Chronic UV radiation-induced RORγt+ IL-22-producing lymphoid cells are associated with mutant KC clonal expansion.

Chronic ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure is the greatest risk factor for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) development, and compromised immunity accelerates this risk. Having previously identified that epidermal Langerhans cells (LC) facilitate the expansion of UV-induced mutant keratinocytes (KC), we sought to more fully elucidate the immune pathways critical to cutaneous carcinogenesis and to identify potential targets of intervention. Herein, we reveal that chronic UV induces and LC enhance a local immune shift toward RORγt+ interleukin (IL)-22/IL-17A-producing cells that occurs in the presence or absence of T cells while identifying a distinct RORγt+ Sca-1+ CD103+ ICOS+ CD2+/- CCR6+ intracellular CD3+ cutaneous innate lymphoid cell type-3 (ILC3) population (uvILC3) that is associated with UV-induced mutant KC growth. We further show that mutant KC clone size is markedly reduced in the absence of RORγt+ lymphocytes or IL-22, both observed in association with expanding KC clones, and find that topical application of a RORγ/γt inhibitor during chronic UV exposure reduces local expression of IL-22 and IL-17A while markedly limiting mutant p53 KC clonal expansion. We implicate upstream Toll-like receptor signaling in driving this immune response to chronic UV exposure, as MyD88/Trif double-deficient mice also show substantially reduced p53 island number and size. These data elucidate key immune components of chronic UV-induced cutaneous carcinogenesis that might represent targets for skin cancer prevention.

Use of Geosocial Networking Applications Is Associated With Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder in an Online Sample.

BACKGROUND: Geosocial networking applications (GNAs) are relatively new outlets through which individuals may find partners for sexual encounters. There has been a paucity of research on the associations between use of these platforms and measures of mental health and compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD). AIM: To examine associations between use of GNA, anxiety, and CSBD. METHODS: Using data from a large nontargeted Web-based sample (N = 4,203), we examined demographics associated with the use of GNAs. Using multivariable logistic regression adjusting for demographic differences between users and non-users, we examined associations between GNA use, anxiety, and CSBD. OUTCOMES: The outcomes are Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 and a modified Hypersexual Behavior Inventory-19. RESULTS: The percentage of participants that reported they used GNAs was 12.3%. Those who reported using the applications compared with those who did not were more likely to be young, male, and nonheterosexual. After adjusting for demographic variables, GNAs use was associated with CSBD (adjusted odds ratio = 1.62, 95% confidence interval: 1.09-2.37, P = .015) but not anxiety. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: This study is an initial foray into the relationships between GNA and mental health, establishing a relationship between GNA use and CSBD. Future research is needed to better understand the relationships between GNA use, psychopathology, and CSBD. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: Strengths of the study include its large sample size and nontargeted recruitment design, which minimizes confirmation bias. Limitations include the cross-sectional nature of this study, which precludes determination of the direction of causation. CONCLUSION: Use of GNAs was prevalent among our sample and associated with CSBD. GNA use may represent an important platform through which CSBD manifests. Conversely, GNA use may drive CSBD. Turban JL, Passell E, Scheuer L, et al. Use of Geosocial Networking Applications Is Associated With Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder in an Online Sample. J Sex Med 2020;17:1574-1578.

Posting Sexually Explicit Images or Videos of Oneself Online Is Associated With Impulsivity and Hypersexuality but Not Measures of Psychopathology in a Sample of US Veterans.

