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INTRODUCTION: The Transtheoretical Model (TTM) has been used to assess individual readiness for health behavior change. We describe our use of the TTM to assess organizational readiness of African-American churches to participate in the Church Challenge (CC) in Flint, Michigan; the processes of change that moved churches toward readiness for change; and lessons learned. METHODS: The CC was a faith-based, multilevel intervention to reduce chronic disease risk. A community-based participatory approach was used to engage and recruit churches. We used the TTM to capture church readiness for change and track church progress through the five stages. RESULTS: We engaged with 70 churches: 35 remained in Stage 1 (precontemplation), 10 remained in Stage 2 (contemplation), 3 remained in Stage 3 (preparation), 5 made it to Stage 4 (action), and 17 finished within Stage 5 (maintenance). Churches engaged in several processes of change as they moved through the various stages of change. LESSONS LEARNED: Utilizing processes of change, establishing rapport, and having previous participants share success stories helped move churches from stage-to-stage. However, certain barriers prevented progression, such as burnout/trauma from the Flint Water Crisis and scheduling conflicts. DISCUSSION: Faith-based organizational readiness greatly impacted participation in the CC. Researchers should utilize established social capital, build rapport, and remain flexible when working with African-American churches. CONCLUSION: Although traditionally used at the individual level, the TTM works well at the organizational level to assess and monitor church readiness to participate in community-engaged research and health programming to improve health in an African-American faith community.

Over the last few decades, there has been an increase in the number of large federally funded transdisciplinary programs and initiatives. Scholars have identified a need to develop frameworks, methodologies, and tools to evaluate the effectiveness of these large collaborative initiatives, providing precise ways to understand and assess the operations, community and academic partner collaboration, scientific and community research dissemination, and cost-effectiveness. Unfortunately, there has been limited research on methodologies and frameworks that can be used to evaluate large initiatives. This study presents a framework for evaluating the Flint Center for Health Equity Solutions (FCHES), a National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD)-funded Transdisciplinary Collaborative Center (TCC) for health disparities research. This report presents a summary of the FCHES evaluation framework and evaluation questions as well as findings from the Year-2 evaluation of the Center and lessons learned.

Background: Preterm delivery (PTD) and poor fetal growth are major contributors to neonatal mortality and morbidity that can extend from birth onward. Although overt maternal nutrient deficiencies ...

The Transtheoretical Model (TTM) has been used to assess individual readiness for health behavior change. We describe our use of the TTM to assess African American churches’ organizational readiness to participate in the Church Challenge (CC) in Flint, Michigan; the processes that moved churches toward readiness for change; and lessons learned. The CC was a faith-based, multilevel intervention intended to reduce chronic disease risk. A community-based participatory approach was used to engage and recruit 70 churches. We used the TTM to capture each church’s readiness for change and to track church progress through the model’s five stages. By the end of the CC, 35 remained in Stage 1 (precontemplation), 10 remained in Stage 2 (contemplation), three remained in Stage 3 (preparation), five made it to Stage 4 (action), and 17 finished within Stage 5 (maintenance). Churches engaged in several processes of change as they moved through the various stages. Utilizing processes of change, establishing rapport, and having previous participants share success stories helped move churches from stage to stage. However, certain barriers prevented progression, such as scheduling conflicts and burnout/trauma from the Flint water crisis. Faith-based organizational readiness greatly impacted participation in the CC. Researchers should utilize established social capital, build rapport, and remain flexible when working with African American churches. Although traditionally used at the individual level, the TTM works well at the organizational level to assess and monitor church readiness to participate in community-engaged research and health programming to improve health in an African American faith community.

