bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oral bisphosphonate use and colorectal cancer incidence in the Women's Health Initiative
Authors: Passarelli Michael N , Newcomb Polly A , LaCroix Andrea Z , Lane Dorothy S , Ho Gloria YF , Chlebowski Rowan T
Published: March 2013

Bisphosphonates are widely prescribed to increase bone density in postmenopausal women with osteopenia or osteoporosis. Aminobisphosphonates have numerous anticancer properties and reduce bone metastases in cancer patients. Several studies, including the Women's Health Initiative (WHI), have found that use of oral bisphosphonates is associated with reduced risk of developing breast cancer, but less is known about associations with other common malignancies in women such as colorectal cancer (CRC). A few case-control and retrospective cohort studies have reported decreased risk of CRC among bisphosphonate users. In contrast, a prospective cohort study found no association. We evaluated the association between oral bisphosphonate use and CRC incidence in 156,826 postmenopausal women, ages 50 to 79 years, who participated in WHI clinical trials and observational study. A detailed health interview was conducted at baseline, and bisphosphonate use was ascertained from an inventory of regularly used medications at baseline and over follow-up. A total of 1931 women were diagnosed with incident invasive CRC during a median follow-up of 12 years. Alendronate was the most commonly used bisphosphonate, accounting for >90% of the total person-years of use. The association between oral bisphosphonate use and CRC risk did not reach statistical significance (hazard ratio [HR] from multivariable-adjusted models = 0.88; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.72–1.07; p = 0.19). Furthermore, we did not observe greater risk reductions for women with longer duration of use. Uncontrolled confounding may explain why previous studies have observed an association.
Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 is a mediator of the anabolic action of parathyroid hormone on bone
Authors: Tamasi Joseph A , Vasilov Anatoliy , Shimizu Emi , Benton Noah , Johnson Joshua , Bitel Claudine L , Morrison Nigel , Partridge Nicola C
Published: March 2013

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) has a significant role as an anabolic hormone in bone when administered by intermittent injection. Previous microarray studies in our laboratory have shown that the most highly regulated gene, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), is rapidly and transiently induced when hPTH(1-34) is injected intermittently in rats. Through further in vivo studies, we found that rats treated with hPTH(1-34) showed a significant increase in serum MCP-1 levels 2 hours after PTH injection compared with basal levels. Using immunohistochemistry, increased MCP-1 expression in osteoblasts and osteocytes is evident after PTH treatment. PTH also increased the number of marrow macrophages. MCP-1 knockout mice injected daily with hPTH(1-34) showed less trabecular bone mineral density and bone volume compared with wild-type mice as measured by peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) and micro-computed tomography (µCT). Histomorphometric analysis revealed that the increase in osteoclast surface and osteoclast number observed with intermittent PTH treatment in the wild-type mice was completely eliminated in the MCP-1 null mice, as well as much lower numbers of macrophages. Consequently, the lack of osteoclast and macrophage activity in the MCP-1 null mice was paralleled by a reduction in bone formation. We conclude that osteoblast and osteocyte MCP-1 expression is an important mediator for the anabolic effects of PTH on bone.
Enzymatic transesterification of soybean ethanolic miscella for biodiesel production
Authors: Sangaletti Naiane , Cea Mara , Regitano‐d'Arce Marisa Aparecida Bismara , de Souza Vieira Thaís Maria Ferreira , Navia Rodrigo
Published: March 2013

BACKGROUND

Biodiesel production is not economically competitive with petroleum diesel particularly when using virgin and refined vegetable oils. Rich‐in‐oil miscella obtained from the extraction of soybean oil with ethanol may be a promising feedstock for taking off the refining process, simultaneously introducing an environmental friendly step by replacing hexane by ethanol as a renewable solvent in the oil extraction process. The aim of this study was to investigate the production of biodiesel from the oil–ethanol miscella by direct transesterification using Novozym®435 as catalyst and ethanol as acyl acceptor; simultaneously optimizing the process by response surface methodology and enzyme reuse.

RESULTS

The best experimental conditions indicated by the empirical model were temperature 40 °C, oil:ethanol molar ratio 1:4.5 and catalyst concentration 9.5% for 24 h, reaching 85.4% fatty acid ethylic esters (FAEE) yield. Tert‐butanol used as co‐solvent increased the ethyl esters yield from 18%, keeping a high FAEE yield (over 70%) for more than 3 cycles of enzyme reuse.

CONCLUSIONS

Rich miscella has great potential as a low cost feedstock for biodiesel production when Novozym®435 is used as catalyst, simultaneously introducing an environmentally friendly step by using the renewable solvent ethanol in the extraction and transesterification. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Experimental study on coarse grain saltation dynamics in bedrock channels
Authors: Chatanantavet Phairot , Whipple Kelin X. , Adams Mark A. , Lamb Michael P.
Published: March 2013