INTRODUCTION: Sending sexually explicit text messages ("sexting") is prevalent among US adults; however, the mental health correlates of this behavior among adults have not been studied adequately. Furthermore, there are few studies examining the related but distinct behavior of posting sexually explicit photos or videos of oneself online (posting sexual images [PSI]) and the mental health correlates of this behavior. AIM: To examine associations between sexting, PSI, impulsivity, hypersexuality, and measures of psychopathology. METHODS: Using a national convenience sample of 283 US post-deployment, post-9/11 military veterans, we evaluated the prevalence of 2 behaviors: sexting and PSI and the associations of these behaviors with psychopathology, suicidal ideation, sexual behaviors, hypersexuality, sexually transmitted infections, trauma history, and measures of impulsivity. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Measures of psychopathology including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, insomnia, substance dependence, hypersexuality, and suicidal ideation, as well as measures of impulsivity, sexual behavior, and trauma. RESULTS: Sexting was found to be common among post-9/11 veterans (68.9%). A smaller number of veterans engaged in PSI (16.3%). PSI veterans were more likely to be younger, male, less educated, and unemployed. After adjusting for covariates, no associations were detected between PSI or sexting and the examined measures of psychopathology. However, PSI was associated with higher levels of impulsivity and hypersexuality, whereas sexting was not associated with these measures. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Results from this study suggest that not all digital sexual behaviors are associated with psychopathology. However, PSI was associated with hypersexuality and impulsivity. Those who engage with PSI may benefit from guidance on how to manage their impulsivity to prevent ego-dystonic sexual behaviors. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: The strengths of this study include differentiating PSI from sexting broadly, highlighting that digital sexual behaviors are heterogeneous. Limitations include the study's cross-sectional design, which limits causal interpretations. More research is also needed in civilian populations. CONCLUSION: PSI was less prevalent than sexting in our sample. This behavior was associated with impulsivity and hypersexuality but not with elevated levels of psychopathology. Sexting was not associated with any of these measures. Turban JL, Shirk SD, Potenza MN, et al. Posting Sexually Explicit Images or Videos of Oneself Online Is Associated with Impulsivity and Hypersexuality but Not Measures of Psychopathology in a Sample of US Veterans. J Sex Med 2020;17:163-167.

Cutaneous Photoprotection: A Review of the Current Status and Evolving Strategies.

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure is well established as the major environmental risk factor for the development of melanoma, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), and basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Additional risk factors including genetic mutations, other environmental agents, and immune status are important in modulating the effects of UVR. Dermatologists advocate a multi-pronged approach to minimizing UVR exposure including lifestyle modifications, UVR protective clothing, and topically applied sun-protective products, i.e. sunscreen. New Federal Drug Administration (FDA) regulations on sunscreen have brought certain long-standing ingredients in sunscreen products under scrutiny. The FDA's proposed rule for over the counter (OTC) monograph states that the inorganic sunscreens, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, were found to be "generally recognized as safe and effective," but cite insufficient evidence to grant organic sunscreens the same designation. This proposed rule by the FDA and our increasing understanding of multifactorial mechanisms of UVR damage are an impetus for innovation and advances in sun protective technology. A complete set of strategies designed to limit the risk of UV-induced skin cell malignant transformation and tumor development must address the fuller consideration of genetic, environmental, and immune factors that cooperatively drive cutaneous carcinogenesis. Recent advances in our understanding of the biochemical processes underpinning UVR associated cutaneous cellular damage, genotoxicity, and clonal expansion provide investigators with a spectrum of opportunities for technologic innovation in the prevention of skin cancer. Strategies to improve upon current topical sunscreen formulations have strived for broader UVR spectral coverage, more favorable aesthetics, increased adherence, and minimal penetration into the living epidermis. In addition to improved sunscreens, future topical therapies may target processes within the epidermis that contribute to carcinogenesis. These include reactive species quenching, delivery of DNA repair enzymes, and targeting of cytokines essential to the proliferation of mutant keratinocytes.

Psychological Attempts to Change a Person's Gender Identity From Transgender to Cisgender: Estimated Prevalence Across US States, 2015.

Objectives. To examine exposure to psychological attempts to change a person's gender identity from transgender to cisgender (PACGI) among transgender people in the United States, lifetime and between the years 2010 and 2015, by US state.Methods. We obtained data from the 2015 US Transgender Survey, a cross-sectional nonprobability sample of 27 716 transgender people in the United States, to estimate the percentage exposed to PACGI in each US state.Results. Overall, 13.5% of the sample indicated lifetime exposure to PACGI, ranging across all US states from 9.4% (South Carolina) to 25.0% (Wyoming). The percentage of transgender adults in the United States reporting exposure to PACGI between 2010 and 2015 was 5% overall, and across all states ranged from 1.2% (Alaska) to 16.3% (South Dakota).Conclusions. Despite major medical organizations identifying PACGI as ineffective and unethical, 13.5% of transgender people in the United States reported lifetime exposure to this practice. Findings suggest that this practice has continued in every US state as recently as the period 2010 to 2015.

Identify, Engage, Understand: Supporting Transgender Youth in an Inpatient Psychiatric Hospital.

