Saliva-derived secondary DNA transfer on fabric: The impact of varying conditions.

This study explored secondary DNA transfer involving saliva, a body fluid often encountered in forensic investigations. Various factors were examined to investigate their potential impact on the transfer of DNA from saliva stains deposited onto common types of fabric (cotton, nylon, and towel). We examined varying types of saliva moisture (wet, dry, and rehydrated) and different types of contact (controlled pressure and active/friction pressure) to quantitatively evaluate how such variables could impact transfer and possible conclusions surrounding saliva-derived DNA deposits. The transfer of DNA was generally least pronounced with more absorbent primary fabrics (cotton and towel materials) while a less absorbent primary fabric (nylon) exhibited a greater propensity for DNA transfer. There were significantly higher amounts of transferred DNA (p < 0.05) observed in wet saliva samples compared to dry and rehydrated saliva samples. Further, the use of active pressure (friction) appeared to result in more DNA transfer overall as compared to controlled pressure contact. Experiments conducted with wet saliva and active pressure (friction) demonstrated the highest likelihood of transfer, with the primary nylon and secondary towel fabric combination demonstrating the greatest average transfer percentage of 94.74 %. The variables explored in this study presented multiple combinations wherein a sufficient amount of DNA (≥ 240 pg total) was transferred to the secondary fabric, making it potentially suitable for STR-PCR amplification in our laboratory. The findings from this study indicate that the type of primary fabric receiving the saliva deposit, the type of saliva moisture, the type of secondary fabric and its moisture type, and the type of contact all have the potential to affect the quantity of DNA transferred and recovered. This study provides empirical data on the ease, and to what extent, DNA from saliva transfers between fabrics and aids DNA activity level evaluations. The significance of this research lies in its contribution to expanding our current understanding of DNA transfer involving saliva within forensic science and criminal investigations.

In vitro effects and mechanisms of Humulus lupulus extract on Bone Marrow Progenitor Cells and Endothelial Cells.

Osteoporosis is the most common metabolic bone disorder and is associated with a high incidence of fractures. Angiogenesis and adequate blood flow are important during bone repair and maintenance. Estrogens play a key role in bone formation, in the prevention of bone resorption and vasculature maintenance. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been used with great benefits for bone fracture prevention but has been linked to the development of serious important side effects, including cancer and stroke. Phytoestrogens are an attractive alternative to HRT because their chemical structure is similar to estradiol but, they could behave as selective modulators: acting as antagonists of estrogen receptors in the breast and endometrium and as agonists in the vascular endothelium and bone. Hops contain a wide variety of phytoestrogens that have individually been shown to possess estrogenic activity by either blocking or mimicking. In this study we have to evaluate the in vitro effects and mechanisms of action of hops extracts on the osteogenic and adipogenic capacity of bone marrow progenitor cells (BMPCs), and the angiogenic potential of EA.hy926 endothelial cells. We show that hops extracts increase the proliferative capacity of BMPCs and promote their osteogenic differentiation while decreasing their pro-osteoclastogenic capacity; and that these effects are mediated by the MAPK pathway. Additionally, hops extracts prevent the adipogenic differentiation of BMPCs and promote endothelial cell activity, by mechanisms also partially mediated by MAPK.

Critical consciousness among undocumented immigrant college students: Responding to cultural stress and psychological distress.

OBJECTIVES: Cultural stress is experienced by undocumented students when they encounter discrimination in higher education and society. In response, undocumented students engage in critical consciousness, while simultaneously experiencing psychological distress. A conceptual model is introduced to describe the links between cultural stress, critical consciousness development, and psychological distress. METHOD: One hundred seventy-one undocumented college students were recruited to participate in this study and completed measures of cultural stress (discrimination). They also completed measures of psychological distress, critical consciousness, and social justice self-efficacy and outcome expectations. The proposed model was tested for global fit and path analysis in structural equation modeling. Indirect effects were probed to assess the mediating role of critical consciousness and psychological distress. RESULTS: The model fit the data excellently. Greater discrimination was associated with higher critical consciousness, which in turn was associated with elevated social justice self-efficacy and outcome expectations. Additionally, higher discrimination was also linked to greater psychological distress. The link between cultural stress and critical consciousness was not explained by psychological distress. CONCLUSIONS: This research expands theory by articulating the adaptive ways undocumented students respond to the conditions that cause cultural stress and psychological distress. This aligns with a growing literature documenting the psychology of undocumented immigrants' activism and advocacy. Findings may inform interventions by higher education institutional agents and research to offset cultural stress and psychological distress. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

