Health Consequences of Weight Stigma: Implications for Obesity Prevention and Treatment

Despite decades of research documenting consistent stigma and discrimination against individuals with obesity, weight stigma is rarely considered in obesity prevention and treatment efforts. In recent years, evidence has examined weight stigmatization as a unique contributor to negative health outcomes and behaviors that can promote and exacerbate obesity. This review summarizes findings from published studies within the past 4 years examining the relationship between weight stigma and maladaptive eating behaviors (binge eating and increased food consumption), physical activity, weight status (weight gain and loss and development of obesity), and physiological stress responses. Research evaluating the effects of weight stigma present in obesity-related public health campaigns is also highlighted. Evidence collectively demonstrates negative implications of stigmatization for weight-related health correlates and behaviors and suggests that addressing weight stigma in obesity prevention and treatment is warranted. Key questions for future research to further delineate the health effects of weight stigmatization are summarized.

Expression of a cloned gamma-aminobutyric acid transporter in mammalian cells

The cDNA clone GAT-1, which encodes a Na(+)- and Cl(-)-coupled GABA transporter from rat brain, has been expressed in mammalian cells using three different systems: (1) transient expression upon transfection of mouse Ltk- cells with a eukaryotic expression vector containing GAT-1; (2) stable expression in L-cells transfected with the same vector; (3) transfection of HeLa cells infected with a recombinant vaccinia virus expressing T7 RNA polymerase. Similar results both qualitatively and quantitatively were obtained with all systems. The GABA transporter expressed in HeLa and L-cells retains all the properties described previously for GABA transport into synaptosomes and synaptic plasma membrane vesicles. It was fully inhibited by cis-3-aminocyclohexanecarboxylic acid (ACHC) and not by beta-alanine. The KM for GABA transport and the IC50 for ACHC inhibition were similar to the presynaptic transporter. Accumulated [3H]GABA was released from transfected cells by dissipating the transmembrane Na+ gradient with nigericin or by exchange with unlabeled external GABA. Accumulation was stimulated by both Na+ and Cl- in the external medium. However, in the absence of external Cl-, a small amount of GABA transport remained which was dependent on GAT-1 transfection. Functional expression of the GABA transporter was abolished by tunicamycin. An antitransporter antibody specifically immunoprecipitates a polypeptide with an apparent molecular mass of about 70 kDa from GAT-1-transfected cells. When cells were grown in the presence of tunicamycin, only a faint band of apparent mass of about 60 kDa was observed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Diagnostic accuracy of mini-mental status examination and revised hasegawa dementia scale for Alzheimer's disease

To compare the diagnostic accuracies of the Revised Hasegawa Dementia Scale (HDS-R) and Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) for Alzheimer's diseases (AD), we administered them simultaneously to 82 AD patients and 82 age- and sex-matched nondemented control subjects. The area under the receiver operator curve (AUC) for AD of the HDS-R (AUC(HDS-R)) and MMSE (AUC(MMSE)) were bigger than 0.90 indicating that both tests are useful for detecting AD. However, AUC(HDS-R) (0.952) was significantly larger than that of the AUC(MMSE )(0.902) regardless of the educational level of the subjects, indicating that the HDS-R is more accurate than MMSE in diagnosing AD. Moreover, the superiority of the HDS-R (AUC(HDS-R) = 0.894) to the MMSE (AUC(MMSE) = 0.704) remained significant in mild AD patients alone, who are the focus of screening. In conclusion, the HDS-R is better than the MMSE as a screening instrument for AD.

Transcriptional repression by the Caenorhabditis elegans germ-line protein PIE-1

In the early Caenorhabditis elegans embryo, maternally expressed PIE-1 protein is required in germ-line blastomeres to inhibit somatic differentiation, maintain an absence of mRNA transcription, and block phosphorylation of the RNA polymerase II large subunit (Pol II) carboxy-terminal domain (CTD). We have determined that PIE-1 can function as a transcriptional repressor in cell culture assays. By fusing PIE-1 sequences to the yeast GAL4 DNA-binding domain, we have identified a PIE-1 repression domain that appears to inhibit the transcriptional machinery directly. A sequence element that is required for this repressor activity is similar to the Pol II CTD heptapeptide repeat, suggesting that the PIE-1 repression domain might target a protein complex that can bind the CTD. An alteration of this sequence element that blocks repression also impairs the ability of a transgene to rescue a pie-1 mutation, suggesting that this repressor activity may be important for PIE-1 function in vivo.

