bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative and qualitative analyses of clock drawing in
frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: BLAIR MERVIN , KERTESZ ANDREW , MCMONAGLE PAUL , DAVIDSON WILDA , BODI NIKOLETTA
Published: March 2008

The clock drawing test (CDT) is a widely used cognitive screening
test. It is useful in identifying focal lesions and cognitive deficits in
dementia groups. Lately, several studies attempted its use to
differentiate between dementia subtypes. Although many studies have
examined the CDT in dementia populations, research into the use of clock
drawing in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is limited. We examined
quantitative (global) and qualitative (specific error type) differences on
the CDT between FTD (n = 36) and Alzheimer's disease (AD;
n = 25) patients and controls without dementia (n = 25).
Results showed significantly lower overall scores in the dementia groups
compared to the control group, whereas FTD patients scored significantly
higher than the AD group. On qualitative analysis, the FTD group had fewer
stimulus bound responses, conceptual deficits, and spatial or planning
errors compared to the AD group. In conclusion, both global and error
analysis of the CDT helped discriminate the FTD group from controls and AD
patients. (JINS, 2006, 12, 159–165.)
The case for the development and use of “ecologically valid” measures of executive function in experimental and clinical neuropsychology
Authors: BURGESS PAUL W. , ALDERMAN NICK , FORBES CATRIN , COSTELLO ANGELA , M-A.COATES LAURE , DAWSON DEIRDRE R. , ANDERSON NICOLE D. , GILBERT SAM J. , DUMONTHEIL IROISE , CHANNON SHELLEY
Published: March 2008

This article considers the scientific process whereby new and better clinical tests of executive function might be developed, and what form they might take. We argue that many of the traditional tests of executive function most commonly in use (e.g., the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test; Stroop) are adaptations of procedures that emerged almost coincidentally from conceptual and experimental frameworks far removed from those currently in favour, and that the prolongation of their use has been encouraged by a sustained period of concentration on “construct-driven” experimentation in neuropsychology. This resulted from the special theoretical demands made by the field of executive function, but was not a necessary consequence, and may not even have been a useful one. Whilst useful, these tests may not therefore be optimal for their purpose. We consider as an alternative approach a function-led development programme which in principle could yield tasks better suited to the concerns of the clinician because of the transparency afforded by increased “representativeness” and “generalisability.” We further argue that the requirement of such a programme to represent the interaction between the individual and situational context might also provide useful constraints for purely experimental investigations. We provide an example of such a programme with reference to the Multiple Errands and Six Element tests. (JINS, 2006,12, 194–209.)
Frontal lobe contributions to recognition and recall: Linking basic research with clinical evaluation and remediation
Authors: DAVIDSON PATRICK S. R. , TROYER ANGELA K. , MOSCOVITCH MORRIS
Published: March 2008

The role of the human frontal lobes in episodic memory is becoming better understood, thanks mainly to focal lesion and neuroimaging studies. Here we review some recent findings from basic research on the frontal lobes in memory encoding, search, and decision-making at retrieval. For each of these processes, researchers have uncovered cases in which frontal memory impairments can be attenuated by various task manipulations. We suggest ways in which these findings may inform clinical evaluation and rehabilitation of memory problems following frontal damage. (JINS, 2006,12, 210–223.)
Impairments of emotion and real-world complex behavior following
childhood- or adult-onset damage to ventromedial prefrontal cortex
Authors: ANDERSON STEVEN W. , BARRASH JOSEPH , BECHARA ANTOINE , TRANEL DANIEL
Published: March 2008

The behavioral syndrome resulting from damage to the ventromedial
prefrontal (VM) region presents major challenges for clinical assessment
and management, stemming from the absence of reliable neurologic or
psychometric markers, coupled with often debilitating impairments of
decision-making and behavior regulation. Damage to this region disrupts
neural circuitry critical for emotion, which in turn may contribute to
impairments in real-world competencies. Here we present findings from
patients with focal lesions in the VM region acquired either in childhood
or adulthood, and show that there is a relationship between emotional
dysfunction and impairments in real-world behavioral competencies. Emotion
was rated by participants' relatives on dimensions including
frustration tolerance, lability, anxiety, and blunted affect. Real-world
competencies were rated by the relatives on dimensions including judgment,
planning, and initiation, and were evaluated by clinician ratings in areas
including social, financial, and occupational function. VM damage resulted
in severe disruption of emotion, and this emotional dysfunction accounted
for a significant portion of impaired real-world competencies. The
long-term impairments associated with childhood-onset lesions were at
least as severe as those resulting from adult-onset damage. Greater focus
on the contribution of emotional dysfunction to the real-world
competencies of patients with damage in the VM region may sharpen their
neuropsychological assessment and facilitate rehabilitation efforts.
(JINS, 2006, 12, 224–235.)
Frontal lobes and attention: Processes and networks, fractionation and integration
Authors: STUSS DONALD T.
Published: March 2008

The frontal lobes (FL), are they a general adaptive global capacity processor, or a series of fractionated processes? Our lesion studies focusing on attention have demonstrated impairments in distinct processes due to pathology in different frontal regions, implying fractionation of the “supervisory system.” However, when task demands are manipulated, it becomes evident that the frontal lobes are not just a series of independent processes. Increased complexity of task demands elicits greater involvement of frontal regions along a fixed network related to a general activation process. For some task demands, one or more anatomically distinct frontal processes may be recruited. In other conditions, there is a bottom-up nonfrontal/frontal network, with impairment noted maximally for the lesser task demands in the nonfrontal automatic processing regions, and then as task demands change, increased involvement of different frontal (more “strategic”) regions, until it appears all frontal regions are involved. With other measures, the network is top-down, with impairment in the measure first noted in the frontal region and then, with changing task demands, involving a posterior region. Adaptability is not just a property of FL, it is the fluid recruitment of different processes anywhere in the brain as required by the current task. (JINS, 2006,12, 261–271.)
TBI Research: Reviewing the Past, Planning the Future
Authors: Johnstone Brick
Published: March 2008

Rehabilitation for Traumatic Brain Injury. Walter M. High,
Jr., Angelle M. Sander, Margaret A. Struchen, and Karen A. Hart (Eds.).
2005. New York: Oxford University Press. 368 pp., $69.50 (HB).

