Change in breast self-examination behavior: Effects of intervention on enhancing self-efficacy

This study evaluated a breast self-examination intervention to increase phase-specific self-efficacy and positive outcome expectancies. The role of social cognitive predictors in the process of behavior change was investigated. Using cluster randomization, participants were assigned to an intervention (n = 244) or to a control (n = 173) group. Controls were measured twice, with 13 weeks between the assessments. Respondents from the intervention group received the intervention before the 1st measurement. The increase in the number of self-examination components was significantly higher in the intervention group than among controls. Women who had never performed self-examinations before the intervention, as well as those who did it irregularly or incompletely, changed their behavior significantly. Results of structural equation modeling for a 2-group model showed that phase-specific self-efficacy was a significant predictor of intention, planning, and behavior change in the intervention group. In the control group, these relations were weaker or remained nonsignificant. Social cognitive variables measured in this study explained 15% of variance of behavior change in the control group and 29% of breast self-examination change in the intervention group.     

Expression of multivalent pre-S1 antigen of hepatitis B virus in Escherichia coli (synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides, surface antigens, recombinant DNA, fusion protein, beta-galactosidase).

The nucleotide sequence encoding 30 amino acids (aa) of the pre-S1 envelope region of the human hepatitis B virus has been constructed from twenty chemically synthesized oligodeoxynucleotides by simultaneous ligation. The DNA fragment containing four repeated sequences encoding the pre-S1 region (aa 20-49) has been inserted into the lacZ gene of the plasmid pWR450.1, yielding the recombinant pWX4 plasmid. The Escherichia coli DH5 strain transformed with pWX4 produces a beta-galactosidase-[-pre-S1(20-49) x 4] fusion protein. The hybrid protein containing 127 aa of repeated pre-S1 region has been isolated from Escherichia coli as inclusion bodies and purified by anion exchange chromatography. The antigenic properties of this fusion protein were confirmed by immunoblotting with pre-S1-specific monoclonal antibodies.     

Cdc42 is crucial for the establishment of epithelial polarity during early mammalian development.

To study the role of Cdc42 in the establishment of epithelial polarity during mammalian development, we generated murine Cdc42-null embryonic stem cells and analyzed peri-implantation development using embryoid bodies (EBs). Mutant EBs developed endoderm and underlying basement membrane, but exhibited defects of cell polarity, cell-cell junctions, survival, and cavitation. These defects corresponded to a decreased phosphorylation and membrane localization of aPKC, a reduced phosphorylation of GSK3beta, and a diminished activity of Rac1. However, neither Rac1 nor the kinase function of GSK3beta seem to contribute to cell polarization and cell-cell contacts. In contrast, EBs expressing dominant-negative (dn) PKCzeta mimicked well the phenotype of Cdc42-null EBs, suggesting a major role of aPKC in mediating cell polarization downstream of Cdc42. Finally, aggregation experiments with endodermal cell lines suggested that Cdc42 might affect formation of adherens and tight junctions by PKCzeta-dependent regulation of the protein levels of p120 catenin and E-cadherin.     

Neonatal social isolation alters both maternal and pup behaviors in rats

The development of emotional behavior is dependent on the early experiences of the infant and the quality of maternal care. In these experiments, the effects of social isolation during the preweaning period on both pup behavior and maternal responsivity were examined. In the first study, the number of ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) emitted after brief maternal separation was measured in neonatal rats with differing histories of social isolation. The social isolation procedure consisted of 5 days of daily separation from the dam and littermates for either 3 or 6 hr. At both ages tested, socially isolated pups vocalized significantly less than control pups. In the second study, the effects of prior isolation either daily for 5 previous days (Chronic Isolation) or for 4 hr prior to testing (Acute Isolation) were examined in a T-maze choice test. Pup vocalizations in the presence of the dam and dams' maternal behavior were assessed. When the dam was confined to the start box or during the maternal free access period, both Chronic and Acute Isolates vocalized less than pups that had never left the home nest. Dams spent more time with and licked and groomed more frequently and for a longer time both Chronic and Acute Isolates compared to pups that had always been with dams in the home nest. These results suggest that early isolation experience can alter subsequent responses to separation stress in neonatal rats and that maternal behavior is sensitive to the prior experiences of offspring.     

