Adolescent girls' first diets: Triggers and the role of multiple dimensions of self-concept

Abstract

This study explored 1) triggers for dieting in adolescent girls from grade 7 (n — 140) and grade 10 (n = 152), 2) reasons why potential dieters chose not to diet and 3) the relationship between dieting and multiple dimensions of self-concept. Body dissatisfaction, social comparison, and teasing were the most commonly reported diet triggers. Reasons given for not dieting when considering it included conscious resistance to pressure to diet, a belief that dieting is bad, and acceptance by other people. After controlling for body mass index (BMI), parent relations, and emotional stability, self-concepts were lower for dieters than nondieters.     

FDC:TFH Interactions within Cervical Lymph Nodes of SIV-Infected Rhesus Macaques

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drains via the lymphatic drainage pathway. This lymphatic pathway connects the central nervous system (CNS) to the cervical lymph node (CLN). As the CSF drains to CLN via the dural and nasal lymphatics, T cells and antigen presenting cells pass along the channels from the subarachnoid space through the cribriform plate. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may also egress from the CNS along this pathway. As a result, HIV egressing from the CNS may accumulate within the CLN. Towards this objective, we analyzed CLNs isolated from rhesus macaques that were chronically-infected with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). We detected significant accumulation of SIV within the CLNs. SIV virion trapping was observed on follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) localized within the follicular regions of CLNs. In addition, SIV antigens formed immune complexes when FDCs interacted with B cells within the germinal centers. Subsequent interaction of these B cells with CD4+ T follicular helper cells (T_FHs) resulted in infection of the latter. Of note, 73% to 90% of the T_FHs cells within CLNs were positive for SIV p27 antigen. As such, it appears that not only do the FDCs retain SIV they also transmit them (via B cells) to T_FHs within these CLNs. This interaction results in infection of T_FHs in the CLNs. Based on these observations, we infer that FDCs within the CLNs have a novel role in SIV entrapment with implications for viral trafficking.     

The role of occupational and environmental exposures in the aetiology of acquired severe aplastic anaemia: a case control investigation

Aplastic anaemia is a rare but serious disorder with a high morbidity and mortality rate. The causes of aplastic anaemia are, for the most part, unknown. We report on the hypothesis that aplastic anaemia may be caused by occupational and/or environmental exposures to certain chemicals. The UK Aplastic Anaemia Study was an interview-based case-control study covering the whole of Great Britain. Those patients diagnosed between 1 July 1993 and 20 October 1997, aged < or =75 years and born and diagnosed in the UK were eligible for the study. Two hundred eligible cases of aplastic anaemia were compared with 387 age- and sex-matched controls. A number of occupational exposures showed increases in risk. In a multivariate model of these exposures the odds ratios (ORs) for solvents/degreasing agents, pesticides and radiation were >2 and statistically significant. Reported chemical treatment of houses within 5 years of diagnosis had a significantly raised risk for adults [OR = 2.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02-12.01], particularly for woodworm treatment (OR = 5.1, 95% CI 1.5-17.4). This study identified significant risks associated with self-reported exposure to solvents, radiation and pesticides in the workplace. Self-reported chemical treatment of houses was also associated with an increased risk of developing aplastic anaemia, in keeping with previous literature.     

Distribution of cases of systemic lupus erythematosus at time of first symptom in an urban area.

OBJECTIVES--To determine the geographical distribution of cases of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a defined geographical area in the East Midlands, UK, and, in particular, to search for spatial variation in cases that may implicate the role of environmental factors in SLE aetiology. METHODS--Six methods of case ascertainment were used. The postcode of the patient's domicile at time of first definite symptom of SLE was used for analysis which included case mapping, probability mapping by electoral ward, and variogram analysis. RESULTS--The study area population of 613,700 contained 200 SLE patients, 188 of whom experienced their first symptom whilst residing in the area. Case mapping revealed 12 SLE patients residing within an area of one square mile, including four men and six patients with RNP antibodies. The use of probability mapping showed five wards in close proximity to each other to have a greater number of SLE cases than would be expected by chance (p < 0.1). The 'cluster' of patients seen on the case map fell into two wards which showed a significant excess of cases only when combined (p = 0.006). The variogram of the incidence rates for each ward did not confirm any structure or pattern to the distribution of cases for the whole area. CONCLUSIONS--Some areas have a greater than expected prevalence of SLE. The normal result from variogram analysis suggests that the cause(s) for these excess number of cases does not have an effect across the whole study area.     

The impact of race and ethnicity on the treatment of hepatitis C disease

Hepatitis C is the most common blood-borne infection in the United States and the most common cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality. There are signi-ficant racial/ethnic disparities in the epidemiology, natural history, and treatment outcomes of hepatitis C infection. These disparities have been characterized more extensively in the African American and white populations, but a few recent investigations have included analyses of hepatitis C infection in Hispanic, Alaska Native, American Indian, and Asian populations. Additional research into disease progression and treatment outcomes in these populations is needed.