Rehabilitation for Traumatic Brain Injury, the final product
of a 2003 conference that assembled national experts on traumatic brain
injury (TBI) rehabilitation, was written to “bring into one volume a
concise and authoritative account of what is currently known in the field
of TBI rehabilitation.” It is intended for TBI clinicians and
researchers including neuropsychologists, physiatrists, neurologists,
neurosurgeons, psychiatrists, and rehabilitation therapists. The volume is
impressive for the number of chapter authors who are nationally recognized
experts on various aspects of TBI rehabilitation (e.g., Drs. Prigatano,
Malec, Corrigan, Levin, Boake, Diller, Sohlberg, and Cicerone), as well as
the broad and inclusive range of topics covered.
What do pedometer counts represent? A comparison between pedometer data and data from four different questionnaires
Authors: De Cocker Katrien A , De Bourdeaudhuij Ilse M , Cardon Greet M
Published: March 2008

Objectives

To compare physical activity (PA) reported through pedometer registrations (step counts) with PA reported in four different questionnaires; to compare step count thresholds (7500, 10 000 and 12 500 steps/d) with the PA guideline of 30 min of moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) per day.

Subjects

A sample of 310 healthy adults, mean age 38·7 (sd 11·9) years, volunteered to participate. Forty-seven per cent was male and 93 % of the sample was employed.

Methods

PA was assessed by interview (Minnesota Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire (MLTPAQ)), three self-administered questionnaires (long version and short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (long-form IPAQ, short-form IPAQ), Baecke questionnaire) and seven consecutive days of pedometer registration.

Results

Step counts correlated positively with questionnaire-based PA. The strongest correlations were found between step counts and total PA reported in the long-form IPAQ (rs = 0·37), moderate PA reported in the short-form IPAQ (rs = 0·33), total and moderate PA reported in the MLTPAQ (rs = 0·32), and the total and leisure-time PA indices (excluding sport) reported in the Baecke questionnaire (rs = 0·44). According to step counts, 22·6 % of the participants were somewhat active, 18·7 % active and 39·4 % highly active. As assessed by the long-form IPAQ, short-form IPAQ and MLTPAQ, the guideline of 30 min MVPA/d was reached by respectively 85·4 %, 84·8 % and 68·0 % of participants.

Conclusion

Pedometer-based data offer adequate information to discriminate between levels of PA. Caution is needed when comparing active samples based on different PA recommendations.
Kompensatorische und restitutive Methoden des Gesichtsfeldtrainings
Authors: Gall Carolin , Kasten Erich
Published: March 2008

Gesichtsfelddefekte sind eine häufige Folge von Hirnschäden. Es existieren zwei Behandlungsansätze: 1. Kompensation durch Spiegelbrillen, Prismen, sakkadische Augenbewegungen, exzentrisches Lesetraining und 2. Gesichtsfeldvergrößerung durch ein spezielles visuelles Restitutionstraining. Spiegelbrillen und Prismen wurden vielfach kritisiert, tauchen aber auch in aktuellen Studien immer wieder auf. Kompensation durch ein Training sakkadischer Augenbewegungen in den blinden Bereich führt rasch zu Alltagsverbesserungen und ist als Methode weitgehend unumstritten. Für ein exzentrisches Lesetraining wurde aktuell ein computergestütztes System entwickelt. Erste Forschungsergebnisse des Restitutionstrainings wurden positiv bewertet, seit der Jahrtausendwende tauchte jedoch zunehmende Kritik auf – insbesondere bezüglich mangelnder Fixationskontrolle. Der Artikel setzt sich mit diesen Kritikpunkten auseinander und gibt einen Überblick über aktuelle Forschungsergebnisse, die zeigen, dass eine Gesichtsfelderweiterung zwar klein, aber durchaus möglich ist. Alternativerklärungen wie z. B. sakkadische Augenbewegungen und Veränderungen der Aufmerksamkeit konnten in neuen Studien weitgehend ausgeräumt werden. Hinsichtlich der Fahreignung können offenbar viele Patienten den Defekt gut kompensieren; Studien hierzu sind aber widersprüchlich. Empfohlen wird die bessere Verquickung von restitutiven und kompensatorischen Behandlungsstrategien, um Patienten optimale Hilfe zu geben.
Skala zur Erfassung von Aufmerksamkeitsdefiziten (SEA)
Authors: Volz-Sidiropoulou Eftychia , Böcker Maren , Niemann Hendrik , Privou Caroline , Zimmermann Petra , Gauggel Siegfried
Published: March 2008

