Body Image and Eating Attitudes: Comparing Chinese Females with Other Females living in New Zealand

Eating disorders affect individuals from most ethnic backgrounds. Research suggests that White females experience the greatest levels of disordered eating and body dissatisfaction. Studies examining Chinese females found they experienced similar levels of disordered eating but less body dissatisfaction to White females. This study was conducted to examine the prevalence of eating disorder symptomatology in Chinese and Other ethnicities in New Zealand. A sample of female university students at the University of Waikato completed questionnaires (N=116) to assess disordered eating and body dissatisfaction. In contrast to previous findings Chinese females actually exhibited more disordered eating behaviours and body dissatisfaction attitudes than did other females living in New Zealand. Also, fear of weight gain was more likely to be exhibited by Chinese females than other females. Pressure to be thin came from similar sources for both Chinese and other female students. While, length of time living in New Zealand did not appear to alter Chinese females' levels of disordered eating and body dissatisfaction. However in keeping with previous research, the present findings did suggest that the data from this study support the suggestion that the EAT-26 may not be an appropriate measure for Chinese females when assessing eating disorders. These findings have important implications for future research on ethnicities and eating disorders, and for clinicians working with Chinese female clients

Biological and Clinical Implications of Gene-Expression Profiling in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma:A Proposal for a Targeted BLYM-777 Consortium Panel as Part of a Multilayered Analytical Approach

Gene-expression profiling (GEP) is used to study the molecular biology of lymphomas. Here, advancing insights from GEP studies in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) lymphomagenesis are discussed. GEP studies elucidated subtypes based on cell-of-origin principles and profoundly changed the biological understanding of DLBCL with clinical relevance. Studies integrating GEP and next-generation DNA sequencing defined different molecular subtypes of DLBCL entities originating at specific anatomical localizations. With the emergence of high-throughput technologies, the tumor microenvironment (TME) has been recognized as a critical component in DLBCL pathogenesis. TME studies have characterized so-called “lymphoma microenvironments" and “ecotypes”. Despite gained insights, unexplained chemo-refractoriness in DLBCL remains. To further elucidate the complex biology of DLBCL, we propose a novel targeted GEP consortium panel, called BLYM-777. This knowledge-based biology-driven panel includes probes for 777 genes, covering many aspects regarding B-cell lymphomagenesis (f.e., MYC signature, TME, immune surveillance and resistance to CAR T-cell therapy). Regarding lymphomagenesis, upcoming DLBCL studies need to incorporate genomic and transcriptomic approaches with proteomic methods and correlate these multi-omics data with patient characteristics of well-defined and homogeneous cohorts. This multilayered methodology potentially enhances diagnostic classification of DLBCL subtypes, prognostication, and the development of novel targeted therapeutic strategies. Simple Summary: This review summarizes gene-expression profiling insights into the background and origination of diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL). To further unravel the molecular biology of these lymphomas, a consortium panel called BLYM-777 was designed including genes important for subtype classifications, genetic pathways, tumor-microenvironment, immune response and resistance to targeted therapies. This review proposes to combine this transcriptomic method with genomics, proteomics, and patient characteristics to facilitate diagnostic classification, prognostication, and the development of new targeted therapeutic strategies in DLBCL

Characteristics associated with significantly worse quality of life in mycosis fungoides/Sezary syndrome from the Prospective Cutaneous Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (PROCLIPI) study

