Who wants a slimmer body? The relationship between body weight status, education level and body shape dissatisfaction among young adults in Hong Kong

Background

Body shape dissatisfaction has been thought to have an indispensable impact on weight control behaviors. We investigated the prevalence of body shape dissatisfaction (BSD) and explored its association with weight status, education level and other determinants among young adults in Hong Kong.

Methods

Information on anthropometry, BSD, and socio-demographics was collected from a random sample of 1205 young adults (611 men and 594 women) aged 18-27 in a community-based household survey. BSD was defined as a discrepancy between current and ideal body shape based on a figure rating scale. Cross-tabulations, homogeneity tests and logistic regression models were applied.

Results

The percentages of underweight men and women were 16.5% and 34.9% respectively, and the corresponding percentages of being overweight or obese were 26.7% and 13.2% for men and women respectively. Three-quarters of young adults had BSD. Among women, 30.9% of those underweight and 75.5% of those with normal weight desired a slimmer body shape. Overweight men and underweight women with lower education level were more likely to have a mismatch between weight status and BSD than those with higher education level. After controlling for other determinants, underweight women were found to have a higher likelihood to maintain their current body shapes than other women. Men were found to be less likely to have a mismatch between weight status and BSD than women.

Conclusions

Overweight and obesity in men and underweight in women were prevalent among Hong Kong young adults. Inappropriate body shape desire might predispose individuals to unhealthy weight loss or gain behaviors. Careful consideration of actual weight status in body shape desire is needed in health promotion and education, especially for underweight and normal weight women and those with a low education level.

A limited role for TP53 mutation in the transformation of follicular lymphoma to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

The role of TP53 mutation in transformation of follicular lymphoma (FL) to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (t-FL) was examined in a panel of 91 lymph node biopsies derived from 29 patients pre- and post-transformation. The entire TP53 coding sequence was screened and immunocytochemistry performed to determine expression of p53 and its key regulator MDM2. A total of 10 mutations were detected in eight patients (28%), although none were present at FL diagnosis. Mutations were not detected solely at the time of transformation; in three patients, mutated TP53 arose in at least one antecedent FL sample (6 months, 2.5 years and 4 years prior to transformation). Loss of heterozygosity at the TP53 locus occurred in 2/20 informative patients (only in t-FL samples). p53 staining was positive in 82% (9/11) of available biopsies with a missense mutation, and negative in 71% (45/63) with wtTP53. MDM2 expression was significantly higher in t-FL samples (mean 72% positive; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 68-76%) than FL (mean 58% positive; 95% CI 54-62%) (P<0.001) but did not correlate with TP53 status. TP53 mutation has only a limited role in the transformation of FL, exerting a heterogeneous influence upon phenotypic change. In contrast, dysregulation of MDM2 is frequent and may provide a more rational therapeutic target..

CD23 expression in mediastinal large B-cell lymphomas

AIMS

Mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (MLBCL) is a subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in the WHO classification with peculiar features, such as female prevalence, young patient age and bulky presentation. It shows a B-cell phenotype with variable expression of surface immunoglobulin, negative CD21 and CD10 and positive CD30 in a large number of cases. An origin from activated thymic B cells has been suggested in several studies. A subpopulation of large, dendritic cells (asteroid cells) strongly expressing CD23 has been identified amongst thymic B cells and these could represent the normal cellular counterpart for this type of primary mediastinal large cell lymphoma.

METHODS AND RESULTS

To explore this possibility, we immunostained 24 cases of primary mediastinal lymphomas and 100 cases of non-mediastinal, nodal and extranodal, DLBCLs for CD23 in routinely processed paraffin-embedded tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that a vast majority (70%) of mediastinal lymphomas strongly express CD23 whilst the same antigen is expressed in only 15% of non-mediastinal nodal DLBCLs and 9% of non-mediastinal extranodal DLBCLs. These results support the hypothesis that most cases of MLBCL arise from activated dendritic thymic B cells. We also suggest that CD23 should be included in the panel of antibodies currently used to characterize this subtype of DLBCL.

