Transferability and inter-laboratory variability assessment of the in vitro bovine oocyte fertilization test.

The dramatic increase in the number of animals required for reproductive toxicity testing imposes the validation of alternative methods to reduce the use of laboratory animals. As we previously demonstrated for in vitro maturation test of bovine oocytes, the present study describes the transferability assessment and the inter-laboratory variability of an in vitro test able to identify chemical effects during the process of bovine oocyte fertilization. Eight chemicals with well-known toxic properties (benzo[a]pyrene, busulfan, cadmium chloride, cycloheximide, diethylstilbestrol, ketoconazole, methylacetoacetate, mifepristone/RU-486) were tested in two well-trained laboratories. The statistical analysis demonstrated no differences in the EC50 values for each chemical in within (inter-runs) and in between-laboratory variability of the proposed test. We therefore conclude that the bovine in vitro fertilization test could advance toward the validation process as alternative in vitro method and become part of an integrated testing strategy in order to predict chemical hazards on mammalian fertility.

Knowledge, barriers, and predictors of colorectal cancer screening in an Appalachian church population.

INTRODUCTION: This study examined knowledge about and barriers to colorectal cancer screening and predictors of screening adherence among members from 16 Appalachian churches as part of a larger study on the prevention and early detection of colorectal cancer. METHODS: Baseline data were collected on 839 respondents aged 50 years and older through a self-administered survey, and 23 focus groups were conducted with 205 church members RESULTS: Survey results showed that older age, male sex, being current for other cancer screening, being physically active, having perceived support from others for screening, better provider communication, knowledge about screening guidelines, greater perceived susceptibility to colorectal cancer, and a family history of the disease were predictors of screening adherence. Major barriers to screening in both surveys and focus groups were failure of providers to recommend screening, lack of knowledge about the need for screening, and the belief that screening was not necessary without symptoms. Fear of cancer, lack of knowledge about screening methods other than colonoscopy, reliance on physicians for screening information, and the need for people to feel at risk for screening to occur were other findings from the focus groups. Focus groups supported survey findings and provided further insights. CONCLUSION: Several factors predictive of colorectal cancer screening in this study can be modified through educational interventions. Recognizing and changing risk factors for colorectal cancer, raising awareness of screening guidelines, and encouraging adults aged 50 years and older to discuss screening with their health care provider could increase colorectal cancer screening.

Correlates of physical activity in a community sample of older adults in Appalachia.

Although much has been learned about the global determinants of physical activity in adults, there has been a lack of specific focus on gender, age, and urban/rural differences. In this church-based community sample of Appalachian adults (N = 1,239), the primary correlates of physical activity included age, gender, obesity, and self-efficacy. Overall, 42% of all participants and 31% of adults age 65 years or older met recommended guidelines for physical activity, which suggests that most participants do not engage in adequate levels of physical activity. Of participants who met physical activity guidelines, the most common modes of moderate and vigorous activity were walking briskly or uphill, heavy housework or gardening, light strength training, and biking. These particular activities that focus on building self-efficacy might be viable targets for intervention among older adults in rural communities.

Community entry in conducting rural focus groups: process, legitimacy, and lessons learned.

This article explores the value of community collaboration in a qualitative study of diabetes. In 1999, the Appalachian Diabetes Coalition of West Virginia University's Prevention Research Center employed a statewide effort to conduct focus groups in West Virginia to elicit cultural perspectives on diabetes and its management. The success of this research depended on community participation at many levels, particularly because of the rural, often geographically isolated community structure of the state. The researchers' entry into small communities and the involvement of local residents in focus groups was possible with the collaboration of the West Virginia Rural Health Education Partnerships program and the West Virginia University Extension Service, both of which played primary roles as community gatekeepers in helping the research team access and involve rural areas. This collaboration reinforced the value of a two-tiered approach in enlisting local resources. These relationships resulted in beneficial outcomes to all partners. Researchers benefited by gaining entry to communities, and the community organizations benefited by gaining a better understanding of the diabetic population to assist in planning programs. Working with well-established community groups with strong community ties is crucial when gaining entry for research and interventions. The identification and involvement of trusted, accessible members of rural communities gives research local legitimacy, ensures adequate participation and effective data collection, and permits entry into remote communities.

Effects of a tailored health promotion program for female blue-collar workers: health works for women.

BACKGROUND: This study assessed the effects of the Health Works for Women (HWW) intervention on improving multiple behaviors including nutrition and physical activity among rural female blue-collar employees in North Carolina. METHODS: Nine small to mid-size workplaces were randomly assigned to either intervention or delayed intervention conditions. After a baseline survey, an intervention consisting of two computer-tailored magazines and a natural helpers program was conducted over 18 months. Delayed worksites received one tailored magazine. Approximately 77 and 76% of baseline respondents completed follow-up surveys at 6 and 18 months, respectively, and 538 women (63%) completed all three surveys. RESULTS: At the 18-month follow-up, the intervention group had increased fruit and vegetable consumption by 0.7 daily servings compared to no change in the delayed group (P < 0.05). Significant differences in fat intake were observed at 6 months (P < 0.05) but not at 18 months. The intervention group also demonstrated improvements in strengthening and flexibility exercise compared to the delayed group. The rates of smoking cessation and cancer screening did not differ between study groups. CONCLUSIONS: The HWW project was a successful model for achieving certain health behavior changes among blue-collar women.