bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of gender and injection site on vocal fold augmentation
Authors: Mau Ted , Courey Mark S.
Published: January 2008

OBJECTIVE

To determine the influence of gender and injection site on the amount of injectate needed to medialize an immobile vocal fold, and to describe the distribution patterns of the injected bolus.

STUDY DESIGN

Surgical intervention in human cadaveric larynges in experimental setting.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Cadaveric larynges were injected with calcium hydroxylapatite into the lateral or medial aspect of the vocal fold. High‐resolution CT scans were obtained before and after injection.

RESULTS

Males required 50% to 60% more material than females (P = 0.03). For both genders, lateral injections required more than medial injections (P < 0.001). Laterally injected boluses tended to distribute toward the cricothyroid space, with frank extrusions more common in females.

CONCLUSION

The amount of injectate required to medialize male and female vocal folds is significantly different. The smaller size of the female larynx likely accounts for a higher incidence of extrusion through the cricothyroid space. These gender differences should be taken into consideration when performing injection laryngoplasty.
Comparison of radiofrequency tissue volume reduction and submucosal resection with microdebrider in inferior turbinate hypertrophy
Authors: Kizilkaya Zeynep , Ceylan Kursat , Emir Hatice , Yavanoglu Ahmet , Unlu Ilhan , Samim Erdal , Akagün Murat C.
Published: January 2008

OBJECTIVES

To compare the efficacy of submucosal temperature‐controlled radiofrequency tissue volume reduction (TCRFTVR) and resection with microdebrider (SMRM) in chronic inferior turbinate hypertrophy.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective, randomized, and single‐blinded clinical trial.

METHODS

The study group consisted of 30 symptomatic patients who underwent simultaneous TCRFTVR and SMRM for consecutive sides. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and acoustic rhinometry (ARM) were made preoperatively and at 12th week and 6th month postoperatively; saccharine transport time (STT) and ciliary beat frequency (CBF) were performed at 12th week and 6th month postoperatively. The rate of the need for the revision operation was determined between 6 and 12 months period postoperatively.

RESULTS

Significant improvement was achieved in VAS scores and ARM measurements after both procedures, whereas both parameters did not differ significantly between two procedures postoperatively. STT and CBF showed no significant post‐treatment variation in comparison of the intergroup measurements. The rates of the need for revision operation were not significantly different.

CONCLUSION

Identical results in objective and subjective parameters were observed for both techniques. © 2008 American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.
Resonant interactions between Kelvin ship waves and ambient waves
Authors: ZHU QIANG , LIU YUMING , YUE DICK K. P.
Published: February 2008

We consider the nonlinear interactions between the steady Kelvin waves behind an advancing ship and an (unsteady) ambient wave. It is shown that, for moderately steep ship waves and/or ambient waves, third-order (quartet) resonant interaction among the two wave systems could occur, leading to the generation of a new propagating wave along a specific ray in the Kelvin wake. The wave vector of the generated wave as well as the angle of the resonance ray are determined by the resonance condition and are functions of the ship forward speed and the wave vector of the ambient wave. To understand the resonance mechanism and the characteristics of the generated wave, we perform theoretical analyses of this problem using two related approaches. To obtain a relatively simple model in the form of a nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) equation for the evolution of the resonant wave, we first consider a multiple-scale approach assuming locally discrete Kelvin wave components, with constant wave vectors but varying amplitudes along the resonance ray. This NLS model captures the key resonance mechanism but does not account for the detuning effect associated with the wave vector variation of Kevin waves in the neighbourhood of the resonance ray. To obtain the full quantitative features and evolution characteristics, we also consider a more complete model based on Zakharov's integral equation applied in the context of a continuous wave vector spectrum. The resulting evolution equation can be reduced to an NLS form with, however, cross-ray variable coefficients, on imposing a narrow-band assumption valid in the neighbourhood of the resonance ray. As expected, the two models compare well when wave vector detuning is small, in the near wake close to the ray. To verify the analyses, direct high-resolution simulations of the nonlinear wave interaction problem are obtained using a high-order spectral method. The simulations capture the salient features of the resonance in the near wake of the ship, with good agreements with theory for the location of the resonance and the growth rate of the generated wave.
Bare life and the developmental state: implications of the militarisation of higher education in Eritrea
Authors: Müller Tanja R.
Published: January 2008

In this article Eritrea is discussed as a developmental state based on biopolitics. Taking the example of higher education, it is shown how the biopolitical project as applied to education policies and human resource development at first succeeded in terms of reinforcing personal nationalism, while at the same time opening up spaces for the fulfilment of personal aspirations. Of late, however, the biopolitical project has turned ‘pernicious’ and has become a tool of oppression. These developments, if they are to continue, will not only jeopardise the state's developmental agenda but may lead to the Eritrean polity in its present form becoming unviable.
Frailty, fitness, and the mathematics of deficit accumulation
Authors: Rockwood Kenneth , Mitnitski Arnold
Published: January 2008

