bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial Heterodyne Imager for Mesospheric Radicals on STPSat‐1
Authors: Englert Christoph R. , Stevens Michael H. , Siskind David E. , Harlander John M. , Roesler Frederick L.
Published: October 2010

The Spatial Heterodyne Imager for Mesospheric Radicals (SHIMMER) was a high‐resolution, near ultraviolet spectrometer that imaged the Earth's limb for 2.5 years between March 2007 and October 2009. The instrument used the Spatial Heterodyne Spectroscopy technique for the first time on a satellite and successfully demonstrated its capabilities. SHIMMER measured the solar resonance fluorescence of the OH A2Σ+‐X2Π (0, 0) band around 309 nm, which allows the retrieval of mesospheric OH density profiles. It also measured the Rayleigh scattered background from the clear atmosphere and solar scattering from polar mesospheric cloud particles. We present details on the SHIMMER mission, the payload design, and the data analysis. A comparison between SHIMMER and concurrent Microwave Limb Sounder OH data shows good agreement between 60 and 90 km altitude for several latitudes and seasons. We also find good agreement of the SHIMMER OH densities and standard photochemical model calculations between 60 and 80 km. We find no evidence of a 25%–35% mesospheric OH deficit, previously reported using Middle Atmosphere High‐Resolution Spectrograph Investigation (MAHRSI) OH data. However, independent analysis of Rayleigh scattered background signals observed by SHIMMER and MAHRSI under similar lighting conditions revealed that MAHRSI radiances are systematically smaller than SHIMMER radiances by 24%. Although this difference is well outside of the combined uncertainties for both experiments, the agreement of SHIMMER OH with Microwave Limb Sounder OH and standard photochemistry results, together with our Rayleigh scattering comparison, suggests an unidentified MAHRSI calibration problem that effectively eliminates the mesospheric OH deficit reported using MAHRSI observations.
Change of microbial communities in glaciers along a transition of air masses in western China
Authors: Xiang Shu‐Rong , Chen Yong , Shang Tian‐Cui , Jing Ze‐Fan , Wu Guangjian
Published: October 2010

Microbial community dynamics across glaciers in different climatic zones provide important information about the sources, transportation pathways, and deposition of microorganisms. To better understand the possible driving forces of microbial community shifts in glacier ice at a large spatial scale, 16S rRNA gene amplification was used to establish clone libraries containing 95 bacterial sequences from three different habitats in the Qiangyong Gacier in 2005. The libraries were used in phylogenetic comparison with 149 previously reported sequences from the surface samples collected from the Kuytun 51, and East Rongbuk glaciers in the same year. The results showed the presence of cosmopolitan and endemic species, and displayed a tendency of zonal distribution of bacterial communities at genera and community levels, corresponding to the geographic placement of the three glaciers. Data also showed a significant difference in the proportion of dominant phylogenetic groups in the three glaciers. Comamonadaceae/Polaromonas (Betaproteobacteria) and Flexibacteraceae (Bacteroidetes) were dominant in the Qiangyong Glacier, Cyanobacteria, Comamonadaceae/Polaromonas, and Rhodoferax (Betaproteobacteria) were dominant in the Kuytun 51 Glacier, and Acinetobacteria (Gammaproteobacteria) were dominant in the Rongbuk Glacier. In conclusion, the current study provides evidence of microbial biogeography in glacier ice at both the fine lineage and whole community levels. The biogeographical patterns were generally associated with the hydrological transition over the glaciers in the northern periphery and southern part of the Tibetan plateau. This supports our hypothesis of air mass behavior being one of the main drivers determining the zonal distribution of microbial communities across the mountain glaciers in western China.
Assessment of the respiratory exchange ratio in mechanically ventilated patients by a standard anaesthetic gas analyser
Authors: Waldau T. , Larsen V. H. , Parbst H. , Bonde J.
Published: October 2010

Background: The respiratory exchange ratio (R) is the CO2 production divided with O2 consumption. R is an essential factor included in several formulas during routine blood gas analysis. Instant and individual measurement of R may be of particular interest to improve the evaluation of each single patient. A standard anaesthetic gas analyser has been recommended for measurement of R among spontaneously breathing healthy subjects, but there is no experience using this method among mechanically ventilated critically ill patients. This study validates the assessment of R by a Brüel & Kjær gas analyser (B & K) during positive pressure ventilation of intensive care patients.

Methods: The B & K sampled gas from 11 mechanically ventilated patients over a period of 5 min. The recordings of end‐tidal values of O2 and CO2 based on fractions (RF) allowed for calculation of RF by the alveolar equation solved for R. The continuous recordings of corresponding values were depicted into an O2‐CO2 diagram. A developed computer program calculated estimates of R as the slope of the regression lines related to the full cycle (Rfull) and the expiratory phase only (Rexp). Corrected values of the full respiratory cycle (Rfull*) were also calculated assuming changes of CO2 and O2 volumes during gas exchange. The different estimates of R were compared with simultaneous measurement of a Deltatrac indirect calorimeter (Rdelta).