Introduction - Myotonic dystrophy (MD) is the most common cause of adult-onset muscular dystrophy. It has impaired HPA axis regulation with exaggerated ACTH response to CRH mediated stimuli and abnormal cortisol metabolism. We present a case of myotonic dystrophy in a male with elevated cortisol levels. Case report - 54-year-old male with a past medical history of type 1 myotonic dystrophy (MD1) presented for evaluation of hypogonadism with complaints of feeling fatigued, progressive weakness of muscles. During the workup, he was noted to have elevated cortisol levels 30.2 mcg/dL (6-18.4) with elevated ACTH 220 pg/mL (10-48). Other notable lab results included low total testosterone levels of 231, 185 with elevated LH of 17.3 m IU/ml (2-9) and FSH 37.7 m IU/ml (1-12). Prolactin levels were minimally elevated to 21.4 ng/mL (4-15.2). On further inquiry, the patient did not have headaches or vision changes. The patient did not report weight gain, easy bruising, change in facial appearance. Physical exam was significant for bilateral gynecomastia and small testes. No cushingoid facies, abdominal stria, proximal myopathy was noted. Given elevated ACTH and cortisol levels, further laboratory data showed a lack of suppression of cortisol levels with 1 mg dexamethasone - cortisol 2.9 micro g/dL ( Discussion – Even though Cushing's disease is one of the differential diagnoses for the above case, high cortisol levels have been reported in MD. Few mechanisms suggested causing this abnormality are increased ACTH responsiveness to CRH-mediated stimuli and abnormal cortisol metabolism. Patients with MD have high pro-inflammatory (IL-1 and TNF-a) markers, which mediate the increased ACTH responsiveness to CRH-mediated stimuli centrally by stimulating the HPA axis.1 In addition, IL-6 chronically stimulates steroidogenesis from the adrenal gland, whereas TNF-α inhibits ACTH-induced adrenal steroid synthesis and increases 11BHSD1 activity. Along with the impaired HP axis, abnormal metabolism of cortisol also contributes to elevated cortisol levels. Increased activity of 11 BHSD1 has been hypothesized to cause impaired clearance of cortisol.2 Impaired diurnal variation for cortisol is also seen in MD with elevated 24-hour cortisol levels. Elevated cortisol levels as in our case can be a diagnostic dilemma given impaired cortisol regulation as seen in MD. References Åsa Johansson et.al. Abnormal Cytokine and Adrenocortical Hormone Regulation in Myotonic Dystrophy, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Volume 85, Issue 9, 1 September 2000, Pages 3169–76.Åsa Johansson et.al. Glucocorticoid Metabolism and Adrenocortical Reactivity to ACTH in Myotonic Dystrophy, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Volume 86, Issue 9, 1 September 2001, Pages 4276–83 Presentation: Monday, June 13, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Introduction Hospitalized patients with diabetes receiving corticosteroids are at risk of developing hyperglycemia and related complications. This study evaluated a neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin-based protocol in improving glycemic control in hospitalized patients receiving corticosteroids. Methods This was a randomized, prospective, non-blinded study in an inpatient setting involving patients with diabetes who were hospitalized and receiving prednisone ≥ 10 mg per day or equivalent. High dose corticosteroids group (prednisone > 40 mg/day or equivalent) received NPH insulin 0.3 U/kg between 0600 and 2000 hours if eating or 0.2 U/kg between 2000 and 0600 hours if not eating. Low dose corticosteroids group (prednisone 10–40 mg/day or equivalent) received 0.15 U/kg between 0600 and 2000 hours if eating or 0.1 U/kg between 2000 and 0600 hours if not eating. Primary outcome measure was mean blood glucose level measured pre-meal and at bedtime for days 1–5. Results Mean blood glucose level was lower in the intervention (n = 29) than in the usual care (n = 31) group [226.12 vs. 268.57 mg/dL, respectively, (95% CI for difference − 63.195 to − 21.695), p

Objective: The condition of 46XX congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) causes a wide spectrum of phenotypic manifestations, ranging from ambiguous genitalia to complete virilization with an absence of testicular tissue. While this condition is usually diagnosed during childhood, rare cases have been diagnosed later in life.Methods: We report the case of an elderly male patient presenting at a tertiary health care facility in the United States with severe CAH. He was diagnosed as a chromosome 46XX phenotypic male with metastatic cervical cancer during a workup for gross hematuria.Results: A 78-year-old infertile male presented with sepsis, abdominal pain, and abdominal and pelvic masses. Imaging studies unexpectedly showed a uterus and an adnexal mass. Karyotype analysis revealed the patient as 46XX. The results of subsequent laboratory analyses were consistent with CAH. Surgical removal of the uterus revealed a cervical adenocarcinoma and a benign ovarian mass.Conclusion: This case highlights the potential for late diagnosis of severe CAH in 46XX individuals and the risks associated with unrecognized CAH.Abbreviations: CAH = Congenital adrenal hyperplasia DSD = disorder of sexual differentiation