The daily clinical practice of geriatric medicine is a grapple with complexity. The elderly patients who come to geriatricians typically have multiple, interacting, age-related physiological impairments, some of which manifest as medical problems. These interact with various social vulnerability factors to put them at risk, and to define them as being frail. This view of frailty, as a multiple-determined state of vulnerability has broad support, but how best to operationalize frailty is rather more controversial. Some of the proposed operational definitions receive more widespread support than others. In particular, the ‘phenotypic’ definition of frailty used in the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS) has been endorsed at consensus conferences and employed by several groups. Indeed, it has even been claimed that ‘the terms “frail” and “frailty” should be avoided except when used in the context of a CHS assessment.’
Temperature Dependence of Debye-Waller Factors of Sphalerite III-V
Semiconductors Calculated From Ab Initio Force Constants
Authors: Schowalter M , Rosenauer A , Titantah J T , Lamoen D
Published: January 2008

Extended abstract of a paper presented at MC 2007, 33rd DGE Conference
in Saarbrücken, Germany, September 2 – September 7, 2007
Meta-Studien und ihre Synonyme
Authors: Meißner Anne
Published: January 2008

Metainterpretative Studien (hier: Meta-Studien) werden durchgeführt, um individuelle Ergebnisse unterschiedlicher Studien zu einem kohärenten Ergebnis zusammenzufügen. Die Meinungen über die Art und Weise wie diese Einzelergebnisse handhabbar gemacht werden sollen, unterscheiden sich jedoch zum Teil enorm. Dies zeigt sich u. a. in einer unterschiedlichen Begriffswahl für synonyme Sachverhalte, z.B. «Meta-Analyse», «systematischer Review», «narrativer Review», «Meta-Synthese». Auch ist unklar, warum einmal die Systematik betont wird – durch Voranstellen des Begriffs «systematisch» – und ein anderes Mal nicht. Der Artikel umfasst den Methodenteil einer Qualifikationsarbeit im Studiengang Pflegewissenschaft an der Universität Witten/Herdecke und hat das Ziel, die unterschiedlichen Auffassungen zu Meta-Studien darzustellen und die Begriffe zu ordnen. Es werden veranschaulichende Beispiele der synonym verwendeten Begriffe aufgezeigt und in den Kontext der zugrunde gelegten Philosophien gebettet. Es wird vermutet, dass die verschiedenen Meinungen aus den erkenntnistheoretischen Basisannahmen resultieren. Weiterhin zeigt sich, dass narrativ fälschlicherweise häufig als Gegenteil von systematisch interpretiert wird. Abschließend werden mögliche Ordnungskriterien aufgezeigt.
Internal tides over abrupt topography in the Southern California Bight: Observations of diurnal waves poleward of the critical latitude
Authors: Beckenbach Edwin , Terrill Eric
Published: January 2008

In the ocean, a mechanism for baroclinic internal tide generation is through the interaction of barotropic tidal currents with topography. Velocity profiles from a bottom‐mounted acoustic Doppler current profiler are used to characterize the tidal generation of diurnal and semidiurnal internal modes over a ridge atop an abrupt 30° bathymetric slope in the Southern California Bight. This location is poleward of the critical latitude for diurnal frequency internal waves, yet the circulation is dominated by the diurnal internal tide. Overall, the structure of the diurnal internal tide resembles the first baroclinic mode. However, the mode is topographically distorted in the lower water column where it is amplified and polarized in the cross‐ridge direction. The behavior of the diurnal response is contrasted with the nearly ideal appearance of the semidiurnal response. The diurnal baroclinic mode occurs as a persistent response to tidal forcing rather than because of the diurnal sea breeze as has also been suggested as an explanation for internal diurnal tides in other areas of the Southern California Bight.
The 94‐GHz radar dim band: Relevance to ice cloud properties and CloudSat
Authors: Heymsfield Andrew J. , Bansemer Aaron , Matrosov Sergey , Tian Lin
Published: January 2008

Details of the microphysics are shown to be responsible for a region of ice cloud which, when probed from above, has decreasing radar reflectivity (Ze) downwards at 94 GHz but increasing Ze at 9.7 GHz. This 94‐GHz radar dim band is found to be due to the combination of ice particle aggregation and non‐Rayleigh scattering effects. Observations and model calculations indicate that it occurs when the particle size distribution (PSD) broadens such that its slope, as derived from fitted PSD, decreases below about 15 cm−1, or equivalently, to a median volume diameter exceeding 0.25 cm. Dimming occurs at temperatures (T) primarily between −5 and 0°C but can occur at −30°C or below in convectively‐generated ice clouds (anvils). The dimming effect may produce an appreciable low bias in the ice water content (IWC) retrieved from Ze measured by CloudSat's 94‐GHz radar. Methods to estimate the IWC in the dim band are proposed.
CAWSES November 7–8, 2004, superstorm: Complex solar and interplanetary features in the post‐solar maximum phase
Authors: Tsurutani Bruce T. , Echer Ezequiel , Guarnieri Fernando L. , Kozyra J. U.
Published: January 2008