Results: Ten values of RF were within the expected interval of 0.72 < R < 1.00. For the full respiratory cycles, the mean R‐value was 0.94 ± 0.07 and for the expiratory phase the mean R‐value was 0.82 ± 0.08. The O2‐CO2 diagram appeared as a convexo‐convex loop during each cycle. The agreement of Rexp and Rdelta (Rexp‐Rdelta: 0.01 ± 0.13) were good.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that gas measurements by a standard anaesthetic gas monitor can be used for determination of R, and thereby we present an alternative to R calculation made by the Deltatrac monitor.
Phage-induced lysis enhances biofilm formation in Shewanella oneidensis MR-1
Authors: Gödeke Julia , Paul Kristina , Lassak Jürgen , Thormann Kai M
Published: October 2010

Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 is capable of forming highly structured surface-attached communities. By DNase I treatment, we demonstrated that extracellular DNA (eDNA) serves as a structural component in all stages of biofilm formation under static and hydrodynamic conditions. We determined whether eDNA is released through cell lysis mediated by the three prophages LambdaSo, MuSo1 and MuSo2 that are harbored in the genome of S. oneidensis MR-1. Mutant analyses and infection studies revealed that all three prophages may individually lead to cell lysis. However, only LambdaSo and MuSo2 form infectious phage particles. Phage release and cell lysis already occur during early stages of static incubation. A mutant devoid of the prophages was significantly less prone to lysis in pure culture. In addition, the phage-less mutant was severely impaired in biofilm formation through all stages of development, and three-dimensional growth occurred independently of eDNA as a structural component. Thus, we suggest that in S. oneidensis MR-1 prophage-mediated lysis results in the release of crucial biofilm-promoting factors, in particular eDNA.
Capturing diversity of marine heterotrophic protists: one cell at a time
Authors: Heywood Jane L , Sieracki Michael E , Bellows Wendy , Poulton Nicole J , Stepanauskas Ramunas
Published: October 2010

Recent applications of culture-independent, molecular methods have revealed unexpectedly high diversity in a variety of functional and phylogenetic groups of microorganisms in the ocean. However, none of the existing research tools are free from significant limitations, such as PCR and cloning biases, low phylogenetic resolution and others. Here, we employed novel, single-cell sequencing techniques to assess the composition of small (<10 μm diameter), heterotrophic protists from the Gulf of Maine. Single cells were isolated by flow cytometry, their genomes amplified, and 18S rRNA marker genes were amplified and sequenced. We compared the results to traditional environmental PCR cloning of sorted cells. The diversity of heterotrophic protists was significantly higher in the library of single amplified genomes (SAGs) than in environmental PCR clone libraries of the 18S rRNA gene, obtained from the same coastal sample. Libraries of SAGs, but not clones contained several recently discovered, uncultured groups, including picobiliphytes and novel marine stramenopiles. Clone, but not SAG, libraries contained several large clusters of identical and nearly identical sequences of Dinophyceae, Cercozoa and Stramenopiles. Similar results were obtained using two alternative primer sets, suggesting that PCR biases may not be the only explanation for the observed patterns. Instead, differences in the number of 18S rRNA gene copies among the various protist taxa probably had a significant role in determining the PCR clone composition. These results show that single-cell sequencing has the potential to more accurately assess protistan community composition than previously established methods. In addition, the creation of SAG libraries opens opportunities for the analysis of multiple genes or entire genomes of the uncultured protist groups.
Environmental modification and niche construction: developing O2 gradients drive the evolution of the Wrinkly Spreader
Authors: Koza Anna , Moshynets Olena , Otten Wilfred , Spiers Andrew J
Published: October 2010

The evolutionary success of the novel Wrinkly Spreader (WS) genotypes in diversifying Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25 populations in static liquid microcosms has been attributed to the greater availability of O2 at the air–liquid (A–L) interface where the WS produces a physically cohesive-class biofilm. However, the importance of O2 gradients in SBW25 adaptation has never been examined. We have explicitly tested the role of O2 in evolving populations using microsensor profiling and experiments conducted under high and low O2 conditions. Initial colonists of static microcosms were found to establish O2 gradients before significant population growth had occurred, converting a previously homogenous environment into one containing a resource continuum with high and low O2 regions. These gradients were found to persist for long periods by which time significant numbers of WS had appeared colonising the high O2 niches. Growth was O2 limited in static microcosms, but high O2 conditions like those found near the A–L interface supported greater growth and favoured the emergence of WS-like genotypes. A fitness advantage to biofilm formation was seen under high but not low O2 conditions, suggesting that the cost of biofilm production could only be offset when O2 levels above the A–L interface were high. Profiling of mature WS biofilms showed that they also contained high and low O2 regions. Niches within these may support further diversification and succession of the developing biofilm population. O2 availability has been found to be a major factor underlying the evolutionary success of the WS genotype in static microcosms and illustrates the importance of this resource continuum in microbial diversification and adaptation.
Exposure of conjugative plasmid carrying Escherichia coli biofilms to male-specific bacteriophages
Authors: May Thithiwat , Tsuruta Kenji , Okabe Satoshi
Published: October 2010