Diversity of bacterial populations on the tongue dorsa of patients with halitosis and healthy patients

The primary purpose of the present study was to compare the microbial profiles of the tongue dorsa of healthy subjects and subjects with halitosis by using culture-independent molecular methods. Our overall goal was to determine the bacterial diversity on the surface of the tongue dorsum as part of our ongoing efforts to identify all cultivable and not-yet-cultivated species of the oral cavity. Tongue dorsum scrapings were analyzed from healthy subjects with no complaints of halitosis and subjects with halitosis, defined as an organoleptic score of 2 or more and volatile sulfur compound levels greater than 200 ppb. 16S rRNA genes from DNA isolated from tongue dorsum scrapings were amplified by PCR with universally conserved bacterial primers and cloned into Escherichia coli. Typically, 50 to 100 clones were analyzed from each subject. Fifty-one strains isolated from the tongue dorsa of healthy subjects were also analyzed. Partial sequences of approximately 500 bases of cloned inserts from the 16S rRNA genes of isolates were compared with sequences of known species or phylotypes to determine species identity or closest relatives. Nearly complete sequences of about 1,500 bases were obtained for potentially novel species or phylotypes. In an analysis of approximately 750 clones, 92 different bacterial species were identified. About half of the clones were identified as phylotypes, of which 29 were novel to the tongue microbiota. Fifty-one of the 92 species or phylotypes were detected in more than one subject. Those species most associated with healthy subjects were Streptococcus salivarius, Rothia mucilaginosa, and an uncharacterized species of Eubacterium (strain FTB41). Streptococcus salivarius was the predominant species in healthy subjects, as it represented 12 to 40% of the total clones analyzed from each healthy subject. Overall, the predominant microbiota on the tongue dorsa of healthy subjects was different from that on the tongue dorsa of subjects with halitosis. Those species most associated with halitosis were Atopobium parvulum, a phylotype (clone BS095) of Dialister, Eubacterium sulci, a phylotype (clone DR034) of the uncultivated phylum TM7, Solobacterium moorei, and a phylotype (clone BW009) of STREPTOCOCCUS: On the basis of our ongoing efforts to obtain full 16S rRNA sequences for all cultivable and not-yet-cultivated species that colonize the oral cavity, there are now over 600 species.

Risk factors for hepatotoxicity associated with rifampin and pyrazinamide for the treatment of latent tuberculosis infection: experience from three public health tuberculosis clinics

SETTING

Three municipal tuberculosis (TB) clinics.

OBJECTIVES

Reports of liver injury in patients treated with a 2-month regimen of daily rifampin and pyrazinamide (2RZ) for latent TB infection have raised concern about its safety. We aimed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of 2RZ and identify risk factors for hepatotoxicity.

METHODS

We reviewed charts of adults started on 2RZ between 1999 and 2001. Cases with grade 3 hepatotoxicity (AST or ALT >5.0-20.0 x upper limit of normal) and grade 4 hepatotoxicity (AST or ALT >20.0 x upper limit of normal) were identified.

RESULTS

Of 148 patients prescribed 2RZ, 85 (57.4%) completed therapy. Grade 3 or 4 hepatotoxicity occurred in 14 patients (eight grade 4 cases). In multivariate analysis, hepatotoxicity was associated with female sex (odds ratio [OR] 4.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2-14.3) and with presumed recent infection (recent tuberculin skin test conversion or contact with a TB case) (OR 14.3; 95%CI 1.8-115), but not with alcohol use, illicit drug use, age, race, or pyrazinamide dose.

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatotoxicity occurred in a high proportion of patients prescribed 2RZ, and was more common among females and those with recent infection. Caution is warranted in using 2RZ in populations where its safety has not been established.

Diffractive dijet production at sqrt[s] = 630 and 1800 GeV at the Fermilab Tevatron

We report a measurement of the diffractive structure function F(D)(jj) of the antiproton obtained from a study of dijet events produced in association with a leading antiproton in pp collisions at sqrt[s] = 630 GeV at the Fermilab Tevatron. The ratio of F(D)(jj) at sqrt[s] = 630 GeV to F(D)(jj) obtained from a similar measurement at sqrt[s] = 1800 GeV is compared with expectations from QCD factorization and other theoretical predictions. We also report a measurement of the xi ( x-Pomeron) and beta ( x of parton in Pomeron) dependence of F(D)(jj) at sqrt[s] = 1800 GeV. In the region 0.035<xi<0.095, /t/<1 GeV2, and beta<0.5, F(D)(jj)(beta,xi) is found to be of the form beta(-1.0+/-0.1)xi(-0.9+/-0.1), which obeys beta-xi factorization.

Search for new heavy particles in the WZ0 final state in pp collisions at square root[s] = 1.8 TeV

We present the first general search for new heavy particles, X, which decay via X --> WZ0 --> e(nu)+jj as a function of M(X) and Gamma(X) in pp collisions at square root[s] = 1.8 TeV. No evidence is found for production of X in 110 pb(-1) of data collected by the Collider Detector at Fermilab. General cross section limits are set at the 95% C.L. as a function of mass and width of the new particle. The results are further interpreted as mass limits on the production of new heavy charged vector bosons which decay via W' --> WZ0 in an extended gauge model as a function of the width, Gamma(W'), and mixing factor between the W' and the standard model W bosons.