The effects of prenatal nicotine on radial-arm maze performance in rats

Studies have revealed lasting cognitive impairments, including deficits in attention and learning, in the offspring of women who smoke. Animal models have shown that prenatal nicotine can induce behavioral impairments, including deficits in learning and memory, and one study showed that only females were impaired on a maze task. The purpose of the present experiment was two-fold: 1) to attempt to replicate the reported sex difference in maze learning and 2) to assess the ability of nicotine-treated subjects to learn a maze that placed particularly heavy demands on their attentional capabilities. Pregnant mothers were given 6.0 mg/kg/day of nicotine in their drinking water. Offspring of both sexes were tested following weaning in an 8-arm-radial maze using a confinement procedure. Results showed that prenatal nicotine treatment produced significant impairments in performance in the radial-arm maze. These impairments were seen in animals of both sexes, a finding which challenges the view that only females prenatally treated with nicotine show deficits in maze learning.

Novel signaling axis for ROS generation during K-Ras-induced cellular transformation

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are well known to be involved in oncogene-mediated cellular transformation. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying ROS generation in oncogene-transformed cells are unclear. In the present study, we found that oncogenic K-Ras induces ROS generation through activation of NADPH oxidase 1 (NOX1), which is a critical regulator for the K-Ras-induced cellular transformation. NOX1 was activated by K-Ras-dependent translocation of p47(phox), a subunit of NOX1 to plasma membrane. Of note, PKCδ, when it was activated by PDPK1, directly bound to the SH3-N domain of p47(phox) and catalyzed the phosphorylation on Ser348 and Ser473 residues of p47(phox) C-terminal in a K-Ras-dependent manner, finally leading to its membrane translocation. Notably, oncogenic K-Ras activated all MAPKs (JNK, ERK and p38); however, only p38 was involved in p47(phox)-NOX1-dependent ROS generation and consequent transformation. Importantly, K-Ras-induced activation of p38 led to an activation of PDPK1, which then signals through PKCδ, p47(phox) and NOX1. In agreement with the mechanism, inhibition of p38, PDPK1, PKCδ, p47(phox) or NOX1 effectively blocked K-Ras-induced ROS generation, anchorage-independent colony formation and tumor formation. Taken together, our findings demonstrated that oncogenic K-Ras activates the signaling cascade p38/PDPK1/PKCδ/p47(phox)/NOX1 for ROS generation and consequent malignant cellular transformation.

A feasibility study on the prediction of tumour location in the lung from skin motion

The system for predicting tumour location from skin motion induced by respiration was designed to reduce the effects of target movement. Fluoroscopic studies on 34 sites in the lungs and 14 sites in the diaphragm were performed so that the motions of skin markers and organs could be observed simultaneously. While patients were lying down in the simulator with radio-opaque markers on their skin, fluoroscopic images both in the anterior-posterior (AP) view and in the lateral view were sent to an analysing computer and recorded. The results that showed a strong correlation (0.77+/-0.12) between the patients' skin and tumour movement, especially for the sites located in the lower lung fields or in the diaphragm. With the prediction from skin motion, the uncertainties of the position of tumours due to respiratory movement could be reduced by up to 1.47 cm in the lower lung fields in the superior-inferior (SI) direction. This study revealed that it is possible to trace the exact location of tumours in the lungs by observing skin motion in most cases (up to 88%).

Hyperadrenocorticism, attenuated inflammation, and the life-prolonging action of food restriction in mice

Food restriction (FR), which extends life span, is associated with an enhanced diurnal elevation of glucocorticoids. This increase in glucocorticoids may contribute to longevity by chronically enhancing the same protective mechanisms mobilized during acute stress. The objective of this study was to determine if attenuation of inflammation, a presumably protective effect of glucocorticoids, occurs in FR mice. Two-month-old male BALB/c mice were either fed ad lib (AL) or FR (60% AL calories) for 2 months. After one month, the diurnal elevation of plasma corticosterone was threefold higher in FR mice. Two weeks after corticosterone sampling, a hind foot pad of each mouse was injected with 20 microliters of 4% carrageenan. Maximum observed edema did not differ between FR and AL groups, but edema was reduced at onset and fell earlier in FR mice. Results indicate that at least one inflammatory reaction is attenuated by FR and are consistent with the hypothesis that FR enhances a potentially protective glucocorticoid activity.

