.6% and 80.0% retention rates, respectively). In both countries, 98.2% of the CCPs reported that the overall structure and organization of the program provided an excellent learning experience. The pre-post-test evaluations indicated that the CCPs significantly improved their knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, and practices toward smoking, smoking prevention, and cessation services. We found that the CCPs' self-efficacy and practices increased over time (1-, 3-, and 6-month assessments after completing the 4 educational modules). The STOP Program was effective and well-received, demonstrating remarkable changes in CCPs' competencies in providing smoking prevention and cessation services to cancer patients.

Pathogenic tau-induced transposable element-derived dsRNA drives neuroinflammation.

Deposition of tau protein aggregates in the brain of affected individuals is a defining feature of "tauopathies," including Alzheimer's disease. Studies of human brain tissue and various model systems of tauopathy report that toxic forms of tau negatively affect nuclear and genomic architecture, identifying pathogenic tau-induced heterochromatin decondensation and consequent retrotransposon activation as a causal mediator of neurodegeneration. On the basis of their similarity to retroviruses, retrotransposons drive neuroinflammation via toxic intermediates, including double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). We find that dsRNA and dsRNA sensing machinery are elevated in astrocytes of postmortem brain tissue from patients with Alzheimer's disease and progressive supranuclear palsy and in brains of tau transgenic mice. Using a Drosophila model of tauopathy, we identify specific tau-induced retrotransposons that form dsRNA and find that pathogenic tau and heterochromatin decondensation causally drive dsRNA-mediated neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. Our study suggests that pathogenic tau-induced heterochromatin decondensation and retrotransposon activation cause elevation of inflammatory, transposable element-derived dsRNA in the adult brain.

Pathogenic tau accelerates aging-associated activation of transposable elements in the mouse central nervous system.

Transposable elements comprise almost half of the mammalian genome. A growing body of evidence suggests that transposable element dysregulation accompanies brain aging and neurodegenerative disorders, and that transposable element activation is neurotoxic. Recent studies have identified links between pathogenic forms of tau, a protein that accumulates in Alzheimer's disease and related "tauopathies," and transposable element-induced neurotoxicity. Starting with transcriptomic analyses, we find that age- and tau-induced transposable element activation occurs in the mouse brain. Among transposable elements that are activated at the RNA level in the context of brain aging and tauopathy, we find that the endogenous retrovirus (ERV) class of retrotransposons is particularly enriched. We show that protein encoded by Intracisternal A-particle, a highly active mouse ERV, is elevated in brains of tau transgenic mice. Using two complementary approaches, we find that brains of tau transgenic mice contain increased DNA copy number of transposable elements, raising the possibility that these elements actively retrotranspose in the context of tauopathy. Taken together, our study lays the groundwork for future mechanistic studies focused on transposable element regulation in the aging mouse brain and in mouse models of tauopathy and provides support for ongoing therapeutic efforts targeting transposable element activation in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

ABCA1 gene R1587K polymorphism could be associated with metabolic syndrome and increased plasma triglyceride concentration in adults from northern Mexico / El polimorfismo R1587K del gen ABCA1 podría estar asociado con el síndrome metabólico y la concentración elevada de triglicéridos en adultos del norte de México

INTRODUCTION: the ABCA1 protein plays a key role in reverse cholesterol transport, promoting its clearance and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) biogenesis. The R1587K (rs2230808) single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the ABCA1 gene has been associated with dyslipidemia. OBJECTIVES: to investigate the relationship of R1587K genotypes with cardiovascular (CV) risk, metabolic syndrome (MetS), lipid profile, paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activity, and anti-oxLDL titers. METHODS: we performed a cross-sectional study in 57 northern Mexican adults with no reported diseases. The ABCA1 R1587K SNP was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) using TaqMan allelic discrimination probes. We evaluated the relationship of R1587K with metabolic syndrome and clinical parameters including lipid profile, glucose and insulin, PON1 activity and concentration, anti-oxLDL antibodies, anthropometry and body-composition parameters, and the atherogenic index of plasma calculation. RESULTS: our results show higher triglyceride levels in the RK + KK carriers as compared to RR carriers (p = 0.031). An association between the RK + KK genotype and the presence of MetS (OR = 4.566, 95% CI = 1.386-14.92, p = 0.010) and a tendency towards high CV risk (OR = 3.317, 95% CI = 0.910-8.611, p = 0.069) was observed in comparison to RR carriers; however, there were no differences in HDL-C levels, PON1 activity and concentration, and anti-oxLDL titers among the R1587K genotypes. CONCLUSIONS: in the northern Mexican population, the ABCA1 gene R1587K SNP is present and the RK + KK genotypes are associated with MetS and increased triglyceride concentrations; therefore, it could be a CV risk biomarker. Nevertheless there is a need for further confirmation in longitudinal studies

