bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is the adiposity‐associated FTO gene variant related to all‐cause mortality independent of adiposity? Meta‐analysis of data from 169,551 Caucasian adults
Authors: Zimmermann E. , Ängquist L. H. , Mirza S. S. , Zhao J. H. , Chasman D. I. , Fischer K. , Qi Q. , Smith A. V. , Thinggaard M. , Jarczok M. N. , Nalls M. A. , Trompet S. , Timpson N. J. , Schmidt B. , Jackson A. U. , Lyytikäinen L. P. , Verweij N. , Mueller‐Nurasyid M. , Vikström M. , Marques‐Vidal P. , Wong A. , Meidtner K. , Middelberg R. P. , Strawbridge R. J. , Christiansen L. ,   The FTO‐Mortality Collaborating Group, Kyvik K. O. , Hamsten A. , Jääskeläinen T. , Tjønneland A. , Eriksson J. G. , Whitfield J. B. , Boeing H. , Hardy R. , Vollenweider P. , Leander K. , Peters A. , van der Harst P. , Kumari M. , Lehtimäki T. , Meirhaeghe A. , Tuomilehto J. , Jöckel K.‐H. , Ben‐Shlomo Y. , Sattar N. , Baumeister S. E. , Davey Smith G. , Casas J. P. , Houston D. K. , März W. , Christensen K. , Gudnason V. , Hu F. B. , Metspalu A. , Ridker P. M. , Wareham N. J. , Loos R. J. F. , Tiemeier H. , Sonestedt E. , Sørensen T. I. A. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryPreviously, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs9939609, in the FTO gene showed a much stronger association with all‐cause mortality than expected from its association with body mass index (BMI), body fat mass index (FMI) and waist circumference (WC). This finding implies that the SNP has strong pleiotropic effects on adiposity and adiposity‐independent pathological pathways that leads to increased mortality. To investigate this further, we conducted a meta‐analysis of similar data from 34 longitudinal studies including 169,551 adult Caucasians among whom 27,100 died during follow‐up. Linear regression showed that the minor allele of the FTO SNP was associated with greater BMI (n = 169,551; 0.32 kg m−2; 95% CI 0.28–0.32, P < 1 × 10−32), WC (n = 152,631; 0.76 cm; 0.68–0.84, P < 1 × 10−32) and FMI (n = 48,192; 0.17 kg m−2; 0.13–0.22, P = 1.0 × 10−13). Cox proportional hazard regression analyses for mortality showed that the hazards ratio (HR) for the minor allele of the FTO SNPs was 1.02 (1.00–1.04, P = 0.097), but the apparent excess risk was eliminated after adjustment for BMI and WC (HR: 1.00; 0.98–1.03, P = 0.662) and for FMI (HR: 1.00; 0.96–1.04, P = 0.932). In conclusion, this study does not support that the FTO SNP is associated with all‐cause mortality independently of the adiposity phenotypes.
Attentional biases for food cues in overweight and individuals with obesity: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Hendrikse J. J. , Cachia R. L. , Kothe E. J. , McPhie S. , Skouteris H. , Hayden M. J. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryObesity rates have increased dramatically in recent decades, and it has proven difficult to treat. An attentional bias towards food cues may be implicated in the aetiology of obesity and influence cravings and food consumption. This review systematically investigated whether attentional biases to food cues exist in overweight/obese compared with healthy weight individuals. Electronic database were searched for relevant papers from inception to October 2014. Only studies reporting food‐related attentional bias between either overweight (body mass index [BMI] 25.0–29.9 kg m−2) or obese (BMI ≥ 30) participants and healthy weight participants (BMI 18.5–24.9) were included. The findings of 19 studies were reported in this review. Results of the literature are suggestive of differences in attentional bias, with all but four studies supporting the notion of enhanced reactivity to food stimuli in overweight individuals and individuals with obesity. This support for attentional bias was observed primarily in studies that employed psychophysiological techniques (i.e. electroencephalogram, eye‐tracking and functional magnetic resonance imaging). Despite the heterogeneous methodology within the featured studies, all measures of attentional bias demonstrated altered cue‐reactivity in individuals with obesity. Considering the theorized implications of attentional biases on obesity pathology, researchers are encouraged to replicate flagship studies to strengthen these inferences.
