Change in Nutrition Behavior After Participating in an Obesity-Related Cancer Education Program in El Paso, Texas.

BACKGROUND: Roughly 25% of the U.S- Border city, El Paso, Texas is obese. Obesity is a major risk factor for 13 cancers. Cancer is the leading cause of death in El Paso. Therefore, there is a growing urgency to implement evidence-based programs that support behavioral change that helps curb the impact of obesity in El Paso and the U.S.-Mexico border region. PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of an obesity-related cancer prevention program (Pasos Para Prevenir Cancer (PPPC) on changes in participant nutrition behaviors. METHODS: Culturally tailored, theory-based education was provided to adults through the PPPC program. A total of 256 PPPC participants agreed to take part in our program evaluation. Participants were asked to complete a survey at baseline and 6 months after they completed the program. Session included topics on obesity-related cancers, assessing your obesity risk, measuring body fat, SMART goal setting, and how to find the right type of physical activity. For this report we used the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) data to assess changes between baseline and six months. We also used perceived dietary barriers as moderators on the relationship between program participation and nutrition behaviors. RESULTS: Most participants (92.2%) identified as being of Mexican American descent, were between the ages of 41-75 years of age (n = 165) and identified as females (n = 225). 48.1% of the participants were born in Mexico while 50.4% were born in the U.S. Approximately 35-51% of participants improved and sustained their intake of healthier foods at 6 month follow up. Specifically, there was a statistically significant shift from higher fat and sugar content foods to light and low-fat foods, and fruits and vegetables. Participants also increased their consumption of ground chicken, lean red meat, and seafood. A key modifier in this relationship is perceived health risk. CONCLUSION: Latinos on the U.S.-Mexico border ascribe to a healthy living mindset. In general, they frequently eat fruits and vegetables. Participation in PPPC increased perceived barriers to healthy living around cost and convenience and enhanced decision-making around healthier options. Participants responded to our adapted evidence-based program resulting in sustained changes in nutrition behaviors. Using adapted evidence-based strategies developed outside of the U.S.-Mexico border region is a feasible approach to address persist health disparities.

Connectome-driven neural inventory of a complete visual system.

Vision provides animals with detailed information about their surroundings, conveying diverse features such as color, form, and movement across the visual scene. Computing these parallel spatial features requires a large and diverse network of neurons, such that in animals as distant as flies and humans, visual regions comprise half the brain's volume. These visual brain regions often reveal remarkable structure-function relationships, with neurons organized along spatial maps with shapes that directly relate to their roles in visual processing. To unravel the stunning diversity of a complex visual system, a careful mapping of the neural architecture matched to tools for targeted exploration of that circuitry is essential. Here, we report a new connectome of the right optic lobe from a male Drosophila central nervous system FIB-SEM volume and a comprehensive inventory of the fly's visual neurons. We developed a computational framework to quantify the anatomy of visual neurons, establishing a basis for interpreting how their shapes relate to spatial vision. By integrating this analysis with connectivity information, neurotransmitter identity, and expert curation, we classified the ~53,000 neurons into 727 types, about half of which are systematically described and named for the first time. Finally, we share an extensive collection of split-GAL4 lines matched to our neuron type catalog. Together, this comprehensive set of tools and data unlock new possibilities for systematic investigations of vision in Drosophila, a foundation for a deeper understanding of sensory processing.

Neighborhoods and Cardiovascular Health: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.

