The UK HeartSpare Study (Stage II): Multicentre Evaluation of a Voluntary Breath-hold Technique in Patients Receiving Breast Radiotherapy.

AIMS: To evaluate the feasibility and heart-sparing ability of the voluntary breath-hold (VBH) technique in a multicentre setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were recruited from 10 UK centres. Following surgery for early left breast cancer, patients with any heart inside the 50% isodose from a standard free-breathing tangential field treatment plan underwent a second planning computed tomography (CT) scan using the VBH technique. A separate treatment plan was prepared on the VBH CT scan and used for treatment. The mean heart, left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) and lung doses were calculated. Daily electronic portal imaging (EPI) was carried out and scanning/treatment times were recorded. The primary end point was the percentage of patients achieving a reduction in mean heart dose with VBH. Population systematic (Σ) and random errors (σ) were estimated. Within-patient comparisons between techniques used Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. RESULTS: In total, 101 patients were recruited during 2014. Primary end point data were available for 93 patients, 88 (95%) of whom achieved a reduction in mean heart dose with VBH. Mean cardiac doses (Gy) for free-breathing and VBH techniques, respectively, were: heart 1.8 and 1.1, LAD 12.1 and 5.4, maximum LAD 35.4 and 24.1 (all P<0.001). Population EPI-based displacement data showed Σ =+1.3-1.9 mm and σ=1.4-1.8 mm. Median CT and treatment session times were 21 and 22 min, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The VBH technique is confirmed as effective in sparing heart tissue and is feasible in a multicentre setting.

Phantom hand and wrist movements in upper limb amputees are slow but naturally controlled movements.

After limb amputation, patients often wake up with a vivid perception of the presence of the missing limb, called "phantom limb". Phantom limbs have mostly been studied with respect to pain sensation. But patients can experience many other phantom sensations, including voluntary movements. The goal of the present study was to quantify phantom movement kinematics and relate these to intact limb kinematics and to the time elapsed since amputation. Six upper arm and two forearm amputees with various delays since amputation (6months to 32years) performed phantom finger, hand and wrist movements at self-chosen comfortable velocities. The kinematics of the phantom movements was indirectly obtained via the intact limb that synchronously mimicked the phantom limb movements, using a Cyberglove® for measuring finger movements and an inertial measurement unit for wrist movements. Results show that the execution of phantom movements is perceived as "natural" but effortful. The types of phantom movements that can be performed are variable between the patients but they could all perform thumb flexion/extension and global hand opening/closure. Finger extension movements appeared to be 24% faster than finger flexion movements. Neither the number of types of phantom movements that can be executed nor the kinematic characteristics were related to the elapsed time since amputation, highlighting the persistence of post-amputation neural adaptation. We hypothesize that the perceived slowness of phantom movements is related to altered proprioceptive feedback that cannot be recalibrated by lack of visual feedback during phantom movement execution.

High-intensity interval training alters ATP pathway flux during maximal muscle contractions in humans.

AIM: High-intensity interval training (HIT) results in potent metabolic adaptations in skeletal muscle; however, little is known about the influence of these adaptations on energetics in vivo. We used magnetic resonance spectroscopy to examine the effects of HIT on ATP synthesis from net PCr breakdown (ATPCK ), oxidative phosphorylation (ATPOX ) and non-oxidative glycolysis (ATPGLY ) in vivo in vastus lateralis during a 24-s maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). METHODS: Eight young men performed 6 sessions of repeated, 30-s 'all-out' sprints on a cycle ergometer; measures of muscle energetics were obtained at baseline and after the first and sixth sessions. RESULTS: Training increased peak oxygen consumption (35.8 ± 1.4 to 39.3 ± 1.6 mL min(-1) kg(-1) , P = 0.01) and exercise capacity (217.0 ± 11.0 to 230.5 ± 11.7 W, P = 0.04) on the ergometer, with no effects on total ATP production or force-time integral during the MVC. While ATP production by each pathway was unchanged after the first session, 6 sessions increased the relative contribution of ATPOX (from 31 ± 2 to 39 ± 2% of total ATP turnover, P < 0.001) and lowered the relative contribution from both ATPCK (49 ± 2 to 44 ± 1%, P = 0.004) and ATPGLY (20 ± 2 to 17 ± 1%, P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: These alterations to muscle ATP production in vivo indicate that brief, maximal contractions are performed with increased support of oxidative ATP synthesis and relatively less contribution from anaerobic ATP production following training. These results extend previous reports of molecular and cellular adaptations to HIT and show that 6 training sessions are sufficient to alter in vivo muscle energetics, which likely contributes to increased exercise capacity after short-term HIT.