A comparison of endoscopic procedures performed at a tertiary care hospital before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: SARS-CoV-2 emerged in 2019 and had a huge impact on the world. The area of endoscopy suffered great changes, causing a reduction in the number of procedures and its indications. The aim of our study was to compare the quantity, indication, and type of procedures in 2019 with those in 2020. METHOD: A retrospective, observational, analytic, and cross-sectional study was conducted, obtaining information from the endoscopy registry. The STROBE checklist was employed. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The quantitative variables were analyzed with descriptive statistics (measures of central tendency and dispersion) and the categorical variables with frequencies and percentages. The quantitative variables were compared, using the Student's t test/Mann-Whitney U test, and the categorical variables with contingency tables, using the Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: In 2019, a total of 277 procedures were performed, compared with 139 in 2020. Mean patient age was 98.53 months (61.46 SD) in 2019 and 77.02 months (59.81 SD) in 2020; 352 diagnostic procedures and 136 therapeutic procedures were carried out in 2019, compared with 51 diagnostic procedures and 88 therapeutic procedures in 2020. The number of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures were inverted (72.1%-36.7% and 27.9%-63.3%, respectively) (p<0.0001). Esophageal varices, upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB), and foreign body extraction were the indications, in order of predominance in 2019, compared with foreign body extraction (p<0.05), UGIB, and esophageal varices in 2020. There were no differences regarding colonoscopy. CONCLUSION: There was a clear difference in indication and type of procedure, with an increase in foreign body extraction in preschoolers.

Twelve Steps to Optimize Scar Outcomes in External Rhinoplasty.

A well-healed scar extends beyond a mere superficial concern, reflecting the precision and care underlying the surgery. This study addresses the lack of recent literature on the complete closure technique for external rhinoplasty scars, emphasizing its potential impact on patient satisfaction and overall aesthetic quality. The main purpose of this article was to introduce and assess the efficacy of a novel closing suture technique for external rhinoplasty and emphasize on 12 specific steps for wound closure. A cohort of 104 patients who underwent external rhinoplasty utilizing the proposed closing suture technique were evaluated. Standardized photographic documentation and scar assessment were performed using the Vancouver-Manchester scale, considering notching, skin level differences, pigmentation, and overall appearance. The surgical approach involved a combination of vertical mattress and interrupted simple sutures, creating an effective closure framework. Analysis revealed an absence of poor scars, with 83.6% classified as good. Note that 65.5% of the good scars achieved a perfect 6-point score. While one moderate scar scored 3 points, the majority demonstrated optimal outcomes. Clinical photographs further illustrated the technique's success, showcasing imperceptible scars and reinforcing the efficacy of the complete closure approach. Our study introduces and assesses the efficacy of the complete closure technique for external rhinoplasty scars. The approach consistently yields positive outcomes, with an emphasis on almost imperceptible scars. While not achieving a 100% imperceptible scar rate, this study underscores the need for ongoing research to refine techniques and enhance patient satisfaction in external rhinoplasty. The proposed technique contributes significantly to scar management practices and encourages further exploration within the evolving landscape of rhinoplasty.

Characteristics of the Gut Microbiota in Regard to Atopic Dermatitis and Food Allergies of Children.

