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OBJECTIVE: Premature ovary failure (POF) is a severe health condition with multiple negative outcomes, which deteriorate a patient's life. The current study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from peripheral blood in the treatment of women with the POF background. METHODS: The current study was a pilot study carried-out on women younger than 40 with premature ovarian failure. Study participants underwent 4-months cell therapy using Mesenchymal stem cells extracted from peripheral bloods. Serum level of Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Estradiol (E2), Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH), and Antral follicle count (AFC) were the main investigated outcomes that were assessed at baseline, month two and month four of the very small stem cell intervention. RESULTS: Average serum level of FSH was 45.0 (12.1) mIU/mL at baseline and continually decreased during the study and reached 33.2 (12.4) mIU/mL in the fourth month. The average AMH level was 0.10 ng/mL prior to the intervention and increased to 0.13 ng/mL in the 2nd month and 0.15 ng/mL in the fourth month. The level E2 was 85.7 (23.6) pg/ml on average at baseline, while the average E2 reduced to 77.2 (25.6) pg/ml in the fourth month. Average number of AFC was 2.0 (0.8) at baseline. We observed a gradual increase in the second month (Mean AFC=2.2) and after four months it increased to 3.1 (1.8) as the highest menstrual restoration and pregnancy was observed in 10% of our study participants. CONCLUSIONS: MSCs could significantly improve hormone secretion in women with POF. Implantation of MSCs in women with POF background was associated with an increase in AMH and AFC, while it downed the serum level of E2 and FSH. MSCs could also lead to menstrual restoration and pregnancy in women with POF.

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Radiosterilized pig skin (RPS) has been used as a dressing for burns since the 1980s. Its similarity to human skin in terms of the extracellular matrix (ECM) allows the attachment of mesenchymal stem cells, making it ideal as a scaffold to create cellularized constructs. The use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has been proven to be an appropriate alternative to the use of antibiotics and a potential solution against multidrug-resistant bacteria. RPS can be impregnated with AgNPs to develop nanomaterials capable of preventing wound infections. The main goal of this study was to assess the use of RPS as a scaffold for autologous fibroblasts (Fb), keratinocytes (Kc), and mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in the treatment of second-degree burns (SDB). Additionally, independent RPS samples were impregnated with AgNPs to enhance their properties and further develop an antibacterial dressing that was initially tested using a burn mouse model. This protocol was approved by the Research and Ethics Committee of the INRLGII (INR 20/19 AC). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis of the synthesized AgNPs showed an average size of 10 nm and rounded morphology. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and Kirby-Bauer assays indicated that AgNPs (in solution at a concentration of 125 ppm) exhibit antimicrobial activity against the planktonic form of S. aureus isolated from burned patients; moreover, a log reduction of 1.74 ± 0.24 was achieved against biofilm formation. The nanomaterial developed with RPS impregnated with AgNPs solution at 125 ppm (RPS-AgNPs125) facilitated wound healing in a burn mouse model and enhanced extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, as analyzed by Masson's staining in histological samples. No silver was detected by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) in the skin, and neither by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) in different organs of the mouse burn model. Calcein/ethidium homodimer (EthD-1), 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis demonstrated that Fb, Kc, and MSC could attach to RPS with over 95% cell viability. Kc were capable of releasing FGF at 0.5 pg above control levels, as analyzed by ELISA assays. An autologous RPS-Fb-Kc construct was implanted in a patient with SDB and compared to an autologous skin graft. The patient recovery was assessed seven days post-implantation, and the patient was followed up at one, two, and three months after the implantation, exhibiting favorable recovery compared to the gold standard, as measured by the cutometer. In conclusion, RPS effectively can be used as a scaffold for the culture of Fb, Kc, and MSC, facilitating the development of a cellularized construct that enhances wound healing in burn patients.