The neighborhoods where individuals reside shape environmental exposures, access to resources, and opportunities. The inequitable distribution of resources and opportunities across neighborhoods perpetuates and exacerbates cardiovascular health inequities. Thus, interventions that address the neighborhood environment could reduce the inequitable burden of cardiovascular disease in disenfranchised populations. The objective of this scientific statement is to provide a roadmap illustrating how current knowledge regarding the effects of neighborhoods on cardiovascular disease can be used to develop and implement effective interventions to improve cardiovascular health at the population, health system, community, and individual levels. PubMed/Medline, CINAHL, Cochrane Library reviews, and ClinicalTrials.gov were used to identify observational studies and interventions examining or targeting neighborhood conditions in relation to cardiovascular health. The scientific statement summarizes how neighborhoods have been incorporated into the actions of health care systems, interventions in community settings, and policies and interventions that involve modifying the neighborhood environment. This scientific statement presents promising findings that can be expanded and implemented more broadly and identifies methodological challenges in designing studies to evaluate important neighborhood-related policies and interventions. Last, this scientific statement offers recommendations for areas that merit further research to promote a deeper understanding of the contributions of neighborhoods to cardiovascular health and health inequities and to stimulate the development of more effective interventions.

CDKN2A deletion remodels lipid metabolism to prime glioblastoma for ferroptosis.

Malignant tumors exhibit heterogeneous metabolic reprogramming, hindering the identification of translatable vulnerabilities for metabolism-targeted therapy. How molecular alterations in tumors promote metabolic diversity and distinct targetable dependencies remains poorly defined. Here we create a resource consisting of lipidomic, transcriptomic, and genomic data from 156 molecularly diverse glioblastoma (GBM) tumors and derivative models. Through integrated analysis of the GBM lipidome with molecular datasets, we identify CDKN2A deletion remodels the GBM lipidome, notably redistributing oxidizable polyunsaturated fatty acids into distinct lipid compartments. Consequently, CDKN2A-deleted GBMs display higher lipid peroxidation, selectively priming tumors for ferroptosis. Together, this study presents a molecular and lipidomic resource of clinical and preclinical GBM specimens, which we leverage to detect a therapeutically exploitable link between a recurring molecular lesion and altered lipid metabolism in GBM.

miR-34a regulates macrophage-associated inflammation and angiogenesis in alcohol-induced liver injury.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is a syndrome of progressive inflammatory liver injury and vascular remodeling associated with long-term heavy intake of ethanol. Elevated miR-34a expression, macrophage activation, and liver angiogenesis in ALD and their correlation with the degree of inflammation and fibrosis have been reported. The current study aims to characterize the functional role of miR-34a-regulated macrophage- associated angiogenesis during ALD. METHODS RESULTS: We identified that knockout of miR-34a in 5 weeks of ethanol-fed mice significantly decreased the total liver histopathology score and miR-34a expression, along with the inhibited liver inflammation and angiogenesis by reduced macrophage infiltration and CD31/VEGF-A expression. Treatment of murine macrophages (RAW 264.7) with lipopolysaccharide (20 ng/mL) for 24 h significantly increased miR-34a expression, along with the enhanced M1/M2 phenotype changes and reduced Sirt1 expression. Silencing of miR-34a significantly increased oxygen consumption rate (OCR) in ethanol treated macrophages, and decreased lipopolysaccharide-induced activation of M1 phenotypes in cultured macrophages by upregulation of Sirt1. Furthermore, the expressions of miR-34a and its target Sirt1, macrophage polarization, and angiogenic phenotypes were significantly altered in isolated macrophages from ethanol-fed mouse liver specimens compared to controls. TLR4/miR-34a knockout mice and miR-34a Morpho/AS treated mice displayed less sensitivity to alcohol-associated injury, along with the enhanced Sirt1 and M2 markers in isolated macrophages, as well as reduced angiogenesis and hepatic expressions of inflammation markers MPO, LY6G, CXCL1, and CXCL2. CONCLUSION: Our results show that miR-34a-mediated Sirt1 signaling in macrophages is essential for steatohepatitis and angiogenesis during alcohol-induced liver injury. These findings provide new insight into the function of microRNA-regulated liver inflammation and angiogenesis and the implications for reversing steatohepatitis with potential therapeutic benefits in human alcohol-associated liver diseases.

The Implementation of Evidence-Based Obesity Education Curricula to Prevent Cancer in a Predominantly Mexican-American Community on the U.S.-Mexico Border.

