Patterns of DNA methylation as an indicator of biological aging: State of the science and future directions in precision health promotion.

BACKGROUND: A rapidly expanding literature suggests that individuals of the same chronological age show significant variation in biological age. PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to review the literature surrounding epigenetic age as estimated by DNA methylation, involving the addition or removal of methyl groups to DNA that can alter gene expression without changing the DNA sequence. METHODS: This state of the science literature review summarizes current approaches in epigenetic age determination and applications of aging algorithms. FINDINGS: A number of algorithms estimate epigenetic age using DNA methylation markers, primarily among adults. Algorithm application has focused on determining predictive value for risk of disease and death and identifying antecedents to age acceleration. Several studies have incorporated epigenetic age to evaluate intervention effectiveness. DISCUSSION: As the research community continues to refine aging algorithms, there may be opportunity to promote health from a precision health perspective.

A discussion paper on stigmatizing features of diabetes.

Aim: This manuscript aims to describe stigmatizing features of diabetes. Design: This article presents a narrative review of literature pertaining to stigma surrounding diabetes in different contexts. Methods: A literature search was conducted in CINAHL, PubMed and Web of Science for qualitative studies published between 2007-2017. The search was completed using various combinations of diabetes, T1DM, T2DM, stigma, social/public stigma, internalized/self-stigma, stigmatization and diabetes-related stigma in English. The reviewers then independently reviewed the eligible studies (N = 18) to extract data. Results: From the 18 studies included in this narrative review, seven features related to stigma in diabetes were identified. People with diabetes were most notably considered and stigmatized as being "sick," "death reminder," "rejected marriage candidate," "self-inflicting," "contagiousness," "requiring a dietary modification" and "drunk or drug abuser."

The Complexities of "Struggling to Live Life".

Purpose The purpose of the study was to explore and describe perceptions and experiences of young adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) living in Appalachia, Tennessee. Methods Qualitative descriptive analysis of in-depth interviews of 9 young adults (male = 3, female = 6) 18 to 30 years of age living in Appalachian counties in Tennessee provided the basis of identifying the salient concerns from the perspective of this diverse group related to living daily with T1DM. Data analysis was facilitated by using NVivo 11 Pro and consisted of iterative review of the accounts in 3 phases: immersion, reduction, and interpretation. Results Findings revealed that young Appalachian adults had some common, consistent experiences living with T1DM. Major themes included the struggle toward adulthood, the daily struggle of living with diabetes, the strong desire to live life, the supportive environment, the development of one's identity by diabetes, the disruptiveness of diabetes' demands, and the pros and cons of technological development in diabetes management. Conclusion Health vulnerabilities are multiplied for young adults living with T1DM in Appalachian Tennessee. Participants pointed to living in communities with social stigma, lack of T1DM knowledge, and lack of access to health care that compares with the quality of care they experienced when in pediatric care. They also expressed fear about pregnancy, diabetes complications, and the dangers of hypoglycemia. Individual and community-based empowerment programs focusing on T1DM accompanied by insurance reimbursement and T1DM policy reinforcement are necessary to reduce health disparities and improve quality of life in this underserved population of young adults in Appalachia.

Overweight in children: definitions, measurements, confounding factors, and health consequences.

The epidemic of childhood overweight continues to grow at staggering rates, increasing nearly four-fold between 1963 and 2000. Children that are overweight are more apt to be overweight adults and are more likely to suffer adverse health consequences associated with excess weight. Nurses have a unique presence in the healthcare environment to assess children for overweight, provide parent/child nutritional education, and conduct obesity-related research. This article provides an overview of the current body of literature surrounding the definition and measurement of overweight and the morbidity association with childhood overweight.