Transgender adolescents may require for inpatient psychiatric care, and have unique healthcare needs and can face barriers to quality care. This study sought to address limited understanding of the inpatient experience of transgender adolescents. This study uses qualitative methods to gain insight into the experience of transgender adolescents and psychiatric care providers on an adolescent inpatient psychiatric unit in the northeast United States. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients (9 total, ages 13-17) and unit care providers (18 total). These interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Patients and providers generally reported a supportive inpatient environment. Factors that contributed to this environment were efforts by care providers to respect patients regardless of gender identity, to use patient's preferred identifiers, and to acknowledge mistakes in identifier use. Barriers to consistently supportive interactions were also identified, including a lack of consistent identification of a patient's transgender identity in a supportive manner during the admission intake, challenges associated with the presence of birth-assigned name and gender within the care system (e.g. in the electronic medical record, identifying wristbands, attendance rosters), and a lack of formal training of care providers in transgender cultural competency. Interviews also provided insight into how providers grapple with understanding the complexities of gender identity. Findings suggest that gender-affirming approaches by providers are experienced as supportive and respectful by transgender adolescent patients, while also identifying barriers to consistently supportive interactions that can be addressed to optimize care.

Research Review: Gender identity in youth: treatment paradigms and controversies.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric gender identity has gained increased attention over the past several years in the popular media, political arena, and medical literature. This article reviews terminology in this evolving field, traditional models of gender identity development and their limitations, epidemiology and natural history of cross-gender identification among children and adolescents, co-occurring conditions and behaviors, research into the biological and psychosocial determinants of cross-gender identification, and research into the options regarding and benefits of clinical approaches to gender incongruent youth. METHODS: Based on a critical review of the extant literature, both theoretical and empirical, that addresses the issue of pediatric gender identity, the authors synthesized what is presently known and what is in need of further research in order to elucidate the developmental trajectory and clinical needs of gender diverse youth. RESULTS: The field of pediatric gender identity has evolved substantially over the past several years. New research suggests that cross-gender identification is prevalent (approximately 1% of youth). These youth suffer disproportionately high rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidality. Although research into the etiology of cross-gender identification is limited, emerging data have shown that affirmative treatment protocols may improve the high rates of mental health difficulties seen among these patients. CONCLUSIONS: The field of pediatric gender identity has evolved dramatically. Emerging data suggest that these patients' high rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidality appear to be improved with affirmative protocols, although future longitudinal data are needed.

Biopsychosocial Assessments for Pubertal Suppression to Treat Adolescent Gender Dysphoria.

Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) adolescents are those whose gender identity is incongruent with societal expectations based on their sex assigned at birth.1 Some TGD adolescents may meet criteria for gender dysphoria, which requires at least 6 months of psychological distress related to gender incongruence.1 Such adolescents may seek pubertal suppression with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa).1 GnRHa temporarily and reversibly suppress endogenous puberty, allowing adolescents to engage with care without puberty-related psychological distress.2 Most patients treated with GnRHa proceed to treatment with gender-affirming hormones (eg, estrogen or testosterone to induce puberty that aligns with their gender identity), whereas a small number choose to stop GnRHa treatment, allowing endogenous puberty to proceed.2 Longitudinal cohort and cross-sectional studies link GnRHa treatment to improved mental health outcomes, when provided in accordance with clinical guidelines.2.

The Importance of Non-Probability Samples in Minority Health Research: Lessons Learned from Studies of Transgender and Gender Diverse Mental Health.

Non-probability sampling methods utilize nonrandom research participant selection, which may generate study samples that are not representative of the general population. Non-probability sample studies are often regarded as inferior due to uncertainty about their generalizability and external validity. In reality, non-probability sampling offers advantages that make this method particularly valuable for minority health research. In this perspective article, we review the strengths and limitations of probability and non-probability samples, examining three landmark survey studies used to study transgender and gender diverse mental health. We conclude that both types of studies provide important and actionable data about mental health inequities experienced by minority populations.

Functional Neurological Disorder Among Sexual and Gender Minority People.

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) people can face unique stressors and structural discrimination that result in higher rates of neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, and suicidality. Although more rigorous studies are needed, emerging data suggest a possible higher prevalence of functional neurological disorder and other brain-mind-body conditions in SGM people. Representation and iterative feedback from affected community members is critical to the process of developing affirming environments. More research is needed to explore the relevance of functional neurologic disorder in SGM people within a biopsychosocial framework.

Correction: Access to gender-affirming hormones during adolescence and mental health outcomes among transgender adults.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261039.].