The complex interplanetary structures during 7 to 8 Nov 2004 are analyzed to identify their properties as well as resultant geomagnetic effects and the solar origins. Three fast forward shocks, three directional discontinuities and two reverse waves were detected and analyzed in detail. The three fast forward shocks “pump” up the interplanetary magnetic field from a value of ∼4 nT to ∼44 nT. However, the fields after the shocks were northward, and magnetic storms did not result. The three ram pressure increases were associated with major sudden impulses (SI + s) at Earth. A magnetic cloud followed the third forward shock and the southward Bz associated with the latter was responsible for the superstorm. Two reverse waves were detected, one at the edge and one near the center of the magnetic cloud (MC). It is suspected that these “waves” were once reverse shocks which were becoming evanescent when they propagated into the low plasma beta MC. The second reverse wave caused a decrease in the southward component of the IMF and initiated the storm recovery phase. It is determined that flares located at large longitudinal distances from the subsolar point were the most likely causes of the first two shocks without associated magnetic clouds. It is thus unlikely that the shocks were “blast waves” or that magnetic reconnection eroded away the two associated MCs. This interplanetary/solar event is an example of the extremely complex magnetic storms which can occur in the post‐solar maximum phase.
Relationship between intraseasonal oscillation and diurnal variation of summer rainfall over the South China Sea
Authors: Ho Chang‐Hoi , Park Myung‐Sook , Choi Yong‐Sang , Takayabu Yukari N.
Published: January 2008

The diurnal variations in summer rainfall over the South China Sea (110°E−120°E, 10°N−20°N) are examined for active and inactive intraseasonal oscillation (ISO) periods that are characterized by strong and weak 850‐hPa zonal winds, respectively. By analyzing the rainfall retrievals from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission Precipitation Radar for the period 1999–2006, it is found that the peak rainfall during the active and inactive ISO periods occurs in the late morning and late evening, respectively. The morning peak in the active ISO period arises from the organized oceanic convective systems associated with the local convergence along the west coast of the Philippines. The evening peak in the inactive ISO period originates from a stratiform morphology that is initiated by land‐based convective systems owing to the increased thermodynamic instability over the Philippines during daytime.
Metabolic evidence for biogeographic isolation of the extremophilic bacterium Salinibacter ruber
Authors: Rosselló-Mora Ramon , Lucio Marianna , Peña Arantxa , Brito-Echeverría Jocelyn , López-López Aránzazu , Valens-Vadell Maria , Frommberger Moritz , Antón Josefa , Schmitt-Kopplin Philippe
Published: January 2008

The biogeography of prokaryotes and the effect of geographical barriers as evolutionary constraints are currently subjected to great debate. Some clear-cut evidence for geographic isolation has been obtained by genetic methods but, in many cases, the markers used are too coarse to reveal subtle biogeographical trends. Contrary to eukaryotic microorganisms, phenotypic evidence for allopatric segregation in prokaryotes has never been found. Here we present, for the first time, a metabolomic approach based on ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry to reveal phenotypic biogeographical discrimination. We demonstrate that strains of the cosmopolitan extremophilic bacterium Salinibacter ruber, isolated from different sites in the world, can be distinguished by means of characteristic metabolites, and that these differences can be correlated to their geographical isolation site distances. The approach allows distinct degrees of discrimination for isolates at different geographical scales. In all cases, the discriminative metabolite patterns were quantitative rather than qualitative, which may be an indication of geographically distinct transcriptional or posttranscriptional regulations.
Differences in soil bacterial diversity: driven by contemporary disturbances or historical contingencies?
Authors: Ge Yuan , He Ji-zheng , Zhu Yong-guan , Zhang Jia-bao , Xu Zhihong , Zhang Li-mei , Zheng Yuan-ming
Published: January 2008

Contemporary environmental disturbances and historical contingencies are considered to be major factors driving current differences in microbial diversity. However, little was known about their relative importance. This study combines culture-independent molecular techniques and advanced statistical analyses to examine quantitatively the relative importance of contemporary disturbances and historical contingencies in influencing large-scale soil bacterial diversity using a large set of manipulated field-based molecular data (212 samples). Contemporary disturbances were represented by applications of different fertilizers N, P, K and organic manure (OM) and historical contingencies by distinct geographic sampling locations and soil profiles. Multivariate regression tree (MRT) analysis showed that diversity estimates were mainly distinguished by sampling locations, which explained 40.8% of the variation in bacterial diversity, followed by soil profiles (19.5%), sampling time (13.1%), OM (3.7%) and P (1.8%). Aggregated boosted tree (ABT) analysis showed that the relative importance of different categorical factors on soil bacterial diversity variation was ranked as sampling locations, soil profiles, sampling time, OM and P. Both MRT and ABT analyses showed that historical contingencies were the dominant factor driving variation in bacterial diversity across a regional scale (about 1000 km), whereas some contemporary disturbances also caused variation in bacterial diversity at a local scale. This study demonstrated that past events and contemporary disturbances had similar influence on soil bacterial diversity to that documented for macroorganisms, indicating that there might be some common aspects of biogeography to all organisms.
Evaluating different approaches that test whether microbial communities have the same structure
Authors: Schloss Patrick D
Published: January 2008