INTRODUCCIÓN: la proteína ABCA1 juega un papel principal en el transporte reverso del colesterol, promoviendo su eliminación y la biogénesis de HDL. El polimorfismo de un solo nucleótido (SNP) R1587K (rs2230808) del gen ABCA1 se ha asociado con dislipidemias. OBJETIVO: investigar la relación de los genotipos del SNP R1587K con el riesgo cardiovascular (CV), el síndrome metabólico (SM), el perfil de lípidos, la actividad de paraoxonasa 1 (PON1) y los anticuerpos contra las LDL oxidadas (anti-oxLDL). MÉTODOS: se realizó un estudio transversal con 57 adultos del norte de México que reportaron no tener enfermedades diagnosticadas. El SNP R1587K del gen ABCA1 se detectó a través de PCR en tiempo real (qPCR) usando sondas TaqMan para discriminación alélica. Para evaluar la asociación del SNP R1587K con el SM y determinados parámetros clínicos se determinaron el perfil de lípidos, los niveles de glucosa e insulina, la actividad y concentración de PON1, los anticuerpos anti-oxLDL, los parámetros antropométricos y de composición corporal, y el cálculo del índice aterogénico en plasma. RESULTADOS: los resultados mostraron mayores niveles de triglicéridos en los portadores del genotipo RR + KK que en los portadores de RR (p = 0,031). Se observó una asociación entre el genotipo RK + KK y la presencia de SM (OR = 4,566, IC 95% = 1,386-14,92, p = 0,010) y una tendencia hacia un mayor riesgo cardiovascular (OR = 3,317, IC 95% = 0,910-8,611, p = 0,069) al compararlos con los portadores de RR. No se encontraron diferencias en los niveles de HDL-C, la actividad y concentración de PON1 y los anti-oxLDL entre los genotipos R1587K. CONCLUSIONES: el SNP R1587K del gen ABCA1 se encuentra presente en la población del norte de México y el genotipo RK + KK se asocia con el SM y concentraciones elevadas de triglicéridos, por lo que este SNP podría ser un biomarcador de riesgo cardiovascular. Sin embargo, se necesita confirmación a través de estudios longitudinales

ABCA1 gene R1587K polymorphism could be associated with metabolic syndrome and increased plasma triglyceride concentration in adults from northern Mexico.

INTRODUCTION: Objectives: to investigate the relationship of R1587K genotypes with cardiovascular (CV) risk, metabolic syndrome (MetS), lipid profile, paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activity, and anti-oxLDL titers. Methods: we performed a cross-sectional study in 57 northern Mexican adults with no reported diseases. The ABCA1 R1587K SNP was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) using TaqMan allelic discrimination probes. We evaluated the relationship of R1587K with metabolic syndrome and clinical parameters including lipid profile, glucose and insulin, PON1 activity and concentration, anti-oxLDL antibodies, anthropometry and body-composition parameters, and the atherogenic index of plasma calculation. Results: our results show higher triglyceride levels in the RK + KK carriers as compared to RR carriers (p = 0.031). An association between the RK + KK genotype and the presence of MetS (OR = 4.566, 95% CI = 1.386-14.92, p = 0.010) and a tendency towards high CV risk (OR = 3.317, 95% CI = 0.910-8.611, p = 0.069) was observed in comparison to RR carriers; however, there were no differences in HDL-C levels, PON1 activity and concentration, and anti-oxLDL titers among the R1587K genotypes. Conclusions: in the northern Mexican population, the ABCA1 gene R1587K SNP is present and the RK + KK genotypes are associated with MetS and increased triglyceride concentrations; therefore, it could be a CV risk biomarker. Nevertheless there is a need for further confirmation in longitudinal studies.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Objetivo: investigar la relación de los genotipos del SNP R1587K con el riesgo cardiovascular (CV), el síndrome metabólico (SM), el perfil de lípidos, la actividad de paraoxonasa 1 (PON1) y los anticuerpos contra las LDL oxidadas (anti-oxLDL). Métodos: se realizó un estudio transversal con 57 adultos del norte de México que reportaron no tener enfermedades diagnosticadas. El SNP R1587K del gen ABCA1 se detectó a través de PCR en tiempo real (qPCR) usando sondas TaqMan para discriminación alélica. Para evaluar la asociación del SNP R1587K con el SM y determinados parámetros clínicos se determinaron el perfil de lípidos, los niveles de glucosa e insulina, la actividad y concentración de PON1, los anticuerpos anti-oxLDL, los parámetros antropométricos y de composición corporal, y el cálculo del índice aterogénico en plasma. Resultados: los resultados mostraron mayores niveles de triglicéridos en los portadores del genotipo RR + KK que en los portadores de RR (p = 0,031). Se observó una asociación entre el genotipo RK + KK y la presencia de SM (OR = 4,566, IC 95% = 1,386-14,92, p = 0,010) y una tendencia hacia un mayor riesgo cardiovascular (OR = 3,317, IC 95% = 0,910-8,611, p = 0,069) al compararlos con los portadores de RR. No se encontraron diferencias en los niveles de HDL-C, la actividad y concentración de PON1 y los anti-oxLDL entre los genotipos R1587K. Conclusiones: el SNP R1587K del gen ABCA1 se encuentra presente en la población del norte de México y el genotipo RK + KK se asocia con el SM y concentraciones elevadas de triglicéridos, por lo que este SNP podría ser un biomarcador de riesgo cardiovascular. Sin embargo, se necesita confirmación a través de estudios longitudinales. .

