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Peripheral blood dendritic cells reinduce proliferation in in vitro aged T cell populations.

Dendritic cells (DC) are professional antigen presenting cells which are essential for the initiation of an immune response. Recently we demonstrated that DC, which had been propagated from the peripheral blood of healthy elderly people, were morphologically and functionally intact. It was the aim of the present study to analyze how DC from young and old healthy individuals could affect T cell responsiveness to antigen in an in vitro senescence model. Tetanus toxoid (TT)-specific T cell lines were derived from 3 young (< 30 years) and 3 old (> 65 years) individuals and were kept in long term culture. T cell proliferation in response to stimulation with antigen presented by either autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) or DC was assessed at three different time points, once soon after the initiation of the cultures and twice after 20 to 30 population doublings at a stage when growth, was slow and programmed cell death imminent. Antigen presentation by DC enhanced T cell proliferation at each time point and reinduced proliferation in in vitro aged T cell populations which had stopped dividing. Terminal apoptosis was thus prevented. DC from old individuals were as effective as cells from young donors. Our results demonstrate that DC stimulate the clonal expansion and postpone the clonal elimination of antigen-specific T cell populations. As a consequence they may increase immunoreactivity, prolong immunological memory and be of particular importance for the maintenance of the T cell repertoire in old age.

Adult↗

Pain perception and fibromyalgia.

INTRODUCTION: Although psychological factors and self-regulation processes rarely cause pain they have enough importance to exacerbate pain and contribute to its maintenance. Nevertheless, pain perception and associated beliefs can influence its confrontation and the sensation of intensity. Pain perception in fibromyalgia acquires special relevance due to an abnormal sensitivity to digital pressure on the so-called "tender points". This constitutes the main factor for its differential diagnosis. METHOD: The aim of the present study is to determine differences in pain perception and associated beliefs that appear between a group of patients with fibromyalgia (n = 36), a control group with chronic pain with objectified non-inflammatory locomotion apparatus pathology (n = 44) and a control group with healthy subjects (n = 31). Pain perception and beliefs concerning pain were assessed using Spanish versions of the following self-reports: West Haven Yale Multidimensional Questionnaire (WHYWP) and Pain Perceptions and Beliefs Inventory (PBAPI). RESULTS: Results show that the difference between patients with chronic pain is not related to pain global perception, but rather to greater perception of pain as more incapacitating when carrying out every day activities in fibromyalgic patients. In this sense, these people use escape-avoidance strategies in their every day lives believing that pain incapacitates them and therefore that physical activity should be avoided. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of pain perceptions and beliefs could be considered relevant for assessment and for intervention programs on pathologies associated with chronic pain.

Adult↗

The role of public health in providing primary care for the medically underserved.

Strategies designed to meet the health care needs of Americans should include the issues of access as well as financing. And primary care and clinical preventive services should receive as much national attention as acute care and long-term care. The public health system at the Federal, State, and local levels with its mandate to assure conditions in which people can be healthy must also be incorporated into the national debate. Publicly funded infrastructures for delivering primary health care have become a significant element of assuring access at the community level. This paper examines the expanding role of public health in assuring access to the delivery of primary health care and clinical preventive services to vulnerable populations within the larger issue of who should have access to care and how it should be made available. Special attention is paid to the part played by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the Public Health Service, which, in the Federal fiscal year that began on October 1, 1989, administered some $1.8 billion worth of programs for health care of targeted populations and for the support of training in the health professions.

Delivery of Health Care↗

Food safety: review and implications for dietitians and dietetic technicians.

Section 103 (d) of the Americans with Disabilities Act directs the secretary of health and human services to identify, publish, and annually review a list of pathogens transmitted via food contaminated by infected food handlers. The secretary is also directed to publish means by which diseases on the list are transmitted. The intent of the list is to protect disabled food handlers when they become ill and to provide managers with information for determining when to remove or reassign disabled food handlers who have infectious or communicable diseases to jobs that do not involve handling food. Pathogens often transmitted via food contaminated by infected food handlers are Salmonella typhi, Shigella species, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, hepatitis A virus, and the Norwalk and Norwalk-like viruses. This article discusses section 103 (d) and for each of the six pathogens describes characteristics and growth requirements, types of foods involved in outbreaks, factors that contribute to foodborne outbreaks, and prevention and control measures. Human beings are the only reservoir of Sal typhi. The source of Shigella species is the intestinal tract of human beings and other primates. Human beings are the common reservoir of Staph aureus and Strep pyogenes. Staph aureus is frequently found in the nose and on the skin of healthy people, whereas Strep pyogenes is carried in the throat of infected or asymptomatic carriers. Foodborne viruses of public health concern originate in the human intestine. Foods that favor the multiplication of Sal typhi are often foods that require no cooking. Many outbreaks of foodborne disease attributed to Shigella species and viruses have been associated with salads. Moist, high-protein, and salty foods that have been cooked are most often involved in outbreaks of staphylococcal foodborne illness. Foods usually implicated in Strep pyogenes outbreaks are predominately composed of milk, eggs, or meat. Dietitians and dietetic technicians can use three approaches to reduce the incidence of foodborne disease attributed to food handlers: conducting training and education programs, implementing a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points system, and supporting certification of foodservice managers.

