The potential role of folate metabolism in interstitial cystitis.

The topic of interstitial cystitis (IC), also known as painful bladder syndrome (PBS), and folate/one carbon metabolism has previously been unaddressed in research. This narrative review highlights a potential connection for those with mast cell-related IC and histamine-mediated pain that is explored through four conceptual sections. The first section focuses on the nature of mast cell involvement and histamine-mediated pain in some interstitial cystitis patients.

Evaluation of coping as a mediator of the relationship between stressful life events and cancer-related distress.

Objective: Lifetime stressful life events (SLEs) may predispose oncology patients to cancer-related distress (i.e., intrusive thoughts, hyperarousal, avoidance).

The relationship between neighborhood characteristics and recruitment into adolescent family-based substance use prevention programs.

Youth in disadvantaged neighborhoods are at risk for poor health outcomes. Characteristics of these neighborhoods may translate into intensified risk due to barriers utilizing preventive care such as substance use prevention programs. While family-level risks affect recruitment into prevention programs, few studies have addressed the influence of neighborhood risks.

Implementation fidelity in adolescent family-based prevention programs: relationship to family engagement.

Reliability and validity of intervention studies are impossible without adequate program fidelity, as it ensures that the intervention was implemented as designed and allows for accurate conclusions about effectiveness (Bellg AJ, Borrelli B, Resnick B et al. Enhancing treatment fidelity in health behavior change studies: best practices and recommendations from the NIH behavior change consortium. Health Psychol 2004; 23: 443-51).

Biological markers of drug use in the club setting.

Objective: The prevalence of drug and alcohol use among patrons of clubs featuring electronic music dance events was determined by using biological assays at entrance and exit.

Method: Using a portal methodology that randomly selects groups of patrons on arrival at clubs, oral assays for determining level and type of drug use and level of alcohol use were obtained anonymously. Patrons provided self-reported data on their personal characteristics.