Escherichia coli carrying a natural conjugative F-plasmid generates F-pili mating pairs, which is important for early biofilm formation. In this study, we investigated the effect of male-specific filamentous single stranded DNA bacteriophage (f1) and RNA bacteriophage (MS2) on the formation of biofilms by E. coli carrying a natural conjugative F-plasmid. We showed that the early biofilm formation was completely inhibited by addition of the f1 phage, but not the MS2 phage. This suggests that the tip of F-pili is the specific attachment site for mating pairs formation and the side of F-pili has a non-obligatory role during biofilm formation. The inhibitory effect of the f1 phage was dependent on the time of addition during the biofilm formation. No inhibitory effect was observed when the f1 phages were added to the mature biofilms. This resistant mechanism of the mature biofilms could be attributed to the biofilm-specific phenotypes representing that the F-pili mating pairs were already formed and then the curli production commenced during the biofilm maturation. The pre-formed mating pairs seemed to resist the f1 phages. Altogether, our results indicate a close relationship between the presence of conjugative plasmid and male-specific bacteriophages within sessile biofilm communities, as well as the possibility of using the male-specific bacteriophages to control biofilm formation.
Phylogenetic and gene-centric metagenomics of the canine intestinal microbiome reveals similarities with humans and mice
Authors: Swanson Kelly S , Dowd Scot E , Suchodolski Jan S , Middelbos Ingmar S , Vester Brittany M , Barry Kathleen A , Nelson Karen E , Torralba Manolito , Henrissat Bernard , Coutinho Pedro M , Cann Isaac K O , White Bryan A , Fahey George C
Published: October 2010

This study is the first to use a metagenomics approach to characterize the phylogeny and functional capacity of the canine gastrointestinal microbiome. Six healthy adult dogs were used in a crossover design and fed a low-fiber control diet (K9C) or one containing 7.5% beet pulp (K9BP). Pooled fecal DNA samples from each treatment were subjected to 454 pyrosequencing, generating 503 280 (K9C) and 505 061 (K9BP) sequences. Dominant bacterial phyla included the Bacteroidetes/Chlorobi group and Firmicutes, both of which comprised ∼35% of all sequences, followed by Proteobacteria (13–15%) and Fusobacteria (7–8%). K9C had a greater percentage of Bacteroidetes, Fusobacteria and Proteobacteria, whereas K9BP had greater proportions of the Bacteroidetes/Chlorobi group and Firmicutes. Archaea were not altered by diet and represented ∼1% of all sequences. All archaea were members of Crenarchaeota and Euryarchaeota, with methanogens being the most abundant and diverse. Three fungi phylotypes were present in K9C, but none in K9BP. Less than 0.4% of sequences were of viral origin, with >99% of them associated with bacteriophages. Primary functional categories were not significantly affected by diet and were associated with carbohydrates; protein metabolism; DNA metabolism; cofactors, vitamins, prosthetic groups and pigments; amino acids and derivatives; cell wall and capsule; and virulence. Hierarchical clustering of several gastrointestinal metagenomes demonstrated phylogenetic and metabolic similarity between dogs, humans and mice. More research is required to provide deeper coverage of the canine microbiome, evaluate effects of age, genetics or environment on its composition and activity, and identify its role in gastrointestinal disease.
The Microbial Ecology of Bacterial Vaginosis: A Fine Scale Resolution Metagenomic Analysis
Authors: Ravel Jacques , Forney Larry
Published: October 2010

The vaginal microbiota play an important protective role in maintaining the health of women. Disruption of the mutualistic relationship that exists between bacterial communities in the vagina and their hosts can lead to bacterial vaginosis (BV), a condition in which lactic acid producing bacteria are supplanted by a diverse array of strictly anaerobic bacteria. BV has been shown to be an independent risk factor for adverse outcomes including preterm delivery and low infant birth weight, acquisition of sexually transmitted infections and HIV, and development of pelvic inflammatory disease. National surveys indicate the prevalence of BV among U.S. women is 29.2%, and yet, despite considerable effort, the etiology of BV remains unknown. Moreover, there are no broadly effective therapies for the treatment of BV, and reoccurrence is common. In the proposed research we will test the overarching hypothesis that vaginal microbial community dynamics and activities are indicators of risk to BV. To do this, we propose to conduct a high resolution prospective study in which samples collected daily from 200 reproductive-age women over two menstrual cycles are used to capture molecular events that take place before, during, and after the spontaneous remission of BV episodes. We will use modern genomic technologies to obtain the data needed to correlate shifts in vaginal microbial community composition and function, metabolomes, and epidemiological and behavioral metadata with the occurrence of BV to better define the syndrome itself and identify patterns that are predictive of BV. The three specific aims of the research are: (1) Evaluate the association between the dynamics of vaginal microbial communities and risk to BV by characterizing the community composition of vaginal specimens archived from a vaginal douching cessation study in which 33 women self-collected vaginal swabs twice-weekly for 16 weeks; (2) Enroll 135 women in a prospective study in which self-collected vaginal swab samples and secretions are collected daily along with data on the occurrence of BV, vaginal pH, and information on time varying habits and practices; (3) Apply model-based statistical clustering and classification approaches to associate the microbial community composition and function, with metadata and clinical diagnoses of BV. The large body of information generated will facilitate understanding vaginal microbial community dynamics, the etiology of BV, and drive the development of better diagnostic tools for BV. Furthermore, the information will enable a more personalized and effective treatment of BV and ultimately help prevent adverse sequelae associated with this highly prevalent disruption of the vaginal microbiome.
KaPPA-View4: A Pathway Database for Gene Co-expression and Metabolite Co-accumulation Analysis
Authors: Sakurai Nozomu
Published: October 2010