Disease Outbreaks↗

Echocardiographic evaluation of wheelchair-bound basketball players.

BACKGROUND: Cardiopulmonary function in sedentary men whose lower limbs have been immobilized for years has been shown to be markedly lower than normal. However, the cardiopulmonary function of paraplegics who regularly activate their upper limps and trunk has been suggested to be almost normal in a few studies. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the left ventricular dimensions, left ventricular mass, systolic and diastolic function in adolescent wheelchair-bound basketball players using echocardio-graphy, and to compare the results with those of sedentary adolescents unable to use their lower extremities and the results of able bodied controls. METHODS: The study group consisted of 22 male adolescent high school students who were unable to use their lower extremities: 11 were members of a high school basketball team who had been regularly playing basketball for at least 2 years, and 11 were sedentary adolescents none of whom was engaged in any kind of routine training program. The control group consisted of 11 healthy able-bodied male adolescents of similar age. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in left ventricular dimensions and wall thickness, aortic root, left atrium diameters, or left ventricular filling characteristics between the three groups. Wheelchair-bound basketball players had increased left ventricular ejection fraction and shortening fraction compared with the sedentary unable-bodied individuals. Although left ventricular ejection fractions were significantly lower than in normal adolescents, all ejection fraction values except one were within the normal limits in the unable-bodied basketball players. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study suggest that an upper extremity exercise program and sports such as basketball can improve the cardiac functions and additional echocardiographic functions of people unable to use their lower extremities, potentially to normal levels.

Adolescent↗

Preventing bicycle-related head trauma in children.

Although the majority of bicycle-related injuries and deaths could be prevented by the use of bicycle helmets, rates of helmet use in the United States remain well below Healthy People 2000's goal of 50% usage. Educational efforts to improve usage rates often fail to produce significant changes, in part because a child's understanding of risk plays only a small role in his or her decision to wear a helmet. To address the need for more effective injury prevention techniques, the authors propose a modification of the Health Belief Model, which is used by injury control experts to explain the various cognitive, social, and environmental factors that influence preventative health behavior. By incorporating the behavioral theory of self-efficacy in the structure of the Health Belief Model, trauma care providers and injury prevention specialists will be better able to design successful injury prevention programs that address key variables in health-related decision making.

Bicycling↗

Keeping the unemployed healthy: the effect of means-tested and entitlement benefits in Britain, Germany, and the United States.

OBJECTIVES: Although considerable evidence about the health effects of unemployment exists, little is known about the possible protective effects of various social interventions. This study examined the role that means-tested and entitlement programs could have in ameliorating the health impact of unemployment in Britain, Germany, and the United States. METHODS: Logistic regression models were used to analyze panel data from Britain (1991-1993), Germany (1991-1993), and the United States (1985-1987) available in the Household Panel Comparability Project database. The analysis included 8,726 respondents from Britain, 11,086 from Germany, and 11,668 from the United States. The health-dependent variable used was a single measure of perceived health status. RESULTS: Evidence was found of differences in perceived health status between groups of unemployed people characterized by the types of benefits they receive. When socioeconomic characteristics and previous health and employment status are controlled for, means-tested benefits do not seem sufficient to reduce the impact of unemployment on health. CONCLUSIONS: Monitoring the possible health effects of changes in public assistance benefits should be given priority in the research and political agenda.

Attitude to Health↗

[Effect of measuring bone mineral density on calcium intake].