Background: Black men exhibit a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency as well as a higher incidence of prostate cancer and higher mortality rates from prostate cancer than Whites. There are few data about the effect of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) supplementation on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in healthy Black men. Methods: During three winters from 2007 to 2010, 105 Black men (median age, 48.9 years) of Boston, MA were randomized into a four-arm, double-blind trial for 3 months of placebo, 1,000, 2,000, or 4,000 U of vitamin D3. At baseline and 3 months, free and total PSA was measured. Results: With vitamin D supplementation, no significant differences in free and total PSA were observed; free PSA, −0.0004 ng/mL (P = 0.94) and total PSA, −0.004 ng/mL (P = 0.92) for each additional 1,000 U/d of vitamin D3. Conclusion: Within an unselected population of healthy Black men without a cancer diagnosis, we found no effect of vitamin D supplementation on free or total PSA. Impact: These findings support prior findings of no change in PSA with vitamin D supplementation and emphasize the need for new methods to assess the influence of vitamin D supplementation on prostate cancer prevention. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(9); 1944–7. ©2014 AACR.

Background: Association studies have suggested that lower circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] in African Americans may partially underlie higher rates of cardiovascular disease and cancer in this population. Nonetheless, the relation between vitamin D supplementation and 25(OH)D concentrations in African Americans remains undefined. Objective: Our primary objective was to determine the doseresponse relation between vitamin D and plasma 25(OH)D. Design: A total of 328 African Americans in Boston, MA, were enrolled over 3 winters from 2007 to 2010 and randomly assigned to receive a placebo or 1000, 2000, or 4000 IU vitamin D3/d for 3 mo. Subjects completed sociodemographic and dietary questionnaires, and plasma samples were drawn at baseline and 3 and 6 mo. Results: Median plasma 25(OH)D concentrations at baseline were 15.1, 16.2, 13.9, and 15.7 ng/mL for subjects randomly assigned to receive the placebo or 1000, 2000, or 4000 IU/d, respectively (P = 0.63). The median plasma 25(OH)D concentration at 3 mo differed significantly between supplementation arms at 13.7, 29.7, 34.8, and 45.9 ng/mL, respectively (P , 0.001). An estimated 1640 IU vitamin D3/d was needed to raise the plasma 25(OH)D concentration to $20 ng/mL in $97.5% of participants, whe reas ad ose of 4000 IU/d was needed to achieve concentrations $33 ng/mL in $80% of subjects. No significant hypercalcemia was seen in a subset of participants. Conclusions: Within African Americans, an estimated 1640 IU vitamin D3/d was required to achieve concentrations of plasma 25(OH)D recommended by the Institute of Medicine, whereas 4000 IU/d was needed to reach concentrations predicted to reduce cancer and cardiovascular disease risk in prospective observational studies. These results may be helpful for informing future trials of disease prevention. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00585637. Am J Clin Nutr 2014;99:587‐98.

Vascular closure devices (VCDs) were initially developed to improve access site hemostasis and allow for earlier ambulation in patients undergoing diagnostic catheterization and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Though initially thought to be beneficial, large meta-analysis has shown conflicting data regarding whether VCDs alter access site bleeding in a variety of clinical settings. One area of particular interest for the adoption of VCDs has been in the setting of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in which multiple antiplatelet strategies are often employed leading to a high risk of bleeding. Bleeding in ACS has been shown to be a powerful independent predictor of 30-day mortality. Recently, investigators have reported that VCDs reduce access site bleeding in the setting of ACS. In our review, we use several selected representative clinical trials to provide a historical account for the use of VCDs. We also provide for a review of data as it relates to access site bleeding in ACS along with analysis showing that VCDs may potentially provide for reductions in bleeding and vascular complications in patients with ACS undergoing PCI.

