bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protein source in a high‐protein diet modulates reductions in insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis in fa/fa Zucker rats
Authors: Wojcik Jennifer L. , Devassy Jessay G. , Wu Yinghong , Zahradka Peter , Taylor Carla G. , Aukema Harold M. 
Published: December 2015

ObjectiveHigh‐protein diets are being promoted to reduce insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis in metabolic syndrome. Therefore, the effect of protein source in high‐protein diets on reducing insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis was examined.MethodsFa/fa Zucker rats were provided normal‐protein (15% of energy) casein, high‐protein (35% of energy) casein, high‐protein soy, or high‐protein mixed diets with animal and plant proteins.ResultsThe high‐protein mixed diet reduced area under the curve for insulin during glucose tolerance testing, fasting serum insulin and free fatty acid concentrations, homeostatic model assessment index, insulin to glucose ratio, and pancreatic islet cell area. The high‐protein mixed and the high‐protein soy diets reduced hepatic lipid concentrations, liver to body weight ratio, and hepatic steatosis rating. These improvements were observed despite no differences in body weight, feed intake, or adiposity among high‐protein diet groups. The high‐protein casein diet had minimal benefits.ConclusionsA high‐protein mixed diet was the most effective for modulating reductions in insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis independent of weight loss, indicating that the source of protein within a high‐protein diet is critical for the management of these metabolic syndrome parameters.
Using synchronous distance education to deliver a weight loss intervention: A randomized trial
Authors: Dunn Carolyn , Olabode‐Dada Olusola , Whetstone Lauren , Thomas Cathy , Aggarwal Surabhi , Nordby Kelly , Thompson Samuel , Johnson Madison , Allison Christine 
Published: December 2015

ObjectiveTo implement a randomized trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a weight loss program delivered using synchronous distance education compared with a wait‐list control group with 6‐month follow‐up.MethodsAdults with a body mass index (BMI) ≥25 were randomized to the intervention (n = 42) or wait‐list control group (n = 38). The intervention group participated in a synchronous, online, 15‐week weight loss program; weight loss was the primary outcome. Secondary measures included height, BMI, and confidence in ability to be physically active and eat healthy. Assessments occurred at three and four time points in the intervention and control group, respectively.ResultsParticipants who completed the program lost significantly more weight (1.8 kg) than those in the wait‐list control group (0.25 kg) at week 15 [F(1,61) = 6.19, P = 0.02] and had a greater reduction in BMI (0.71 vs. 0.14 kg/m2), [F(1,61) = 7.45, P = 0.01]. There were no significant differences between the intervention and the wait‐list control groups for change in confidence in ability to be physically active or eat healthy. Weight loss was maintained at 6 months.ConclusionsUse of synchronous distance education is a promising approach for weight loss. The results of this study will help to inform future research that employs Web‐based interventions.
Lifetime indirect cost of childhood overweight and obesity: A decision analytic model
Authors: Sonntag Diana , Ali Shehzad , De Bock Freia 
Published: December 2015

ObjectiveTo estimate the indirect lifetime cost of childhood overweight and obesity for Germany.MethodsThe lifetime cohort model consisted of two parts: (a) Model I used data from the German Interview and Examination Survey for Children on prevalence of BMI categories during childhood to evaluate BMI trajectories before the age of 18; and (b) Model II estimated lifetime excess indirect cost based on the history of childhood BMI. Indirect costs were defined as the opportunity cost of lost productivity due to mortality and morbidity and were identified through a systematic literature review.ResultsOur analysis showed that the majority of children with overweight and obesity remained in the same BMI category during their adult life, resulting in significant indirect lifetime costs. We estimated that overweight and obesity during childhood resulted in an excess lifetime cost per person of €4,209 (men) and €2,445 (women). For the current prevalent German population, the excess lifetime cost was €145 billion.ConclusionsOur study showed that childhood obesity results in significant economic burden on the society. Therefore, cost‐effective strategies targeted at reducing the prevalence of obesity during the early years of life can significantly reduce both healthcare and nonhealthcare costs over the lifetime.
