A modified theoretical framework to assess implementation fidelity of adaptive public health interventions

Background: One of the major debates in implementation research turns around fidelity and adaptation. Fidelity is the degree to which an intervention is implemented as intended by its developers. It is meant to ensure that the intervention maintains its intended effects. Adaptation is the process of implementers or users bringing changes to the original design of an intervention. Depending on the nature of the modifications brought, adaptation could either be potentially positive or could carry the risk of threatening the theoretical basis of the intervention, resulting in a negative effect on expected outcomes. Adaptive interventions are those for which adaptation is allowed or even encouraged. Classical fidelity dimensions and conceptual frameworks do not address the issue of how to adapt an intervention while still maintaining its effectiveness. Discussion: We support the idea that fidelity and adaptation co-exist and that adaptations can impact either positively or negatively on the intervention's effectiveness. For adaptive interventions, research should answer the question how an adequate fidelity-adaptation balance can be reached. One way to address this issue is by looking systematically at the aspects of an intervention that are being adapted. We conducted fidelity research on the implementation of an empowerment strategy for dengue prevention in Cuba. In view of the adaptive nature of the strategy, we anticipated that the classical fidelity dimensions would be of limited use for assessing adaptations. The typology we used in the assessment-implemented, not-implemented, modified, or added components of the strategy-also had limitations. It did not allow us to answer the question which of the modifications introduced in the strategy contributed to or distracted from outcomes. We confronted our empirical research with existing literature on fidelity, and as a result, considered that the framework for implementation fidelity proposed by Carroll et al. in 2007 could potentially meet our concerns. We propose modifications to the framework to assess both fidelity and adaptation. Summary: The modified Carroll et al.'s framework we propose may permit a comprehensive assessment of the implementation fidelity-adaptation balance required when implementing adaptive interventions, but more empirical research is needed to validate it

Características del estado Psicológico de los Corredores populares de Maratón

This paper aims to identify the most representative variables of popular marathon runners' psychological state a few days or hours prior to a race through an analysis of content based on interviews with a sample of expert runners. The sample used and qualitative and deductive analysis procedure are described. The results identified variables such as cognitive anxiety and arousal and self confidence levels in relation to others, such as motivation and perception of physical state, which are included in a theoretical model. Two different models were identified when self-confidence is high or low. A list of possible items for constructing a questionnaire on psychological states before a marathon is suggested

Microbial assemblages associated with the invasive kelp Undaria pinnatifida in Patagonian coastal waters: Structure and alginolytic potential

Undaria pinnatifida is a brown algae native to Asia that has settled in various regions worldwide, periodically contributing with large quantities of C and nutrients during its annual cycle. In this work, we analyzed a coastal site in Patagonia (Argentina) that has been colonized for three decades by U. pinnatifida, focusing on associated microbial communities in three different compartments. An important influence of algae was observed in seawater, especially in the bottom of the algal forest during the austral summer (January) at the moment of greater biomass release. This was evidenced by changes in DOC concentration and its quality indicators (higher Freshness and lower Humification index) and higher DIC. Although maximum values of NH4 and PO4 were observed in January, bottom water samples had lower concentrations than surface water, suggesting nutrient consumption by bacteria during algal DOM release. Concomitantly, bacterial abundance peaked, reaching 4.68 ± 1.33 × 105 cells mL −1 (January), showing also higher capability of degrading alginate, a major component of brown algae cell walls. Microbial community structure was influenced by sampling date, season, sampling zone (surface or bottom), and environmental factors (temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, nutrients). Samples of epiphytic biofilms showed a distinct community structure compared to seawater, lower diversity, and remarkably high alginolytic capability, suggesting adaptation to degrade algal biomass. A high microdiversity of populations of the genus Leucothrix (Gammaproteobacteria, Thiotrichales) that accounted for a large fraction of epiphytic communities was observed, and changed over time. Epiphytic assemblages shared more taxa with bottom than with surface seawater assemblages, indicating a certain level of exchange between communities in the forest surroundings. This work provides insight into the impact of U. pinnatifida decay on seawater quality, and the role of microbial communities on adapting to massive biomass inputs through rapid DOM turnover.Fil: Lozada, Mariana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos; ArgentinaFil: Zabala, Maria Soledad. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto de Biología de Organismos Marinos; ArgentinaFil: Garcia, Patricia Elizabeth. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Norte. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Centro Regional Universidad Bariloche. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente; ArgentinaFil: Dieguez, Maria del Carmen. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Norte. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Centro Regional Universidad Bariloche. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente; ArgentinaFil: Bigatti, Gregorio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto de Biología de Organismos Marinos; ArgentinaFil: Fermani, Paulina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos; ArgentinaFil: Unrein, Fernando. Universidad Nacional de San Martin. Instituto Tecnologico de Chascomus. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Conicet - la Plata. Instituto Tecnologico de Chascomus.; ArgentinaFil: Dionisi, Hebe Monica. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos; Argentin

Características del estado Psicológico de los Corredores populares de Maratón

This paper aims to identify the most representative variables of popular marathon runners' psychological state a few days or hours prior to a race through an analysis of content based on interviews with a sample of expert runners. The sample used and qualitative and deductive analysis procedure are described. The results identified variables such as cognitive anxiety and arousal and self confidence levels in relation to others, such as motivation and perception of physical state, which are included in a theoretical model. Two different models were identified when self-confidence is high or low. A list of possible items for constructing a questionnaire on psychological states before a marathon is suggested