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AIMS: The aims of this study are to assess the acceptability and feasibility of a multicomponent intervention to support breastfeeding women and their families and explore its effectiveness. METHODS: A pilot study with control and intervention groups was conducted using the complex intervention framework in two primary healthcare centres. Overall, 44 childbearing women, their partners/relatives and 20 healthcare professionals participated in the study. The intervention's feasibility and acceptability were measured. The percentage of exclusive breastfeeding rates and women's self-efficacy were measured at pre-intervention, at 10 days postpartum, and again at 2, 4 and 6 months postpartum. Postpartum depression risk was measured at 2 and 6 months postpartum. Professional self-efficacy was measured at pre-intervention and 3 months later. RESULTS: The intervention was feasible and acceptable. No difference in self-efficacy existed between the intervention and control groups. Preliminary effects of the intervention were found in exclusive breastfeeding percentage and postpartum depression risk in the intervention group. CONCLUSION: The intervention is feasible and acceptable. The results are promising not only for breastfeeding maintenance but also for preventing postpartum depression and recovering exclusive breastfeeding during pandemics. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03944642.

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BACKGROUND: Little is known about the potential impacts of visible and up-to-date health warning labels on alcoholic beverage containers on a range of outcomes in low- and middle-income countries. We conducted an experimental study to test the potential impacts of visible health warning labels (on the principal panel of the package) on thinking about health risks, product attractiveness, visual avoidance, and intention to change alcohol use among students in Mexico aged 18-30 years. METHODS: A double-blind, parallel-group, online randomized trial was conducted from November 2021 to January 2022 in 11 states in Mexico. In the control group, participants were presented with the image of a conventional beer can with a fictional design and brand. In the intervention groups, the participants observed pictograms with a red font and white backgrounds (health warning label in red-HWL red) or with a black font and yellow backgrounds (health warning label in yellow-HWL yellow), located at the top, covering around one-third of the beer can. We used Poisson regression models -unadjusted and adjusted for covariates- to assess differences in the outcomes across study groups. RESULTS: Using intention-to-treat analysis (n = 610), we found more participants in groups HWL red and HWL yellow thought about the health risks from drinking beer compared to the control group [Prevalence Ratio (PR) = 1.43, CI95%:1.05,1.93 for HWL red; PR = 1.25, CI95%: 0.91, 1.71 for HWL yellow]. A lower percentage of young adults in the interventions vs control group considered the product attractive (PR 0.74, 95%CI 0.51, 1.06 for HWL red; PR 0.56, 95%CI 0.38, 0.83 for HWL yellow). Although not statistically significant, a lower percentage of participants in the intervention groups considered buying or consuming the product than the control group. Results were similar when models were adjusted for covariates. CONCLUSIONS: Visible health warning labels could lead individuals to think about the health risks of alcohol, reducing the attractiveness of the product and decreasing the intention to purchase and consume alcohol. Further studies will be required to determine which pictograms or images and legends are most contextually relevant for the country. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The protocol of this study was retrospectively registered on 03/01/2023: ISRCTN10494244.

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BACKGROUND: Internet-based self-management programs and telerehabilitation initiatives have increased and have been extensively used for delivering health care in many areas. These programs overcome common barriers that patients face with traditional face-to-face health care, such as travel expenditures, lack of time, and high demand on the public health system. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this mode of web-based health care delivery had become more popular. However, there is still a lack of studies testing this mode of delivery in low- and middle-income countries. To gain a better understanding of the context, feasibility, and factors involved in the implementation of a web-based program, pilot and implementation studies are necessary. These studies can better inform whether a strategy is feasible, acceptable, and adequate for its purposes and for optimizing resource allocation. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the feasibility, usability, and implementation context of a self-management internet-based program based on exercises and pain education (ReabilitaDOR) in people with chronic musculoskeletal pain and to compare this program with a program using only a web-based self-management booklet. METHODS: The study design was a parallel pilot study of a prospectively registered, assessor-blinded, 2-arm randomized controlled trial with economic evaluation. This study was performed using waiting lists of physiotherapy and rehabilitation centers and advertisements on social media networks. The participants were 65 patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain aged between 18 and 60 years. The effects of an 8-week telerehabilitation program based on exercises and pain education (intervention group) were compared with those of a program based only on a web-based self-management booklet (control group). The main outcome measures were implementation outcomes of patients' perceptions of acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, and usability of the program and the societal costs and feasibility of the main trial at 8-week posttreatment follow-up. Adverse events were also analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 56 participants were analyzed at the 8-week follow-up. The intervention group showed responses with a mean of 4.5 (SD 0.6) points for acceptability, 4.5 (SD 0.5) points for appropriateness, and 4.5 (SD 0.6) points for feasibility measured on a 1 to 5 scale. All patients in the intervention group showed satisfactory responses to the system usability outcome. There is satisfactory evidence for the feasibility of the main trial. For costs related to the interventions, health care, patients, and loss of productivity at 8 weeks, we found a total expenditure of US $278.30 per patient in the intervention group and US $141.52 per patient in the control group. No adverse events were reported during the intervention period. CONCLUSIONS: We found that the ReabilitaDOR program is feasible, appropriate, and acceptable from the users' implementation perspective. This system was considered usable by all the participants, and the main trial seemed feasible. Cost data were viable to be collected, and the program is likely to be safe. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04274439; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04274439.