Associations between obesity and cognition in the pre‐school years
Authors: Martin Anne , Booth Josephine N. , Young David , Revie Matthew , Boyter Anne C. , Johnston Blair , Tomporowski Phillip D. , Reilly John J. 
Published: December 2015

ObjectiveTo test the hypothesis that obesity is associated with impaired cognitive outcomes in the pre‐school years.MethodsAssociations were examined between weight status at age 3‐5 years and cognitive performance at age 5 years. Cognitive outcome measures were tests of pattern construction (visuospatial skills), naming vocabulary (expressive language skills), and picture similarity (reasoning skills). The sample was the UK Millennium Cohort Study (n = 12,349 participants).ResultsBoys with obesity at 3 years had significantly lower performance in pattern construction at age 5 years compared to those of a healthy weight, even after controlling for confounders (β = −0.029, P = 0.03). Controlling for confounders, boys who developed obesity between the ages of 3 and 5 years had lower scores in pattern construction (β = −0.03, P = 0.03). “Growing out” of obesity had a positive association with picture similarity performance in girls (β = 0.03, P = 0.04).ConclusionsObesity in the pre‐school years was associated with poorer outcomes for some cognitive measures in this study. Stronger relationships between obesity and cognition or educational attainment may emerge later in childhood.
Differential methylation in inflammation and type 2 diabetes genes in siblings born before and after maternal bariatric surgery
Authors: Berglind Daniel , Müller Patrick , Willmer Mikaela , Sinha Indranil , Tynelius Per , Näslund Erik , Dahlman‐Wright Karin , Rasmussen Finn 
Published: December 2015

ObjectiveSiblings born before (BMS) and after (AMS) maternal biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) show differences in the methylome. The objective was to use a sibling‐pair design to examine the effects from interpregnancy weight loss as a consequence of maternal bariatric surgery, other than BPD, on the methylome comparing BMS and AMS.MethodsWomen with at least one child born before and one after bariatric surgery were identified in Swedish national registers. Whole blood samples from BMS (N = 31) and AMS (N = 31) siblings were collected for epigenetic methylation analysis while maternal information was collected from antenatal medical records.ResultsIn total 3,074 genes, with corresponding 23,449 CpG methylation sites, were differently methylated and associated with an overrepresentation of differently methylated CpG sites in genes involved with insulin receptor signaling, type 2 diabetes signaling, and leptin signaling in obesity, while the most significant differently methylated genes were HLA‐DQA1, HLA‐DQB1, and TSPAN18, when comparing BMS and AMS siblings.ConclusionsThese results suggest that maternal bariatric surgery, with subsequent weight loss between pregnancies, is associated with alterations in the methylome of genes involved in insulin receptor signaling, type 2 diabetes signaling, and leptin signaling in obesity in a comparison of BMS and AMS siblings.
Fetal epicardial fat thickness in diabetic and non‐diabetic pregnancies: A retrospective cross‐sectional study
Authors: Jackson Daniel , Deschamps David , Myers Dean , Fields David , Knudtson Eric , Gunatilake Ravindu 
Published: December 2015

ObjectiveTo evaluate fetal epicardial fat thickness (EFT) in diabetic and control pregnancies.MethodsA retrospective cross‐sectional study was performed in which fetal EFT was measured in the second trimester in 28 diabetics and 28 non‐diabetic patients. Maternal BMI, estimated fetal weight, birth weight, fetal abdominal circumference, and subcutaneous fat thickness were also collected. Statistical analysis was carried out by means of chi‐square, Wilcoxon rank‐sum test, Student's T test, and linear regression as appropriate.ResultsEFT was significantly higher in diabetic (1.43 mm) vs. control fetuses (1.16 mm), P = 0.02. This relationship remained significant when controlling for covariates.ConclusionsEFT was higher in fetuses of diabetic mothers vs. fetuses from controls. If confirmed in prospective studies, this may represent a novel marker for altered fetal metabolism due to maternal diabetes.
