Allele variations in the OCA2 gene (pink-eyed-dilution locus) are associated with genetic susceptibility to melanoma

The occuloalbinism 2 (OCA2) gene, localized at 15q11, encodes a melanosomal transmembrane protein that is involved in the most common form of human occulo-cutaneous albinism, a human genetic disorder characterized by fair pigmentation and susceptibility to skin cancer. We wondered whether allele variations at this locus could influence susceptibility to malignant melanoma (MM). In all, 10 intragenic single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped in 113 patients with melanomas and in 105 Caucasian control subjects with no personal or family history of skin cancer. By comparing allelic distribution between cases and controls, we show that MM and OCA2 are associated (p value=0.030 after correction for multiple testing). Then, a recently developed strategy, the 'combination test' enabled us to show that a combination formed by two SNPs was most strongly associated to MM, suggesting a possible interaction between intragenic SNPs. In addition, the role of OCA2 on MM risk was also detected using a logistic model taking into account the presence of variants of the melanocortin 1 receptor gene (MC1R, a key pigmentation gene) and all pigmentation characteristics as melanoma risk factors. Our data demonstrate that a second pigmentation gene, in addition to MC1R, is involved in genetic susceptibility to melanoma.     

The effects of inversion and eye displacements of familiar and unknown faces on early and late-stage ERPs.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to examine whether configural alterations of faces affect early or late processing stages as a function of their familiarity and their level of representation in memory. We then sought to verify whether the structural encoding stage is susceptible to top-down influences. METHODS: Electrophysiologic and behavioral studies were undertaken, during which unknown and familiar faces were presented upright or upside-down with or without feature alterations. The subjects were asked to determine whether the faces were familiar or not. RESULTS: N170 and N360 amplitudes were larger for familiar faces as well as altered ones. A higher degree of familiarity decreased reaction times (RTs) and N360 latencies, but increased N170 latencies, whereas face alterations increased RTs and latencies of both components examined. However, familiarity interacted with altered face configurations only for RTs and the N170. SIGNIFICANCE: In the perceptual stage, familiar faces seem to develop a more elaborate type of processing because of top-down influences linked to the robust nature of their representations in memory. The more elaborate type of processing for familiar faces has advantageous consequences for the following steps of information processing, by facilitating access to structural representations in memory (N360) as well as the final step reflected by RTs. The fact that configural alterations cause different effects for familiar as opposed to unfamiliar faces indicate that these stimuli are processed in a qualitatively different manner and solicit different representations in memory.     

A meta-analytic review of HIV behavioral interventions for reducing sexual risk behavior of men who have sex with men

This meta-analysis examines the efficacy of international HIV prevention interventions designed to reduce sexual risk behavior of men who have sex with men (MSM). We performed a comprehensive search of published and unpublished English-language reports of HIV prevention interventions that focus on MSM and evaluated changes in risky sexual behavior or biologic outcomes related to sexual risk. Data from 33 studies described in 65 reports were available as of July 2003. Studies with insufficient data to calculate effect sizes were excluded from the meta-analysis. Interventions were associated with a significant decrease in unprotected anal intercourse (odds ratio [OR] = 0.77, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.65-0.92) and number of sexual partners (OR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.61-0.94) and with a significant increase in condom use during anal intercourse (OR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.16-2.22). Interventions successful in reducing risky sexual behavior were based on theoretic models, included interpersonal skills training, incorporated several delivery methods, and were delivered over multiple sessions spanning a minimum of 3 weeks. Behavioral interventions provide an efficacious means of HIV prevention for MSM. To the extent that proven HIV prevention interventions for MSM can be successfully replicated in community settings and adapted and tailored to different situations, the effectiveness of current HIV prevention efforts can be increased.     

