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A systematic literature search is conducted annually to identify research articles published in the previous calendar year that are pertinent to one or more of the seven research questions addressed in the DataBase section of the American Journal of Health Promotion. Additionally, very important studies published during the current year are occasionally identified for expedited review. Articles are reviewed and summarized using a standard format by the editorial team. Key variables are extracted from each article and included in a searchable online DataBase. These variables include sample size, study duration, type of measurement tools, research design rating, internal validity rating, unit of analysis, research questions, and topic codes. While all reviewed studies are included in the online DataBase, only studies judged to be most important are published in the American Journal of Health Promotion. Readers can access the searchable online DataBase on the American Journal of Health Promotion Web site at http://www. healthpromotionjournal.com/database.htm.

The transtheoretical model (TTM) is a behavioural theory that describes behaviour change as occurring in five stages, ranging from precontemplation to maintenance. The purpose of the present paper is to review and synthesise the literature published since 1999 on applications of the TTM to dietary behaviour so that the evidence for the use of assessment tools and interventions based on this model might be evaluated. Six databases were identified and searched using combinations of key words. Sixty-five original, peer-reviewed studies were identified and summarised in one of three tables using the following categories: population (n21), intervention (n25) and validation (n19). Internal validity ratings were given to each intervention, and the body of intervention studies as a whole was rated. The evidence for using stage-based interventions is rated as suggestive in the areas of fruit and vegetable consumption and dietary fat reduction. Valid and reliable staging algorithms are available for fruit and vegetable consumption and dietary fat intake, and are being developed for other dietary behaviours. Few assessment tools have been developed for other TTM constructs. Given the popularity of TTM-based assessments and interventions, more research is warranted to identify valid and reliable assessment tools and effective interventions. While the evidence supports the validity of the TTM to describe populations and to form interventions, evidence of the effectiveness of TTM-based interventions is not conclusive.

Autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) may result from the failure of tolerance mechanisms to prevent expansion of pathogenic T cells. Our study is the first to establish that MS patients have abnormalities in FOXP3 message and protein expression levels in peripheral CD4+CD25+ T cells (Tregs) that are quantitatively related to a reduction in functional suppression induced during suboptimal T-cell receptor (TCR) ligation. Of importance, this observation links a defect in functional peripheral immunoregulation to an established genetic marker that has been unequivocally shown to be involved in maintaining immune tolerance and preventing autoimmune diseases. Diminished FOXP3 levels thus indicate impaired immunoregulation by Tregs that may contribute to MS. Future studies will evaluate the effects of therapies known to influence Treg cell function and FOXP3 expression, including TCR peptide vaccination and supplemental estrogen. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Objective To provide a comprehensive review of published research on the application of the transtheoretical model (TTM) to cancer screening behavior. Methods Studies were categorized by design, given an internal validity rating where appropriate, and rated. Results Forty-two studies were reviewed. Stage-matched mammography interventions were supported; however, the body of literature was of limited size. Research on the TTM as it applies to other cancer screenings is sparse. Conclusions Stage-of-change and decisional balance appear to apply to mammography. More validation research is needed on the application of the TTM to all cancer screening behaviors.

CD4 + CD25 + regulatory T cells (Treg cells) prevent T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases in rodents. To develop a functional Treg assay for human blood cells, we used FACS- or bead-sorted CD4 + CD25 + T cells from healthy donors to inhibit anti-CD3/CD28 activation of CD4 + CD25 - indicator T cells. The data clearly demonstrated classical Treg suppression of CD4 + CD25 - indicator cells by both CD4 + CD25 + h i g h and CD4 + CD25 + l o w T cells obtained by FACS or magnetic bead sorting. Suppressive activity was found in either CD45RO - (naive) or CD45RO + (memory) subpopulations, was independent of the TCR signal strength, required cell-cell contact, and was reversible by interleukin-2 (IL-2). Of general interest is that a wider sampling of 27 healthy donors revealed an age- but not gender-dependent loss of suppressive activity in the CD4 + CD25 + population. The presence or absence of suppressive activity in CD4 + CD25 + T cells from a given donor could be demonstrated consistently over time, and lack of suppression was not due to method of sorting, strength of signal, or sensitivity of indicator cells. Phenotypic markers did not differ on CD4 + CD25 + T cells tested ex vivo from suppressive vs. nonsuppressive donors, although, upon activation in vitro, suppressive CD4 + CD25 + T cells had significantly higher expression of both CTLA-4 and GITR than CD4 + CD25 - T cells from the same donors. Moreover, antibody neutralization of CTLA-4, GITR, IL-10, or IL-17 completely reversed Treg-induced suppression. Our results are highly consistent with those reported for murine Treg cells and are the first to demonstrate that suppressive activity of human CD4 + CD25 + T cells declines with age.