Specific immunoglobulin E for staphylococcal enterotoxins in nasal polyps from patients with aspirin-intolerant asthma

BACKGROUND

Nasal polyps infiltrated with eosinophils are commonly found in chronic asthmatic patients, more frequently in those with aspirin-intolerant asthma (AIA) than aspirin-tolerant asthma (ATA). Some studies have suggested a contribution of superantigens derived from Staphylococcus sp to nasal polyposis and eosinophilia, but their relative importance in AIA and ATA subjects is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated whether local production of specific IgE to staphylococcal enterotoxins A and B (SEA and SEB) and relationships with markers of eosinophilic inflammation differ in the nasal polyps of AIA and ATA subjects.

METHODS

Fifteen AIA subjects with positive responses to lysine-aspirin bronchoprovocation and 15 ATA subjects underwent polypectomy. Immunoassays were used to quantify eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), IL-5, mast cell tryptase, soluble IL-2 receptors (sIL-2R), total IgE, and specific IgE for SEA and SEB.

RESULTS

ECP levels in nasal polyp homogenates were higher in AIA subjects than in ATA subjects (P < 0.02), with no significant differences in tryptase, IL-5 or sIL-2R. Total IgE, and specific IgE to both SEA and SEB, were detectable in some nasal polyps from both subject groups, but median levels were markedly higher in AIA subjects than in ATA subjects (P = 0.04, 0.01, 0.05, respectively). Levels of specific IgE to SEA and SEB correlated significantly with levels of ECP and IL-5, but not those of tryptase or sIL-2R.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that staphylococcal superantigens may drive local eosinophilic inflammation in nasal polyp tissue, and that this is exacerbated in subjects with AIA.

Aperture maneuver with compelled breath (AMC) for moving tumors: A feasibility study with a moving phantom

Respiration causes target motion, which is known to be one of the technical bottlenecks in radiotherapy, especially for stereotactic radio-surgery and intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). To overcome this problem, aperture maneuver with compelled breath (AMC) has been developed. In order to simulate compelled respiratory motion, a moving phantom using a ventilator was designed. As the air flow was forced to the bellows, which simulates the lungs, by a ventilator, a film connected to the ventilator moved like the respiratory target motion. A software was developed to transfer multileaf collimator motion from breathless to actual periodic breathing conditions. Static fields as well as step-and-shoot IMRT fields were modified in accordance with moving shapes to follow the target position, using the software with the controlled breathing information. Film dosimetry for a small field and for IMRT fields with a moving phantom was performed. To evaluate clinical implementation, five healthy volunteers were tested to breathe through a ventilator, and all of them could adapt the compelled breath without any difficulties. Additive margins for a moving target with AMC were not larger than 3 mm for respiratory organ motions up to 18 mm, while those with the static beam were 9 mm. For IMRT fields, large discrepancies were present between a static target and a moving target with the static beam, while they coincided well with AMC. Clinical acceptable differences between the dose distributions from a static target with the static beam and from a moving target with AMC revealed that this technique could be applied clinically.

Radiation promotes invasiveness of non-small-cell lung cancer cells through granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor

Despite ionizing radiation (IR) is being widely used as a standard treatment for lung cancer, many evidences suggest that IR paradoxically promotes cancer malignancy. However, its molecular mechanisms underlying radiation-induced cancer progression remain obscure. Here, we report that exposure to fractionated radiation (2 Gy per day for 3 days) induces the secretion of granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) that has been commonly used in cancer therapies to ameliorate neutropenia. Intriguingly, radiation-induced G-CSF promoted the migratory and invasive properties by triggering the epithelial-mesenchymal cell transition (EMT) in non-small-cell lung cancer cells (NSCLCs). By irradiation, G-CSF was upregulated transcriptionally by β-catenin/TCF4 complex that binds to the promoter region of G-CSF as a transcription factor. Importantly, irradiation increased the stability of β-catenin through the activation of PI3K/AKT (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT), thereby upregulating the expression of G-CSF. Radiation-induced G-CSF is recognized by G-CSFR and transduced its intracellular signaling JAK/STAT3 (Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription), thereby triggering EMT program in NSCLCs. Taken together, our findings suggest that the application of G-CSF in cancer therapies to ameliorate neutropenia should be reconsidered owing to its effect on cancer progression, and G-CSF could be a novel therapeutic target to mitigate the harmful effect of radiotherapy for the treatment of NSCLC.