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The present study is a randomised pilot study that evaluated a culturally tailored video promoting information about cervical cancer (CC), developed with Amazonian women in treatment for CC. The sample included 63 patients in treatment for CC who were randomly assigned to three groups of 21 patients. The experimental group watched an informative video about CC. The active control group watched a video on healthy habits and the passive control group received no intervention. The groups were compared in terms of change in knowledge and illness perceptions, over time. The results showed that the experimental group was the only one with a significant increase in knowledge (ß = .166; p = .03) that was not maintained over time (ß = -.195; p = .04). Threatening illness perceptions about the disease increased in all groups over time (ß = .105; p = .001). Future studies should replicate the results testing the efficacy of an audiovisual strategy in a larger sample, in health services that serve populations with similar social and cultural characteristics. This study emphasises the importance of interprofessional oncology teams providing clear information regarding CC, during all stages of the disease, and patients' treatment.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? Latin American countries, such as Brazil, the low coverage of screening for CC can be related to the low education of women and their difficulty of access to health care. Hence, educational interventions may be a good strategy to reinforce the importance of screening and increase knowledge about illness prevention and treatment.What the results of this study add? An audiovisual informational intervention on CC was developed, addressing prevention, causes, control, consequences and treatment while respecting the patients' cultural and social reality through an approach that is simple and easy to understand. The group that watched the informative video was the only one that increased knowledge, revealing that it was a good CC informational strategy.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? This study confirmed the importance of developing informational and educational strategies that are appropriate to patients' social and cultural reality. The video is now available to health teams in primary, secondary and tertiary care units, as a strategy for health promotion and CC prevention.

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Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de una intervención de teleenfermería en contexto de pandemia para prevenir la anemia infantil en Perú. Material y Método: Estudio piloto, analítico, cuasi experimental con pre y pos-test. La muestra estuvo constituida por 60 madres de un establecimiento de atención primaria de Lambayeque, Perú, que fueron seleccionadas a conveniencia y luego asignadas al Grupo control (30) y Grupo experimental (30), este último sometido a una intervención de teleenfermería de 4 meses. El efecto se midió comparando el promedio de hemoglobina e ingesta alimentaria de hierro antes y después de la intervención. La hemoglobina fue determinada bioquímicamente a través del análisis de sangre; la ingesta alimentaria de hierro fue recogida mediante entrevistas telefónicas a través del recordatorio de 24 horas. Resultados: El promedio de hemoglobina en el grupo experimental no presentó diferencia significativa entre el inicio y el final de la intervención (p= 0,199); en el grupo control el promedio de hemoglobina presentó diferencias significativas entre el inicio y el final de la intervención (p= 0,013). El promedio de ingesta alimentaria de hierro en los niños del grupo control (p= 0,049) y experimental (p= 0,000) sí tuvieron diferencias significativas entre el inicio y el final de la intervención. Conclusión: Los niños que recibieron la intervención con teleenfermería se mantuvieron sin anemia y la ingesta alimentaria de hierro aumentó por lo que se corrobora que los programas de teleenfermería tienen el potencial de incrementar información sobre alimentación, favoreciendo la salud del niño, de la madre y la familia.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of a telenursing intervention in the context of the pandemic to prevent childhood anemia in Peru. Material and Method: Pilot, analytical, quasi-experimental study with pre- and post-test. The sample consisted of 60 mothers from a primary health care facility in Lambayeque, Peru, who were selected at convenience and then assigned to a control group (30) and an experimental group (30), with the latter being subjected to a 4 months telenursing intervention. The effect was measured by comparing the average hemoglobin and dietary iron intake before and after the intervention. Hemoglobin level was determined biochemically through blood analysis. Dietary iron intake was collected through telephone interviews following a 24-hour recall. Results: The average hemoglobin level in the experimental group did not show significant differences between the beginning and the end of the intervention (p= 0.199); whereas in the control group, the average hemoglobin level showed significant differences between the beginning and the end of the intervention (p= 0.013). The average dietary intake of iron among the children of the control group (p= 0.049) and the experimental group (p= 0.000) had a significant difference between the beginning and the end of the intervention. Conclusion: The children who received the telenursing intervention suffered no anemia and the dietary iron intake increased, thus corroborating that telenursing programs have the potential of offering more information on nutrition, favoring the health of the child, the mother and the family.

Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito de uma intervenção de telenfermagem no contexto da pandemia para prevenir a anemia infantil no Peru. Material e Método: Estudo piloto, analítico, quase-experimental com pré e pós-teste. A amostra foi composta por 60 mães de uma unidade básica de saúde de Lambayeque, Peru, que foram selecionadas por conveniência e depois designadas para um dos dois grupos de pesquisa: grupo controle=30 e um grupo experimental=30, submetido esse último a uma intervenção de telenfermagem de 4 meses. O efeito foi medido comparando a hemoglobina média e a ingestão de ferro dietético antes e depois da intervenção. O nível de hemoglobina foi determinado bioquimicamente através da análise de sangue. A ingestão de ferro dietético foi coletada através de entrevistas telefónicas por meio de um recordátorio de 24 horas. Resultados: O nível médio de hemoglobina no grupo experimental não apresentou diferenças significativas entre o início e o final da intervenção (p= 0,199). No grupo controle, a hemoglobina média mostrou diferenças significativas entre o início e o final da intervenção (p= 0,013). A ingestão alimentar média de ferro entre as crianças do grupo controle (p = 0,049) e do grupo experimental (p = 0,000) teve uma diferença significativa entre o início e o final da intervenção. Conclusão: As crianças que receberam a intervenção de teleenfermagem não sofreram anemia e a ingestão de ferro por via alimentar aumentou, corroborando assim que os programas de teleenfermagem podem oferecer mais informações sobre a nutrição, favorecendo a saúde da criança, da mãe e da família.

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The COVID-19 pandemic forced the scientific community and the pharmaceutical industry to develop new vaccines, in an attempt to reach herd immunity and stop the SARS-CoV-2 from spreading. However, to ensure vaccination among the general population, COVID-19 vaccine intention must be measured. So far, no studies have focused on rural residents in Latin America, which represent approximately 20% of the population of this geographical region. In this study, we present the validation of a self-developed questionnaire, which was validated in a pilot study with 40 Spanish-speaking Mexican rural residents in the state of Guerrero, Mexico. In this study, we describe the chronological validation of the questionnaire, including the assessment of its internal consistency and temporal reliability, which we measured with the Cronbach's alpha and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, respectively. After the psychometrical analysis, we were able to validate a 20-item questionnaire, which intends to assess vaccine intention among the rural population. Aiming to develop a comprehensive policy and vaccination strategies, we hope this instrument provides valuable insight regarding COVID-19 vaccination willingness across rural communities in Mexico and Latin America. Finally, if we want to reach worldwide herd immunity, it is important to understand rural residents' position towards COVID-19 vaccination.

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Resumen Los conocimientos actuales sobre la salud de las personas mayores permiten afirmar que es posible mejorar su calidad de vida, especialmente a través del uso de técnicas no farmacológicas de carácter preventivo. El objetivo de este artículo es presentar una aplicación piloto de un Programa de Reminiscencia Positiva (REMPOS) que en otros países como España y México han demostrado ser efectivo en personas mayores con deterioro cognitivo leve y en población normal institucionalizadas. La población fue de 60 personas mayores pertenecientes a un centro de Larga Estudia del Gran Concepción. La muestra estuvo constituida por 5 personas mayores que aceptaron participar y que cumplían los criterios de inclusión. Instrumentos: se usó el MOCA y Mini Mental para evaluar deterioro leve y normalidad. Procedimiento: se seleccionaron sesiones del REMPOS que podrían tener un sesgo transcultural. Resultados: se encontró que varias de las sesiones necesitaban cambios especialmente con relación a la presencia de analfabetismo funcional, limitación motora y sensorial (vista y oído) en las personas mayores. Se discute la adaptación del programa y las implicaciones derivadas de la institucionalización.

