Common variation at 6p21.31 (BAK1) influences the risk of chronic lymphocytic leukemia

We performed a meta-analysis of 3 genome-wide association studies to identify additional common variants influencing chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) risk. The discovery phase was composed of genome-wide association study data from 1121 cases and 3745 controls. Replication analysis was performed in 861 cases and 2033 controls. We identified a novel CLL risk locus at 6p21.33 (rs210142; intronic to the BAK1 gene, BCL2 antagonist killer 1; P = 9.47 × 10(-16)). A strong relationship between risk genotype and reduced BAK1 expression was shown in lymphoblastoid cell lines. This finding provides additional support for polygenic inheritance to CLL and provides further insight into the biologic basis of disease development.     

Insect bite prevention

Protection from the bites of arthropod (insect and acarine) vectors of disease is the first line of defense against disease transmission and should be advised in all cases when traveling abroad. Details are described of the main approaches for the prevention of bites, including topical or skin repellents, impregnated clothing, bed nets, and spatial or aerial repellents and aerosols. The bionomics of the main arthropod vectors of disease are described along with photographic plates and tabulated advice to give the traveler. An in-depth treatment of the different protection methodologies provides an up-to-date overview of the technologies involved.     

Exploring the relationship between adolescent physical activity and anthropometric parameters

Purpose

To investigate the contribution of objectively measured light, moderate and vigorous physical activity to body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference-to-height ratio (WCHt) in adolescents.

Methods

A total of 694 adolescents (12–18 years) from six secondary schools in Auckland and two in Wellington, New Zealand, participated in the Built Environment and Physical Activity in New Zealand Adolescents study between February 2013 and September 2014. Light, moderate and vigorous intensity physical activity was objectively assessed using ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometers, which were worn for an 8-day period. Participants’ weight, height and waist circumference were measured to calculate BMI and WCHt. Multiple linear regression was used to characterize independent continuous associations between the percentages of wear time spent in each physical activity intensity with BMI and WCHt.

Results

Vigorous activity was inversely independently associated with WCHt (R ² = 0.013, p < 0.01), whereas both light (R ² = 0.053, p < 0.01) and moderate (R ² = 0.036, p < 0.01) physical activity show significant, positive independent relationships with WCHt and BMI.

Conclusion

Only vigorous intensity physical activity was associated with key positive health outcomes in adolescents. Our data support the concept of emphasizing the importance of vigorous activity in youth physical activity guidelines.

     

Acne vulgaris: nutritional factors may be influencing psychological sequelae

Acne vulgaris is a distressing skin condition which can carry with it significant psychological disability. Patients with acne are more likely to experience anger and are at increased risk of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation. Certain nutrients which have been implicated as influencing the pathophysiology of acne have also been identified as important mediators of human cognition, behavior and emotions. Zinc, folic acid, selenium, chromium and omega-3 fatty acids are all examples of nutrients which have been shown to influence depression, anger and/or anxiety. These same nutrients, along with systemic oxidative stress and an altered intestinal microflora have been implicated in acne vulgaris. It is our contention that certain nutritional factors, a weakened antioxidant defense system and altered intestinal microflora may interplay to increase the risk of psychological sequelae in acne vulgaris.