Binge eating in obese adolescents: emotional and behavioral characteristics and impact on health-related quality of life

PURPOSE

This study explored binge eating among an adolescent obese population to ascertain the prevalence of bingeing, the relationship between binge eating and body mass index (BMI), and to evaluate significant relationships between binge eating, emotional/behavioral functioning, and health-related quality of life.

METHODS

Participants included 102 overweight adolescents aged 12-17 years presenting to a multidisciplinary outpatient obesity clinic. Data obtained included height, weight, and self-report questionnaire data on emotional and behavioral functioning.

RESULTS

Binge eating prevalence included 33% moderate to severe binge eating. Binge eating was significantly positively related to BMI and depression, negative mood, feelings of ineffectiveness, negative self-esteem and significantly negatively related to somatic complaints and all aspects of health-related quality of life. Important demographic differences emerged with regard to the impact of binge eating on health-related quality of life with Caucasians, females, and older groups experiencing more pervasive impact.

CONCLUSIONS

This research suggests that bingeing behaviors have pervasive and important implications for health-related quality of life for obese adolescents.

Psychosocial functioning in children and adolescents with extreme obesity

The aim of this study was to investigate the psychosocial differences among obese pediatric patients, particularly those who are "extremely obese" as compared to "obese." Information was collected for 249 subjects at a multidisciplinary treatment clinic for obese youth. A battery of measures was administered and demographic data and height/weight was obtained. The results showed positive correlations between degree of obesity, psychosocial functioning, and quality of life. Specifically, the "extremely obese" were significantly more depressed, more socially anxious, and had poorer quality of life than the "obese" group. Girls and Caucasians were more socially anxious than boys and African Americans, respectively. There is mounting evidence that children and adolescents who are extremely obese are most at risk for psychiatric and medical disorders. Thus, targeting this group for assessment and/or designing treatment options specific for "extremely obese" youth is critical for the successful management of this population.

A comparison of asthma prevalence and morbidity between rural and urban schoolchildren in Arkansas

BACKGROUND

Asthma disproportionately affects minority and low-income children. Investigations that focus on high-risk pediatric populations outside the inner city are limited.

OBJECTIVE

To compare asthma prevalence and morbidity in urban and rural children in Arkansas.

METHODS

We administered a validated survey to parents of children enrolled in urban and rural school districts in Arkansas. Rates of asthma diagnosis, asthma symptoms, medication use, and health care utilization were compared between urban and rural groups.

RESULTS

Age and sex distributions were similar; however, 85% of rural and 67% of urban children were black and 78% of rural and 37% of urban children had state-issued medical insurance (P < .001 for both). Provider-diagnosed asthma was similar in the rural vs urban groups (19% vs 20%); however, rural children were more commonly diagnosed as having chronic bronchitis (7% vs. 2%, P < .001). Rural children had more asthma morbidity compared with urban children, including recurrent trouble breathing (odds ratio [OR], 1.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5-2.2), recurrent cough (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.9-2.6), recurrent chest tightness (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.5-2.2), and repeated episodes of bronchitis (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.7-2.8) during the preceding 2 years. Rural children were more likely to report symptoms consistent with moderate to severe asthma compared with urban children (46% vs. 35%, P < .001). There were no differences in health care utilization between groups.

CONCLUSION

Asthma prevalence was similar between representative rural and urban groups in Arkansas, but asthma morbidity was significantly higher in the rural group.

Effect of face mask dead volume, respiratory rate, and tidal volume on inhaled albuterol delivery

INTRODUCTION

Pediatric patients often require metered-dose inhaler (MDI) with holding chamber (HC) to overcome lack of coordination when receiving inhaled therapy. In infants and young children unable to use a mouthpiece, it is necessary to use a mask interface. We compared the effect of varying mask static dead volume (SDV), respiratory rate (RR), and tidal volume (VT) on albuterol captured at the mouth opening (ACMO) in an in vitro model.

METHODS

An Aerochamber Max(R) without and with three mask sizes (SDV of 10, 36, 85, and 200 ml, respectively) was connected in series to a filter holder and breathing simulator. ACMO was measured at VTs = 36, 72, 145, and 290 ml and RR of 12 and 24. Each experiment comprised 10 puffs run for six respiratory cycles each. Albuterol was quantified via spectrophotometry at 276 nm. A P-value of 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

Increasing VT increased ACMO (all SDVs and RRs). Adding SDV decreased ACMO, except for the small mask at VTs = 145 and 290 ml at RR = 12. Increasing SDV decreased ACMO, except at VT = 36 ml (all masks) and VT = 72 ml (small = medium) at RR = 12 and VT = 36 ml (small = other and medium > large) at RR = 24. Increasing RR increased ACMO for all SDVs at VTs = 36 and 72 ml, but not for VTs = 145 and 290 ml, except for no and large mask at VT = 145 ml.

