Acetylation of homogalacturonan and rhamnogalacturonan-I is catalyzed by a suite of trichome birefringence-like proteins.

Plant cell wall polysaccharides, including xylan, mannan, xyloglucan, and pectins, are often acetylated and members of the domain of unknown function 231 (DUF231)/trichome birefringence-like (TBL) family have been shown to be O-acetyltransferases mediating the acetylation of xylan, mannan, and xyloglucan. However, little is known about the O-acetyltransferases responsible for pectin acetylation. In this report, we biochemically characterized a suite of Arabidopsis DUF231/TBL proteins for their roles in pectin acetylation. We generated 24 TBL recombinant proteins in mammalian cells and demonstrated that 10 of them were able to transfer acetyl groups from acetyl-CoA onto the pectins homogalacturonan (HG) or rhamnogalacturonan-I (RG-I), and thus were named pectin O-acetyltransferase 1 to 10 (POAT1 to 10). It was found that POAT2,4,9,10 specifically acetylated HG and POAT5,6 acetylated RG-I, whereas POAT1,3,7,8 could act on both HG and RG-I. The acetylation of HG and RG-I by POATs was further corroborated by hydrolysis with pectin acetylesterases and by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. In addition, mutations of the conserved GDS and DXXH motifs in POAT3 and POAT8 were shown to lead to a loss of their ability to acetylate HG and RG-I. Furthermore, simultaneous RNA interference downregulation of POAT1,3,6,7,8 resulted in reduced cell expansion, impaired plant growth, and decreased pectin acetylation. Together, our findings indicate that these POATs are pectin O-acetyltransferases involved in acetylation of the pectin polysaccharides HG and RG-I.

A pilot study of experiencing racial microaggressions, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and the role of psychological flexibility.

BACKGROUND: Experiencing racial microaggressions has clear effects on physical and psychological health, including obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms (OCS). More research is needed to examine this link. Psychological flexibility is an important process to examine in this work. AIMS: This study aimed to examine if, while controlling for depression and anxiety, experiences of microaggressions and psychological flexibility helped explain OCD symptoms within a university-affiliated sample (undergraduate, graduate and law students). This was a pilot exploration of the relationships across themes. METHOD: Initial baseline data from a longitudinal study of psychological flexibility, OCD symptoms, depression, anxiety and experience of microaggressions was utilized. Correlations and regressions were utilized to examine which OCD symptom dimensions were associated with experiencing racial microaggressions in addition to anxiety and depression, and the added role of psychological flexibility was examined. RESULTS: OCD symptoms, experiences of microaggressions and psychological flexibility were correlated. Experiences of racial microaggressions explained responsibility for harm and contamination OCD symptoms above and beyond psychological distress. Exploratory results support the relevance of psychological flexibility. CONCLUSION: Results support other work that experiences of racial microaggressions help explain OCS and they add some support for psychological flexibility as a relevant risk or protective factor for mental health in marginalized populations. These topics should be studied longitudinally with continued consideration of all OCD themes, larger sample sizes, intersecting identities, clinical samples, and continued exploration of psychological flexibility and mindfulness and values-based treatments.

The Negative Effect of Social Discrimination on Pain Tolerance and the Moderating Role of Pain Catastrophizing.

This study examined the negative impact of social discrimination on the time to pain tolerance during experimentally induced cold pressor pain among healthy individuals. It was hypothesized that the degree to which one catastrophized about pain would exacerbate the negative impact of a history discriminatory experiences on pain tolerance, and that this interaction would be different between individuals of a racial and ethnic minority and non-Hispanic white individuals (thus testing catastrophizing as a moderated moderator). Higher levels of discrimination were positively related to catastrophic thinking about pain, and there was a significant negative relationship between the level of experienced discrimination and time to pain tolerance. Pain catastrophizing emerged as a significant moderator in that when pain catastrophizing levels were high, there was no association between social discrimination and pain tolerance. A history of social discrimination was significantly associated with reduced pain tolerance at low and moderate levels of pain catastrophizing. Racial minority status did not significantly alter this moderating relationship. Implications for the importance of assessing sociocultural variables, such as experiencing social discrimination in the clinical assessment of the individual with pain are outlined.

Incorporating merged treatment procedures for children with autism: A case report.

