Translating community-specified indicators of program success into measurable outcomes.

Background: Community participatory research encourages community involvement in early stages of program development and implementation, but sustainability is dependent on continued community interest and participation. While locally measured outcomes may not be generalizable, evaluations that demonstrate progress on community-specified markers of success can demonstrate a community's return on investment. The purpose of this study was to outline a process whereby community-identified indicators of successful violence prevention were translated into measurable variables.

Building community participatory research coalitions from the ground up: the Philadelphia area research community coalition.

Background: A coalition of formal, large organizations and informal, grassroots organizations, recruited through an open process, contrasts with the usual practice of developing a community-based participatory research (CBPR) coalition with a small number of well-developed organizations.

Objectives: This paper describes the process, developmental challenges, and accomplishments of the Philadelphia Area Research Community Coalition (PARCC).

Methods: The University of Pennsylvania-Cheyney University of Pennsylvania EXPORT Center established the PARCC, an academic-community research partnership of twenty-two diverse organizations of variable size and with variable experience in health research.

Neural control of intestinal ion transport and paracellular permeability is altered by nutritional status.

This study examined the effect of fasting on the neural control of ion transport and paracellular permeability in piglet jejunum. Muscle-stripped tissues from fed or 48-h fasted piglets were mounted in Ussing chambers. Neural blockade with tetrodotoxin (TTX) or antagonists of muscarinic or nicotinic receptors caused reductions in basal short-circuit current that were approximately threefold greater in fasted piglets.

Psyllium improves fecal consistency and prevents enhanced secretory responses in jejunal tissues of piglets infected with ETEC.

Infection with enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) induces secretory diarrhea by stimulating net secretion of fluid and electrolytes. We tested the hypothesis that ETEC potentiates jejunal ion secretion induced by other agonists and also examined whether the soluble fiber psyllium ameliorates effects of ETEC-induced pathophysiology.

Role of prostaglandins and enteric nerves in Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin (STa)-induced intestinal secretion in pigs.

Objective: To examine the role of prostaglandins and enteric nerves in mediating intestinal secretion induced by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin (STa) in pig jejunum and distal portion of the colon.

Animals: Two- to 3-week-old suckling crossbred pigs were studied.

Design: Changes in ion transport in response to mucosal addition of E coli STa to jejunal and colonic tissues were studied in the presence and absence of inhibitors.