Current knowledge about the health of older people, allows us to affirm that it is possible to improve their quality of life, especially with preventive non-pharmacological techniques. The objective of this article is to present a pilot Application of a Positive Reminiscence Program (REMPOS) which in other countries such as Spain and Mexico have been shown to be effective in older people with mild cognitive impairment and in normal institutionalized populations. The population was 60 older adults belonging to a Long Study center of the Great Conception. The sample consisted of 5 older adults who agreed to participate and who met the inclusion criteria. Instruments MOCA and Mini Mental were used to assess mild impairment and normality. Procedure REMPOS sessions were selected that could have a cross-cultural bias. Results It was found that several of the sessions needed changes especially in relation to the presence of functional illiteracy, motor and sensory limitation (sight and hearing) in older people. Program adaptation and institutionalization are discussed.

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AIM: To report a pilot study protocol to assess the feasibility of a complex intervention, in the primary healthcare context, to support women and their families in breastfeeding. DESIGN: A pilot/feasibility trial with control and intervention groups. METHODS: The study will be conducted in two primary healthcare centres with 40 childbearing women (20 control group; 20 intervention group), with their partner/meaningful person and their respective healthcare professionals. Intervention group participants will receive the intervention: (a) in a breastfeeding workshop during their third trimester of pregnancy; and (b) via virtual breastfeeding support for six months postpartum. Health professionals will be trained to deliver the intervention. The control group will receive standard care in the outpatient clinic. The pilot will help determine the intervention's feasibility. Data collected pre-intervention, 10-days postpartum and two-, four-, and six-months postpartum will provide estimates of the intervention's preliminary effects on self-efficacy and main outcomes. Research Ethics Committee approval was obtained in April 2019. DISCUSSION: Breastfeeding support is a complex reality influenced by multiple factors. Therefore, approaches to breastfeeding are also, requiring interventions that address its multidimensional nature, including all actors involved. The proposed intervention will be applied by an interdisciplinary professional health team, allowing for its incorporation into standard practice and its perpetual maintenance. IMPACT: The study will produce an original, comprehensive, complex intervention addressing contextual, and organizational factors to promote breastfeeding support using an interdisciplinary and family-based approach; breastfeeding self-efficacy is the core concept. The program evaluation and feasibility study will permit exploration of the integration of the intervention's novel aspects into the daily work of professionals and reveal how to better use existing resources in a full-scale clinical trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03944642.

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BACKGROUND: The design and use of serious video games for children have increased in recent years. To maximize the effects of these games, it is essential to understand the children's experiences through playing. Previous studies identified that enjoyment and user experience satisfaction of the players are principal factors that can influence the success of serious video games and the learning of their players. However, research about the relationship between enjoyment and user experience satisfaction with learning in children 8 to 10 years old is sparse. OBJECTIVE: We examined the relationship of enjoyment and user experience satisfaction with the learning of children aged 8 to 10 years while playing a serious video game for health, FoodRateMaster. This serious video game teaches children about the characteristics of healthy and unhealthy foods and how to identify them in their environment. METHODS: Children aged 8 to 10 years were recruited from a primary school in Mexico. Participants completed 12 individual gaming sessions with FoodRateMaster in 6 weeks. A food knowledge questionnaire was administered before and after game play to assess the players' food knowledge. In addition, after the gaming sessions, the children's enjoyment and user experience satisfaction were evaluated using the EGameFlow questionnaire and the Game User Experience Satisfaction Scale (GUESS) questionnaire. RESULTS: We found significant positive associations for children's (n=60) posttest knowledge with enjoyment (r58=0.36, P=.005) and user experience satisfaction (r58=0.27, P=.04). The children's posttest knowledge scores were also positively correlated with challenge (r58=0.38, P=.003), knowledge improvement (r58=0.38, P=.003), and goal clarity (r58=0.29, P=.02) EGameFlow subscales and with narrative (r58=0.35, P=.006), creative freedom (r58=0.26, P=.04), and visual esthetics (r58=0.32, P=.01) GUESS subscales. Regression analysis indicated that the EGameFlow (F7,52=2.74, P=.02, R2=0.27) and the GUESS (F8,51=2.20, P=.04, R2=0.26) ratings significantly predicted the children's posttest knowledge scores. EGameFlow challenge (ß=0.40, t52=2.17, P=.04) and knowledge improvement (ß=0.29, t52=2.06, P=.04) subscales significantly contributed to predicting children's learning. None of the GUESS subscales significantly contributed to predicting children's learning. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that both enjoyment and user experience satisfaction for children aged 8 to 10 years were positively correlated with their learning and that were significant predictors of it. Challenge, knowledge improvement, narrative, creative freedom, and visual esthetics subscales correlated positively with children's learning. In addition, challenge and knowledge improvement contributed to predicting their learning. These results are relevant to consider during the design stages of serious games developed for young children's learning purposes.