Die Skala zur Erfassung von Aufmerksamkeitsproblemen (SEA) ist ein Selbst- und Fremdbeurteilungsverfahren zur Erfassung von Beeinträchtigungen der Aufmerksamkeit. Zur Untersuchung der psychometrischen Eigenschaften der SEA wurden 202 Patienten mit neurologischen Erkrankungen gebeten, die SEA auszufüllen. Eine Fremdbeurteilung erfolgte durch Neuropsychologen/ Ergotherapeuten bzw. eine psychologisch-technische Assistentin. Die Rasch-Analyse ergab, dass mit den SEA-Items eindimensional Aufmerksamkeitsdefizite erfasst werden können. In der Selbstbeurteilungsform zeichneten sich die Items durch hohe Differenzierungskraft und Zuverlässigkeit aus (Itemtrennung/Reliabilität = 4.10/.94) und konnten gut zwischen mindestens drei Beeinträchtigungsgruppen unterscheiden (Personentrennung/Reliabilität = 2.86/.89). Die entsprechenden psychometrischen Kennwerte fielen bei der Fremdbeurteilung noch höher aus (Personentrennung/Rel. = 3.40/.92, Itemtrennung/Rel. = 5.37/.97). Insgesamt war aber das Item-Set für die untersuchte Patientenstichprobe zu leicht, so dass Patienten mit geringen Beeinträchtigungen weniger gut differenziert werden können. Die Übereinstimmung zwischen Selbst- und Fremdurteilen war erwartungsgemäß eher gering (Intraklassen-Korrelationskoeffizient, ICC = .34). Die ersten psychometrischen Eigenschaften der SEA sind ermutigend, allerdings müssen weitere Untersuchungen und Optimierungen (z. B. Zufügen einiger schwieriger Items) folgen.
Long‐term meteorological and soil hydrology database, Walnut Gulch Experimental Watershed, Arizona, United States
Authors: Keefer T. O. , Moran M. S. , Paige G. B.
Published: March 2008

A 17 year (1990–2006) meteorological and soil hydrology database has been developed for the Walnut Gulch Experimental Watershed in southeastern Arizona. Data have been acquired at three automated weather stations, 5 soil profile trench sites, and 19 locations dispersed across the watershed colocated with recording rain gauges. Meteorological elements measured at the weather stations include air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, wind direction, barometric pressure, solar radiation, photosynthetically active radiation, and net radiation. Soil hydrology properties measured at the weather stations, trench sites, and rain gauges include soil moisture, soil temperature, soil heat flux, and soil surface temperature. Data are available at http://www.tucson.ars.ag.gov/dap.
Sediment supply and relative size distribution effects on fine sediment infiltration into immobile gravels
Authors: Wooster John K. , Dusterhoff Scott R. , Cui Yantao , Sklar Leonard S. , Dietrich William E. , Malko Mary
Published: March 2008

We present results and analyses from flume experiments investigating the infiltration of sand into immobile clean gravel deposits. Three runs were conducted, each successive run with the same total sediment feed volume, but a 10‐fold increase in sand feed rate. The highest sand feed rate produced less sand infiltration into the subsurface deposits than the other two runs, which had approximately equivalent amounts of sand infiltration. Experimental data, combined with simple geometric relations and physical principles, are used to derive two relations describing the saturated fine sediment fraction in a gravel deposit and the vertical fine sediment fraction profile resulting from fine sediment infiltration. The vertical fine sediment fraction profile relation suggests that significant sand infiltration occurs only to a depth equivalent to a few median grain diameters of the bed material.
Stoichiometry of hydrological C, N, and P losses across climate and geology: An environmental matrix approach across New Zealand primary forests
Authors: McGroddy M. E. , Baisden W. T. , Hedin L. O.
Published: March 2008

Hydrologic losses can play a key role in regulating ecosystem nutrient balances, particularly in regions where baseline nutrient cycles are not augmented by industrial deposition. We used first‐order streams to integrate hydrologic losses at the watershed scale across unpolluted old‐growth forests in New Zealand. We employed a matrix approach to resolve how stream water concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), organic and inorganic nitrogen (DON and DIN), and organic and inorganic phosphorus (DOP and DIP) varied as a function of landscape differences in climate and geology. We found stream water total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) to be dominated by organic forms (medians for DON, 81.3%, nitrate‐N, 12.6%, and ammonium‐N, 3.9%). The median stream water DOC:TDN:TDP molar ratio of 1050:21:1 favored C slightly over N and P when compared to typical temperate forest foliage ratios. Using the full set of variables in a multiple regression approach explained approximately half of the variability in DON, DOC, and TDP concentrations. Building on this approach we combined a simplified set of variables with a simple water balance model in a regression designed to predict DON export at larger spatial scales. Incorporating the effects of climate and geologic variables on nutrient exports will greatly aid the development of integrated Earth‐climate biogeochemical models which are able to take into account multiple element dynamics and complex natural landscapes.
Biogeochemistry of iron in Australian dust: From eolian uplift to marine uptake
Authors: Mackie Doug S. , Boyd Philip W. , McTainsh Grant H. , Tindale Neil W. , Westberry Toby K. , Hunter Keith A.
Published: March 2008