Background Mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sezary Syndrome (SS) are the most common cutaneous T-cell lymphomas. MF/SS is accompanied by considerable morbidity from pain, itching and disfigurement. Aim To identify factors associated with poorer health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients newly diagnosed with MF/SS. Methods Patients enrolled into Prospective Cutaneous Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (PROCLIPI; an international observational study in MF/SS) had their HRQoL assessed using the Skindex-29 questionnaire. Skindex-29 scores were analysed in relation to patient- and disease-specific characteristics. Results The study population consisted of 237 patients [60 center dot 3% male; median age 60 years, (interquartile range 49-70)], of whom 179 had early MF and 58 had advanced MF/SS. In univariate analysis, HRQoL, as measured by Skindex-29, was worse in women, SS, late-stage MF, those with elevated lactate dehydrogenase, alopecia, high modified Severity Weighted Assessment Tool and confluent erythema. Linear regression models only identified female gender (beta = 8 center dot 61; P = 0 center dot 003) and alopecia (beta = 9 center dot 71, P = 0 center dot 02) as independent predictors of worse global HRQoL. Item-level analysis showed that the severe impairment in symptoms [odds ratio (OR) 2 center dot 14, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1 center dot 19-3 center dot 89] and emotions (OR 1 center dot 88, 95% CI 1 center dot 09-3 center dot 27) subscale scores seen in women was caused by more burning/stinging, pruritus, irritation and greater feelings of depression, shame, embarrassment and annoyance with their diagnosis of MF/SS. Conclusions HRQoL is significantly more impaired in newly diagnosed women with MF/SS and in those with alopecia. As Skindex-29 does not include existential questions on cancer, which may cause additional worry and distress, a comprehensive validated cutaneous T-cell lymphoma-specific questionnaire is urgently needed to more accurately assess disease-specific HRQoL in these patients.Peer reviewe

Regulation of RKIP Function by Helicobacter pylori in Gastric Cancer

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a gram-negative, spiral-shaped bacterium that infects more than half of the world’s population and is a major cause of gastric adenocarcinoma. The mechanisms that link H. pylori infection to gastric carcinogenesis are not well understood. In the present study, we report that the Raf-kinase inhibitor protein (RKIP) has a role in the induction of apoptosis by H. pylori in gastric epithelial cells. Western blot and luciferase transcription reporter assays demonstrate that the pathogenicity island of H. pylori rapidly phosphorylates RKIP, which then localizes to the nucleus where it activates its own transcription and induces apoptosis. Forced overexpression of RKIP enhances apoptosis in H. pylori-infected cells, whereas RKIP RNA inhibition suppresses the induction of apoptosis by H. pylori infection. While inducing the phosphorylation of RKIP, H. pylori simultaneously targets non-phosphorylated RKIP for proteasome-mediated degradation. The increase in RKIP transcription and phosphorylation is abrogated by mutating RKIP serine 153 to valine, demonstrating that regulation of RKIP activity by H. pylori is dependent upon RKIP’s S153 residue. In addition, H. pylori infection increases the expression of Snail, a transcriptional repressor of RKIP. Our results suggest that H. pylori utilizes a tumor suppressor protein, RKIP, to promote apoptosis in gastric cancer cells

The Effect of Hormonal Therapy on the Behavioral Outcomes in 47,XXY (Klinefelter Syndrome) between 7 and 12 Years of Age

47,XXY, also known as Klinefelter syndrome, is the most commonly occurring sex chromosomal aneuploidy (SCA). Hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) has been associated with improved neurodevelopmental capabilities in boys with 47,XXY, although studies investigating HRT\u27s possible positive effect on behavioral outcomes are scarce. This study explores the association between behavioral outcomes and HRT in boys ages 7-12. Patients were divided into 4 groups based on HRT status: untreated, early hormonal treatment (EHT), hormonal booster therapy (HBT), and both EHT and HBT. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Kruskal-Wallis tests were conducted to determine group differences on the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF). The treated groups were found to have better scores in emotional control, initiative, organization of materials, behavioral rating index, metacognition index, and global executive composite than the untreated group on the BRIEF. On the CBCL, the treated groups presented better scores for somatic complaints, social problems, thought problems, attention problems, aggressive behavior, internalizing problems, total problems, affective problems, somatic problems, ADHD problems, oppositional defiant problems, and sluggish problems in comparison to the untreated group. These results offer evidence that HRT, specifically the combination of both EHT and HBT, may be successful in mitigating some undesirable behavioral outcomes. Further research is necessary to determine the efficacy of the combination of EHT and HBT regarding dosage, specific ages, and long-term benefits

A longitudinal perspective of hormone replacement therapies (HRTs) on neuromotor capabilities in males with 47,XXY (Klinefelter syndrome)

