bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Ecological Perspective on Health Promotion Programs
Authors: McLeroy Kenneth R. , Bibeau Daniel , Steckler Allan , Glanz Karen 
Published: February 2007

During the past 20 years there has been a dramatic increase in societal interest in preventing disability and death in the United States by changing individual behaviors linked to the risk of contracting chronic diseases. This renewed interest in health pro motion and disease prevention has not been without its critics. Some critics have accused proponents of life-style interventions of promoting a victim-blaming ideology by neglecting the importance of social influences on health and disease. This article proposes an ecological model for health promotion which focuses atten tion on both individual and social environmental factors as targets for health promo tion interventions. It addresses the importance of interventions directed at changing interpersonal, organizational, community, and public policy, factors which support and maintain unhealthy behaviors. The model assumes that appropriate changes in the social environment will produce changes in individuals, and that the support of individ uals in the population is essential for implementing environmental changes.
Research Needs and Opportunities in Server Intervention Programs
Authors: Saltz Robert F. 
Published: February 2007

Prevention specialists have recently focused on ways to shape the drinking context and environment to reduce the risks of drinking and driving. Server intervention refers to a set of strategies to control drinking in service establishments through changes in management policies, serving practices, and by training servers and other employees to monitor and control patrons' alcohol consumption. Research on server intervention is mixed, but seems to indicate that some server intervention practices can reduce levels of alcohol intoxication by patrons. Further work is needed to determine how such effects can be enhanced. Topics for future research include optimal components of specific training curriculum, policies needed to support and extend server training, importance of "booster" sessions, and the rela tionship of server intervention to broader social and legal environments that discourage drinking and driving.
Restaurant Menu Labeling: Impact of Nutrition Information on Entree Sales and Patron Attitudes
Authors: Albright Cheryl L. , Flora June A. , Fortmann Stephen P. 
Published: February 2007

This study examined changes in sales of low fat/low cholesterol foods targeted in a restaurant menu labeling program. Sales of labeled items were tracked before and after the program was introduced, and a subsample of patrons were surveyed for information on visibility and comprehension of the menu labels. Two of the four restaurants had significant increases in the sales of targeted foods following labeling. Comparisons between patrons dining in restaurants which had an increase in sales (I—increase restaurants) to those dining in restaurants which had no overall shift in sales (NI—no increase restaurants) revealed no differences in patron awareness or compre hension of the menu labels. There were age and gender differences between I and NI restaurants, with I restaurants having proportionally more males, and a younger clientele. Taste was the primary reason given by patrons for their entree choice, regardless of whether or not it was labeled. In all four restaurants women and older patrons were more aware of the program and more responsive to its recommendations. These findings suggest that environmental strategies may be an effective method of encouraging dietary changes in the general population, but patron characteristics such as age and gender may influence receptivity to this type of intervention. Future studies aimed at developing effective point of purchase education programs should evaluate these patron characteristics and include more powerful behavior change strategies.
Evaluation of the Health Belief Model and Decision Making Regarding Amniocentesis in Women of Advanced Maternal Age
Authors: French Beatrice N. , Kurczynski Thaddeus W. , Weaver Michael T. , Pituch Martha J. 
Published: February 2007

The Health Belief Model (HBM) was developed as an attempt to explain an individual's decision regarding obtaining preventive health care. This model was applied to predict the decisions of women of advanced maternal age regarding their obtaining amniocentesis in a one-year study conducted in Toledo, Ohio. A questionnaire based on the HBM was administered to a sample of 98 pregnant women of advanced maternal age. A total of 96 questionnaires were eligible for inclusion in the study. Sixty-one women reported that they would have amniocentesis, 22 would not, and 13 were unsure. A multivariate analysis of variance among amniocentesis decision groups was performed using the health belief components (perceived susceptibility, perceived seriousness, perceived benefit, perceived barrier) and knowledge as variables. There was a significant difference (Wilks' criterion, p < .0001) among the three decision groups, but the differences were in the health belief components and not in knowledge. A stepwise discriminant function analysis was used to classify subjects on the amniocentesis decision. Of the variables examined, only the HBM component perceived benefit factor was a significnat discriminant ( p = .0001). It is not necessarily the lack of knowledge that prevents women who are at risk because of advanced maternal age from having amniocentesis but their perceptions regarding amniocentesis. Genetic counselors need to focus more on exploring the perceptions of amniocentesis benefits in this population to facilitate the decision making process.
The Role of Community Organizations in AIDS Prevention in Two Latino Communities in New York City
Authors: Freudenberg Nicholas , Trinidad Urayoana 
Published: February 2007

