Smoking, body image and dieting habits among adolescents. A 3-year follow-up of adolescents aged 15-18 years

Several studies indicate that the differences in smoking habits which have hitherto prevailed between the sexes are decreasing, partly because of the increase in smoking among young Norwegian women. It has been suggested that concern about body image and weight gain is of particular relevance to women taking up smoking. In this article we present findings from a cohort study among 646 adolescents between the ages of 15 and 18 years. The results indicate that boys start smoking later than girls, and that concern about weight gain, body image and dieting plays a more important role in girls' than in boys' smoking habits at the age of 15. These factors are unrelated to boys' smoking habits at the age of 18, whereas they contribute significantly in predicting girls' smoking habits three years later. Furthermore, the results show that among girls, those who smoke are more concerned about gaining weight. Our findings emphasize the importance of implementing smoking prevention programmes at different age levels, using different motivating factors for boys and girls.     

Smoking, body image and reducing diet. A three-year follow-up of adolescents aged 15-18 years

Several studies indicate that the differences in smoking habits which have hitherto prevailed between the sexes are decreasing, partly because of the increase in smoking among young Norwegian women. It has been suggested that concern about body image and weight gain is of particular relevance to women taking up smoking. In this article we present findings from a cohort study among 646 adolescents between the ages of 15 and 18 years. The results indicate that boys start smoking later than girls, and that concern about weight gain, body image and dieting plays a more important role in girls' than in boys' smoking habits at the age of 15. These factors are unrelated to boys' smoking habits at the age of 18, whereas they contribute significantly in predicting girls' smoking habits three years later. Furthermore, the results show that among girls, those who smoke are more concerned about gaining weight. Our findings emphasize the importance of implementing smoking prevention programmes at different age levels, using different motivating factors for boys and girls.     

Splenectomies for Hodgkin's disease--a study of the period 1984-1994

Explorative laparotomy with ensuing splenectomy in Hodgkin's disease is applied for the first time in the Stanford University in the late 60-ies. Opinions on the pros and cons of the method in terms of number of cases, complications and the like are largely dissenting. The analysis covers 153 patients with Hodgkin's disease subjected to splenectomy. Primary diagnosis is made on the ground of lymph node biopsy. Wide spreading of the disease, coincidence of diagnoses in different locations and complications are briefly discussed, with recommendations made concerning improvement of the organization of sample handling and correlation with the clinical findings.     

Prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus infection, mortality rate, and serogroup distribution among patients with pneumococcal bacteremia at Denver General Hospital, 1984-1994

The hemagglutinating virus of Japan (HVJ)-liposome method involves the entrapment of DNA and nuclear protein within liposomes and the use of HVJ to enhance liposome fusion with cell membranes. This method has been used successfully for in vivo gene transfer to various types of tissue. In this study, we investigated whether this method transfers genes effectively to normal and malignantly transformed keratinocytes in vivo. We applied HVJ-liposome complex (HLC) containing the beta-galactosidase gene to the tape-stripped skin of hairless rats and detected the enzyme activity in the keratinocytes of the treated skin. Comparison of this method with the naked DNA injection method, which was shown recently to be useful for in vivo gene transfer to keratinocytes, demonstrated that the transfer efficiency of the latter was about 5 times higher than that of the former. We assessed the efficacy of the HVJ-liposome method for gene transfer to transformed keratinocytes by examining the effect of HLC containing the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene on the growth of mouse squamous cell carcinomas. Local injection of HLC into the tumors followed by administration of ganciclovir to mice resulted in tumor growth inhibition. These results indicate that the HVJ-liposome method is suitable for in vivo gene transfer to keratinocytes; also that this method may prove a good tool for basic research into keratinocyte biology and future keratinocyte gene therapy.     

Methadone-related overdose deaths in South Australia, 1984-1994. How safe is methadone prescribing?

We report a patient in whom 11 years after the treatment of a breast tumour, bilateral ovarian metastases were disclosed. Surgical exploration confirmed unique ovarian metastases within a 'clean' abdomen and pelvis. The particularities of this case compared with the literature are the rather long interval of 11 years and the fact that no other metastases were present. The literature indeed reveals that most of the patient with ovarian metastases are premenopausal, have bilateral involvement; the ovarian metastases occur within a few years and are frequently accompanied by other metastases.     

