bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The estimation of visceral adipose tissue with a body composition monitor predicts the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Baudrand R. , Domínguez J. M. , Tabilo C. , Figueroa D. , Jimenez M. , Eugenin C. , Carvajal C. , Moreno M. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundCentral obesity has a higher risk of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cardiovascular diseases. It is estimated by measuring waist circumference (WC) and waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR), which are operator‐dependent. The present study aimed to validate a body composition monitor (BCM) as a tool for estimating visceral adipose tissue (VAT), as well as to assess its capacity to predict the MetS and its correlation with anthropometric parameters.MethodsWe measured WC, WHR and body mass index (BMI) in 60 recruited subjects. BCM estimated VAT (1–30 points). Body composition and resting energy expenditure (REE) were compared with bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and indirect calorimetry, respectively. VAT was estimated by BCM (range 1–30 points), We evaluated the capability of VAT, WC, BMI and WHR to predict the MetS by ATP‐III criteria.ResultsThe mean (SD) age of subjects was 36.8 (12.9) years, 80% were female, and 47% had the MetS. Body composition and REE estimated by BCM had a significant correlation with BIA (r = 0.85–0.91, P< 0.001) and REE (r = 0.86, P < 0.001), respectively, even after adjusting by sex. VAT estimation by BCM was positively correlated with WC (r = 0.75, P< 0.001) and WHR (r = 0.61, P < 0.001). The area under the receiver operator characteristic curves to predict the MetS was 0.93 for VAT, 0.81 for WC, 0.76 for WHR and 0.74 for BMI. VAT ≥10 points had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 82% for predicting the MetS.ConclusionsVAT estimation by BCM efficiently predicts the MetS and correlates with anthropometric parameters of central obesity. Its routine use could facilitate cardiovascular risk estimation and follow‐up in overweight and obese patients in ambulatory practice.
A comparison of general practitioners prescribing of gluten‐free foods for the treatment of coeliac disease with national prescribing guidelines
Authors: Martin U. , Mercer S. W. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundCoeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder that is considered to affect approximately one in 100 people. In the UK, gluten‐free (GF) foods can be prescribed by general practitioners (GPs) to treat this condition and there are national guidelines on the quantities of GF food an individual should receive on prescription. Information on actual prescribing behaviour by GPs, and how this compares with guideline recommendations, is scarce. The present study aimed to describe GPs prescribing practice of GF foods, within one locality in the UK, comparing this with national guidelines.MethodsA retrospective evaluation of GP electronic medical records for all patients with a gluten‐sensitive enteropathy diagnosis and/or those prescribed GF food between April 2010 and March 2011 was carried out in 16 GP practices in the west of Scotland, serving a total of 85 667 patients.ResultsOf 175 (0.18% of the total practice population) patients, 152 were identified with coeliac disease, eight with dermatitis herpetiformis and six with both conditions. A further nine patients received GF foods on prescriptions with no recorded diagnosis. There was a positive association between adherence to the prescribing guidelines and female sex (P < 0.0001) and (for those with a recorded diagnosis) increasing age (P = 0.001). There was no significant association between either socio‐economic deprivation or co‐morbidities and adherence to the prescribing guidelines.ConclusionsThere was significant under prescribing of GF foods in those identified. Further research is required to establish whether these results are representative of wider practice in the UK.
Examination of osteoarthritis and subchondral bone alterations within the stifle joint of an ovariectomised ovine model
Authors: Holland J. C. , Brennan O. , Kennedy O. D. , Mahony N. J. , Rackard S. , O'Brien F. J. , Lee T. C. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe exact relationship between osteoporosis and osteoarthritis is still a matter for debate for many. The ovariectomised ewe is frequently used as a model for osteoporosis, resulting in significant alterations in bone morphometry and turnover in both trabecular and subchondral bone after 1 year. This study examines whether ovariectomy has any impact on development of osteoarthritis within the ovine stifle joint at the same time point. In addition, we investigate whether there are any significant correlations present between articular cartilage degeneration and alterations in microstructural parameters or turnover rates in the underlying bone. Twenty‐two sheep were examined in this study; 10 of the sheep underwent ovariectomy and 12 were kept as controls. Five distinctive fluorochrome dyes were administered intravenously at 12‐week intervals to both groups, to label sites of bone turnover. All animals were then sacrificed 12 months postoperatively. Although most specimens showed some evidence of osteoarthritis, no measurable difference between the two study groups was detected. Osteoarthritis was associated with a thinning of the subchondral plate, specifically the subchondral cortical bone; however, whereas previous studies have suggested a link between trabecular thinning and osteoarthritis, this was not confirmed. No correlation was found between osteoarthritis and bone turnover rates of either the subchondral trabecular bone or bone plate. In conclusion, despite the fact that ovariectomy results in marked morphological and structural changes in the ovine stifle joint at 1‐year postoperatively, no evidence was found to suggest that it plays a direct role in the aetiology of osteoarthritis.
Violent behaviour in a forensic psychiatric hospital in Finland: an analysis of violence incident reports
Authors: Kuivalainen S. , Vehviläinen‐Julkunen K. , Putkonen A. , Louheranta O. , Tiihonen J. 
Published: May 2013

