Arterial and cardiac disease in young adults with childhood-onset end-stage renal disease-impact of calcium and vitamin D therapy.

Background: Studies in patients with childhood-onset end-stage renal disease (ESRD) provide a diagnostic window to the evolution of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in this population. Hyperphosphataemia and renal osteodystrophy are particularly difficult to treat in paediatric patients, but there is only limited information regarding the effect of calcium-containing phosphate binders and vitamin D preparations on the development of CVD in the young.

Methods: We studied 40 adult patients (mean age 23.

A floating sleeve antenna yields localized hepatic microwave ablation.

We report a novel coaxial antenna for hepatic microwave ablation. This device uses a floating sleeve, that is, a metal conductor electrically isolated from the outer connector of the antenna coaxial body, to achieve a highly localized specific absorption rate pattern that is independent of insertion depth. This floating sleeve coaxial dipole antenna has low power reflection in the 2.

Environment, obesity, and cardiovascular disease risk in low-income women.

Background: Financially disadvantaged populations are more likely to live in communities that do not support healthy choices. This paper investigates whether certain characteristics of the built environment are associated with obesity or coronary heart disease (CHD) risk among uninsured low-income women.

Methods: Using a sample of 2001-2002 data from 2692 women enrolled in the WISEWOMAN program of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the study team performed regression analysis (conducted in January-April 2005) to estimate body mass index (BMI) and the log of 10-year CHD risk as a function of the built environment and socioecologic measures.

Identifying best practices for WISEWOMAN programs using a mixed-methods evaluation.

Introduction: Recommendations on best practices typically are drawn from unique settings; these practices are challenging to implement in programs already in operation. We describe an evaluation that identifies best practices in implementing lifestyle interventions in the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's WISEWOMAN program and discuss our lessons learned in using the approach.

Methods: We used a mixed-methods evaluation that integrated quantitative and qualitative inquiry.

A novel processing method for injection-molded polyether-urethane scaffolds. Part 1: processing.

A large-scale scaffold processing method with injection molding has been successfully developed. Water was used as afoaming agent for the new technique. NaCl was used as a porogen to achieve an open-cell structure.

Haemostatic partial nephrectomy using bipolar radiofrequency ablation.

Objective: To determine whether an electrode array with a bipolar radiofrequency ablation (RFA) energy source can be used to perform a haemostatic partial nephrectomy by simultaneously ablating and coagulating renal tissue.

Materials And Methods: Lower-pole partial nephrectomy was performed in 12 porcine kidneys using a bipolar RFA system. Intraoperative ultrasonography was used to identify and avoid the collecting system.

Mobilizing communities for teen pregnancy prevention: associations between coalition characteristics and perceived accomplishments.

Purpose: To describe coalition membership, examine associations between coalition processes and short-term coalition outcomes, and assess the relative contribution of key coalition processes to perceived accomplishments in teen pregnancy prevention coalitions.

Methods: A self-administered survey was distributed to active members of 21 teen pregnancy prevention coalitions in 13 communities. The overall response rate was 67%, with 471 surveys returned.

Gravity signal transduction in primary roots.

Aims: The molecular mechanisms that correlate with gravity perception and signal transduction in the tip of angiosperm primary roots are discussed.

Scope: Gravity provides a cue for downward orientation of plant roots, allowing anchorage of the plant and uptake of the water and nutrients needed for growth and development. Root gravitropism involves a succession of physiological steps: gravity perception and signal transduction (mainly mediated by the columella cells of the root cap); signal transmission to the elongation zone; and curvature response.

Biostability of polyether-urethane scaffolds: a comparison of two novel processing methods and the effect of higher gamma-irradiation dose.

This article deals with enzyme-induced biodegradation behavior of thermoplastic polyether-urethane (TPU). Porous scaffolds were processed by a new foaming method applied in hot pressing and injection molding. The scaffolds were subsequently gamma sterilized.

Atrioventricular junction ablation and pacemaker therapy in patients with drug-resistant atrial tachyarrhythmias after the Fontan operation.

Introduction: Drug-resistant intraatrial reentrant tachycardia (IART) occurs frequently after the Fontan operation and is a major cause of morbidity and rarely mortality. We describe our experience with AV junction ablation after pacemaker implantation in postoperative Fontan patients with drug-resistant IART.

Methods And Results: We performed retrospective analysis of Fontan patients with IART and attempted radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the AV junction.

Histone deacetylase 3, a class I histone deacetylase, suppresses MAPK11-mediated activating transcription factor-2 activation and represses TNF gene expression.

During inflammatory events, the induction of immediate-early genes, such as TNF-alpha, is regulated by signaling cascades including the JAK/STAT, NF-kappaB, and the p38 MAPK pathways, which result in phosphorylation-dependent activation of transcription factors. We observed the direct interaction of histone deacetylase (HDAC) 3, a class I histone deacetylase, with MAPK11 (p38 beta isoform) by West-Western-based screening analysis, pull-down assay, and two-hybrid system analysis. Results further indicated that HDAC3 decreases the MAPK11 phosphorylation state and inhibits the activity of the MAPK11-dependent transcription factor, activating transcription factor-2 (ATF-2).

Water as foaming agent for open cell polyurethane structures.

The problem of moisture in polymer processing is known to any polymer engineer, as air bubbles may be formed. Hence granulates are generally dried prior to manufacturing. This study tried to develop a novel processing methods for scaffolds with controlled moisture content in thermoplastic polyurethane.

In vivo measurement of swine endocardial convective heat transfer coefficient.