Technological advances in electrochemical biosensors for the detection of disease biomarkers

With an increasing focus on health in contemporary society, interest in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases has grown rapidly. Accordingly, the demand for biosensors for the early diagnosis of disease is increasing. However, the measurement range of existing electrochemical sensors is relatively high, which is not suitable for early disease diagnosis, requiring the detection of small amounts of biocomponents. Various attempts have been made to overcome this and amplify the signal, including binding with various labeling molecules, such as DNA, enzymes, nanoparticles, and carbon materials. Efforts are also being made to increase the sensitivity of electrochemical sensors, and the combination of nanomaterials, materials, and biotechnology offers the potential to increase sensitivity in a variety of ways. Recent studies suggest that electrochemical sensors can be a powerful tool in providing comprehensive insights into the targeting and detection of disease-associated biomarkers. Significant advances in nanomaterial and biomolecule approaches for improved sensitivity have resulted in the development of electrochemical biosensors capable of detecting multiple biomarkers in real time in clinically relevant samples. In this review, we have discussed the recent studies on electrochemical sensors for detection of diseases such as diabetes, degenerative diseases, and cancer. Further, we have highlighted new technologies to improve sensitivity using various materials, including DNA, enzymes, nanoparticles, and carbon materials.

Comparison of the underestimation rate in cases with ductal carcinoma in situ at ultrasound-guided core biopsy: 14-gauge automated core-needle biopsy vs 8- or 11-gauge vacuum-assisted biopsy

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to compare the underestimation rate of invasive carcinoma in cases with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) at percutaneous ultrasound-guided core biopsies of breast lesions between 14-gauge automated core-needle biopsy (ACNB) and 8- or 11-gauge vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB), and to determine the relationship between the lesion type (mass or microcalcification on radiological findings) and the DCIS underestimation rate.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed imaging-guided biopsies of breast lesions performed from February 2003 to August 2008. 194 lesions were diagnosed as DCIS at ultrasound-guided core biopsy: 138 lesions in 132 patients by 14-gauge ACNB, and 56 lesions in 56 patients by 8- or 11-gauge VAB. The histological results of the core biopsy samples were correlated with surgical specimens. The clinical and radiological findings were also reviewed. The histological DCIS underestimation rates were compared between the two groups and were analysed for differences according to the clinical and radiological characteristics of the lesions.

RESULTS

The DCIS underestimation rate was 47.8% (66/138) for 14-gauge ACNB and 16.1% (9/56) for VAB (p<0.001). According to the lesion type on sonography, DCIS underestimation was 43.4% (63/145) in masses (47.6% using ACNB and 15.8% using VAB; p=0.012) and 24.5% (12/49) in microcalcifications (50.0% using ACNB and 16.2% using VAB; p=0.047).

CONCLUSION

The underestimation rate of invasive carcinoma in cases with DCIS at ultrasound-guided core biopsies was significantly higher for ACNB than for VAB. Furthermore, this difference does not change according to the lesion type on ultrasound. Therefore, ultrasound-guided VAB can be a useful method for the diagnosis of DCIS lesions presented as either mass or microcalcification.

Natural nanocontainer for the controlled delivery of glycerol as a moisturizing agent

Natural halloysite nanotubes with a 15-nm internal lumen and a 50 nm outer diameter were investigated as a nanocontainer for the loading and extended release of glycerol for cosmetic applications. Cytotoxicity testing of the halloysite was conducted on 3T3 and MCF-7 cells, and the tubules showed no toxic effect on the cells for over 48 h. The capability of halloysite for loading glycerol was higher with the USA halloysite than with the New Zealand's, being approximately 20% and 2.3% by weight, respectively. The total elapsed time for releasing glycerol from the nanotubes exceeded 20 h. To further retard the glycerol release rate, the halloysite samples filled with glycerol were coated with several alternate layers of polyethyleneimine and polyacrylic acid. The release rate remained at the same level, however, probably due to the low molecular weight of the polyelectrolytes and the high solubility of glycerol in water.