Although cancer is the leading cause of death among Mexican-Americans, few community-based programs target obesity reduction as a way to reduce the prevalence of obesity-related cancer in underserved populations. Evidence suggests that obesity correlates with 13 types of cancer. The objective is to provide an overview of evaluation and selection of evidence-based content; details of the implementation process; modifications needed to tailor education programs to specific needs of different target audiences; and demonstrate challenges of implementing a community-based prevention program intended to reduce cancer incidence and mortality in Mexican-Americans. We used the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) to develop a 10-topic menu of educational classes using elements of multiple evidence-based curricula. Outcome measures for physical activity and nutrition were determined using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the Dietary Screener Questionnaire (DSQ). Weight status was determined using weight, body fat, and body mass index (BMI). To date, 2845 adults received wellness education from our program. Multiple delivery models were used to reach a larger audience; they included a 4-week model, 5-week model, employer model, low-income housing, 1- and 2-h sessions, and clinic encounters. Individuals were given education at multiple community locations including senior centers (14%), churches (0.6%), employers (17.6%), low-income housing (8.2%), community centers (16.6%), clinics (11.5%), and schools (32.5%). Our study indicates that our delivery model is feasible and can disseminate evidence-based obesity education. Further investigation is necessary to assess long-term behavioral change and to assess the most effective model for delivery.

Current Perspectives of Neuroendocrine Regulation in Liver Fibrosis.

Liver fibrosis is a complicated process that involves different cell types and pathological factors. The excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) and the formation of fibrotic scar disrupt the tissue homeostasis of the liver, eventually leading to cirrhosis and even liver failure. Myofibroblasts derived from hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) contribute to the development of liver fibrosis by producing ECM in the area of injuries. It has been reported that the secretion of the neuroendocrine hormone in chronic liver injury is different from a healthy liver. Activated HSCs and cholangiocytes express specific receptors in response to these neuropeptides released from the neuroendocrine system and other neuroendocrine cells. Neuroendocrine hormones and their receptors form a complicated network that regulates hepatic inflammation, which controls the progression of liver fibrosis. This review summarizes neuroendocrine regulation in liver fibrosis from three aspects. The first part describes the mechanisms of liver fibrosis. The second part presents the neuroendocrine sources and neuroendocrine compartments in the liver. The third section discusses the effects of various neuroendocrine factors, such as substance P (SP), melatonin, as well as α-calcitonin gene-related peptide (α-CGRP), on liver fibrosis and the potential therapeutic interventions for liver fibrosis.

Engagement in Physical Activity Improves after Participation in Pasos Para Prevenir Cancer-An Obesity-Related Cancer Prevention Program in El Paso, Texas.

BACKGROUND: This present study experimentally evaluated the Pasos Para Prevenir Cancer (PPPC) program to determine whether participation was associated with improved physical activity engagement. Evidence suggests that obesity prevention programs improve physical activity (PA) engagement and lead to healthier weights, which substantially impacts cancer and cardiometabolic disease risk. There is a shortage of knowledge on the effectiveness of programs tailored to populations along the U.S.-Mexico border. METHODS: We collected demographic, nutrition, and physical activity data at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months using the Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) for 209 participants. We analyzed the average metabolic equivalents (METS) per week for all physical activity levels and types and the achievement of the recommended METS per week to determine the demographic characteristics most associated with a change between baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. RESULTS: Light activity was the most common activity at all three points, and it slightly increased at 6 months in work settings. Subjects conducted moderate physical activity primarily at home and work, and moderate physical activity increased more compared to vigorous physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: Intervention tailoring might improve PA engagement in Mexican Americans residing on the U.S.-Mexico border; however, larger studies that are more diverse are required.