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Background In Cuba, no screening program for cystic fibrosis (CF) has been implemented yet. The ultramicro enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (UMELISA)® TIR NEONATAL has been developed for the measurement of immunoreactive trypsin (IRT) in dried blood spots on filter paper. The analytical performance of the kit was evaluated in the national network of laboratories. Methods Newborn dried blood samples (DBS) were evaluated in 16 laboratories. An IRT/IRT/DNA protocol was followed using a cut-off value of 50 ng/mL. The mean, median and percentiles of the distribution were calculated and a two-sample t-test with unequal variance was used for statistical analysis. Influence of perinatal factors on IRT levels was analyzed. Results From January to June 2018, 6470 newborns were studied, obtaining a mean IRT value of 12.09 ng/mL (ranging 0-358 ng/mL) and a median of 8.99 ng/mL. Fifty-two samples (0.78%) were above the cut-off level and 16 samples (0.24%) were elevated in the re-screening process. One of them was confirmed positive by molecular biology (phe508del/c.3120 + 1G > A), constituting the first newborn screened and diagnosed early in Cuba. Second DBS samples were collected on average at 14 days and processed in the laboratory at 16 days of birth. Significant differences were observed (p < 0.05) when evaluating the influence of gender, birth weight (BW) and gestational age (GA) on the IRT values. Lower IRT concentrations were found in samples processed after 10 days of collection. Conclusions The performance of UMELISA® TIR NEONATAL in the laboratories has been satisfactory; hence CF newborn screening (NBS) was extended throughout the country from January 2019.

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This paper describes an overview of the capability of the NMIs that participated on the CCM Pilot Study measurement systems, conducted by the CIPM/CCM/Working Group on Hardness, to characterize the Rockwell hardness diamond indenter geometry, by measuring the included cone angle, the straightness of the generatrix, the spherical tip radius, the deviation of the local radius and the tilt angle. Nine NMIs took part in this study: INMETRO (Brazil); INRiM (Italy); KRISS (South Korea); NIM/PR (China); NIMT (Thailand); NIST (USA); PTB (Germany); TUBITAK UME (Turkey); VNIIFTRI (Russia), where INMETRO (Brazil) served as pilot laboratory.

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Introduction: There are 7.1 million people living with a disability in Mexico. Of these individuals, 7% are children and adolescents with developmental disabilities. Mexican women caring for children with a developmental disability are at risk of psychological stress, which may be prevented with physical activity such as dance. Therefore, the purpose of this pilot study was to examine (a) the feasibility of implementing the dance intervention, (b) the mothers' satisfaction with the intervention, and (c) the changes in stress level experienced by the mothers on completion of the intervention. Method: A one-group pretest-posttest design was used. The Salsa dance intervention was given in nine 60-minute sessions, twice a week in Veracruz, Mexico. The sample included 14 mothers of children with disabilities. The outcome, stress level, was measured with the validated Questionnaire of Perceived Stress. Feasibility of intervention implementation was maintained by having the interventionist follow the interventionist manual. Satisfaction was assessed by the Satisfaction with Therapy and Therapist Scale. Results: The intervention was feasible as all participants completed the intervention sessions. They reported high satisfaction (100%) with the intervention and interventionist. At posttest, participants showed reduced stress levels (p = .028). Discussion: The dance intervention is promising in reducing women's stress levels and worth further development in order to benefit the Mexican women caring for children with developmental disability and experiencing stress. Nurses can implement the Salsa dance intervention with the Mexican population while improving the clients' retention, outcomes, and overall satisfaction.