Study of B0 --> J/psiK(*)0pi(+)pi(-) decays with the collider detector at Fermilab

We report a study of the decays B0 --> J/psiK(*)0pi(+)pi(-), which involve the creation of a uu or dd quark pair in addition to a b -->c(cs) decay. The data sample consists of 110 pb(-1) of pp collisions at square root[s] = 1.8 TeV collected by the CDF detector at the Fermilab Tevatron collider during 1992-1995. We measure the branching fractions to be B(B0 --> J/psiK(*0)pi(+)pi(-)) = (6.6 +/- 1.9 +/- 1.1)x10(-4) and B(B0 --> J/psiK0pi(+)pi(-)) = (10.3 +/- 3.3 +/- 1.5)x10(-4). Evidence is seen for contributions from psi(2S)K(*)0, J/psiK0rho(0), J/psiK(*+)pi(-), and J/psiK1(1270).

Search for gluinos and scalar quarks in pp collisions at square root[s] = 1.8 TeV using the missing energy plus multijets signature

We have performed a search for gluinos (g) and scalar quarks (q) in a data sample of 84 pb(-1) of pp collisions at square root[s] = 1.8 TeV, recorded by the Collider Detector at Fermilab. We investigate the final state of large missing transverse energy and three or more jets, a characteristic signature in R-parity-conserving supersymmetric models. The analysis has been performed "blind," in that the inspection of the signal region is made only after the predictions from standard model backgrounds have been calculated. Comparing the data with predictions of constrained supersymmetric models, we exclude gluino masses below 195 GeV/c2 (95% C.L.), independent of the squark mass. For the case m(q) approximately m(g), gluino masses below 300 GeV/c2 are excluded.

Measurement of the strong coupling constant from inclusive jet production at the Tevatron pp collider

We report a measurement of the strong coupling constant, alpha(s)(MZ), extracted from inclusive jet production in pp collisions at square root[s] = 1800 GeV. The QCD prediction for the evolution of alpha(s) with jet transverse energy ET is tested over the range 40<ET<450 GeV using ET for the renormalization scale. The data show good agreement with QCD in the region below 250 GeV. The value of alpha(s) at the mass of the Z0 boson averaged over the range 40<ET<250 GeV is found to be alpha(s)(MZ) = 0.1178+/-0.0001(stat)+0.0081(-0.0095)(expt. syst). The associated theoretical uncertainties are mainly due to the choice of renormalization scale ((+6%)(-4%)) and input parton distribution functions (5%).

Dicoumarol toxicity in cattle associated with ingestion of silage containing sweet vernal grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum)

A diagnosis of dicoumarol toxicity in a herd of Friesian cattle was made following investigation of the deaths of three mature cows and eleven yearling heifers. Affected stock had been fed wrapped, bailed silage containing approximately 90% sweet vernal grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum). Sweet vernal grass contains coumarin, which can be converted to dicoumarol, a vitamin K antagonist, through the action of moulds. Most deaths were preceded by lethargy, severe anaemia and subcutaneous and internal haemorrhage. Dicoumarol toxicosis was suspected based on clinical signs, necropsy findings and prolonged prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin times. Dicoumarol analysis of blood from affected animals and silage confirmed the diagnosis. Activated partial thromboplastin time Haemoglobin Packed cell volume Prothrombin time Red cell count

Search for gluinos and squarks using like-sign dileptons in pp macro collisions at square root of s = 1.8 TeV

We present results of the first search for like-sign dilepton ( e(+/-)e(+/-), e(+/-)mu(+/-), mu(+/-)mu(+/-)) events associated with multijets and large missing energy using 106 pb(-1) of data in pp macro collisions at square root of s = 1.8 TeV collected during 1992-1995 by the CDF experiment. Finding no events that pass our selection, we examine pair production of gluinos (tilde g) and squarks (tilde q) in a constrained framework of the minimal supersymmetric standard model. At tan beta = 2 and mu = -800 GeV/c(2), we set 95% confidence level limits of M(tilde g)>221 GeV/c(2) for M(tilde g) approximately M(tilde q), and M(tilde q)>168 GeV/c(2) for M(tilde q)>>M(tilde g), both with small variation as a function of mu.