An electronic medical records study of population obesity prevalence in El Paso, Texas.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we determine the feasibility of using electronic medical record (EMR) data to determine obesity prevalence at the census tract level in El Paso County, Texas, located on the U.S.-Mexico border. METHODS: 2012-2018 Body Mass Index (BMI kg/m2) data from a large university clinic system in was geocoded and aggregated to a census tract level. After cleaning and removing duplicate EMR and unusable data, 143,524 patient records were successful geocoded. Maps were created to assess representativeness of EMR data across census tracts, within El Paso County. Additionally, maps were created to display the distribution of obesity across the same geography. RESULTS: EMR data represented all but one El Paso census tract. Representation ranged from 0.7% to 34.9%. Greatest representation were among census tracts in and around clinics. The mean EMR data BMI (kg/m2) was 30.1, this is approximately 6% less than the 36.0% estimated for El Paso County using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Study (BRFSS) estimate. At the census tract level, obesity prevalence ranged from 26.6 to 57.6%. The highest obesity prevalence were in areas that tended to be less affluent, with a higher concentration of immigrants, poverty and Latino ethnic concentration. CONCLUSIONS: EMR data use for obesity surveillance is feasible in El Paso County, Texas, a U.S.-Mexico border community. Findings indicate substantial obesity prevalence variation between census tracts within El Paso County that may be associated with population distributions related to socioeconomics.

Mediators of screening uptake in a colorectal cancer screening intervention among Hispanics.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the USA. Although a number of CRC screening tests have been established as being effective for CRC prevention and early detection, rates of CRC screening test completion in the US population remain suboptimal, especially among the uninsured, recent immigrants and Hispanics. In this study, we used a structural equation modelling approach to identify factors influencing screening test completion in a successful CRC screening program that was implemented in an uninsured Hispanic population. This information will enhance our understanding of influences on CRC screening among historically underscreened populations. METHODS: We used generalized structural equation models (SEM) utilizing participant reported information collected through a series of surveys. We identified direct and indirect pathways through which cofactors, CRC knowledge and individual Health Belief Model constructs (perceived benefits, barriers, susceptibility, fatalism and self-efficacy) and a latent psychosocial health construct mediated screening in an effective prospective randomized CRC screening intervention that was tailored for uninsured Hispanic Americans. RESULTS: Seven hundred twenty-three participants were eligible for inclusion; mean age was 56 years, 79.7% were female, and 98.9% were Hispanic. The total intervention effect was comparable in both models, with both having a direct and indirect effect on screening completion (n = 715, Model 1: RC = 2.46 [95% CI: 2.20, 2.71, p < 0.001]; n = 699, Model 2 RC =2.45, [95% CI: 2.18, 2.72, p < 0.001]. In Model 1, 32% of the overall effect was mediated by the latent psychosocial health construct (RC = 0.79, p < 0.001) that was in turn mainly influenced by self-efficacy, perceived benefits and fatalism. In Model 2, the most important individual mediators were self-efficacy (RC = 0.24, p = 0.013), and fatalism (RC = 0.07, p = 0.033). CONCLUSION: This study contributes to our understanding of mediators of CRC screening and suggests that targeting self-efficacy, perceived benefits and fatalism could maximize the effectiveness of CRC screening interventions particularly in Hispanic populations.

An ORBIT Phase 1: Design study of a citywide employer-based walking challenges in a predominantly Mexican American metropolitan area.

Most Mexican-Americans do not meet current physical activity recommendations. This paper uses the ORBIT model of obesity intervention development as a framework to outline the process of establishing three employer-based walking challenges in El Paso, Texas, a predominantly Mexican American community. The walking challenges were planned and implemented through the Border Coalition for Fitness and participating partnering organizations. Over 2000 participants and several employers took part in the walking challenges. Results from this ORBIT Phase 1 design intervention suggest that walking challenges are a feasible approach to increase physical activity in Mexican-Americans.

Walking Engagement in Mexican Americans Who Participated in a Community-Wide Step Challenge in El Paso, TX.