A comparison of line‐transect distance sampling methods for estimating gopher tortoise population densities
Authors: Castellón Traci D. , Rothermel Betsie B. , Nomani Saif Z. 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACTLine‐transect distance sampling (LTDS) is increasingly used to estimate gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) densities. The process requires detecting tortoise burrows, and then determining occupancy. We compared 3 LTDS approaches that differ in how burrow detection and occupancy data are integrated, and 2 search strategies. Surveys were conducted at Avon Park Air Force Range in South‐central Florida, USA, from April through October 2009. These include 1) LTDS using data from occupied burrows only; 2) LTDS with burrows treated as “clusters” of size 1 or 0 depending on occupancy; 3) LTDS to estimate burrow densities, with occupancy modeling to estimate occupancy rates; and 4) 2 search strategies: standard versus expanded searches. The LTDS method produced reliable burrow density estimates, and tortoise densities were estimated most precisely and with least effort using data from occupied burrows only. However, any method could be biased if burrow occupancy is uncertain. Indeed, in the Florida scrub and pine flatwoods habitats, video‐camera scoping was hindered by groundwater or obstructions, resulting in undetermined occupancy for 45% of burrows. Improving scope technologies and surveying during the dry season has improved subsequent results for xeric habitats; however, research is needed to improve detectability of tortoises in mesic habitats with flooded burrows. If occupancy is uncertain, we recommend collecting data on all burrows, irrespective of occupancy, so that burrow densities can be estimated even if occupancy cannot. We do not recommend expanding the search area with sigmoid search paths adjacent to transects owing to potential violations of assumptions, nor use of occupancy modeling, because model requirements may lead to unacceptable exclusion of data. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
ME-plot: A QC package for bisulfite sequencing reads
Authors: Kim Bong-Hyun 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACTSummary:Bisulfite sequencing is the gold standard method for analyzing methylomes. However, the effect of quality control in bisulfite sequencing has not been studied extensively. We developed a package ME-Plot to detect the errors in bisulfite sequencing mapping data and produce higher quality methylation calls by trimming low quality portions of the reads. Our simulation results on both randomly generated reads where methylation status is known and real world data indicate that ME-plot can detect errors in methylation mapping procedures and suggest post-processing steps to reduce the errors. ME-Plot requires SAM/BAM files for its analysis.Availability:The python package is available at the following URL.https://github.com/joshuabhk/methylsuite
Mutation is a sufficient and robust predictor of genetic variation for mitotic spindle traits inC. elegans
Authors: Farhadifar Reza , Ponciano José Miguel , Andersen Erik C. , Needleman Daniel J. , Baer Charles F. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractDifferent types of phenotypic traits consistently exhibit different levels of genetic variation in natural populations. There are two potential explanations: either mutation produces genetic variation at different rates, or natural selection removes or promotes genetic variation at different rates. Whether mutation or selection is of greater general importance is a longstanding unresolved question in evolutionary genetics. Where the input of genetic variation by mutation differs between traits, it is usually uncertain whether the difference is the result of different mutational effects (“mutational robustness”) or different numbers of underlying loci (“mutational target”), although conventional wisdom favors the latter. We report mutational variances (VM) for 19 traits related to the first mitotic cell division inC. elegans, and compare them to the standing genetic variances (VG) for the same suite of traits in a worldwide collectionC. elegans. Two robust conclusions emerge. First, the mutational process is highly repeatable: the correlation between VM in two independent sets of mutation accumulation lines is ~0.9. Second, VM for a trait is a very good predictor of VG for that trait: the correlation between VM and VG is ~0.9. This result is predicted for a population at mutation-selection balance; it is not predicted if balancing selection plays a primary role in maintaining genetic variation. Goodness- of-fit of the data to two simple models of mutation suggest that differences in mutational effects may be a more important cause of differences in VM between traits than differences in the size of the mutational target.
A framework for estimating the determinants of spatial and temporal variation in vital rates and inferring the occurrence of unobserved extreme events
Authors: Vincenzi Simone , Jesenšek Dušan , Crivelli Alain J 
Published: December 2015

AbstractWe develop an overarching framework that combines long-term tag-recapture data and powerful statistical and modeling techniques to investigate how population, environmental, and climate factors determine variation in vital rates and population dynamics in an animal species, using as a model system the population of brown trout living in Upper Volaja (Western Slovenia). This population has been monitored since 2004; Upper Volaja is also a sink, receiving individuals from a source population living above a waterfall. We estimate the numerical contribution of the source population on the sink population and test the effects of temperature, population density, and extreme events on variation in vital rates among more than 2,500 individually tagged brown trout. We found that fish dispersing downstream from the source population help maintain high population densities in the sink population despite poor recruitment. The best model of survival for individuals older than juveniles includes additive effects of year-of-birth and time. Fast growth of older cohorts and higher population densities in 2004-2005 suggest very low population densities in late1990s, which we hypothesize were caused by a flash flood that strongly reduced population size and created the habitat conditions for faster growth and transient higher population densities after the extreme event.