Observation of diffractive J/psi production at the Fermilab Tevatron

We report the first observation of diffractive J/psi(--> mu+mu-) production in pp collisions at root square[s] = 1.8 TeV. Diffractive events are identified by their rapidity gap signature. In a sample of events with two muons of transverse momentum p(mu)T>2 GeV/c within the pseudorapidity region /eta/ < 1.0, the ratio of diffractive to total J/psi production rates is found to be R(J/psi) = [1.45 +/- 0.25]%. The ratio R(J/psi)(x) is presented as a function of x-Bjorken. By combining it with our previously measured corresponding ratio R(jj)(x) for diffractive dijet production, we extract a value of 0.59 +/- 0.15 for the gluon fraction of the diffractive structure function of the proton.

Search for quark-lepton compositeness and a heavy W' Boson using the enu channel in p p macro collisions at square root of [s] = 1.8 TeV

We present searches for quark-lepton compositeness and a heavy W' boson at high electron-neutrino transverse mass. We use approximately 110 pb(-1) of data collected in p p macro collisions at square root of [s] = 1.8 TeV by the CDF Collaboration during 1992-1995. The data are consistent with standard model expectations. Limits are set on the quark-lepton compositeness scale Lambda, the ratio of partial cross sections sigma(W'-->enu)/sigma(W-->enu), and the mass of a W' boson with standard model couplings. We exclude Lambda<2.81 TeV and a W' boson with mass below 754 GeV/c(2) at the 95% confidence level. Combining with our previously published limit obtained using the muon channel, we exclude a W' boson with mass below 786 GeV/c(2) at the 95% confidence level.

Working with licensed cosmetologists to promote health: results from the North Carolina BEAUTY and Health Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

Beauty salons are located in all communities and represent a promising channel for delivering health promotion programs. No previous salon-based health promotion program has assessed the needs, interests, and preferences of licensed cosmetologists about sharing health information with their clients.

METHODS

Licensed cosmetologists in one town completed a mailed survey assessing (1) health topics typically discussed with clients, (2) interest in delivering messages about beauty and health, and (3) preferred methods for learning about and sharing health information with their clients.

RESULTS

The average cosmetologist sees 47 clients per week and spends 30-60 min per appointment. Eighty-two percent report that they are interested in talking about health with their clients. Most cosmetologists already discuss a wide range of health topics with their clients and are most comfortable discussing healthy eating (65.3%), physical activity (63.3%), and dieting (63.3%). Cosmetologists preferred reading pamphlets (55.1%) and watching educational videos (46.9%) to learn about beauty and health. Distributing pamphlets (69.4%), talking with clients (61.2%), and placing posters/mirror stickers in the salons (59.2%) were the methods cosmetologists most preferred for sharing health information with their clients.

CONCLUSIONS

Licensed cosmetologists are in a unique position to serve as "natural helpers" by delivering health messages to their clients and reinforcing those messages over time. Partnerships with licensed cosmetologists should be developed to deliver salon-based health promotion programs.

Charged-particle multiplicity pp collisions at square root of (s) = 1.8 TeV

We report on a measurement of the mean charged-particle multiplicity of jets in dijet events with dijet masses in the range 80-630 GeV/c(2), produced at the Tevatron in pp collisions with square root (s) = 1.8 TeV and recorded by the Collider Detector at Fermilab. The data are fit to perturbative-QCD calculations carried out in the framework of the modified leading log approximation and the hypothesis of local parton-hadron duality. The fit yields values for two parameters in that framework: the ratio of parton multiplicities in gluon and quark jets, r identical withN(g-jet)(partons)/N(q-jet)(partons) = 1.7+/-0.3, and the ratio of the number of charged hadrons to the number of partons in a jet, K(charged)(LPHD) identical with N(charged)(hadrons)/N(partons) = 0.57+/-0.11.

Double diffraction dissociation at the Fermilab Tevatron collider

We present results from a measurement of double diffraction dissociation in pp collisions at the Fermilab Tevatron collider. The production cross section for events with a central pseudorapidity gap of width Deltaeta(0)>3 (overlapping eta = 0) is found to be 4.43+/-0.02(stat)+/-1.18(syst) mb [ 3.42+/-0.01(stat)+/-1.09(syst) mb] at square root of (s) = 1800[630] GeV. Our results are compared with previous measurements and with predictions based on Regge theory and factorization.

