The contribution of lead in water to dietary lead intakes

Preliminary experiments have been carried out to determine the uptake of lead from both hard and soft waters used in the preparation of food and beverages. Lead concentrations in water for the range of 0.05-0.5 mg litre^?1 were used to prepare composite groups representing root vegetables, other vegetables and beverages whose composition reflected per capita consumption of these foods in the UK. The uptake of lead from water was highest for the composite group of other vegetables which comprises 70% by weight of green vegetables. For each of the composite groups and the particular water samples used there was little relative difference in uptake whether foods were prepared in hard or soft water. Calculations of the contribution made by lead in water used for preparation of foods and beverages to the total dietary lead intake indicates that at levels of lead of 0.02 mg litre^?1, the contribution is about 10% but this can rise to about 40% as lead levels in the water approach 0.1 mg litre^?1.     

Primary prevention of eating disorders.

Eating disorders have increased dramatically over the past two decades, but the primary prevention of these disorders has received little attention. This article summarizes our current understanding of anorexia nervosa and bulimia and offers some suggestions for the primary prevention of these disorders at the individual, family, and community levels. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Patient and therapy process variables relating to dropout and change in psychotherapy.

Investigated the relationship between pretherapy patients and process variables and change in 91 19–54 yr old adults who received psychotherapy from 26 trainees at a university teaching hospital. Pretherapy measures included Rotter's Internal–External Locus of Control Scale, the Eysenck Personality Inventory, and the SCL-90 (Revised). Upon termination of therapy, Ss completed the SCL-90, the Barrett-Lennard Relationship Inventory—Form OS64, and a personal evaluation form; therapists completed a psychotherapy process inventory and a discharge summary. Results indicate that process variables rather than preexisting S traits were the best predictors of outcome. Therapist ratings of Ss' involvement in therapy were the best single predictor of symptomatic change. Variables differentiating dropouts from remainers were also investigated. Few outcome differences were observed between Ss who remained in and Ss who dropped out of therapy. (27 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Interactional group therapy for anorexic and bulimic women.

Describes interactional group therapy for anorexic and bulimic women, as it was used for 12 groups (with 4–8 Ss each) conducted over 4.5 yrs. Bulimics and anorexics were combined because it is believed that the 2 types of eating-disordered patients have much that they can learn from each other. Group themes particularly relevant to eating-disordered women are discussed, including confidentiality, sexuality, commonalities between the 2 types, and transference. Stages in the evolution of the group and strategies for facilitating group process are reviewed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Direct patient computer interviewing.

Proposes that recent developments in direct computer interviewing of patients in clinical settings range from comprehensive behavioral and psychiatric assessment and diagnostic systems to special topic interviews (e.g., suicide risk, drug and alcohol use, sexual dysfunction). Early trials with computer-based psychotherapy have now been extended to cognitive therapy for depression and patient education. Advantages of computer interviewing include high patient acceptance, low costs for routine interviewing, and balance of structure and reliability with flexibility and individualized question flow. It is suggested that research in this area move from demonstration and feasibility studies to the impact of patient interviews on clinical and research systems and studies of the interview process itself. (56 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Depressive symptom experiences among older women: A comparison of alternative measurement approaches.

Age differences in depressive symptom experiences were investigated in a community sample of women (N?=?287, aged 55–95 years). The purpose of the analysts was to compare the age-depression relation using 3 different measurement approaches: (a) a standard screening scale, (b) a clinical diagnostic, and (c) a latent variable measurement approach. The analysis, which uses structural equation modeling procedures, extends earlier confirmatory factor analyses of the Symptom Checklist-90—Revised Depression and Additional Symptoms scales conducted by Newmann, Engel, & Jensen (1990, 1991). Findings show that each measurement approach leads to different conclusions about the age-depression relation, with only the latent variable measurement showing a significant increase in depressive symptoms with advancing age. Implications of these findings for future research on aging and depression are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)