The gut microbiota plays an important role in maintaining human health, as well as in the development of various pathologies, as indicated by a large amount of research. One of the manifestations of an imbalance in the gut microbiome composition is the appearance of various diseases or immune reactions, in particular, atopic dermatitis (AD) and/or food allergies (FA). In this research, using 16S NGS sequencing, it was found that the gut microbiome of children with food allergies and children with atopic dermatitis can be characterized as having higher inflammatory potential. Both groups exhibited an abundance of representatives from the Pasteurellaceae and Erysipelotrichaceae families, as well as a decrease in the relative number of representatives from the Barnesiellaceae family compared to healthy participants. In the group of participants with food allergies, there was a decrease in the relative number of Desulfovibrionaceae representatives and Bifidobacteriaceae family enrichment in relatively healthy participants. In addition, when comparing this group with patients with atopic dermatitis, it was revealed that a number of representatives of such families as Erysipelotrichaceae, Ruminococcaceae and Sutterellaceae prevailed. This information confirms that AD and FA correlate with changes in the composition of the gut microbiota. Further research is needed to determine the cause-effect connections and the effect of compounds derived from the microbiota on the AD and FA development and progression, as well as to create new probiotic drugs to prevent and modulate immune responses, including at an early age.

Super-Enhancers and Their Parts: From Prediction Efforts to Pathognomonic Status.

Super-enhancers (SEs) are regions of the genome that play a crucial regulatory role in gene expression by promoting large-scale transcriptional responses in various cell types and tissues. Recent research suggests that alterations in super-enhancer activity can contribute to the development and progression of various disorders. The aim of this research is to explore the multifaceted roles of super-enhancers in gene regulation and their significant implications for understanding and treating complex diseases. Here, we study and summarise the classification of super-enhancer constituents, their possible modes of interaction, and cross-regulation, including super-enhancer RNAs (seRNAs). We try to investigate the opportunity of SE dynamics prediction based on the hierarchy of enhancer single elements (enhancers) and their aggregated action. To further our understanding, we conducted an in silico experiment to compare and differentiate between super-enhancers and locus-control regions (LCRs), shedding light on the enigmatic relationship between LCRs and SEs within the human genome. Particular attention is paid to the classification of specific mechanisms and their diversity, exemplified by various oncological, cardiovascular, and immunological diseases, as well as an overview of several anti-SE therapies. Overall, the work presents a comprehensive analysis of super-enhancers across different diseases, aiming to provide insights into their regulatory roles and may act as a rationale for future clinical interventions targeting these regulatory elements.

Antispasmodic, cardioprotective and blood-pressure lowering properties of Gomphrena perennis L. and its mechanisms of action.

Background: Gomphrena perennis L. is a native plant of South America whose pharmacological properties have not been studied yet. Aim: To evaluate the cardiovascular and intestinal pharmacological effects of Gomphrena perennis L. leaves tincture (GphT) and the mechanisms involved. Experimental procedure: The chromatographic profile of GphT was done. Its ex vivo effects were evaluated by contractile concentration-response curves (CRCs) obtained from the agonist carbachol or calcium found in isolated rat small intestine, as well as in the relaxant CRCs. Cardiac effects were evaluated on isolated rat hearts exposed to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Experiments in vivo were performed to evaluate the diuretic activity in conscious rats and the hypotensive effect in anaesthetised rats. Results: Fifteen flavonoids were identified in GphT by HPLC-UV, including diosmin. GphT induced a non-competitive inhibition in both carbachol and calcium CRCs on rat small intestine. The first was not affected by indomethacin. Moreover, GphT, unlike diosmin, relaxed the contracture produced by a high-potassium solution in a dose-dependently way. Neither propranolol nor l-NAME changed it. GphT did not show diuretic activity but induced hypotension insensitive to l-NAME. While GphT perfusion of isolated hearts increased injury consequent to I/R, oral administration was cardioprotective and reversed by l-NAME. However, diosmin did not improve the post-ischemic recovery. Conclusions: This study supports the use of Gomphrena perennis L. tincture as an antispasmodic and hypotensive agent. Moreover, it has been demonstrated to be preventive of post-ischemic cardiac dysfunction. However, diosmin would not be responsible for these effects.