Saltation of bed load particles on bedrock surfaces is important for landscape evolution and bedrock incision in steep landscapes. However, few studies have investigated saltation in bedrock channels where, unlike alluvial channels, the bed roughness height and the sediment size may be independent. To address this data gap, we measured the saltation hop height, hop length, and velocity of gravel saltating over a planar bed using 80–160 readings from high‐speed photography and direct measurements. Two separate dimensional analyses are used: one leading to a bed shear stress scaling and another leading to a Froude number (Fr) scaling. Our new saltation data coupled with numerous data from previous studies suggest that both shear stress and Fr‐scaling analyses are valid in characterizing bed load saltation dynamics with bed roughness ranging from smooth to alluvial beds. However, the Fr approach has the advantages that (1) there is no need to estimate a critical Shields stress , which alone can vary up to 2 orders of magnitude (e.g., 0.001–0.1) due to changes in relative bed roughness and slope and (2) the Fr‐based scaling fits the saltation data set better in a least squares sense. Results show that the saltation velocity of bed load is independent of grain density and grain size and is linearly proportional to flow velocity. Saltation height has a nonlinear dependence on grain size. Saltation length increases primarily with flow velocity, and it is inversely proportional to submerged specific density. Our results suggest that either or bed roughness coefficient must be properly estimated to yield accurate results in saltation‐abrasion models.
Synthesis and Characterization of Azobenzene–Porphyrins
Authors: Amaravathi M. , Kanakaraju S. , Chandramouli G. V. P.
Published: March 2013

A new series of novel covalently connected meso‐tetrakis(3‐azophenyl‐4‐hydroxy‐5‐methoxyphenyl)porphyrins were synthesized by linking azobenzene unit at the meta‐position of the meso‐phenyl group. These are characterized by UV–vis, IR, 1H‐NMR, CHN, and FABMS spectroscopic techniques. All the porphyrin compounds showed a typical high energy Soret band at around 435 nm and azobenzene absorption at around 350 nm in UV–vis spectra. Fluorescence intensity of meso‐tetrakis(3‐(4‐methoxyazophenyl)‐4‐hydroxy‐5‐methoxyphenyl)porphyrin (2c) has been observed to be maximum compared with other azobenzene porphyrins.
Synthesis of Some New Heterocycles Derived from Ethyl 7‐Amino‐3‐(3‐methyl‐5‐oxo‐1‐phenyl‐2‐pyrazolin‐4‐yl)‐5‐aryl‐5H‐thiazolo[3,2‐a]pyrimidine‐6‐carboxylate of Biological Importance
Authors: Youssef Mohamed Salah K. , Abbady Mohamed S. , Ahmed Ragaa A. , Omar Ahmed A.
Published: March 2013

Ethyl 7‐amino‐3‐(3‐methyl‐5‐oxo‐1‐phenyl‐2‐pyrazolin‐4‐yl)‐5‐aryl‐5H‐thiazolo[3,2‐a]pyrimidine‐6‐carboxylate was synthesized by the reaction of 4‐(2‐aminothiazol‐4‐yl)‐3‐methyl‐5‐oxo‐1‐phenyl‐2‐pyrazoline with arylidene ethyl cyanoacetate and it transformed to related fused heterocyclic systems via reaction with various reagents. The biological activities of these compounds were evaluated.
Two‐dimensional stimulated ultraviolet resonance Raman spectra of tyrosine and tryptophan: a simulation study
Authors: Ren Hao , Biggs Jason D. , Mukamel Shaul
Published: March 2013

We report an ab initio simulation study of the ultrafast broad bandwidth ultraviolet stimulated resonance Raman spectra (SRRS) of l‐tyrosine, l‐tryptophan, and trans‐l‐tryptophan‐l‐tyrosine (WY) dipeptide. Two‐pulse one‐dimensional SRRS and three‐pulse two‐dimensional SRRS that reveal inter‐residue and intra‐residue vibrational correlations are simulated using electronically resonant or pre‐resonant pulse configurations that select the Raman signal and discriminate against excited state pathways. Multimode effects are incorporated via the cumulant expansion. The two‐dimensional SRRS technique is more sensitive to residue couplings than spontaneous Raman. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving Poly(ethylene terephthalate) Through Self‐nucleation
Authors: Joijode Abhay S. , Hawkins KaDesia , Tonelli Alan E.
Published: March 2013

As‐received poly(ethylene terephthalate) (asr‐PET) may be reorganized by precipitation from trifluoroacetic acid upon gradual addition to a large excess of rapidly stirred acetone (p‐PET). Unlike asr‐PET, p‐PET repeatedly crystallizes rapidly from the melt, and can be used in small quantities (a few %) as an effective self‐nucleating agent to control and improve the bulk semi‐crystalline morphology and properties of asr‐PET. Nuc‐PET film has significantly increased hardness and Young's modulus and is much less permeable to CO2, while its un‐drawn fibers exhibit higher tenacities and moduli. Because nuc‐PET contains no incompatible additives, it may be readily recycled.

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Pyrosequencing assessment of prokaryotic and eukaryotic diversity in biofilm communities from a French river
Authors: Bricheux Geneviève , Morin Loïc , Le Moal Gwenaël , Coffe Gérard , Balestrino Damien , Charbonnel Nicolas , Bohatier Jacques , Forestier Christiane
Published: March 2013