As microbial ecology investigations have progressed from descriptive characterizations of a community to hypothesis-driven ecological research, a number of different statistical techniques have been developed to describe and compare the structure of microbial communities. Thus far, these methods have only been evaluated using 16S rRNA gene sequence data obtained from incomplete characterizations of microbial communities. In this investigation, simulations were designed to test the statistical power of different methods to differentiate between communities with known memberships and structures. These simulations revealed three important results that affect how the results of the tests are interpreted. First, ∫-LIBSHUFF, TreeClimber, UniFrac, analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) and homogeneity of molecular variance (HOMOVA) compare the structure of communities and not just their memberships. Second, ∫-LIBSHUFF is unable to detect cases when one community structure is a subset of another. Third, AMOVA determines whether the genetic diversity within two or more communities is greater than their pooled genetic diversity, and HOMOVA determines whether the amount of genetic diversity in each community is significantly different. ∫-LIBSHUFF, TreeClimber and UniFrac lump these and other factors together when performing their analysis making it difficult to discern the nature of the differences that are detected between communities. These findings demonstrate that when correctly employed, the current statistical toolbox has the ability to address specific ecological questions concerning the differences between microbial communities.
Are Non‐prescription Medications Needed for Weight Control?
Authors: Bray George A.
Published: January 2008

At any one time large numbers of people are attempting to control their weight. Women are the principal consumers of weight‐control programs. Their options, outside the prescription drug market and surgical treatment, include diets and diet books, exercise alone or with supervision in exercise facilities, dietary supplements, group programs, doctors, dietitians, psychologists, and other health‐care professionals. Non‐prescription products available to help people control their weight cover a wide range, including herbal dietary supplements, diet drinks and portion‐controlled foods, meal replacements, and low‐carbohydrate diets and foods. The introduction of orlistat as an over‐the‐counter (OTC) product will provide the only Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved product for weight loss currently in that category since phenylpropanolamine (PPA) was withdrawn by the FDA. The FDA approval process is considerably more expensive than allowing untested herbal supplements to be marketed without testing, but the added safety evaluation by the FDA will reduce the risk of disastrous outcomes that have plagued many approaches to weight control. Support for a place for orlistat as an OTC product includes the inadequacy of current programs, empowerment of the public, lower cost, and bringing pharmacists into weight‐control programs. The downside includes improper use of OTC orlistat that may not result in achieving individual expectations.
Obesity in Young Adulthood Is Related to Social Mobility Among Swedish Men
Authors: Karnehed Nina E.K. , Rasmussen Finn , Hemmingsson Tomas , Tynelius Per
Published: January 2008

Objective: Several studies have shown an inverse relationship between obesity and social status. The aim of this longitudinal study was to disentangle the relationship between BMI and social mobility between generations.

Methods and Procedures: The study population consisted of 752,081 men, born between 1951 and 1965, who were Swedish citizens at conscription examinations. Intellectual capacity and BMI (kg/m2) were measured at age 18 years. Childhood socioeconomic index (SEI) was measured at an approximate age of 10 years and adult SEI at age 30 years. The odds ratios of moving up, down, or being socially stable were estimated with polytomous logistic regression. Multivariate analyses controlled for childhood SEI, intellectual capacity, education, birth‐year, and municipality.

Results: Men who were obese at age 18 years had a fully adjusted odds ratio of 0.72 (0.67; 0.77) of being upwardly mobile and an odds ratio of 1.32 (1.22; 1.43) of being downwardly mobile compared to normal weight men.

Discussion: Obese men in Sweden were more often downwardly mobile in the social hierarchy and less often upwardly mobile than normal weight men. BMI seems to be a determinant of the social mobility in Swedish men possibly indicating that societal factors influence the social mobility of obese men.
Retinoic Acid Treatment Increases Lipid Oxidation Capacity in Skeletal Muscle of Mice
Authors: Amengual Jaume , Ribot Joan , Bonet M. Luisa , Palou Andreu
Published: January 2008

Objective: All‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA), a carboxylic form of vitamin A, favors in mice a mobilization of body fat reserves that correlates with an increment of oxidative and thermogenic capacity in adipose tissues. The objective of this study has been to investigate the effect of ATRA treatment on skeletal muscle capacity for fatty‐acid catabolism.

Methods and Procedures: Tissue composition and gene expression related to lipid and oxidative metabolism were analyzed in skeletal muscle of mice acutely treated with ATRA or vehicle (olive oil).

Results: ATRA treatment triggered a dose‐dependent increase in the muscle mRNA expression levels of selected enzymes, transporters and transcription factors involved in fatty‐acid oxidation, respiration, and thermogenesis namely: muscle‐type carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1, acyl CoA oxidase 1, subunit II of cytochrome oxidase, uncoupling protein 3, peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor‐γ co‐activator −1α and peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor‐δ (PPARδ). The treatment also resulted in the upregulation of the mRNA levels of acetyl‐CoA carboxylase 2 (ACC2), a key regulatory enzyme for mitochondrial fatty‐acid oxidation in muscle. Skeletal muscle protein levels of PPARδ and retinoid X receptor γ, a partner for many nuclear receptors involved in lipid metabolism, were increased after ATRA treatment. Muscle lipid content was decreased.

Discussion: These results indicate that ATRA treatment increases the capacity of skeletal muscle for fatty‐acid oxidation. Knowledge of nutrients or nutrient‐derivatives capable of enhancing oxidative metabolism in muscle and other tissues can contribute to new avenues of prevention and treatment of obesity and related disorders.
Scanning Electron Microscopic Analysis of Intramyocellular Lipid Droplets in an Animal Model of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Fraenkel Merav , Weiss Ram , Leizerman Ilit , Anaby Debbie , Golomb Eliahu , Leibowitz Gil , Kaiser Nurit
Published: January 2008

Objective: To evaluate the accumulation pattern of intramyocellular lipids (IMCLs) in striated muscle during the development and progression of diabetes, using a novel scanning electron microscopic method.

