Cytochrome P450 enzymes (P450s) are involved in cancer development and treatment due to their roles in the oxidative metabolism of various endogenous (e.g. oestrogen) and exogenous (e.g. tamoxifen) compounds. It is well-known that intermediate P450 metabolites derived from oestrogen metabolism are associated with breast carcinogenesis. The main aim of this project was to profile the cytochrome P450 and P450-regulatory nuclear receptor mRNAs in a series of breast cancer cell lines (BCCs) and compare this profile with normal breast cells. This study used the qualitative reverse transcriptasepolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect mRNA expression of target genes. Results showed CYP1B1, CYP2D6, CYP2J2, CYP2R1, CYP2U1 and CYP4X1 mRNA to be present in all cell lines. CYP2A6, CYP2C8, CYP2C18, CYP2F1 and CYP4Z1 mRNA were expressed in oestrogen receptor (ER)-positiveCaucasian and ER-negative Afro- Caribbean BCCs. Although no differences in P450 mRNA were observed between the different ethnic groups, these preliminary findings suggest potential similarities in the ERpositive Caucasian and ER-negative Afro-Caribbean BCCs which warrant further investigation The CYP4Z1 PCR product was identified as two distinct bands. Specific primer sets were used to demonstrate potential intron retention in CYP4Z1. Using established in vitro models for the study of regulatory mechanisms of CYP4Z1, T47D and ZR-75-1 breast cancer cell lines were used to determine the appropriate nuclear receptors (i.e. progesterone receptor, glucocorticoid receptor or peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha ). These findings suggest that there may be an alternative receptor mechanism involved in CYP4Z1 mRNA induction in these cells. In conjunction, pre-treatment of these two cell lines with the RNA synthesis inhibitor actinomycin D followed by the agonists showed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) of CYP4Z1 mRNA levels and inhibited CYP4Z1 induction by either progesterone, dexamethasone or pirinixic acid, indicating that these agonists have effects on CYP4Z1 mRNA transcription or stability. In contrast, cycloheximide differentially affected the level of CYP4Z1 mRNA induction by these agonists. Taken together, these results suggest that CYP4Z1 mRNA induction in T47D and ZR-75-1 is mediated through differential cell type specific regulatory mechanisms and there is evidence for differential regulation of the splice variants.

Little is known about breast health behaviors in Afro-Caribbean women (ACW) residing in the United States, as they are often included in the collective group of African American women (AAW). The objective of this study was to determine the influence of a spiritually-guided intervention on breast health self-care (BHSC) attitudes in ACW residing in southeastern Florida using a concurrent triangulation mixed methods design. One hundred and seventeen women were recruited from three local south Florida Caribbean churches. Inclusion criteria included: (a) self-identification as Afro-Caribbean, (b) female aged 30 years or older, (c) living in the United States for at least 1 year, (d) able to provide informed consent, (e) able to speak and read English at the 8th grade level, and (f) no previous history of breast cancer. / Includes bibliography. / Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2015. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Literary scholars frequently analyze the allusions to Western Christianity apparent in Toni Morrison's novels, but these studies overlook the ways in which some of her novels are informed by a Caribbean presence. This study argues that Rastafari themes, symbols, and ideologies are recurrent in Toni Morrison's Tar Baby, Beloved, and Song of Solomon. Rastafari is a social movement primarily concerned with restoring the image of Africa to a holy place. A Rastafari analysis of these texts broadens the literary spectrum to suggest that these novels highlight Morrison's attempt to write about the multifaceted element of the black community, which remains deeply connected to its American, African, and Caribbean roots. / by Nicole Racquel Carr. / Thesis (M.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2010. / Includes bibliography. / Electronic reproduction. Boca Raton, Fla., 2010. Mode of access: World Wide Web.