CONCLUSION

In general, decreasing SDV, increasing VT, and increasing RR increase ACMO. Early transition from face mask to mouthpiece should be considered in children receiving albuterol via MDI with HC.

Effect of the AIN-93M purified diet and dietary restriction on survival in Sprague-Dawley rats: implications for chronic studies

Survival, growth and dietary intake (DI) variables were monitored in a chronic 114-wk study in which male Sprague-Dawley rats [n = 120; National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR) colony] consumed the AIN-93M purified diet ad libitum (AL), or an amount reduced by 31% of total AL intake inclusive of all macro- and micronutrients. The main objectives were to ascertain the survival characteristics of rats fed the AIN-93M diet and to determine whether dietary restriction (DR) increases longevity of rats fed this casein-based diet compared with the use of mixed-protein sources of the NIH-31 cereal-based diet in an earlier study. Body, liver, brain, the brain/body ratio, spleen, thymus and kidney weights, body length and body density were decreased (P < 0.05) by DR, whereas testis weight and skull length were not altered by DR. Significant age effects at 58 and 114 wk were found for body, brain, the brain/body ratio, liver and testis weights, and body density. Survival rates for the AL and 31% DR groups were 43.3 and 57.5%, respectively. Survival curves were not significantly different. The survival rate for AL rats fed the AIN-93M diet was not different from that of AL rats fed the NIH-31 diet (43.3 and 51.7%, respectively). However, the survival rate for 31% DR rats fed the AIN-93M diet was significantly lower than 25% DR rats fed the NIH-31 diet (57.5 and 87.5%, respectively) although both groups had similar body weights and energy intake at various ages. Nutritional components in the NIH-31 diet that are missing and/or reduced in the AIN-93M diet may interact with DR to increase 114-wk survival. Although the survivability, growth and anatomical results of this study suggest that the AIN-93M diet is suitable for chronic rodent studies, additional studies such as comprehensive histopathologic and physiologic investigations must be undertaken to complete the evaluation process.

Domain 1.1 of the sigma(70) subunit of Escherichia coli RNA polymerase modulates the formation of stable polymerase/promoter complexes

The sigma 70 (sigma(70)) subunit of Escherichia coli RNA polymerase specifies transcription from promoters that are responsible for basal gene expression during vegetative growth. When sigma(70) is present within polymerase holoenzyme, two of its domains, 2.4 and 4.2, interact with sequences within the -10 and -35 regions, respectively, of promoter DNA. However, in free sigma(70), DNA binding is prevented by domain 1.1, the N-terminal domain of the protein. Previous work has demonstrated that the presence of domain 1.1 is required for efficient transcription initiation at the lambda promoter P(R). To investigate whether this is a general property of domain 1.1, we have used five promoters to compare polymerases with and without domain 1.1 in in vitro transcription assays, and in assays assessing the formation and decay of stable, pretranscription complexes. We find that the absence of domain 1.1 does not render the polymerase defective at all of these promoters. Depending on the promoter, the absence of domain 1.1 can promote or inhibit transcription initiation by affecting the formation of stable pretranscription complexes. However, domain 1.1 does not affect the stability of these complexes once they are formed. For polymerases containing domain 1.1, the efficiency of stable complex formation correlates with how well the -10 and -35 regions of a promoter match the ideal sigma(70) recognition sequences. However, when domain 1.1 is absent, having this match becomes less important in determining how efficiently stable complexes are made. We suggest that domain 1.1 influences initiation by constraining polymerase to assess a promoter primarily by the fitness of its -10 and -35 regions to the canonical sequences.

Analysis of promoter sequences from Lactobacillus and Lactococcus and their activity in several Lactobacillus species

Promoter-active fragments were isolated from the genome of the probiotic organism Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain GG using the promoter-probe vector pNZ272. These promoter elements, together with a promoter fragment isolated from the vaginal strain Lactobacillus fermentum BR11 and two previously defined promoters (Lactococcus lactis and Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356 slpA), were introduced into three strains of Lactobacillus. Primer-extension analysis was used to map the transcriptional start site for each promoter. All promoter fragments tested were functional in each of the three lactobacilli and a purine residue was used to initiate transcription in most cases. The promoter elements encompassed a 52- to 1,140-fold range in promoter activity depending on the host strain. Lactobacillus promoters were further examined by surveying previously mapped sequences for conserved base positions. The Lactobacillus hexamer regions (-35: TTgaca and -10: TAtAAT) closely resembled those of Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, with the highest degree of agreement at the -10 hexamer. The TG dinucleotide upstream of the -10 hexamer was conserved in 26% of Lactobacillus promoters studied, but conservation rates differed between species. The region upstream of the -35 hexamer of Lactobacillus promoters showed conservation with the bacterial UP element.