We examined interprofessional collaboration in a pre-service training model which incorporated the merging of three treatments: Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology, and Applied Behavior Analysis. We examined the effects of changes in the clinician interprofessional skill repertoire on therapeutic outcomes for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Three licensed professionals modeled core techniques from their respective professions to establish benchmark standards for skill demonstration in the treatment of children with autism. Treatment phases were implemented sequentially targeting multiple therapist and child behaviors within a multiple-baseline across participants' single case experimental design. Therapist skills improved to show a diverse repertoire of intervention techniques to match supervisor proficiencies. These interprofessional skills were delivered simultaneously in a timely and efficient manner. Assessed outcomes for children with autism included increased frequency of verbalizations, engagement during adult-directed interactions, visual-motor task productivity, and improved postural alignment. The study suggests that integrated training across interprofessional techniques enhanced a diverse repertoire of clinician skills, while systematically demonstrating child improvement on many interprofessional treatment goals.

Media guidelines for the responsible reporting and depicting of non-suicidal self-injury.

Media coverage of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) ranges from providing helpful education to displaying graphic images. We offer the first research-informed, consensus-based guidelines for the responsible reporting and depicting of NSSI in the media, while also advising on ideas for dissemination and collaboration between media professionals and healthcare experts.

The Relationship Between Psychological Resilience and Pain Threshold and Tolerance: Optimism and Grit as Moderators.

This study examined factors that may enhance the relationship between resilience and time to pain threshold and tolerance during experimentally induced pain among 62 healthy adults recruited from a student population. Specifically, dispositional optimism and psychological grit were examined as moderators of the relationship between resilience and pain outcomes. Zero-order correlations revealed that resilience was positively related to grit and optimism, though grit and optimism were not significantly related to each other. Resilience, grit and optimism were all positively related to time to pain threshold and tolerance, but not pain severity. Moderation models showed that dispositional optimism enhanced the effect of resilience on both time to pain threshold and tolerance. Grit, on the other hand, was found to enhance the effect of resilience on time to pain threshold, but not time to pain tolerance. These results suggest that positive psychological factors and their interactions may be important with persevering during adverse experiences such as pain.

A Group of O-Acetyltransferases Catalyze Xyloglucan Backbone Acetylation and Can Alter Xyloglucan Xylosylation Pattern and Plant Growth When Expressed in Arabidopsis.

Xyloglucan is a major hemicellulose in plant cell walls and exists in two distinct types, XXXG and XXGG. While the XXXG-type xyloglucan from dicot species only contains O-acetyl groups on side-chain galactose (Gal) residues, the XXGG-type xyloglucan from Poaceae (grasses) and Solanaceae bears O-acetyl groups on backbone glucosyl (Glc) residues. Although O-acetyltransferases responsible for xyloglucan Gal acetylation have been characterized, the biochemical mechanism underlying xyloglucan backbone acetylation remains to be elucidated. In this study, we showed that recombinant proteins of a group of DUF231 members from rice and tomato were capable of transferring acetyl groups onto O-6 of Glc residues in cello-oligomer acceptors, indicating that they are xyloglucan backbone 6-O-acetyltransferases (XyBATs). We further demonstrated that XyBAT-acetylated cellohexaose oligomers could be readily xylosylated by AtXXT1 (Arabidopsis xyloglucan xylosyltransferase 1) to generate acetylated, xylosylated cello-oligomers, whereas AtXXT1-xylosylated cellohexaose oligomers were much less effectively acetylated by XyBATs. Heterologous expression of a rice XyBAT in Arabidopsis led to a severe reduction in cell expansion and plant growth and a drastic alteration in xyloglucan xylosylation pattern with the formation of acetylated XXGG-type units, including XGG, XGGG, XXGG, XXGG,XXGGG and XXGGG (G denotes acetylated Glc). In addition, recombinant proteins of two Arabidopsis XyBAT homologs also exhibited O-acetyltransferase activity toward cellohexaose, suggesting their possible role in mediating xyloglucan backbone acetylation in vivo. Our findings provide new insights into the biochemical mechanism underlying xyloglucan backbone acetylation and indicate the importance of maintaining the regular xyloglucan xylosylation pattern in cell wall function.

Cytosolic Acetyl-CoA Generated by ATP-Citrate Lyase Is Essential for Acetylation of Cell Wall Polysaccharides.