L’obésité est un problème majeur de santé publique et sa fréquence en Guadeloupe, est supérieure à celle observée en France hexagonale. Les causes de l’obésité sont multifactorielles. Des formes d’obésité monogénique ont été décrites chez moins de 5 % des patients obèses d’origine européenne mais, les variations génétiques sous-jacentes à l’obésité ne sont pas totalement connues. L’obésité infantile est associée à des effets néfastes sur la santé, incluant des complications métaboliques avec l’implication de nombreuses hormones et cytokines qui jouent un rôle important dans le métabolisme glucidique et l’homéostasie énergétique.Les objectifs de ces travaux étaient les suivants.- Évaluer le profil métabolique, incluant l’étude des taux de ghréline, leptine, adiponectine et de 25-hydroxyvitamine D chez 120 enfants scolarisés répartis en trois groupes : normo-pondéraux (G1), en surpoids (G2) et obèses (G3).- Analyser, à un an, les variations des paramètres anthropométriques et métaboliques après une intervention multidisciplinaire sur le mode de vie.- Investiguer, chez 25 enfants obèses de l’étude, les mutations de gènes connus et impliqués dans les formes monogéniques de l’obésité en utilisant des techniques récentes de séquençage.- Investiguer dans une population d’adultes l’association de variants de trois gènes candidats FABP2, ADIPOQ et NPPA avec le syndrome métabolique (dont l’obésité abdominale est une des composantes) en utilisant un score de risque génétique.Les travaux réalisés dans le cadre de cette thèse apportent des données nouvelles sur le profil métabolique des enfants obèses en Guadeloupe. Ils démontrent qu’une intervention sur le mode de vie améliore ce profil et pourrait contribuer à la prévention des complications cardio-métaboliques dans cette population à haut risque d’obésité et de diabète de type 2. Les effets bénéfiques de l’accompagnement familial et de l’approche multidisciplinaire en milieu scolaire sont aussi mis en exergue. L’identification, chez ces enfants obèses, de variants, rares et peu décrits, de gènes impliqués dans les formes d’obésité monogénique plaide en faveur d’une implication de ces variants dans la survenue de l’obésité. Par ailleurs, chez l’adulte, l’existence d’un effet cumulatif des variants des gènes FABP2, ANP et ADIPOQ sur le syndrome métabolique est aussi suggérée. / Obesity is a major public health problem and its frequency in Guadeloupe is higher than that observed in mainland France. The causes of obesity are multifactorial. Monogenic forms of obesity have been described in less than 5% of obese patients of European origin, but the genetic variations underlying obesity are not fully known.Obesity in children is associated with adverse health effects, includingmetabolic complications with the involvement of many hormones and cytokines that play an important role in glucose metabolism and energy homeostasis.The objectives of this work were as follows. Evaluate the metabolic profile, including ghrelin, leptin, adiponectin and vitamin D levels in 120 schoolchildren divided into three groups: normal weight (G1), overweight (G2) and obese (G3). Analyze, at one year, variations of anthropometric and metabolic parameters after a multidisciplinary lifestyle intervention. Investigate, in 25 obese children, mutations of genes known and involved in monogenic forms of obesity using next-generation sequencing. Investigate in an adult population the association of variants of three candidate genes FABP2, ADIPOQ and NPPA with metabolic syndrome (of which abdominal obesity is one of the components) using a genetic risk score.The results in this thesis provide new data on obese children metabolic profile in Guadeloupe. They demonstrate that a lifestyle intervention improves this profile and could contribute to prevention of cardio metabolic complications in this population at high risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. The beneficial effects of family support and the multidisciplinary approach in schools are also highlighted.The identification, in these obese children of rare and little described gene variants involved in monogenic form of obesity argues for their involvement in the occurrence of this pathology. Moreover, in adults, the existence of a cumulative effect of FABP2, ANP and ADIPOQ gene variants on metabolic syndrome is also suggested.