Sixty Rowan University undergraduate engineering students completed a screening for serum cholesterol and blood pressure and a written survey of their health habits, depression and stress levels. These data were compared to a similar study conducted at Rowan University of 226 undergraduate students from all majors. Engineering students demonstrated slightly higher risk levels in cholesterol and lower levels in blood pressure, compared to the general student population. Among the engineering students, thirty six percent had elevated cholesterol levels (above 200 mg/dL) and 16 percent had elevated systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure levels (above 140/90). Incidence of Type A personality traits (a measure of stress) was found in 21 percent of the population. Women reported having more stress than did men. Students majoring in electrical and computer engineering reported having the highest stress levels when compared to other engineering majors. A regression analysis identified depression, cigarette smoking, diet, stress, Type A personality and a heredity of high blood pressure as the best predictors of high serum cholesterol among subjects. Engineering educators are encouraged to address these prevalent and potentially performance-impairing health risks among their students.

Objective. To comprehensively review all published, peer-reviewed research on the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) and tobacco cessation and prevention by exploring the validity of its constructs, the evidence for use of interventions based on the TTM, the description of populations using TTM constructs, and the identification of areas for further research. The three research questions answered were: “How is the validity of the TTM as applied to tobacco supported by research?” “How does the TTM describe special populations regarding tobacco use?” “What is the nature of evidence supporting the use of stage-matched tobacco interventions?” Data Source. Computer Database search (PsychInfo, Medline, Current Contents, ERIC, CINAHL-Allied Health, and Pro-Quest Nursing) and manual journal search. Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria. All English, original, research articles on the TTM as it relates to tobacco use published in peer-reviewed journals prior to March 1, 2001, were included. Commentaries, editorials, and books were not included. Data Extraction and Synthesis. Articles were categorized as TTM construct validation, population descriptions using TTM constructs, or intervention evaluation using TTM constructs. Summary tables including study design, research rating, purpose, methods, findings, and implications were created. Articles were further divided into groups according to their purpose. Considering both the findings and research quality of each, the three research questions were addressed. Results. The 148 articles reviewed included 54 validation studies, 73 population studies, and 37 interventions (some articles fit two categories). Overall, the evidence in support of the TTM as applied to tobacco use was strong, with supportive studies being more numerous and of a better design than nonsupportive studies. Using established criteria, we rated the construct validity of the entire body of literature as good; however, notable concerns exist about the staging construct. A majority of stage-matched intervention studies provided positive results and were of a better quality than those not supportive of stage-matched interventions; thus, we rated the body of literature using stage-matched tobacco interventions as acceptable and the body of literature using non–stage-matched interventions as suggestive. Population studies indicated that TTM constructs are applicable to a wide variety of general and special populations both in and outside of the United States, although a few exceptions exist. Conclusions. Evidence for the validity of the TTM as it applies to tobacco use is strong and growing; however, it is not conclusive. Eight different staging mechanisms were identified, raising the question of which are most valid and reliable. Interventions tailored to a smoker's stage were successful more often than nontailored interventions in promoting forward stage movement. Stage distribution is well-documented for U.S. populations; however, more research is needed for non-U.S. populations, for special populations, and on other TTM constructs.

In September 1996, 544 college freshmen completed a 142-item survey assessing their academic, social, and emotional expectations of college and attitudes toward cigarette smoking. Differences were explored based on gender and smoking status. Twenty-seven percent (n=148) were smokers, 58% (n=86) of whom were female. Chi-square analyses revealed several significant relationships. Smokers rated themselves significantly higher than nonsmokers in several measures of academic performance, including reading speed, reading comprehension, and earning a B average or higher. They also had significantly higher expectations of the college experience than did nonsmokers. Female smokers were less likely than nonsmoking females to expect to be popular and to be depressed; however, their academic performance expectations were higher than nonsmoking females. Male smokers were more likely than nonsmoking males to expect to be held to the “highest academic standards” and rated themselves as more competitive and more...

Understanding how individual students learn is the key to a stimulating and challenging course. The Interactive Learning Model offers a practical means of helping students identify their learning style as either Sequential, Precise, Technical, or Confluent. Forty-eight undergraduate health/exercise majors completed an assessment of their learning style, with a majority identified as Sequential/Precise learners. Given that many teachers are also Sequential/Precise learners, recognition of the dominance of this style in the classroom is essential. Practical implications and suggestions for educators are discussed.

