bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative metabolomics in primates reveals the effects of diet and gene regulatory variation on metabolic divergence
Authors: Blekhman Ran , Perry George H. , Shahbaz Sevini , Fiehn Oliver , Clark Andrew G. , Gilad Yoav 
Published: July 2014

AbstractHuman diets differ from those of non-human primates. Among few obvious differences, humans consume more meat than most non-human primates and regularly cook their food. It is hypothesized that a dietary shift during human evolution has been accompanied by molecular adaptations in metabolic pathways. Consistent with this notion, comparative studies of gene expression levels in primates have found that the regulation of genes with metabolic functions tend to evolve rapidly in the human lineage. The metabolic consequences of these regulatory differences, however, remained unknown. To address this gap, we performed a comparative study using a combination of gene expression and metabolomic profiling in livers from humans, chimpanzees and rhesus macaques. We show that dietary differences between species have a strong effect on metabolic concentrations. In addition, we found that differences in metabolic concentration across species are correlated with inter-species differences in the expression of the corresponding enzymes, which control the same metabolic reaction. We identified a number of metabolic compounds with lineage-specific profiles, including examples of human-species metabolic differences that may be directly related to dietary differences.
Quantitative Comparison of Tumor Delivery for Multiple Targeted Nanoparticles Simultaneously by Multiplex ICP-MS
Authors: Elias Andrew , Crayton Samuel H. , Warden-Rothman Robert , Tsourkas Andrew 
Published: July 2014

AbstractGiven the rapidly expanding library of disease biomarkers and targeting agents, the number of unique targeted nanoparticles is growing exponentially. The high variability and expense of animal testing often makes it unfeasible to examine this large number of nanoparticles in vivo. This often leads to the investigation of a single formulation that performed best in vitro. However, nanoparticle performance in vivo depends on many variables, many of which cannot be adequately assessed with cell-based assays. To address this issue, we developed a lanthanide-doped nanoparticle method that allows quantitative comparison of multiple targeted nanoparticles simultaneously. Specifically, superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles with different targeting ligands were created, each with a unique lanthanide dopant. Following the simultaneous injection of the various SPIO compositions into tumor-bearing mice, inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy was used to quantitatively and orthogonally assess the concentration of each SPIO composition in serial blood and resected tumor samples.
The effect of pedometer use on physical activity and body weight in obese women
Authors: Cayir Yasemin , Aslan Secil Menekse , Akturk Zekeriya 
Published: July 2014