The diet in Japan has improved, but calcium intake has not increased for the past ten years, and it remains insufficient. To prevent osteoporosis, instruction in nutrition is directed at increasing calcium intake. We studied the effect of measuring bone mineral density on calcium intake in people receiving nutrition education. Intake of other nutrients was also measured. The subjects were 87 healthy women living in an agricultural region (Yamanashi Prefecture). They were members of a group formed to improve the diet of people in their area. For three days in October 1992 and in August 1994 food-weight records were obtained. A total of 76 of the 87 women chose to have their bone mineral density measured. The measurements before the first nutrition assessment in 1992. The intake of almost all nutrients tended to be greater in 1994 than in 1992. Calcium intake exceeded the minimum daily requirement (600mg). Calcium intake increased between 1992 and 1994 only in the subjects whose bone mineral density had been measured. Calcium intake decreased in the other subjects. Therefore, nutrition education programs aimed at preventing osteoporosis may be more effective if bone mineral density is measured. In addition, an appropriate balance of other nutrients can be maintained as the intake of calcium is increased.

Adult↗

Design and testing of a virtual environment to train stroke patients with unilateral spatial neglect to cross a street safely.

Virtual reality (VR) entails the use of advanced technologies, including computers and various multimedia peripherals, to produce a simulated (that is, virtual) environment that users perceive as comparable to real world objects and events. In recent years, virtual reality technologies have begun to be used as an assessment and treatment tool in occupational therapy, in part because of the ability to create environments that provide patients with opportunities to engage in meaningful, purposeful tasks that are related to real-life interests and activities. The objective of this study was to determine the suitability and feasibility of using a PC-based, non-immersive, VR system (that is, a system in which the user has a reduced sense of actual presence in and control over the simulated environment) for training individuals with unilateral spatial neglect to cross streets in a safe and vigilant manner. A virtual environment, consisting of a typical city street, was programmed using Superscape's 3D-Webmaster, a 3D web-authoring tool. Twelve subjects, aged 55 to 75 years, participated in the initial feasibility study and, to date, a further eight subjects have participated in the intervention study. Six of the initial subjects and all eight of the intervention subjects had sustained a right hemispheric stroke at least 6 weeks prior to the study. The remaining subjects were healthy age-matched adults who were independently mobile and had no difficulty in crossing streets. The results show that this virtual environment was suitable in both its cognitive and motor demands for the targeted population and indicate that the virtual reality training is likely to prove beneficial to people who have difficulty with crossing streets. The generalizability of these results, and recommendations regarding the use of virtual reality as an occupational therapy intervention, must be substantiated by further studies using a range of VR platforms with people with different cognitive and motor disabilities.

Accidents, Traffic↗

Health care provider advice for African American adults not meeting health behavior recommendations.

INTRODUCTION: Poor dietary habits and sedentary lifestyle contribute to excessive morbidity and mortality. Healthy People 2010 goals are for 85% of physicians to counsel their patients about physical activity and for 75% of physician office visits made by patients with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or dyslipidemia to include dietary counseling. The purpose of this study was to 1) determine the rate of participant-reported health care provider advice for healthy lifestyle changes among African Americans who do not meet recommendations for physical activity, fruit and vegetable consumption, and healthy weight; 2) examine correlates of provider advice; and 3) assess the association between provider advice and stage of readiness for change for each of these health behaviors. METHODS: Data for this study were collected as part of a statewide faith-based physical activity program for African Americans. A stratified random sample of 20 African Methodist Episcopal churches in South Carolina was selected to participate in a telephone survey of members aged 18 years and older. The telephone survey, conducted over a 5-month period, asked participants a series of questions about sociodemographics, health status, physical activity, and nutrition. Analyses for moderate to vigorous physical activity, fruit and vegetable consumption, and weight loss were conducted separately. For each of these behaviors, logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the independent association of sex, age, body mass index, education, number of diagnosed diseases, perceived health, and stage of change with health care provider advice for health behaviors. RESULTS: A total of 572 church members (407 women, 165 men; mean age, 53.9 years; range, 18-102 years) completed the survey. Overall, participant-reported provider advice for lifestyle changes was 47.0% for physical activity, 38.7% for fruit and vegetable consumption, and 39.7% for weight. A greater number of diagnosed diseases and higher body mass index were independently associated with receiving advice to increase physical activity. A more advanced stage of change and a greater number of diagnosed diseases were independently associated with receiving advice for fruit and vegetable consumption. Body mass index, stage of change, and poorer perceived health were independently associated with receiving advice about weight. CONCLUSION: Health care provider advice appears to be based predominantly on comorbidities. Because of the preventive benefit of physical activity, fruit and vegetable consumption, and healthy weight, all health care providers are urged to increase counseling for all patients not meeting health behavior recommendations.