Pobreza, exclusión social y discriminación étnico-racial en América Latina y el Caribe

El incremento de la pobreza y de la exclusión social en el mundo constituye un fenómeno persistente además de expansivo. De hecho, las relaciones entre pobreza, exclusión social y discriminación étnico-racial son estrechas. Su estudio se justifica no sólo por la relevancia social, ética y humana del tema, sino también por la necesidad de avanzar, en el orden práctico, con propuestas orientadas al logro de mayores niveles de intregración social y bienestar humano. La importancia de este libro radica justamente en ratificar, desde contextos y perspectivas diferentes, la existencia de formas diversas de discriminación y exclusión étnico-racial en América Latina y el Caribe y los mayores niveles de pobreza existentes entre las poblaciones indígenas y afrodescendientes. Los condicionamientos y manifestaciones de este fenómeno incluyen los ámbitos laboral, educativo, económico, social, político y cultural, entre mucho otros. Todo lo anterior, conjuntamente con la recurrencia de las interconexiones con otras dimensiones como el género, la clase, lo urbano y las migraciones, evidencia no sólo la complejidad de análisis de esta problemática, sino además -lo que resulta fundamental-, la necesidad de proponer acciones integrales y sistemáticas para su solución. Por todo ello, invitamos a su lectura, con la intención de que la misma contribuya a la continuidad y necesaria profundización en este tema.Presentación María del Carmen Zabala Argüelles Parte I Discrimación étnico-racial en el ámbito laboral La discriminación laboral de los indígenas en los mercados urbanos de trabajo en México: revisión y balance de un fenómeno persistente Jorge Enrique Horbath Discriminación étnico-racial, género e informalidad en Ecuador Marta Rangel Diferencias raciales en el logro educativo y status ocupacional en el primer empleo, en la ciudad de Cali (Colombia) Carlos Augusto Viáfara López Desigualdad sociorracial frente a la movilidad laboral en Cali. Algunos resultados del análisis de biografías socioprofesionales Olivier Barbary y Alexander Estacio Moreno Parte II : Familia, género, pobreza y exclusión social Pobreza, composición familiar e inclusión social: arreglo matriarcal en un Brasil negro Maria Gabriela Hita Discriminación étnico-racial, desplazamiento y género en los procesos identitarios de la población negra en sectores populares de Bogotá Donny Meertens, Mara Viveros y Luz Gabriela Arango Mecanismos de discriminación étnico-racial, clase social y género: la inserción laboral de mujeres negras en el servicio doméstico de Cali Jeanny Posso Parte III : Pobreza, cultura e identidad La conciencia crítica y los pobres. Líderes indígenas hablan sobre las causas de la pobreza en Guatemala Georges Midré Desigualdades persistentes, relaciones raciales y modernidades en el Recôncavo: el caso de São Francisco do Conde Livio Sansone La formación del vínculo entre raza y clase en Salvador Osmundo Pinho ¿Todos los negros toman café? Políticas públicas de cultura, equidad, raza y pobreza como condición cultural Lázaro I. Rodríguez Oliva Parte IV: Implicaciones sociales y políticas : Eso es ser pobre e indio en este país. Repercusiones urbanas e implicaciones sociales de la discriminación y la exclusión: lecciones de El Alto, Bolivia Juan Manuel Arbona Pobreza, exclusión social y ejercicio de los derechos de los pueblos indígenas en el marco del proceso de paz guatemalteco Ana Gabriela Contreras García Análisis de la dimensión racial en los procesos de reproducción de la pobreza. El rol de las políticas sociales para favorecer la equidad social en Cuba / María del Carmen Zabala Argüelles Migración e inmigrantes en la Argentina reciente: políticas y discursos de exclusión/inclusión Eduardo E. Domenech y María José Magliano La pobreza indígena en América Latina y el primer objetivo de desarrollo del milenio Siri Damman Conclusiones

Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy (4th edition)

In 2008, we published the first set of guidelines for standardizing research in autophagy. Since then, this topic has received increasing attention, and many scientists have entered the field. Our knowledge base and relevant new technologies have also been expanding. Thus, it is important to formulate on a regular basis updated guidelines for monitoring autophagy in different organisms. Despite numerous reviews, there continues to be confusion regarding acceptable methods to evaluate autophagy, especially in multicellular eukaryotes. Here, we present a set of guidelines for investigators to select and interpret methods to examine autophagy and related processes, and for reviewers to provide realistic and reasonable critiques of reports that are focused on these processes. These guidelines are not meant to be a dogmatic set of rules, because the appropriateness of any assay largely depends on the question being asked and the system being used. Moreover, no individual assay is perfect for every situation, calling for the use of multiple techniques to properly monitor autophagy in each experimental setting. Finally, several core components of the autophagy machinery have been implicated in distinct autophagic processes (canonical and noncanonical autophagy), implying that genetic approaches to block autophagy should rely on targeting two or more autophagy-related genes that ideally participate in distinct steps of the pathway. Along similar lines, because multiple proteins involved in autophagy also regulate other cellular pathways including apoptosis, not all of them can be used as a specific marker for bona fide autophagic responses. Here, we critically discuss current methods of assessing autophagy and the information they can, or cannot, provide. Our ultimate goal is to encourage intellectual and technical innovation in the field