Use of calorie information at fast food and chain restaurants among US youth aged 9-18 years, 2010.

BACKGROUND: To examine whether youth use calorie information when it is available at fast food/chain restaurants and what factors are associated with using this information to make their food selection. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on a sample of 721 youth (9-18 years) using the 2010 YouthStyles and HealthStyles surveys. The outcome measure was reported use of calorie information at fast food/chain restaurants. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the associations between sociodemographic variables and the use of calorie information at fast food/chain restaurants. RESULTS: Of those who visited fast food/chain restaurants, 42.4% reported using calorie information at least sometimes. Girls were more likely than boys (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.2-2.5) and youth who were obese were more likely than those at a healthy weight (aOR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.04-2.9) to use calorie information, and youth eating at a fast food/chain restaurant twice a week or more versus once a week or less were half as likely to report using calorie information (aOR = 0.5, 95% CI = 0.4-0.8). CONCLUSION: Public health education efforts can benefit from research to determine how to increase usage among youth so that their food choices are appropriate for their caloric needs.

Predominance of D2 receptors in mediating dopamine's effects in brain metabolism: effects of alcoholism.

Dopamine signals through D1-like and D2-like receptors, which can stimulate or inhibit, respectively, neuronal activity. Here we assessed the balance between D1 or D2 receptor signaling in the human brain and how it is affected in alcoholism. Using PET, we measured the relationship between changes in dopamine and brain glucose metabolism induced by methylphenidate in controls and alcoholics. We show that methylphenidate induced significant DA increases in striatum, amygdala, and medial orbitofrontal cortex, whereas it decreased metabolism in these brain regions. Methylphenidate-induced dopamine increases were greater in controls than in alcoholics, whereas methylphenidate-induced metabolic decreases were greater in alcoholics. For both groups, methylphenidate-induced dopamine increases were associated with decreases in regional brain metabolism, and the correlations were strongest in subthalamic nuclei, anterior cingulate, and medial orbitofrontal cortex. These correlations were more extensive and robust and the slopes steeper in alcoholics than in controls despite their attenuated dopamine responses to methylphenidate, which suggests an impaired modulation of dopamine signals in the brain of alcoholic subjects. These findings are consistent with a predominant inhibitory effect of dopamine in the human brain that is likely mediated by the prominence of dopamine D2/D3 receptors.

Comparison of two shampoos as sole treatment for canine bacterial overgrowth syndrome.

Two antibacterial shampoos for the treatment of canine bacterial overgrowth syndrome (BOGS) were compared in a prospective controlled clinical trial. Forty dogs with clinical signs (pruritus, erythema and excoriations without pustules and/or collarettes) and cytological findings compatible with bacterial overgrowth were treated twice weekly with 3 per cent chlorhexidine shampoo (3 per cent CHX) or 2.5 per cent benzoyl peroxide shampoo (2.5 per cent BPO) and evaluated every two weeks for up to six weeks until cytological cure. Pruritus, erythema, greasy seborrhoea, malodour, excoriations, secondary hair loss, lichenification, hyperpigmentation and lesion extent were each scored on a 0 to 3 severity scale and combined to calculate an aggregate score. Among the 34 dogs with good compliance to treatment, reduction of cocci counts of at least 90 per cent was recorded in 11 of 18 dogs after 3 per cent CHX and nine of 16 dogs after 2.5 per cent BPO, with no significant difference between the two products (P=0.98). Lesion score was significantly reduced in both groups (63.48 (34.45)) per cent with 3 per cent CHX v 54.45 (33.61) per cent with 2.5 per cent BPO, P=0.36) and time to cytological cure was not significantly different between groups (P=0.13), at the end of the treatment. In the present study, 3 per cent CHX and 2.5 per cent BPO were similarly effective in the treatment of canine BOGS.