Despite the recent and significant increase in the study of aquatic microbial communities, little is known about the microbial diversity of complex ecosystems such as running waters. This study investigated the biodiversity of biofilm communities formed in a river with 454 Sequencing™. This river has the particularity of integrating both organic and microbiological pollution, as receiver of agricultural pollution in its upstream catchment area and urban pollution through discharges of the wastewater treatment plant of the town of Billom. Different regions of the small subunit (SSU) ribosomal RNA gene were targeted using nine pairs of primers, either universal or specific for bacteria, eukarya, or archaea. Our aim was to characterize the widest range of rDNA sequences using different sets of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers. A first look at reads abundance revealed that a large majority (47–48%) were rare sequences (<5 copies). Prokaryotic phyla represented the species richness, and eukaryotic phyla accounted for a small part. Among the prokaryotic phyla, Proteobacteria (beta and alpha) predominated, followed by Bacteroidetes together with a large number of nonaffiliated bacterial sequences. Bacillariophyta plastids were abundant. The remaining bacterial phyla, Verrucomicrobia and Cyanobacteria, made up the rest of the bulk biodiversity. The most abundant eukaryotic phyla were annelid worms, followed by Diatoms, and Chlorophytes. These latter phyla attest to the abundance of plastids and the importance of photosynthetic activity for the biofilm. These findings highlight the existence and plasticity of multiple trophic levels within these complex biological systems.
Yips and other movement disorders in golfers
Authors: Dhungana Samish , Jankovic Joseph
Published: March 2013

Golf is a sport that requires perfect motor coordination and a balance between mobility and stability. Golfer's “yips,” an intermittent motor disturbance manifested as transient tremor, jerk, or spasm that primarily occurs when the player is trying to chip or make a putt, is a movement disorder frequently encountered in both amateur and professional golfers. In addition, other movement disorders, such as tremors and dystonia, also can interfere with playing golf. Although the pathophysiology of the yips remains poorly understood, recent studies suggest that it may be a form of a task‐specific, focal dystonia involving the hand and arm. Because task‐specific dystonias and tremors are best treated by botulinum toxin injections, this also may be an effective therapy for the yips. The aim of this article is to systematically review the literature and our own experience with the yips and other movement disorders in golfers. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled phase II study of eculizumab in patients with refractory generalized myasthenia gravis
Authors: Howard James F. , Barohn Richard J. , Cutter Gary R. , Freimer Miriam , Juel Vern C. , Mozaffar Tahseen , Mellion Michelle L. , Benatar Michael G. , Farrugia Maria Elena , Wang Jing Jing , Malhotra Suneil S. , Kissel John T. ,   the MG Study Group
Published: March 2013

Introduction: Complement activation at the neuromuscular junction is a primary cause of acetylcholine receptor loss and failure of neuromuscular transmission in myasthenia gravis (MG). Eculizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody, blocks the formation of terminal complement complex by specifically preventing the enzymatic cleavage of complement 5 (C5). Methods: This study was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover trial involving 14 patients with severe, refractory generalized MG (gMG). Results: Six of 7 patients treated with eculizumab for 16 weeks (86%) achieved the primary endpoint of a 3‐point reduction in the quantitative myasthenia gravis (QMG) score. Examining both treatment periods, the overall change in mean QMG total score was significantly different between eculizumab and placebo (P = 0.0144). After assessing data obtained from all visits, the overall change in mean QMG total score from baseline was found to be significantly different between eculizumab and placebo (P < 0.0001). Eculizumab was well tolerated. Conclusion: The data suggest that eculizumab may have a role in treating severe, refractory MG. Muscle Nerve, 2013
Surface‐distributed low‐frequency asynchronous stimulation delays fatigue of stimulated muscles
Authors: Maneski Lana Z. Popović , Malešević Nebojša M. , Savić Andrej M. , Keller Thierry , Popović Dejan B.
Published: March 2013

Introduction: One important reason why functional electrical stimulation (FES) has not gained widespread clinical use is the limitation imposed by rapid muscle fatigue due to non‐physiological activation of the stimulated muscles. We aimed to show that asynchronous low‐pulse‐rate (LPR) electrical stimulation applied by multipad surface electrodes greatly postpones the occurrence of muscle fatigue compared with conventional stimulation (high pulse rate, HPR). Methods: We compared the produced force vs. time of the forearm muscles responsible for finger flexion in 2 stimulation protocols, LPR (fL = 10 Hz) and HPR (fH = 40 Hz). Results: Surface‐distributed low‐frequency asynchronous stimulation (sDLFAS) doubles the time interval before the onset of fatigue (104 ± 80%) compared with conventional synchronous stimulation. Conclusions: Combining the performance of multipad electrodes (increased selectivity and facilitated positioning) with sDLFAS (decreased fatigue) can improve many FES applications in both the lower and upper extremities. Muscle Nerve 48: 930–937, 2013
Home/family, peer, school, and neighborhood correlates of obesity in adolescents
Authors: Larson N. I. , Wall M. M. , Story M. T. , Neumark‐Sztainer D. R.
Published: March 2013

Objective

This study was designed to 1) identify the most important home/family, peer, school, and neighborhood environmental characteristics associated with weight status and 2) determine the overall contribution of these contexts to explaining weight status among an ethnically/racially diverse sample of adolescents.

Design and Methods

Surveys and anthropometric measures were completed in 2009‐2010 by 2,793 adolescents (53.2% girls, mean age = 14.4 ± 2.0, 81.1% non‐white) in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota schools. Data representing characteristics of adolescents' environments were collected from parents/caregivers, friends, school personnel, and Geographic Information System sources. Multiple regression models controlled for adolescent age, ethnicity/race, and socioeconomic status.

