Eating style and food storage habits in the home. Assessment of obese and nonobese families

Two home observations of eating styles and food storage and food cues in eight obese and eight nonobese families were conducted. Obese and nonobese children and their respective obese and nonobese parents were observed at dinner time and assessed on several different eating behaviors. Observers also recorded foods visible in the home and foods found on the first shelves of the freezer, refrigerator, and the most frequently used cupboard. Results did not reveal a different eating style between obese and nonobese families, although obese daughters appeared to eat differently than nonobese daughters. There were also similarities and differences in eating behaviors between children and parents, independent of individuals' weight status. Caloric totals of food storage, visible foods, and calories consumed appeared to be higher in obese households at the first observation, although obese families reduced the quantity of visible foods, and food consumption at observation two. The validity of socially desirable behaviors collected from more than one observation period and implications of the variability of the target behaviors when assessing obese families' eating styles and food habits are discussed.

Assessing generalization of treatment effects and self-efficacy in the modification of eating styles in obese children

The present study implemented a brief behavioral treatment program designed to alter the eating styles of 16 obese children and assessed the generalizability of children's eating styles from a laboratory setting to a school cafeteria. Results indicated that obese children exhibited significantly different eating styles at different mealtimes across the two settings. The treatment program was also found effective in altering eating styles in both settings. Although no significant differences between the eating styles of obese and normal weight children were observed prior to treatment, the 2-week follow-up observation in the natural setting demonstrated a different eating style between obese and normal weight peers. Results also indicated that a self-efficacy rating scale was no more effective than a control measure in predicting post-treatment eating styles.

DNA sequencing with direct blotting electrophoresis

A method for transferring the DNA molecules of sequencing reaction mixtures onto an immobilizing matrix during electrophoresis has been developed. A blotting membrane moves with constant speed across the end of a very short, denaturing gel and collects the molecules according to size. A constant distance between bands for molecules differing in length by one nucleotide is obtained over a large range (approximately 600 nucleotides with a 5% gel), simplifying the determination of DNA sequences considerably. Reliable sequences of 500 nucleotides can be read and sequence features up to greater than 1000 nucleotides are revealed in a single experiment. The sequencing of a potential Z-DNA-forming fragment from Escherichia coli DNA is given as an example and possible further developments are discussed.

A comparison of children who receive and who do not receive permission to participate in research

In a study examining children's social competence in elementary school settings, the authors had the opportunity to compare children who received parental permission to participate to children who did not receive permission. Results indicated that children who were not involved in the study were more likely to be viewed by teachers as having unsatisfactory relationships with peers than children who were in the study. The present results suggest that investigators begin reporting the number of children who do not participate in a given study and begin examining whether minors who receive parental permission differ on important dimensions from minors who do not receive such permission. Ethical considerations of the present study are discussed.

Generalized histiocytosis X in the elderly: a light and electron microscope and monoclonal antibody study

Two elderly female patients are described with generalized histiocytosis X (Letterer-Siwe disease). In each case, a definitive diagnosis was not established until ultrastructural and immunoperoxidase investigations had been performed. The histopathological findings in skin biopsies from each patient were similar. Light microscopy demonstrated a bandlike epidermotrophic cellular infiltrate which included large atypical cells (histiocytosis X cells). Electron microscopy showed that these cells contained Birbeck granules. Monoclonal antibody studies demonstrated the presence of T6, T4 and HLA-DR surface antigens. Lysozyme and alpha-I-antitrypsin were absent from the cells. The associated cellular infiltrate included T4 and T8 positive lymphocytes. It is possible that more cases of generalized histiocytosis X in adults will be identified with the increasing use of specialized histopathological techniques and that the disease is more common than currently believed.

A fatal case of toxic-shock syndrome following cholecystectomy

Toxic-shock syndrome is less common in the United Kingdom than in the United States, and in both countries the majority of cases have been diagnosed in menstruating women (de Saxe et al., 1982). Reingold et al. (1982) reviewed 130 cases of non-menstrual related toxic-shock syndrome in the United States. They detailed specific criteria for case definition and quoted a fatality rate of 9.2 per cent. Only 17 of these cases were associated with infected surgical wounds and none followed cholecystectomy. The onset of symptoms was one to 64 days post-operatively (median two days), and in all but one of these cases the signs of wound infection were minimal. We describe a fatal case of toxic-shock syndrome which occurred in an elderly man 25 days after cholecystectomy where the focus of infection was a wound sinus.

