Identification of gene expression biomarkers to predict clinical response to methotrexate in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Objectives: To identify biomarkers at the gene expression level to predict response to methotrexate (MTX) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: MTX-naïve patients with RA were started on MTX and followed up over three months. The disease activity score 28 (DAS28) was used to classify patients into responders and non-responders.

Perceptions of tableware size in households of children and adolescents with obesity.

Purpose: Portion size influences energy intake and is an important factor when developing weight management strategies. The effect of tableware on food intake is less clear, especially in children. To date, the relationship between the body weight of individuals and the tableware used in their households has not been investigated.

Changes in Gustatory Function and Taste Preference Following Weight Loss.

Objective: To investigate taste changes of obese children during an inpatient weight reduction treatment in comparison with normal weight children.

Study Design: Obese (n = 60) and normal weight (n = 27) children aged 9-17 years were assessed for gustatory functions using taste strips (taste identification test for the taste qualities sour, salty, sweet, and bitter), taste preferences, and experienced taste sensitivity. Obese children were examined upon admission (T1) and before discharge (T2).

Multimodal Body Representation of Obese Children and Adolescents before and after Weight-Loss Treatment in Comparison to Normal-Weight Children.

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate whether obese children and adolescents have a disturbed body representation as compared to normal-weight participants matched for age and gender and whether their body representation changes in the course of an inpatient weight-reduction program.

Methods: Sixty obese (OBE) and 27 normal-weight (NW) children and adolescents (age: 9-17) were assessed for body representation using a multi-method approach. Therefore, we assessed body size estimation, tactile size estimation, heartbeat detection accuracy, and attitudes towards one's own body.

Effect of a weight reduction program on baseline and stress-induced heart rate variability in children with obesity.

Objective: Autonomic dysregulation is a well-established feature in adults with obesity but not in children. Since this dysregulation could contribute to weight dynamics, this study aimed to compare autonomic regulation in children with obesity and normal-weight peers and to track autonomic status during weight reduction.

Methods: Sixty children with obesity and 27 age- and sex-matched normal-weight healthy participants were included.