Accessible summary
Over half of the violent incidents considered in this study were unexplained.
The risk for violent behaviour inside the hospital was the highest for civil patients. The risk rate in this group was 12 compared to criminal patients' risk rate of one.
AbstractThe aim of this paper was to explore the frequency and provocation of physically violent incidents in a Finnish forensic psychiatric hospital. Three years (2007–2009) of violent incident reports were analysed retrospectively. The data were analysed by content analysis, and statistically by Poisson regression analysis. During the study period a total of 840 incidents of physical violence occurred. Six main categories were found to describe the provocation of violence where three of these categories seemed to be without a specified reason (61%), and three represented a reaction to something (36%). The risk for violent behaviour was highest for the civil patients (RR = 11.96; CI 95% 9.43–15.18; P < 0.001), compared to criminal patients (RR = 1). The civil patients represented 36.7% of the patients, and in 43.6% of the studied patient days, they caused 89.8% of the reported violence incidents. Patients undergoing a forensic mental examination did not frequently behave aggressively (RR = 1.97; CI 95% 0.91–4.28). These results can be used in the reorganization of health‐care practices and the allocation of resources.
Maintenance energy requirements in miniature colony dogs
Authors: Serisier S. , Weber M. , Feugier A. , Fardet M.‐O. , Garnier F. , Biourge V. , German A. J. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryThere are numerous reports of maintenance energy requirements (MER) in dogs, but little information is available about energy requirements of miniature dog breeds. In this prospective, observational, cohort study, we aimed to determine MER in dogs from a number of miniature breeds and to determine which factors were associated with it. Forty‐two dogs participated in the study. MER was calculated by determining daily energy intake (EI) during a period of 196 days (28–359 days) when body weight did not change significantly (e.g. ±2% in 12 weeks). Estimated median MER was 473 kJ/kg0.75/day (285–766 kJ/kg0.75/day), that is, median 113 kcal/kg0.75/day (68–183 kcal/kg0.75/day). In the obese dogs that lost weight, median MER after weight loss was completed was 360 kJ/kg0.75/day (285–515 kJ/kg0.75/day), that is, 86 kcal/kg0.75/day, (68–123 kcal/kg0.75/day). Simple linear regression analysis suggested that three breeds (e.g. Chihuahua, p = 0.002; Yorkshire terrier, p = 0.039; dachshund, p = 0.035) had an effect on MER. In addition to breed, simple linear regression revealed that neuter status (p = 0.079) and having previously been overweight (p = 0.002) were also of significance. However, with multiple linear regression analysis, only previous overweight status (MER less in dogs previously overweight p = 0.008) and breed (MER greater in Yorkshire terriers [p = 0.029] and less in Chihuahuas [p = 0.089]) remained in the final model. This study is the first to estimate MER in dogs of miniature breeds. Although further information from pet dogs is now needed, the current work will be useful for setting energy and nutrient requirement in such dogs for the future.
Comparative study of fermentation and methanogen community structure in the digestive tract of goats and rabbits