Correlations of gene-to-gene co-expression and metabolite-to-metabolite co-accumulation are considered to be useful for uncovering unknown functions of genes and regulatory systems of the metabolic pathways. Although many databases and tools are available to interpret quantitative data of transcriptome and metabolome, there are only limited ones that connect correlation data to biological knowledge and can be utilized to find biological significance of it. We developed a new metabolic pathway database, KaPPA-View4 ("http://kpv.kazusa.or.jp/kpv4/":http://kpv.kazusa.or.jp/kpv4/), that enables to overlay gene-to-gene and/or metabolite-to-metabolite relationships as quadratic Bezíer curves on metabolic pathway maps. For up to 4 maps including pathway maps, gene category maps, and user created maps can be analyzed on a single browser window, the representation would help to discover, for example, novel functions of a transcription factor that regulates genes on a metabolic pathway. Pathway maps of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and maps generated from their gene classifications are available at KaPPA-View4 KEGG ("http://kpv.kazusa.or.jp/kpv4-kegg/":http://kpv.kazusa.or.jp/kpv4-kegg/). One of the major advanteges of utilizing KEGG pathway maps is that we can share the latest results of KEGG's continuous effort for curation of gene descriptions, categorizations, and assignment on the maps for various organisms. We currently provide pathway map data for 20 species including animals, plants and microorganisms, and gene co-expression data for 12 species that are retrieved from ATTED-II, COXPRESdb, CoP and MiBase.This work was supported by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO, Japan).
The Latest Information and Perspective of Human Gene and Protein Database (HGPD) as Human Proteome Study
Authors: Maruyama Yukio , Kawamura Yoshifumi , Isogai Takao , Nomura Nobuo , Goshima Naoki
Published: October 2010

HGPD ("http://www.HGPD.jp/":http://www.HGPD.jp/) is a unique database that stores information on a set of human Gateway entry clones in addition to protein expression data. HGPD was launched in November 2008 and, since then, 33,275 human Gateway entry clones have been constructed from ORFs of full-length cDNAs, thus representing the largest collection in the world. Sequence information and protein expression of Gateway entry clones can also be retrieved from HGPD. The majority of analysis data for cDNA sequences in HGPD are shared with the FLJ Human cDNA Database ("http://flj.hinv.jp/v01/cgi/index.cgi":http://flj.hinv.jp/v01/cgi/index.cgi), which was constructed as human cDNA sequence analysis database focusing on mRNA varieties resulting from variations in transcription start site (TSS) and splicing.In this update, we constructed an additional 9,974 Gateway entry clones, giving a total of 43,249, corresponding to approximately 2,000 loci. Sequence summary, nucleotide and amino acid sequence data for these clones (v 2.0) can be obtained from download site. We named this human Gateway entry clone resource “HUPEX” (Human Proteome Expression-resource). And, we expressed 4,457 human proteins with a C-terminal V5 and His tag and analyzed them using SDS-PAGE, giving a total of 17,821. In the near future, we will construct 11,000 image data of subcellular localization of the proteins with fluorescent proteins at the N- or C-terminal which are expressed in HeLa cells by using Gateway entry clones. And, we will link ESPRESSO ("http://mbs.cbrc.jp/ESPRESSO/":http://mbs.cbrc.jp/ESPRESSO/) using ORF sequences of the entry clones, allowing us to acquire predictional protein expression and solubility results. Moreover, we will redesign the web interface.
Logical Operation Based Literature Association with Genes and its application, PosMed.
Authors: Makita Yuko , Bhatia Rinki , Deshpande Mrinalini , Matsushima Akihiro , Ishii Manabu , Mochizuki Yoshiki , Yoshida Yuko , Kobayashi Norio , Toyoda Testuro
Published: October 2010

PosMed prioritizes candidate genes for positional cloning by employing our original database search engine GRASE, which uses an inferential process similar to an artificial neural network comprising documental neurons (or 'documentrons') that represent each document contained in databases such as MEDLINE and OMIM (Yoshida, et al. 2009, Makita, et al. 2009). PosMed immediately ranks the candidate genes by connecting phenotypic keywords to the genes through connections representing gene–gene interactions other biological relationships, such as metabolite–gene, mutant mouse–gene, drug–gene, disease–gene, and protein–protein interactions, ortholog data, and gene–literature connections.To make proper relationships between genes and literature, we manually curate queries, which are defined by logical operation rules, against MEDLINE. For example, to detect a set of MEDLINE documents for the AT1G03880 gene in A. thaliana, we applied the following logical query: (‘AT1G03880’ OR ‘CRU2’ OR ‘CRB’ OR ‘CRUCIFERIN 2' OR ‘CRUCIFERIN B’) AND (‘Arabidopsis’) NOT (‘chloroplast RNA binding’). Curators refined these queries in mouse, rice and A. thaliana. For human and rat genes, we use mouse curation results via ortholog genes in PosMed.PosMed is available at "http://omicspace.riken.jp/PosMed":http://omicspace.riken.jp/PosMed References:Yoshida Y, et al. Nucleic Acids Res. 37(Web Server issue):W147-52. 2009.Makita Y, et al. Plant Cell Physiol. 2009 Jul;50(7):1249-59.
RDF Curator: A Novel Workflow that Generates Semantic Graph from Literature for Curation Using Text Mining
Authors: Komiyama Yusuke , Gotoh Osamu
Published: October 2010