Adolescent↗

Developing a church-based diabetes prevention program with African Americans: focus group findings.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to use a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach to identify resources and barriers to implementing a church-based diabetes prevention program (DPP) in a rural African American church community in Georgia. METHODS: In collaboration with community leaders, researchers conducted 4 focus groups with 22 key informants to discuss their understanding of diabetes and identify key resources and barriers to implementing a DPP in the church. Three researchers analyzed and coded transcripts following a content-driven immersion-crystallization approach. RESULTS: The participants' comments on diabetes and prevention covered 5 research domains: illness perceptions, illness concerns, illness prevention, religion and coping, and program recommendations. Program success was deemed contingent on cultural sensitivities, a focus on high-risk persons, use of church resources, and addressing barriers. Barriers identified included individuals' lack of knowledge of risk and prevention programs, lack of interest, and attendance concerns. Solutions and resources for overcoming barriers were testimonials from persons with illness, using local media to advertise the program, involving the food committee of the church, ministering to the healthy and at risk, and acquiring a support buddy. CONCLUSIONS: A CBPR approach engaged church members as partners in developing a church-based DPP. Focus groups generated enthusiasm among church members and provided valuable insights regarding barriers and resources for program implementation. This methodology may prove useful in other church-based chronic disease prevention efforts with at-risk populations.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

Effectiveness of a community-directed 'healthy lifestyle' program in a remote Australian aboriginal community.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the sustainability and effectiveness of a community-directed program for primary and secondary prevention of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease in an Aboriginal community in north-west Western Australia. METHOD: Evaluation of health outcomes (body mass index, glucose tolerance, and plasma insulin and triglyceride concentrations) in a cohort of high-risk individuals (n = 49, followed over two years) and cross-sectional community samples (n = 200 at baseline, 185 at two-year and 132 at four-year follow-ups), process (interventions and their implementation) and impact (diet and exercise behaviour). RESULTS: For the high-risk cohort, involvement in diet and/or exercise strategies was associated with protection from increases in plasma glucose and triglycerides seen in a comparison group; however, sustained weight loss was not achieved. At the community level, significant reductions were observed in fasting insulin concentration but no change in prevalence of diabetes, overweight or obesity. Weight gain remained a problem among younger people. Sustainable improvements were observed for dietary intake and level of physical activity. These changes were related to supportive policies implemented by the community council and store management. CONCLUSIONS: Community control and ownership enabled embedding and sustainability of program, in association with social environmental policy changes and long-term improvements in important risk factors for chronic disease. IMPLICATIONS: Developmental initiatives facilitating planning, implementation and ownership of interventions by community members and organisations can be a feasible and effective way to achieve sustainable improvements in health behaviours and selected health outcomes among Aboriginal people.

Adult↗

Improving dietary habits of children: effects of nutrition education and correspondence training.

Evidence that a significant number of children are exposed to risk factors associated with coronary heart disease has prompted health care professionals to develop programs designed to encourage the early development of a healthy life style. The present study used a multiple baseline approach to examine the effects of two procedures on the snack selection behavior of 25 third grade children. In children who selected non-nutritious rather than nutritious snacks for more than 40% of the baseline observations, nutrition education alone had little or no impact on their selection of snacks. However, with the implementation of correspondence training, in which a reward was made contingent upon carrying out a stated intent to choose a nutritious snack, the children consistently chose nutritious snacks. These results indicate that correspondence training may be an efficient and cost-effective way to improve dietary habits of young people.

Behavior Therapy↗

Residency training in aesthetic surgery: maximizing the residents' experience.

Plastic surgery residency programs often rely on a residents' aesthetic clinic to help train residents in aesthetic surgery. The television media may be used to help boost interest in such clinics. We report our experience with a local television station in helping to produce a "health segment" broadcast that chronicled the experience of an aesthetic patient in the residents' aesthetic clinic. As a result of this broadcast, approximately 150 people responded by telephone and subsequently attended a series of seminars designed to screen patients and educate the audience about the aesthetic clinic. A total of 121 patients (112 women and 9 men) signed up for personal consultations. The age distribution and requested procedures are presented. From the data, we conclude that there is a healthy demand for reduced-fee plastic surgery procedures performed by residents in plastic surgery. The number and variety of cases generated are sufficiently diverse to provide a well-rounded operative experience. The pursuit of media coverage of a not-for-profit clinic has the potential for generating large patient volume. Such efforts, although very attractive, are not without their own risks, which must be taken into consideration before engaging the media in the public interest arena.