Results

The variance in body mass index (BMI) z‐scores explained by 51 multicontextual characteristics was 24% for boys and 22% for girls. Across models, several characteristics of home/family (e.g., infrequent family meals) and peer environments (e.g., higher proportion of male friends who were overweight) were consistently associated with higher BMI z‐scores among both boys and girls. Among girls, additional peer (e.g., lower physical activity among female friends) and neighborhood (e.g., perceived lack of safety) characteristics were consistently associated with higher BMI z‐scores.

Conclusions

Results underscore the importance of addressing the home/family and peer environments in future research and intervention efforts designed to reduce adolescent obesity.
To pay or not to pay: Public perception regarding insurance coverage of obesity treatment
Authors: Woolford Susan J. , Clark Sarah J. , Butchart Amy , Geiger James D. , Davis Matthew M. , Fagerlin Angela
Published: March 2013

Objective

To explore public opinion regarding insurance coverage for obesity treatment among severely obese adolescents.

Design and Methods

The National Poll on Children's Health was fielded to a nationally representative sample of US adults, January 2011. Respondents (n = 2150) indicated whether insurance should cover specific weight management services for obese adolescents and whether private insurance and Medicaid should cover bariatric surgery. Sampling weights were applied to generate nationally representative results. Linear and logistic regression analyses were performed to assess associations.

Results

More respondents endorsed insurance coverage for traditional healthcare services (mental health 86%, dietitian 84%) than for services generally viewed as outside the healthcare arena (exercise programs 65%, group programs 60%). For bariatric surgery, 81% endorsed private insurance coverage; 55% endorsed Medicaid coverage. Medicaid enrollees, black, Hispanic, and low‐income respondents had greater odds (P < 0.05) of endorsing bariatric surgery coverage by Medicaid, compared to the referent groups (non‐Hispanic white, income ≥$60K, private insurance).

Conclusion

Although public support for insurance coverage of traditional weight management services appears high, support for Medicaid coverage for bariatric surgery is lower and varies by demographics. If public opinion is a harbinger of future coverage, low‐income adolescents could experience disparities in access to treatments like bariatric surgery.
Randomized trial of a family‐based, automated, conversational obesity treatment program for underserved populations
Authors: Wright J. A. , Phillips B.D. , Watson B.L. , Newby P.K. , Norman G.J. , Adams W.G.
Published: March 2013

Objective

To evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of a scalable obesity treatment program integrated with pediatric primary care (PC) and delivered using interactive voice technology (IVR) to families from underserved populations.

Design and Methods

Fifty parent‐child dyads (child 9‐12 yrs, BMI > 95th percentile) were recruited from a pediatric PC clinic and randomized to either an IVR or a wait‐list control (WLC) group. The majority were lower‐income, African‐American (72%) families. Dyads received IVR calls for 12 weeks. Call content was informed by two evidence‐based interventions. Anthropometric and behavioral variables were assessed at baseline and 3‐month follow‐up.

Results

Forty‐three dyads completed the study. IVR parents ate one cup more fruit than WLC (P < 0.05). No other group differences were found. Children classified as high users of the IVR decreased weight, BMI, and BMI z‐score compared to low users ( P < 0.05). Mean number of calls for parents and children were 9.1 (5.2 SD) and 9.0 (5.7 SD), respectively. Of those who made calls, >75% agreed that the calls were useful, made for people like them, credible, and helped them eat healthy foods.

Conclusion

An obesity treatment program delivered via IVR may be an acceptable and feasible resource for families from underserved populations.
Extending the history of child obesity in the United States: The fels longitudinal study, birth years 1930‐1993
Authors: von Hippel Paul T. , Nahhas Ramzi W.
Published: March 2013

Objective

Little is known about the prevalence of child obesity in the US before the first national survey in 1963. There is disagreement about whether the obesity epidemic is entirely a recent phenomenon or a continuation of longstanding trends.

Design and Methods

The BMIs of 1,116 children who participated in the Fels Longitudinal Study near Dayton, Ohio were analyzed. Children were born between 1930 and 1993 and measured between 3 and 18 years of age.

Results

Between the birth cohorts of 1930 and 1993, the prevalence of obesity rose from 0 to 14% among boys and from 2 to 12% among girls. The prevalence of overweight rose from 10 to 28% among boys and from 9 to 21% among girls. The mean BMI Z score rose from +0.25 to +0.72 among boys and from −0.11 to +0.26 among girls. Among boys, all these increases began after birth year 1970. Among girls, obesity began to rise after birth year 1980, but overweight and BMI Z‐scores were already rising as early as the 1930s and 1940s.

Conclusions

Most of the results suggest that the child obesity epidemic was recent and sudden. The recency of the epidemic offers some hope that it may be reversed.
Serum hepcidin levels are associated with obesity but not liver disease
Authors: Vuppalanchi Raj , Troutt Jason S , Konrad Robert J. , Ghabril Marwan , Saxena Romil , Bell Lauren N , Kowdley Kris V. , Chalasani Naga
Published: March 2013

Objective

Hepcidin is regulated by anemia and inflammation. It is primarily expressed in the liver but studies have reported its expression in adipose tissue. The relationship between BMI and serum hepcidin and the relationship between liver histology and serum hepcidin in the morbidly obese was investigated.

Methods

Serum and liver tissue from patients undergoing bariatric surgery (bariatric cohort, n = 105) and serum from healthy blood donors (n = 60) were used to conduct this study. Serum hepcidin was measured using sandwich ELISA, highly specific for hepcidin‐25. Serum ferritin, IL‐6, IL‐1β and liver function biochemistries were also measured.