Comparison of reducing epicardial fat by exercise, diet or bariatric surgery weight loss strategies: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Rabkin S. W. , Campbell H. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryThe objectives were to determine whether epicardial fat (EAT) is subject to modification, and whether various strategies accomplish this end point and the relationship between weight loss and EAT. A systematic review of the literature following meta‐analysis guidelines was conducted using the search strategy ‘epicardial fat’ OR ‘epicardial adipose tissue’ AND ‘diet’ OR ‘exercise’ OR ‘bariatric surgery (BS)’ OR ‘change in body weight’ limited to humans. Eleven articles were identified with 12 intervention approaches of which eight studies showed a statistically significant reduction in EAT. A random‐effects meta‐analysis suggests an overall significant reduction of 1.12 standardized units (95% CI = [−1.71, −0.54], P value < 0.01). While there is a large amount of heterogeneity across study groups, a substantial amount of this variability can be accounted for by considering intervention type and change in body mass index (BMI). These variables were incorporated into a random‐effects meta‐regression model. Using this analysis, significant EAT reduction occurred with diet and BS but not with exercise. BMI reductions correlated significantly with EAT reductions for diet‐based interventions, i.e. for some but not all interventions. In conclusion, EAT, a factor that is significantly associated with coronary artery disease, can be modified. The type of intervention, in addition to the amount of weight loss achieved, is predictive of the amount of EAT reduction.
Competition for pollinators and intra‐communal spectral dissimilarity of flowers
Authors: van der Kooi C. J. , Pen I. , Staal M. , Stavenga D. G. , Elzenga J. T. M. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractCompetition for pollinators occurs when, in a community of flowering plants, several simultaneously flowering plant species depend on the same pollinator. Competition for pollinators increases interspecific pollen transfer rates, thereby reducing the number of viable offspring. In order to decrease interspecific pollen transfer, plant species can distinguish themselves from competitors by having a divergent phenotype. Floral colour is an important signalling cue to attract potential pollinators and thus a major aspect of the flower phenotype. In this study, we analysed the amount of spectral dissimilarity of flowers among pollinator‐competing plants in a Dutch nature reserve. We expected pollinator‐competing plants to exhibit more spectral dissimilarity than non‐competing plants. Using flower visitation data of 2 years, we determined the amount of competition for pollinators by different plant species. Plant species that were visited by the same pollinator were considered specialist and competing for that pollinator, whereas plant species visited by a broad array of pollinators were considered non‐competing generalists. We used principal components analysis to quantify floral reflectance, and found evidence for enhanced spectral dissimilarity among plant species within specialist pollinator guilds (i.e. groups of plant species competing for the same pollinator). This is the first study that examined intra‐communal dissimilarity in floral reflectance with a focus on the pollination system.
Being Someone: The Integrated Self as a Neuropsychological System
Authors: Kuhl Julius , Quirin Markus , Koole Sander L. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractFully functioning persons are characterized by a unity in thought, emotion, and action that amounts to “being someone” or having “an integrated self.” Psychologists have typically treated the integrated self as merely a descriptive term that summarizes significant behavioral achievements. In the present article, the authors seek to place the integrated self on firmer theoretical grounds by relating the integrated self to a neurobiological system with distinct processing characteristics. Building on personality systems interactions theory (Kuhl, ), the authors suggest that the integrated self is supported by parallel‐distributed processing in the right anterior cortex and can be distinguished from simpler self‐related states of mind. From this neuropsychological model, the authors derive seven functions of the integrated self: emotional connectedness, broad vigilance, utilization of felt feedback, unconscious processing, integration of negative experiences, extended resilience, and extended trust. The authors discuss the seven functions and their mutual relations along with relevant behavioral and neurobiological evidence. Finally, the authors highlight the importance of positive relationships for optimal development of the integrated self and discuss how the integrated self might be further cultivated to improve self‐regulation and health.