Authors: Abecia L. , Fondevila M. , Rodríguez‐Romero N. , Martínez G. , Yáñez‐Ruiz D. R. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryMethane is the most important anthropogenic contribution to climate change after carbon dioxide and represents a loss of feed energy for the animal, mainly for herbivorous species. However, our knowledge about the ecology of Archaea, the microbial group responsible for methane synthesis in the gut, is very poor. Moreover, it is well known that hindgut fermentation differs from rumen fermentation. The composition of archaeal communities in fermentation compartments of goats and rabbits were investigated using DGGE to generate fingerprints of archaeal 16S rRNA gene. Ruminal contents and faeces from five Murciano‐Granadina goats and caecal contents of five commercial White New Zealand rabbits were compared. Diversity profile of methanogenic archaea was carried out by PCR‐DGGE. Quantification of methanogenic archaea and the abundance relative to bacteria was determined by real‐time PCR. Methanogenic archaeal species were relatively constant across species. Dendrogram from DGGE of the methanogen community showed one cluster for goat samples with two sub‐clusters by type of sample (ruminal and faeces). In a second cluster, samples from rabbit were grouped. No differences were found either in richness or Shannon index as diversity indexes. Although the primer sets used was developed to investigate rumen methanogenic archaeal community, primers specificity did not affect the assessment of rabbit methanogen community structure. Rumen content showed the highest number or methanogenic archaea (log10 9.36), followed by faeces (log10 8.52) and showing rabbit caecum the lower values (log10 5.52). DGGE profile showed that pre‐gastric and hindgut fermenters hold a very different methanogen community. Rabbits hold a microbial community of similar complexity than that in ruminants but less abundant, which agrees with the type of fermentation profile.
Comparison of postprandial lipaemia between native and palm random esterified acid oils in two different monogastric species (dogs and broiler chickens)
Authors: Fragua V. , Vilarrasa E. , Manzanilla E. G. , Villaverde C. , Barroeta A. C. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryIt has been reported that applying a chemical reesterification process to a native fat results in a new fat source with different physicochemical properties due to their different fatty acid (FA) positional distribution within the glycerol moiety and their different proportions of mono (MAG)‐, di (DAG)‐ and triacylglycerides (TAG). Thus, this reesterification could affect fat digestion, absorption and metabolism; and this effect could vary among species given their differences in fat metabolism. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of feeding two different random esterified acid oils (REAO), presenting different MAG, DAG and TAG proportions, with their corresponding native oil on postprandial lipaemia in broiler chickens and dogs. For this purpose, 18 dogs and 54 broiler chickens were fed a basal diet supplemented with palm native oil, palm REAO low MAG or palm REAO high MAG. The inclusion level of the oils was 10% of the diet in dogs and 6% in broiler chickens. Serum postprandial TAG concentration (mg/dl) after feeding a single meal was measured at different time points during 12 h in dogs and 3 h in chickens. Although fasting serum TAG concentration values were similar for both species (47 ± 2.4 mg/dl for dogs and 44 ± 3.0 mg/dl for broilers; p = 0.522), postprandial TAG concentrations tended to be higher in broilers than in dogs (p = 0.058). Treatment had no effect on TAG concentration at any time point in any species (p = 0.768 for dogs, p = 0.947 for broilers). However, the postprandial TAG curves were very different between species; in broiler chickens, TAG concentration returned to the fasting values 3 h after feeding while in dogs, the TAG concentration still had not returned to basal levels 12 h after feeding.
Comparing Effects of Low- and High-Volume Moderate-Intensity Exercise on Sexual Function and Testosterone in Obese Men
Authors: Khoo Joan , Tian Ho-Heng , Tan Benedict , Chew Kelvin , Ng Chung-Sien , Leong Darren , Teo Raymond Choon-Chye , Chen Richard Yuan-Tud 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Obesity and inactivity are associated with erectile dysfunction and hypogonadism.

