Arts-Based Research Methods to Explore Cancer in Indigenous Communities.

Background: Indigenous peoples experience an inequitable burden of cancer compared with other populations. The arts can serve as a culturally relevant cancer intervention and research method. Methods: A scoping review was conducted to determine how arts-based research methods have been used to address cancer in Indigenous peoples. Literature searches identified 129 publications; 32 were selected for review. The following data were extracted: communities employing arts-based cancer research, cancer control continuum stages, cancer types, art forms, and methodologies. Results: Most studies were conducted in the United States. Art as research and sound art forms were the most utilized arts-based methods. Cancer types and control continuum stages were not often specified. Conclusions: Culturally responsive, arts-based methods can enhance research and education across the cancer-control continuum with Indigenous populations.

Collective Re-Storying of Mentee and Mentor Experiences in a Cancer Research Education Program for American Indian and Alaska Native Students.

The Youth Enjoy Science program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center has engaged American Indian/Alaska Native youth in mentored cancer research internships from 2017 to 2022. The primary purpose of this study was to examine mentor and mentee lived experiences of participation in Youth Enjoy Science research education internships and to provide insights that can inform mentorship practices in research education programs for American Indians/Alaska Natives. We conducted semi-structured interviews with current and former Youth Enjoy Science mentees (n=8) and mentors (n=8). Following a narrative inquiry research approach, we analyzed interview transcripts and collectively re-storied interview data. Participants described program characters, settings, problems, actions to address the problems identified, and resolutions that led to various recommendations for ways to raise contextual awareness between mentees and mentors.

Tailoring Our Approach in Response to the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic and Transcending Science Outreach Modalities for Native American Students in a Cancer Research Education Program.

In response to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, a cancer research education program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center designed for Native American middle school, high school and undergraduate students adapted activities to be delivered online. There are considerable challenges to adapting in-person science programming to online delivery that can impact overall effectiveness. These challenges are further exacerbated when the cognate student population also faces significant disparities in health, wealth, and educational outcomes. We encountered both disadvantages and advantages in transitioning programming to online virtual formats. Challenges faced in delivering our programming during the pandemic included varied online accessibility, peripheral stressors, and disconnection to places and people. Despite these challenges, we found several benefits in remote delivery, some of which have alleviated barriers to program participation for Native American students. Some successes achieved by transitioning to fully remote programming included increased program reach, sustainability, and cultural relevancy. In this overview of the implementation of four online programs at the middle school, high school, and undergraduate levels, we highlight the challenges and successes experienced. Through this program description, we aim to provide insight into potential strategies to improve program delivery designed for Native American students during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and beyond.

Comment on "A commensal strain of Staphylococcus epidermidis protects against skin neoplasia" by Nakatsuji et al.

A recent article in Science Advances described the striking discovery that the commensal Staphylococcus epidermidis strain MO34 displays antimicrobial and antitumor activities by producing a small molecule, identified as the nucleobase analog 6-N-hydroxylaminopurine (6-HAP). However, in contradiction to the literature, the authors claimed that 6-HAP is nonmutagenic and proposed that the toxic effect of 6-HAP results from its ability to inhibit, in its base form, DNA synthesis. To resolve the discrepancy, we proved by genetic experiments with bacteria and yeast that extracts of MO34 do contain a mutagenic compound whose effects are identical to chemically synthesized 6-HAP. The MO34 extract induced the same mutation spectrum as authentic 6-HAP. Notably, the toxic and mutagenic effects of both synthetic and MO34-derived 6-HAP depended on conversion to the corresponding nucleotide. The nucleobase 6-HAP does not inhibit DNA synthesis in vitro, and we conclude that 6-HAP exerts its biological activity when incorporated into DNA.