Comparing the accuracy and speed of four data-checking methods.

Double entry locates and corrects more data-entry errors than does visual checking or reading the data out loud with a partner. However, many researchers do not use double entry, because it is substantially slower. Therefore, in this study we examined the speed and accuracy of solo read aloud, which has never before been examined and might be faster than double entry. To compare these four methods, we deliberately introduced errors while entering 20 data sheets and then asked 412 randomly assigned undergraduates to locate and correct these errors. Double entry was significantly and substantially more accurate than the other data-checking methods. However, the double-entry participants still made some errors. Close examination revealed that whenever double-entry participants made errors, they made the two sets of entries match, sometimes by introducing new errors into the dataset. This suggests that double entry can be improved by focusing attention on making entries match the original data sheets (rather than each other), perhaps by using a new person for mismatch correction. Solo read aloud was faster than double entry, but not as accurate. Double entry remains the gold standard in data-checking methods. However, solo read aloud was often substantially more accurate than partner read aloud and was more accurate than visual checking for one type of data. Therefore, when double entry is not possible, we recommend that researchers use solo read aloud or visual checking.

Finding myself as a cervical cancer survivor: A qualitative study.

PURPOSE: To determine the process and meaning of the experience of women with cervical cancer who had completed treatment within less than 5 years. METHODS: Qualitative study that included 13 women with cervical cancer, who participated after receiving a year of treatment. The data was collected by conducting 16 in-depth interviews that took place in participants' domiciles. Grounded theory procedures were used to conduct the analysis. RESULTS: "Finding myself as a cervical cancer survivor" was identified as the central dimension on the present study, confirmed by 5 subcategories: entering an unknown path, facing what no one can imagine, living with the disease, moving on regardless of the tiredness, and stop suffering for a new opportunity. CONCLUSION: Gaining an understanding of the reality that women with cervical cancer face reveals their strength and capacity to deal with difficulties and late side effects that need to be recognized by health professionals in the face of a disease categorized as deadly and dangerous.

Emerging Adults Riding With Marijuana-, Alcohol-, or Illicit Drug-Impaired Peer and Older Drivers.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and covariates among emerging adults of riding with an impaired peer or older adult driver (RWI) because of marijuana (MJ), alcohol (ALC), or illicit drugs (ID). METHOD: Data were from Waves 4 (W4, N = 2,085) and 5 (W5, N = 2,116) of the NEXT Generation Health Study, collected in 2013-2014, 1 and 2 years after high school. W5 RWI was specified for substance-specific impaired peer and older adult (peer/older adult) drivers. Multinomial logistic regressions estimated W5 association of substance-specific RWI with W4 RWI, and W5 heavy episodic drinking, MJ use, and school/residence/work status. RESULTS: At W5, 33% of the participants reported RWI in the past year, including riding with ALC- (21%), MJ- (17%), and ID- (5%) impaired peer drivers and ALC- (2%), MJ- (4%), and ID- (0.7%) impaired older adult drivers. W4 RWI was associated with W5 RWI with impaired peer/older adult drivers for ALC- (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.28, 2.69) and MJ-RWI (AOR = 2.34, 3.56). W5 heavy episodic drinking was positively associated with W5 peer ALC-related RWI (AOR = 2.16) and peer/older adult MJ-related RWI (AOR = 2.38, 5.45). W5 MJ use was positively associated with W5 peer ALC-related RWI (AOR = 2.23), peer/older adult MJ-related (AOR = 10.89, 2.98), and peer/older adult ID-related (AOR = 9.34, 4.26) RWI. ID-related RWI was higher among those not attending 4-year college (AOR = 3.38), attending technology school (AOR = 16.23), living on their own (AOR = 6.85), or living on campus (AOR = 11.50). CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of RWI among emerging adults occurred mostly with ALC- or MJ-impaired peer drivers. The findings support the need for precisely tailored programs to prevent impaired driving according to substance use and age.