Dental health amongst 11-15-year-old children in Sevagram, Maharashtra

Although most subdural hematomas are considered to be venous in origin, they may also be of arterial origin. When subdural bleeding is due to the rupture of an intracranial aneurysm, most commonly at the middle cerebral or internal carotid arteries, the amount of subdural blood is usually small and of no clinical importance. We describe two patients with subdural hematomas secondary to rupture of an intracranial aneurysm, who needed prompt surgical treatment. The first patient had a left internal carotid artery aneurysm at the origin of the ophthalmic artery. In the second patient the aneurysm was at the anterior communicating artery and rebled into the subdural space directly through a right intraparenchymatous frontobasal hematoma. The most probable mechanism of subdural bleeding in our two patients was the existence of adhesions between the aneurysm and the arachnoid due to previous minor hemorrhages. The indication of cerebral angiography in a patient with subdural hematoma is based mainly upon the existence of meningeal signs, the presence of blood in more than one intracranial compartment or the rapid progression of bleeding.     

Changes in drinking problems among whites, blacks, and Hispanics: 1984-1992

This paper reports changes in drinking problems among Whites, Blacks, and Hispanics between 1984 and 1992. A probability sample including 1,777 Whites. 1,947 Blacks, and 1,453 Hispanics in the United States adult household population was interviewed in 1984. In 1992 a subsample consisting of 788 Whites, 723 Blacks, and 703 Hispanics was reinterviewed. Results show a decrease in problem prevalence among Whites, stability among Blacks, and an increase among Hispanics. Problem incidence was higher among Hispanics than among Whites and Blacks, put problem remission was higher among Whites. Women had a lower problem incidence but a higher problem remission than men, independent of ethnicity. The two best predictors of problem status in 1992 were reporting a problem in 1984 and reporting a high level of consumption in 1984.     

Bicycle helmet use among American children, 1994

The authors tested preoperatively and postoperatively for binocularity in a series of 29 adults who underwent surgery for long-standing concomitant strabismus. The authors used Bagolini lenses, troposcope and Worth's lights as the tests for binocularity. The patients in whom the postoperative deviation was greater than 10 prism diopters from orthotropia were excluded. Binocularity was not find at any patient before surgery. The authors made a finding of binocularity after strabismus surgery in 14% of patients, in spite of satisfactory parallel ocular alignment in 52% of patients. The results of development of binocularity after strabismus surgery in adults were not as good in this series as the other authors found.     

Simultaneous acquisition of [13C,15N]- and [15N,15N]-separated 4D gradient-enhanced NOESY spectra in proteins

The simultaneous acquisition of a 4D gradient-enhanced and sensitivity-enhanced [13C,15N]/[15N,15N]-separated NOESY is presented for the 74-residue [13C,15N]-labeled N-terminal SH3 domain of mGrb2 complexed with a peptide fragment from mSOS-2 in 90% H2O. The method readily accommodates different 13C and 15N spectral widths, but requires that the same number of increments be collected for both 13C and 15N in the simultaneous dimension (F2). For purposes of display and analysis, the two 4D spectra can be deconvolved during the processing stage by the appropriate linear combination of separately stored FIDs. Compared to collecting each of these two 4D data sets separately, the presented method is a factor (2)1/2 more efficient in sensitivity per unit acquisition time. The interleaved nature of this method may also lead to improved peak registration between the two 4D spectra.     

Occupational injuries among workers with disabilities: the National Health Interview Survey, 1985-1994

CONTEXT: As the baby boom generation ages, more people will be working with disabilities, but we have little information regarding how disabilities affect risk for occupational injury. OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that work-limiting disabilities in general and hearing and visual impairments in particular are risk factors for occupational injuries. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: The National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), 1985 to 1994. PARTICIPANTS: The 459827 participants in the NHIS from 1985 to 1994 who listed "working" as their primary activity, who were not farmers, and who were between 18 and 65 years of age. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Occupational injuries in the year preceding the interview causing a residual impairment at the time of interview. RESULTS: After adjusting for occupation, self-employment, and age, occupational injury was associated with preceding work disability (odds ratio [OR], 1.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19-1.56); blindness (OR, 3.21; 95% CI, 1.32-7.85); deafness (OR, 2.19; 95% CI, 1.17-4.12); hearing impairment (OR,1.55; 95% CI, 1.29-1.87); upper extremity impairment (OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.05-2.05); and arthritis (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.07-1.68). Visual impairment was not associated with a significantly increased risk (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 0.87-2.17). CONCLUSIONS: Workers with disabilities, especially sensory impairments, appear to have an elevated risk for occupational injury. Further research in the design and evaluation of improved workplace accommodations for workers with these disabilities is needed.     