Financial incentives to promote extended smoking abstinence in opioid‐maintained patients: a randomized trial
Authors: Sigmon Stacey C. , Miller Mollie E. , Meyer Andrew C. , Saulsgiver Kathryn , Badger Gary J. , Heil Sarah H. , Higgins Stephen T. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackground and AimsPrior studies by our group demonstrated the efficacy of a brief but intensive behavioral intervention for producing initial smoking abstinence among opioid‐dependent patients. In the present study, our aim was to promote longer‐duration abstinence in this population. Following an initial 2‐week incentive intervention for smoking abstinence, we examined whether a 10‐week maintenance arm involving continuation of contingent reinforcement will produce greater smoking abstinence than a similar duration of noncontingent reinforcement.DesignRandomized, 12‐week, parallel‐group study.SettingOut‐patient research clinic in Burlington, Vermont, USA.ParticipantsOpioid‐maintained smokers (n = 88) who provided breath carbon monoxide and urinary cotinine specimens and received contingent reinforcement for smoking abstinence during weeks 1–2 (phase 1), with 63 randomized on day 14 to an extended contingent (EC; n = 31) or extended noncontingent (EN; n = 32) experimental condition for weeks 3–12 (phase 2).Intervention and controlThe EC condition consisted of voucher values that escalated across consecutive negative samples until they reached $30, after which they remained at $30 per negative sample. A positive or a missing sample resulted in no vouchers for that day and reset the value of the next negative same to $9. Two consecutive negatives returned the schedule to the pre‐reset value. The EN control condition consisted of vouchers delivered for providing scheduled samples, but independent of smoking status.MeasurementsThe primary outcome was percentage of biochemically abstinent samples during phase 2. Secondary measures included abstinence status at final study visit, complete abstinence, participants’ longest duration of continuous abstinence, cotinine and carbon monoxide (CO) levels and self‐reported cigarettes per day.FindingsEC participants achieved greater smoking abstinence during phase 2 than EN participants [46.7 versus 23.5% negative samples, respectively; odds ratio (OR) = 2.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.16–7.65, χ21 = 5.0, P = 0.02]. When longest duration of continuous abstinence was compared between experimental groups, EC participants achieved twice the mean duration of continuous abstinence compared with EN participants (3.31 versus 1.68 weeks; t61 = 1.83, P = 0.07). An effect of experimental condition was also seen on mean cotinine levels (42.5 versus 210.6 ng/ml, respectively; F1,61=5.9, P = 0.02).ConclusionsAmong opioid‐maintained smokers receiving an initial period of daily contingent incentives, a contingent reinforcement intervention appears to be more effective at extending smoking abstinence than noncontingent reinforcement over 10 weeks.
Single‐cell functional analysis of parathyroid adenomas reveals distinct classes of calcium sensing behaviour in primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Koh James , Hogue Joyce A. , Wang Yuli , DiSalvo Matthew , Allbritton Nancy L. , Shi Yuhong , Olson John A. , Sosa Julie A. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractPrimary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a common endocrine neoplastic disorder caused by a failure of calcium sensing secondary to tumour development in one or more of the parathyroid glands. Parathyroid adenomas are comprised of distinct cellular subpopulations of variable clonal status that exhibit differing degrees of calcium responsiveness. To gain a clearer understanding of the relationship among cellular identity, tumour composition and clinical biochemistry in PHPT, we developed a novel single cell platform for quantitative evaluation of calcium sensing behaviour in freshly resected human parathyroid tumour cells. Live‐cell intracellular calcium flux was visualized through Fluo‐4‐AM epifluorescence, followed by in situ immunofluorescence detection of the calcium sensing receptor (CASR), a central component in the extracellular calcium signalling pathway. The reactivity of individual parathyroid tumour cells to extracellular calcium stimulus was highly variable, with discrete kinetic response patterns observed both between and among parathyroid tumour samples. CASR abundance was not an obligate determinant of calcium responsiveness. Calcium EC50 values from a series of parathyroid adenomas revealed that the tumours segregated into two distinct categories. One group manifested a mean EC50 of 2.40 mM (95% CI: 2.37–2.41), closely aligned to the established normal range. The second group was less responsive to calcium stimulus, with a mean EC50 of 3.61 mM (95% CI: 3.45–3.95). This binary distribution indicates the existence of a previously unappreciated biochemical sub‐classification of PHPT tumours, possibly reflecting distinct etiological mechanisms. Recognition of quantitative differences in calcium sensing could have important implications for the clinical management of PHPT.