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BACKGROUND: Depression is a common and recurrent condition among older adults and is associated with poor quality of life and increased health care utilization and costs. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility of delivering a psychosocial intervention targeting depression, and to develop the procedures to conduct a cluster randomized controlled trial among older adults registered with primary care clinics in poor neighbourhoods of São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: We conducted a pilot study of a two-arm cluster, non-randomized controlled trial. Two primary care clinics adhering to the Family Health Strategy were allocated to either the intervention or the control arm. In the control arm, patients received enhanced usual care consisting of staff training for improved recognition and management of depression. In the intervention arm, alongside the enhanced usual care, patients received a 17-week psychosocial intervention delivered by health workers assisted with an application installed in a tablet. RESULTS: We randomly selected 579 of 2020 older adults registered in the intervention clinic to participate in the study. Among these individuals, 353 were assessed for depression and 40 (11.0%) scored at least 10 on the PHQ-9 and were therefore invited to participate. The consent rate was 33/40 (82%) with a resulting yield of 33/579 (5.7%). In the control arm, we randomly selected 320 older adults among 1482 registered in the clinic, 223 were assessed for depression and 28 (12.6%) scored 10 or above on the PHQ-9. The consent rate was 25/28 (89%), with a resulting yield of 25/320 (7.8%). Of the 33 who consented in the intervention arm, 19 (59.4%) completed all sessions. The mean PHQ-9 at follow-up (approximately 30 weeks after inclusion) were 12.3 (SD = 3.7) and 3.8 (SD = 3.9) in the control and intervention arms, respectively. Follow-up rates were 92 and 94% in control and intervention arms, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Identification and engagement of clinics, randomization, recruitment of individuals, measures, and baseline and follow-up assessments all proved to be feasible in primary care clinics in São Paulo, Brazil. Results support the development of a definitive cluster randomized controlled trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was retrospectively registered with Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos (ReBEC), number RBR-5nf6wd . Registered 06 August 2018.

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BACKGROUND: Depression is underdiagnosed and undertreated in primary health care. When associated with chronic physical disorders, it worsens outcomes. There is a clear gap in the treatment of depression in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where specialists and funds are scarce. Interventions supported by mobile health (mHealth) technologies may help to reduce this gap. Mobile phones are widely used in LMICs, offering potentially feasible and affordable alternatives for the management of depression among individuals with chronic disorders. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the potential effectiveness of an mHealth intervention to help people with depressive symptoms and comorbid hypertension or diabetes and explore the feasibility of conducting large randomized controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS: Emotional Control (CONEMO) is a low-intensity psychoeducational 6-week intervention delivered via mobile phones and assisted by a nurse for reducing depressive symptoms among individuals with diabetes or hypertension. CONEMO was tested in 3 pilot studies, 1 in São Paulo, Brazil, and 2 in Lima, Peru. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) at enrollment and at 6-week follow-up. RESULTS: The 3 pilot studies included a total of 66 people. Most participants were females aged between 41 and 60 years. There was a reduction in depressive symptoms as measured by PHQ-9 in all pilot studies. In total, 58% (38/66) of the participants reached treatment success rate (PHQ-9 <10), with 62% (13/21) from São Paulo, 62% (13/21) from the first Lima pilot, and 50% (12/24) from the second Lima pilot study. The intervention, the app, and the support offered by the nurse and nurse assistants were well received by participants in both settings. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention was feasible in both settings. Clinical data suggested that CONEMO may help in decreasing participants' depressive symptoms. The findings also indicated that it was possible to conduct RCTs in these settings.