[Comparative studies on the rotavirus syndrome following infection with human rotavirus of the subgroup 1 or 2]

Human rotavirus infection which heals spontaneously causes gastroenteritis in newborns and infants. 150 pediatric patients infected with rotavirus as diagnosed by ELISA suffered from diarrhoea for an average of 3 days, from vomiting for 1 day, and/or fever for 1-2 days. Nowadays this disease is known as "human rotavirus syndrome". Human rotaviruses can be divided into at least 4 serotype antigens and some 3 further subgroup antigens. The serotype antigens are only detectable biologically (e.g. by neutralization test), whereas the subgroup antigens can be demonstrated as specific proteins by a solid-phase test (ELISA). This study investigated whether an infection with human rotavirus of subgroup 1 (21%) or 2 (77%), which occur most frequently causes different degrees of severity of the rotavirus syndrome. The clinical comparison of 27 (subgroup 1) and 98 (subgroup 2) infected patients shows that the disease is not significantly different. This means that the detection of subgroup antigens 1 and 2 does not result in a different prognosis for the disease. The diagnosis of subgroup antigens after human rotavirus infection is therefore clinically important only for the detection of nosocomial infections, especially due to the rarely occurring subgroups 1 and 3.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Patient with unique clinical and physiologic features

Lethargy, marked muscle weakness and rigidity, a maximal temperature of 40 degrees C, and a maximal creatine kinase value of 17,240 IU/liter developed in a 36-year-old woman following treatment with several neuroleptics. Initial treatment with dantrolene was unsuccessful. The patient's condition improved gradually over a 10-day period with no specific therapy. Muscle biopsy revealed a contracture pattern diagnostic of malignant hyperthermia susceptibility, as well as abnormal sensitivity to fluphenazine. This report may be the first description of a patient with neuroleptic malignant syndrome in whom muscle biopsy response similar to that seen in malignant hyperthermia occurred and documents that dantrolene is not uniformly successful therapy for this syndrome.

Inverted papilloma of the nose. Some aspects of aetiology

A study of 43 cases of inverted papilloma of the nose has been made. These cases, arising from a moderately well-defined geographical area, were seen between 1955 and 1980. A detailed clinical and histological review was made in each case. No correlation has been found between any of the variable histological features and the potential of a particular papilloma to recur. The overall incidence of transformation to carcinoma is low, even after multiple recurrences. The findings suggests that there may be an extrinsic factor contributing to the causation of these tumours.

Gastrointestinal complications of mycosis fungoides

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is an uncommon T-cell lymphoma which characteristically involves the skin. Two patients with MF are described who developed fatal complications secondary to involvement of the gastrointestinal tract. One developed malabsorption due to small intestinal involvement; the other had a massive haemorrhage from an ulcerated nodule of tumour in the stomach. The potential for extracutaneous spread is discussed, and it is emphasized that bowel infiltration should be considered in any patient with MF who develops gastrointestinal symptoms or complications.

Parents as change agents in the management of their developmentally delayed children's noncompliant behaviors: a critical review

The present paper reviews the behavioral parent training literature that has focused on reducing noncompliance with developmentally delayed children. Several factors are identified which may make parental attempts to reduce developmentally delayed children's noncompliance difficult. The 13 studies reviewed are separated into group and single case approaches, and each study was assessed on a number of methodological factors. The studies generally report success in modifying non-compliance; however, the variability in the experimental rigor of the reviewed studies preclude definitive conclusions from being made at this time about the efficacy of training parents to reduce noncompliance with delayed children. As examples, only a few studies have collected parental data and home observational data. Clinical and training considerations are also discussed, such as the need to identify parental and marital characteristics that may influence training success and identify which specific training techniques are most effective in teaching parents contingency management procedures. Finally, suggestions for training parents of delayed children are offered.