Heart failure (HF) is a common, disabling, and costly disease. Despite major advances in medical therapy, morbidity and mortality remain high, in part because current pharmacological regimens may not fully address some unique requirements of the heart for energy. The heart requires a continuous supply of energy-providing substrates and amino acids in order to maintain its function. In HF, defects in substrate metabolism and cardiac energy and substrate utilization may contribute to contractile dysfunction. HF is often accompanied by a deficiency in key micronutrients required for unimpeded energy transfer. Correcting these deficits has been proposed as a method to limit or even reverse the progressive myocyte dysfunction and/or necrosis in HF. This review summarizes the existing HF literature with respect to supplementation trials of key micronutrients involved in cardiac metabolism: coenzyme Q10, l-carnitine, thiamine, and amino acids, including taurine. Studies using a broader approach to supplementation are also considered. Although some of the results are promising, none are conclusive. There is a need for a prospective trial to examine the effects of micronutrient supplementation on morbidity and mortality in patients with HF.

The link between African-Americans’ disproportionate rates of diabetes, obesity and vitamin D deficiency may be marked by C-peptide as an indicator of insulin secretion. We hypothesize that vitamin D supplementation will increase C-peptide, a marker of insulin secretion. During 3 winters from 2007-2010, 328 healthy African-Americans (median age, 51 years) living in Boston, MA were randomized into a 4-arm, double-blind trial for 3 months of placebo, 1000, 2000, or 4000 IU of vitamin D3. The differences in non-fasting C-peptide between baseline and 3 months were −0.44 ng/mL for those receiving placebo, −0.10 ng/mL for those receiving 1000 IU/d, 0 ng/mL for those receiving 2000 IU/d, 1.24 ng/mL for those receiving 4000 IU/d (C-peptide increased 0.42 ng/mL for each additional 1000 IU/d of vitamin D3, p

African Americans have a disproportionate burden of inflammation-associated chronic diseases such as cancer and lower circulating levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]. The effect of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) supplementation on inflammatory markers is uncertain. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of supplemental oral vitamin D (placebo, 1,000, 2,000, or 4,000 IU/day of vitamin D3 orally for 3 months) in 328 African Americans (median age, 51 years) of public housing communities in Boston, MA, who were enrolled over three consecutive winter periods (2007–2010). Change from 0 to 3 months of plasma levels of 25(OH)D, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and soluble TNF-α receptor type 2 (sTNF-R2) in 292 (89%) participants were measured. Overall, no statistically significant changes in CRP, IL-6, IL-10, and sTNF-R2 were observed after the vitamin D supplementation period. Baseline CRP was significantly inversely associated with the baseline 25(OH)D level (P < 0.001) in unadjusted and adjusted models. An interaction between baseline 25(OH)D and vitamin D supplementation was observed for outcome change in log CRP (month 3–month 0; P for interaction = 0.04). Within an unselected population of African Americans, short-term exposure to vitamin D supplementation produced no change in circulating inflammatory markers. This study confirms the strong independent association of CRP with 25(OH)D status even after adjusting for body mass index. Future studies of longer supplemental vitamin D3 duration are necessary to examine the complex influence of vitamin D3 on CRP and other chronic inflammatory cytokines for possible reduction of cancer health disparities in African Americans. Cancer Prev Res; 7(2); 218–25. ©2013 AACR.

Red land crabs (Gecarcoidea natalis) are both abundant and widespread in intact rainforest on Christmas Island, Indian Ocean, occurring at densities of∼ 1 crab m -2 . We used an on-going exclusion experiment to test the hypothesis that through their activities as seed predators and soil disturbers, these omnivores are important determinants of the density and relative species abundance of seeds in the soil seed bank of undisturbed primary rainforest. After 6.5 y of continuous crab exclusion, there was no significant difference in the density of seeds in the top 3 cm of soil between the control (3671 ± 517 seeds/0.19 m 2 ) and exclusion plots (3285 ± 801 seeds/0.19 m 2 ), nor was there any significant treatment difference in relative species composition. There were also no significant treatment differences when Muntingia calabura, which accounted for 91.9% of all seeds in the seed bank, was excluded from the analyses. We attribute the lack of a significant impact of red crabs to their probable inability to handle the very small seeds which occurred in the seed bank, and the low level of soil disturbance at the study site. We conclude that the observed impact of red crabs on the abundance and diversity of successional species in natural light gaps on Christmas Island is due to their impact on germinating seedlings alone, rather than any additional impact on the soil seed bank.