Stability of co‐composted hydrochar and biochar under field conditions in a temperate soil
Authors: Busch D. , Glaser B. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractHydrothermally converted biomass (hydrochar) is evaluated as a carbon‐rich soil amendment in addition to pyrogenic biochar. After assessing the suitability of hydrochar for use in agriculture, its environmental safety and comparing its chemistry with that of biochar, we describe a field trial established at Halle (Germany) under natural conditions for a temperate climate and without further external management practices. The main objective of our study was to analyse the stability and hence the C sequestration potential of composted chars over a period of 2 years. Four treatments (no amendment control, compost, co‐composted hydrochar and co‐composted biochar) in fourfold field replication were chosen to make a direct comparison of biochar and hydrochar under field conditions. The total organic carbon and total N increased in all treatments in comparison with the control but only in biochar‐amended treatments were N concentrations more stable. Composted biochar showed significantly more black carbon content in topsoil, sampled some months after application, compared with all other treatments. We show that hydrochar is less suitable for long‐term C sequestration in comparison with biochar but has potential for soil amelioration because it delivers essential nutrients. On the other hand, biochar is richer in polyaromatic C than hydrochar and therefore is more stable in the long term. We assessed biochar stability using the black carbon analysis of the different soil samples.
Framing Spatial‐Religious Conflicts: The Case of Mormon Development in Jerusalem
Authors: Gal Michal Ben , Collins‐Kreiner Noga , Shmueli Deborah F. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe paper's aims are twofold: first to present framing methodology as an approach which provides insights into conflicts stemming from the construction of new religious sites. Second, to analyse theBrighamYoungUniversityJerusalemCenter, using framing in order to understand the spatial‐religious conflicts involved in its establishment. The findings fall within three frame categories (‘super‐frames’) identified in the research: ‘process’, ‘values’, and ‘issues’. The findings reveal that the discord surrounding theBYU Center had to do primarily with process and the values, and not around the issues themselves. The methodology provides a typology for understanding and analysing the different stories told by stakeholders involved in spatial‐religious conflicts where the decision adopted might be perceived as endangering identity and ‘sense of place’. The typology may be helpful in the analysis of similar disputes elsewhere, and shed light on ways to reframe conflicts over sacred place
The Internet and Desire to Move: The Role of Virtual Practices in the Inspiration Phase of Migration
Authors: Thulin Eva , Vilhelmson Bertil 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThis paper contributes to the understanding of non‐local migration in the digital age by investigating emerging virtual practices in the migration process. We focus on the initial inspiration phase that theoretically defines the attainable reach of individuals considering moving. Using a case‐based approach, we distinguish how online information and social contact influence an individual's early considerations and desires to move elsewhere. We draw on indepth interviews with young adults in Sweden. Our findings characterise how Internet‐based information influences the spatial, social, and temporal horizons of inspiration with potential implications for subsequent plans. We find that virtual practices spatially expand these horizons and promote a shift towards insider information. Results further suggest that a flow of information and background knowledge regarding opportunities in other places drives the inspiration phase, extending its duration until it is more or less continuous. Reduced information friction increases the scope for impulsiveness to spark migration inspiration and intentions.
Medical pluralism among indigenous peoples in northeast India ‐ implications for health policy
Authors: Albert Sandra , Nongrum Melari , Webb Emily L. , Porter John D.H. , Kharkongor Glenn C. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractObjectivesThe government of India is promoting and increasing investment in the traditional medicine systems of Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH) in the northeast region of India. But there are few empirical data that support this policy decision. This study estimates the awareness and use of the different medical systems in rural Meghalaya, a state in north‐east India with a predominantly ethnic tribal population.MethodWe conducted a cross‐sectional multistage random sample household survey across all districts of Meghalaya. To enable appropriate estimates for the whole of rural Meghalaya, the data were weighted to allow for the probability of selection of households at each stage of the sampling process.ResultsBoth local tribal medicine and biomedicine were widely accepted and used, but the majority (68.7%, 95% CI: 51.9–81.7) had not heard of AYUSH and even fewer had used it. Tribal medicine was used (79.1%, 95% CI 66.3–88.0), thought to be effective (87.5%, 95% CI: 74.2–94.1) and given in a variety of disorders, including both minor and major diseases. In the 3 months prior to the survey, 46.2% (95% CI: 30.5–62.8) had used tribal medicine. Only 10.5% (95% CI: 6.1–17.6) reported ever using any of the AYUSH systems.ConclusionOur comparative estimates of the awareness and use of tribal medicine, different systems of AYUSH and of biomedicine among indigenous populations of India question the basis on which AYUSH is promoted in the northeast region of India and in the state of Meghalaya in particular.