Dust is an important vector for iron supply to the ocean, which subsequently impacts ocean productivity, atmospheric CO2 concentrations, and hence global climate. Here, we synthesize the processes influencing the biogeochemistry of Australian dust and compare them with those from other Southern Hemisphere dust sources. Our observations range from soil and dust physical properties to abrasion and cloud chamber chemistry experiments to dust storms and their dispersion and deposition. We then present satellite observations of the impact of episodic dust deposition events on the productivity of low‐iron oceanic waters north (i.e., low‐nitrate, low‐chlorophyll (LNLC)) and south (i.e., high‐nitrate, low‐chlorophyll (HNLC)) of Australia. Dust deposition from the largest dust storm in over 40 years did not result in iron‐mediated algal blooms in either oceanic region. A comparison of Australia with other Southern Hemisphere source regions reveals that the relatively well sampled Australian system is a poor generic model. Furthermore, there are marked distinctions between Southern and Northern Hemisphere iron/dust biogeochemistry that must be recognized by modelers and included in future simulations. Better information is required on the relative role of the atmosphere and ocean on influencing iron biogeochemistry and how their relative influences might change in the future due to climate change.
Some new aspects of low‐latitude E‐region QP echoes revealed by Gadanki radar: Are they due to Kelvin‐Helmholtz instability or gravity waves?
Authors: Venkateswara Rao N. , Patra A. K. , Rao S. V. B.
Published: March 2008

We present and analyze some interesting new aspects of low‐latitude quasi‐periodic (QP) echoes observed using the Gadanki radar, not reported before, to address the origin of these echoes. We report QP echoes, embedded in a descending echoing region, with periods in the range of 2–12 min decreasing with time. In one event, we show a deeply modulated echoing region, resembling very closely to Kelvin‐Helmholtz billow structure. Associated with this event, we find that another echoing region already ongoing at altitudes higher up, which was not quasi‐periodic, turned quasi‐periodic when the undulated echoing region came in existence. Interestingly, both the echoing regions displayed identical time history in their periodicity. We have also shown QP event lasting for 5 h or even more. We also observe a clear velocity reversal with height having vertical wavelength of ∼20 km in association with these echoes. On the basis of the observed features and related analysis we have shown that the QP echoes reported here are difficult to be accounted for by the KH instability. We provided a framework and mechanism considering the gravity wave winds in zonal direction as a potential source in forming quasi‐periodic plasma blob structures, which could be unstable to plasma instability, to account for the low‐latitude QP echoes.
Direct analysis of tfdA gene expression by indigenous bacteria in phenoxy acid amended agricultural soil
Authors: Bælum Jacob , Nicolaisen Mette H , Holben William E , Strobel Bjarne W , Sørensen Jan , Jacobsen Carsten S
Published: March 2008

Expression of the functional gene tfdA involved in degradation of phenoxyacetic acids such as 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 4-chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetic acid (MCPA) was investigated during degradation scenarios in natural unseeded soil samples. The results illustrate how messenger RNA (mRNA)-based analysis is well suited to quantitatively study the activity of specific microbial populations in soil using phenoxyacetic acid biodegradation as a model system. Via quantitative real-time PCR, a clear response to the presence of phenoxy acids was shown during degradation in soil amended with 20 mg 2,4-D or MCPA per kg soil. Further, we found a relatively high degree of correlation between expression of the functional gene and the rates of mineralization. Melting curve analyses of real-time PCR products, supported by tfdA-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis showed that, although only class I tfdA genes were apparent in the indigenous microbial population, class III tfdA genes became predominant during incubation, and were the only genes expressed during degradation of MCPA in soil. In contrast, both classes were expressed during degradation of the structurally similar compound 2,4-D. The ability to quantify microbial transcripts directly in environmental samples will have a profound impact on our understanding of microbial processes in the environment in future studies.
Prevalence and Patterns of Microarray Data Sharing
Authors: Piwowar Heather , Chapman Wendy
Published: March 2008

Sharing research data is a cornerstone of science. Although many tools and policies exist to encourage data sharing, the prevalence with which datasets are shared is not well understood. We report our preliminary results on patterns of sharing microarray data in public databases.The most comprehensive method for measuring occurrences of public data sharing is manual curation of research reports, since data sharing plans are usually communicated in free text within the body of an article. Our early findings from manual curation of 100 papers suggest that 30% of investigators publicly share their full microarray datasets. Of these, 70% of the datasets are deposited at NCBI's Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, 20% at EBI's ArrayExpress, and 10% in smaller databases or lab or publisher websites.Next, we supplemented this manual process with a rough automated estimate of data sharing prevalence. Using PubMed, we identified research articles with MeSH terms for both "Gene Expression Profiling" and "Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis" and published in 2006. We then searched GEO and ArrayExpress for links to these PubMed IDs to determine which of the articles had been credited as an originating data source.Of the 2503 articles, 440 (18%) articles had links from either GEO or ArrayExpress. Of these 440 articles, 70% had links from GEO and 30% from ArrayExpress, with an overlapping 12% from both GEO and ArrayExpress.Interestingly, studies with free full text at PubMed were twice (Odds Ratio=2.1; 95% confidence interval: [1.7 to 2.5]) as likely to be linked as a data source within GEO or ArrayExpress than those without free full text. Studies with human data were less likely to have a link (OR=0.8 [0.6 to 0.9]) than studies with only non-human data. The proportion of articles with a link within these two databases has increased over time: the odds of a data-source link for studies was 2.5 [2.0 to 3.1] times greater for studies published in 2006 than 2002.As might be expected, studies with the fewest funding sources had the fewest data-sharing links: only 28 (6%) of the 433 studies with no funding source were listed within GEO or ArrayExpress. In contrast, studies funded by the NIH, the US government, or a non-US government source had data-sharing links in 282 of 1556 cases (18%), while studies funded by two or more of these mechanisms were listed in the databases in 130 out of 514 cases (25%).In summary, our initial manual approach for identifying studies which shared their data was comprehensive but time-consuming; natural language processing techniques could be helpful. Our subsequent automated approach yielded conservative estimates for total data sharing prevalence, nonetheless revealing several promising hypotheses for data sharing behaviorWe hope these preliminary results will inspire additional investigations into data sharing behavior, and in turn the development of effective policies and tools to facilitate this important aspect of scientific research.
Race and Gender Differences in the Relationships Between Anthropometrics and Abdominal Fat in Youth
Authors: Lee SoJung , Kuk Jennifer L. , Hannon Tamara S. , Arslanian Silva A.
Published: March 2008

Objective: We examined the influence of race and gender on abdominal adipose tissue (AT) distribution for a given anthropometric measure including waist circumference (WC), waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR) and waist‐to‐height (W/Ht) in youth.