Measurement of d sigma/dM and forward-backward charge asymmetry for high-mass Drell-Yan e(+)e(-) pairs from pp macro collisions at square root of s = 1.8 TeV

We report on a measurement of the mass dependence of the forward-backward charge asymmetry, A(FB), and production cross section d sigma/dM for e(+)e(-) pairs with mass M(ee)>40 GeV/c(2). The data sample consists of 108 pb(-1) of pp macro collisions at square root of s = 1.8 TeV taken by the Collider Detector at Fermilab during 1992-1995. The measured asymmetry and d sigma/dM are compared with the predictions of the standard model and a model with an extra Z' gauge boson.

Design and evaluation of a tryptophanless RecA protein with wild type activity

The C-terminal domain of the Escherichia coli RecA protein contains two tryptophan residues whose native fluorescence emission provides an interfering background signal when other fluorophores such as 1,N(6)-ethenoadenine, 2-aminopurine and other tryptophan residues are used to probe the protein's activities. Replacement of the wild type tryptophans with nonfluorescent residues is not trivial because one tryptophan is highly conserved and the C-terminal domain functions in both DNA binding as well as interfilament protein-protein contact. We undertook the task of creating a tryptophanless RecA protein with WT RecA activity by selecting suitable amino acid replacements for Trp290 and Trp308. Mutant proteins were screened in vivo using assays of SOS induction and cell survival following UV irradiation. Based on its activity in these assays, the W290H-W308F W-less RecA was purified for in vitro characterization and functioned like WT RecA in DNA-dependent ATPase and DNA strand exchange assays. Spectrofluorometry indicates that the W290H-W308F RecA protein generates no significant emission when excited with 295-nm light. Based on its ability to function as wild type protein in vivo and in vitro, this dark RecA protein will be useful for future fluorescence experiments.

Measurement of the top quark p(T) distribution

We have measured the p(T) distribution of top quarks that are pair produced in pp collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.8 TeV using a sample of tt decays in which we observe a single high- p(T) charged lepton, a neutrino, and four or more jets. We use a likelihood technique that corrects for the experimental bias introduced due to event reconstruction and detector resolution effects. The observed distribution is consistent with the standard model prediction. We use these data to place limits on the production of high- p(T) top quarks suggested in some models of anomalous top quark pair production.

The effects of augmented feedback on students' perceptions and performance

The effects of augmented feedback on perceptions of ability (SPA), practice behaviors, and performance during motor skill instruction of a novel task were investigated. Fourth-grade students (N = 103) were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: (a) no feedback; (b) motivational feedback; (c) task feedback; or (d) motivation and task feedback. They then practiced simple and complex cupstacking skills. On a relatively simple task, the type of feedback did not have a significant effect on children's SPA, practice behaviors, or performance; but on a more complex task, differential effects of feedback were evident. Results indicate that informational feedback is an important factor in facilitating student engagement, fostering positive perceptions of ability, and ultimately improving performance on a challenging task.

Carotid endarterectomy in patients 55 years of age and younger

Prior studies have suggested that young patients may be more prone to recurrent disease after carotid endarterectomy (CEA). The goal of this study was to review a series of CEAs performed on younger patients (< or = 55 years) and to determine if these patients are more likely to develop recurrent stenosis. A review was conducted of CEAs performed from 1985 through 1994. Analysis was performed on a study group of 94 young patients who underwent 109 CEAs during this time. A control group of 222 patients older than 55 years who underwent 256 CEAs during the years 1991 through 1993 was selected for comparison. During a mean of nearly 4 years of follow-up, younger patients were significantly more likely to experience a late failure of CEA, including total occlusion of the operated artery, or recurrent stenosis requiring redo surgery. Careful patient evaluation is important in choosing younger patients who require CEA. Implications of these data include mandating careful noninvasive follow-up examinations for younger patients undergoing CEA.

Gender-related psychosocial and cultural factors associated with condom use among Chinese married women

The present study explored the interplay of psychosocial, gender, and cultural factors on Chinese married women's condom use. A total of 433 Chinese married women residing in Hong Kong participated in the study. Correlation results showed that participants' conservative gender attitudes toward sexuality and sexual decision making were related to less accurate HIV/AIDS knowledge and less concern about contacting the disease from their husbands. About 34.4% of the sexually active participants never used condoms in the past 6 months, and current condom use was associated with egalitarian gender attitudes, positive feelings about condom use, and concerns about contacting HIV/AIDS from their husbands. Among all participants, 32.5% reported that they would not use condoms in their future sexual encounters. Future condom use was related to shorter duration of marriage, accurate HIV/AIDS knowledge, egalitarian gender attitudes, current condom use, and positive feelings about condom use. Results from the logistic regression analyses showed that egalitarian gender attitudes toward sexuality and positive feelings about condom use were the most salient predictors for current and future condom use.