Comparison of two shampoos for the treatment of canine Malassezia dermatitis: a randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: Two antimicrobial shampoos for treatment of canine Malassezia dermatitis (CMD) were compared in a prospective, randomised, single-blinded, field clinical trial. METHODS: Sixty-seven dogs with pedal or generalised dermatitis associated with Malassezia overgrowth (MO) were treated with 3% chlorhexidine shampoo (3%CHX) or 2% miconazole-2% chlorhexidine shampoo (2%MIC/CHX) and evaluated for up to 6 weeks until cytological recovery. Pruritus, erythema, papules, greasy seborrhoea, scaling, malodour, excoriations, secondary hairloss, lichenification, hyperpigmentation and lesion extent were each scored on a 0-3 severity scale and combined making an aggregate score. RESULTS: Among 54 dogs with good treatment compliance, reduction of yeast counts by at least 88% was recorded in 21 of 22 dogs with 3%CHX and 30 of 32 dogs with 2%MIC/CHX. No significant difference was detected between products for yeast count reduction (P=0·592). Time to cytological recovery was not significantly different between groups (P=0·960). Lesion score was significantly reduced in both groups after treatment (72·5 ±25·7% with 3%CHX versus 78·7 ±22·3% with 2%MIC/CHX, P=0·309). Four dogs treated with chlorhexidine shampoo showed minor adverse effects. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In this study, 3%CHX was clinically as effective as 2%MIC/CHX for treatment of CMD.

Therapeutic efficacy of topical hydrocortisone aceponate in experimental flea-allergy dermatitis in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the treatment efficacy of a topical spray containing hydrocortisone aceponate (HCA) on dogs with flea-allergy dermatitis (FAD). DESIGN: A controlled clinical study was conducted on dogs with experimentally induced FAD. Sixteen laboratory beagles with mild to moderate clinical signs were divided into two groups. The test group received HCA by topical spray once daily for 7 days, while the control group did not. Pruritic events (time and frequency) were videotaped and then scored. Clinical signs (erythema, papules, excoriation and alopecia) present on four anatomical regions were monitored and their severity directly assessed. RESULTS: After 2 days, pruritus was reduced by 94% in the treatment group and by 24% in the control group (P = 0.014) in cumulative time, and by 86% versus 34% (P = 0.034) in frequency. The HCA spray also resulted in significant improvements in overall clinical signs: 23% versus 0% in the control group (P = 0.0006) on day 3 and 43% versus 15% in the control group (P = 0.0006) on day 7. During the 7-day trial, no drug-related adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Topical treatment with HCA showed a rapid and potent antipruritic effect on dogs with FAD. HCA also demonstrated significant overall therapeutic effects on FAD-associated skin lesions.