Methods and Procedures: Subjects included healthy 62 black and 98 white youth. A single transverse image of the abdomen (L4–L5) was obtained using computed tomography.

Results: For a given BMI, there was a significant (P < 0.05) main effect of race and sex on the relationship between BMI and WC, such that boys and whites had a higher WC than girls and blacks. There was a significant (P < 0.05) main effect and interaction effect of gender on the relationship between WC and visceral AT, such that boys had a higher visceral AT than girls, and the difference was magnified with increasing WC. For a given WC, black boys and girls had higher abdominal subcutaneous AT (SAT) than white peers, wherein the magnitude of the difference is increased with increasing WC. For a given W/Ht, black boys had significantly (P < 0.05) lower visceral AT than white boys, but with no difference in girls. Black boys and girls had higher SAT than white peers, wherein the magnitude of the difference is increased with increasing W/Ht.

Discussion: Our findings demonstrate a significant race and gender differential in the abdominal AT distribution for a given BMI, WC, WHR, and W/Ht. Future studies should take these differences into consideration when developing race‐ and gender‐specific anthropometric cut‐offs for obesity and obesity‐related health risks in youth.
Contribution of the Lean Body Mass to Insulin Resistance in Postmenopausal Women With Visceral Obesity: A Monet Study
Authors: Brochu Martin , Mathieu Marie‐Eve , Karelis Antony D. , Doucet Éric , Lavoie Marie‐Eve , Garrel Dominique , Rabasa‐Lhoret Rémi
Published: March 2008

Some insulin‐resistant obese postmenopausal (PM) women are characterized by an android body fat distribution type and higher levels of lean body mass (LBM) compared to insulin‐sensitive obese PM women. This study investigates the independent contribution of LBM to the detrimental effect of visceral fat (VF) levels on the metabolic profile. One hundred and three PM women (age: 58.0 ± 4.9 years) were studied and categorized in four groups on the basis of their VF (higher vs. lower) and lean BMI (LBMI = LBM (kg)/height (m2); higher vs. lower). Measures included: fasting lipids, glucose homeostasis (by euglycemic/hyperinsulinemic clamp technique and 2‐h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)), C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels, fat distribution (by computed tomography (CT) scan), and body composition (by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry). Women in the higher VF/higher LBMI group had lower glucose disposal and higher plasma insulin levels compared to the other groups. They also had higher plasma CRP levels than the women in the lower VF/lower LBMI group. VF was independently associated with insulin levels, measures of glucose disposal, and CRP levels (P < 0.05). LBMI was also independently associated with insulin levels, glucose disposal, and CRP levels (P < 0.05). Finally, significant interactions were observed between LBMI and VF levels for insulin levels during the OGTT and measures of glucose disposal (P < 0.05). In conclusion, VF and LBMI are both independently associated with alterations in glucose homeostasis and CRP levels. The contribution of VF to insulin resistance seems to be exacerbated by increased LBM in PM women.
The Prevalence of Obesity in Ethnic Admixture Adults
Authors: Albright Cheryl L. , Steffen Alana D. , Wilkens Lynne R. , Henderson Brian E. , Kolonel Laurence N.
Published: March 2008

Objective: To determine whether the prevalence of obesity in ethnic admixture adults varies systematically from the average of the prevalence estimates for the ethnic groups with whom they share a common ethnicity.

Methods and Procedures: The sample included 215,000 adults who reported one or more ethnicities, height, weight, and other characteristics through a mailed survey.

Results: The highest age‐adjusted prevalence of overweight (BMI ≥ 25) was in Hawaiian/Latino men (88%; n = 41) and black/Latina women (74.5%; n = 79), and highest obesity (BMI ≥ 30) rates were in Hawaiian/Latino men (53.7%; n = 41) and Hawaiian women (39.2%, n = 1,247). The prevalence estimates for most admixed groups were similar to or higher than the average of the prevalences for the ethnic groups with whom they shared common ethnicities. For instance, the prevalence of overweight/obesity in five ethnic admixtures—Asian/white, Hawaiian/white, Hawaiian/Asian, Latina/white, and Hawaiian/Asian/white ethnic admixtures—was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) than the average of the prevalence estimates for their component ethnic groups.

Discussion: The identification of individuals who have a high‐risk ethnic admixture is important not only to the personal health and well‐being of such individuals, but could also be important to future efforts in order to control the epidemic of obesity in the United States.
Changes in Perceived Weight Discrimination Among Americans, 1995–1996 Through 2004–2006
Authors: Andreyeva Tatiana , Puhl Rebecca M. , Brownell Kelly D.
Published: March 2008

Objective: Little is known about the prevalence and patterns of weight discrimination in the United States. This study examined the trends in perceived weight/height discrimination among a nationally representative sample of adults aged 35–74 years, comparing experiences of discrimination based on race, age, and gender.