Methods and Procedures: Hyperglycemia was induced by feeding diabetes‐prone (DP) Psammomys obesus a high‐energy (HE) diet. Lipid accumulation within gastrocnemius muscle fibers was assessed in formalin‐fixed muscle samples during the development of hyperglycemia using high resolution imaging in a scanning electron microscope. We evaluated the temporal relationship between changes in IMCL quantity and morphology and the altered glucose metabolism and assessed the effect of reversal of hyperglycemia on IMCL level and morphology. Diabetes‐resistant (DR) P. obesus served as controls.

Results: Lipid accumulation in the muscle fibers of DP animals was increased with the development of hyperglycemia. This was characterized by increased lipid density as well as by an abundance of large lipid droplets. Reversal of the phenotype resulted in the disappearance of large lipid droplets. The IMCL level and the distribution of lipid droplet size were similar in muscles of both the normoglycemic DR and DP animals, with an abundance of small lipid droplets. This profile was changed following a HE diet only in the DP animals.

Discussion: Lipid accumulation in the muscle of P. obesus during the development of hyperglycemia is characterized by increased quantity and accumulation of large lipid droplets. These changes were reversible upon normalization of blood glucose. The evaluated methodology is a useful tool for the study of the dynamics of lipid accumulation in different metabolic conditions.
Parental Recognition of Overweight in School‐age Children
Authors: West Delia S. , Raczynski James M. , Phillips Martha M. , Bursac Zoran , Gauss C. Heath , Montgomery Brooke E.E.
Published: January 2008

Objective: Examine the accuracy of parental weight perceptions of overweight children before and after the implementation of childhood obesity legislation that included BMI screening and feedback.

Methods and Procedures: Statewide telephone surveys of parents of overweight (BMI ≥ 85th percentile) Arkansas public school children before (n = 1,551; 15% African American) and after (n = 2,508; 15% African American) policy implementation were examined for correspondence between parental perception of child's weight and objective classification.

Results: Most (60%) parents of overweight children underestimated weight at baseline. Parents of younger children were significantly more likely to underestimate (65%) than parents of adolescents (51%). Overweight parents were not more likely to underestimate, nor was inaccuracy associated with parental education or socioeconomic status. African‐American parents were twice as likely to underestimate as whites. One year after BMI screening and feedback was implemented, the accuracy of classification of overweight children improved (53% underestimation). African‐American parents had significantly greater improvements than white parents (P < 0.0001).

Discussion: Parental recognition of childhood overweight may be improved with BMI screening and feedback, and African‐American parents may specifically benefit. Nonetheless, underestimation of overweight is common and may have implications for public health interventions.
Pancreatic Ectopic Fat Is Characterized by Adipocyte Infiltration and Altered Lipid Composition
Authors: Pinnick Katherine E. , Collins Stephan C. , Londos Constantine , Gauguier Dominique , Clark Anne , Fielding Barbara A.
Published: January 2008

Objective: Sustained exposure to lipids is deleterious for pancreatic islet function. This could be mediated through increased pancreatic fat following increased dietary fat and in obesity, which has implications for the onset of type 2 diabetes. The aims of this study were to determine changes in extent and composition of pancreatic, hepatic, and visceral fat in mice fed a high‐fat diet (HFD, 40% by weight) compared with a control diet (5% fat) of similar fatty acid composition, and to compare composition and extent of pancreatic fat in human type 2 diabetes.

Methods and Procedures: Mice were fed HFD for 3 or 15 weeks. Human postmortem pancreas was examined from subjects with type 2 diabetes (n = 9) and controls (n = 7). Tissue lipid content and composition were determined by gas chromatography and pancreatic adipocyte infiltration quantified by morphometry.

Results: Pancreatic triacylglycerol (TG) content was 20× greater (P < 0.05) in HFD mice and there were more pancreatic perilipin‐positive adipocytes compared with controls after 15 weeks. The proportions of 18:1n −9 and 18:2n −6 in pancreatic TG and the 20:4n −6/18:2n −6 ratio in phospholipids, were higher (both P < 0.05) after HFD compared with controls. Human pancreatic TG content was correlated with the proportion of pancreatic perilipin‐positive adipocytes (r = 0.64, P < 0.05) and associated with unsaturated fatty acid enrichment (P < 0.05).

Discussion: Adipocyte infiltration in pancreatic exocrine tissue is associated with high‐fat feeding in mice and pancreatic TG content in humans. This alters the fatty acid milieu of the islet which could contribute to islet dysfunction.
ACE Inhibition and AT1 Receptor Blockade Prevent Fatty Liver and Fibrosis in Obese Zucker Rats
Authors: Toblli Jorge E. , Muñoz Marina C. , Cao Gabriel , Mella José , Pereyra Lisandro , Mastai Ricardo
Published: January 2008

Objective: Non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which is a common liver disease in industrialized countries, is associated with obesity, hypertension, and type‐2 diabetes (metabolic syndrome). Since angiotensin II (ANG II) has been suggested to play an important role in liver inflammation and fibrosis, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether therapy against renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) may provide some beneficial effect in liver of an animal model of metabolic syndrome.