Physical activity advice to manage chronic conditions for adults with arthritis or hypertension, 2007.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence and characteristics of persons with arthritis or hypertension who received advice from their health-care professional to manage their condition. METHODS: Data from 9 states were obtained from the 2007 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Two modules (Arthritis Management and Actions to Control High Blood Pressure) were analyzed (sample sizes: arthritis 29,698, hypertension 29,783). RESULTS: Fifty-five percent of persons with arthritis and 75.8% of persons with hypertension reported that their health-care professional ever suggested physical activity or exercise to help manage their condition. Correlates for being less likely to receive advice were lower levels of education, longer time since last routine doctor visit, being physically inactive, and having lower body mass index. Among inactive, normal weight persons, 43.0% (95% CI: 38.7, 47.4) with arthritis and 50.0% (95% CI: 44.4, 55.6) with hypertension reported receiving advice; among inactive, obese patients, 59.1% (95% CI: 55.8, 62.3) with arthritis and 74.0% (95% CI: 70.5, 77.3) with hypertension reported receiving advice. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that health-care professionals may base physical activity counseling more on body mass index than a patient's activity level. To manage chronic health conditions, health-care professionals should assess patient's physical activity and offer all patients appropriate counseling.

Efficacies of osaterone and delmadinone in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia in dogs.

A multicentre randomised clinical trial was performed to compare the therapeutic potential of osaterone acetate with that of delmadinone acetate in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia in dogs. The osaterone was administered orally at 0.25 mg/kg bodyweight once a day for seven days to 73 dogs. The delmadinone was administered by a single intramuscular or subcutaneous injection at 3 mg/kg bodyweight to 69 dogs. During the 180-day trial, the dogs were monitored five times for their clinical signs and prostate volume. The two drugs were similarly effective in reducing the clinical signs and inducing complete clinical remission, and both induced a similar level of minor, mostly transitory adverse effects. Osaterone reduced the volume of the prostate glands of the dogs significantly more quickly than delmadinone.

Physical education and academic achievement in elementary school: data from the early childhood longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVES: We examined the association between time spent in physical education and academic achievement in a longitudinal study of students in kindergarten through fifth grade. METHODS: We used data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 1998 to 1999, which employed a multistage probability design to select a nationally representative sample of students in kindergarten (analytic sample = 5316). Time spent in physical education (minutes per week) was collected from classroom teachers, and academic achievement (mathematics and reading) was scored on an item response theory scale. RESULTS: A small but significant benefit for academic achievement in mathematics and reading was observed for girls enrolled in higher amounts (70-300 minutes per week) of physical education (referent: 0-35 minutes per week). Higher amounts of physical education were not positively or negatively associated with academic achievement among boys. CONCLUSIONS: Among girls, higher amounts of physical education may be associated with an academic benefit. Physical education did not appear to negatively affect academic achievement in elementary school students. Concerns about adverse effects on achievement may not be legitimate reasons to limit physical education programs.

Health perceptions and demographic characteristics associated with underassessment of body weight.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the relationship between BMI and perceived weight status and to determine how underassessment of weight status is associated with demographic characteristics, self-reported general health, and perceived health risk in relation to one's body weight. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: In the 2004 Styles surveys, 3,888 US adult participants described their current weight status (underweight, about right, slightly overweight, very overweight), which we compared with self-reported BMI in order to determine concordance. We used multivariable logistic regression to evaluate associations between underassessment of body weight and characteristics of interest. RESULTS: Among persons with a BMI>or=25, women were more likely than men to recognize their overweight status (slightly or very overweight; 93.0% of women vs. 73.5% of men) and the extent to which they were overweight: 70.4% of obese women vs. 49.5% of obese men described themselves as very overweight. Among the overweight and obese of both sexes, disagreement with regard to current weight as a health risk was associated with underassessment of weight. Additional factors associated with underassessment were education and race/ethnicity among overweight women; race/ethnicity among overweight men; household income and self-rated health among obese women; and self-rated health among obese men (P<0.05). DISCUSSION: While most of the obese participants recognized that they were overweight, many of them, particularly among the men, did not realize the extent to which they were overweight. Public health messages may be more effective if they are specifically tailored to target audiences, besides emphasizing the health risks associated with excess body weight.

Factors associated with errors in self-reported height and weight in older adults.