Black and Latino community organizations can play a major role in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) prevention. Their ongoing relationships with their constituents, knowledge of relevant cultural values and channels of communication, and commitment to safeguard the well-being of their neighborhoods are an important resource for AIDS prevention campaigns. In order to better understand the process by which community groups have taken on the issue of AIDS, investigators conducted in-depth interviews with a convenience sample of 47 neighborhood organizations in two primarily Latino communities in New York City. Researchers also attended community meetings, interviewed AIDS educators, and conducted focus groups with respondents. More than half the groups had already sponsored some AIDS prevention activities prior to the first interview. More active groups were more likely to have multiple missions, previous experience with the target population, and prior experience working with people with AIDS. Respondents reported a variety of obstacles to more active involvement in AIDS prevention at the community, organizational, and individual levels. To strengthen the role of community organizations in AIDS prevention, more resources should be provided to grass roots groups, AIDS should be linked to other urgent social problems facing black and Latino communities, and funders and AIDS organizations should respond more flexibly to the needs of neighborhood organizations.
Theory and the Empowerment of Health Education Practitioners
Authors: D'Onofrio Carol N. 
Published: February 2007

Both the nature of theory and the way it is taught can overpower health education practitioners. As a consequence, myths which maintain theory and practice in separate realms may develop. This paper argues that to remedy this situation, practitioners must be helped to gain greater control of theory. Specific suggestions for accomplishing this goal are offered in a three-part prescription. First, concepts and teaching methods are introduced to dismantle myths about theory and to help practitioners understand its origins, nature, and functions. Second, health educators are encouraged to acknowledge limitations in theories currently guiding their practice. Third, they are shown ways they can exert leadership in developing theory to fill these gaps and build a more adequate knowledge base for confronting contemporary practice problems. Through this exercise of power, health educators will gain control over theory and expand the boundaries of practice, while also enhancing their professional status. The boundaries of professional practice are made and changed by the relation ship between the discourse of scientific knowledge and the exercise of profes sional power. 1 Turner
`Fighting for everything': service experiences of people severely affected by multiple sclerosis
Authors: Edmonds P. , Vivat B. , Burman R. , Silber E. , Higginson I.J. 
Published: February 2007

Background No previous research exists specifically exploring the needs of those people severely affected by multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with people identified by the referring health or social care professional as being severely affected by their MS and informal carers, in order to explore their perceptions of their illness and care. The data were analysed for themes using the constant comparative approach. Results The data relate to 32 people severely affected by MS, who identified several broad themes, relating to loss and change, and provision of services and care. In relation to service provision, people with MS (PwMS) and their carers identified two, interlinked themes - a lack of continuity and co-ordination of care, and a lack of information about services, aids and adaptations, welfare benefits and end-of-life issues. A further theme was identified, which underpinned and linked the two other themes, that of `fighting for everything' - a sense that people had to struggle for their needs to be met. Conclusion There is a need to develop models of care in order to better meet patients and carers needs for information, co-ordination, and to reduce the feeling of struggling to receive services. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 660-667. http://msj.sagepub.com
Effects of bone marrow-derived cells on monocrotaline- and hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension in mice
Authors: Raoul William , Wagner-Ballon Orianne , Saber Guitanouch , Hulin Anne , Marcos Elisabeth , Giraudier Stéphane , Vainchenker William , Adnot Serge , Eddahibi Saadia , Maitre Bernard 
Published: February 2007

Abstract

Background
Bone marrow -derived cells (BMDCs) can either limit or contribute to the process of pulmonary vascular remodeling. Whether the difference in their effects depends on the mechanism of pulmonary hypertension (PH) remains unknown.

Objectives
We investigated the effect of BMDCs on PH induced in mice by either monocrotaline or exposure to chronic hypoxia.

Methods
Intravenous administration of the active monocrotaline metabolite (monocrotaline pyrrole, MCTp) to C57BL/6 mice induced PH within 15 days, due to remodeling of small distal vessels. Three days after the MCTp injection, the mice were injected with BMDCs harvested from femurs and tibias of donor mice treated with 5-fluorouracil (3.5 mg IP/animal) to deplete mature cells and to allow proliferation of progenitor cells.

Results
BMDCs significantly attenuated PH as assessed by reductions in right ventricular systolic pressure (20 ± 1 mmHg vs. 27 ± 1 mmHg, P ≤ 0.01), right ventricle weight/left ventricle+septum weight ratio (0.29 ± 0.02 vs. 0.36 ± 0.01, P ≤ 0.03), and percentage of muscularized vessels (26.4% vs. 33.5%, P ≤ 0.05), compared to control animals treated with irradiated BMDCs. Tracking cells from constitutive GFP-expressing male donor mice with anti-GFP antibodies or chromosome Y level measurement by quantitative real-time PCR showed BMDCs in the lung. In contrast, chronically hypoxic mice subjected to the same procedure failed to show improvement in PH.

