Intakes of calcium, phosphorus, and protein, and physical-activity level are related to radial bone mass in young adult women.

A cross-sectional study of 38 24-28-y-old Caucasian women was undertaken to identify associations between dietary factors, physical activity (PA), and radial bone measurements during the third decade. Measurements included radial bone mineral content (BMC) and bone density (BD), nutrient intakes, and PA patterns. PA and calcium intake were positively associated by multiple linear-regression analysis whereas protein and phosphorus were negatively associated with radial bone measurements (P < 0.05). Lean body mass was positively associated with mid BMC only (P = 0.0203). No significant effect of age on BD or BMC was observed. We conclude that in this sample of 24-28-y-old women BD and BMC did not differ by age, and behaviors that had a positive impact on radial bone measurements included at least moderate PA and adequate dietary calcium intake, whereas adverse dietary practices for BD included intakes of protein and phosphorus greater than recommended amounts.

Comparative changes in radial-bone density of elderly female lacto-ovovegetarians and omnivores.

A 5-y prospective study of the changes in radial-bone mineral density (BMD) of elderly white women (mean age, 81 y) living in four residential communities, including 49 Seventh-day Adventist lacto-ovovegetarians and 140 omnivores, was undertaken to determine the potential effects of usual dietary calcium in preventing the loss of BMD, measured by single-photon absorptiometry, at two radial sites. Changes in BMD and other variables from baseline (1983) to follow-up (1988) were: 1) mean calcium intakes in 1988 of 996 mg/d for omnivores and 733 mg/d for lacto-ovovegetarians changed little from 1983, 2) all women lost BMD (P < 0.05) over the 5 y period, 3) the annual BMD loss rates were approximately 1% at each site, 4) BMD loss was independent of calcium intake, 5) BMD loss rates were similar in both lacto-ovovegetarians and omnivores, and 6) the greater the loss of lean body mass, the greater the BMD loss (P < 0.05).

Social factors mediating social class differences in blood pressure in a Jamaican community.

Research on the factors mediating social class differences in blood pressure was carried out in a Jamaican community. It was found in a previous report that higher social class is related to lower blood pressure for females, while for males higher social class is related to higher blood pressure. These differences are examined in greater detail here, especially in terms of the historical context of the specific community studied, which is on the fringe of the Kingston urban area, and in terms of the continuing importance of a social class system established under colonial rule. In the current study it is shown that social class differences in blood pressure for males are mediated by perceptions of social support. Social class differences in blood pressure for females are mediated by perceptions of economic stress. It is suggested that specific patterns of the growth of the city, and the historically-based social class system, have resulted in the juxtaposition of lower and middle class Jamaicans within this community, who in turn are influenced by different factors affecting blood pressure.

Social and dietary predictors of serum lipids: a Brazilian example.

The importance of an unfavorable profile of serum lipids in the atherosclerotic process has been unequivocally established, but the determinants of serum lipids remain a source of controversy. This controversy includes both the importance of diet as a precursor of an unfavorable lipid profile, and the potential importance of social and psychological factors in determining lipid values. These questions were addressed in a study of serum lipids in urban Brazil. It was found that both dietary and social-psychological factors were associated with total serum cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, and serum triglycerides. This exploratory study highlights the importance of the careful measurement of dietary intake, and the inclusion of theoretically relevant social and psychological variables, in any study of serum lipids.

Blood pressure and social class in a Jamaican community.

A study of social factors and blood pressure was conducted in a Jamaican community among a sample of 199 persons ages 30 to 50. After controlling for obesity, age, and respondent tension (and other covariates), interaction effects of social class x sex for systolic and diastolic blood pressure were found. Blood pressure increased with increasing social class for males and decreased with increasing social class for females.

Mucocutaneous abnormalities predicted by lymphocyte counts in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus.

Abnormalities of the skin are frequent and troubling problems for patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). A number of studies have assessed the frequency and severity of diseases of the skin and mucous membranes reported from other centers, but relationships between dermatologic signs and symptoms and either the lymphocyte count or the helper T-lymphocyte count have been infrequently noted. In a prospective study of 6 months' duration, one of us (A.F.) examined and questioned 61 HIV-seropositive patients at our infectious disease clinic. We found a significant association between the number and severity of cutaneous abnormalities and the helper T-cell (CD4) count. A trend toward significance was also shown between advanced HIV-disease status or decreased CD4 counts and pruritus. Our findings suggest that both the peripheral blood lymphocyte count and the helper T-cell count are predictive of the frequency, severity, and symptoms of skin diseases.