Results

After controlling for covariates, BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 was significantly associated with higher serum hepcidin level compared to individuals with lower BMI groups (17.7 ± 11.5 vs. 3.3 ± 4.7 ng/ml, P = 0.002). The presence of NAFLD was not associated with higher serum levels of hepcidin (multivariate P = 0.37). There was no association between serum hepcidin levels and liver histology (presence of steatohepatitis, advanced fibrosis, or NAFLD activity score) in the bariatric cohort.

Conclusions

Obesity, but not the presence of NAFLD was associated with serum hepcidin levels. There was no association between serum hepcidin and liver histology in the morbidly obese undergoing bariatric surgery.
Fat accumulation in the liver of obese rats is alleviated by soy protein isolate through β‐catenin signaling
Authors: Zhou Dan , Lezmi Stephane , Wang Huan , Davis Jeremy , Banz William , Chen Hong
Published: March 2013

Objectives

To investigate the effects of soy protein isolate (SPI) on Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in the liver of obese rats, as well as the roles of this pathway in regulating the hepatic fat accumulation.

Design and Methods

Obese and lean Zucker rats were fed diets containing either casein or SPI as protein source for 17 weeks. Histology and biochemical analysis, real‐time PCR, Western blot, immunostaining, short interfering RNA assay were performed for liver samples.

Results

Our study showed that fat content was significantly lowered in the liver of SPI‐fed obese rats, accompanied by a reduction in hepatocellular vacuolation, compared to the casein‐fed control. β‐Catenin protein level in the liver of obese rats was downregulated compared to the lean group, indicating that the obese genotype exhibits an overall reduction in Wnt signaling. Importantly the repression of β‐catenin in the obese rats was alleviated by feeding the SPI diet. siRNA treatment in rat hepatoma cells confirmed that silencing of β‐catenin exacerbated fatty acid‐induced fat accumulation, which implicated an important function of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in hepatic fat metabolism.

Conclusion

SPI intake restored β‐catenin signaling and alleviated hepatic fat accumulation and liver damage in the obese rats.
Racial differences in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in the U.S. population
Authors: Schneider Andrea L. C. , Lazo Mariana , Selvin Elizabeth , Clark Jeanne M.
Published: March 2013

Objective

To characterize the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by race in a nationally representative sample of the U.S. population and to investigate potential explanatory factors for racial disparities.

Design and Methods

Cross‐sectional study of 4,037 non‐Hispanic white, 2,746 non‐Hispanic black, and 2,892 Mexican‐American adults in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. NAFLD was defined using ultrasound and with elevated aminotransferases.

Results

Age‐adjusted prevalence of NAFLD was highest in Mexican‐Americans (21.2%), followed by non‐Hispanic whites (12.5%), and was lowest in non‐Hispanic blacks (11.6%). Even after adjustment for demographic, lifestyle, adiposity, and metabolic factors, compared to non‐Hispanic whites, Mexican‐Americans were more likely to have NAFLD (OR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.26, 2.22). Non‐Hispanic blacks were significantly less likely to have NAFLD with elevated aminotransferases (OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.27, 0.97). Racial differences were attenuated among those with normal BMI and among “never drinkers.”

Conclusion

In this representative sample of the U.S. population, we found significant racial differences in the prevalence of ultrasound‐defined NAFLD (with and without elevated liver enzymes). The racial differences were not fully explained by lifestyle, adiposity, and metabolic factors. More works is needed to identify potential contributors.
The geographic distribution of obesity in the US and the potential regional differences in misreporting of obesity
Authors: Le Anh , Judd Suzanne E. , Allison David B. , Oza‐Frank Reena , Affuso Olivia , Safford Monika M. , Howard Virginia J. , Howard George
Published: March 2013

Objective: State‐level estimates of obesity based on self‐reported height and weight suggest a geographic pattern of greater obesity in the Southeastern US; however, the reliability of the ranking among these estimates assumes errors in self‐reporting of height and weight are unrelated to geographic region.

Design and Methods: Regional and state‐level prevalence of obesity (body mass index ≥ 30 kg m−2) for non‐Hispanic black and white participants aged 45 and over were estimated from multiple sources: self‐reported from the behavioral risk factor surveillance system (BRFSS 2003‐2006) (n = 677,425), self‐reported and direct measures from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Study (NHANES 2003‐2008) (n = 6,615 and 6,138, respectively), and direct measures from the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS 2003‐2007) study (n = 30,239).

Results: Data from BRFSS suggest that the highest prevalence of obesity is in the East South Central Census division; however, direct measures suggest higher prevalence in the West North Central and East North Central Census divisions. The regions relative ranking of obesity prevalence differs substantially between self‐reported and directly measured height and weight.