Plant cell wall polysaccharides, including xylan, glucomannan, xyloglucan and pectin, are often acetylated. Although a number of acetyltransferases responsible for the acetylation of some of these polysaccharides have been biochemically characterized, little is known about the source of acetyl donors and how acetyl donors are translocated into the Golgi, where these polysaccharides are synthesized. In this report, we investigated roles of ATP-citrate lyase (ACL) that generates cytosolic acetyl-CoA in cell wall polysaccharide acetylation and effects of simultaneous mutations of four Reduced Wall Acetylation (RWA) genes on acetyl-CoA transport into the Golgi in Arabidopsis thaliana. Expression analyses of genes involved in the generation of acetyl-CoA in different subcellular compartments showed that the expression of several ACL genes responsible for cytosolic acetyl-CoA synthesis was elevated in interfascicular fiber cells and induced by secondary wall-associated transcriptional activators. Simultaneous downregulation of the expression of ACL genes was demonstrated to result in a substantial decrease in the degree of xylan acetylation and a severe alteration in secondary wall structure in xylem vessels. In addition, the degree of acetylation of other cell wall polysaccharides, including glucomannan, xyloglucan and pectin, was also reduced. Moreover, Golgi-enriched membrane vesicles isolated from the rwa1/2/3/4 quadruple mutant were found to exhibit a drastic reduction in acetyl-CoA transport activity compared with the wild type. These findings indicate that cytosolic acetyl-CoA generated by ACL is essential for cell wall polysaccharide acetylation and RWAs are required for its transport from the cytosol into the Golgi.

Yield Response to Orange Cane Blotch of Blackberry Grown in the Georgia Coastal Plain.

Orange cane blotch (OCB), an algal disease on commercial blackberry plants in the southeastern United States, has been an increasing concern among producers. The causal agent, Cephaleuros virescens, produces brightly colored green to orange lesions on blackberry stems, but proof of actual damage and impact on crop yield has not been documented. Naturally infected stem sections were viewed using transmission and scanning electron microscopy to evaluate cane damage. Surface abrasions, intercellular growth, and occasional intracellular growth were observed on the surface and epidermal layers. Field studies at four commercial sites over 2 years were conducted to assess the impact of OCB on yield in 'Ouachita' blackberry plants not treated with algicidal chemicals. Neither cane diameter nor berry size was impacted by severity of OCB; however, berry number decreased with increasing OCB intensity in a nonlinear manner, thereby resulting in reduced yields.

Neighborhood deprivation and biomarkers of health in Britain: the mediating role of the physical environment.

BACKGROUND: Neighborhood deprivation has been consistently linked to poor individual health outcomes; however, studies exploring the mechanisms involved in this association are scarce. The objective of this study was to investigate whether objective measures of the physical environment mediate the association between neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation and biomarkers of health in Britain. METHODS: We linked individual-level biomarker data from Understanding Society: The UK Household Longitudinal Survey (2010-2012) to neighborhood-level data from different governmental sources. Our outcome variables were forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1%; n=16,347), systolic blood pressure (SBP; n=16,846), body mass index (BMI; n=19,417), and levels of C-reactive protein (CRP; n=11,825). Our measure of neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation was the Carstairs index, and the neighborhood-level mediators were levels of air pollutants (sulphur dioxide [SO2], particulate matter [PM10], nitrogen dioxide [NO2], and carbon monoxide [CO]), green space, and proximity to waste and industrial facilities. We fitted a multilevel mediation model following a multilevel structural equation framework in MPlus v7.4, adjusting for age, gender, and income. RESULTS: Residents of poor neighborhoods and those exposed to higher pollution and less green space had worse health outcomes. However, only SO2 exposure significantly and partially mediated the association between neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation and SBP, BMI, and CRP. CONCLUSION: Reducing air pollution exposure and increasing access to green space may improve population health but may not decrease health inequalities in Britain.

Parental Secondary Stress: The Often Hidden Consequences of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury in Youth.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to deepen understanding of the effects on parents of having a self-injuring child by (a) analyzing differences in dimensions of caregiver strain between caregivers of youth with nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI+) and parents of youth with no known mental health history (MH-); (b) identifying factors that contribute to caregiver strain; and (c) examining parent outcome expectancies. METHOD: Participants were 196 NSSI+ parents and 57 MH- parents. Quantitative measures of psychosocial variables, parent mental health and support variables, and child self-injury characteristics were assessed in relation to caregiver strain, and NSSI+ parental expectancies were assessed via mixed methods. RESULTS: Parents with a NSSI+ youth were more likely to exhibit all forms of objective and subjective strain than parents of youth with no mental health challenges. Despite this, many parents expressed beliefs that their child would experience personal growth as a result of their NSSI experience. CONCLUSION: Findings reveal the important role of mindful parenting practices and informal social support.