Cold storage of the pancreas with a view to preservation of islet cell function following transplantation

Three solutions, hyperosmolar citrate, modified Collins' C2, and Sacks' II solutions were compared as media for cold storage preservation (arterial infusion and subsequent cold storage in the same medium at 0-4 C) of the rat pancreas with a view to preservation of endocrine function. Pancreatic isotransplantation was performed following cold ischemic intervals of 0, 24, 30, and 36 hr, into streptozotocin-induced diabetic recipients. Results were assessed by normoglycemic survival and insulin response, together with K values following i.v. glucose tolerance tests at 3 months postoperatively; 24-hr preservation was achieved with equal success using modified Collins' C2 solution or hyperosmolar citrate-but not with Sacks' II solution. Preservation for 30 hr was consistently successful using modified Collins C2 solution only, but the period could not be extended with success to 36 hr. Hypoglycemia and hyperinsulinemia occurred 24 hr postoperatively in the majority of animals receiving grafts stored in Sacks' II solution, but to a much lesser extent using modified Collins' C2 and hyperosmolar citrate. This was also temporarily seen in grafts stored for 36 hr in modified Collins C2 solution. At 3 months postoperatively after 30 hr cold ischemia, i.v. glucose tolerance tests showed the hyperosmolar citrate cold-stored grafts had lower K values and significantly reduced insulin responses compared with grafts stored in modified Collins' C2 solution. The modified Collins' C2 solution proved to be the most effective of the three solutions tested.

Isolation of Z-DNA-containing plasmids

A purified, monoclonal antibody, specific for the left-handed Z-form of poly(dG-dC), was coupled covalently to Sephacryl S-1000 beads. Such an antibody column provides a convenient method to isolate and purify those plasmid DNAs that contain Z-DNA from a large excess of other DNAs, RNA, etc. From a library of Escherichia coli DNA, cloned into the vector plasmid pUC-8, several recombinant plasmids were isolated, which bind to this antibody. Thus, E. coli contains sequences, which in "natural" negatively supercoiled DNA, adopt a left-handed Z-DNA-like conformation.

Pancreatic transplantation in the rat. Long-term study following different methods of management of exocrine drainage

A major problem in pancreas transplantation is the management of exocrine drainage. Isotransplantation has been performed in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats using a microsurgical technique, and four methods of exocrine drainage have been compared over a nine-month period. The duct system was ligated, left open to drain into the peritoneal cavity, or obliterated with latex or with Ethibloc I occlusion gel. Biochemical follow-up included determinations of serum glucose concentration, intravenous and oral glucose tolerance tests (GTTs), and insulin assays. Histological studies were performed at 1 and 9 months posttransplant. All animals became normoglycemic after the operation. Although 25 out of 28 remained normoglycemic throughout the period of study, oral GTTs performed at six months indicated impaired endocrine function in some of the ligated, freely draining, and Ethibloc I-obliterated animals. Latex-obliterated grafts showed normal oral GTTs up to 9 months postoperatively. Intravenous GTTs showed impairment of endocrine function in all groups, but this was least evident in the latex-obliterated rats. These changes were supported by the peak serum insulin levels during the GTTs. Histologically, long-term ligated, freely draining, and Ethibloc I-obliterated pancreas grafts showed similar degrees of exocrine degeneration, fibrosis, and disruption of islets of Langerhans. In contrast, long term latex-obliterated pancreas grafts demonstrated minimal exocrine tissue and intact islets.

Influence of the genotype of mice on the effect of interferon on phagocytic activity of macrophages

The influence of genotype on interferon effect on phagocytic activity of unstimulated mouse peritoneal macrophages (MPM) was studied in in vitro experiments. Treatment of MPM from BALB/c and ICR mice with mouse fibroblast interferon (MuIFN-beta) enhanced the ingestion of non-opsonized Escherichia coli. This effect was dose-dependent and neutralized by anti-interferon globulin. MPM from C57B1/6 mice were not stimulated by the same treatment. Treatment of MPM with pH 2-sensitive immune interferon (MuIFN-gamma) depressed the ingestion independently on the genotype of mice.

Rat pancreas allotransplantation: a short term comparison of rejection patterns with different methods of exocrine drainage

Pancreas transplantation has been performed in the rat to study the effect on rejection of duct ligation, duct obliteration and duct open intraperitoneal drainage. On day six, an acceleration of graft damage was seen in the duct ligated and obliterated allografts compared to the duct open group. However, by day 11, rejection was complete in all three groups. In comparison with pancreatic isografts, the histological diagnosis of rejection can be difficult to define, particularly in the duct ligated and obliterated groups. The most useful criterion was the localisation of the cellular infiltrate to the walls of small veins and within the islet of Langerhans.