AbstractPhysical activity and healthy eating are of the utmost importance in treatment of obesity. However obese generally tend to have a sedentary lifestyle. Walking is a form of physical activity that is both simple and can be performed by everyone, but it requires an objective measurement. Number of steps taken during tracking can be recorded with the pedometer, a device used to measure the level of physical activity. We aimed to investigate whether or not using pedometers as a motivational technique to increase the level of physical activity in obese women has an impact on weight loss. Eighty‐four obese women who are similar age referring to Ataturk University Faculty of Medicine Healthy Living Clinic, Turkey were randomly divided into two groups. Intervention group were given pedometers, and control group were prescribed similar diet and physical activity with a three‐month follow‐up plan without pedometers. Mean weight in pedometer group initially was 88.9 ± 8.4 kg, which decreased to 80.2 ± 8.7 kg after the programme. Mean weight in control group was 86.1 ± 9.2 kg at the beginning, and it decreased to 84.7 ± 8.8 kg after three months. It was observed in pedometer group that the mean number of steps 8817 ± 2725 steps/day at the beginning increased to mean 9716 ± 2811 steps/day at the end of the study. Weight, body mass index, body fat percentage and waist circumference measurements decreased more greatly in the pedometer when compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Pedometers may be recommended to obese patients to monitor and increase the level of physical activity and to promote weight loss.
Brachial artery characteristics and micro‐vascular filtration capacity in rock climbers
Authors: Thompson Emilia B. , Farrow Luke , Hunt Julie E. A. , Lewis Mark P. , Ferguson Richard A. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractRock climbers perform repeated isometric forearm muscle contractions subjecting the vasculature to repeated ischaemia and distorted haemodynamic signals. This study investigated forearm vascular characteristics in rock climbers compared to healthy untrained controls. Eight climbers (CLIMB) (BMI; 22.3, s = 2.0 kg/m2, isometric handgrip strength; 46, s = 8 kg) were compared against eight untrained controls (CON) (BMI; 23.8, s = 2.6 kg/m2, isometric handgrip strength; 37, s = 9 kg). Brachial artery diameter and blood flow were measured, using Doppler ultrasound, at rest and following 5‐mins ischaemia (peak diameter) and ischaemic exercise (maximal dilation) to calculate flow mediated dilation (FMD) and dilatory capacity (DC). Capillary filtration capacity was assessed using venous occlusion plethysmography. Resting (4.30, s = 0.26 vs. 3.79, s = 0.39 mm), peak (4.67, s = 0.31 vs. 4.12, s = 0.45 mm) and maximal (5.14, s = 0.42 vs. 4.35, s = 0.47 mm) diameters were greater (P < 0.05) in CLIMB than CON, respectively, despite no difference in FMD (9.2, s = 2.6 vs. 8.7, s = 2.9%). Peak reactive hyperaemic blood flow (1136, s = 504 vs. 651, s = 221 ml/min) and capillary filtration capacity (3.8, s = 0.9 vs. 5.2, s = 0.7 ml.min−1.mmHg−1.100 ml tissue−1 × 10−3) were greater (P < 0.05) in CLIMB compared to CON, respectively. Rock climbers exhibit structural vascular adaptation compared to untrained control participants but have similar vascular function. This may contribute to the enhanced ability of climbers to perform repeated isometric contractions.
Possible Role of Lysophosphatidic Acid in Rat Model of Hypoxic Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling
Authors: Shlyonsky Vadim , Naeije Robert , Mies Frédérique 
Published: July 2014

Pulmonary hypertension is characterized by cellular and structural changes in the vascular wall of pulmonary arteries. We hypothesized that lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a bioactive lipid, is implicated in this vascular remodeling in a rat model of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension. Exposure of Wistar rats to 10% O2 for 3 weeks induced an increase in the mean serum levels of LPA, to 40.9 (log‐detransformed standard deviations: 23.4–71.7) μM versus 21.6 (11.0–42.3) μM in a matched control animal group (P = 0.037). We also observed perivascular LPA immunohistochemical staining in lungs of hypoxic rats colocalized with the secreted lysophospholipase D autotaxin (ATX). Moreover, ATX colocalized with mast cell tryptase, suggesting implication of these cells in perivascular LPA production. Hypoxic rat lungs expressed more ATX transcripts (2.4‐fold) and more transcripts of proteins implicated in cell migration: β2 integrin (1.74‐fold), intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM‐1; 1.84‐fold), and αM integrin (2.70‐fold). Serum from the hypoxic group of animals had significantly higher chemoattractant properties toward rat primary lung fibroblasts, and this increase in cell migration could be prevented by the LPA receptor 1 and 3 antagonists. LPA also increased adhesive properties of human pulmonary artery endothelial cells as well as those of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, via the activation of LPA receptor 1 or 3 followed by the stimulation of gene expression of ICAM‐1, β−1, E‐selectin, and vascular cell adhesion molecule integrins. In conclusion, chronic hypoxia increases circulating and tissue levels of LPA, which might induce fibroblast migration and recruitment of mononuclear cells in pulmonary vasculature, both of which contribute to pulmonary vascular remodeling.
Establishing Evidence-Based Criteria for Directly Observed Hand Hygiene Compliance Monitoring Programs: A Prospective, Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Yin Jun , Reisinger Heather Schacht , Weg Mark Vander , Schweizer Marin L. , Jesson Andrew , Morgan Daniel J. , Forrest Graeme , Graham Margaret , Pineles Lisa , Perencevich Eli N. 
Published: July 2014

