Global microRNA profiling identified miR-10b-5p as a regulator of neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1)-glioma migration.

AIMS: Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is an autosomal-dominant cancer predisposition syndrome caused by loss of function alterations involving the NF1 locus on chromosome 17. The most common brain tumours encountered in affected patients are low-grade gliomas (pilocytic astrocytomas), although high-grade gliomas are also observed at increased frequency. While bi-allelic NF1 loss characterizes these tumours, previous studies have suggested noncoding RNA molecules (microRNA, miR) may have important roles in dictating glioma biology. METHODS: To explore the contributions of miRs in NF1-associated gliomas, we analysed five high-grade gliomas (NF1-HGG) and five PAs (NF1-PA) using global microRNA profiling with NanoString-based microarrays followed by functional experiments with glioma cell lines. RESULTS: miR-10b-5p, miR-135b-5p, miR-196a-5p, miR-196b-5p, miR-1247-5p and miR-320a (adjusted P < 0.05) were increased> 3-fold in NF1-HGG relative to NF1-PA tumours. In addition, miR-378b and miR-1305 were decreased 6.8- and 6-fold, respectively, whereas miR-451a was increased 2.7-fold (adjusted P < 0.05) in NF1-PAs compared to non-neoplastic NF1 patient brain specimens (n = 2). As miR-10b-5p was the microRNA overexpressed the most in NF1-high-grade glioma compared to NF1-low-grade glioma (5.76 fold), we examined its levels in glioma cell lines. miR-10b-5p levels were highest in adult glioma cell lines and lowest in paediatric low-grade glioma lines (P = 0.02). miR-10b-5p knockdown resulted in decreased invasion in NF1-deficient LN229 high-grade glioma line, whereas its overexpression in the NF1-PA derived line (JHH-NF1-PA1) led to increased invasion. There was no change in cell growth (viability and proliferation). CONCLUSIONS: These proof-of-concept experiments support a role for microRNA regulation in NF1-glioma biology.

Communication of children's weight status: what is effective and what are the children's and parents' experiences and preferences? A mixed methods systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Early intervention and conversation about a child's weight may offer an important chance of success in reducing weight and implementing a healthier lifestyle. This review explores the most effective ways to notify parents and children about the child's weight as well as their preferences and experiences around weight notification. METHODS: We systematically searched nine databases for relevant primary research. Records were independently screened by two authors. We extracted data into a form designed for this review. Effect data was analysed using narrative synthesis and qualitative data using a best-fit framework synthesis. We assessed our confidence in the evidence using GRADE and GRADE-CERQual. RESULTS: Studies of effect found that the format of feedback made little or no difference in parents attending further treatment, recognising their child as overweight or obese, reactions to the way the weight notification is given, motivation for lifestyle change, understanding how to reduce the risk of overweight, or taking any action. However, parents receiving feedback with motivational interviewing have somewhat greater satisfaction with the way the healthcare provider supports them. Qualitative studies found that parents had clear preferences for the format, timing, content and amount of information they wanted to receive in relation to both the weighing process and weight notification. They also had clear preferences for how they wanted health care providers to interact and communicate with them and their children. Both parents and children often felt that they were not receiving enough information and worried about how their results would be kept private. Many parents experienced an emotional response when told about their child's weight ranging from positive, disbelief and negative feelings. Those who reacted with disbelief or negatively were less likely to accept their child's weight status and/or act upon the notification letter. No studies reported results for children who were underweight. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these qualitative results people working with weight assessment and notification programs should consider parents' preferences when developing feedback formats, considering the mode of feedback they are going to use and provide parents and children with tailored feedback and personalized follow up once a child is identified as overweight or obese.

Taste perception and breast cancer: evidence of a role for diet.

Suprathreshold taste perception and nutrient intake were assessed for two groups of women aged 44 to 56 years: 24 mastectomized breast cancer outpatients and 24 matched controls. Salty and sweet taste intensity and pleasantness were evaluated in aqueous solutions and simple foods by unstructured line scaling. Dietary intakes were assessed by combined dietary recall (1 day) and food record (3 days). Suprathreshold taste intensity and pleasantness data did not differ between the breast cancer and control groups. Breast cancer subjects consumed less energy and were at greater overall nutritional risk than the controls. Compared with control subjects, breast cancer subjects were at greater risk of calcium and iron deficiency. Regression analysis was used to investigate relationships between diet and taste for a breast cancer subgroup (n = 7) with unusually low energy intake (< or = 1,300 kcal/day) and a high overall nutritional risk (25.6%). For the subgroup, significant relationships between taste and diet were found, although taste data did not differ from that of the controls. Percent risks of nutrient deficiency for vitamin B-12, thiamin, folacin, iron, and riboflavin were important predictors of taste-intensity slopes for the cancer subgroup. Findings suggest that for some of the breast cancer subjects, diet may be associated with unsatisfactory nutritional status and may be affected by suprathreshold taste perception.