There exist few databases that enable cross-reference among various research fields related to bioenergy. Cross-reference is highly desired among bioinformatics databases related to environment, energy, and agriculture for better mutual cooperation. By uniting Semantic Graph, we can economically construct a distributed database, regardless of the size of research laboratories and research endeavors.Our purpose is to design and develop a workflow based on RDF (Resource Description Framework) that generates Semantic Graph for a set of technical terms extracted from documents of various formats, such as PDF, HTML, and plain text. Our attempt is to generate Semantics Graph as a result of text mining including morphological analysis and syntax analysis.We have developed a prototype of workflow program named "RDF Curator". By using this system, various types of documents can be automatically converted into RDF. "RDF Curator" is composed of general tools and libraries so that no special environment is needed. Hence, “RDF Curator” can be used on many platforms, such as MacOSX, Linux, and Windows (Cygwin). We expect that our system can assist human curators in constructing Semantic Graph. Although fast and high throughput, the accuracy of the present version of "RDF Curator" is lower than that of human curators. As a future task, we have to improve the accuracy of the workflow. In addition, we also plan to apply our system to analysis of network similarity.
DDBJ Sequence Read Archive / DDBJ Omics Archive
Authors: Nakamura Yasukazu , Kodama Yuichi , Saruhashi Satoshi , Kaminuma Eli , Sugawara Hideaki , Takagi Toshihisa , Okubo Kousaku
Published: October 2010

Massively parallel sequencers become widespread and produce unprecedented amounts of sequence reads in many biological fields. DNA Data Bank of Japan (DDBJ) has constructed the international sequence database collaboration (INSDC) together with EBI and NCBI. In 2008, DDBJ has established the DDBJ Read Archive (DRA) to archive raw output data from the new sequencing platforms. DRA archives and provides the raw data sets together with the other two INSDC partners the Sequence Read Archive (SRA) at NCBI and the European Sequence Read Archive (ERA) at EBI. These new sequencing platforms are also used to count DNA/RNA molecules instead of microarray experiment because of their higher accuracy. Since 2004, DDBJ has operated CIBEX as a repository database for the microarray data. In 2009, we decided to establish a new archive DDBJ Omics Archive (DOR) to efficiently accommodate the massive amounts of quantitative data. DOR integrates array-based CIBEX data. DOR accepts submissions of functional genomics data both from the array- and sequencing-based platforms in collaboration with EBI ArrayExpress. DOR uses the same standards with those of ArrayExpress, namely, MAGE-TAB file format for metadata, MIAME and MINSEQE guidelines for submissions. Thus, the data sets released from DOR are seamlessly exported to ArrayExpress. Moreover, entrances of the submission is unified between the DOR and DRA, in which the submitters once deposit their raw and processed data with necessary metadata, their data will be registered to both databases.DDBJ continues to serve the biological science with the primary archive databases of DDBJ, DRA and DOR.
Associations of Smoking Cessation With Visceral Fat Area and Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Men: The Hitachi Health Study
Authors: Matsushita Yumi , Nakagawa Toru , Yamamoto Shuichiro , Takahashi Yoshihiko , Noda Mitsuhiko , Mizoue Tetsuya
Published: October 2010

Weight gain after smoking cessation may deteriorate metabolic risk profiles, including that for metabolic syndrome. How risk profiles change according to the duration of smoking cessation and whether the visceral fat area (VFA) or the subcutaneous fat area (SFA) contributes to these changes remains uncertain. The subjects comprised 5,697 Japanese men who underwent an abdominal computed‐tomography examination during a health check‐up. Using never smokers as a reference group, the odds ratios of having metabolic syndrome and its components, defined using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel IIIcriteria, were calculated for each smoking category with adjustments for age, alcohol drinking, and physical activity (model 1) using a logistic regression analysis. Additional adjustments were also made for either VFA (model 2) or SFA (model 3). Current smokers had the lowest VFA (120.4 cm2) whereas ex‐smokers (124.0–132.0 cm2) had a higher VFA than nonsmokers (123.1 cm2). Among the ex‐smokers, VFA tended to decrease with increasing years of smoking cessation. In model 1, the odds ratios of having metabolic syndrome for current smokers and ex‐smokers with smoking cessation for ≤4, 5–9, 10–14, and ≥15 years were 1.02, 1.33, 1.36, 1.40, and 1.09, respectively. The elevated odds ratios among ex‐smokers (≤14 years) were reduced by 35–55.6% after further adjustment for VFA but not for SFA. Smoking cessation is associated with a deterioration of the metabolic risk profile, which can be ascribed, at least in part, to an increase in VFA not SFA.
Novel Electrocardiographic Parameters of Altered Repolarization in Uncomplicated Overweight and Obesity
Authors: Braschi Annabella , Abrignani Maurizio G. , Francavilla Vincenzo C. , Francavilla Giuseppe
Published: October 2010