Effects of amino acid substitutions at conserved and acidic residues within region 1.1 of Escherichia coli sigma(70)

Amino acid substitutions in Escherichia coli sigma(70) were generated and characterized in an analysis of the role of region 1.1 in transcription initiation. Several acidic and conserved residues are tolerant of substitution. However, replacement of aspartic acid 61 with alanine results in inactivity caused by structural and functional thermolability.

Efficiency of transcription from promoter sequence variants in Lactobacillus is both strain and context dependent

The introduction of consensus -35 (TTGACA) and -10 (TATAAT) hexamers and a TG motif into the Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356 wild-type slpA promoter resulted in significant improvements (4.3-, 4.1-, and 10.7-fold, respectively) in transcriptional activity in Lactobacillus fermentum BR11. In contrast, the same changes resulted in decreased transcription in Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. The TG motif was shown to be important in the context of weak -35 and -10 hexamers (L. fermentum BR11) or a consensus -10 hexamer (L. rhamnosus GG). Thus, both strain- and context-dependent effects are critical factors influencing transcription in Lactobacillus.

Properties and sequence of a female-specific, juvenile hormone-induced protein from locust hemolymph

In the fat body of Locusta migratoria, an RNA transcript of about 800 nucleotides has been detected that is specific to the adult female and dependent on induction by juvenile hormone (JH) or an analog. The corresponding cDNA has been cloned (lambda 21) and a 718-base pair sequence determined. It encodes a 196-amino acid polypeptide, including a signal peptide. An NH2-terminal sequence has 24 out of 28 amino acids identical with those of a previously described 19K locust hemolymph protein, but the remainder of the sequence shows no similarity. From adult female hemolymph, a 21-kDa protein, designated 21K protein, has been purified, with an NH2-terminal sequence exactly matching that deduced from clone lambda 21. This 21K protein is found only in the adult female, is dependent on induction by JH, and is assumed to represent the product of the lambda 21 gene. It shows no immunochemical cross-reaction with locust 19K protein, apolipophorin III, nor with vitellogenin (Vg). Its isoelectric point is pH 5.4; it contains some carbohydrate. 21K protein is synthesized in adult female fat body, accumulates in hemolymph, and is taken up into the developing oocytes in parallel with Vg. In locusts deprived of JH with precocene, production of 21K protein and of lambda 21-hybridizing transcripts is induced by the JH analog, methoprene, in parallel with Vg and its mRNA. Because of its sex-, stage-, and JH-dependent regulation, coordinate with Vg, the 21K protein will be valuable for analysis of gene expression.

Developing a tool to measure functional changes in advanced dementia

The purpose of this study was to develop a valid and reliable tool to measure functional change in older persons with moderate to severe dementia. The process was a collaborative one, drawing on the skills of both nurse researchers and clinicians. In Phase I of this study, 20 nursing assistants and 3 licensed nurses volunteered as subjects to develop the new scale. Phase II of the study involved 27 subjects with a known diagnosis of dementia to test the scale's interrater reliability and criterion validity. The results demonstrated significant correlation among the raters and between the instruments. The investigators reported promising results from both the method of using staff expertise in scale development and the scale itself.

Structure of the cloned Locusta migratoria mitochondrial genome: restriction mapping and sequence of its ND-1 (URF-1) gene

We have cloned the entire mitochondrial genome of Locusta migratoria in four fragments and characterised by restriction mapping. In addition, we have sequenced a 1,095 kb region containing the ND-1 (URF-1) gene. The inferred primary structure of the protein is highly homologous to its Drosophila counterpart (68%). The gene is flanked at the 5' end by the tRNA(CUNleu) gene, interrupted by the sequence TTG. The 3' end is flanked by the tRNA(UCNser) gene, followed by a sequence homologous to the 3' end of D. yakuba cytochrome b. The relative position of the genes is conserved between Locusta and Drosophila, thus indicating conservation of mitochondrial gene order in insects.

The gene for the large (16S) ribosomal RNA from the Locusta migratoria mitochondrial genome

The nucleotide sequence of a segment of the mtDNA molecule of the locust Locusta migratoria containing the complete large rRNA (16S) gene and some nucleotides in its vicinity has been determined. The gene contains 1314 nucleotides, comprising the smallest metazoan gene reported to date. The gene has a low content of GC (21%) and exhibits an extended sequence homology to the corresponding gene of the dipteran insect Drosophila yakuba, suggesting a comparable secondary structure. The gene structure is discussed in an evolutionary and functional context.