Methods and Procedures: Data were from the two waves of the National Survey of Midlife Developmentin the United States (MIDUS), a survey of community‐based English‐speaking adults initially in 1995–1996 and a follow‐up in 2004– 2006. Reported experiences of weight/height discrimination included a variety of settings in major lifetime events and interpersonal relationships.

Results: The prevalence of weight/height discrimination increased from 7% in 1995–1996 to 12% in 2004–2006, affecting all population groups but the elderly. This growth is unlikely to be explained by changes in obesity rates.

Discussion: Weight/height discrimination is highly prevalent in American society and increasing at disturbing rates. Its prevalence is relatively close to reported rates of race and age discrimination, but virtually no legal or social sanctions against weight discrimination exist.
Effect of Weight Loss on Proinflammatory State of Mononuclear Cells in Obese Women
Authors: Sheu Wayne H.‐H. , Chang Tzu‐Ming , Lee Wen‐Jane , Ou Hsiu‐Chung , Wu Ching‐Mei , Tseng Li‐Nien , Lang Hui‐Fen , Wu Cheng‐Shiu , Wan Chu‐Jen , Lee I‐Te
Published: March 2008

In order to investigate whether weight loss can lead to improvement of the mononuclear cell (MNC) proinflammatory state, 21 nondiabetic obese women with mean age 34 ± 2 years (mean ± s.e.m.) and BMI 32.5 ± 1.2 kg/m2 were enrolled in a 12‐week caloric restriction and light exercise‐based weight loss program. Ten lean women served as controls. Reverse transcription‐PCR of proinflammatory cytokines and adipocytokines as well as homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) were determined before and after weight reduction. Nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) binding to DNA and inhibitors of NF‐κB (IκB‐α and IκB‐β) obtained from peripheral MNCs were measured. Overall, subjects lost a mean of 4.0 ± 0.4 kg (5.0 ± 0.3% of their initial body weight) (P < 0.01). In addition to significant reductions in BMI, fasting glucose and insulin concentrations, mean serum high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), migration inhibitor factor (MIF), leptin and visfatin levels decreased by 49.0, 66.6, 17.2, and 50.2%, respectively (all P < 0.05), while adiponectin concentrations rose by 33.9% (P < 0.05). The DNA binding of the transcriptionally active NF‐κB from (p65/p50) decreased by 38.1% (P < 0.05). Elevated levels of mRNA of NF‐κB related proinflammatory genes, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), MIF, and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9), decreased significantly after weight loss. Although mRNA expression of Rel‐A, p105, IκB‐α, IκB‐β decreased significantly, their protein levels did not change after weight loss. As a group, NF‐κB binding activity correlated with HOMA‐IR (r = 0.332, P = 0.049) and marginally with values of BMI (r = 0.308, P = 0.059). In conclusion, weight loss by 5% of initial weight in nondiabetic obese women led to significant improvement in activated intranuclear NF‐κB binding as well as several transcriptions of proinflammatory genes regulated by NF‐κB.
Effect of a Conjugated Linoleic Acid and ω‐3 Fatty Acid Mixture on Body Composition and Adiponectin
Authors: Sneddon Alan A. , Tsofliou Fotini , Fyfe Claire L. , Matheson Ian , Jackson Diane M. , Horgan Graham , Winzell Maria S. , Wahle Klaus W.J. , Ahren Bo , Williams Lynda M.
Published: March 2008

This study aimed to determine the effect of supplementation with conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) plus n‐3 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n‐3 LC‐PUFAs) on body composition, adiposity, and hormone levels in young and older, lean and obese men. Young (31.4 ± 3.9 years) lean (BMI, 23.6 ± 1.5 kg/m2; n = 13) and obese (BMI, 32.4 ± 1.9 kg/m2; n = 12) and older (56.5 ± 4.6 years) lean (BMI, 23.6 ± 1.5 kg/m2; n = 20) and obese (BMI, 32.0 ± 1.6 kg/m2; n = 14) men participated in a double‐blind placebo‐controlled, randomized crossover study. Subjects received either 6 g/day control fat or 3 g/day CLA (50:50 cis‐9, trans‐11:trans‐10, cis‐12) and 3 g/day n‐3 LC‐PUFA for 12 weeks with a 12‐week wash‐out period between crossovers. Body composition was assessed by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Fasting adiponectin, leptin, glucose, and insulin concentrations were measured and insulin resistance estimated by homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR). In the younger obese subjects, CLA plus n‐3 LC‐PUFA supplementation compared with control fat did not result in increased abdominal fat and raised both fat‐free mass (2.4%) and adiponectin levels (12%). CLA plus n‐3 LC‐PUFA showed no significant effects on HOMA‐IR in any group but did increase fasting glucose in older obese subjects. In summary, supplementation with CLA plus n‐3 LC‐PUFA prevents increased abdominal fat mass and raises fat‐free mass and adiponectin levels in younger obese individuals without deleteriously affecting insulin sensitivity, whereas these parameters in young and older lean and older obese individuals were unaffected, apart from increased fasting glucose in older obese men.
RETRACTION: C‐reactive Protein and Metabolic Syndrome in Youth: A Strong Relationship?
Authors: Oliveira Antônio C. , Oliveira Ana M. , Adan Luis F. , Oliveira Nelson F. , Silva Agnaluce M. , Ladeia Ana M.
Published: March 2008

Retraction: Note from the Editor‐in‐Chief: This paper is retracted

Objective: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is on the rise in youth. As high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) is associated with cardiovascular/metabolic disorders, we evaluated the association between MS and its components and hs‐CRP in a sample of Brazilian overweight and obese youth.