Conclusion
These results show that BMDCs limit pulmonary vascular remodeling induced by vascular injury but not by hypoxia.
Gabexate in the prophylaxis of post-ERCP pancreatitis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zheng Minghua , Chen Yongping , Yang Xinjun , Li Ji , Zhang Youcai , Zeng Qiqiang 
Published: February 2007

Abstract

Background
Acute pancreatitis is a common complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and the benefit of its pharmacological treatment is unclear. Although prophylactic use of gabexate for the reduction of pancreatic injury after ERCP has been evaluated, the discrepancy about gabexate's beneficial effect on pancreatic injury still exists. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of gabexate in the prophylaxis of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis (PEP).

Methods
We employed the method recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration to perform a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of gabexate in the prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) including three RCTs conducted in Italy and one in China.

Results
All of the four RCTs were of high quality. When the RCTs were analyzed, odds ratios (OR) for gabexate mesilate were 0.67 [95% CI (0.31~1.47), p = 0.32] for PEP, 3.78 [95% CI (0.62~22.98), p = 0.15] for severe PEP, 0.68 [95% CI (0.19~2.43), p = 0.56] for the case-fatality of PEP, 0.88 [95% CI (0.72~1.07), p = 0.20] for post-ERCP hyperamylasemia, 0.69 [95% CI (0.39~1.21), p = 0.19] for post-ERCP abdominal pain, thus indicating no beneficial effects of gabexate on acute pancreatitis, the death rate of PEP, hyperamylasemia and abdominal pain. No evidence of publication bias was found.

Conclusion
Gabexate mesilate can not prevent the pancreatic injury after ERCP. It is not recommended for the use of gabexate mesilate in the prophylaxis of PEP.
Functional analysis of splicing mutations in exon 7 of NF1gene
Authors: Bottillo Irene , De Luca Alessandro , Schirinzi Annalisa , Guida Valentina , Torrente Isabella , Calvieri Stefano , Gervasini Cristina , Larizza Lidia , Pizzuti Antonio , Dallapiccola Bruno 
Published: February 2007

Abstract

Background
Neurofibromatosis type 1 is one of the most common autosomal dominant disorders, affecting about 1:3,500 individuals. NF1 exon 7 displays weakly defined exon-intron boundaries, and is particularly prone to missplicing.

Methods
In this study we investigated the expression of exon 7 transcripts using bioinformatic identification of splicing regulatory sequences, and functional minigene analysis of four sequence changes [c.910C>T (R304X), c.945G>A/c.946C>A (Q315Q/L316M), c.1005T>C (N335N)] identified in exon 7 of three different NF1 patients.

Results
Our results detected the presence of three exonic splicing enhancers (ESEs) and one putative exonic splicing silencer (ESS) element. The wild type minigene assay resulted in three alternative isoforms, including a transcript lacking NF1 exon 7 (NF1ΔE7). Both the wild type and the mutated constructs shared NF1ΔE7 in addition to the complete messenger, but displayed a different ratio between the two transcripts. In the presence of R304X and Q315Q/L316M mutations, the relative proportion between the different isoforms is shifted toward the expression of NF1ΔE7, while in the presence of N335N variant, the NF1ΔE7 expression is abolished.

