Physical activity levels of cancer survivors in Canada: findings from the Canadian Community Health Survey.

PURPOSE: Physical activity may reduce many side effects of cancer treatment and may improve survival. The purpose of this analysis was to compare physical activity in cancer patients and survivors to those who have never had cancer and examine changes between 2005-2006 and 2009-2010. METHODS: Data were extracted from the 2005-2006 and 2009-2010 Canadian Community Health Survey. Respondents were asked whether they currently have or had cancer in the past and about physical activity. Based on duration and type of reported activity, respondents were classified as inactive, moderately active, or active. Logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between cancer history and physical activity. Differences in physical activity by survey cycle according to cancer status were also examined. RESULTS: After adjustment, respondents with cancer were more likely to be inactive than those who had never had cancer (OR = 1.39, 95 % CI 1.21-1.58, inactive vs. active), while individuals with previous cancer did not differ from population levels. The odds of being moderately active or inactive did not vary over time in those with current or previous cancer; however, respondents who had never had cancer were less likely to be moderately active or inactive in 2009-2010 (OR = 0.94, 95 % CI 0.92-0.96, inactive vs. active). CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with cancer are less likely to be active than those who have never had cancer, but those with a history of cancer have similar physical activity levels to population levels. Activity levels in all three groups are much lower than recommended. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: It is encouraging to note that those with cancer history are not less likely than the general population to be physically active. Individuals with a history of cancer have much to gain from participation in physical activity and health care providers should continue to encourage physical activity in accordance with published guidelines.

Clinical proteomics stretch goals: EuPA 2012 roundtable report.

The field of clinical proteomics is faced with multiple challenges which need to be overcome in order to improve our understanding of human diseases and provide management solutions. Researchers interested in clinical proteomics assembled for a roundtable discussion at the European Association for Proteomics (EuPA) conference held in Glasgow in July 2012, to discuss these challenges and highlight the key areas for successful clinical proteomic studies. This report shares topics of discussion and the resulting stretch goals of clinical proteomics for researchers to strive towards.

Two newly identified cat allergens: the von Ebner gland protein Fel d 7 and the latherin-like protein Fel d 8.

INTRODUCTION: Characterization of the complete IgE binding spectrum of cat allergens is important for the development of improved diagnosis and effective immunotherapeutics. While Fel d 1 remains unchallenged as the major cat allergen, we now report the isolation of two new allergens capable of binding similar concentrations of IgE in the allergic sera of some individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cat tongue and submandibular salivary gland cDNA libraries were screened by DNA hybridisation and IgE immunoassay. The isolated DNA fragments were sub-cloned into an E. coli expression system and the IgE reactivity was examined with human cat-allergic sera using a DELFIA IgE quantitation assay. RESULTS: Fel d 7, an 18 kDa von Ebner gland protein Can f 1 homologue, was isolated from the tongue library. Fel d 8, a 24-kDa latherin-like protein with homology to Equ c 5, was isolated from the submandibular library. The frequency of IgE binding of cat-allergic sera to recombinant Fel d 1, 7 and 8 was 60.5, 37.6 and 19.3%, respectively. Inhibition studies indicated some IgE binding cross-reactivity between Fel d 7 and dog dander extracts. DISCUSSION: The study reports the isolation and characterization of two new cat allergens. The isolation of these allergens provides the opportunity to determine the role that IgE binding proteins other than Fel d 1 play in cat-allergic disease. For cat-allergic individuals with moderate to mild rhinoconjunctivitis these allergens may play a more important role in the manifestation of their allergic disease.

The chitinase allergens Der p 15 and Der p 18 from Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus.

BACKGROUND: House dust mites Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae cause allergic disease in humans as well as in dogs. In geographical regions where the two mite species coexist, they both elicit specific immunoglobulin (Ig E) responses in humans whereas dogs preferentially react to D. farinae extracts. In dogs the main IgE binding is directed to the D. farinae chitinase allergens Der f 15 and Der f 18 and not to the groups 1 and 2 allergens as found for humans. Although the IgE response of humans to Der f 18 has been investigated there is no report on Der f 15-specific IgE in humans. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to characterize the chitinase allergens Der p 15 and Der p 18 of D. pteronyssinus and to find out whether they are important allergens for humans. METHODS: cDNA was cloned by a polymerase chain reaction strategy from D. pteronyssinus libraries using primers based on conserved chitinase sequences. IgE binding to the recombinant polypeptides was measured by immunosorbent assay. Mice were immunized with the polypeptides and cross-reactivity examined. RESULTS: Two variants of Der p 15 were isolated, encoding mature proteins of 58.8 and 61.4 kDa. The amino acid sequences had 90% identity to Der f 15. The cDNA for Der p 18 encoded a mature protein of 49.2 kDa with 88% sequence identity to Der f 18. Der p 15-specific IgE was detected in 70% and Der p 18-specific IgE in 63% of a panel of 27 human allergic sera. CONCLUSIONS: The D. pteronyssinus chitinases Der p 15 and Der p 18 show a high frequency of binding to IgE in allergic human sera. They are therefore potentially important allergens for humans as well as dogs.

Personality of a group of grossly obese women.

The current view that the morbidly obese do not show a unique personality pattern is challenged. A sample of 91 obese female patients at a general practice are identified as having a significant personality pattern using the Sixteen Personality Factors Questionnaire (16 PF) and the Neuroticism Scale Questionnaire (N.S.Q.). Further the personality factors are consistent with a model that explains aspects of morbid exogenous obesity.