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OBJECTIVE: Determine the feasibility and the preliminary effects of brief cognitive behavioral stress management (CBSM) intervention, compared with psychoeducation (PE) group in posttraumatic stress, distress, optimism, and quality of life in patients with colorectal cancer. METHODS: Ninety-four patients were randomized: 40 in CBSM intervention and 54 in PE. They answered psychological questionnaires before and after the intervention and 3 months later for follow-up. RESULTS: Of the included participants, 23.40% (22) completed the sessions (11 in each group). A significant effect was obtained in the variable of optimism F2,28  = 4.0, P = 0.03, ƞ2p  = 0.22 and a significant interaction effect between the groups in the avoidance behavior F2,28  = 6.0, P = 0.01, ƞ2p  = 0.30 and hyperactivation F2,30  = 3.91, P = 0.03, ƞ2p  = 0.20, with a large effect size in both. A significant interaction effect was found in the quality of life symptoms subscale for patients with colorectal cancer with a stoma F3,20  = 21.8, P = 0.00, ƞ2p  = 0.68. CONCLUSIONS: The CBSM intervention and PE are feasible therapies, albeit with some modifications. Preliminary effects are observed in the dimensions of posttraumatic stress and symptoms of quality of life.

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We examined the ability of tomato pomace extract (by-product) to affect platelet aggregation in healthy humans (clinical pilot study). In phase 1 the tolerance of participants (n = 15; 5 per dose level) ingesting tomato pomace extract across three dose levels (1, 2.5, and 10 g) was evaluated. Phase 2 was a single-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel design human (male, n = 99; 33 per group) pilot intervention trial investigating the acute and repeated dose effects (5 days) of different doses of tomato pomace extract (1 g, 2.5 g or placebo) on platelet aggregation ex vivo. Various flavonoids (coumaric acid, floridzin, floretin, procyanidin B2, luteolin-7-O-glucoside, kaempferol, and quercitin) and nucleosides (adenosine, inosine, and guanosine) were identified in the tomato pomace extract. The clinical study showed that the daily consumption of 1 g of aqueous extract of tomato pomace for 5 days exerted an inhibitory activity on platelet aggregation.

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The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the link between housing and children´s respiratory symptoms, through the construction of an index (HSHI) based on the definition of healthy-sustainable housing criteria, in a semi-urban community from Morelos, Mexico. A general and household questionnaire, and respiratory symptoms diary were applied in 60 households to gather information about schoolchildren, respiratory health, housing and lifestyle characteristics. HSHI was constructed using principal component analysis. The association between HSHI and the presence and duration of respiratory symptoms was assessed using logistic and Poisson regression models. HSHI had five components, which accounted for 63% of variance, and were classified into poor and sufficient quality. It was observed that schoolchildren who inhabit a sufficient-quality house, showed a reduction in nose irritation duration and in the allergic symptoms probability regarding component 1 (ventilation, lighting and cloth washing) and presented three times less duration of common cold by component 2 (construction material, painted walls inside the house and type of bathroom) compared to poor-quality house inhabitants. Our results suggest that living in a sufficient-quality house, as described by the HSHI, reduced the prevalence of wheezing episodes and the probability of ear pain, providing evidence about the positive association of a healthy-sustainable housing on the respiratory health of schoolchildren.

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BACKGROUND: An unfortunate consequence of severe acne is scarring, which can have serious psychosocial consequences. Available methods for treating acne scars have varying degrees of effectiveness. OBJECTIVE: This nonrandomized, retrospective pilot study assessed the safety and effectiveness of combining microfocused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V; Ultherapy®) and a calcium hydroxylapatite dermal filler (CaHA; Radiesse®) for treating atrophic acne scars. METHODS: Healthy subjects 35-55 years old with moderate-to-severe facial acne scars were enrolled. MFU-V was applied bilaterally using two transducers with focal depths of 3.0 and 1.5 mm. Using a cross-hatch pattern, 75 treatment lines were applied 2-3 mm apart. Immediately afterward, the same areas were injected with 1.5 mL of CaHA diluted with 1.5 mL of lidocaine 2% without epinephrine. Scar severity changes were assessed by two independent physicians using the Goodman Acne Scar Scale at post-treatment Day 90. Subject satisfaction was assessed with a questionnaire. RESULTS: Treated subjects (N = 10) achieved significant overall improvement in baseline acne scar severity (P = 0.002). When stratified by severity, a clear trend was apparent with the greatest improvement observed among subjects with severe scars. Subjects were very satisfied (n = 9) or satisfied (n = 1) with their aesthetic results. No adverse events were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Combining MFU-V and diluted CaHA is effective for treating atrophic acne scars.

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