Blacks have significantly higher rates of hypertension than whites, and lower circulating levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. There are few data about the effect of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) supplementation on blood pressure in blacks. During 2 winters from 2008 to 2010, 283 blacks (median age, 51 years) were randomized into a 4-arm, double-blind trial for 3 months of placebo, 1000, 2000, or 4000 international units of cholecalciferol per day. At baseline, 3 months, and 6 months, systolic and diastolic pressure and 25-hydroxyvitamin D were measured. The 3-month follow-up was completed in 250 (88%) participants. The difference in systolic pressure between baseline and 3 months was +1.7 mm Hg for those receiving placebo, −0.66 mm Hg for 1000 U/d, −3.4 mm Hg for 2000 U/d, and −4.0 mm Hg for 4000 U/d of cholecalciferol (−1.4 mm Hg for each additional 1000 U/d of cholecalciferol; P =0.04). For each 1-ng/mL increase in plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D, there was a significant 0.2-mm Hg reduction in systolic pressure ( P =0.02). There was no effect of cholecalciferol supplementation on diastolic pressure ( P =0.37). Within an unselected population of blacks, 3 months of oral vitamin D3 supplementation significantly, yet modestly, lowered systolic pressure. Future trials of vitamin D supplementation on blood pressure are needed to confirm these promising results, particularly among blacks, a population for whom vitamin D deficiency may play a more specific mechanistic role in the pathogenesis of hypertension.

Vascular closure devices (VCDs) were initially developed to improve access site hemostasis and allow for earlier ambulation in patients undergoing diagnostic catheterization and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Though initially thought to be beneficial, large meta-analysis has shown conflicting data regarding whether VCDs alter access site bleeding in a variety of clinical settings. One area of particular interest for the adoption of VCDs has been in the setting of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in which multiple antiplatelet strategies are often employed leading to a high risk of bleeding. Bleeding in ACS has been shown to be a powerful independent predictor of 30-day mortality. Recently, investigators have reported that VCDs reduce access site bleeding in the setting of ACS. In our review, we use several selected representative clinical trials to provide a historical account for the use of VCDs. We also provide for a review of data as it relates to access site bleeding in ACS along with analysis showing that VCDs may potentially provide for reductions in bleeding and vascular complications in patients with ACS undergoing PCI.

Heart failure (HF) is a common, disabling, and costly disease. Despite major advances in medical therapy, morbidity and mortality remain high, in part because current pharmacological regimens may not fully address some unique requirements of the heart for energy. The heart requires a continuous supply of energy-providing substrates and amino acids in order to maintain its function. In HF, defects in substrate metabolism and cardiac energy and substrate utilization may contribute to contractile dysfunction. HF is often accompanied by a deficiency in key micronutrients required for unimpeded energy transfer. Correcting these deficits has been proposed as a method to limit or even reverse the progressive myocyte dysfunction and/or necrosis in HF. This review summarizes the existing HF literature with respect to supplementation trials of key micronutrients involved in cardiac metabolism: coenzyme Q10, l-carnitine, thiamine, and amino acids, including taurine. Studies using a broader approach to supplementation are also considered. Although some of the results are promising, none are conclusive. There is a need for a prospective trial to examine the effects of micronutrient supplementation on morbidity and mortality in patients with HF.

Correction to: Nutrition & Diabetes (2015) 5, e147; doi:10.1038/nutd.2014.44; Published online 19 January 2015 The authors wish to make readers aware that the wrong units were used in Table 2. Weight at 6 months was incorrectly reported in pounds instead of kilograms at 6 months, as was change in weight by months.

