Publications by authors named "Rebecca Rodriguez"

Article Synopsis
  • A study was conducted to improve non-invasive detection methods for colorectal neoplasia, especially adenomas, by comparing a fecal test using a monoclonal antibody (Adnab-9) to the standard guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT).
  • The results showed that the p87 immunohistochemistry test was significantly more sensitive than gFOBT for detecting adenomas and advanced adenomas, with odds ratios indicating its superior detection capabilities.
  • Additionally, findings suggested that urine tests for specific neoantigens may also provide useful information, particularly for advanced adenomas, making p87 fecal testing a promising tool for enhancing colonoscopy screening efforts.
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Effective peer feedback is critical for the self-regulation of nursing practice and safe, high-quality care, yet peer feedback conversations can be challenging and anxiety provoking. As current literature revealed no consistent approach, taskforce members designed and implemented an innovative and standardized peer feedback program using brain science to support nurses' skills in speaking up. The new program resulted in an increase in nurses' self-reported willingness to provide peer feedback, and improvements in safety culture and nurse-sensitive quality outcomes.

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Whole genome sequencing (WGS) has helped to revolutionize biology, but the computational challenge remains for extracting valuable inferences from this information. Here, we present the cancer-associated variants from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) WGS dataset. This set of data will allow cancer researchers to further expand their analysis beyond the exomic regions of the genome to the entire genome.

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One in five cancers is attributed to infectious agents, and the extent of the impact on the initiation, progression, and disease outcomes may be underestimated. Infection-associated cancers are commonly attributed to viral, and to a lesser extent, parasitic and bacterial etiologies. There is growing evidence that microbial community variation rather than a single agent can influence cancer development, progression, response to therapy, and outcome.

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The current study examined the prevalence and mental health associated with physical and sexual dating violence among adolescents using an intersectional analysis. Data were obtained from 88,219 adolescents in the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey. Gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, and experiences with teen dating violence were measured for each youth.

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Cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the globe. Microbiological infections account for up to 20% of the total global cancer burden. The human microbiota within each organ system is distinct, and their compositional variation and interactions with the human host have been known to attribute detrimental and beneficial effects on tumor progression.

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Identification of microbial composition directly from tumor tissue permits studying the relationship between microbial changes and cancer pathogenesis. We interrogated bacterial presence in tumor and adjacent normal tissue strictly in pairs utilizing human whole exome sequencing to generate microbial profiles. Profiles were generated for 813 cases from stomach, liver, colon, rectal, lung, head & neck, cervical and bladder TCGA cohorts.

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Background: Adverse childhood experience (ACE) and intimate partner violence (IPV) have sustained, deleterious effects on physical and mental health. Few studies have examined how to help Latina survivors of ACEs and/or IPV regain control of their health.

Objective: To inform interventions for this population, we examined whether mastery of stress and patient activation mediate the relationship between a history of ACE and/or IPV and mental and physical health.

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Over the past several decades, Puerto Ricans have faced increased health threats from chronic diseases, particularly diabetes and hypertension. The patient-provider relationship is the main platform for individual disease management, whereas the community, as an agent of change for the community's health status, has been limited in its support of individual health. Likewise, traditional research approaches within communities have placed academic researchers at the center of the process, considering their knowledge was of greater value than that of the community.

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Context: Physical inactivity, poor nutrition, and chronic stress threaten the health of African-American youth in urban environments. Conditions often worsen in summer with diminished access to healthy foods and safe venues for physical activity.

Objective: A public-private partnership was formed to develop and evaluate an integrative health intervention entitled "Mission Thrive Summer" (MTS).

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