Attitudes (fairness, motivational value, and self-efficacy) and self-reported health behaviors were assessed in a survey of 450 employees in an employer-sponsored risk-rated health benefit plan (RRHBP). Differences in attitudes and behaviors were analyzed for high and low risk employees, with risk status based on blood pressure, cholesterol, body weight, fitness, and tobacco use. A Chi Square analysis of these two groups showed significant differences, particularly in self-efficacy, for all risk factors except blood pressure. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Two studies were performed to determine the relationship between cellular phone use and either reaction time or performance among college students. In the first study 60 undergraduates completed a computerized reaction time test. Mean reaction times were significantly higher when participants were talking on a cellular phone, either handheld or on a headset, than when they were not. In the second study 40 undergraduates steered a remote-controlled car through an obstacle course. Performance scores were significantly poorer for participants when they were talking on a cellular phone than when they were not. A majority of participants reported using cellular phones while driving, yet believed this was a dangerous practice. We recommend incorporation of education about cellular phone use and driving in health/safety curriculums for high school and college students.

Three questions guided a literature review of the transtheoretical model (TTM) as applied to exercise to address the evidence for stage-matched interventions, the description of priority populations, and the identification of valid TTM measurement tools. One-hundredand-fifty studies were reviewed. Results indicate preliminary support for the use of stage-matched exercise interventions. Most studies have focused on White, middle-class, female populations, limiting the generalizability of their findings. Valid and reliable measures exist for stage of change, decisional balance, processes of change, self-efficacy, and temptations to not exercise; however, more research is needed to refine these measures. Evidence for the construct validity of the TTM as applied to exercise is mixed. When designing and implementing TTM-based exercise interventions, practitioners and policy makers are encouraged to clearly define the term exercise, choose a valid and reliable staging tool, and employ all TTM constructs and not just stage membership.

Although the phenotypic and regulatory properties of the CD4(+)CD25(+) T cell lineage (Treg cells) have been well described, the specificities remain largely unknown. We demonstrate here that the CD4(+)CD25(+) Treg population includes the recognition of a broad spectrum of human TCR CDR2 determinants found in the germline V gene repertoire as well as that of a clonotypic nongermline-encoded CDR3beta sequence present in a recombinant soluble T cell receptor (TCR) protein. Regulatory activity was demonstrated in T cell lines responsive to TCR but not in T cell lines responsive to control antigens. Inhibitory activity of TCR-reactive T cells required cell-cell contact and involved CTLA-4, GITR, IL-10, and IL-17. Thus, the T-T regulatory network includes Treg cells with specificity directed toward self-TCR determinants.

The author collected data on serum cholesterol, blood pressure, and self-reported health behavior in 226 college students aged 18 to 26 years. Twenty-nine percent had undesirable total cholesterol levels, 10% had high cholesterol, 10% had high systolic blood pressure, and 11% had high diastolic blood pressure. Half or more of the participants consumed a diet high in saturated fats, engaged in binge drinking, had a parental risk for high cholesterol or blood pressure, or reported they experienced elevated stress levels. Men had higher risk-factor levels than women. Findings from a regression analysis revealed that smoking, binge drinking, lack of cardiovascular exercise, and eating a high saturated-fat diet were predictive of undesirable cholesterol levels. Study limitations included self-selection of participants and single measurements of blood pressure and cholesterol. Trained students served as screeners in the program for providing an effective, low-cost screening intervention.

Objective: To set up and evaluate a pilot scheme integrating salaried community health centre staff and fee-for-service medical practitioner services (CHAMPS). Design: Preliminary interviews with both groups established the aims, logistics and financial arrangements of the project. The community health centre provided staff and the general practitioners provided premises and administrative services. Follow-up interviews evaluated the scheme and made recommendations. Setting: A New South Wales country town, population 24 000, with 25 general practitioners and 23 community health centre professionals. Results: Six general practitioners and 23 community health professionals determined the aims to be: improved access for patients to community health services; improved liaison between the two groups of providers; and a broadening of services offered at general practice locations. Two dietitians and three mental health workers were rostered for half a day per week in four general practices for six months. The dietitians continued after the project finished, but the mental health workers did not. The five community health staff, five of the general practitioners originally interviewed and six other general practitioner participants cited the major benefits as increased communication between providers and improved access for patients, and the major difficulties as lack of appropriate equipment and organisational logistics. Conclusions: The providers believe that the project succeeded in improving access to community health services and liaison between professionals. For future projects they recommended better communication, firmer role delineation and better planning for space and equipment.

Hearnshaw Leslie Spencer. La formation des psychologues et l’organisation de la psychologie en Angleterre. In: Bulletin de psychologie, tome 10 n°5, 1957. Enseignement, statut et débouchés de la psychologie (2ème fascicule) pp. 253-255.