Conclusions: Geographic patterns in the prevalence of obesity based on self‐reported height and weight may be misleading, and have implications for current policy proposals.
Distinct roles of CSF family cytokines in macrophage infiltration and activation in glioma progression and injury response
Authors: Sielska Malgorzata , Przanowski Piotr , Wylot Bartosz , Gabrusiewicz Konrad , Maleszewska Marta , Kijewska Magdalena , Zawadzka Malgorzata , Kucharska Joanna , Vinnakota Katyayni , Kettenmann Helmut , Kotulska Katarzyna , Grajkowska Wieslawa , Kaminska Bozena
Published: March 2013

Gliomas attract brain‐resident (microglia) and peripheral macrophages and reprogram these cells into immunosuppressive, pro‐invasive cells. M‐CSF (macrophage colony‐stimulating factor, encoded by the CSF1 gene) has been implicated in the control of recruitment and polarization of macrophages in several cancers. We found that murine GL261 glioma cells overexpress GM‐CSF (granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor encoded by the CSF2 gene) but not M‐CSF when compared to normal astrocytes. Knockdown of GM‐CSF in GL261 glioma cells strongly reduced microglia‐dependent invasion in organotypical brain slices and growth of intracranial gliomas and extended animal survival. The number of infiltrating microglia/macrophages (Iba1+ cells) and intratumoural angiogenesis were reduced in murine gliomas depleted of GM‐CSF. M1/M2 gene profiling in sorted microglia/macrophages suggests impairment of their pro‐invasive activation in GM‐CSF‐depleted gliomas. Deficiency of M‐CSF (op/op mice) did not affect glioma growth in vivo and the accumulation of Iba1+ cells, but impaired accumulation of Iba1+ cells in response to demyelination. These results suggest that distinct cytokines of the CSF family contribute to macrophage infiltration of tumours and in response to injury. The expression of CSF2 (but not CSF1) was highly up‐regulated in glioblastoma patients and we found an inverse correlation between CSF2 expression and patient survival. Therefore we propose that GM‐CSF triggers and drives the alternative activation of tumour‐infiltrating microglia/macrophages in which these cells support tumour growth and angiogenesis and shape the immune microenvironment of gliomas. Copyright © 2013 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self‐reported quality of life in long‐term survivors of childhood lymphoblastic malignancy treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation versus conventional therapy
Authors: Sundberg Kay K. , Wettergren Lena , Frisk Per , Arvidson Johan
Published: March 2013

Background

Chronic health conditions are known to be both abundant and severe after pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT). The present objective was to investigate the impact of disease and treatment on individual QoL and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in long‐term survivors of childhood lymphoblastic malignancy treated with conventional therapy versus SCT.

Procedure

Survivors of lymphoblastic malignancy treated with (n = 18) or without (n = 52) SCT were recruited a median follow‐up time of 18 and 14 years, respectively. The indication for SCT was relapsed disease in 17 of 18 cases. Autologous stem cells were used in 15 cases. Total body irradiation (TBI) was included in the conditioning regimen for all SCT patients. A cross‐sectional study was conducted using two validated instruments: SEIQoL‐DW (individual QoL) and SF‐36 (HRQoL). Content analysis was used to analyze SEIQoL‐DW and an overall QoL index score was calculated. Two multiple linear regression analyses were performed to detect factors influencing outcomes.

Results

Poorer ratings of overall QoL and more negative consequences related to physical dysfunctions were shown in the SCT group. The findings indicate that being unemployed or on sick leave are associated with a decline in HRQoL and individual QoL rather than SCT, cranial radiation therapy, present age, or sex.

Conclusion

In this small sample of long‐term survivors of SCT, QoL seems reasonably good and similar to that of those having received conventional therapy. However, managing an employment must be acknowledged as an important part of life that has a great impact on QoL. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013;601382‐1387. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mechanistic Insights into a Non‐Classical Diffusion Pathway for the Formation of Hollow Intermetallics: A Route to Multicomponent Hollow Structures
Authors: Anumol E. A. , Nethravathi C. , Ravishankar N.
Published: March 2013

Hollow nanostructures are used for various applications including catalysis, sensing, and drug delivery. Methods based on the Kirkendall effect have been the most successful for obtaining hollow nanostructures of various multicomponent systems. The classical Kirkendall effect relies on the presence of a faster diffusing species in the core; the resultant imbalance in flux results in the formation of hollow structures. Here, an alternate non‐Kirkendall mechanism that is operative for the formation of hollow single crystalline particles of intermetallic PtBi is demonstrated. The synthesis method involves sequential reduction of Pt and Bi salts in ethylene glycol under microwave irradiation. Detailed analysis of the reaction at various stages indicates that the formation of the intermetallic PtBi hollow nanoparticles occurs in steps. The mechanistic details are elucidated using control experiments. The use of microwave results in a very rapid synthesis of intermetallics PtBi that exhibits excellent electrocatalytic activity for formic acid oxidation reaction. The method presented can be extended to various multicomponent systems and is independent of the intrinsic diffusivities of the species involved.
Improvement of the electrical properties of Al2O3/AlGaN/GaN MOSHFETs by gate‐first process
Authors: Miyazaki Eiji , Kishimoto Shigeru , Mizutani Takashi
Published: March 2013