Crossed immunoelectrophoresis of rat serum

A crossed immunoelectrophoresis (X-IEP) reference profile of normal (Sprague-Dawley) rat serum antigens was developed. Twenty-three antigens were detected; 13 were identified. These included inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor, alpha 1-antichymotrypsin, and fibronectin, which had not previously been identified in rat serum. Many of the antigens were similar electrophoretically to their analogs in human and mouse serum, but some were substantially different. Inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor, fibronectin, and C3 globulin were more anodic, while transferrin was more cathodic. Rat haptoglobin's mobility was between those of human and mouse haptoglobins. As in the mouse, but more so, alpha-macroglobulin in the rat had alpha 1 mobility rather than alpha 2 seen for this protein in human serum. Only rat alpha 1-antichymotrypsin exhibited a double peak. There were variations in haptoglobin and alpha 1-lipoprotein mobilities among different strains of rat. This establishment of a standard X-IEP map of rat serum will simultaneously permit multiple quantitative and qualitative analyses of rat serum antigens for various experimental and clinical purposes.

Separate roles of androgen and oestrogen in the manipulation of growth and efficiency of food utilization in female rats

The roles of androgen and oestrogen in the perinatal and postpubertal stages of development on the masculinization of female patterns of growth have been investigated in several experiments in rats. A stimulatory effect of testosterone on subsequent growth and efficiency of food utilization was only observed when administered perinatally to intact females as the propionate ester. Thus females which were untreated (or androgenized) perinatally and ovariectomized at weaning failed to grow more rapidly or utilize food more efficiently when treated with mixed testosterone esters from 36 to 38 days of age. Also autoimmunity to luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LH-RH) had little effect on the growth or efficiency of food utilization of male rats, although testicular development was grossly affected. An inhibitory effect of oestrogen on subsequent growth and efficiency of food utilization was demonstrated by surgical ovariectomy and by autoimmunity to LH-RH. Also perinatal administration of oestradiol benzoate to intact female rats depressed growth below that of untreated intact litter-mate females until about 50 days of age. Then oestradiol benzoate-treated female rats grew to a larger size than untreated intact litter-mates but not to a heavier weight than untreated litter-mate females which like the oestradiol benzoate-treated females, were ovariectomized at 18-21 days of age. Both of these groups of female rats differed markedly in weight gain from females which were perinatally androgenized and ovariectomized at weaning. The effects of androgenization and ovariectomy on weight gain were comparable and additive in female rats fed restrictedly or ad libitum. Nevertheless, androgenized + ovariectomized female rats fed restrictedly or ad libitum failed to grow as rapidly as male rats. Some additional factor(s) prevents complete masculinization of the female pattern of development. The stimulatory effects of androgenization and ovariectomy on the growth of females appear to be related to endocrine mechanisms controlling the onset of pubertal changes in somatic development.

Drool control and tongue thrust therapy for the mentally retarded

The evaluation and neurophysiologically based treatment for drooling and infantile tongue thrust found in adolescent, mentally retarded persons living in an institution is reported. Eleven residents were treated over a two-year-period. Evaluation was made of the specific oral dysfunctions thought to contribute to drooling, rather than the composite dysfunction of drooling, so that treatment could be definitive. Tongue immobility, including infantile tongue thrust, is the dysfunction most often seen. There has been some success in inhibiting infantile tongue thrust, resulting in improved ability to eat, as well as in decreased drooling.

Comparison of two methods for detecting antibiotic residues in slaughter animals

A comparison was made of the sensitivity of two methods in current use for the detection of antibiotic residues in slaughter animals. Calves previously given therapeutic injections of an antibiotic were used and a variety of samples were tested.

Detection of antibiotic residues in calf tissues

Groups of calves were injected with penicillin, ampicillin or oxytetracycline and a variety of samples were taken from the calves when slaughtered and tested for the presence of antibiotic residues by microbiological assay. Diaphragm and urine samples were found to be suitable for measuring detectable levels of antibiotics in calves given therapeutic injections.

Tactile function of educable mentally retarded children

The tactile perception ability of 29 seven-and eight-year-old educable mentally retarded children was evaluated by using the tactile perception portions of the Southern California Sensory Integration Tests. The children were also observed for tactile defensive behavior. Compared to normal children of the same age (as reported in normative data), this sample of children was significantly inferior in manual form, finger identification, graphesthesia, and perception of simultaneous stimuli, but not in the localization of single stimuli. During the testing, 62 percent showed tactile defensive behavior. The role of tactile perception in the development of symbolic communications is reviewed.

Adjuvant-induced antired blood cell activity in CBA mice

Various micro-organisms are known to act as immunological adjuvants and included amongst these are Corynebacteriaceae. Numerous studies on Corynebacterium parvum have shown, in particular, its ability to cause proliferation and enhanced activity of the reticulo-endothelial system. This organism also leads in mice to anaemia and this report describes the simultaneous appearance of a red cell autoantibody in mice injected with C. parvum or another diphtheroid (SF 16) isolated from rheumatoid joint fluid. The significance of this latter observation is considered in relation to the unexplained anaemia of rheumatoid arthritis.