Aim
To compare the effects of low volume (LV) and high volume (HV) of moderate-intensity exercise on sexual function, testosterone, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), endothelial function, and quality of life (QoL) in obese men.

Main Outcome Measures
Weight, waist circumference (WC), body composition, International Index of Erectile Function 5-item (IIEF-5), International Prostate Symptom Scale (IPSS) (for LUTS), and 36-item Short Form Survey version 2 Instrument (SF-36) (for QoL) scores, plasma testosterone, sex-hormone binding globulin, glucose, insulin and lipids, and endothelial function (by Reactive Hyperaemia Index [RHI] using finger plethysmography) were measured at baseline and 24 weeks.

Methods
Ninety abdominally obese (body mass index&gt;27.5kg/m2, WC&gt;90cm), sedentary (exercise ∼80 minutes/week) Asian men (mean age 43.6 years, range 30–60) were prescribed a diet to reduce daily intake by ∼400kcal below calculated requirement and randomized to perform moderate-intensity exercise of LV (&lt;150 minutes/week) or HV (200–300 minutes/week) (n=45 each) for 24 weeks. Seventy-five men (83.3%) completed the study.

Results
Weekly exercise volume was significantly greater in the HV (236±9 minutes) than the LV (105±9 minutes) group. The HV group had significantly greater increases in IIEF-5 score (2.6±0.5 points) and testosterone (2.06±0.46nmol/L) and reductions in weight (−5.9±0.7kg, −6.2%), WC (−4.9±0.8cm, −4.9%), and fat mass (−4.7±1.0kg, −14.5%) than the LV group (−2.9±0.7kg, −3.0%; −2.7±0.7cm, −2.5%; −1.1±0.8kg, −3.2%; 0.79±0.46nmol/L; and 1.8±0.5 points). Improvements in IPSS and SF-36 scores, and RHI, were similar.

Conclusions
Moderate-intensity HV aerobic exercise&gt;200 minutes/week produces greater improvements in sexual function, testosterone, weight, WC, and fat mass than smaller exercise volume.
The Acceptability, Feasibility, and Efficacy (Phase I/II Study) of the OVERcome (Olive Oil, Vaginal Exercise, and MoisturizeR) Intervention to Improve Dyspareunia and Alleviate Sexual Problems in Women with Breast Cancer
Authors: Juraskova Ilona , Jarvis Sherin , Mok Kelly , Peate Michelle , Meiser Bettina , Cheah Benjamin C. , Mireskandari Shab , Friedlander Michael 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Almost half of breast cancer survivors experience chronic sexual problems. Despite the negative effects of dyspareunia on physical and overall quality of life, sexual dysfunction remains underreported and undertreated in clinical practice. This is likely due to the paucity of evidence-based interventions to improve sexual functioning.

Aim
The study aims to prospectively evaluate the acceptability, feasibility, and efficacy of a novel intervention (Olive Oil, Vaginal Exercise, and MoisturizeR [OVERcome]) to improve sexual problems following breast cancer treatment.

Main Outcome Measures
Dyspareunia, sexual functioning, quality of life, distress, and pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) functioning were evaluated.

Methods
Twenty-five women with dyspareunia were instructed to perform pelvic floor muscle (PFM) relaxation exercises twice/day to prevent/manage PFM overactivity, apply a polycarbophil-based vaginal moisturizer three times/week to alleviate vaginal dryness, use olive oil as a lubricant during intercourse, and complete a weekly compliance diary. PFM relaxation training was administered by a physiotherapist at weeks 0 and 4, with follow-up at weeks 12 and 26. At each visit, women completed validated self-report questionnaires and the physiotherapist recorded objective measures of PFM functioning.

Results
OVERcome resulted in significant improvements in dyspareunia, sexual function, and quality of life over time (all P &lt; 0.001). PFM relaxation training was reported to be effective (P ≤ 0.001). Maximum benefits were observed at week 12. Most women rated PFM relaxation exercises (92%), vaginal moisturizer (88%), and olive oil (73%) as helpful, indicating that the intervention was acceptable. Unexpectedly, six cases (11%) of vaginal stenosis were noted during initial screening.