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to delineate the effects of variable hormone replacement therapies on neuromotor function in a large cohort of males with 47,XXY from birth to adulthood. METHODS: A total of 270 participants aged 16 days to 17 years 11 months prenatally diagnosed with 47,XXY were assessed by their pediatric endocrinologist and were administered hormone replacement therapies accordingly. Infants and school-aged children with 47,XXY were administered neuromotor assessments during routine neurodevelopmental evaluations. For statistical analysis, participants were segregated on the basis of treatment status. Two-tailed t tests, 1-way analysis of variance, and post hoc analysis determined significant group differences on each assessment. RESULTS: In infants, the early hormonal treatment (EHT) group performed significantly better than the untreated group on fine motor and motor composite domains. In school-aged children, we observed significantly improved scores on fine motor control, coordination, agility, and strength domains among males treated with EHT (or any combination thereof) compared with those who did not receive early treatment. CONCLUSION: The highest treated combination group was associated with the highest neuromotor function, although the EHT group also often performed better than the other groups. This suggests EHT may be essential in promoting long-term optimal neuromotor outcome in males with an additional X

The behavioral profile of 49,XXXXY and the potential impact of testosterone replacement therapy

PURPOSE: 49,XXXXY (1:85,000-100,000) is a rare sex chromosome aneuploidy that often presents with complex musculoskeletal abnormalities, decreased cognitive capabilities, speech and language dysfunction, and behavioral complications. Hormonal replacement therapy, or testosterone replacement therapy, is associated with improved neurodevelopmental and behavioral outcomes in males with 49,XXXXY. Two forms of testosterone replacement therapy, early hormonal treatment (EHT) and hormonal booster therapy (HBT), are associated with improved neurodevelopmental and behavioral outcomes in these boys. This study investigates the impact of EHT and HBT on behavioral symptoms in males with 49,XXXXY. METHODS: A total of 59 individuals were divided into 4 groups: 19 no testosterone (no-T), 23 EHT, 6 HBT, and 11 EHT and HBT. An analysis of variance examined group differences on the Child Behavior Checklist and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function ranging from 5 to 18 years. RESULTS: Although no differences were identified on the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, the 3 hormonal replacement therapy groups presented with decreased complications on numerous variables on the Child Behavior Checklist; these include somatic complaints (P = .0095), somatic problems (P = .041), internalizing problems (P = .034), externalizing problems (P = .0001), and withdrawn/depression (P = .025). CONCLUSION: This study presents evidence that HBT may be a beneficial treatment for individuals with 49,XXXXY

ZnT8 autoantibody prevalence is low in youth with type 2 diabetes and associated with higher insulin sensitivity, lower insulin secretion, and lower disposition index

Aim: ZnT8 autoantibody positivity (ZnT8+) is associated with risk for type 1 diabetes and with metabolic complications in adults. Our aim was to assess prevalence of ZnT8 + in the Treatment of T2D in Adolescents and Youth (TODAY) cohort and describe associated phenotypic outcomes. Methods: TODAY participants were 13.98 ± 2.03 years with a confirmed diagnosis of T2D, BMI percentile of 97.69 ± 3.32 (64% female), and GAD- and IA2- at baseline. ZnT8 autoantibodies were measured at baseline and end of study. Results: 3 of 687 participants (0.29%) were ZnT8 + and there was one conversion (0.15%) from ZnT8- to ZnT8 + during the study. ZnT8A + individuals had higher HbA1c, HDL and LDL cholesterol, and IL-1β concentrations, and lower BMI, IL-6, and triglyceride concentrations compared to the TODAY cohort and ZnT8A- individuals. They also had higher insulin sensitivity with lower insulin secretion and disposition index, metabolically resembling T1D. All ZnT8 + participants experienced loss of glycemic control on randomized treatment, but exhibited lower rates of diabetic complications than other groups. Conclusion: Given the low rate of complications in ZnT8 + individuals, ZnT8 likely does not impact the clinical course of the disease in this population