Preocupación amiiental entre población universiaria: representaciones socialess e implicación personal en temas ambientales en la universidad de aniooquia / Envirnmental conncern among university population: social representations and personal involvement in environmental issues at university of antioquia

En el artículo, derivado de investigación, se muestran las dificultades identificadas en la ciudadela de la Universidad de Antioquia al momento de construir una definición de ambiente en la cual se incluya al ser humano como parte integral del mismo. Para tal fin se aplicaron dos encuestas, la primera que fue denominada "prueba piloto" sirvió para afinar las preguntas usadas en el campo de la psicología a la hora de abordar la preocupación ambiental, ésta es, la escala de Likert; la segunda, fue la encuesta depurada y aplicada entre empleados, docentes y estudiantes de la ciudad universitaria, que ofreció los elementos necesarios para analizar las representaciones sociales del ambiente que comprenden la valoración de los problemas ambientales, el nivel de implicación personal y la capacidad de acción, permitiendo una lectura desde la perspectiva antropológica de las relaciones entre los humanos y el ambiente en ese contexto social.

This article, derived from research, shows the difficulties identified in the Citadel of the University of Antioquia when it comes to constructing a definition of the environment in which the human being, as an integral part, must be included. For this purpose, two surveys were applied, the first one which was called "a pilot test" served to refine the questions used in the field of psychology in addressing environmental concerns, this is, the Likert scale; the second one, was a refined survey that was applied among employees, teachers, and students, at the University Campus, which offered the elements needed to analyze the social representations comprising the assessment of environmental problems, the level of personal involvement, and the capacity of action, allowing a reading from the anthropological perspective of relationships between humans and the environment in this social context.

Targeted contrast agent helps to monitor advanced plaque during progression: a magnetic resonance imaging study in rabbits.

OBJECTIVE: Gadofluorine M has been reported to enhance early atherosclerotic plaque signals in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The aim of this study was to examine the use of Gadofluorine M to monitor the progression of advanced plaques in a rabbit model. METHODS: Focal advanced atherosclerosis was induced in the right femoral arteries of 6 New Zealand white rabbits using a combination of cholesterol-enriched diet, and sequential air-desiccation, and balloon-overstretch injury. MRI with conventional 3 contrasts (T1, T2, and proton density [PD]) was performed to monitor the progression of the atherosclerotic plaques with 2 MRI scans separated by 4 to 8 weeks. Gadofluorine M was given intravenously to the rabbits 24 hours before the first MRI scans, and before (n = 3) or during (n = 3) the second MRI scan. The left femoral arteries were used as a control. Histopathologic images localized individual plaque components. RESULTS: The advanced plaque displayed multilayered neointima that included foam cells, smooth muscle cells, and extracellular matrix. The separate image contrasts offered similar T1-weighted enhancement patterns, but the combination of all 3 contrasts helped to delineate plaque and lumen boundaries. Gadofluorine M strongly enhanced neointima areas with an image contrast (contrast-to-noise ratio [CNR]) of approximately 15, versus 2 in the control femoral arterial wall. With improved images, significant changes in neointima and total plaque volumes over the 4 to 8 weeks between scans could be identified. Gadofluorine M remained within the plaques with significant image enhancements (contrast-to-noise ratio = 5.8) for 2 months after a single injection. CONCLUSION: This preliminary study in rabbits indicated that Gadofluorine M provides specific enhancements of components associated with advanced atherosclerotic plaques and may help to monitor the progression of the plaque in a rabbit model of atherogenesis.

Shared MHC class II-dependent melanoma ribosomal protein L8 identified by phage display.

Antigens recognized by T helper (Th) cells in the context of MHC class II molecules have vaccine potential against cancer and infectious agents. We have described previously a melanoma patient's HLA-DR7-restricted Th cell clone recognizing an antigen, which is shared among melanoma and glioma cells derived from various patients. Here, this antigen was cloned using a novel antigen phage display approach. The antigen was identified as the ribosomal protein L8 (RPL8). A peptide of RPL8 significantly stimulated proliferation and/or cytokine expression of the Th cell clone and lymphocytes in four of nine HLA-DR7(+) melanoma patients but not in healthy volunteers. The RPL8 antigen may represent a relevant vaccine target for patients with melanoma, glioma, and breast carcinoma whose tumors express this protein.