Concordancia inter- e intraobservador del puntaje PI-RADS 2.1 del Colegio Americano de Radiología / Intraobserver and interobserver agreement of the American College of Radiology PI-RADS 2.1 score

Resumen Antecedentes: La resonancia magnética (RM) de próstata es uno de los métodos diagnósticos para la identificación del carcinoma de próstata. La escala PI-RADS (Prostate Imaging and Reporting Data System) es el sistema usado para la interpretación de estas imágenes. Es importante, para su reproducibilidad, la estandarización y la evaluación de dicha escala. Objetivo: Determinar la concordancia inter- e intraobservador de la versión 2.1 del PI-RADS. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo, evaluando 129 RM de pacientes con sospecha de cáncer de próstata por tres radiólogos con diferentes años de experiencia y en dos momentos del tiempo, usando el puntaje PI-RADS 2.1. Se evaluó la concordancia intra- e interobservador. Resultados: La concordancia interobservador fue sustancial (kappa > 0,6) en todos los observadores, siendo la categoría 5 la de mayor acuerdo interobservador. Se observó una alta reproducibilidad intraobservardor, con la mayor kappa siendo de 0,856. Cuando se realizó el análisis según años de experiencia de los radiólogos, la concordancia interobservador fue significativa en todos los casos. Conclusiones: El sistema de clasificación PI-RADS 2.1 es reproducible para las diferentes categorías y aumenta la concordancia cuando se trata de lesiones con mayor probabilidad de cáncer clínicamente significativo.

Abstract Background: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the prostate is a key diagnostic tool for identifying prostate carcinoma. The Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) scale is the standard system for interpreting these images. Standardizing and evaluating this scale is crucial for ensuring consistent and reproducible results. Objective: This study aims to assess both the interobserver and intraobserver agreement of the PI-RADS version 2.1. Material and methods: In this retrospective observational study, 129 prostate MRI scans from patients with suspected prostate cancer were evaluated. Three radiologists, each with different levels of experience, analyzed these scans at two separate times using the PI-RADS 2.1 scoring system. Both intraobserver and interobserver agreements were measured. Results: The study found substantial interobserver agreement (kappa > 0.6) across all categories, with category 5 showing the highest level of agreement. Intraobserver reproducibility was also high, with the highest kappa value reaching 0.856. Further analysis based on the radiologists’ years of experience revealed significant interobserver agreement in all instances. Conclusions: The PI-RADS 2.1 classification system demonstrates high reproducibility across different categories, particularly for lesions more likely to be clinically significant cancers. This underscores its reliability in varied diagnostic scenarios.

Generation of the induced pluripotent stem cell line IOCVi001-A from a patient with the MFRP-related retinitis pigmentosa-nanophthalmos syndrome.

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is the most common retinal degeneration in humans and is characterized by the progressive degeneration of rods and cones and retinal pigment epithelium. We generated the IOCVi001-A induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) line from dermal fibroblast of a patient with a homozygous c.498_499insC (p.(Asn167Glnfs⁎34) variant in the Membrane-type frizzled related protein (MFRP) gene, a genetic defect causing a syndrome characterized by RP and small eye size (nanophthalmos). IOCVi001-A displayed normal stemness, expressed pluripotent stem cell markers and displayed a normal karyotype. This iPSC line can be used for in vitro disease modeling for complex forms of RP.

Inaugural editorial for Journal of Counseling Psychology.

The Journal of Counseling Psychology serves as the premier journal for critical and rigorous research within the field and beyond. In their inaugural editorial for Journa, Liu is joined by their associated editors and inaugural JCP fellows who have agreed to share authorship and their positionalities. In considering the Journal of Counseling Psychology for research, the editors encourage authors to reflect on these positionalities and how they might integrate their own into their publications. The editorial provides direction and some suggestions on submitted articles and research directions for JCP in the following areas: positionality and critical reflexivity; theoretical and conceptual advancement and clarity; body ideas, frameworks, and conceptualization; data clarity; and cultural validity of research instruments. The editors look forward to working with their communities as they transform their scholarship. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Radiation Patterns of RF Wireless Devices Implanted in Small Animals: Unexpected Deformations Due to Body Resonance.