In addition to well‐known electrocardiographic measurements, as QT, QT dispersion, and QT apex dispersion, new parameters such as Tpeak‐Tend, Tpeak‐Tend dispersion, and Tpeak‐Tend/QT ratio have been recently introduced as indexes of increased arrhythmic risk. The aim of the present study was to test, in overweight and obese subjects not affected by conditions of comorbidity, the aforementioned markers of ventricular repolarization. We studied 60 athletic subjects with normal body weight (21 females and 39 males, BMI between 19 and 24, mean BMI 22.0 ± 2.0 kg/m2, aged 14–64 years, mean age 32 ± 13.59) and 60 sedentary and overweight/obese subjects (34 overweight and 26 obese, 22 females, and 38 males, BMI between 26 and 55, mean BMI 30.7 ± 5.7 kg/m2, aged 14–64, mean age 38 ± 14.49). Each subject underwent anthropometric measurements and a 12‐lead electrocardiogram, from which the following different parameters were calculated: QT, corrected QT, QT dispersion, QT apex dispersion, Tpeak‐Tend, Tpeak‐Tend dispersion and Tpeak‐Tend/QT ratio were calculated. The aforementioned repolarization markers resulted, respectively: 340.2 ± 25.1, 373.8 ± 25.9, 29 ± 16.2, 23.5 ± 14.6, 87.3 ± 12.8, 26.5 ± 16.8, and 0.22 ± 0.03 ms in control subjects and 362.5 ± 28.5, 397.4 ± 35.4, 34.5 ± 16.8, 30.7 ± 16.3, 90.5 ± 15.2, 27 ± 17.1, and 0.22 ± 0.04 ms in overweight/obese subjects. Neither uncomplicated obesity nor overweight were associated with a statistically significant difference in QT dispersion, QT apex dispersion, Tpeak‐Tend, Tpeak‐Tend dispersion, and Tpeak‐Tend/QT ratio; QT and corrected QT were the only parameters that showed statistically significant variations between normal weight and overweight/obese subjects.
Subclinical Regional Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Obese Patients With and Without Hypertension or Hypertrophy
Authors: Santos José L.F. , Salemi Vera M.C. , Picard Michael H. , Mady Charles , Coelho Otávio R.
Published: October 2010

We investigated the impact of obesity on the abnormalities of systolic and diastolic regional left ventricular (LV) function in patients with or without hypertension or hypertrophy, and without heart failure. We studied 120 individuals divided into 6 groups of 20 patients (42 ± 6 years, 60 females) using standard and pulsed‐wave tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) echocardiography, and heterogeneity index (HI): nonobese (I: no hypertension, no hypertrophy, control group; II: hypertension, no hypertrophy; III: hypertension and hypertrophy) and obese (IV: no hypertension, no hypertrophy; V: hypertension, no hypertrophy; VI: hypertension and hypertrophy). The criterion for obesity was BMI ≥30 kg/m2, for hypertension was blood pressure ≥140/90 mm Hg, for hypertrophy in nonobese was LV mass/body surface area (BSA) >134 g/m2 (men) and >110 mg/m2 (women), and in obese was LV mass/height(2.7) >50 (men) and >40 (women). Obese groups had normal LV ejection fraction compared with nonobese groups, but decreased longitudinal and radial systolic myocardial peak velocities (S'), and early diastolic myocardial peak velocity (E'). Also, a great variability of E' and late diastolic myocardial peak velocity (A') from the longitudinal basal region was observed in obese groups (E'basal nonobese: 11 ± 7 vs. obese 19 ± 11, P < 0.001, A'basal nonobese: 7 ± 4 vs. obese 11 ± 7, P < 0.001). Our findings were more evident when comparing groups IV with V and VI, with the latter having concentric hypertrophy and obvious segmental systolic and diastolic dysfunctions. Subclinical myocardial alterations and increased variability of the velocities were observed in obese groups, especially with hypertension and hypertrophy, reflecting impaired regional LV relaxation, segmental atrial, and systolic dysfunctions.
Cognitive‐Behavioral Treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Propensity Score‐Adjusted Observational Study
Authors: Moscatiello Simona , Di Luzio Raffaella , Bugianesi Elisabetta , Suppini Alessandro , Hickman Ingrid J. , Di Domizio Silvia , Dalle Grave Riccardo , Marchesini Giulio
Published: October 2010

The effectiveness of cognitive‐behavior treatment (CBT) in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), largely related to overweight/obesity and considered the hepatic expression of the metabolic syndrome (MS), has so far been tested in very limited samples. In a tertiary referral center, consecutively observed NAFLD subjects were offered a CBT program aimed at weight loss and increased physical activity, based on 13 group sessions; 68 cases entered the treatment protocol, those who refused (n = 82) were given recommendations for diet and physical activity. Treatment goals (weight loss ≥7% initial body weight, normalization of liver enzymes, and improved parameters of MS) were tested by logistic regression at 6 months (all cases) and at 2 years, both on intention‐to‐treat and in completers (Diet, 78; CBT, 65). The results were adjusted for the propensity score of attending the CBT program, based on civil, anthropometric and clinical variables. At baseline the CBT group had a larger prevalence of obesity and more severe insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment (HOMA)). At follow‐up, CBT was associated with a higher probability of weight loss and normal liver enzymes (6‐month: odds ratio (OR), 2.56; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.15–5.69; 2‐year intention‐to‐treat: OR, 3.57, 95% CI, 1.59–8.00), after adjustment for propensity and changes in body weight. A similar trend was observed in the outcome goals of insulin resistance and the score of MS, which were both reduced. In conclusion, subjects with NAFLD participating in a CBT program significantly improve their general and liver parameters. The beneficial effects are largely maintained at 2‐year follow‐up, in keeping with the lifestyle‐related pathogenesis of disease.
The Nature of the Ingested Protein Has No Effect on Lean Body Mass During Energy Restriction in Overweight Rats
Authors: Adechian Solange , Rémond Didier , Gaudichon Claire , Dardevet Dominique , Mosoni Laurent
Published: October 2010