Les cancers viro-induits dont le chef de file est le cancer du col utérin lié aupapillomavirus humain (HPV) représentent une cause importante de mortalité dans la Caraïbe. Ilsont récemment été désignés comme objectif de santé publique par les registres des cancers antillais.Pour autant, les données virologiques disponibles sont rares et concernent principalement lesantilles anglophones. Des études de répartition génotypique menées à Tobago, en Jamaïque et à laBarbade montrent, en population générale, une forte prévalence des infections par les HPV à hautrisque oncogène (HRHPV) et une prédominance de génotypes différents de ceux qui prévalent dansles pays du nord (i.e.: HPV16, HPV18) notamment les génotypes HPV45 et HPV58. Ces donnéessoulèvent la question de l’existence d’un profil de distribution génotypique particulier dans laCaraïbe et la nécessité, le cas échéant, d’adapter la stratégie de prévention vaccinale des infectionspar les HPV à haut risque oncogène car les vaccins actuels ne ciblent que les génotypes 16 et 18 .Objectifs : L’objectif principal du travail était de décrire la distribution génotypique (estimation dela prévalence des différents génotypes) des HPV oncogènes impliqués dans les infections de lasphère ano-génitale des femmes, en Guadeloupe. L’objectif secondaire était de préciser les facteursdémographiques, sociaux et cliniques associés à la présence d’une infection ano-génitale à HPVoncogène.Patients et méthodes : Trois études ont été envisagées : i) une étude rétrospective, en populationgénérale, à partir des données cytologiques et virologiques du cabinet de pathologie de Guadeloupedont l’activité est la plus intense dans le domaine ciblé, ii) deux études prospectives conduites chezdes femmes immunodéprimées, soit par une transplantation rénale, soit par une maladie systémiqueauto-immune. Cette population de femmes a été choisie car elle est caractérisée par une prévalenceélevée d’infections ano-génitales à HPV oncogènes et une fréquence importante de complicationscarcinologiques HPV-induites, documentée dans la littérature.8prévalence des HPV à haut risque oncogène de type ni 16 ni 18 comme en atteste la distributiongénotypique observée en population générale et en population immunodéprimée (i.e. prévalenceforte du type HPV52 et à moindre degré des types HPV39 et HPV51 chez les patientestransplantées et des types HPV31, HPV58, HPV39, HPV45 chez les patientes présentant unemaladie systémique auto-immune). Ces résultats confortent les données des études précédemmentconduites dans l’arc antillais et constituent un argument pour élargir la protection vaccinale anti-HPV aux types non 16 non 18, dans le but d’ optimiser la prévention primaire du cancer du colutérin, aux Antilles.Le vaccin anti-HPV nonavalent, de commercialisation récente, semble représenter une optionintéressante. En effet, les 5 types supplémentaires de HRHPV qu’il cible par rapport aux vaccins de1ère génération (i.e.: HPV31, HPV33, HPV45, HPV52, HPV58) correspondent aux types despapillomavirus humains à haut risque oncogène ni 16 ni 18 qui circulent activement dans laCaraïbe, y compris deux types impliqués dans les cancers invasifs du col utérin aux antillesfrançaises: HPV33 et HPV45.Les facteurs de risque d’infection par les HPV oncogènes identifiés dans notre travailcorrespondent aux facteurs largement documentés dans la littérature comme le début précoce desrapports sexuels ou le statut de célibataire. Une étude de plus grande envergure est nécessaire pourinvestiguer l’association avec la sclérodermie systémique. / Of the virus-related cancers, cervical cancer linked to the human papillomavirus(HPV), is one of the leading causes of mortality in the Caribbean. These cancers have recently beenidentified as an important public health problem by Caribbean cancer registries. However,virological data available are limited and related primarily to the English-speaking Caribbean.Genotypic distribution studies in Tobago, Jamaica and Barbados show a high HPV prevalence ofhigh-risk HPV types (HR HPV) infections in the general population and a predominance ofgenotypes different from those of northern countries (i.e.: HPV16 and HPV18) in particular typesHPV45 and HPV58. These data raise the question of the existence of a specific genotypicdistribution profile in the Caribbean and the need, if required, to adapt vaccine prevention strategyagainst HRHPV infections because current vaccines only target genotypes 16 and 18.Objectives: The main objective of this study was to describe the distribution of carcinogenic HPVtypes involved in anogenital infections of women in Guadeloupe. The