One challenge in designing RF wireless bioelectronic devices is the impact of the interaction between electromagnetic waves and host body tissues on far-field wireless performance. In this article, we investigate a peculiar phenomenon of implantable RF wireless devices within a small-scale host body related to the deformation of the directivity pattern. Radiation measurements of subcutaneously implanted antennas within rodent cadavers show that the direction of maximum radiation is not always identical with the direction to the closest body-air interface, as one would expect in larger-scale host bodies. For an implanted antenna in the back of a mouse, we observed the maximum directivity in the ventral direction with 4.6 dB greater gain compared to the nearest body-air interface direction. Analytic analysis within small-scale spherical body phantoms identifies two main factors for these results: the limited absorption losses due to the small body size relative to the operating wavelength and the high permittivity of the biological tissues of the host body. Due to these effects, the entire body acts as a dielectric resonator antenna, leading to deformations of the directivity pattern. These results are confirmed with the practical example of a wirelessly powered 2.4-GHz optogenetic implant, demonstrating the significance of the judicious placement of external antennas to take advantage of the deformation of the implanted antenna pattern. These findings emphasize the importance of carefully designing implantable RF wireless devices based on their placements and relative electrical dimensions in small-scale animal models.

COVID-19 Economic and Academic Stress on Mexican American Adolescents' Psychological Distress: Parents as Essential Workers.

OBJECTIVES: In a sample of Mexican American adolescents (N = 398; 51% females; aged 13-17), we examined the associations between psychological distress, COVID-19 household economic stress, COVID-19 academic stress, and whether these associations varied by adolescents' gender and by parents/caregivers' essential worker status. METHOD: First, linear regression models assessed the main effects of household economic and academic stress on psychological distress. Second, the moderating effects of gender and parents/caregivers' essential worker status on the association between household economic and academic stress, and psychological distress were examined. Third, the three-way interaction effect of household economic stress, gender, and parents/caregivers' essential worker status on psychological distress as well as the three-way interaction effect of academic stress, gender, and parents/caregivers' essential worker status on psychological distress were calculated. RESULTS: Household economic and academic stress were associated with psychological distress. However, these associations did not vary based on adolescents' gender or parents/caregivers' essential worker status. The three-way interaction for household economic stress, parents/caregivers' essential worker status, and gender for psychological distress was significant. Specifically, the effects of household economic stress on psychological distress was worse for boys than girls whose parents/caregivers were essential workers. Furthermore, the three-way interaction among academic stress, parents/caregivers' essential worker status, and gender was significant. Particularly, the effects of academic stress when grades were worse on adolescents' psychological distress was worse for boys than girls whose parents/caregivers were essential workers. CONCLUSION: Parents/caregivers' essential worker status was salient among Mexican American adolescents' mental health outcomes during COVID-19, particularly for adolescent boys.

Behavioral and electrophysiological evidence of different processes during a target identification task assessing perceptual learning.

This study aimed to test whether a target identification task involving same and different judgments to assess the ability to differentiate between similar pre-exposed stimuli-i.e., perceptual learning-could actually be assessing two different cognitive processes. Specifically, the hypothesis was that while "different" trials might be truly assessing the ability to differentiate between the pre-exposed stimuli, "same" trials might be assessing the ability to recognize one of these stimuli as the target. To test this hypothesis, accuracy on judgments as well as reaction times and event-related potentials for same/different trials were recorded after concurrent pre-exposure to similar stimuli. If same/different trials were assessing cognitive processes with different time courses, distinct outcomes for such trials would be expected at the behavioral and neural level. Results showed that participants were very accurate both in same and different judgments, indicating that they were perfectly able to differentiate between the stimuli after their concurrent presentations. However, larger P3 latencies and slower reaction times for different trials than for same trials were found. These results seem to support the idea that cognitive processes activated in same and different trials are different due to their distinct time courses. The importance of these findings for the theoretical approaches to perceptual learning is discussed.

Barriers to accessing telepsychology services questionnaire: Structure and language-based performance in a sample of Latinx caregivers.