In the United States, the Latinx population has the highest prevalence of physical inactivity compared with other ethnicities. Research shows that work-based physical activity interventions have been widely implemented in the non-Latinx population and effectively increase physical activity in the non-Latinx population. In an effort to improve physical activity and reduce obesity among the Latinx population, we conducted 10,000 Steps for 100 Days, an employer-based walking challenge campaign, to increase walking engagement among Latinx employees located in El Paso, Texas. Participants reported their number of steps using a pedometer or smartphone. Step counts were collected at baseline, 2 weeks post challenge, and 6 months post challenge. Screenshots of the tracking device were uploaded to an online tracker. Regression analysis was conducted to identify covariates associated with baseline and 2-week and 6-month average daily steps. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were performed to predict steps over time by demographic characteristics. Participation in the 10,000 Steps for 100 Days walking challenge was associated with a sustained increase in average daily steps. Participants with less than 7000 steps per day demonstrated the greatest increase in average daily steps (921 steps at 2 weeks; 1002.4 steps at 6 months). Demographic characteristics were not significant predictors of average steps, except that married participants had higher average steps. Participants with 10,000 or more daily steps had a 51% (p = 0.031) higher chance of having a professional occupation than a non-professional one compared to those with 7000 or fewer daily steps. We provided initial evidence that the walking challenge is an effective approach for improving physical activity in the Latinx population.

What are the contextual risk factors for low colorectal cancer screening uptake in El Paso County, Texas? Spatial cross-sectional analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study examines the geographical and socioeconomic factors associated with uptake of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening (colonoscopies or faecal immunochemical test (FIT) testing). DESIGN: Secondary data analysis. SETTING: The Against Colorectal Cancer in our Community (ACCION) programme was implemented in El Paso County, Texas, to increase screening rates among the uninsured and underinsured. PARTICIPANTS: We successfully geocoded 5777 who were offered a free colonoscopy or FIT testing kit. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE: Census-tract CRC screening uptake average. RESULTS: Medicare recipient mortality (ß=0.409, p-value=0.049) and % 65 years or older (ß=-0.577, p value=0.000) were significant census tract contextual factors that were associated with the prevalence of CRC screening uptake in the geographically weighted Poisson regression. Neither Latino ethnicity nor immigrant concentration were significant predictors of CRC screening uptake in the ACCION programme. Hot spot analysis demonstrated that there was a significant low-value cluster in South Central El Paso. There was a similar hot spot for % 65 years or older in this same area, suggesting that uptake was lowest in an area that had the highest concentration of older adults. CONCLUSION: The results from this study revealed not only feasibility of hot spot analysis but also its utility in geographically tracking successful CRC screening uptake in cancer prevention and intervention programmes.

Using Electronic Medical Record Data to Better Understand Obesity in Hispanic Neighborhoods in El Paso, Texas.

The prevalence of obesity has been persistent amongst Hispanics over the last 20 years. Socioeconomic inequities have led to delayed diagnosis and treatment of chronic medical conditions related to obesity. Factors contributing include lack of insurance and insufficient health education. It is well-documented that obesity amongst Hispanics is higher in comparison to non-Hispanics, but it is not well-understood how the socioeconomic context along with Hispanic ethnic concentration impact the prevalence of obesity within a community. Specifically studying obesity within Hispanic dominant regions of the United States, along the Texas-Mexico border will aid in understanding this relationship. El Paso, Texas is predominantly Mexican-origin Hispanic, making up 83% of the county's total population. Through the use of electronic medical records, BMI averages along with obesity prevalence were analyzed for 161 census tracts in the El Paso County. Geographic weighted regression and Hot Spot technology were used to analyze the data. This study did identify a positive association between Hispanic ethnic concentration and obesity prevalence within the El Paso County. Median income did have a direct effect on obesity prevalence while evidence demonstrates that higher education is protective for health.

The association between metabolic syndrome and Hepatitis C virus infection in the United States.