second objective was toidentify the demographic, social and clinical factors associated with the presence of oncogenic HPVinfection of the anogenital area.Patients and methods: Three studies were conducted: (i) a retrospective study concerning thegeneral population based on cytological and virological data from the Guadeloupe pathologylaboratory whose activity is the most intense in the targeted field; (ii) two prospective studies inwomen immunocompromised (i.e.: kidney transplant recipients, autoimmune systemic disease).This population of women was chosen because it is characterized by a high prevalence of HPVanogenital infections with frequent HPV-induced mucosal cancer complications reported in theliterature.Our 3 studies show a high prevalence of anogenital infections with carcinogenic HPVin women on the island of Guadeloupe. This high prevalence appears to be directly linked to theprevalence of high-risk, oncogenic HPVs of type non 16 and non 18, as evidenced by the genotypicdistribution observed in the general population and the immunocompromised population (i.e. HPV52 , HPV39, HPV51 in kidney transplant recipients and HPV31, HPV58, HPV39, HPV45 inpatients with autoimmune systemic disease). These results are in accordance with data from studiespreviously carried-out in Caribbean. They constitute an argument for extending the protectionagainst non-16 and non-18 HPV types infections with the aim of optimizing the basic prevention ofcervical cancer in the caribbean countries. The nonavalent new HPV vaccine seems to constitute aninteresting option. The 5 additional types of HR HPV that it targets compared to first generationvaccines (i.e.: HPV31, HPV33, HPV45, HPV52, HPV58) correspond to high risk HPV types nor16nor18 that are actively marketed in the Caribbean, including two types involved in invasive cervical11cancer in the French West Indies: HPV33 and HPV45.Risk factors for HPV infection identified in our study correspond to factors widely documented inthe literature such as early onset of sexual intercourse or unmarried status. A larger study is neededto investigate the association with systemic sclerosis.

Approximately one in every seven American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. Men of African descent have higher incidence and mortality rates than others. Prostate cancer screening is important because the five-year survival rate is only 31% post-metastasis. The purpose of this study was to assess the likelihood of action for and factors influencing choice regarding prostate screenings. It was also to determine if a relationship existed between ethnicity (African American and Afro-Caribbean American men) and knowledge of prostate health, self-efficacy, perceived barriers to and belief regarding prostate screening. Data collection methods included a focus group (n = 8) among African American and Afro-Caribbean American men (M = 53.8, 10.3) and self-administered surveys (n = 113) among African American (n = 49, 45.4%) and Afro-Caribbean American (n = 38, 35.2%) men (M = 59.5, 16.4) from churches in South Florida using convenience sampling and the Health Belief Model (HBM) as a framework. Knowledge was assessed using a combined version of the Knowledge and Practice of Prostate Health Questionnaire and Prostate Cancer Screening Education (PROCASE) Knowledge Index. Self-efficacy was measured as decisional conflict reported from the Low Literacy Decisional Conflict Scale. Barriers were identified from a Perceived Barriers Survey. Beliefs were measured as spiritual well-being and evaluated using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being, a modified version for non-illness (FACIT-Sp Non-Illness). Almost half of African American (47.9%) and nearly a third (29%) of Afro-Caribbean American participants were unaware of participation or did not participate in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing. Findings indicated prostate screening concerns, inadequate knowledge, past negative experiences, and cost may contribute to low prostate screening rates. Both ethnicities did not differ in knowledge of prostate health or self-efficacy for making an informed decision regarding prostate screening. Potential targets for outreach efforts among these ethnic groups could include faith-based medical partnerships to diminish health disparities. Future intervention studies would benefit from a focus on diverse cultures and ethnicities in different settings and culturally appropriate strategies for nurses and other health professionals to use when assisting patients with informed decision making regarding prostate cancer screening.