A lack of validated measures to examine barriers to youth telepsychology services among Latinx families limits research that could identify targets for reducing mental health disparities. We developed and validated the Latinx Barriers to Accessing Telepsychology Services (Latinx BATS) questionnaire, a brief multidimensional measure for caregivers of youths. Participants included 511 Latinx caregivers of youths Ages 6-18 (English n = 275, Spanish n = 236) who completed the Latinx BATS and reported on telepsychology service utilization and youth mental health problems. Caregivers whose youths had clinically elevated mental health problems were more likely to report barriers to accessing youth telepsychology services compared to nonclinical youths. Commonly endorsed barriers included concerns that the child would be distracted and not get much benefit, and that providers would be unfamiliar with the family's culture or would not pick up on nuances and emotions. Loadings from an exploratory graph analysis returned four-factors: relational, acceptability, quality, and access concerns. Network centrality measures identified provider knowledge regarding community resources and Latinx culture as important targets for reducing barriers to youth telepsychology services. Confirmatory factor analyses were then conducted and found that the four-factor structure outperformed a single-factor solution. The four-factor structure was similar for the English and Spanish versions of the Latinx BATS, but the strength of item loadings varied across languages. Implications for the use of the Latinx BATS in research and clinical practice are discussed including specific strategies for reducing these obstacles to care among Latinx families. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

ChatGPT and Rhinoplasty Recovery: An Exploration of AI's Role in Postoperative Guidance.

The potential applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in health care have garnered significant interest in recent years. This study presents the first published exploration of ChatGPT, an AI language model, as a tool for providing postoperative guidance during rhinoplasty recovery. The primary objective was to shed light on the role of ChatGPT in augmenting patient care during the critical postoperative phase. Using the Rhinobase database, standardized questions were formulated to evaluate AI-generated responses addressing pain management, swelling, bruising, and potential asymmetries. Results demonstrated that ChatGPT has the potential to enhance patient education and alleviate emotional distress by providing general information and reassurance during the recovery process. However, the study emphasized that AI should not replace personalized advice from qualified health care professionals. This pioneering investigation offers valuable insights into the integration of AI and human expertise, paving the way for optimized postrhinoplasty recovery care.

A decolonial and liberation lens to social justice research: Upholding promises for diverse, inclusive, and equitable psychological science.

In the face of harmful disparities and inequities, it is crucial for researchers to critically reflect on methodologies and research practices that can dismantle systems of oppression, accommodate pluralistic realities, and facilitate opportunities for all communities to thrive. Historically, knowledge production for the sciences has followed a colonial and colonizing approach that continues to silence and decontextualize the lived experiences of people of color. This article acknowledges the harm to people of color communities in the name of research and draws from decolonial and liberation frameworks to advance research practices and psychological science toward equity and social justice. In this article, we propose a lens rooted in decolonial and liberatory principles that researchers can use to rethink and guide their scientific endeavors and collaborations toward more ethical, equitable, inclusive, respectful, and pluralistic research practices. The proposed lens draws on literature from community psychology and our lessons learned from field studies with historically marginalized Latinx communities to highlight six interrelated tensions that are important to address in psychological research from a decolonizing and liberatory lens. These interrelated tensions involve conflicting issues of (a) power, (b) competence, (c) practices and theories, (d) rationale, (e) approach, and (f) trust. In addition, seven practical recommendations and examples for decolonial and liberatory research practices are outlined. The recommendations can assist researchers in identifying ways to ameliorate and address the interrelated tensions to give way to decolonial and liberatory research practices. Community and social justice scientists have the responsibility to decommission oppressive research practices and engage in decolonization and liberation toward a valid, ethical, equitable, and inclusive psychological science. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Analysis of the Frequency of Mutations at Diagnostic Oligonucleotide Sites and Their Impact on the Efficiency of PCR for HIV-1.