ObjectiveHand hygiene surveillance programs that rely on direct observations of healthcare worker activity may be limited by the Hawthorne effect. In addition, comparing compliance rates from period to period requires adequately sized samples of observations. We aimed to statistically determine whether the Hawthorne effect is stable over an observation period and statistically derive sample sizes of observations necessary to compare compliance rates.DesignProspective multicenter cohort study.SettingFive intensive care units and 6 medical/surgical wards in 3 geographically distinct acute care hospitals.MethodsTrained observers monitored hand hygiene compliance during routine care in fixed 1-hour periods, using a standardized collection tool. We estimated the impact of the Hawthorne effect using empirical fluctuation processes and F tests for structural change. Standard sample-size calculation methods were used to estimate how many hand hygiene opportunities are required to accurately measure hand hygiene across various levels of baseline and target compliance.ResultsExit hand hygiene compliance increased after 14 minutes of observation (from 56.2% to 60.5%; P < .001) and increased further after 50 minutes (from 60.5% to 66.0%; P < .001). Entry compliance increased after 38 minutes (from 40.4% to 43.4%; P = .005). Between 79 and 723 opportunities are required during each period, depending on baseline compliance rates (range, 35%–90%) and targeted improvement (5% or 10%).ConclusionsLimiting direct observation periods to approximately 15 minutes to minimize the Hawthorne effect and determining required number of hand hygiene opportunities observed per period on the basis of statistical power calculations would be expected to improve the validity of hand hygiene surveillance programs.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2014;35(9):1163-1168
Direct and indirect impacts of climate change on microbial and biocrust communities alter the resistance of the N cycle in a semiarid grassland
Authors: Delgado‐Baquerizo Manuel , Maestre Fernando T. , Escolar Cristina , Gallardo Antonio , Ochoa Victoria , Gozalo Beatriz , Prado‐Comesaña Ana 
Published: July 2014

Summary

Climate change will raise temperatures and modify precipitation patterns in drylands worldwide, affecting their structure and functioning. Despite the recognized importance of soil communities dominated by mosses, lichens and cyanobacteria (biocrusts) as a driver of nutrient cycling in drylands, little is known on how biocrusts will modulate the resistance (i.e., the amount of change caused by a disturbance) of the N cycle in response to climate change.

Here, we evaluate how warming (ambient vs. ˜2.5 °C increase), rainfall exclusion (ambient vs. ˜30% reduction in total annual rainfall) and biocrust cover (incipient vs. well‐developed biocrusts) affect multiple variables linked to soil N availability (inorganic and organic N and potential net N mineralization rate) and its resistance to climate change during 4 years in a field experiment. We also evaluate how climate change‐induced modifications in biocrust and microbial communities indirectly affect such resistance.

Biocrusts promoted the resistance of soil N availability regardless of the climatic conditions considered. However, the dynamics of N availability diverged progressively from their original conditions with warming and/or rainfall exclusion, as both treatments enhanced N availability and promoted the dominance of inorganic over organic N. In addition, the increase in fungal:bacterial ratio and the decrease in biocrust cover observed under warming had a negative indirect effect on the resistance of N cycle variables.