OBJECTIVES: Describe the distribution and direction of self-reported versus measured height and weight using variables associated with aging such as cognition, health status, age, and bone mineral density (BMD), and examine the effect of these measurement differences on body mass index (BMI) classification. DESIGN: Data was derived from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANESIII) conducted from 1988-1994, a nationwide probability sample. PARTICIPANTS: 4,590 non-institutionalized older adults aged 60 and older. MEASUREMENTS: Self-reported and measured height and weight, demographic and lifestyle characteristics, BMD, and subscales from the Mini Mental State Exam were used. Values were considered correct if self-reported height was within one inch of measured height, self-reported weight was within 5 lbs of measured weight, and self-reported BMI was within the same classification as measured BMI. RESULTS: Over-reported height increased with age in both men and women, occurring in 70% of those aged 80 and older. Compared to people with normal BMD, a significantly higher proportion of osteoporotic men (76% versus 47%, P<0.001) and women (52% versus 35%, P<0.001) over-reported their height. Additionally, significant misclassifications of self-reported height and weight occurred among people in poor health and those with poor performances on memory and calculation tests. Nevertheless, there was agreement in BMI classification among almost 80% of the population and among 90% of individuals in the healthy BMI category. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that among an older population, self-reported height and weight may be strongly related to age-associated changes in health status, cognition and BMD.

Perceived health risk of excess body weight among overweight and obese men and women: differences by sex.

OBJECTIVES: To describe perceptions of health risk from excess body weight among adults, and assess if lack of perceived risk was associated with trying to lose weight. METHODS: Sex-specific logistic regression models were used to determine odds of disagreement that one's weight is a health risk and odds of trying to lose weight among overweight (BMI=25.0-29.9 kg/m(2), n=1296) and obese (BMI> or =30 kg/m(2), n=1335) adult participants in the 2004 Styles' surveys. RESULTS: Men were more likely than women to disagree their body weight was a health risk (among the overweight, 62% vs. 43%; the obese 20% vs. 14% obese). Disagreement with risk was associated with good health status and race/ethnicity among both sexes and lower education and income among women. Odds of currently trying to lose weight were significantly lower among obese men who disagreed, and overweight men and women who were neutral or disagreed that their body weight was a health risk. CONCLUSIONS: Many overweight and obese adults do not perceive their weight to be a health risk; this perception was associated with lower prevalence of trying to lose weight, particularly among men. Discussion by clinicians about the health risks of excess weight may alter perceived risk and help promote weight loss efforts.

Conducting environmental assessments for physical activity: determining traffic volume in walkability audits in two West Virginia communities.

BACKGROUND: In this article, we examine the possibility of reducing time to conduct traffic volume audits through (1) reducing time for manual traffic counting and (2) using Department of Transportation (DOT) information. METHODS: In audits of 824 road segments in 2 West Virginia (WV) communities, manual traffic counts were recorded for 1, 2, and 5 min in duration. Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) was calculated from counts. Available AADT from DOT was also collected. Percent agreement and a weighted kappa were calculated between 5-min count and 1- and 2-min count AADT categories and between 5-min count and DOT AADT categories. RESULTS: One- and 2-min counts produced identical AADT categories as 5-min counts in 93.4% and 95.0% of segments, respectively. Weighted kappa was 0.79 (95% CI = 0.74-0.85) and 0.85 (95% CI = 0.80-0.89), respectively. Forty-two segments (5.1%) had DOT data. CONCLUSIONS: DOT AADT was available for a small percentage of road segments assessed. The high agreement between AADT categories produced by 1- and 2-min counts and 5-min counts makes it reasonable to consider using 1- or 2-min manual traffic counts if time or staffing constraints make it necessary. Possible generalizability of this methodology to other communities, particularly larger urban and suburban areas, will require further research.

Prevalence and impact of the microsporidium Thelohania solenopsae (Microsporidia) on wild populations of red imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta, in Louisiana.