Methods and Procedures: For 6 months, obese Zucker rats (OZRs) were treated as follows: OZR‐group, OZR + Perindopril (P) group, OZR + Irbesartan (IRB) group, OZR + Amlodipine (AML) group, and lean Zucker rats (LZRs) group as a control. Livers were evaluated by immunohistochemistry techniques using corresponding antibodies.

Results: All treated groups showed a similar reduction in blood pressure compared to untreated OZR. Therapy either with IRB or P improves insulin sensitivity and reduces hepatic enzyme level with respect to untreated OZR. Conversely, AML failed to modify both parameters. Untreated OZR displayed higher hepatic ANG II levels and steatosis together with a marked increase in tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) level compared to LZR. Following RAS inhibition either by P or IRB, a significant reduction (P < 0.01) in the immunostaining of TNF‐α, IL‐6 and TGF‐β1 compared to untreated OZR was observed.

Discussion: These results indicate that ANG II expression is increased in the liver of these animals with steatohepatitis. Furthermore, RAS control by either angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibition or AT1 receptor blockade seems to provide a beneficial modulation concerning the inflammatory response to liver injury in this model. Consequently, blockade of RAS could be a new approach to prevent or to treat patients with NASH.
Place of Residence and Obesity in 1,578,694 Young Swedish Men Between 1969 and 2005
Authors: Neovius Martin , Rasmussen Finn
Published: January 2008

Objective: To compare prevalence of overweight and obesity in young adult men from rural areas with those from urban areas of Sweden over three decades.

Methods and Procedures: Eighty‐two percent of the Swedish male population at military conscription age between 1969 and 2005 (n = 1,578,694; 18.3 ± 0.4 years) was grouped by urban, semiurban, and rural place of residence. BMI was calculated from measured height and weight. Comparisons were made with and without adjustments for parental education, socioeconomic position (SEP), and intelligence quotient (IQ).

Results: During the study period, the prevalence of obesity more than quintupled from 0.9–5.1%, while overweight tripled from 7.1–20.5% (P < 0.0001). An urban–rural gradient was observed within all socioeconomic and education strata. After adjustment for SEP, IQ, parental education level, and testing year, the odds ratios (ORs) were 1.28 (1.23–1.34) and 1.20 (1.18–1.22) for obesity and overweight, respectively, in a rural compared to an urban area. The corresponding ORs for semiurban place of residence were 1.16 (1.13–1.19) and 1.11 (1.10–1.12), respectively. Significant effect modification by time was seen, with evidence of an increasing gradient until the early 1990s (P < 0.001).

Discussion: A strong and persisting gradient of increasing overweight and obesity from urban to rural areas was observed that could not be explained by individual or family‐related factors such as IQ, parental education level, or SEP. These results indicate the presence of strong environmental or contextual obesogenic factors affecting the energy balance of people in rural areas more negatively than those in urban communities.
Sex‐differential Expression of Metabolism‐related Genes in Response to a High‐fat Diet
Authors: Priego Teresa , Sánchez Juana , Picó Catalina , Palou Andreu
Published: January 2008

Objective: The aim of this work was to determine the sex‐associated differences in the expression of genes related to lipid metabolism and fuel partitioning in response to a high‐fat (HF) diet in rats, and whether this is linked to the higher tendency of males to suffer from metabolic disorders.

Methods and Procedures: Male and female Wistar rats were fed for 6 months on a normal‐fat (NF) or an HF diet. Body weight, fat depot weight, lipid concentration in liver, blood metabolites, and the expression of genes involved in fuel metabolism and partitioning in the liver, white adipose tissue (WAT), and skeletal muscle were measured.

Results: Female rats fed on an HF diet gained more weight and had a greater increase in the adiposity index than male rats, while the circulating insulin levels remained unaltered; these animals also showed an increased expression of genes related to the energy influx in WAT and with fat utilization in skeletal muscle. Male but not female rats showed increased hepatic peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor‐α (PPAR‐α) and CPT1L mRNA expression, suggesting enhanced lipid handling and oxidation by this organ, and have a higher triacylglycerol content in liver. Male rats under the HF diet also displayed higher blood insulin levels.

Discussion: These results show sex‐dependent differences in lipid handling and partitioning between tissues in response to an HF diet, with females showing a higher capacity for storing fat in adipose tissue and for oxidizing fatty acids in muscle. These adaptations can help to explain the lower tendency of females to suffer from obesity‐linked disorders under the conditions of an HF diet.
Liver Steatosis in Obese Prepubertal Children: A Possible Role of Insulin Resistance
Authors: D'Adamo Ebe , Impicciatore Mario , Capanna Rita , Marcovecchio M. Loredana , Masuccio Fabio G. , Chiarelli Francesco , Mohn Angelika A.
Published: January 2008

Objective: To determine whether in obese prepubertal children insulin resistance (IR) is associated with the development of liver steatosis.

Methods and Procedures: Cross‐sectional study evaluating the prevalence of liver steatosis in 100 severely obese prepubertal children and comparing IR indexes between children with (group 1) and without steatosis (group 2). Furthermore, IR indexes were compared to values of 50 normal weight children. Fasting blood samples were collected for the evaluation of liver function tests, lipid profile, plasma glucose, and insulin levels. All children underwent an oral glucose tolerance test and anthropometric measurements. Hepatic ultrasound was performed according to international criteria and by one single operator. Analysis was performed by Mann–Whitney U‐test, Pearson correlation, and logistic regression.