Methods and Procedures: A total of 407 students (229 girls, 273 with excessive weight, 11.3 ± 3.2 years) were evaluated. Measurement included BMI, waist circumference (WC), blood pressure, lipids, insulin, and hs‐CRP. Excessive weight was defined using BMI z ‐score; MS by the modified National Cholesterol Education Program—Adult Treatment Panel III.

Results: Subjects were classified into two groups: with MS (n = 72) and without (n = 335). hs‐CRP means and medians were higher in MS group (1.41 mg/l vs. 1.06 mg/l, P < 0.001; 2.21 mg/l vs. 1.23 mg/l, P < 0.001). Associations between hs‐CRP quartiles and insulin resistance (IR) (P < 0.001), MS (P < 0.001), WC (P < 0.000), BMI z‐score (P < 0.001), hypertension (P < 0.001), hypertriglyceridemia (P < 0.001), and low HDL‐c (P = 0.023) were significant; adjustment of hs‐CRP for BMI z‐score eliminated the previous association, except for the number of MS components (nMSc) (P < 0.001). Adjusting for homeostasis model assessment method of IR (HOMA‐IR) did not eliminate the relation between hs‐CRP and MS components. Furthermore, increases in BMI z ‐score and nMSc were associated with an increased hs‐CRP. Excessive weight (odds ratio (OR), 7.9; confidence interval (CI), 4.7–13.4; P = 0.000), hypertension (OR, 2.3; CI, 1.3–4.2; P = 0.003), and hypertriglyceridemia (OR, 2.3; CI, 1.5–3.7; P < 0.001) were independently associated with hs‐CRP.

Discussion: In youth, hs‐CRP is strongly related with MS and its components, and is also determined by the body composition. This association indicates a precocious proinflammatory state.
Cord Blood ASP Is Predicted by Maternal Lipids and Correlates With Fetal Birth Weight
Authors: Saleh Jumana , Al‐Riyami Hamed D.S. , Chaudhary Taqdees A. , Cianflone Katherine
Published: March 2008

Background: The acylation stimulating protein (ASP) is a potent lipogenic adipokine that correlates with postprandial triglyceride (TG) clearance and is linked to the pathophysiology of obesity and related disorders.

Objective: To investigate ASP levels in cord blood and its relation to maternal and cord blood lipid parameters and fetal birth weight.

Methods and Procedures: Thirty nondiabetic pregnant women, their newborns, and thirty‐three nonpregnant controls were included in this study. Fasting maternal and cord blood ASP, TGs, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs), cholesterol, glucose levels, in addition to maternal BMI and fetal birth weight were measured.

Results: No significant difference was found between cord blood ASP (16.3 ± 0.96 nmol/l) and ASP levels in the adult controls (15.7 ± 1.0 nmol/l). Cord blood ASP, however, was lower than maternal plasma ASP levels (25.4 ± 1.6 nmol/l, P < 0.001). Yet, lipid levels in cord blood, particularly TGs were markedly decreased compared to control and maternal TG levels (threefold and 7.4‐fold, P < 0.001 respectively). Maternal TGs significantly correlated with fetal birth weight (r = 0.54, P = 0.002). Multiple regression analysis showed that maternal TGs (β = 0.57, P = 0.01) and NEFAs (β = 0.43, P = 0.024) predicted 45% variation in cord blood ASP levels, independent of all measured maternal and cord blood parameters. Cord blood ASP showed a positive correlation with fetal birth weight (r = 0.524, P = 0.037) in neonates above average fetal birth weight of the studied population.

Discussion: This is the first study investigating ASP in cord blood. We suggest that maternal hypertriglyceridemia is associated with increased fetal ASP production, thus enhancing fetal fat storage independent of maternal glucose variations in nondiabetic women.
The Failure of Therapist Assistance and Stepped‐care to Improve Weight Loss Outcomes
Authors: Carels Robert A. , Young Kathleen M. , Coit Carissa B. , Darby Lynn A. , Clayton Anna M. , Spencer Alexis C. , Hobbs Marissa W. , Oemig Carmen K.
Published: March 2008

Objective: This investigation was designed to examine whether: (i) individuals could successfully lose 5% of their body weight with minimal assistance, (ii) weight loss would be improved by the addition of therapist assistance, and (iii) individuals unsuccessful at losing 5% total body weight during the minimal assistance phase (with or without therapist assistance) would benefit from a weekly weight loss group.

Methods and Procedures: Fifty‐four overweight or obese adults (BMI > 27 kg/m2) initially participated in a 14‐week self‐help (SH) or therapist‐assisted SH (TASH) weight loss program. Participants who were unsuccessful at losing 5% total body weight were stepped‐up to a 3‐month, group‐based behavioral weight loss program (BWLP) with weekly weigh‐ins.

Results: Although ∼60% of the participants were successful at losing 5% of their total body weight (lb) during the minimal assistance phase (M = 10.6; s.d. = 11.5; P < 0.01), treatment outcome was not improved by the addition of therapist assistance. For individuals who were unsuccessful at losing 5% of total body weight during a minimal assistance phase, the addition of a group‐based BWLP did not improve their weight loss.