Synthesis. Our results indicate that climate change will have negative direct and indirect (i.e. through changes in biocrust and microbial communities) impacts on the resistance of the N cycle in dryland soils. While biocrusts can play an important role slowing down the impacts of climate change on the N cycle due to their positive and continued effects on the resistance of multiple variables from the N cycle, such change will progressively alter N cycling in biocrust‐dominated ecosystems, enhancing both N availability and inorganic N dominance.
Determining the ‘healthiness’ of foods marketed to children on television using the Food Standards Australia New Zealand nutrient profiling criteria
Authors: Watson Wendy L. , Johnston Aimee , Hughes Clare , Chapman Kathy 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAimTo investigate the potential of the Food Standards Australia New Zealand nutrient profiling criterion to underpin restrictions on the advertising of ‘unhealthy’ foods to children by comparing it to other established criteria.MethodsTwo weeks of food advertising from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on three Sydney television channels was categorised as passing or failing the nutrient profiling criteria. Nutrition information on energy, saturated fat, sodium, sugar, protein, dietary fibre and fruit, vegetable, nut and legume content was obtained from food labels, company websites and manufacturers. Results were compared to criteria based on identifying core and non‐core food groups and the criteria set by companies in the voluntary industry codes for marketing to children.ResultsOf the 116 unique food advertisements, 61% failed nutrient profiling and were considered ‘unhealthy’ foods. Of the advertisements that passed nutrient profiling, 64% were promoting core foods, while 93% of those that failed nutrient profiling were promoting non‐core foods. Sixty‐three per cent of advertisements that met the nutrition criteria outlined in the grocery manufacturers' company action plans passed nutrient profiling. Only one advertisement for fast food passed the fast food company criteria and nutrient profiling.ConclusionsThe Food Standards Australia New Zealand nutrient profiling criteria provide an independent assessment of the overall healthiness of a product and have potential to form the basis of nutrient criteria for regulating food marketing to children in Australia. Current criteria within voluntary self‐regulatory initiatives are complex and lenient, and fail to cover many foods advertised.
Utility of multi‐frequency bioelectrical impedance compared to deuterium dilution for assessment of total body water
Authors: Anderson Lindsey J. , Erceg David N. , Schroeder E. Todd 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAimMulti‐frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (MF‐BIA) may provide a quick, cost‐efficient method of total body water (TBW) assessment. We compared TBW estimates from the Biospace InBody 520, 720, and S10 MF‐BIA devices to TBW estimates from isotopic deuterium dilution (D2O).MethodsTBW was measured in 25 men and 25 women, 18–49 years, 73.6 ± 15.4 kg on each of the three devices and from D2O analysis.ResultsAll MF‐BIA devices significantly overestimated TBW compared to D2O TBW for men (4.7–5.4 kg, 10.8–12.4%; P < 0.01) and women (3.7–4.3 kg, 12.3–14.3%; P < 0.01). Regression analyses in men revealed R2 (0.86–0.90) and SEE (1.7–2.0 kg), and in women revealed R2 (0.82–0.86) and SEE (1.5–1.6 kg). Bland and Altman analyses revealed similar limits of agreement for men (3.5–3.9 kg) and women (3.4–3.7 kg).ConclusionsThe Biospace InBody devices significantly overestimate TBW in men and women. The consistent bias for men and the increasing bias with increasing TBW for women may indicate that these devices are suitable for group TBW estimates in men only.
Test–Retest Reliability and Validity of Life‐Course Alcohol Consumption Measures: The 2005 National Alcohol Survey Follow‐Up
Authors: Greenfield Thomas K. , Nayak Madhabika B. , Bond Jason , Kerr William C. , Ye Yu 
Published: July 2014

BackgroundFew studies assess reliability and validity of lifetime alcohol measures. We undertook extended test–retest analyses of retrospective lifetime drinking measures and of incremental predictive ability of lifetime heavy drinking (days 5+ drinks) in teens, 20s, and 30s for current (12‐month) alcohol use disorders (AUDs).MethodsA subset (31.4%; 962 men, 1,220 women) of the 2005 U.S. National Alcohol Survey (NAS; N11) completed a follow‐up survey (N11T) by phone or mail (mean delay of 2.7 years). Both surveys assessed lifetime drinking.ResultsIn N11T, drinking status was reported consistently by 94.7% of N11 current drinkers, 85.5% of ex‐drinkers, and 74.4% of lifetime abstainers (93.5% overall). Cumulative number of prior heavy drinking days (teens through 30s) were moderately consistent (Pearson's ρ = 0.6, p < 0.001, n = 1,636). Reliability was lower for younger respondents under 30 and higher for Whites versus Blacks and Hispanics (ρ = 0.68 vs. ρ = 0.56 vs. ρ = 0.56, both p = 0.01), but did not differ by gender. Heavy drinking days in teens correlated 0.63 (p < 0.001) for those aged 20 or older, higher for women than men and for Whites versus ethnic minorities. Heavy drinking days in the 20s and 30s reported by those 30 and older and 40 and older correlated at 0.63 and 0.67, respectively, being higher for Whites. Age of drinking onset and of lifetime maximum quantity reports were also consistent (0.65, 0.73), higher for women versus men, for those older than 29 versus younger, and for Whites versus Blacks and Hispanics. In N11, controlling for gender, age, ethnicity, and current 5+ frequency, cumulative prior 5+ days (teens to age 39) predicted current alcohol‐related consequences and dependence (both p = 0.003).ConclusionsMeasurements of earlier heavy drinking are feasible, efficient, and reasonably reliable, albeit with some individual imprecision. Prior drinking data improve prediction of current AUDs, adjusting for demographics and current drinking.
Association Between HTR7 Genetic Polymorphisms and Alcohol Dependence, Using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT)
Authors: Kim Jeong‐Hyun , Park Byung‐Lae , Cheong Hyun Sub , Bae Joon Seol , Kim Lyoung Hyo , Kim Jee Wook , Lee Byoung Chul , Seo Cheong Hoon , Kang Tae‐Cheon , Park Sun‐Hee , Choi Ihn‐Geun , Shin Hyoung Doo 
Published: July 2014