We surveyed 165 sites to determine the ecological factors that might influence the distribution and prevalence of Thelohania solenopsae, and its effect on the demography of the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) in Louisiana. The microsporidium was found in 9.9% of colonies and at 16% of sites. Its distribution was clumped within the state with the majority of infected colonies and sites occurring in two infection patches. The proportion of polygyne colonies was a strong (positive) predictor of the proportion of infected colonies at a site. Infected monogyne colonies, however, still accounted for nearly 20% of infected colonies, a much higher proportion than anticipated. Several other factors, including the numbers of colonies at a site, precipitation, proximity to commercial waterways and ports, and type of habitat were also retained in the multiple logistic regression model describing T. solenopsae prevalence. The microsporidium appears to adversely affect the occurrence of brood, and possibly the size of S. invicta colonies and the mass of workers. It, however, was not included in the multiple regression model of the number of colonies or the density of ants at a site. Although our findings do not imply causation, they have identified several variables that might influence the epizootiology of T. solenopsae. Future work should concentrate on experimentally manipulating these variables to confirm these relationships.

Activity/participation limitation and weight loss among overweight and obese US adults: 1999 to 2002 NHANES.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the prevalence and association of activity/participation limitation with trying to lose weight and weight loss practices (eating fewer calories, physical activity, or both) among overweight and obese adults in the United States. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Eligible adults were 20 years of age or older with a body mass index (BMI) >or= 25 kg/m(2) (n = 5608) who responded to standard physical functioning questions included in the 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a continuous survey of the civilian non-institutionalized US population. RESULTS: Obese (BMI >or= 30) men with vs. without activity/participation limitations were more likely to try to lose weight (OR = 1.59, 95% CI 1.05-2.41). This was not the case for overweight women and men (BMI 25-29.9), or obese women. Among adults trying to lose weight, reducing calorie consumption was common (63%-73%, men, 67%-76%, women). Overweight women with vs without activity/participation limitations had significantly reduced likelihood of attaining recommended physical activity (OR = 0.56, 95% CI 0.36-0.89). Obese adults were more likely to try to lose weight if they attributed their limitation to body weight (OR = 1.78, 95% CI 1.11-2.88) or diabetes (OR = 1.86, 95% CI 1.01-3.43) compared to other causes. Overweight and obese adults who attributed activity/participation limitations to mental health, musculoskeletal, or cardiovascular problems were equally likely to attempt weight loss when respondents with each condition were compared to respondents without the condition. DISCUSSION: These results verify the importance of adequate subjective health assessment when developing individual weight loss plans, and may help guide weight management professionals in the development and delivery of more personalized care.

Psychobiology and behavioral strategies. Physical activity, sport participation, and suicidal behavior: U.S. high school students.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the associations of physical activity and sports team participation with suicidal behavior among U.S. high school students. METHODS: Data were from the 2003 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (N = 10,530 respondents). Exposure variables included physical activity (inactive, insufficient, moderately intensive, regular vigorously intensive, and frequent vigorously intensive) and sports team participation. Outcome variables were suicide ideation (seriously considering and/or planning suicide) and suicide attempts. Hierarchical logistic regressions were run, controlling for age, race, smoking, alcohol use, drug use, geographic region, unhealthy weight-control practices, and body mass index/weight perceptions. RESULTS: Compared with inactive students or sports team nonparticipants, the odds of suicide ideation were lower among boys reporting frequent vigorous-intensity physical activity (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.48; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.29, 0.79) and sports team participation, respectively (AOR = 0.65; 95% CI = 0.48, 0.86). The odds of suicide attempts were also lower among frequently vigorously active boys (AOR = 0.44; 95% CI = 0.21, 0.96) and sports team participants (AOR = 0.61; 95% CI = 0.40, 0.93). The odds of suicide attempts were lower for regular vigorously active girls compared with inactive girls (AOR = 0.67; 95% CI = 0.45, 0.99) and sports team participants compared with nonparticipants (AOR = 0.73; 95% CI = 0.57, 0.94). Associations with one exposure variable generally weakened when adjustment was made for the other exposure variable, or for feeling sad and hopeless. CONCLUSIONS: The association of physical activity and sports team participation with suicide ideation and suicide attempts varied by sex. Further research is needed to clarify these different associations.