The development of effective diagnostic kits for HIV-1 remains a pressing concern. We designed diagnostic oligonucleotides for HIV-1 real-time PCR to target the most conserved region of the HIV-1 genome and assessed the mutation frequency at annealing sites. Two databases of nucleotide sequences, Los Alamos and NCBI, were analyzed, revealing that more than 99% of the sequences either lack mutations or contain 1-2 mutations at the binding site of the forward and reverse primers. Additionally, 98.5% of the sequences either lack mutations or contain 1-2 mutations at the binding site of the TaqMan probe. To evaluate the efficiency of primers and the probe in real-time PCR in the case of mutations at their binding sites, we constructed several plasmids containing the most common mutations and, in a model experiment, showed how different mutations affect the efficiency of PCR. Our analysis demonstrated that about 98.5% of HIV-1 strains can be efficiently detected using a single pair of selected primers. For the remaining 1.5% of strains, a more careful selection of the second target is needed.

Autoeficacia para el tamizaje de cáncer cervical o de próstata: comparando mujeres y hombres colombianos / Self-efficacy in requesting cervical or prostate cancer screening: comparing Colombian females and males

Introducción: Los cánceres de cuello uterino y próstata tienen una importante carga de morbilidad en países en desarrollo. La autoeficacia para solicitar el tamizaje es un elemento clave en la prevención. Objetivo: Comparar la percepción de hombres y mujeres sobre autoeficacia para el tamizaje de cáncer cervical y de próstata. Métodos: Estudio mixto con 50 mujeres y 50 hombres. Se indagaron datos sociodemográficos. Se aplicó la escala de autoeficacia de detección del cáncer cervical, con una modificación de esta para medición de cáncer de próstata en hombres. La autoeficacia se clasificó por niveles y las variables asociadas a esta se identificaron con regresión robusta. Se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas a 27 individuos (18 hombres y 9 mujeres) con baja y alta autoeficacia, así como a individuos de "otra" religión, para conocer las diferencias en la intención del tamizaje. Se crearon tres categorías de análisis basadas en el modelo de creencias en salud. Resultados: Mujeres y hombres fueron similares, excepto en religión, ocupación y antecedentes de Papanicolaou o examen rectal. La autoeficacia fue mayor entre las mujeres (ß aj.:-15,29 IC del 95 %: -18,36 a -12,21) y los no creyentes (ß aj.: -5,38 IC del 95 %: -10,33 a -0,44). Ellas buscan más el tamizaje que los hombres, quienes necesitan tener síntomas para hacerlo, necesitan tener síntomas. La vergüenza e incomodidad son barreras expresadas por ambos sexos. En los hombres, el machismo es una fuerte barrera para solicitar el tamizaje. La religión asocia el sexo con impureza, siendo una barrera entre las mujeres. Los servicios de atención de la salud solo se centran en el cribado femenino. Conclusiones: Los roles de género y elementos de religión son expresiones culturales que determinan la intención de detección del cáncer en hombres y mujeres. Las intervenciones de los servicios de salud deben considerar estos elementos para mejorar la cobertura de detección temprana y reducir la morbimortalidad de estos dos tipos de cáncer.

Introduction: Cervical and prostate cancers have a significant burden of disease in developing countries. Self-efficacy to request screening is a key element in prevention. Objective: To compare the perception of men and women on self-efficacy for cervical and prostate cancer screening. Methods: Mixed study with 50 women and 50 men. Sociodemographic data was investigated. The cervical cancer detection self-efficacy scale was applied, with a modification for measuring prostate cancer in men. Self-efficacy was classified by levels and the variables associated with it were identified with robust regression. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 individuals (18 men and 9 women) with low and high self-efficacy and of "other religion" to know the differences in the intention of the screening. Three categories of analysis were created based on the health belief model. Results: Women and men were similar except for religion, occupation, and history of Pap smear or rectal exam. Self-efficacy was higher among women (Adj. ß: -15.29, 95% CI: -18.36 to -12.21) and non-believers (Adj. ß: -5.38, 95% CI: -10.33 to -0.44). They seek screening more than men because they need to have symptoms. Shame and discomfort are barriers expressed by both genders. In men, machismo is a strong barrier to request screening. Religion associates sex with impurity, thus, acts as a barrier among women. Health care services only focus on female screening. Conclusions: gender roles and elements of religion are cultural expressions, which determine the intention of cancer detection in men and women. Health services interventions should consider these elements to improve the coverage of early detection and reduce the morbidity and mortality of these two types of cancer.