PURPOSE: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the prevalent risk factor for chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. The association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and HCV infection has not been studied effectively, particularly among different ethnic/racial groups in the US. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2014). Unadjusted and adjusted associations were summarized using the prevalence ratio (PR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) after exploring possible interactions. RESULTS: In the overall population, MetS was significantly associated with HCV infection with an interaction of age. After adjusting for all potential confounders, MetS was found to be significantly associated with HCV among non-obese and younger adults of age less than 60 years (PR 1.67, 95% CI 1.21-2.30, p = 0.002). MetS was also associated with an increased prevalence of HCV in each racial/ethnic group, while the association was strongly modified by age and obesity status of the subjects in different ethnic/racial groups. CONCLUSIONS: MetS or its components are associated with an increased prevalence of HCV in some sub-populations of all ethnic/racial groups in the US. A better understanding of the pathophysiology of MetS associated with HCV is important as MetS may have a role in HCV infection treatment outcomes.

Physical activity change after a promotora-led intervention in low-income Mexican American women residing in South Texas.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine physical activity (PA) preferences associated with increases in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and decrease in sedentary time in Mexican American (MA) women participating in a Promotora (community health worker)-led intervention on the U.S.-Mexico border. METHODS: Enlace ('to link' in Spanish) was a randomized clinical trial to increase PA in low-income, MA women living in South Texas on the U.S.-Mexico border. A total of 620 participants were recruited into the study. The primary outcome was increase in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) using the Actigraph GT3X 16 Mb accelerometer. A modified version of the Community Health Activities Model Program for Seniors Physical Activity (CHAMPS) instrument was used to predict MVPA. Adjusted and unadjusted logistic regression models predicted change in MVPA by change in CHAMPS activities. ANOVA analysis determined the variance explained in change in MVPA by change in time engaged in activity. Individual effect sizes were then calculated for significant activity type change on MVPA increase. RESULTS: There were significant increases in all CHAMPS activities except aerobic machines and errand walking. An increase in leisure walking (O.R. = 2.76, p = .046), errand (O.R. = 3.53, p = .051), and brisk walking (O.R. = 4.74, p = .011), dance (O.R. = 8.22, p = .003), aerobics class (O.R. = 32.7, p = .001), and light housework (O.R. = 6.75, p = .000), were associated with a decrease in sedentary time. Significant effect sizes for MVPA were observed for jogging (1.2, p = .050), general exercise (1.6, p = .024), and other exercise not specified (2.6, p = .003). Significant effect sizes for sedentary time were detected for leisure time (.031, p = .036), errands (.017, p = .022), brisk walking (.022, p = .003), dance (.042, p = .005), and aerobics class (.013, p = .009). DISCUSSION: Participants who engaged in walking and aerobic activities through this intervention significantly increased their engagement in MVPA and decreased their sedentary time. These findings are novel, since preferences have not been examined in relation to MVPA or sedentary time in MA women. CONCLUSION: PA preferences need to be considered when aiming to promote activities that reduce sedentary time and increase PA participation among marginalized groups, such as MA women. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02046343 .

Hereditary Breast Cancer Risk Analysis in Uninsured Mexican-Origin Women Living in the U.S.-Mexico Border Region.

PURPOSE: This article describes the risk of hereditary breast cancer (HBC) in low-income Hispanic women living on the U.S.-Mexico border using the Pedigree Assessment Tool (PAT). METHOD: The PAT was administered as part of the El Paso and Hudspeth County Breast Cancer Education, Screening and NavigaTion program (BEST). Baseline data (n = 1,966) from this program was used to analyze risk factors for HBC. Analysis was conducted to determine significant covariates associated with the presence of any PAT risk factors. RESULTS: The PAT identified 17% (95% CI [15%, 19%]) of the women in the study as having some risk of HBC. Having had a mammogram within 3 years was significantly associated with having any PAT risk factors (odds ratio [OR] = 1.79, p = .006). Women who immigrated to the United States during childbearing age (OR = 0.610, p = .009) or during peri/menopause (OR = 0.637, p = .024) were significantly less likely to have any PAT risk factors. DISCUSSION: The PAT instrument detected a substantial pool of women who may be at risk for HBC. A significant proportion of these women were not up to date mammogram. CONCLUSIONS: The PAT is an effective tool to identify women at risk for HBC and encourage regular screening.