Health-related quality of life and weight loss practices among overweight and obese US adults, 2003 behavioral risk factor surveillance system.

BACKGROUND: Trying to lose weight is a concern for many Americans, but motivation for weight loss is not fully understood. Clinical assessment for obesity treatment is primarily based on measures of body size and physical comorbidities; however, these factors may not be enough to motivate individuals to lose weight. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) may have a role in an individual's decision to try to lose weight. The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence and association of HRQOL measures as independent moderators of weight loss practices among overweight and obese men and women. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Data were from the 2003 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, an annual state-based telephone survey of the civilian noninstitutionalized population of adults 20 years of age or older with BMI > or = 25.0 kg/m2 (n = 111,456) who responded to 4 standard HRQOL measures that assessed general health status, physical health, mental health, and activity limitation in the past 30 days. RESULTS: Among men with BMI 25-34.9 kg/m2, the odds of trying to lose weight increased for the moderate vs best category of HRQOL but not for the poorest vs best category, and no associations were noted for men with BMI > or = 35 kg/m2. Women with BMI 25-34.9 kg/m2 had reduced odds and decreasing associated trends in the prevalence of trying to lose weight with poorer general health, increased physically unhealthy days, and increased activity limitation days. Conversely, women with 1-13 vs 0 mentally unhealthy days had greater odds of trying to lose weight. Among those trying to lose weight, reducing calories was common (52%-69%, men; 56%-69%, women). Among men, with the exception of recent mental health, poorer levels of HRQOL measures were associated with diminished attainment of recommended physical activity levels. Among women, poorer general health status was associated with diminished attainment of recommended physical activity levels. DISCUSSION: With the exception of recent mental health, HRQOL was differentially associated with trying to lose weight among men and women. Specifically, moderately poor HRQOL among men and better HRQOL among women were associated with trying to lose weight. Consideration of these influences on weight loss may be useful in the treatment and support of obese patients.

Threshold distances and depths of nucleopolyhedrovirus in soil for transport to cotton plants by wind and rain.

Two aspects of abiotic transport of nucleopolyhedrovirus from soil to cotton plants were examined in greenhouse experiments: the distance from the plants and depth in soil from which the virus could be transported under controlled conditions of soil type and moisture, wind, and precipitation. Transport distance and depth were tested separately under relatively conducive (precipitation/sandy soil and wind/clay soil) and non-conducive (precipitation/clay soil and wind/sandy soil) conditions, as determined in previous research. The amount of virus transported by precipitation generally decreased as distance from the plant increased, but in wind the amounts of virus transported were best described by polynomial models, with transport efficiency usually peaking at a distance of 60 cm. Depending on plant height and tissue, the farthest distances that virus was transported ranged from 30 to 60 cm by precipitation from clay soil, 60-75 cm in precipitation/sand, 60-80 cm in wind/clay, and 60-80 cm in wind/sand. In the depth experiments, transport by precipitation and wind generally decreased as the depth of virus in soil increased. The greatest depth from which NPV was transported ranged from 0 to 0.5 cm by precipitation from clay soil, 0.5-1.0 cm in precipitation/sand, 1.0-2.0 cm in wind/clay, and 0.5-1.0 cm in wind/sand. All of the experimental parameters (distance or depth, soil type, plant height, plant tissue) and all two-way interactions significantly (P<0.05) affected transport in all four experiments, except for the "soilxplant tissue" interaction in the depth/wind experiment. In all of the experiments, transport was significantly greater (P<0.05) to lower than to upper portions of plants and to leaves than to buds and squares. Transport was significantly greater from sandy soil than from clay in precipitation, and it was greater from clay than from sandy soil in wind. The results will contribute to NPV epizootiology, microbial control, and risk assessment.