Hindlimb unweighting does not alter vasoconstrictor responsiveness and nitric oxide‐mediated inhibition of sympathetic vasoconstriction
Authors: Just Timothy P. , Jendzjowsky Nicholas G. , DeLorey Darren S. 
Published: March 2015

Key points
Physical inactivity increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and may alter sympathetic nervous system control of vascular resistance.
Hindlimb unweighting (HU), a rodent model of physical inactivity, has been shown to diminish sympathetic vasoconstrictor responsiveness and reduce NO synthase expression in isolated skeletal muscle blood vessels.
Our understanding of the effects of HU on sympathetic vascular regulation in vivo is very limited.
The present findings demonstrate that HU did not alter sympathetic vasoconstrictor responsiveness and NO‐mediated inhibition of sympathetic vasoconstriction in resting and contracting skeletal muscle.
This study suggests that short‐term physical inactivity does not alter in vivo sympathetic vascular control in the skeletal muscle vascular bed at rest and during contraction.
AbstractWe tested the hypothesis that physical inactivity would increase sympathetic vasoconstrictor responsiveness and diminish NO‐mediated inhibition of sympathetic vasoconstriction in resting and contracting skeletal muscle. Sprague–Dawley rats (n = 33) were randomly assigned to sedentary time control (S) or hindlimb unweighted (HU) groups for 21 days. Following the intervention, rats were anaesthetized and instrumented for measurement of arterial blood pressure and femoral artery blood flow and stimulation of the lumbar sympathetic chain. The percentage change of femoral vascular conductance (%FVC) in response to sympathetic chain stimulation delivered at 2 and 5 Hz was determined at rest and during triceps surae muscle contraction before (control) and after NO synthase blockade with l‐NAME (5 mg kg i.v.). Sympathetic vasoconstrictor responsiveness was not different (P > 0.05) in S and HU rats at rest (S, 2 Hz, −26 ± 8% and 5 Hz, −46 ± 12%; and HU, 2 Hz, −29 ± 9% and 5 Hz, −51 ± 10%) and during contraction (S, 2 Hz, −10 ± 7% and 5 Hz, −23 ± 11%; and HU, 2 Hz, −9 ± 5% and 5 Hz, −22 ± 7%). Nitric oxide synthase blockade caused a similar increase (P > 0.05) in sympathetic vasoconstrictor responsiveness in HU and S rats at rest (S, 2 Hz, −41 ± 7% and 5 Hz, −58 ± 8%; and HU, 2 Hz, −43 ± 6% and 5 Hz, −63 ± 8%) and during muscle contraction (S, 2 Hz, −15 ± 6% and 5 Hz, −31 ± 11%; and HU, 2 Hz, −12 ± 5% and 5 Hz, −29 ± 8%). Skeletal muscle NO synthase expression and ACh‐mediated vasodilatation were also not different between HU and S rats. These data suggest that HU does not alter sympathetic vasoconstrictor responsiveness and NO‐mediated inhibition of sympathetic vasoconstriction in resting and contracting skeletal muscle.