Balloon‐occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration versus transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for treatment of gastric varices due to portal hypertension: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Yun‐Bing , Zhang Jian‐Ying , Gong Jian‐Ping , Zhang Fan , Zhao Yong 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackground and Aim:The aim of this study was to compare the feasibility and safety of both balloon‐occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) versus transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) for treatment of gastric varices due to portal hypertension through the method of meta‐analysis.Methods:PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched for both randomized controlled trials and cohort studies concerning BRTO compared with TIPS in the treatment of gastric varices from their inception to April 26, 2015. The Cochrane network RevMan 5.3 software was used for statistic analysis. The primary markers that need to be evaluated contained technical success rate, hemostasis rate, incidence rate of postoperative rebleeding, incidence rate of hepatic encephalopathy, and postoperative procedure‐related complication. Study‐specific odds ratios (ORs) were combined to calculate pooled value by using random effects model.Results:Five original studies were included in total. Meta‐analysis showed that BRTO and TIPS had no difference in aspects of technical success rate (OR, 0.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.03–1.08; P = 0.06), hemostasis rate (OR, 3.41; 95% CI, 0.33–35.40; P = 0.30), and incidence rate of postoperative procedure‐related complication (OR, 1.98; 95% CI, 0.44–8.84; P = 0.37). However, BRTO had a lower incidence rate of post‐operative rebleeding (OR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.09–0.81; P = 0.02) and a lower incidence rate of postoperative encephalopathy (OR, 0.05; 95% CI, 0.02–0.13; P < 0.00001).Conclusions:Balloon‐occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration was a technically feasible as well as a secure method for the treatment of gastric varices originated from portal hypertension. It may have the potential to be an alterative shunt approach of TIPS, when suitable patients selected.
Identification of Ourmiavirus 30K movement protein amino acid residues involved in symptomatology, viral movement, subcellular localization and tubule formation
Authors: Margaria Paolo , Anderson Charles T. , Turina Massimo , Rosa Cristina 
Published: December 2015

SummarySeveral plant viruses encode movement proteins (MPs) classified in the 30K superfamily. Despite a great functional diversity, alignment analysis of MP sequences belonging to the 30K superfamily revealed the presence of a central core region, including amino acids potentially critical for MP structure and functionality. We performed alanine‐scanning mutagenesis of the Ourmia melon virus (OuMV) MP, and studied the effects of amino acid substitutions on MP properties and virus infection. We identified five OuMV mutants that were impaired in systemic infection in Nicotiana benthamiana and Arabidopsis thaliana, and two mutants showing necrosis and pronounced mosaic symptoms, respectively, in N. benthamiana. Green fluorescent protein fusion constructs (GFP:MP) of movement‐defective MP alleles failed to localize in distinct foci at the cell wall, whereas a GFP fusion with wild‐type MP (GFP:MPwt) mainly co‐localized with plasmodesmata and accumulated at the periphery of epidermal cells. The movement‐defective mutants also failed to produce tubular protrusions in protoplasts isolated from infected leaves, suggesting a link between tubule formation and the ability of OuMV to move. In addition to providing data to support the importance of specific amino acids for OuMV MP functionality, we predict that these conserved residues might be critical for the correct folding and/or function of the MP of other viral species in the 30K superfamily.