Effects of enhanced conventional therapy on metabolic control in children with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

We implemented a three-phase, 32-wk program to improve both self-regulation of adherence behaviors and insulin delivery in children with diabetes. Twenty children, aged 8-12 yr (mean duration 3.6 yr), enrolled. Phase 1 (wk 1-12) used behavior modification to improve diet, exercise, urine testing, and insulin adjustment, targeting an increased percentage negative urines. Feedback training and parent checks were used to improve reliability; adherence was measured using Clinitest placebos. Phase 2 (wk 13-20) was a stabilization period. Phase 3 (wk 21-32) studied the effect of insulin dose adjustment, comparing once-versus twice-daily shots in 10 pairs of children matched for %GHb. GHb, fasting plasma glucose, and lipids were measured at baseline and at the end of each phase. Results revealed a significant and sustained increase in negative urine tests, but no change in % GHb or FBG. Reliability of and adherence to urine tests were 83% and 76%, respectively. During phase 3, no significant differences were noted between groups receiving once- or twice-daily insulin injections. Thus, behavior modification resulted in increased reliability and adherence to routines, associated with a reliable increase in negative urines. This did not, however, produce changes in other control measures. Furthermore, no differences between those receiving 1 or 2 daily shots were evident.

A new manifestation of thrombocytopenia: myocardial haemorrhage with symptomatic arrhythmia

We describe a patient with thrombocytopenia who developed episodes of dyspnoea due to recurrent cardiac arrhythmia. Necropsy revealed that the apparent mechanism was extensive myocardial haemorrhage.

The effects of targeting improvements in urine glucose on metabolic control in children with insulin dependent diabetes

A treatment program designed to increase the percentage of negative urine tests was implemented using a multiple-baseline across groups design in a sample of 19 families of children with insulin dependent diabetes. The treatment involved instruction in insulin adjustment, decrease in intake of simple sugars and saturated fats, and increase in exercise, along with teaching the parents to support improvements in children's self-regulatory behaviors using a point economy and praise. New procedures designed to measure and reinforce adherence to the urine testing regimen were developed. Results showed significant increases in percentage of negative urines consistent with implementation of treatment across the three treatment groups, which were maintained over the follow-up period. Metabolic measures of control, including glycosylated hemoglobin and serum glucose did not show improvements even though the relationship between the percentage of negative urine tests and glycosylated hemoglobin was very high during treatment.

A stereological analysis of the effect of 19-nortestosterone (Durabolin) on rat skeletal muscle

It is known that some anabolic steroids are capable of increasing the sizes of skeletal muscles or increasing their mechanical performance. The present study was undertaken to establish quantitatively the alterations which occur in skeletal muscle fibres as a result of the injection of 19-nortestosterone (nandrolone phenyl proprionate). Specimens of diaphragm were obtained from the experimental and control animals and prepared for electron microscopy and stereological analyses. Following low doses of the steroid stereological analyses have shown that in Type I and in intermediate fibres their mitochondrial volume proportions increase though their myofilament contents decrease. With higher doses, stereological analyses have shown that the mitochondrial volume proportions were increased particularly in intermediate fibres whilst the myofilament content of Type I and II fibres was significantly reduced.

Levels of alpha-fetoprotein in amniotic fluids of mice (curly-tail) with neural tube defects

Mutant curly-tail mice are genetically predisposed to produce offspring with neural tube defects. Estimation of alpha-fetoprotein in the amniotic fluid of fetuses of these mutants has shown that the levels are raised in fetuses with exencephaly and open spina bifida. This suggests that these mice are a valid model for studies of the aetiology and genesis of neural tube defects in man.

Psychiatric training for emergency medicine residents on a multidisciplinary team

The Cincinnati General Hospital Emergency Department has a training program for emergency medicine residents on a multidisciplinary emergency psychiatry team. This essential training should occur in the emergency department setting rather than in psychiatric inpatient units of state hospital settings. There are advantages and disadvantages to this arrangement. Nonmedical members of the emergency psychiatry team train and support emergency medicine residents in a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. Some observations are made about how the emergency medicine residents deal with emotionally disturbed patients. Finally, 80% of emergency medicine residents responded to questionnaire on their reactions to the multidisciplinary emergency psychiatry team.

Polymorphonuclear leukocyte phagocytosis: quantitation by a rapid radioactive method

A rapid quantitative assay of phagocytosis has been developed. The method has been used to determine the phagocytic capability of human or dog polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN's) in a defined medium without added sera. The engulfment of 3H-labeled Staphylococcus albus is essentially complete in 30 minutes at 37 degrees C. Increase of phagocyte radioactivity is directly proportional to PMN per cubic centimeter over a wide range of cell concentrations. Maximal phagocytosis is observed at pH 7.5.