Production of IL-12, IL-23 and IL-27p28 by bone marrow-derived conventional dendritic cells rather than macrophages after LPS/TLR4-dependent induction by Salmonella Enteritidis

Induction of the interleukin-12 (IL-12) cytokine family comprising IL-12, IL-23, IL-27, and IL-12p40 by intracellular pathogens is required for orchestration of cell-mediated immune responses. Macrophages (MΦ) have been shown to be a source of IL-12 following TLR4-dependent activation by Salmonella (S.). In this study another antigen-presenting cell type, the conventional dendritic cell (cDC), was analyzed and its cytokine responses compared with those of MΦ. We generated bone marrow-derived conventional dendritic cells (BMDC) and macrophages (BMMΦ) by incubating murine bone marrow cells with supernatants containing granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) or macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), respectively. Stimulation of BMDC and BMMΦ with S. enterica serovar Enteritidis (SE) or LPS resulted in the release of IL-12 and IL-23 by BMDC but not by BMMΦ. Furthermore, BMDC secreted approx. 20-fold more IL-12p40 and IL-27p28 than BMMΦ. However, BMDC and BMMΦ produced similar levels of IL-10. Using BMDC originating from wild-type (wt), TLR2^def and TLR4^def mice, we show that in BMDC the induction of IL-12, IL-23, and IL-27p28 by SE is dependent on TLR4, whereas low-level production of p40 is also mediated by pattern recognition receptors (PRR) other than TLR4. Interestingly, LPS- and SE-provoked responses of BMDC were remarkably similar indicating that LPS is the primary danger molecule of SE. Taken together, our results point to cDC rather than MΦ as the major producers of the IL-12 family members during in vitro infection with SE. The mechanisms of recognition of SE, however, appear to be the same for cDC and MΦ     

Executive function in XXY: Comparison of performance‐based measures and rating scales

Few studies have systematically assessed executive functioning (EF) skills in boys with XXY, and these are limited by small samples and restricted EF assessment. This study used a broader battery of performance‐based measures as well as parent‐rating scales of EF in 77 boys and adolescents with XXY (mean age = 12.5 years), recruited from a clinical trial and an outpatient clinic. Exploratory factor analyses were used to create EF domains from performance‐based measures, and similar domains were measured using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function and Conners Parent‐Rating Scales. The boys with XXY showed a distinct EF profile, with the greatest deficit in attention and more moderate deficits in working memory, switching, and planning/problem solving. Parent ratings showed similar challenges, as well as impaired inhibition. Independent sample t‐tests showed no difference on performance measures between boys diagnosed or not diagnosed with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), although parents of boys diagnosed with ADHD reported more difficulties. There were no differences on performance‐based tests between those diagnosed pre‐ and postnatally, although parents of postnatally diagnosed boys reported more metacognitive problems. Language deficits, cognition, and socio‐economic status did not account for EF deficits.     

Aktion ?Gesunde Ern?hrung? im Kanton St.Gallen

Zusammenfassung Die Aktion «Gesunde Ernährung» in der Gemeinde-wurde vom Gesundheitsdepartement des Kanton St. Gallen unter der Leitung des kantonalen Präventivmediziners gemeinsam mit den interessierten Gemeinden geplant, koordiniert und durchgeführt.Im Zentrum der Aktion standen gemeindeeigene, individuell gestaltete Aktivitäten von Vereinen, Schulen und des lokalen Gewerbes. Das Gesundheitsdepartement ergänzte die Aktion mit einer Wanderausstellung über Ernährungsfragen, begleitet von einer Ernährungsberaterin. Der Aufbau der Ausstellung erfolgte nach den 10 goldenen Regeln der gesunden Ernährung.Diese Aktion stellt ein konkretes Beispiel der Arbeitsteilung zwischen Kanton und Gemeinde in der Gesundheitsvorsorge dar. Das Beispiel dieser einmaligen Aktion soll Behörden, Vereinen und Einzelpersonen Wege und Methoden aufzeigen, Anliegen der Gesundheitsvorsorge auf längerfristiger Basis in der Gemeinde zu planen.

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Healthy Nutrition an experience of health promotion in the county of St. Gall

Summary The drive Healthy Nutrition in communities was planned, co-ordinated und carried out as a joint action by the Health Department of the County of St. Gall, and 37 communities interested in the idea. The drive centred around the activities of the community itself, individuals, clubs, schools and local industry.The County Health Department supplemented the activity with a travelling exhibition about nutrition problems, attended by an advisor to answer questions. The build-up of the exhibition followed the 10 Golden Rules of sound nutrition.This drive was an excellent example of how health-promotion programms can be shared by county und community.This unique action should set an example to other authorities, clubs, and individuals, and show the ways and means needed to provide long-term planning for health promotion in the community.