Results: Liver steatosis was found in 52% obese children and was equally distributed between the two sexes. Obese children were more insulin resistant when compared to controls (homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA‐IR): P = 0.0001; whole body insulin sensitivity index (WBISI): P = 0.0005; fasting glucose/fasting insulin ratio (G/I): P = 0.0001), and group 1 presented an even higher degree of IR when compared to group 2 (HOMA‐IR P = 0.0001; WBISI P = 0.0004; G/I P = 0.0001). The area under the curve (AUC) for insulin was significantly higher in group 1 when compared to group 2, while no difference was found in the AUC for glucose. There was no association between IR and adiposity indexes (P >0.05). The role of IR as a predictor for the development of steatosis was analyzed by multiple logistic regression, which documented that IR indexes were significantly related to steatosis independently of BMI‐SDS.

Discussion: Liver steatosis is an emerging problem in prepubertal severely obese children, and it appears to be an association between liver steatosis and IR in these subjects.
Association of the FTO Gene With BMI
Authors: Hunt Steven C. , Stone Steven , Xin Yuanpei , Scherer Christina A. , Magness Charles L. , Iadonato Shawn P. , Hopkins Paul N. , Adams Ted D.
Published: January 2008

Variants in the FTO gene have been strongly associated with obesity in a very large sample (38,759) of diabetic and control subjects. To replicate these findings, the previously reported SNP in the FTO gene (rs9939609, T/A) was genotyped in 5,607 subjects from five different Utah studies. The studies included a random sample of the Utah population, families selected for aggregation of extreme thinness, families selected for severe obesity, a series of unrelated severe obesity subjects, and families participating in a 25‐year longitudinal study of cardiovascular disease and aging. Results show a strong significant increase in the rs9939609 A allele frequency with increasing BMI (P < 0.0001). In the longitudinal study, FTO genotypes were significantly associated with BMI at a baseline exam, a 2½‐year follow‐up exam and a 25‐year follow‐up exam using an additive genetic model. The mean genotype difference in BMI ranged from 1.3 to 2.1 kg/m2 across exams. The genotype difference in BMI means was established in youth, and at‐risk subjects under age 20 at baseline had a significantly larger 25‐year BMI increase (10.0 for A/A; 9.7 for A/T, and 8.5 kg/m2 for T/T, P = 0.05). We conclude that the BMI increases associated with FTO genotypes begin in youth and are maintained throughout adulthood.
Analysis of Genetic Variations in the Resistin Gene Shows No Associations With Obesity in Women
Authors: Beckers Sigri , Peeters Armand V. , de Freitas Fenna , Mertens Ilse L. , Hendrickx Jan‐Jaap , Van Gaal Luc F. , Van Hul Wim
Published: January 2008

Resistin is thought to be involved in the development of obesity and insulin resistance. Polymorphisms in the gene encoding resistin could contribute to this link, but different studies have yielded contradictory results. In this study, we investigated whether polymorphisms in resistin are involved in the development of obesity in a Belgian female population. We selected three single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs1862513, rs3745367, and rs3745369) and compared their genotype and allele frequencies between female obese patients (N = 541) and control individuals (N = 235). This analysis showed association with neither obesity for any of the variants nor with the haplotypes of these SNPs. Furthermore, we also investigated whether these variants have an influence on BMI. After Kruskal–Wallis analysis, we found that there was no difference in BMI between the genotypes for all variants. Together, these results suggest that these variants in resistin are not associated with obesity in the female population.
INSIG2 Polymorphism Is Neither Associated With BMI Nor With Phenotypes of Lipoprotein Metabolism
Authors: Boes Eva , Kollerits Barbara , Heid Iris M. , Hunt Steven C. , Pichler Michaela , Paulweber Bernhard , Coassin Stefan , Adams Ted D. , Hopkins Paul N. , Lingenhel Arno , Wagner Stefanie A. , Kronenberg Florian
Published: January 2008

Objective: A previous epidemiological study showed an association of the insulin‐induced gene 2 (INSIG2) gene with BMI. Additionally, experimental investigations in animals and cell culture provided evidence that this gene might be involved in lipoprotein and free fatty acid (FFA) metabolism. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the association between the rs7566605 variant near the INSIG2 gene and BMI and to extend it to other quantitative measures of obesity, as well as parameters of lipoprotein and FFA metabolism.

Methods and Procedures: We genotyped rs7566605 in a group of severely obese white patients (n = 1,026) with an average BMI of 46.0 kg/m2 and a control group (n = 818) from Utah, as well as in the Salzburg Atherosclerosis Prevention Program in Subjects at High Individual Risk (SAPHIR) study from Austria, which is based on a healthy working population (n = 1,696).

Results: We observed no difference in the genotype frequency of rs7566605 of INSIG2 between obese subjects and population‐based controls from Utah. Furthermore, we did not find evidence of an association with measures of body composition (BMI, waist, waist‐to‐hip ratio, percentage body fat, amount of visceral and subcutaneous abdominal adipose fat) or lipoprotein metabolism (total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, and FFAs) in the Utah study population or in the independent SAPHIR study.