Factors affecting attitude towards breastfeeding in public: a cross-sectional web-based study on Polish women

Journal of Public Health - Breastfeeding is believed to be beneficial to both mother and child. Although the percentage of Polish mothers who start breastfeeding after childbirth is relatively...     

Does Drinking Coffee and Tea Affect Bone Metabolism in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases?

Patients suffering from Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are at higher risk of osteoporosis due to lower bone mineral density. Risk factors of osteoporosis are divided into unmodifiable, namely, age, gender, genetic factors, as well as modifiable, including diet, level of physical activity, and the use of stimulants. Coffee and tea contain numerous compounds affecting bone metabolism. Certain substances such as antioxidants may protect bones; other substances may increase bone resorption. Nevertheless, the influence of coffee and tea on the development and course of inflammatory bowel diseases is contradictory.     

A Vicious Cycle of Osteosarcopenia in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases—Aetiology,Clinical Implications and Therapeutic Perspectives

Sarcopenia is a disorder characterized by a loss of muscle mass which leads to the reduction of muscle strength and a decrease in the quality and quantity of muscle. It was previously thought that sarcopenia was specific to ageing. However, sarcopenia may affect patients suffering from chronic diseases throughout their entire lives. A decreased mass of muscle and bone is common among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Since sarcopenia and osteoporosis are closely linked, they should be diagnosed as mutual consequences of IBD. Additionally, multidirectional treatment of sarcopenia and osteoporosis including nutrition, physical activity, and pharmacotherapy should include both disorders, referred to as osteosarcopenia.     

Is There a FADS2-Modulated Link between Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Plasma Phospholipids and Polyphenol Intake in Adult Subjects Who Are Overweight?

Dietary polyphenols promote cardiometabolic health and are linked with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in plasma phospholipids (LC-PUFA). The FADS2 polymorphisms are associated with LC-PUFA metabolism and overweight/obesity. This 4-week study examined the link between polyphenol intake, FADS2 variants (rs174593, rs174616, rs174576) and obesity in 62 overweight adults (BMI ≥ 25), allocated to consume 100 mL daily of either: Aronia juice, a rich source of polyphenols, with 1177.11 mg polyphenols (expressed as gallic acid equivalents)/100 mL (AJ, n = 22), Aronia juice with 294.28 mg polyphenols/100 mL (MJ, n = 20), or nutritionally matched polyphenol-lacking placebo as a control (PLB, n = 20). We analyzed LC-PUFA (% of total pool) by gas chromatography and FADS2 variants by real-time PCR. Four-week changes in LC-PUFA, BMI, and body weight were included in statistical models, controlling for gender and PUFA intake. Only upon AJ and MJ, the presence of FADS2 variant alleles affected changes in linoleic, arachidonic, and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Upon MJ treatment, changes in EPA were inversely linked with changes in BMI (β= −0.73, p = 0.029) and weight gain (β= −2.17, p = 0.024). Only in subjects drinking AJ, the link between changes in EPA and anthropometric indices was modified by the rs174576 variant allele. Our results indicate the interaction between FADS2, fatty acid metabolism, and polyphenol intake in overweight subjects.     

Aspartame—True or False? Narrative Review of Safety Analysis of General Use in Products

Aspartame is a sweetener introduced to replace the commonly used sucrose. It was discovered by James M. Schlatter in 1965. Being 180–200 times sweeter than sucrose, its intake was expected to reduce obesity rates in developing countries and help those struggling with diabetes. It is mainly used as a sweetener for soft drinks, confectionery, and medicines. Despite its widespread use, its safety remains controversial. This narrative review investigates the existing literature on the use of aspartame and its possible effects on the human body to refine current knowledge. Taking to account that aspartame is a widely used artificial sweetener, it seems appropriate to continue research on safety. Studies mentioned in this article have produced very interesting results overall, the current review highlights the social problem of providing visible and detailed information about the presence of aspartame in products. The studies involving the impact of aspartame on obesity, diabetes mellitus, children and fetus, autism, neurodegeneration, phenylketonuria, allergies and skin problems, its cancer properties and its genotoxicity were analyzed. Further research should be conducted to ensure clear information about the impact of aspartame on health.