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«Alimentation saine»: le programme du canton de St-Gall

Résumé Un programme «Alimentation saine» a été planifié, coordonné et réalisé en étroite collaboration entre le Service cantonal de médecine préventive et les communes intéressées.Les activités développées par les sociétés locales, les écoles et les commerÇants ont été les éléments essentiels du programme. Le canton a, quant à lui, engagé une diététicienne et mis un bus à disposition ce qui a permis d'organiser une exposition itinérante conÇue selon les 10 règles d'or de l'alimentation saine.Ce programme est une expérience de collaboration entre le canton et les communes pour la promotion de la santé. Il devrait servir d'exemple aux autorités, sociétés locales et individus qui désirent répondre au défi de la promotion de la santé.

     

Asking About Childhood Adversity in the Prenatal Care Setting: Cross-Sectional Associations with Maternal Health and Mental Health Outcomes

Maternal and Child Health Journal - Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with poor physical and mental health outcomes in pregnancy, prompting many care agencies to ask about ACEs as...     

Toward ‘seeing’ critically: a Bayesian analysis of the impacts of a critical pedagogy

Advances in Health Sciences Education - Critical reflection supports enactment of the social roles of care, like collaboration and advocacy. We require evidence that links critical teaching...     

Intuitive Eating is Associated With Higher Fruit and Vegetable Intake Among Adults

ObjectiveAssess how intuitive eating relates to dietary intake.MethodsSurvey data were collected in Project Eating and Activity in Teens and Young Adults, the fourth wave of a longitudinal cohort study (weighted n = 1,830, 49% women; mean age = 31 years). Intuitive eating was assessed using a 7-item scale adapted from the Intuitive Eating Scale and Intuitive Eating Scale-2. Dietary intake was measured via a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Mean servings were stratified by gender and intuitive eating quartiles and adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics and caloric intake.ResultsWomen and men in the top intuitive eating quartile consumed 0.6–0.3 servings more fruit and 0.4–0.6 servings more vegetables daily, respectively, compared with the bottom quartile, whereas men in the top quartile also consumed 0.6 servings fewer whole grains (all P < 0.05) than the bottom quartile.Conclusions and ImplicationsIntuitive eating shows promise as a healthier alternative to practices such as dieting.     

Management of Chronic Pain in Nursing Homes: Navigating Challenges to Improve Person-Centered Care

Despite the dynamic demands in the nursing home (NH), a definitive approach to managing chronic pain in older adults has yet to be established. Due to concerns for potential adverse pharmacologic effects, balancing appropriate pain management is a challenge among NH residents. The challenges encompass but are not limited to medical complexities, functional disabilities, and physical frailty. Barriers to the successful implementation of a comprehensive chronic pain management at the NH may include ambiguous directions on specific therapeutic interventions, insufficient guidance on treatment duration, and limited available treatment options. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ reporting requirement of adequate pain control among NH residents coupled with widely variable clinician-prescribing habits highlights the difficulties in overcoming the preceding challenges and barriers. The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has further complicated pain management due to its negative consequences on well-being of residents of NHs. Associated symptoms of psychosocial stress, anxiety and depression, and chronic pain symptoms can exacerbate during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to increased requirement for pain medications including but not limited to opioids.Pain is a multidimensional symptom and requires a strategic multimodal approach for its management. Nonpharmacologic modalities are underutilized in the NH setting and are the preferred first steps for mild pain, and nonopioid pharmacological agents can be added as a second step for a synergistic effect for moderate to severe pain. Opioids should be used as a last resort. Short-acting opioids are preferred over extended-release/long-acting opioids for chronic pain. Clinicians are encouraged to engage residents in proactive strategies in managing their pain, and to set realistic expectations toward improving their quality of life, as complete elimination of pain is not feasible in most cases.This review article provides the interdisciplinary team with a contemporary perspective of the multitude of changes and challenges influencing the prescribing as well as deprescribing of various pain medications.