Adult↗

[Tetanus in the climacterium].

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate Brazilian women in the climacterium who are affected by tetanus. METHODS: Data were collected from publications of DATASUS/Ministério da Saúde (Health Ministry) referring to hospital admissions (SIH) in hospitals of the Sistema Unico de Saúde (SUS) (Official Health System) and accorded hospitals. The numbers of vaccinations administered were obtained at the National Program of immunizations. Data regarding the population was obtained at the Brazilian Geography and Statistics Institute (IBGE). RESULTS: Between January 2001 and July 2004, while for the male gender, with the passing of years there was reduction in the total number of admissions due to tetanus, for the female gender there was an increase. Frequency of the disease, for both genders aged from 35 to 64 years in the different regions of Brazil, disclosed that the there is a higher incidence in the Northeast, followed by the Southeast and South. Data for the year 2002 showed that in the age bracket from 50 to 59 years, only 15.73% of the people were adequately protected against tetanus. CONCLUSIONS: In the adult phase, healthy life depends on public health policies, in the sense of supplying appropriate prevention against the disease. In the case of tetanus, vaccination is an effective prevention.

Adult↗

Static exercise--physiologic dangers and proper training techniques.

Static exercise is commonly encountered occupationally and in normal activities of daily living. In addition, weight training, a form of static exercise, is one of the fastest growing physical activities in the United States. Static exercise is a stressor to the cardiovascular system. At high intensities it produces immediate and profound systolic and diastolic hypertension, moderate tachycardia and enhanced contractility resulting in a moderate increase in cardiac output without an increase in stroke volume. Static exercise is well tolerated in healthy people. People with cardiovascular disease appear to tolerate static exercise of low intensity if they have normal left ventricular fraction and reserve. However, in people with impaired left ventricular function and reserve, the exercise stress causes tachycardia, a hypertensive state, increased systemic vascular resistance, and left ventricular end diastolic pressure. If the exercise stress persists, stroke volume and ejection fraction decline. This article helps nurse practitioners in wellness and preventive patient education. An analysis of current research covers the relationship between client variables and the cardiovascular effects of static exercise. Nurse practitioners learn how to identify and advise clients who should avoid static exercise. The proper selection of a health fitness club and the proper components of a basic weight-training program are comprehensively reviewed.

Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena↗

Food ads on TV: a health hazard for children?

OBJECTIVE: To examine the nutritional quality of food in television food advertisements that are targeted at children. METHOD: We videotaped 42 hours of children's programs and analysed the food advertisements' content and nutrient composition using the New Zealand Food Composition Database. RESULTS: Of 269 food advertisements, 63% were for foods 'high in fat and/or sugar'. Children who ate only the advertised foods would eat a diet too high in fat, saturated fat, protein, free sugars and sodium. Furthermore, their diets would have suboptimal levels of fibre and suboptimal intakes of a number of important micronutrients (depending on age), including magnesium, selenium and vitamin E. The food products advertised on this channel rarely included nutritious low-cost foods that are necessary for food security in low-income groups. There were also no food advertisements that included any of the healthy foods consumed by Maori and Pacific peoples. CONCLUSIONS: Food advertisements targeted at children generally reflect the dietary pattern associated with an increased risk of obesity and dental caries in childhood; and cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancers in adulthood.

Adolescent↗

[The road will be mastered by the walker].

Anonymous questioning by the distribution of questionnaires among 1,600 young people (68.9% of them were city dwellers, 31.1% were villagers) was carried out. The questioning covered 1,079 adolescents aged 12-16 years (67.3%), 501 young people aged 16-19 years (31.3%) and 20 respondents aged 19-23 years (1.4%). The analysis of answers to questionnaires indicated that all respondents had the same level of knowledge on the subject, but the information they possessed was not duly analyzed and had no influence on their own behavior. It should be pointed out that 1% of persons aged 12-19 years took drugs by intravenous injection. These data, as well as other materials, gave grounds for the development of a new educational program on the prophylaxis of HIV/AIDS/STD and its introduction in 1997. The program is intended for a school course of 6 years (forms 6-11) and must provide adolescents with reliable and comprehensible information, conductive to the formation of a healthy mode of life.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