This thesis will explore and discuss the religion and rituals (ancestral cult) of Afro-Caribbean societies, people of African and indigenous heritage. This thesis will also seek to answer the question of extent to which Americans have become tolerant of other people's culture and what influence, if any, have transmitted from the Afro-Caribbean people to other North American societies. The religion and rituals of four Afro-Caribbean groups will be discussed in this study.

Estados Unidos es el lugar de origen del jazz, se puede decir que esto es geográficamente cierto, mas no culturalmente, ya que se debe tener en cuenta que dicho género se formó con músicos negros en un contexto de segregación racial bien radical, agregando también a los migrantes latinos que aportaron parte de su cultura para la música de la época. El objetivo de este estudio es darle el valor que se merece a las verdaderas raíces del jazz, la influencia afrocaribeña. Con este fin, la pregunta de investigación es la siguiente: ¿Cuáles y cómo fueron las influencias afrocaribeñas en las propuesta musicales de jazz de 1940 a 1965? La pregunta de investigación se responde a través del análisis cultural, histórico y musical de diversos géneros musicales que serían las bases para crear el jazz, además, también se tendrá en cuenta el latin jazz, el cual vendría a ser la fusión de ritmos afrocaribeños con el jazz, pasando también por el auge del rock, el cual también está ligado a esta cuestión, para pasar finalmente a la salsa. Teniendo esto en cuenta, se llega a la conclusión que gran parte de la música occidental tuvo influencia afrocaribeña para el desarrollo de sus géneros musicales, tales como el jazz, el bugalú, el rock & roll, y el rock. Ya que lo afrocaribeño se ha apoyado bastante en la tradición oral, se podrían realizar investigaciones adicionales en los que incluyan testimonios de las personas involucradas en los desarrollos de dichos géneros. / The United States is the place of origin of jazz, it can be said that this is geographically true, but not culturally, since it must be taken into account that this genre was formed with black musicians in a context of very radical racial segregation, also adding to Latino migrants who contributed part of their culture to the music of the time. The objective of this study is to give the value it deserves to the true roots of jazz, the Afro-Caribbean influence. To this end, the research question is the following: What and how were the Afro-Caribbean influences on jazz musical proposals from 1940 to 1965? The research question is answered through the cultural, historical and musical analysis of various musical genres that would be the basis for creating jazz, in addition, Latin jazz will also be taken into account, which would come to be the fusion of Afro-Caribbean rhythms with jazz, also going through the rise of rock, which is also linked to this issue, to finally move on to salsa. Taking this into account, it is concluded that much of Western music had Afro-Caribbean influence for the development of its musical genres, such as jazz, boogaloo, rock & roll, and rock. Since Afro-Caribbean has relied heavily on oral tradition, additional research could be carried out that includes testimonies from the people involved in the development of these genres. / Trabajo de investigación

Sexual abuse is often associated with long-term distressing effects. The experience of sexual abuse differs between survivors and the disclosure of the abuse is a complicated process that may have many particularities attached. For this study, I conducted an interpretative phenomenological analysis to understand how Afro-Caribbean women who experienced sexual abuse understand and make meaning of their experiences and the particularities attached to disclosure. Although prior research regarding sexual abuse has been conducted, research amongst Afro-Caribbean women has been minimal. Further absent from the sexual abuse literature is the lived experience of this population and the meaning they ascribe to their experience. This study utilized semi-structured interviews to elicit data from a sample of five women who identify as Afro-Caribbean or Afro-American women of Caribbean decent who experienced sexual abuse. The emergent themes from the analysis were identity of self as a sexual abuse victim, protection of self from the perpetrator, release of self during and after disclosure, and resilience of self. Themes from the analysis of the participant interviews revealed the experience of sexual abuse in the context of Afro-Caribbean women. This information provides valuable knowledge that may contribute to the larger field of marriage and family therapy by expanding the horizon of cultural awareness around this specific population.

No description available.