The Role of Social Support and the Neighborhood Environment on Physical Activity in Low-income, Mexican-American Women in South Texas.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the relationships between physical activity (PA), the neighborhood environment support for PA, and social support for PA among Mexican-American women living in South Texas. The Enlace study was a randomized controlled trial that tested the effectiveness of a promotora-led PA intervention among low-income Mexican origin women (n=614) living in colonias. METHODS: The dependent measures included accelerometer-measured average moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary breaks and the Community Health Activities Model Program for Seniors PA 41-item questionnaire. The independent measures included the Physical Activity and Neighborhood Environment Scale (PANES) and the 13-item Physical Activity Social Support (PASS) scale. RESULTS: Enlace participants were on average 40.4 (standard deviation, 10.3) years old, born in Mexico (86.1%), and uninsured (83.1%). Adjusted linear regression results indicated that each 1-point increment in the PANES overall score was associated with 0.050 (p<0.001) unit increase in sedentary break and a -0.043 (p=0.001) unit decrease in sedentary break duration. Both PANES (ß=0.296; p=0.002) and PASS scores (ß=0.076; p<0.001) were associated with weekly average self-reported MVPA. Interaction effects were observed between PASS scores and accelerometer-measured frequency of sedentary breaks and sedentary time duration. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study indicate that the relationships between PA and built environment and social support are measure-dependent and suggest that reducing sedentary time in this population may require a closer assessment of social support for PA.

Physical Activity in Older Mexican Americans Living in Two Cities on the U.S.-Mexico Border.

BACKGROUND: There is limited information on physical activity in marginalized older populations like that on the U.S.-Mexico border. This study aims to understand physical activity engagement among older Hispanics residing in two U.S.-Mexico Border counties. METHODS: The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to measure physical activity in El Paso and Cameron County, Texas. Physical activity levels were reported for vigorous, moderate, and walking met/mins. Adjusted and unadjusted modeling was conducted to determine county differences and sociodemographic covariates. RESULTS: There were 784 participants and 92.9% were less than 65 years of age. El Paso participants reported a significantly greater natural log met/mins of vigorous (ß = 1.34, p = 0.000) and walking (ß = 0.331, p = 0.006). Significant sociodemographic covariates in El Paso for vigorous met/mins were gender (females ß = -1.20, p = 0.003), having a regular doctor (ß = -0.779, p = 0.029), and acculturation (ß = 0.513, p = 0.019). Significant associations in Cameron County were having a regular doctor (ß = -1.03, p = 0.000) and fair/poor health status (ß = -0.475, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Level of physical activity may differ in older Hispanics by urban context on the U.S.-Mexico border. Future physical activity programs to promote physical activity should take context into consideration.

Change in Breast Cancer Screening Knowledge is Associated With Change in Mammogram Intention in Mexican-Origin Women After an Educational Intervention.

PURPOSE: To determine the relationship between breast cancer screening knowledge and intent to receive a mammogram within 6 months in a sample of Mexican-origin women living in El Paso, Texas. METHODS: A total of 489 uninsured Mexican-origin women were assigned to treatment or control and completed surveys at pre- and postintervention. Pre-post associations between breast cancer screening knowledge and intent were tested. RESULTS: Participants were on average were 56.7 years of age and spoke primarily Spanish (92.6%). Most of the samples had not had a mammogram in 3 or more years (51.6%) and 14.6% had never had a mammogram. At baseline, the majority intended to be screened for breast cancer within the next 6 months (93.4%). At postintervention, half of the intervention group changed their 6-month intent to be screened for breast cancer from likely to unlikely. Change in intent was associated with a change in knowledge of risk of having a first child by the age of 30 and breast cancer being rare after the age of 70. DISCUSSION: Intent to be screened for breast cancer in Mexican-origin women may be influenced by the type of knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: Change in screening knowledge may influence perceived risk that influences intention to be screened.