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BackgroundMobile apps hold promise for serving as a lifestyle intervention in public health to promote wellness and attenuate chronic conditions, yet little is known about how individuals with chronic illness use or perceive mobile apps. ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to explore behaviors and perceptions about mobile phone–based apps for health among individuals with chronic conditions. MethodsData were collected from a national cross-sectional survey of 1604 mobile phone users in the United States that assessed mHealth use, beliefs, and preferences. This study examined health app use, reason for download, and perceived efficacy by chronic condition. ResultsAmong participants, having between 1 and 5 apps was reported by 38.9% (314/807) of respondents without a condition and by 6.6% (24/364) of respondents with hypertension. Use of health apps was reported 2 times or more per day by 21.3% (172/807) of respondents without a condition, 2.7% (10/364) with hypertension, 13.1% (26/198) with obesity, 12.3% (20/163) with diabetes, 12.0% (32/267) with depression, and 16.6% (53/319) with high cholesterol. Results of the logistic regression did not indicate a significant difference in health app download between individuals with and without chronic conditions (P>.05). Compared with individuals with poor health, health app download was more likely among those with self-reported very good health (odds ratio [OR] 3.80, 95% CI 2.38-6.09, P

This research used the Integrative Model of Behavioral Prediction (IMBP) to examine cognitive predictors of intentions to engage in healthy sleep behavior among a population of college students. In doing so, we identify promising message strategies to increase healthy sleep behavior during college. In Phase 1, members of a small sample of undergraduates (n = 31) were asked to describe their beliefs about expected outcomes, norms, and perceived behavioral control associated with sleep on an open-ended questionnaire. We analyzed these qualitative responses to create a closed-ended survey about sleep-related attitudes, perceived norms, control beliefs, behavioral intentions, and behavior. In Phase 2, a larger sample of undergraduate students (n = 365) completed the survey. Attitudes and perceived behavioral control were the strongest predictors of both intentions to engage in sleep behavior and self-reported sleep behavior. Control beliefs associated with time management and stress also had substantial room to change, suggesting their potential as message strategies to better promote healthy sleep behavior in college. We conclude with a broader discussion of the study's implications for message design and intervention.

Introduction No single solution exists to reduce rates of childhood obesity in the United States, but public policy action is essential. A greater understanding of policy maker views on childhood obesity would provide insight into ways that public health advocates can overcome barriers to propose, enact, and implement obesity prevention policies. Methods We conducted 48 in-depth, qualitative interviews with town/city, county, and state policy makers in the state of New York from December 14, 2010, through June 10, 2011. We used a semistructured interview protocol to solicit policy maker views on the causes of, solutions to, and responsibility for addressing the issue of childhood obesity. Results Most policy makers considered the issue of childhood obesity to be of high importance. Respondents cited changes to family structures as a major cause of childhood obesity, followed by changes in the external environment and among children themselves. Respondents offered varied solutions for childhood obesity, with the most common type of solution being outside of the respondent's sphere of policy influence. Policy makers cited the need for joint responsibility among parents, government, schools, and the food industry to address childhood obesity. Conclusion Beliefs of many policy makers about childhood obesity are similar to those of the general public. Findings highlight the need for future research to inform the development of communication strategies to promote policy action among those with authority to pass and implement it.

Would employee health contracts be viable for workplace health promotion (WHP)? Two studies explore the benefit and drawbacks of such a policy, as well as the standards and incentives for promoting employee health. Two studies were conducted: Study 1 is a qualitative study that collected salient employee attitudes toward and design factors for employment health contracts among a subset of the target population (n=8), Study 2 tested these factors with a closed-end questionnaire among a broader sample of the target population (n=147). Regression analyses and hypothesis testing are conducted to understand the demographic variables that contribute to attitudes toward the policy, and beliefs for how it should be structured. Results revealed the lowest support from high body mass index (BMI) respondents. There was otherwise moderate to strong support across demographic groups for the policy and use of rewards, yet far less for use of consequences. Previous research has addressed how rewards can promote good health, with far less attention to consequences. This study is one of the first to comprehensively address the role of structuring consequences for poor employee behavior, and demographic groups that offer the lowest support for workplace wellness initiatives. Future research and policy implications are for WHP initiatives are discussed.

Spectroscopic and potentiometric studies on Ni(II) complexes with oligopeptides containing a histidine (His) residue in the fourth position of the peptide sequence have shown that imidazole nitrogen can act as the major binding site for metal ions. As a result, coordination of Ni(II) to an imidazole nitrogen of a His residue leads to more stable species than those obtained for linear peptides containing non-coordinating side chains, such as tetraalanine.

The extent of complex formation between Cu(II) and many biologically active oligopeptides has been shown to change significantly in the presence of SDS micelles, a recognized model for cell lipid membranes. Protonation constants of peptides can be increased by up to 2 log unit, especially when they contain hydrophobic side chains. Metal complex formation is generally less extensive and the conformations of peptides can be altered dramatically when compared to those in simple aqueous solution.

The pentapeptide fragment of ANF, Asn-Ser-Phe-Arg-Tyr-NH2, coordinates to Cu(II) using the same four nitrogen donor centers as simple pentapeptides such as pentaalanine yet the complexes are of much higher stability as a result of a highly organized side-chain structure which is present in the complex but absent from the free ligand.

Sir .—When I began my practice as a pediatrician in 1977, immunizations were accepted as routine. No parent had any deep-seated anxieties about the need for them. A great deal has changed since then. I now often have to explain to parents why the vaccines were developed, the consequences of non vaccination, and the relative risk of a severe vaccine-related injury. Some parents have not been able to deal with the more abstract consequences of nonvaccination vs the very concrete administration of a potentially (albeit minimal) damaging injection. As a result, an increasing number are refusing the diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis vaccine adsorbed (DTP vaccine) as well as other vaccines. In addition, the increasing cost of the DTP vaccine ($3.75 in 1979 vs $171 now) has made it more difficult for young parents to afford these immunizations for their children. I do not think that Mr Kitch, 1