Severe energy restriction in obesity not only leads to fat mass loss but also to lean mass loss. The aim of this study was to compare the capacity of casein, a slowly digested protein, and milk soluble proteins (MSP; rapidly digested) to limit the loss of lean mass induced by energy restriction. Obesity was first induced in male Wistar rats by a 5‐week feeding with a high‐fat high‐sucrose diet. The impact of energy restriction was then studied with high‐protein (32%) diets containing either casein, MSP, or a 50/50 mixture of both proteins for 3 weeks (n = 10 per group). Food intake, body weight, nitrogen balance, creatinine, and 3‐methyl‐histidine excretion were measured during energy restriction. Then, tissue weights, plasma metabolic parameters (amino acids, glucose, insulin, cholesterol, triglycerides), and in vivo liver and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle protein synthesis rates were measured in postabsorptive state at the end of the experimental period. Although significant differences relevant to protein metabolism were observed between groups (protein intake, plasma amino acid concentrations, fecal nitrogen excretion, muscle protein synthesis rates), week per week, there were no significant differences in nitrogen balance whatever the protein used. In conclusion, our results show that in young overweight energy restricted rats, using a high‐protein diet, the nature of protein intake has no influence on body protein retention.
Eating Frequency is Associated With Energy Intake but Not Obesity in Midlife Women
Authors: Mills Jordan P. , Perry Courtney D. , Reicks Marla
Published: October 2010

Midlife women tend to gain weight with age, thus increasing risk of chronic disease. The purpose of this study was to examine associations between overweight/obesity and behavioral factors, including eating frequency, in a cross‐sectional national sample of midlife women (n= 1,099) (mean age = 49.7 years, and BMI = 27.7 kg/m2). Eating behaviors and food and nutrient intakes were based on a mailed 1‐day food record. BMI was calculated from self‐reported height and weight, and level of physical activity was assessed by self‐reported questionnaire. After exclusion of low‐energy reporters (32% of sample), eating frequency was not associated with overweight/obesity (P> 0.05) and was not different between BMI groups (normal, 5.21 ± 1.79; overweight, 5.16 ± 1.74; obese, 5.12 ± 1.68,P= 0.769). Adjusted logistic regression showed that eating frequency, snacking frequency, breakfast consumption, eating after 10pmand consuming meals with children or other adults were not significantly associated with overweight/obesity. Total energy intake increased as eating frequency increased in all BMI groups, however, obese women had greater energy intake compared to normal weight women who consumed the same number of meals and snacks. Intake of fruit and vegetables, whole grains, dietary fiber, dairy, and added sugars also increased as eating frequency increased. While eating frequency was not associated with overweight/obesity, it was associated with energy intake. Thus, addressing total energy intake rather than eating frequency may be more appropriate to prevent weight gain among midlife women.
Strategies to prolong the plasma residence time of peptidedrugs
Authors: Pollaro Lisa , Heinis Christian
Published: October 2010

Well established as well as recently developed strategies to prevent the fast clearance of peptide drugs from the circulation are reviewed.
Pharmacokinetics of ceftiofur in red deer (Cervus elaphus)
Authors: Drew Mark L. , Waldrup Ken , Kreeger Terry , Craigmill Arthur L. , Wetzlich Scott E. , Mackintosh Colin
Published: October 2010

Twelve adult female red deer (Cervus elaphus) were given 250 mg of ceftiofur sodium by intramuscular injection (i.m.) and ballistic implant in a crossover design. Blood samples were taken from an in‐dwelling jugular catheter prior to drug administration and at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 72 h postadministration of the drug. Samples were centrifuged and plasma kept frozen at −70 °C until analysis for ceftiofur and active metabolites using an HPLC method. The pharmacokinetics of ceftiofur and metabolites after i.m. dosing and following ballistic implant were quite different. Absorption after i.m. injection was rapid; whereas following ballistic implant there was a lag‐time until concentrations were detectable in plasma. The maximum concentration reached in plasma was higher following injection compared with ballistic implant, however the AUC calculated after ballistic implant was almost identical to the mean AUC found after i.m. dosing. The results indicate that i.m. administration of ceftiofur maintains adequate plasma levels for most susceptible bacterial pathogens for at least 12 h; therefore twice daily administration is needed in red deer. Ballistic implants produced plasma concentrations above the MIC for most bacterial pathogens from 4 to 24 h in most animals after administration; however, absorption of the drug was variable and some did not maintain effective concentrations for more than a few hours. Ceftiofur is a useful drug in red deer and twice daily i.m. administration dosing should allow treatment for susceptible bacterial pathogens.
Observer‐dependent variability of quantitative clinical endpoints: the example of canine echocardiography
Authors: Chetboul V. , Athanassiadis N. , Concordet D. , Nicolle A. , Tessier D. , Castagnet M. , Pouchelon J. L. , Lefebvre H.P.
Published: October 2010