Age-specific changes in expression, activity, and activation of the c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases by methyl methanesulfonate in rats

The stress-activated protein kinases (SAPKs), c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinases (JNKs) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases, were evaluated in the liver and brain of young and old rats in response to a direct-acting alkylating agent, methyl methanesulfonate (MMS). A slight but statistically significant increase in the baseline expression levels of JNK isoforms was detected in both the liver and brain of old as compared with young rats. In the liver of both young and old rats, no basal activities of JNKs were detected. In the brain, JNK activities were constitutively high and significantly increased in old rats compared with their young counterparts. Upon MMS treatment, JNKs were strongly activated in the liver, but not in the brain, of both young and old animals. The basal activity of p38 significantly increased in both the liver and brain of old rats as compared with young rats. An increase in the basal expression of p38 was detected in the brain but not in the liver of old rats. Upon treatment with MMS, p38 was activated in the liver of both young and old rats. In the brain, p38 was only activated in young but not in old rats. Taken together, these results demonstrate age-specific as well as organ-specific SAPKs signaling pathways in the rat in vivo. The possible implications of these findings in terms of resistance to endogenous and environmentally induced genotoxic stress during aging are discussed.

Disulfide bonds are required for Serratia marcescens nuclease activity

The role of the two disulfide bonds found in the Serratia marcescens nuclease were tested by site directed mutagenesis and were found essential for nuclease activity, although slight residual activity remained. The requirement for disulfide bond formation may play a role in preventing the lethal action of nuclease while in the bacterial cytoplasm.

Cloning of avian G(0)/G(1) switch gene 2 genes and developmental and nutritional regulation of G(0)/G(1) switch gene 2 in chicken adipose tissue

Adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), a newly identified lipase, is a rate-limiting enzyme for triglyceride hydrolysis in adipocytes. The regulatory proteins involved in ATGL-mediated lipolysis in fat tissue are not fully identified and understood. The G(0)/G(1) switch gene 2 (G0S2) is an inhibitor of ATGL activity by interacting with ATGL through the hydrophobic domain of G0S2. Here, for the first time, we have cloned the coding sequence of G0S2 cDNA for the chicken, turkey, and quail. Sequence comparisons with mammals revealed that the avian G0S2 also have a conserved hydrophobic domain. Avian G0S2 is predominantly expressed in adipose tissues relative to other tested tissues. Within the adipose tissue, G0S2 is expressed 20-fold greater in the adipocyte than in the stromal-vascular (SV) fraction (P < 0.001). Expression of G0S2 mRNA gradually increased during differentiation of chicken adipocytes in culture (P < 0.05). However, there is G0S2 expression in embryonic adipose tissue, SV fraction, and primary preadipocytes before confluence that generally have an increased capacity of cell proliferation, which indicates it has an important role in adipocyte differentiation rather than proliferation. For a better understanding of how G0S2 responds to environmental stimuli, chickens were fasted for 24 h and then refed. Expression of G0S2 in adipose tissue was dramatically decreased (P < 0.05) in the chickens and quail after a 24-h fasting period, and increased to the control level after refeeding. In contrast to G0S2 expression, ATGL expression was induced (P < 0.05) after the 24-h fasting period and rapidly returned to the control level during the refeeding period. These data indicate that changes in lipolytic activities of adipose tissue in vivo can be regulated by G0S2 expression, as an inhibitor of ATGL.

Hyperadrenocorticism and food restriction-induced life extension in the rat: evidence for divergent regulation of pituitary proopiomelanocortin RNA and adrenocorticotropic hormone biosynthesis

The increased diurnal elevation of plasma corticosterone (B) induced by food restriction (FR) may play a role in the life span extension of FR. We investigated whether FR alters adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) mRNA levels in plasma and anterior pituitary (AP), since these molecules both regulate and can be suppressed by B. Measurements were made in 3-month-old male Fischer 344 rats that had been ad libitum (AL) or FR (60% of AL calories) since 6 weeks of age. Plasma B was 2-fold higher in FR rats in the PM samples, but did not differ in AM samples. By contrast, plasma ACTH did not differ in the PM samples of FR and AL rats and was 20% lower in AM samples (p < .05) of FR rats. AP content of ACTH was 50% lower in FR rats in both AM and PM samples (p < .01). In contrast, AP contents of POMC and mRNA, primary transcript, and processing intermediate were not reduced in FR rats, and PM content of POMC primary transcript was elevated in FR rats (p < .05). The reduced pituitary and plasma ACTH of FR rats may be the consequence of their elevated plasma B levels. This study also suggests that factors other than elevated ACTH account for FR-induced hyperadrenocorticism. These results also indicate that POMC mRNA and ACTH biosyntheses are differentially regulated in FR rats.

