Tobacco use has been implicated as an immunomodulator in the oral cavity and contributes to the development of oral cancer. In the present study, we investigated the effects of cigarette smoking on bacterial diversity and host responses compared to healthy nonsmoking controls. Saliva samples were collected from eighteen smokers and sixteen nonsmoking individuals by passive drool. The 16S rRNA gene was used to characterize the salivary microbiome by using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Cytokine and chemokine expression analyses were performed to evaluate the host response. Significant differences in cytokine and chemokine expression levels of MDC, IL-10, IL-5, IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), insulin, and leptin were observed between smokers and nonsmokers. Taxonomic analyses revealed differences between the two groups, and some bacterial genera associated with the smokers group had correlations with hormones and cytokines identified as statistically different between smokers and nonsmokers. These factors have been associated with inflammation and carcinogenesis in the oral cavity. The data obtained may aid in the identification of the interactions between the salivary microbiome, host inflammatory responses, and metabolism in smokers.

Historically, food insecurity has been a problem for the Hispanic/Latino population in the United States. Variations in food insecurity exist among this population by origin, immigration status, household composition, and region. The coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated existing vulnerabilities this population faces with food insecurity including limited economic resources, reliance on programs unprepared for atypical circumstances, closure of avenues providing access to meals, and unemployment. This paper reviews key factors related to the current rate of food insecurity among the Hispanic/Latino population in the mainland United States and is an exemplar of similar variability found in Puerto Rico. Recommendations for reducing food insecurity in this population are provided. (word count:109)

Cancer is the leading cause of death in Puerto Rico (PR). Hurricane Maria (HM) and its aftermath lead to widespread devastation on the island, including the collapse of the healthcare system. Medically fragile populations, such as cancer survivors, were significantly affected. The goal of this study was to assess the impact of HM on barriers to care, emotional distress, and inflammatory biomarkers among cancer survivors in PR. This exploratory longitudinal study was conducted in health care facilities and community support groups from PR. Cancer survivors (n = 50) and non-cancer participants (n = 50) completed psychosocial questionnaires and provided blood samples that were used to assess inflammatory cytokines levels. Among this cohort, we identified 41 matched cancer survivors/non-cancer participants pairs. Data were analyzed through descriptive, frequencies, correlational, and regression analyses. Cancer survivors that were affected by HM reported increased barriers in accessing medical care, which were directly associated with anxiety, perceived stress, and post-traumatic symptomatology. Moreover, being a cancer survivor, predicted more barriers to receiving health care, especially in the first six weeks after the event, after which the effect was attenuated. Several inflammatory cytokines, such as CD31, BDNF, TFF3, Serpin E-1, VCAM-1, Vitamin D BP, and PDGF-AA, were significantly upregulated in cancer survivors while MMP9 and Osteopontin both had significant positive correlations with barriers to care. HM significantly impacted Puerto Ricans psychosocial well-being. Cancer survivors had significant barriers to care and showed increased serum inflammatory cytokines but did not show differences in anxiety, stress, and post-traumatic symptoms compared to non-cancer participants.

To describe anthropometric, sensory, and neurodevelopmental outcomes of children who were Zika virus–exposed from birth to 36 months. The study cohort included 114 children born to mothers with confirmed and probable Zika virus pregnancy infection in 2016–2017. Children attending study visits from May 2017 through February 2020 underwent physical/neurologic, sensory examinations, and neurodevelopmental assessments with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (BSID-III) and Ages and Stages Questionnaires, Third Edition (ASQ-3). Three of the 114 children (2.6%) had microcephaly (z-score for head circumference ≤ −2) at birth, 19 of 35 (54.3%) had posterior eye abnormalities in retinal images, and 11 of 109 (10.1%) had nonspecific findings on brain ultrasound. Three of 107 children (2.8%) failed hearing screening at birth. Of those children with follow-up data, 17 of 97 (17.5%) failed age-appropriate vision screening. The BSID-III identified developmental delay in at least 1 domain in at least one-third of children, with higher prevalence in the language domain. ASQ-3 screen positive delay peaked at around 24 or 36 months, with some domains showing a decrease at older ages. Correlations among BSID-III and ASQ-3 scores were observed, representing professional and parental perspectives at 24 and 36 months (r = 0.32-0.78; P < .05). The presence of neurodevelopmental sequelae in early childhood suggests that identification of long-term impairment remains critical to attaining optimal child development. Long-term follow-up highlights vulnerability in the language domain, which likely could be influenced by early intervention, promoting cognitive development and school readiness in exposed children.

Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT), an accepted U.S. screening tool for early lung cancer detection, is not widely-used in Puerto Rico. We investigated knowledge and attitudes about LDCT in focus groups of primary care physicians (PCP) and individuals at high risk for lung cancer (HRI) in Puerto Rico. Transcribed/translated audio-recorded discussions were analyzed with the constant comparison method. Both groups had limited knowledge about LDCT and concerns regarding insurance coverage. Most HRIs had never had a provider recommend LDCT and believed that having symptoms was necessary to obtain LDCT screening. Perceived barriers included fears about results and the procedure; a perceived benefit was having early detection and possibly being cured. Few PCPs had ever recommended LDCT to a patient, with those who had basing their decision on symptoms/smoking history but having challenges with insurance. More education on LDCT is needed among HRIs, and U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines should be widely distributed to encourage physician recommendations.

Background: An international collaborative study was conducted to determine the demographic and clinical profiles of Hispanic/Latinx endometriosis patients from Latin America and Spain using the Minimal Clinical Questionnaire developed by the World Endometriosis Research Foundation (WERF) Endometriosis Phenome and Biobanking Harmonization Project (EPHect).Methods: This is a cross-sectional study to collect self-reported data on demographics, lifestyle, and endometriosis symptoms of Hispanic/Latinx endometriosis patients from April 2019 to February 2020. The EPHect Minimal Clinical Questionnaire (EPQ-M) was translated into Spanish. Comprehension and length of the translated survey were assessed by Spanish-speaking women. An electronic link was distributed via social media of endometriosis patient associations from 11 Latin American countries and Spain. Descriptive statistics (frequency, means and SD, percentages, and proportions) and correlations were conducted using SPSSv26.Results: The questionnaire was completed by 1,378 participants from 23 countries; 94.6% had self-reported diagnosis of endometriosis. Diagnostic delay was 6.6 years. Most participants had higher education, private health insurance, and were employed. The most common symptoms were back/leg pain (85.4%) and fatigue (80.7%). The mean number of children was 1.5; 34.4% had miscarriages; the mean length of infertility was 3.7 years; 47.2% reported pregnancy complications. The most common hormone treatment was oral contraceptives (47.0%). The most common comorbidities were migraines (24.1%), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (22.2%), and irritable bowel syndrome (21.1%). Most participants (97.0%) experienced pelvic pain during menses; for 78.7%, pain was severe; 86.4% reported dyspareunia. The mean age of dysmenorrhea onset was 16.2 years (SD ± 6.1). Hormone treatments were underutilized, while impact was substantial. Pain catastrophizing scores were significantly correlated with pain intensity (p < 0.001).Conclusion: This is the first comprehensive effort to generate a clinical–demographic profile of Hispanic/Latinx endometriosis patients. Differences in clinical presentation compared to other cohorts included higher prevalence and severity of dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia and high levels of pain catastrophizing. Though future studies are needed to dissect the impact of race and ethnicity on pain and impact, this profile is the first step to facilitate the recognition of risk factors and diagnostic features and promote improved clinical management of this patient population. The EPHect questionnaire is an efficient tool to capture data to allow comparisons across ethnicities and geographic regions and tackle disparities in endometriosis research.