We have studied “gate‐first process” in the fabrication of the Al2O3/AlGaN/GaN metal‐oxide‐semiconductor heterostructure field‐effect transistors (MOSHFETs) to improve the electrical properties of the MOSHFETs, where Al2O3 gate oxide is deposited before ohmic contact alloying. The interface state density of the Al2O3/GaN MOS diodes fabricated by the gate‐first process was more than one order of magnitude smaller than that of the diodes fabricated by the conventional “gate‐last process” where Al2O3 gate oxide was deposited after ohmic contact alloying. In addition, the saturation of the drain current at large gate voltages in the ID‐VGS characteristics of the Al2O3/AlGaN/GaN MOSHFETs was relaxed and the maximum drain current was increased by employing the gate‐first process. The hysteresis width of the ID‐VGS curve of the MOSHFETs fabricated by the gate‐first process was smaller than that of the devices fabricated by the gate‐last process. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Neuroprotective Effects of Puerarin on 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine induced Parkinson's Disease Model in Mice
Authors: Zhu Guoqi , Wang Xuncui , Wu Shengbing , Li Xiaoxiang , Li Qinglin
Published: March 2013

Puerarin, an active component of Pueraria montana var. lobata (Willd.) Sanjappa & Pradeep is well‐known for its anti‐oxidative and neuroprotective activities. Although anti‐Parkinson's disease activity of puerarin was reported in both of in vivo and in vitro model, detailed mechanisms are not clarified. In this study, we addressed that puerarin attenuated 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)‐induced behavioral deficits, dopaminergic neuronal degeneration and dopamine depletion. Puerarin administration enhanced glutathione (GSH) activity, glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) expression and PI3K/Akt pathway activation, which might ameliorate MPTP injection‐induced progressive elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation in mice. In addition to the effect on ROS, puerarin ameliorated MPTP‐reduced lysosome‐associated membrane protein type 2A (Lamp 2A) expression. Taken together, our data demonstrate that puerarin attenuates MPTP‐induced dopaminergic neuronal degeneration via modulating GDNF expression, PI3K/Akt pathway and GSH activation, which subsequently ameliorate MPTP‐induced ROS formation and decrease of Lamp 2A expression. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intermolecular interactions of a size‐expanded guanine analogue with gold nanoclusters
Authors: Zhang Laibin , Ren Tingqi , Yang Xiuqin , Zhou Liuzhu , Li Xiaoming
Published: March 2013

The interactions between a size‐expanded Guanine analogue x‐Guanine (xG) and gold nanoclusters, Aun (n = 2, 4, 6, and 8), were studied theoretically using density functional theory. Geometries of neutral complexes were optimized using the B3LYP functional with the 6‐31+G(d,p) basis set for xG and the LANL2DZ basis set for gold clusters. The binding modes, interaction strength, and the charge‐transfer properties of different Aun‐xG complexes were investigated. Natural population analysis was performed for natural bond order charges. It was found that gold nanoclusters form stable complexes with xG and these binding results in a substantial amount of electronic charge being transferred from xG to the gold clusters. The vertical first ionization potential, electron affinity, Fermi Level, and the HOMO–LUMO gap of xG and its complexes with gold nanoclusters were also analyzed. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A tutorial on propensity score estimation for multiple treatments using generalized boosted models
Authors: McCaffrey Daniel F. , Griffin Beth Ann , Almirall Daniel , Slaughter Mary Ellen , Ramchand Rajeev , Burgette Lane F.
Published: March 2013

The use of propensity scores to control for pretreatment imbalances on observed variables in non‐randomized or observational studies examining the causal effects of treatments or interventions has become widespread over the past decade. For settings with two conditions of interest such as a treatment and a control, inverse probability of treatment weighted estimation with propensity scores estimated via boosted models has been shown in simulation studies to yield causal effect estimates with desirable properties. There are tools (e.g., the twang package in R) and guidance for implementing this method with two treatments. However, there is not such guidance for analyses of three or more treatments. The goals of this paper are twofold: (1) to provide step‐by‐step guidance for researchers who want to implement propensity score weighting for multiple treatments and (2) to propose the use of generalized boosted models (GBM) for estimation of the necessary propensity score weights. We define the causal quantities that may be of interest to studies of multiple treatments and derive weighted estimators of those quantities. We present a detailed plan for using GBM to estimate propensity scores and using those scores to estimate weights and causal effects. We also provide tools for assessing balance and overlap of pretreatment variables among treatment groups in the context of multiple treatments. A case study examining the effects of three treatment programs for adolescent substance abuse demonstrates the methods. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validation, calibration and refitting of a familial breast cancer model in sisterships: a case study in the Swedish sisters data
Authors: van Houwelingen Hans C. , Rebora Paola , Reilly Marie
Published: March 2013

In Sweden, a unique data set has been compiled with breast cancer incidence in all sisterships with at least two sisters born between 1932 and 2001, and the effect of family history has been analyzed by standard epidemiological methods. Such data are ideal to explore the validity of existing models for familial breast cancer. This paper explores the validity of the Jonker model that adds a hypothetical gene to the well‐known BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. The validity of the model for the Swedish data is checked by using a calibration model for breast cancer incidence given the (retrospective) family history as assessed at the end of the study period. This enables the validity of the overall incidence and the effect of family history to be assessed in the same model. The conclusion is that the existing model does reasonably well for the effect of family history but is seriously wrong for the early incidence rate. Therefore, the model is refitted in the Swedish data. Finally, the calibration of the refitted model is checked when using current family history as used in the epidemiological studies. The refitted Jonker model fits the data well and shows good agreement with the epidemiological findings. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Family of Hydrazone‐Based Nucleosides for Use in Metal‐Mediated Base Pairs
Authors: Radunsky Christian , Megger Dominik A. , Hepp Alexander , Kösters Jutta , Freisinger Eva , Müller Jens
Published: March 2013