The role of public and private natural space in children's social, emotional and behavioural development in Scotland: A longitudinal study.

INTRODUCTION: Poor mental health in childhood has implications for health and wellbeing in later life. Natural space may benefit children's social, emotional and behavioural development. We investigated whether neighbourhood natural space and private garden access were related to children's developmental change over time. We asked whether relationships differed between boys and girls, or by household educational status. METHODS: We analysed longitudinal data for 2909 urban-dwelling children (aged 4 at 2008/9 baseline) from the Growing Up in Scotland (GUS) survey. The survey provided social, emotional and behavioural difficulty scores (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)), and private garden access. Area (%) of total natural space and parks within 500m of the child's home was quantified using Scotland's Greenspace Map. Interactions for park area, total natural space area, and private garden access with age and age2 were modelled to quantify their independent contributions to SDQ score change over time. RESULTS: Private garden access was strongly related to most SDQ domains, while neighbourhood natural space was related to better social outcomes. We found little evidence that neighbourhood natural space or garden access influenced the trajectory of developmental change between 4 and 6 years, suggesting that any beneficial influences had occurred at younger ages. Stratified models showed the importance of parks for boys, and private gardens for the early development of children from low-education households. CONCLUSION: We conclude that neighbourhood natural space may reduce social, emotional and behavioural difficulties for 4-6 year olds, although private garden access may be most beneficial.

Exploring pathways linking greenspace to health: Theoretical and methodological guidance.

BACKGROUND: In a rapidly urbanizing world, many people have little contact with natural environments, which may affect health and well-being. Existing reviews generally conclude that residential greenspace is beneficial to health. However, the processes generating these benefits and how they can be best promoted remain unclear. OBJECTIVES: During an Expert Workshop held in September 2016, the evidence linking greenspace and health was reviewed from a transdisciplinary standpoint, with a particular focus on potential underlying biopsychosocial pathways and how these can be explored and organized to support policy-relevant population health research. DISCUSSIONS: Potential pathways linking greenspace to health are here presented in three domains, which emphasize three general functions of greenspace: reducing harm (e.g. reducing exposure to air pollution, noise and heat), restoring capacities (e.g. attention restoration and physiological stress recovery) and building capacities (e.g. encouraging physical activity and facilitating social cohesion). Interrelations between among the three domains are also noted. Among several recommendations, future studies should: use greenspace and behavioural measures that are relevant to hypothesized pathways; include assessment of presence, access and use of greenspace; use longitudinal, interventional and (quasi)experimental study designs to assess causation; and include low and middle income countries given their absence in the existing literature. Cultural, climatic, geographic and other contextual factors also need further consideration. CONCLUSIONS: While the existing evidence affirms beneficial impacts of greenspace on health, much remains to be learned about the specific pathways and functional form of such relationships, and how these may vary by context, population groups and health outcomes. This Report provides guidance for further epidemiological research with the goal of creating new evidence upon which to develop policy recommendations.

The relationship between wealth and loneliness among older people across Europe: Is social participation protective?

OBJECTIVE: 1. Examine the relationship between household wealth, social participation and loneliness among older people across Europe. 2. Investigate whether relationships vary by type of social participation (charity/volunteer work, sports/social clubs, educational/training course, and political/community organisations) and gender. 3. Examine whether social participation moderates the association between wealth and loneliness. METHODS: Data (N=29,795) were taken from the fifth wave of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), which was collected during 2013 from 14 European countries. Loneliness was measured using the short version of the Revised-University of California, Los Angeles (R-UCLA) Loneliness Scale. We used multilevel logistic models stratified by gender to examine the relationships between variables, with individuals nested within countries. RESULTS: The risk of loneliness was highest in the least wealthy groups and lowest in the wealthiest groups. Frequent social participation was associated with a lower risk of loneliness and moderated the association between household wealth and loneliness, particularly among men. Compared to the wealthiest men who often took part in formal social activities, the least wealthy men who did not participate had greater risk of loneliness (OR=1.91, 95% CI: 1.44 to 2.51). This increased risk was not observed among the least wealthy men who reported frequent participation in formal social activities (OR=1.12, 95% CI: 0.76 to 1.67). CONCLUSION: Participation in external social activities may help to reduce loneliness among older adults and potentially acts as a buffer against the adverse effects of socioeconomic disadvantage.