Revolution in Australian surgery, 1914-1994

Between 1914 and 1994, Australian surgery has undergone a period of unique growth and scientific revolution. It has been influenced by the effects of two world wars, two lesser engagements in Asia (Korea and Vietnam) and vast developments and social changes in the Australian Commonwealth. The pioneer surgeon, whose background was general practice, has evolved into today's member of a scientifically orientated professional body which is responsible for its own standards, training and management.     

Intestinal parasites among the Southeast Asian laborers in Taiwan during 1993-1994

Medical practice and medical education are undergoing revolutionary changes all over the world. Even though the denominators of change are usually viewed at national and institutional levels, global trends also play an important role, and international co-operation is needed now, more than ever. Thailand with its rapid rate of change serves as an interesting example for review.     

Alterations in acid-base balance and serum electrolyte concentrations in cattle: 632 cases (1984-1994)

OBJECTIVE: To determine typical alterations in acid-base balance and serum electrolyte concentrations in cattle grouped on the basis of age, breed type, hydration status, clinical signs, and underlying disease. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 632 cattle. PROCEDURE: Information on blood pH, PVO2, PVCO2, HCO3-concentration, and base excess (BE) as well as serum or plasma sodium, potassium, chloride, and total carbon dioxide concentrations was obtained. Values for calves (ie, cattle < 1 month old) were compared with values for cattle > or = 1 month old. Within each age-group, values were compared for cattle grouped on the basis of breed type, previous treatment, and hydration status. Proportions of cattle with various disorders for which values were within, greater than, or less than reference ranges were determined. RESULTS: BE, pH, and HCO3- concentration were significantly higher and PVCO2 and sodium, potassium, and chloride concentrations were significantly lower among cattle > or = 1 month old than calves. Base excess and HCO3- concentration were significantly lower among dairy than beef calves. Sodium and potassium concentrations were significantly lower among dairy than beef cattle > or = 1 month old. A higher proportion of cattle that did not survive had a high anion gap than cattle that did survive. Sodium, potassium, and chloride concentrations were significantly lower among dehydrated cattle than cattle that were not dehydrated. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Because certain alterations were consistently found in some groups of cattle, it may be possible to make reasonable predictions of alterations in acid-base balance and serum electrolyte concentrations when laboratory evaluations are not available.     

The characteristics of poliovirus strains circulating in Ukraine in 1982-1994]

The intratype characteristics of 219 strains of polioviruses isolated in Ukraine in 1982-1994 from infectious patients including those with poliomyelitis, healthy persons and from the environment objects (sewage, water of open reservoirs, drinking water, food products) are presented. It was shown that 38.35% of strains isolated from people and 15.12%--from abiotic objects possessed virulent properties, i.e., the long-term use of the live poliomyelitis vaccine has not stopped circulation of virulent polioviruses.     

The epidemiological profile and current evolutionary trends in tuberculosis in adolescents (15-19 years old) in the capital]

Necrotoxigenic Escherichia coli (NTEC) are associated with intestinal and extraintestinal diseases in animals and human beings and produce Cytotoxic Necrotizing Factor 1 (CNF1) or 2 (CNF2). Fourty-three NTEC1, 42 NTEC2, and 32 CNF-negative isolates from cattle were tested by colony DNA hybridization, by plasmid DNA hybridization and by PCR assays for the presence of DNA sequences homologous to the operons coding for fimbrial (PAP/PRS, SFA/FIC, and F17) and afimbrial (AFA/Dr) adhesins of extraintestinal E. coli. Most NTEC1 isolates hybridized with the PAP probes and either the SFA probe (37%) or the AFA probes (49%). Most NTEC2 isolates, in contrast, hybridized with the F17 probe (45%), the AFA probes (19%), or the F17 and AFA probes (22%). A probe-positive plasmid was identified in each of the 19 NTEC2 isolates studied. They all hybridized with the CNF2 toxin probe (Vir plasmids) and most of them with the F17 (6 plasmids) or AFA (7 plasmids) probes. PCR amplification was obtained with 6 of the 11 NTEC isolates tested for the papGII/prsG genes; with all 5 NTEC isolates tested for the sfa and related operons; but with none of the 18 NTEC isolates tested for the afa and related operons. pap-, sfa-, and afa-related sequences are thus present in NTEC isolates from cattle in addition to f17-related operons and may code for adhesins corresponding to specific colonization factors. f17- and afa-related sequences can be located on the Vir plasmids along with the cnf2 gene. Existence of new variants of the AFA/Dr family is evident from the negative results of this family-specific PCR assay.