Age of Realization and Disclosure of Gender Identity Among Transgender Adults.

PURPOSE: The "rapid-onset gender dysphoria" (ROGD) hypothesis theorized, based on a parent-report survey, a distinct and more transient form of gender dysphoria in which individuals purportedly come to understand themselves as transgender and/or gender diverse (TGD) suddenly during adolescence. This study evaluated components of ROGD by (1) estimating the prevalence among TGD adults of first realizing one's TGD identity after childhood (i.e., after the onset of puberty), and (2) assessing the median time between realizing one's gender identity and disclosing this to someone else. METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis of the 2015 US Transgender Survey, a survey of 27,715 TGD adults in the United States. Participants were asked the age at which they first realized their gender identity was different than societal expectations based on their sex assigned at birth and grouped by "childhood realization" (ages ≤ 10 years) and "later realization" (ages > 10). They were also asked the age at which they first shared their gender identity with another person. RESULTS: Of 27,497 participants, 40.8% reported "later realization" of TGD identities. Within the "childhood realization" group, the median age of sharing one's gender identity with another person was 20. In this group, the median time between realization of one's gender identity and sharing this with another person was 14 years. DISCUSSION: A substantial proportion of TGD adults reported realizing their gender identity was different from societal expectations based on their sex assigned at birth during adolescence or later. Several years typically elapsed between participants' TGD identity realization and sharing this with another person. The results of this study do not support the ROGD hypothesis.

Functional neurological disorder and functional somatic syndromes among sexual and gender minority people: A scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the current literature on functional neurological disorder and functional somatic syndromes among sexual and gender minority people (SGM). METHODS: A search string with descriptors of SGM identity and functional disorders was entered into PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, PsycInfo, and CINAHL for articles published before May 24, 2022, yielding 3121 items entered into Covidence, where 835 duplicates were removed. A neurologist and neuropsychiatrist screened titles and abstracts based on predefined criteria, followed by full-text review. A third neurologist adjudicated discrepancies. Eligible publications underwent systematic data extraction and statistical description. RESULTS: Our search identified 26 articles on functional disorders among SGM people. Most articles were case (13/26, 46%) or cross-sectional (4/26, 15%) studies. Gender minority people were represented in 50% of studies. Reported diagnoses included fibromyalgia (n = 8), functional neurological disorder (n = 8), somatic symptom disorder (n = 5), chronic fatigue syndrome (n = 3), irritable bowel syndrome (n = 2), and other functional conditions (n = 3). Three cohort studies of fibromyalgia or somatic symptom disorder reported an overrepresentation of gender minority people compared to cisgender cohorts or general population measures. Approximately half of case studies reported pediatric or adolescent onset (7/13, 54%), functional neurological disorder diagnosis (7/13, 54%), and symptom improvement coinciding with identity-affirming therapeutic interventions (7/13, 58%). CONCLUSION: Despite a methodologically rigorous literature search, there are limited data on functional neurological disorder and functional somatic syndromes among SGM people. Several studies reported increased prevalence of select conditions among transgender people. More observational studies are needed regarding the epidemiology and clinical course of functional disorders among SGM people.

Phantom Networks Prevent Children And Adolescents From Obtaining The Mental Health Care They Need.

In October 2021, the American Academy of Pediatrics and other groups declared a national emergency in child and adolescent mental health. Despite this, pediatric mental health services remain largely inaccessible for many families. A major factor contributing to the lack of access is phantom networks, which are insurance company rosters of in-network mental health providers who, in reality, don't see patients in the network. Phantom networks compound barriers to mental health care for children and adolescents. This is particularly problematic for youth, many of whom use Medicaid, who seek time-sensitive care for severe psychiatric conditions such as psychosis or suicidality. We call on US policy makers to support nationwide legislation that establishes high-quality oversight processes for in-network provider lists.

Legislation restricting gender-affirming care for transgender youth: Politics eclipse healthcare.

In the past two years, in 25 US states, bills have been introduced to restrict access to gender-affirming medical care for minors. Some have already become law. We show how these bills, while purporting to "protect" trans youth, are really an assault on their ability, along with their parents' and physicians', to make healthcare choices and to receive medically necessary care. We discuss the evidence-based guidelines for the care of these patients, the positions taken by major medical societies against these bills, and the landscape of legal challenges that are being brought against these enacted laws.