Conclusions
This novel intervention is acceptable to patients with demonstrated efficacy in improving dyspareunia and sexual function following breast cancer. Delivery of the OVERcome intervention appears feasible in a clinical setting, providing a potential treatment for this important clinical issue. The unexpected number of observed cases of stenosis further highlights the underreporting of sexual problems in this population, deserving further exploration.
Loss of exon 4 in a human T‐cell factor‐4 isoform promotes hepatic tumourigenicity
Authors: Tomimaru Yoshito , Xu Chelsea Q. , Nambotin Sarah B. , Yan Tao , Wands Jack R. , Kim Miran 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundT‐cell factor (TCF) proteins represent key transcription factors that activate Wnt/β‐catenin signalling. We have reported that a pair of TCF‐4 isoforms (TCF‐4C and TCF‐4D) exhibit differential TCF transcriptional activity in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, although their structure differs by only the presence (TCF‐4D) or absence (TCF‐4C) of exon 4.AimTo demonstrate a regulatory role of exon 4 in HCC development.MethodsTCF‐4C and TCF‐4D expression profiles were examined in 27 pairs of human HCC and adjacent liver tissues. The functional role of the TCF‐4 isoforms was evaluated in OUMS‐29 (an immortalized hepatocyte‐derived) and HAK‐1A (a well‐differentiated HCC) cell lines using stable clones overexpressing the TCF‐4 isoforms.ResultsTCF‐4C was significantly upregulated in HCC tissues compared with corresponding peritumour and normal liver tissues; in contrast, there was no difference in TCF‐4D expression. TCF‐4C clones derived from both cell lines exhibited increased TCF activity, Wnt‐responsive target genes, cell proliferation, cell cycle progression and resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs compared with TCF‐4D clones. Capability of cell migration and colony formation was significantly higher in TCF‐4C than TCF‐4D clones. In a nude mice xenograft model, the HAK‐1A‐derived TCF‐4C clone rapidly developed tumours compared with the TCF‐4D clone. TCF‐4C clone‐derived tumours exhibited upregulation of Wnt‐responsive target genes compared with the slow developing and small TCF‐4D‐derived tumours.ConclusionThese results demonstrate that the TCF‐4C isoform lacking exon 4 is associated with a malignant phenotype compared with the exon 4‐harbouring TCF‐4D isoform, indicating that exon 4 of TCF‐4 plays a prominent role in HCC development.
Bacterial DNA polymerases participate in oligonucleotide recombination
Authors: Li Xin‐tian , Thomason Lynn C. , Sawitzke James A. , Costantino Nina , Court Donald L. 
Published: May 2013

SummarySynthetic single‐strand oligonucleotides (oligos) with homology to genomic DNA have proved to be highly effective for constructing designed mutations in targeted genomes, a process referred to as recombineering. The cellular functions important for this type of homologous recombination have yet to be determined. Towards this end, we have identified Escherichia coli functions that process the recombining oligo and affect bacteriophage λ Red‐mediated oligo recombination. To determine the nature of oligo processing during recombination, each oligo contained multiple nucleotide changes: a single base change allowing recombinant selection, and silent changes serving as genetic markers to determine the extent of oligo processing during the recombination. Such oligos were often not incorporated into the host chromosome intact; many were partially degraded in the process of recombination. The position and number of these silent nucleotide changes within the oligo strongly affect both oligo processing and recombination frequency. Exonucleases, especially those associated with DNA Polymerases I and III, affect inheritance of the silent nucleotide changes in the oligos. We demonstrate for the first time that the major DNA polymerases (Pol I and Pol III) and DNA ligase are directly involved with oligo recombination.
Touch massage: a pilot study of a complex intervention
Authors: Lindgren Lenita , Lehtipalo Stefan , Winsö Ola , Karlsson Marcus , Wiklund Urban , Brulin Christine 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo report and evaluate a complex touch massage intervention according to the British Medical Research Council framework. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of touch massage on levels of anxiety and physiological stress in patients scheduled for elective aortic surgery.BackgroundThe use of touch massage has increased during the past decade but no systematic studies have been implemented to investigate the effectiveness of such treatment. It is important to conduct multidisciplinary investigations into the effects of complex interventions such as touch massage. For this, the British Medical Research Council has provided a useful framework to guide the development, piloting, evaluation and reporting of complex intervention studies.MethodA pilot study with a randomized controlled design including 20 patients (10 + 10) scheduled for elective aortic surgery. Selected outcome parameters included; self‐reported anxiety, measured by the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory Form Y instrument, and physiological stress, measured by heart rate variability, blood pressure, respiratory frequency, oxygen saturation and concentrations of cortisol, insulin and glucose in serum.ResultsThere were significant differences in self‐reported anxiety levels before and after touch massage (p = 0·007), this was not observed in the control group (p = 0·833). There was a significant difference in self‐reported anxiety levels between the touch massage group and the control group after touch massage and rest (p = 0·001). There were no significant differences in physiological stress‐related outcome parameters between patients who received touch massage and controls.ConclusionIn our study, touch massage decreased anxiety levels in patients scheduled for elective aortic surgery, and the British Medical Research Council framework was a useful guideline for the development, evaluation and reporting of a touch massage intervention.Relevance to clinical practiceTouch massage can reduce patients' anxiety levels and is thus an important nursing intervention in intensive and post‐operative care.