Purpose: The purpose of this abstract is to describe the recruitment and retention success of a double-blind, randomized-controlled vitamin D supplementation trial enrolling African American (AA), English-speaking participants between the ages of 30 and 80 in the Boston area. Background: This study addresses the critical areas of cancer prevention and racial disparities by defining the optimal dose of vitamin D supplementation in AAs needed for future large intervention efforts in the prevention of colorectal cancer. AAs are at higher risk of colorectal and other gastrointestinal cancers, and compelling evidence suggests that the high rates of hypovitaminosis D in AAs may possibly account for this disparity in cancer incidence. Although the optimal dose of supplemental vitamin D needed to achieve adequate levels of plasma 25(OH)D is unknown in virtually all populations, there is a critical need to define doses of oral vitamin D supplementation in AAs that will achieve a sufficient level of plasma 25(OH)D before vitamin D chemoprevention studies are initiated. Study subjects were randomized to placebo, 1000 IU, 2000 IU, or 4000 IU of vitamin D3 per day to determine the minimum dose of vitamin D needed to achieve an optimal level. Supplementation occurred during the winter months, to reduce sun exposure. After 3 months of supplementation, plasma levels of 25(OH)D are determined and compared to baseline levels. We also assessed vitamin D levels 3 months post supplementation. Methods: The recruitment goal was to enroll 320 participants, including100 men, into the study. A 3-phase eligibility and consent process was used to reach this goal. 1) Only people who were AA, English-speaking, and 30-80 years old were approached to participate in the study. 2) Among these individuals, basic nonclinical eligibility criteria were assessed. 3) Primary care physicians of the remaining individuals were contacted to assess clinical eligibility. Targeted recruitment efforts focused on obtaining individuals who met the first-phase eligibility criteria. Potential participants were identified at public housing sites, faith-based organizations, community organizations, and through participant referrals. To encourage retention, a case-manager approach was implemented and research assistants made biweekly phone calls and monthly pill bottle exchange visits with participants. Results: Through our recruitment efforts, we consented 572 individuals and exceeded our recruitment goals with 329 participants enrolled in the study, including 107 men. During year 1, with 2.5 months of recruitment, we enrolled 46 participants. During years 2 and 3 with 6 months of recruitment each year, we enrolled 166, and 117 participants, respectively. Retention for the 3-and 6-month assessment was 90.1 % and 87.4%, respectively. Conclusions: The number of individuals needed to be approached was about twice the desired amount of participants to be enrolled in the study. The design of this study posed many challenges for recruitment and retention; however, through collaborations with community-based organizations and biweekly contact with study participants, we were able to surpass our goals. Our strategies and lessons learned are relevant to other researchers conducting research in a population, such as this one, that has historically been challenging to recruit and retain into clinical studies. Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2010;19(10 Suppl):A43.

The 1H n.m.r. spectra of mixtures of ROH (R = Et, Me, H) and HBr in CF2Br2–CD2Cl2 at –100 °C and below show signals at ca. 12–13 p.p.m. and –1·5 p.p.m. which are attributed to the species ROH2+ and HBr respectively.

Solutions of HBr in C4H8SO2(2,3,4,5-tetrahydrothiophen 1,1-dioxide; sulpholane) are brown in colour, due to the presence of Br2. Infrared and u.v.investigations have established that equilibrium is set up in the system with C4H8SO2+ 2HBr [graphic omitted] C4H8SO + Br2+ H2O K= 2.4 × 10–5 at 20 °C (ΔH=–55 kJ mol–1 and ΔS=–275 J K–1 mol–1). Proton n.m.r. observations of HBr–C4H8SO2 solutions show that protonation of the solvent occurs. The addition of H2O to such solutions leads to unusual n.m.r. spectra that indicate only slow exchange of H between C4H8SO2H+ and H2O.

HBr in CBr2F2 is capable of protonating a variety of ketones, and at low temperatures separate 1H n.m.r. signals can be seen for the acid and protonated base. Line shape analysis of the signals enables rates of protonation to be calculated. Aldehydes in HBr–CBr2F2 give n.m.r. spectra that are consistent with the formation of 1-bromoalcohols.

Alcohols are protonated by HBr in CBr2F2, and at low temperatures separate 1H n.m.r. signals for HBr and ROH2+ are observed. Line-shape analysis of the n.m.r. spectra at different temperatures has been used to determine the rates of proton exchange between HBr and the protonated alcohol. The rates are well correlated with the Taft σ1 parameter for the alcohols and provide an order of basicities for these weak bases in CBr2F2.