The Effect of a Learning Partner Model-Based Program on Spreading Cancer Prevention Knowledge Using Community Health Volunteers in Japan.

OBJECTIVES: This study examines the implementation and short-term effects of a Learning Partner Model (LPM)-based educational program on cancer prevention and control information for community health volunteers in Japan. METHODS: The program was undertaken by 3 local governments in collaboration with a government initiative and offered a 90-min group workshop to community health volunteers. Community health volunteers (primary participants) recruited in turn friend or family members (secondary participants) with whom they were prepared to share the content of the workshop with the help of printed materials received in the workshop. We conducted self-administered paper and pencil questionnaire surveys before, immediately after, and 3 months after the workshop. The t-test, Fisher's exact test, paired t-test, and McNemar test were used to compare the 2 groups' demographic characteristics and healthy habits at pretest. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare cancer prevention knowledge between groups and over time. RESULTS: Of 142 participants, 107 pairs of learning partners (primary and corresponding secondary participant) completed all questionnaires. All primary participants and 37.4% of the secondary participants were women, and 57.9% of the learning partners were spouses. The results showed significantly higher correct answers on the cancer-prevention knowledge questions in the post-workshop and follow-up surveys compared to the pre-workshop survey (P < .001). The increase in knowledge was observed in all learning-partner groups in all 3 sites. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates a promising strategy that can be adapted to the health needs of the community beyond cancer prevention and control, building on the efforts of local governments and government health initiatives.

Children's Knowledge of Cancer Prevention and Perceptions of Cancer Patients: Comparison Before and After Cancer Education with the Presence of Visiting Lecturer -Guided Class.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the presence of visiting lecturer-guided class on children's knowledge of cancer prevention and perceptions of cancer patients, conducting surveys before and after the cancer education classes at local elementary schools that are pioneering cancer education. We implemented self-administered questionnaire surveys with 571 sixth-grade children at nine elementary schools receiving cancer education in the Tokyo metropolitan area from September 2013 to February 2014. The surveys were conducted twice in each classroom: 1 week before the cancer education class and 1 week after. The questionnaire items included participants' gender, cancer prevention information, and perceptions of cancer patients with the following description: "looks pitiful," "always depressed," "bedridden and hospitalized," "excessive smoking and drinking," "looks thin and pale," "no visible change despite cancer," and "always bright and cheerful." Children who had not attended the cancer education day, or had not completed both the pre- and post-test, were excluded from the analysis. Regardless of whether there visiting lecturer-guided class was provided, the possibility of improving children's knowledge of cancer prevention was demonstrated. On the other hand, in the post-class surveys, compared to the group with visiting lecturer-guided class, the group without it had a significantly lower percentage of persons selecting "Looks pitiful" (76.2%/63.5%, p = 0.002) and significantly higher percentages for "Too much smoking and drinking," and "Looks thin and pale" (50.2%/63.5%, p = 0.002; 18.8%/31.1%, p = 0.001). Therefore, study is needed into cancer education coordinated with relevant institutions in order to more effectively utilize visiting lecturers and the like.

One-pot synthesis of linear-hyperbranched amphiphilic block copolymers based on polyglycerol derivatives and their micelles.

This paper describes the one-pot synthesis of a polyglycidol (PG)-based polymer, poly(ethoxyethyl glycidyl ether) (PEEGE)-b-[hyperbranched polyglycerol (hbPG)-co-PEEGE]x/y, its micelle formulation, and the ability to encapsulate a model therapeutic molecule. Amphiphilic block copolymers were prepared by the sequential addition of ethoxyethyl glycidyl ether (EEGE) to glycidol. The composition of the block copolymers varied from 62:38 to 92:8. Block copolymers with composition x:y≥66:34 were soluble only in organic solvents. Micelles were formulated by injection of deionized water into a tetrahydrofuran block copolymer solution with or without pyrene as a model hydrophobic molecule. The critical micelle concentration was 18.2-30.9 mg/L, and the micelle size was 100-250 nm. The pyrene-containing micelle rapidly collapsed on acidic exposure, allowing conversion of hydrophobic PEEGE to hydrophilic PG, thus, facilitating the release of the encapsulated pyrene. Cytotoxicity data showed high biocompatibility of PG-based block copolymers, suggesting their potential as a drug delivery carrier.

Hyperbranched double hydrophilic block copolymer micelles of poly(ethylene oxide) and polyglycerol for pH-responsive drug delivery.

We report the synthesis of a well-defined hyperbranched double hydrophilic block copolymer of poly(ethylene oxide)-hyperbranched-polyglycerol (PEO-hb-PG) to develop an efficient drug delivery system. In specific, we demonstrate the hyperbranched PEO-hb-PG can form a self-assembled micellar structure on conjugation with the hydrophobic anticancer agent doxorubicin, which is linked to the polymer by pH-sensitive hydrazone bonds, resulting in a pH-responsive controlled release of doxorubicin. Dynamic light scattering, atomic force microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy demonstrated successful formation of the spherical core-shell type micelles with an average size of about 200 nm. Moreover, the pH-responsive release of doxorubicin and in vitro cytotoxicity studies revealed the controlled stimuli-responsive drug delivery system desirable for enhanced efficiency. Benefiting from many desirable features of hyperbranched double hydrophilic block copolymers such as enhanced biocompatibility, increased water solubility, and drug loading efficiency as well as improved clearance of the polymer after drug release, we believe that double hydrophilic block copolymer will provide a versatile platform to develop excellent drug delivery systems for effective treatment of cancer.