Activated by AMP-dependent and -independent mechanisms, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) plays a central role in the regulation of cellular bioenergetics and cellular survival. AMPK regulates a diverse set of signaling networks that converge to epigenetically mediate transcriptional events. Reversible histone and DNA modifications, such as acetylation and methylation, result in structural chromatin alterations that influence transcriptional machinery access to genomic regulatory elements. The orchestration of these epigenetic events differentiates physiological from pathophysiological phenotypes. AMPK phosphorylation of histones, DNA methyltransferases and histone post-translational modifiers establish AMPK as a key player in epigenetic regulation. This review focuses on the role of AMPK as a mediator of cellular survival through its regulation of chromatin remodeling and the implications this has for health and disease.
Background: The nursing profession needs solid evidence of the important contributions that continuing education (CE) makes to nursing practice change. We analyzed nurses' intent to change practice, actual practice change, and examples of practice change after completing CE courses of differing types, topics, and geographic locations. Method: A retrospective, mixedmethods study design was used to assess quantitative and qualitative survey data gathered upon completion and within 1 year following completion of 16 different CE courses. Results: A large majority of nurses reported positive intent to change practice (88.6%) and actual practice change (89.1%) following participation in the CE courses. Qualitative analysis revealed four themes related to types of practice change, including Becoming Certified, Improved Leadership, Enhanced Role Performance, and Educating or Mentoring Others. Conclusion: CE can positively influence nursing practice change and lead to broader organizational improvements. [J
SummaryThe college environment increases risk of weight gain in young adults with overweight/obesity. Behavioural weight loss interventions are proven effective, however, young adults' adherence to such programs is poor. The purpose of the study was to determine weight loss treatment preferences of 2‐ and 4‐year college students for the development of population‐specific interventions. Students with a BMI ≥25, between 18 and 24 years of age, and enrolled in one of four institutions were recruited. A questionnaire was developed to assess students' preferences and was administered via Qualtrics. BMI was calculated from objectively assessed height and weight measurements. Descriptive analyses, chi‐square, Fisher's Exact Test, Mann‐Whitney U test and Cramer's V were performed. Participants (n = 133, age = 20.2 ± 1.8) predominately identified as female (70%), non‐Hispanic (68%) and Black/African American (32%) or White (32%). Fifty‐five percent met criteria for obesity. Most students preferred session length of ≤1 hour (78%), for meetings to be held on a weekday (70%) and for both a peer and a professional to co‐facilitate meetings (61%). Preferences for health outcomes and physical activity monitoring, type of physical activity, frequency of dietary monitoring, physical activity tracking method and interest in financial incentives to promote core treatment components differed between institutions. Heterogeneity in program preferences by college environment should be considered when designing weight loss interventions.
The purpose of this pilot study was to determine if a 12‐wk diet, exercise and lifestyle intervention, which was not focused on weight loss, could improve diet and PA, while reducing risk factors for MetS in high risk midlife women. This approach reduced the stress of weight loss, while focusing on healthy behaviors known to reduce MetS. 10 sedentary overweight midlife women (mean ± SD: age=47±3y; BMI=31.0±3.1kg/m2; waist circumference=41.1±3.5in) at risk for MetS were recruited. At pre and post‐intervention subjects completed diet history and PA questionnaires, 4‐d weighted food records/PA logs. The intervention was focused on increasing whole grains, fruits and vegetables (ser/d), reducing saturated fat (g/d) and increasing PA (min/d) to improve blood lipids (total cholesterol [Chol], High Density Lipoprotein‐Chol, Low Density Lipoprotein‐Chol, triglycerides), C‐reactive protein and blood pressure. Results showed an increase in whole grains (Δ=2.6 ser/d) and PA (Δ=39 min/d), and a decrease in saturated fat (Δ=7.5 g/d) (P<0.05). Fruit, vegetable and total fat intake did not change significantly and there were no significant improvements in MetS risk factors. Overall the program was successful in increasing PA, but dietary changes were less impressive. Weight loss may be necessary to see changes in the risk factors examined at 12‐wks, and/or the intervention needs to be longer. Funded by OSU‐HHS.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.