The Influence of Social Support on Smoking Cessation Treatment Adherence Among HIV+ Smokers.

INTRODUCTION: The high prevalence of smoking among people living with HIV is a significant problem. Nonadherence to smoking cessation pharmacotherapy is a barrier for successfully quitting. The current study investigated the extent to which social support variables impact adherence and cessation. METHODS: Participants were 444 HIV+ smokers who provided data on nicotine patch adherence, social support, and smoking. We conducted a path analysis to estimate (1) the effects of six social support indicators at baseline on nicotine patch adherence; (2) the effect of patch adherence on 7-day point prevalence smoking at 6-month follow-up; and (3) the indirect effects of social support indicators on 7-day point prevalence smoking at 6-month follow-up via patch adherence. RESULTS: The tested model demonstrated good fit as indicated by the comparative fit index, root mean square error of approximation, and weighted root mean square residual (0.94, 0.02, and 0.51, respectively). Path analysis results indicated greater social support network contact was associated with higher levels of nicotine patch adherence (ß = .13, P = .02), greater patch adherence was associated with a lower probability of 7-day point prevalence smoking at 6-month follow-up (ß = -.47, P < .001) and greater social support network contact (ß = -.06, P = .03) had a significant indirect effect on 7-day point prevalence smoking at 6-month follow-up via patch adherence. CONCLUSIONS: Findings have implications for smoking cessation interventions that seek to capitalize on the beneficial effects of social support. Such efforts should account for the role that frequency of contact may have on nicotine patch use and other treatment-related mechanisms.

Evaluating the Psychometric Properties and Responsiveness to Change of 3 Depression Measures in a Sample of Persons With Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury and Major Depressive Disorder.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the measurement properties and responsiveness to change of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-20 (HSCL-20), and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) in people with spinal cord injury (SCI) diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD). DESIGN: Secondary analysis of depression symptoms measured at 6 occasions over 12 weeks as part of a randomized controlled trial of venlafaxine XR for MDD in persons with SCI. SETTING: Outpatient and community settings. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals (N=133) consented and completed the drug trial. Eligibility criteria were age at least 18 years, traumatic SCI, and diagnosis of MDD. INTERVENTIONS: Venlafaxine XR. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients completed the PHQ-9 and the HSCL-20 depression scales; clinical investigators completed the HAM-D and the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) Dissociative Disorders, which was used as a diagnostic criterion measure. RESULTS: All 3 instruments were improved with rating scale analysis. The HSCL-20 and the HAM-D contained items that misfit the underlying construct and that correlated weakly with the total scores. Removing these items improved the internal consistency, with floor effects increasing slightly. The HAM-D correlated most strongly with Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Dissociative Disorders diagnoses. Improvement in depression was similar on all outcome measures in both treatment and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: The psychometric properties of the revised depression instruments are more than adequate for routine use in adults with SCI and are responsive to clinical improvement. The PHQ-9 is the simplest instrument with measurement properties as good as or better than those of the other instruments and required the fewest modifications.

Are migration patterns and mortality related among European regions?

Geographical inequalities in mortality across Europe may be influenced by migration between regions. The relationship between age- and sex-standardised death rates, 2008-2010, and population change resulting from migration 2000-2010, was analysed in 250 'Nomenclature of Statistical Territorial Units' (NUTS) level 2 regions in 26 European countries. Across Europe death rates were significantly higher in regions experiencing population loss. This association continued after adjustment for 2005 household income among all regions and Western regions but not among Eastern areas. This analysis suggests migration could contribute to Europe's persistent inequalities in mortality, and highlights the problems of Eastern regions with the highest death rates, lowest incomes and declining populations.

Are income-related differences in active travel associated with physical environmental characteristics? A multi-level ecological approach.