We measured the endocardial convective heat transfer coefficient h at 22 locations in the cardiac chambers of 15 pigs in vivo. A thin-film Pt catheter tip sensor in a Wheatstone-bridge circuit, similar to a hot wire/film anemometer, measured h. Using fluoroscopy, we could precisely locate the steerable catheter sensor tip and sensor orientation in pigs' cardiac chambers.

Spatial analysis of body mass index and smoking behavior among WISEWOMAN participants.

Background: The WISEWOMAN program focuses on reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors by providing screening and lifestyle interventions for many low-income and uninsured women. To provide the most effective interventions possible, it is important to understand the characteristics of WISEWOMAN participants and their communities.

Methods: We used baseline data collected for WISEWOMAN participants from five states (Connecticut, Michigan, Nebraska, North Carolina, and South Dakota) who had enrolled in WISEWOMAN between January 2001 and December 2002 in order to examine body mass index (BMI) and smoking behavior for evidence of spatial clustering.

Using success stories to share knowledge and lessons learned in health promotion.

Background: Compelling success stories, rich with details about real-life events and people, are a tool that health agencies can use to convey how their health promotion programs work, why they are successful, what lessons they have learned, and how others can launch similar programs. Success stories describe project accomplishments that are not easily captured by quantitative evaluation methods, such as surveys.

Methods: Although success stories have not been widely used in public health, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services developed a series of stories, the Community Change Chronicles, to highlight environmental and policy changes that promote cardiovascular health.

Implementing the WISEWOMAN program in local health departments: staff attitudes, beliefs, and perceived barriers.

Background: Although most health departments recognize the need for programs to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among older, low-income women, they face numerous barriers to successfully implementing such programs. This paper explores counselors' attitudes and beliefs about patients and perceived barriers to implementing the North Carolina Well-Integrated Screening and Evaluation for Women Across the Nation (WISEWOMAN) program.

Methods: Health departments were assigned to provide patients with either an enhanced intervention (EI) or a minimum intervention (MI).

A replicable process for redesigning ethnically relevant educational materials.

Background: To serve the populations targeted by Well-Integrated Screening and Evaluation for Women Across the Nation (WISEWOMAN) effectively, healthcare providers need educational materials that are evidence based and ethnically relevant and can be easily incorporated into busy clinic settings. We describe a replicable process used to redesign and tailor physical activity and diet education materials for African American women in the southeastern United States.

Methods: The process consists of seven phases.

Heart disease prevention for Alaska Native women: a review of pilot study findings.

Background: Although historically Alaska Native women have had a relatively low incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), this pattern has changed dramatically in recent years. Alaska Native leaders have identified decreasing cardiovascular risk as an intervention priority.

Methods: From October 2000 to April 2001, Southcentral Foundation, an Alaska Native-owned and managed health corporation in Anchorage, conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial of a heart disease prevention program tailored for Alaska Native women.

Effects of a tailored follow-up intervention on health behaviors, beliefs, and attitudes.

Background: The high rates of relapse that tend to occur after short-term behavioral interventions indicate the need for maintenance programs that promote long-term adherence to new behavior patterns. Computer-tailored health messages that are mailed to participants or given in brief telephone calls offer an innovative and time-efficient alternative to ongoing face-to-face contact with healthcare providers.

Methods: Following a 1-year behavior change program, 22 North Carolina health departments were randomly assigned to a follow-up intervention or control condition.

Provider counseling, health education, and community health workers: the Arizona WISEWOMAN project.

Background: The Arizona Well-Integrated Screening and Evaluation for Women Across the Nation (WISEWOMAN) project used provider counseling, health education, and community health workers (CHWs) to target chronic disease risk factors in uninsured, primarily Hispanic women over age 50.

Methods: Participants were recruited from two Tucson clinics participating in the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP). Women were randomly assigned into one of three intervention groups: (1) provider counseling, (2) provider counseling and health education, or (3) provider counseling, health education, and CHW support.

Cardiovascular disease risk reduction: the Massachusetts WISEWOMAN project.

Background: This report presents the effectiveness of the Massachusetts Well-Integrated Screening and Evaluation for Women Across the Nation (WISEWOMAN) Project (MWWP) in reducing the cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk of uninsured and underinsured women aged > or =50.

Methods: Healthcare sites were randomly assigned to an enhanced intervention (EI) or minimum intervention (MI). Women enrolled at all sites received CVD risk factor screening, onsite counseling, education, referral, and follow-up as needed.

The WISEWOMAN projects: lessons learned from three states.

Background: The WISEWOMAN program provides chronic disease risk factor screening, lifestyle interventions, and referrals to financially disadvantaged women who participate in the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP). Three states (Arizona, Massachusetts, and North Carolina) participated in Phase One (1995-1998).

Methods: Using a case study approach, we reviewed documents and conducted telephone interviews to compare the three projects' design and execution.

Racial/ethnic disparities in coronary heart disease risk factors among WISEWOMAN enrollees.

Background: We used the baseline data collected for the Well-integrated Screening and Evaluation for Women Across the Nation (WISEWOMAN) participants to provide a snapshot of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk on enrollment and to address racial/ethnic disparities in the following CVD risk factors: body mass index (BMI), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and total cholesterol, diabetes and smoking prevalence, 10-year coronary heart disease (CHD) risk, and treatment and awareness of high cholesterol, hypertension, and diabetes.

Methods: We used linear regression analysis to (1) assess the presence of racial/ethnic disparities and test whether existing disparities can be explained by (2) differences in individual characteristics or by (3) differences in individual and community characteristics.

Results: Our results reveal a high degree of CVD risk among the WISEWOMAN participants and statistically significant racial/ethnic disparities in risk factors.