A new family of hydrazone‐based nucleosides for use in metal‐mediated base pairs was devised. The artificial nucleobases are derivatives of the papy ligand (papy = pyridinecarboxaldehyde‐2′‐pyridylhydrazone). By replacing the pendant pyridine moiety in papy by furan and thiophene, respectively, tridentate nucleosides with N, N, N‐, N, N, O‐ and N, N, S‐donor sites were obtained. As only a few transition metal complexes with pendant furan ligands have been reported, a model nucleobase for the N, N, O‐donor nucleoside was synthesized. The molecular structures of its Cu2+, Ni2+, and Co2+ complexes are reported. In all complexes, only weak M–O(furan) bonding is observed. The Co2+ complex displays a pentagonal bipyramidal coordination arrangement. In general, the structures of the metal complexes suggest that the respective nucleosides can be applied in metal‐mediated base pairs.
Infantile Fibrosarcoma Misdiagnosed as Vascular Tumors
Authors: Hayek Shady N. , Janom Hamed H. , Ibrahim Amir , Moran Steven L.
Published: March 2013

Clinical as well as radiologic diagnosis of infantile fibrosarcoma (IFS) is often a challenging problem due to similarities with tumors of vascular origin. Consequently, in the majority of cases, histological and immunohistochemical studies are considered gold standards for the final diagnosis. The two case reports and the review of literature discussed should increase the important features in the history and the presentation that increase the index of suspicion for IFS, as well as it highlights the important characteristics of imaging and laboratory studies that confirm its diagnosis.
Cannabis use and related harms in the transition to young adulthood: A longitudinal study of Australian secondary school students
Authors: Scholes‐Balog Kirsty E. , Hemphill Sheryl A. , Patton George C. , Toumbourou John W.
Published: March 2013

The current study documents the changing rates of cannabis use, misuse and cannabis‐related social harms among Australian adolescents as they grow into young adulthood. It utilised data from a longitudinal study of young people at ages 15, 16, 17, and 19. The rates of cannabis use were found to increase as participants aged; past year use increased from 7.5% at age 15 to 29.8% at age 19. Further, at ages 17 and 19, cannabis use was more prevalent among males than females. Among those who reported cannabis use, the rates of cannabis‐related harms were low to moderate, and did not increase with age in the same manner as rates of cannabis use. The most prevalent self‐reported cannabis‐related harm was anxiety/depression; affecting between 20–30% of the cannabis users at each age. These findings may assist in understanding the extent of cannabis‐related problems among youth, and in planning relevant services.
Transportation Costs and the Social Savings of Railroads in Latin America. The Case of Peru
Authors: Zegarra Luis Felipe
Published: March 2013

This article estimates the social savings of the railroads in Peru in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The construction of railroads made it possible for Peruvians to substitute the traditional system of mules and llamas, although only for a few routes. Using primary and secondary sources, I estimate the social savings for 1890, 1904, 1914 and 1918. Social savings ranged between 0.3 per cent and 1.3 per cent of GDP in 1890, but then increased to a range between 3.6 per cent and 9.4 per cent of GDP in 1918. The social savings of railroads in Peru were comparable to those for the United States and Great Britain but were much lower than those for Mexico, Brazil and Argentina, largely because Peru had very few railroads.
Distribution and ecology of chironomids (Diptera, Chironomidae) on Byers Peninsula, Maritime Antarctica
Authors: Rico Eugenio , Quesada Antonio
Published: March 2013

This study describes the ecology and distribution of the only two native Antarctic insects, the chironomid species Parochlus steinenii and Belgica antarctica, both found on Byers Peninsula (Livingston Island, South Shetland Islands). Parochlus steinenii inhabits lakes of the central plateau of Byers Peninsula associated with aquatic mosses on the bottom of lakes and in some streams of the South Beach area. Some streams have stable populations which are able to complete their life cycle while other streams have temporary, unstable populations. Belgica antarctica also inhabits streams running through mosses located in the South Beach area. Our data indicate that this species has a limited dispersal capability which is positively light activated for both adults and pupae. Both Antarctic midge species coexists on Byers Peninsula and share some stretches of streams. Isotopic studies show a non-selective feeding regime for both species with mixed carbon sources associated with both biofilm/microbial mats and mosses.
An overview of English Resources for Chinese Legal Research
Authors: Bahrij John , Ko Lily
Published: March 2013

This article, written by John Bahrij and Lily Ko, focuses on resources in print and electronic form that are available in English for Chinese legal research in the Greater China region. The article covers resources for the People's Republic of China (PRC), Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR) and Taiwan. An overview of each jurisdictions legal system is also provided so that the resources can be discussed in the context of the prevailing system of law.
Long timescale radio emission variability and spin-down changes in PSR J0738-4042
Authors: Karastergiou Aris , Brook Paul , Roberts Steve , Buchner Sarah , Johnston Simon
Published: March 2013

Recently, PSR J0738-4042 has grown a bright new emission component in its average pulse profile. Using data from Parkes and HartRAO, spanning back to the early 1980s, and applying statistical techniques to model the pulse profile shape with time, we have uncovered unexpected long-term variability, which is very well correlated with changes in the spin-down rate. We present these findings in the context of a growing population of radio-variable pulsars with correlated timing irregularities, including the intermittent pulsars, state-changing pulsars and other individual examples.