BACKGROUND: Rates of active travel vary by socio-economic position, with higher rates generally observed among less affluent populations. Aspects of both social and built environments have been shown to affect active travel, but little research has explored the influence of physical environmental characteristics, and less has examined whether physical environment affects socio-economic inequality in active travel. This study explored income-related differences in active travel in relation to multiple physical environmental characteristics including air pollution, climate and levels of green space, in urban areas across England. We hypothesised that any gradient in the relationship between income and active travel would be least pronounced in the least physically environmentally-deprived areas where higher income populations may be more likely to choose active transport as a means of travel. METHODS: Adults aged 16+ living in urban areas (n = 20,146) were selected from the 2002 and 2003 waves of the UK National Travel Survey. The mode of all short non-recreational trips undertaken by the sample was identified (n = 205,673). Three-level binary logistic regression models were used to explore how associations between the trip being active (by bike/walking) and three income groups, varied by level of multiple physical environmental deprivation. RESULTS: Likelihood of making an active trip among the lowest income group appeared unaffected by physical environmental deprivation; 15.4% of their non-recreational trips were active in both the least and most environmentally-deprived areas. The income-related gradient in making active trips remained steep in the least environmentally-deprived areas because those in the highest income groups were markedly less likely to choose active travel when physical environment was 'good', compared to those on the lowest incomes (OR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.22 to 0.89). CONCLUSIONS: The socio-economic gradient in active travel seems independent of physical environmental characteristics. Whilst more affluent populations enjoy advantages on some health outcomes, they will still benefit from increasing their levels of physical activity through active travel. Benefits of active travel to the whole community would include reduced vehicle emissions, reduced carbon consumption, the preservation or enhancement of infrastructure and the presentation of a 'normalised' behaviour.

Outcomes of a Tailored Intervention for Cigarette Smoking Cessation Among Latinos Living With HIV/AIDS.

INTRODUCTION: Tobacco use has emerged as a leading killer among persons living with HIV, with effective approaches to tobacco treatment still unknown. HIV infection is nearly 3 times as prevalent in Latinos than in non-Latino Whites. This study reports the results of a randomized trial comparing a tailored intervention to brief counseling for smoking cessation among Latino smokers living with HIV (LSLWH). METHODS: LSLWH (N = 302; 36% female, 10% employed full-time, 49% born in United States) were randomized to 4 in-person sessions of a tailored intervention (Aurora) or 2 in-person sessions of brief advice (enhanced standard care [ESC]). Both groups received 8 weeks of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) patch. Biochemically validated 6- and 12-month 7-day point-prevalence abstinence (PPA) rates were compared, along with secondary outcomes (e.g., reduction to light smoking, NRT adherence). RESULTS: Seven-day PPA rates reached 8% versus 11% at 6 months and 6% versus 7% at 12 months, for Aurora and ESC, respectively, with no between-group differences (p values > .40). Significant changes from baseline to 6 and 12 months among intervention targets were noted (percentage reduction in heavy smoking and dependence; increases in knowledge and self-efficacy). Baseline smoking frequency, older age, and higher intensity of patch use during the trial emerged as significant predictors of abstinence at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: There was no evidence that the tailored intervention improved cessation rates. Interventions that encourage use of, and adherence to, empirically validated cessation aids require further development to reduce tobacco-related death and disease in this vulnerable population.

Adolescent weight control: an intervention targeting parent communication and modeling compared with minimal parental involvement.

OBJECTIVE: Adolescent weight control interventions demonstrate variable findings, with inconsistent data regarding the appropriate role for parents. The current study examined the efficacy of a standard adolescent behavioral weight control (BWC) intervention that also targeted parent-adolescent communication and parental modeling of healthy behaviors (Standard Behavioral Treatment + Enhanced Parenting; SBT + EP) compared with a standard BWC intervention (SBT). METHODS: 49 obese adolescents (M age = 15.10; SD = 1.33; 76% female; 67.3% non-Hispanic White) and a caregiver were randomly assigned to SBT or SBT + EP. Adolescent and caregiver weight and height, parental modeling, and weight-related communication were obtained at baseline and end of the 16-week intervention. RESULTS: Significant decreases in adolescent weight and increases in parental self-monitoring were observed across both conditions. Analyses of covariance revealed a trend for greater reduction in weight and negative maternal commentary among SBT condition participants. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to hypotheses, targeting parent-adolescent communication and parental modeling did not lead to better outcomes in adolescent weight control.