Discussion: While many individuals were quite successful at losing weight with minimal assistance, other individuals evidenced difficulties losing weight, even when participating in a greater intensity intervention (i.e., BWLP group).
Predictors of Attrition and Weight Loss in an Adolescent Weight Control Program
Authors: Jelalian Elissa , Hart Chantelle N. , Mehlenbeck Robyn S. , Lloyd‐Richardson Elizabeth E. , Kaplan Jamie D. , Flynn‐O'Brien Katherine T. , Wing Rena R.
Published: March 2008

Objective: To evaluate demographic and psychosocial predictors of attrition and weight loss in a behaviorally based adolescent weight control trial.

Methods and Procedures: Adolescents (N = 76) aged 13–16 years and 20–80% overweight (M = 60.56%, s.d. = 15.17%) received standard group‐based behavioral treatment as part of a randomized trial comparing different activity interventions for overweight adolescents. Anthropometric and psychosocial measures were obtained at baseline and after the 16‐week intervention.

Results: Higher parent (P < 0.01) and adolescent BMI (P < 0.05) at baseline, as well as ethnic minority status (P < 0.05) were significantly associated with attrition in univariate analyses. Parent BMI remained the only significant predictor of attrition in multivariate analyses. BMI change for completers (N = 62) was highly variable, ranging from −6.09 to +1.62 BMI units. Male gender (P < 0.01) was a significant predictor of reduction in BMI, whereas not being from an ethnic minority group (P < 0.05) and attendance at group sessions (P = 0.05) were associated with ≥5% absolute weight loss in multivariate analyses. Absolute weight loss during the first 4 weeks of the program was strongly associated with weight loss (pr = 0.44, P < 0.001) during the remainder of the intervention. Psychosocial variables were unrelated to attrition or treatment outcome.

Discussion: These findings highlight the potential importance of attending to parental BMI in efforts to retain adolescent participants in treatment, as well as the need to develop weight control interventions that are more effective for ethnic minority youth.
Distinct Subsets of Hypothalamic Genes Are Modulated by Two Different Thermogenesis‐inducing Stimuli
Authors: De Souza Cláudio T. , Pereira‐da‐Silva Márcio , Araujo Eliana P. , Morari Joseane , Alvarez‐Rojas Fernanda , Bordin Silvana , Moreira‐Filho Djalma C. , Carvalheira José B. , Saad Mario J. , Velloso Licio A.
Published: March 2008

Obesity results from an imbalance between food intake and energy expenditure, two vital functions that are tightly controlled by specialized neurons of the hypothalamus. The complex mechanisms that integrate these two functions are only beginning to be deciphered. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of two thermogenesis‐inducing conditions, i.e., ingestion of a high‐fat (HF) diet and exposure to cold environment, on the expression of 1,176 genes in the hypothalamus of Wistar rats. Hypothalamic gene expression was evaluated using a cDNA macroarray approach. mRNA and protein expressions were determined by reverse‐transcription PCR (RT‐PCR) and immunoblot. Cold exposure led to an increased expression of 43 genes and to a reduced expression of four genes. HF diet promoted an increased expression of 90 genes and a reduced expression of 78 genes. Only two genes (N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor 2B and guanosine triphosphate (GTP)‐binding protein G‐alpha‐i1) were similarly affected by both thermogenesis‐inducing conditions, undergoing an increment of expression. RT‐PCR and immunoblot evaluations confirmed the modulation of NMDA receptor 2B and GTP‐binding protein G‐alpha‐i1, only. This corresponds to 0.93% of all the responsive genes and 0.17% of the analyzed genes. These results indicate that distinct environmental thermogenic stimuli can modulate predominantly distinct profiles of genes reinforcing the complexity and multiplicity of the hypothalamic mechanisms that regulate energy conservation and expenditure.
Neonatal Exposure to Leptin Augments Diet‐induced Obesity in Leptin‐deficient Ob/Ob Mice
Authors: Yura Shigeo , Itoh Hiroaki , Sagawa Norimasa , Yamamoto Hiroshi , Masuzaki Hiroaki , Nakao Kazuwa , Kawamura Makoto , Mogami Haruta , Ogawa Yoshihiro , Fujii Shingo
Published: March 2008

Objective: Epidemiological evidence has revealed that undernutrition in utero is closely associated with obesity and related detrimental metabolic sequelae in adulthood. Recently, using a wild‐type (wt) mouse model in which offspring were exposed to intrauterine undernutrition (UN offspring), we reported that the premature leptin surge during neonatal growth promotes lifelong changes in energy regulating circuitry in the hypothalamus, thus playing an important role in the development of pronounced obesity on a high‐fat diet (HFD) in adulthood. Here, we further evaluate the essential involvement of leptin in the developmental origins of obesity using leptin‐deficient ob/ob mice.

Methods and Procedures: We assessed the progression of obesity on an HFD in adult leptin‐deficient ob/ob male mice that were exposed to intrauterine undernutrition by maternal food restriction (ob/ob UN offspring) or to leptin treatment during the neonatal period; this treatment is comparable to the premature leptin surge observed in the wt‐UN offspring.

Results: On an HFD, the body weight of the male ob/ob UN offspring paralleled that of the ob/ob offspring exposed to normal intrauterine nutrition (ob/ob NN offspring). In contrast, early exposure to leptin in the ob/ob NN offspring during early neonatal growth reproduced the development of pronounced obesity on an HFD in adulthood.

Discussion: The presence of leptin and associated energy regulation are indispensable in the acceleration of obesity on an HFD caused by undernutrition in utero. The premature leptin surge plays an essential role in the developmental origins of obesity as a programming signal during the early neonatal period.