Discussion: Our results do not support an association of the INSIG2 gene with the regulation of body weight or parameters related to lipoprotein metabolism.
What Is the Accurate Prevalence of Obesity in Sweden in the 21st Century? Methodological Experiences From the Skaraborg Project
Authors: Nyholm Maria , Gullberg Bo , Råstam Lennart , Lindblad Ulf
Published: January 2008

Objective: To examine the impact of non‐response to self‐reported body weight and height in health questionnaires for the estimation of obesity prevalence.

Methods and Procedures: A cross‐sectional population‐based health survey in the community of Vara with 16,009 residents (in year 2002) in South‐western Sweden. Participants randomly selected in strata by sex and age among residents being 30–74 years old were consecutively invited to the local health care center for a health examination, including two visits. Self‐reported information on body weight and height were obtained by health questionnaires at the first visit, and measured information on both variables at the second visit. For this study 1,809 subjects (904 men and 905 women) completed both visits (participation rate 81%), and a nurse measured body weight and height of all at visit two. Participants not self‐reporting body weight and/or height at the first visit were defined as non‐responders.

Results: Both male and female non‐responders were significantly older than responders. Female non‐responders had significantly higher BMI (29.8 ± 5.8 kg/m2) than female responders (26.6 ± 5.3 kg/m2), (P < 0.001). No similar findings were seen in men. Non‐responders were more likely to be obese than responders both in men (odds ratio (OR) 2.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–4.11) and in women (OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.25–4.02).

Discussion: Non‐responders to self‐reported body weight and height in health questionnaires contribute to the underestimation of obesity. Measured body weight and height are to prefer when describing the accurate prevalence of obesity in populations.
Genetic Influences on Growth Traits of BMI: A Longitudinal Study of Adult Twins
Authors: Hjelmborg Jacob v.B. , Fagnani Corrado , Silventoinen Karri , McGue Matt , Korkeila Maarit , Christensen Kaare , Rissanen Aila , Kaprio Jaakko
Published: January 2008

Objective: To investigate the interplay between genetic factors influencing baseline level and changes in BMI in adulthood.

Methods and Procedures: A longitudinal twin study of the cohort of Finnish twins (N = 10,556 twin individuals) aged 20–46 years at baseline was conducted and followed up 15 years. Data on weight and height were obtained from mailed surveys in 1975, 1981, and 1990.

Results: Latent growth models revealed a substantial genetic influence on BMI level at baseline in males and females (heritability (h2) 80% (95% confidence interval 0.79–0.80) for males and h2 = 82% (0.81, 0.84) for females) and a moderate‐to‐high influence on rate of change in BMI (h2 = 58% (0.50, 0.69) for males and h2 = 64% (0.58, 0.69) for females). Only very weak evidence for genetic pleiotropy was observed; the genetic correlation between baseline and rate of change in BMI was very modest (−0.070 (–0.13, −0.068) for males and 0.04 (0.00, 0.08) for females.

Discussion: Our population‐based results provide a basis for identifying genetic variants for change in BMI, in particular weight gain. Furthermore, they demonstrate for the first time that such genetic variants for change in BMI are likely to be different from those affecting level of BMI.
Association of the MC4R V103I Polymorphism With the Metabolic Syndrome: The KORA Study
Authors: Heid Iris M. , Vollmert Caren , Kronenberg Florian , Huth Cornelia , Ankerst Donna P. , Luchner Andreas , Hinney Anke , Brönner Günter , Wichmann H.‐E. , Illig Thomas , Döring Angela , Hebebrand Johannes
Published: January 2008

Objective: Epidemiological studies showing an association between the melanocortin‐4‐receptor (MC4R) 103I variant (rs2229616) and decreased BMI are complemented by functional studies; these suggest a mechanism for appetite regulation and a linkage signal for physical activity and dietary intake for the region encompassing the MC4R. This study aims to provide epidemiological evidence for showing the association of this polymorphism with features of the metabolic syndrome and with parameters related to energy expenditure and dietary habits as potential mediators.

Methods and Procedures: We analyzed this polymorphism in 7,888 adults of a population‐based cross‐sectional study applying regression‐based statistical models.

Results: Carriers of the MC4R 103I (3.7%) exhibited a significantly decreased waist circumference (–1.46 cm, P = 0.020), decreased glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (–0.09%, P = 0.040), and increased HDL‐cholesterol (HDL‐C) (+1.76 mg/dl, P = 0.056), but no change in blood pressure. The odds of having three or more components of the metabolic syndrome were substantially reduced among carriers of MC4R 103I (odds ratio (OR) = 0.46, P = 0.003). Controlling for BMI reduced the HbA1c and HDL‐C association. Mediator analyses revealed a borderline association of MC4R 103I with carbohydrate intake (OR = 1.26, P = 0.059) possibly mediating association with leanness.

Discussion: Our representative study of well‐phenotyped Europeans is the first to describe the association of the MC4R V103I with the metabolic syndrome and with a nutrient‐related phenotype. Our data support the idea that this polymorphism plays a role in appetite regulation that not only affects BMI, but also other features of the metabolic syndrome. It further establishes that the association of the MC4R V103I with obesity and related phenotypes is genuine.