Inverse Relationship Between Physical Activity, Adiposity, and Arterial Stiffness in Healthy Middle-Aged Subjects
Authors: Ananey Oscar Mac , McLoughlin Brendan , Leonard Ann , Maher Lewena , Gaffney Peter , Boran Gerard , Maher Vincent 
Published: March 2015

Background:Several obesity related factors are reported to exacerbate premature arterial stiffening, including inactivity and metabolic disarray. The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship between physical activity, arterial stiffness and adiposity using objective methods. To further explore the role of adiposity in this complex process, obesity associated anthropometric and humoral biomarkers were measured.Methods:Seventy-nine healthy, lifelong nonsmoking subjects were recruited. Habitual physical activity was measured using accelerometry. Arterial stiffness [augmentation index (AIx) and pulse wave velocity (PWV)] was measured using tonometry. Body composition was estimated using bioimpedence. Adipose associated biomarkers, leptin and adiponectin, were also measured.Results:Sedentary time was significantly associated with AIx (r = 0.38, P < .001), PWV (r = 0.33, P < .01), body fat composition (r = 0.40, P < .001) and age (r = 0.30, P < .01). Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was inversely correlated with AIx (r = –0.28, P < .05), body fat composition (r = –0.30, P < .01), postprandial insulin (r = –0.35, P < .01), and leptin/adiponectin ratio (r = –0.28, P < .05). MVPA, body fat composition, and postprandial insulin remained independent predictors of AIx but not PWV.Conclusion:The more time healthy individuals spend being sedentary, the greater their body fat and arterial stiffness. Conversely higher activity levels are associated with reduced body fat and less arterial stiffness.
Evaluation of the Characteristics of the Enzyme-Linked Immunospot Assay for Diagnosis of Active Tuberculosis in China
Authors: Wang Linchuan , Yu Yan , Chen Wei , Feng Jin , Wang Jinyuan , Zhao Heping , Ma Lietin , Yang Bo , Ma Yanfen , Dang Pei 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of the T-SPOT.TB test for the diagnosis of active tuberculosis (ATB) and to distinguish ATB from other diseases using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. A total of 535 patients with suspected active tuberculosis were enrolled in the study and divided into ATB and nonactive tuberculosis (NATB) groups, as well as pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) subgroups. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio of the T-SPOT.TB test for the diagnosis of ATB were 84.95%, 85.12%, 82.94%, 86.93%, 5.71, and 0.18, respectively. The median number of spot-forming cells (SFCs) in the ATB group was higher than that in the NATB group (71 versus 1;P< 0.0001). The sensitivities in the PTB and EPTB subgroups were 92.31% and 81.77%. The areas under the curve (AUC) for the diagnosis of ATB using the T-SPOT.TB, early secreted antigenic target 6 (ESAT-6), and culture filtrate protein 10 (CFP-10) were 0.906, 0.884, and 0.877, respectively. A cutoff of 42.5 SFCs for ATB yielded a positive predictive value of 100%. Our study shows that the T-SPOT.TB test is useful for the diagnosis of ATB. Utilizing an ROC curve to select an appropriate cutoff made it possible to discriminate ATB from NATB.
Seroprevalence of Antibody-Mediated, Complement-Dependent Opsonophagocytic Activity against Neisseria meningitidis Serogroup B in England
Authors: Humphries Holly E. , Brookes Charlotte , Allen Lauren , Kuisma Eeva , Gorringe Andrew , Taylor Stephen 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTThe correlate of protection for the licensure of meningococcal vaccines is serum bactericidal activity. However, evidence indicates that a complex situation and other mechanisms, such as antibody-mediated, complement-dependent opsonophagocytosis (OP), may play a role in protection and should be investigated in order to understand immunity to this disease. In this study, a high-throughput flow cytometric opsonophagocytic assay (OPA) was optimized. The assay measures the presence of killed fluorescently labeledNeisseria meningitidiswithin human granulocytes (differentiated HL60 cells) by flow cytometry, using IgG-depleted pooled human plasma as an exogenous source of complement. This method was found to be reliable and correlated with the results of an opsonophagocytic killing assay. The OPA was used to measure OP activity in 1,878 serum samples from individuals ranging from 0 to 99 years of age againstN. meningitidisstrain NZ98/254 (B:4:P1.7-2,4). The levels of OP activity in individual serum samples varied greatly. OP activity showed an initial peak in the 6- to 12-month age group corresponding to a peak in disease incidence. The OP activity dropped in childhood until the late teenage years, although there was still a higher percentage of individuals with OP activity than with protective bactericidal antibody titers. OP activity reached a peak in the 30- to 39-year age group and then declined. This later peak in OP activity did not coincide with the young adults in whom peak serum bactericidal activity and disease incidence occurred. The demonstration of OP activity when disease incidence is low and when protective bactericidal antibody titers are not detected may indicate a role for OP in protection from meningococcal disease in these age groups.