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Biomedical subjects

M Korpi

Publications and source records attributed to M Korpi.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

Structure-function effects in primary immunodeficiencies.

Several immunodeficiency-related genes have been identified and a large number of mutations in these genes. Currently, a genetic defect has been determined in more than 2000 patients. Only recently has it become possible to address structure-function effects of these mutations in the corresponding proteins. The consequences of mutations in structure are discussed for Btk in X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA), Jak3 in T-B+ severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), p47phox and p67phox in autosomal chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) and SH2D1 A in X-linked lymphoproliferatine disease (XLP). The experimental and homology modelling derived structures were used to analyze mechanisms related to these diseases.

Agammaglobulinaemia Tyrosine Kinase↗

An impact evaluation of project SNAPP: an AIDS and pregnancy prevention middle school program.

OBJECTIVES: A theory-based curriculum designed to delay the onset of intercourse and increase use of condoms was implemented in the classrooms of six Los Angeles middle schools. METHODS: The curriculum activities were very interactive, emphasized skill building, and were implemented by well trained peer educators, including young HIV-positive males and teen mothers. To evaluate the impact of the curriculum, 102 classrooms of students were randomly assigned to receive either the existing curriculum or the existing curriculum plus the intervention curriculum. Students completed confidential questionnaires before program implementation, five months later, and 17 months later. A total of 1,657 students completed both the baseline and 17-month follow-up questionnaires. RESULTS: Analyses of these data revealed that the curriculum significantly increased knowledge, significantly improved only two out of 21 attitudes or beliefs, and did not significantly change sexual or contraceptive behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Well implemented programs that are based on upon theory, use interactive activities, and utilize well-trained peer educators do not always change important sexual attitudes and behaviors among middle school youth.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

The impact of the Postponing Sexual Involvement curriculum among youths in California.

Postponing Sexual Involvement (PSI) is a widely implemented middle school curriculum designed to delay the onset of sexual intercourse. In an evaluation of its effectiveness among seventh and eighth graders in California, 10,600 youths from schools and community-based organizations statewide were recruited and participated in randomly assigned intervention or control groups; the curriculum was implemented by either adult or youth leaders. Survey data were collected before the program was implemented, and at three months and 17 months afterward. At three months, small but statistically significant changes were found in fewer than half of the measured attitudes, behaviors and intentions related to sexual activity; at 17 months, none of these significant positive effects of the PSI program had been sustained. At neither follow-up were there significant positive changes in sexual behavior; Youths in treatment and control groups were equally likely to have become sexually active, and youths in treatment groups were not less likely than youths in control groups to report a pregnancy or a sexually transmitted infection. The evaluation suggests that PSI may be too modest in length and scope to have an impact on youths' sexual behavior.

Adolescent↗

Education Now and Babies Later (ENABL): life history of a campaign to Postpone Sexual Involvement.

Education Now and Babies Later (ENABL), a statewide adolescent pregnancy prevention initiative, was inaugurated in California in June 1992. Developed by the state's Office of Family Planning, ENABL utilized a five-session intervention curriculum, Postponing Sexual Involvement (PSI), targeted at delaying the onset of sexual activity among youths aged 12-14. Schoolwide and community-based activities, along with a statewide media and public relations campaign, reinforced the intervention's message. Data collected from nearly 9,000 surveys, 75 individual interviews and 50 focus groups indicated that youths, parents and community representatives supported the initiative and endorsed its message, although most recommended changes to the curriculum. However, because no impact on sexual behavior could be demonstrated, the campaign was abruptly terminated in February 1996, despite recommendations that the program be retained and improved.

Adolescent↗