Assessment of comparative pain relief and tolerability of SKI306X compared with celecoxib in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A 6-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, phase III, noninferiority clinical trial

BACKGROUND

SKI306X, which consists of biologically active ingredients from Clematis mandsburica, Tricbosantbes kirilowii, and Prunella vulgaris, was developed and tested in preclinical trials in Korea. Those studies found that SKI306X was associated with an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect, and that it can delay the destruction of cartilage in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare the pain relief and tolerability of SKI306X and celecoxib in patients with RA.

METHODS

This study was a 6-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, Phase III, noninferiority clinical trial. Eligible patients were aged 18 to 80 years, had a history of RA with a disease duration of > or =3 months, and were functional American College of Rheumatology (ACR) class I, II, or III before entry. After a washout period of 2 weeks, patients were randomized to SKI306X 200 mg TID or celecoxib 200 mg BID for 6 weeks. The primary end point was a change in patient assessment of pain intensity using a visual analog scale (VAS). The secondary end points were a 20% improvement in response rate as defined by the ACR (ACR20) and the frequency of rescue medication use. Results after 3 and 6 weeks of treatment were compared with baseline and between treatment groups, and all patients were assessed for adverse events (AEs), clinical laboratory data, and vital signs. AEs were identified based on spontaneous reports by patients during interviews conducted by the investigators and the study coordinator.

RESULTS

Two hundred twenty-two Korean patients from 7 medical centers were assessed and 183 were enrolled and randomized to 1 of 2 treatment groups. Ninety-one patients (10 male, 81 female; mean [SD] age, 52.13 [12.64] years; mean [SD] duration of RA, 9.08 [10.23] years; no. [%] of ACR class I, II, and III, 13 [14.29], 44 [48.35] and 34 [37.36] patients, respectively) received SKI306X 200 mg TID and 92 patients (10 male, 82 female; mean [SD] age, 51.78 [10.94] years; mean [SD] duration of RA, 8.78 [7.78] years; no. [%] of ACR class I, II, and III, 14 [15.22], 44 [47.83], and 34 [36.96] patients, respectively) received celecoxib 200 mg BID. An analysis of the change in reported pain intensity as determined by VAS (mm) score between baseline and week 3 (mean [SD], 13.64 [16.62] vs 14.45 [15.89]), and between baseline and week 6 (18.4 [20.8] vs 17.9 [19.1], respectively) suggested that SKI306X was not inferior to celecoxib. The number of patients who achieved ACR20 response rate was not significantly different between the SKI306X group and the celecoxib group at week 3 (16/87 [18.4%] vs 24/87 [27.6%], respectively) and at week 6 (29/87 [33.3%] vs 29/87 [33.3%]). The frequency of rescue medication use was not significantly different between the SKI306X group and celecoxib group at week 3 (54/87 [62.1%] vs 47/87 [54.0%], respectively) or week 6 (57/87 [65.5%] vs 49/87 [56.3%]). Drug-related AEs were reported by 27 (29.7%) patients in the SKI306X group and 22 (23.9%) patients in the celecoxib group. The most frequent drug-related AEs were epigastric pain (9/91 [9.9%]) in the SKI306X group and glutamyltranferase elevation (4/92 [4.3%]) in the celecoxib group. No significant between-group differences were observed in the prevalence of drug-related clinical- or laboratory-determined AEs.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that SKI306X was generally well tolerated and not inferior to celecoxib in regard to pain relief in these Korean patients with RA.