Conclusion
In conclusion, it appears mandatory to investigate the role of each nucleotide change within the NF1 coding sequence, since a significant proportion of NF1 exon 7 mutations affects pre-mRNA splicing, by disrupting exonic splicing motifs and modifying the delicate balance between aberrantly and correctly spliced transcripts.
Vitamin D status in mothers and their newborns in Iran
Authors: Maghbooli Zhila , Hossein-Nezhad Arash , Shafaei Ali Reza , Karimi Farzaneh , Madani Farzaneh Sadat , Larijani Bagher 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBackgroundAdequate vitamin D concentrations during pregnancy are necessary to neonatal calcium homeostasis, bone maturation and mineralization. The aim of study is to evaluate serum vitamin D concentrations in mothers and their newborns and effect of vitamin D deficiency on pregnancy outcomes.Methods552 pregnant women were recruited from Tehran University educating hospitals in the winter of 2002. Maternal and cord blood samples were taken at delivery. The serum was assayed for 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, calcium, phosphorus and parathyroid hormone.ResultsThe prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in maternal and cord blood samples were 66.8% and 93.3%, respectively (<35 nmol/l). There was significant correlation between maternal and cord blood serum concentrations of vitamin D. In mothers with vitamin D deficiency, cord blood vitamin D concentrations was lower than those from normal mothers (P = .001). Also, a significant direct correlation was seen between maternal vitamin D intake and weight gain during pregnancy.ConclusionConsideration to adequate calcium and vitamin D intake during pregnancy is essential. Furthermore, we think it is necessary to reconsider the recommendation for vitamin D supplementation for women during pregnancy.
Hyperoxia retards growth and induces apoptosis and loss of glands and blood vessels in DMBA-induced rat mammary tumors
Authors: Raa Anette , Stansberg Christine , Steen Vidar M , Bjerkvig Rolf , Reed Rolf K , Stuhr Linda EB 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBackgroundThis study investigated the effects of hyperoxic treatment on growth, angiogenesis, apoptosis, general morphology and gene expression in DMBA-induced rat mammary tumors.MethodsOne group of animals was exposed to normobaric hyperoxia (1 bar, pO2= 1.0 bar) and another group was exposed to hyperbaric hyperoxia (1.5 bar, pO2= 1.5 bar). A third group was treated with the commonly used chemotherapeutic drug 5- Fluorouracil (5-FU), whereas animals housed under normal atmosphere (1 bar, pO2= 0.2 bar) served as controls. All treatments were performed on day 1, 4, 7 and 10 for 90 min. Tumor growth was calculated from caliper measurements. Biological effects of the treatment, was determined by assessment of vascular morphology (immunostaining for von Willebrandt factor) and apoptosis (TUNEL staining). Detailed gene expression profiles were obtained and verified by quantitative rtPCR.ResultsTumor growth was significantly reduced (~57–66 %) after hyperoxic treatment compared to control and even more than 5-FU (~36 %). Light microscopic observations of the tumor tissue showed large empty spaces within the tissue after hyperoxic treatment, probably due to loss of glands as indicated by a strong down-regulation of glandular secretory proteins. A significant reduction in mean vascular density (30–50%) was found after hyperoxic treatment. Furthermore, increased apoptosis (18–21%) was found after hyperoxic treatment.ConclusionThus, by increasing the pO2in mammary tumor tissue using normobaric and moderate hyperbaric oxygen therapy, a significant retardation in tumor growth is achieved, by loss of glands, reduction in vascular density and enhanced cell death. Hyperbaric oxygen should therefore be further evaluated as a tumor treatment.
Characterization of antibodies in single-chain format against the E7 oncoprotein of the Human papillomavirus type 16 and their improvement by mutagenesis
Authors: Donà Maria Gabriella , Giorgi Colomba , Accardi Luisa 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBackgroundHuman papillomaviruses (HPV) are the etiological agents of cervical cancer. The viral E7 protein plays a crucial role in viral oncogenesis. Many strategies have been explored to block the E7 oncoprotein activity. The single-chain variable antibody fragments (scFvs) are valuable tools in cancer immunotherapy and can be used as "intracellular antibodies" to knock out specific protein functions. For both in vivo and in vitro employment, the scFv intrinsic solubility and stability are important to achieve long-lasting effects. Here we report the characterization in terms of reactivity, solubility and thermal stability of three anti-HPV16 E7 scFvs. We have also analysed the scFv43 sequence with the aim of improving stability and then activity of the antibody, previously shown to have antiproliferative activity when expressed in HPV16-positive cells.MethodsThe three anti-HPV16 E7 scFv 32, 43 51 were selected from the ETH-2 "phage-display" library. Thermal stability was evaluated with ELISA by determining the residual activity of each purified scFv against the recombinant HPV16 E7, after incubation in the presence of human seroalbumine for different time-intervals at different temperatures. Sequence analysis of the scFvs was performed with BLAST and CLUSTALL programs. The scFv43 aminoacid changes were reverted back to the consensus sequence from the immunoglobuline database by site-directed mutagenesis. ScFv solubility was evaluated with Western blotting by determining their relative amounts in the soluble and insoluble fractions of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems.ResultsScFv51 was the most thermally stable scFv considered. Sequence analysis of the most reactive scFv43 has evidenced 2 amino acid changes possibly involved in molecule stability, in the VH and VL CDR3 regions respectively. By mutagenesis, two novel scFv43-derived scFvs were obtained, scFv43 M1 and M2. ScFv43 M2 showed to have improved thermal stability and solubility in comparison with the parental scFv43.ConclusionThe characterization of 5 specific anti-HPV16 E7 scFvs shows features important for their activityin vivo. ScFv43 M2 shows higher thermal stability with respect to the parental scFv43, and scFv51 shows high stability and solubility. These properties make the 2 scFvs the best candidates to be tested for anti-E7 activityin vivo.