The objective of this study was to determine the intra‐ and inter‐observer variability of echocardiographic measurements in dogs. Four observers with different levels of experience in echocardiography performed 192 echocardiographic examinations of six dogs on four different days. The lowest within‐ and between‐day coefficients of variation (CV) (%) were 13.8 and 5.2 for the right ventricle in diastole, 8.9 and 4.5 for the interventricular septal thickness in diastole (6.3 and 7.0 in systole), 7.7 and 9.4 for the left ventricular free‐wall thickness in diastole (8.1 and 5.2 in systole), 3.1 and 5.0 for the left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter (6.2 and 7.0 for end‐systolic diameter), 10.2 and 10.8 for the left ventricular shortening fraction, and 8.2 and 9.8 for the left atrium/aorta ratio, respectively. Most of these lowest CVs were observed by the two most experienced observers. Conversely, all maximum values were obtained with the two less experienced observers. These differences in observer‐dependent variability may considerably influence the minimum number of animals required to detect a treatment‐associated change in echocardiographic variables.
Effects of the level of dietary valine supply on amino acids and urea concentration in milk and blood plasma of lactating sows
Authors: Roth‐Maier D. A. , Ott H. , Roth F. X. , Paulicks B. R.
Published: October 2010

In order to determine the valine (Val) requirement, suckling sows with 10–12 piglets were supplied with feed mixtures, which contained various levels of Val derived by adding crystalline l‐Val to the native diet (0.45% = native, 0.55, 0.65, 0.85, 1.05 and 1.45%) during a total of 72 lactations. Milk and blood plasma, taken after 3 weeks of lactation, was examined on the concentration of amino acids (total amino acids in milk, free amino acids in plasma) and urea by ion exchange chromatography or autoanalyzer, respectively. The contents of almost all amino acids in milk were significantly higher compared with the native diet, when Val was supplemented, reflecting increasing milk protein concentrations. Highest amino acid concentrations were observed with 0.85% dietary Val. Amino acid pattern in milk was not affected by the Val supply. In blood plasma the concentration of free Val rose with the dietary Val from 9 mg/l (0.45% dietary Val) to 132 mg/l (1.45% dietary Val). Several other amino acid contents were also higher when Val was added to the native diet, but there was no dose–response. Urea concentrations in milk and blood plasma were lowest with 0.65% and 0.85% dietary Val, respectively. Conclusively, for sows nursing litters with 10–12 piglets a dietary valine supply of 0.85% (0.75% apparent ileal digestible Val) can be recommended with a minimum requirement of 0.65% (0.55% apparent ileal digestible Val).
The Treatment of Auto‐erotic Asphyxiation in a Man with Severe Intellectual Disabilities: the Effectiveness of a Behavioural and Educational Programme
Authors: Thompson A. R. , Beail N.
Published: October 2010

Background The treatment of individuals with severe intellectual disabilities who engage in self‐injurious sexual practices and are incapable of giving consent poses a significant challenge to health care services. Treatment options can be highly personal and intrusive, and potentially pose a risk of litigation. However, there is also a risk of being prosecuted for negligence if necessary treatment is not pursued. This paper discusses the treatment of an individual engaged in such a behaviour – auto‐erotic asphyxiation. It describes how the legal aspects of the design and implementation of the treatment approach were handled.

Methods The treatment approach involved a behavioural and psycho‐educational programme. A single case study methodology was utilized in order to assess the effectiveness of the intervention.

Results The intervention led to the learning of new adaptive behaviour. Auto‐erotic asphyxiation ceased and the individual's masturbatory behaviour changed sufficiently to reduce the threat of mortality. Qualitatively, a significant reduction in the level of stress experienced by the individual's family was reported.

Conclusions It is concluded that behavioural and educational techniques may be effective in the management of such cases. Further research replicating such techniques with similar cases is required prior to the efficacy of this treatment becoming established.
Grandparent Support for Families of Children with Down's Syndrome
Authors: Hastings Richard P. , Thomas Hannah , Delwiche Nicole
Published: October 2010

Background  Although grandparents are recognized as an important source of support for families of children with intellectual and other disabilities, there has been very little research in this area. The aim of the present paper is to present a brief overview of the literature, and to present data from a preliminary study of relationships between parental stress and grandparent support and conflict.

Methods  Sixty‐one parents of children with Down's syndrome (34 mothers and 27 fathers) completed questionnaires on grandparent support and conflict. Parents also completed the Friedrich Short Form of the Questionnaire on Resources and Stress (QRS) with scoring amended to include a depression sub‐scale.

Results  The main findings were: (1) grandparent support and conflict were associated with mothers' but not fathers' ratings of stress on the QRS, and (2) both grandparent support and conflict made independent contributions to the prediction of mothers' stress on at least one dimension of the QRS.

Conclusions  Practical implications of the results for interventions designed to encourage grandparent support for families are discussed. Issues for further research and methodological problems with the study are also identified.
Mortality of Parents of People with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Hill‐Smith Andrew J. , Hollins Sheila C.
Published: October 2010

Background  The experience of caring for a son or daughter with an intellectual disability has long been recognized as stressful. The long‐term health costs for parents of people with intellectual disability have attracted some recent research attention, but mortality has not been studied.

Methods  The present authors examined mortality as measured by the standardized mortality ratio (SMR), and cause of death for parents of people with intellectual disability, identified through an intellectual disability register in Merton, south London.

Results  Although there was a trend for lower SMRs particularly for mothers, SMRs were not significantly different from unity. Subgroups of parents whose child was cared for predominantly in an institution, or in the family home were analysed and similarly showed no significant difference from unity. The same applied to cause of death analyses.

Conclusions  These findings offer some reassurance to parents of people with intellectual disability. There is an urgent need for further research in this area.