Effects of nicotine on APP secretion and Abeta- or CT(105)-induced toxicity

Several lines of evidence indicated that overexpression or aberrant processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP) is causally related to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Amyloid precursor protein is principally cleaved within the amyloid beta protein domain to release a large soluble ectodomain (APPs), known to have a wide range of trophic functions. The central hypothesis guiding this review is that nicotine may play an important role in APP secretion and protection against toxicity induced by APP metabolic fragments (beta-amyloid [Abeta], carboxyl terminal [CT]). Findings from our experiments have shown that nicotine enhances the release of APPs, which has neurotrophic and neuroprotective activities in concentration-dependent (>50 micromol/L) and time-dependent (>2 hours) manners. In addition, pretreatment of nicotine (>10 micromol/L for 24 hours) partially prevented Abeta or CT(105)-induced cytotoxicity in primary cultured neuron cells, and the effects of nicotine-induced protection were inhibited by the pretreatment with a nicotine alpha-bungarotoxin. Nicotine (>10 micromol/L for 24 hours) partially inhibited CT(105)-induced cytotoxicity when PC12 cells was transfected with CT(105). From these results, we proposed that nicotine or nicotinic receptor agonist treatment might improve the cognitive functions not only by supplementation of cholinergic neurotransmission, but also by protecting Abeta- or CT(105)-induced neurotoxicity probably through the increased release of APPs and the activation of nicotinic receptors.

Support for laws to prohibit weight discrimination in the United States: public attitudes from 2011 to 2013

OBJECTIVE

Public attitudes about three proposed laws prohibiting weight discrimination in the US, from 2011 to 2013 were examined.

METHODS

An online survey using a diverse national sample of US adults to assess their level of support for three specific laws against weight discrimination was conducted. Data collection occurred between June and July in 2011 (n = 1,098), 2012 (n = 1,202), and 2013 (n = 1,202).

RESULTS

Between 2011 and 2013, support for laws prohibiting weight discrimination remained consistent, and in some cases became increasingly supportive, primarily in 2012-2013. At least 75% of participants consistently favored laws prohibiting weight discrimination in the workplace. Individuals became increasingly supportive of extending disability protections for individuals with obesity (62% in 2011 to 69% in 2013) and adding body weight as a protected class in Civil Rights statutes (70% in 2011 to 76% in 2013). Analyses highlight specific predictors of support (gender, race, education, and political affiliation).

CONCLUSIONS

There is strong, consistent support for policies prohibiting weight discrimination. These findings have important implications for developing specific antidiscrimination legislation to protect Americans with obesity and improve their quality of life.

Missing the target: including perspectives of women with overweight and obesity to inform stigma-reduction strategies

OBJECTIVE

Pervasive weight stigma and discrimination have led to ongoing calls for efforts to reduce this bias. Despite increasing research on stigma-reduction strategies, perspectives of individuals who have experienced weight stigma have rarely been included to inform this research. The present study conducted a systematic examination of women with high body weight to assess their perspectives about a broad range of strategies to reduce weight-based stigma.

METHODS

Women with overweight or obesity (N = 461) completed an online survey in which they evaluated the importance, feasibility and potential impact of 35 stigma-reduction strategies in diverse settings. Participants (91.5% who reported experiencing weight stigma) also completed self-report measures assessing experienced and internalized weight stigma.

RESULTS

Most participants assigned high importance to all stigma-reduction strategies, with school-based and healthcare approaches accruing the highest ratings. Adding weight stigma to existing anti-harassment workplace training was rated as the most impactful and feasible strategy. The family environment was viewed as an important intervention target, regardless of participants' experienced or internalized stigma.

CONCLUSION

These findings underscore the importance of including people with stigmatized identities in stigma-reduction research; their insights provide a necessary and valuable contribution that can inform ways to reduce weight-based inequities and prioritize such efforts.

Production of active Serratia marcescens metalloprotease from Escherichia coli by alpha-hemolysin HlyB and HlyD

Serratia marcescens produces an abundant extracellular metalloprotease. The gene for this protease had previously been cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli, in which no functional protease could be found. However, the protease gene carries the LXGGXGND repeat motif found in alpha-hemolysin and other proteins secreted by homologous systems. Using a dual-plasmid complementation system, we show that the alpha-hemolysin hlyB and hlyD transport determinants are sufficient to allow secretion and activation of a functional metalloprotease species from E. coli, as are the comparable protease secretion functions of Erwinia chrysanthemi. However, strains expressing protease with the hlyBD transport system are unstable and rapidly lose the ability to produce functional protease.