BackgroundA recent genome‐wide association study has identified 5‐hydroxytrytamine (serotonin) receptor 7, adenylate cyclase‐coupled (HTR7) as a risk gene for alcohol dependence. In addition, the serotonergic system has been considered as a modulator that plays an important role in alcohol use disorders. Functional, pharmacological, and genetic studies of serotonin neurotransmission have revealed that serotonin receptors are potential targets for the treatment of alcohol use disorders. The aim of this study is to investigate whether associations between HTR7 genetic polymorphisms and alcohol dependence could be replicated.MethodsThis study genotyped a total of 22 common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 459 alcoholic patients and 444 nonalcoholic controls.ResultsLogistic regression analysis of the case–control study, controlling for age and sex as covariates, showed nominal associations of 7 SNPs (p = 0.02 to 0.04; odds ratio = 0.60 to 1.35). In further linear regression analysis based on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test score for alcohol dependence, 8 SNPs and 3 haplotypes showed relatively significant associations with alcohol dependence (minimum p = 0.001; pcorr = 0.02).ConclusionsAlthough further replications and functional evaluations are needed, our findings suggest that genetic variations of HTR7 may contribute to the predisposition for alcohol dependence.
Randomised clinical trial: polyethylene glycol 3350 with sports drink vs. polyethylene glycol with electrolyte solution as purgatives for colonoscopy – the incidence of hyponatraemia
Authors: Matro R. , Daskalakis C. , Negoianu D. , Katz L. , Henry C. , Share M. , Kastenberg D. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryBackgroundPolyethylene glycol 3350 plus sports drink (PEG‐SD) is a hypo‐osmotic purgative commonly used for colonoscopy, though little safety data are available.AimTo evaluate the effect of PEG‐SD on serum sodium (Na) and other electrolytes compared with PEG‐electrolyte solution (PEG‐ELS).MethodsWe performed a single center, prospective, randomised, investigator‐blind comparison of PEG‐ELS to PEG‐SD in out‐patients undergoing colonoscopy. Laboratories were obtained at baseline and immediately before and after colonoscopy. The primary endpoint was development of hyponatraemia (Na <135 mmol/L) the day of colonoscopy. Changes in electrolyte levels were computed as the difference between the lowest value on the day of colonoscopy and baseline. Purgative tolerance and efficacy were assessed.ResultsA total of 389 patients were randomised; 364 took purgative and had baseline and day of colonoscopy labs (180 PEG‐SD, 184 PEG‐ELS). The groups were well matched except for a higher fraction of women and Blacks in PEG‐ELS. Seven patients (3.9%) in PEG‐SD and four patients (2.2%) in PEG‐ELS developed hyponatraemia (OR = 1.82, 95% CI: 0.45–8.62, P = 0.376). Changes in electrolytes from baseline were small but significantly worse with PEG‐SD for sodium, potassium and chloride (P = 0.001, 0.012, 0.001, respectively). Preparation completion, adverse events, and overall colon cleansing were similar between the groups, but PEG‐ELS had more excellent preparations (52% vs. 30%; P = 0.001).ConclusionsGreater, but very modest, electrolyte changes occur with PEG‐SD. Hyponatraemia is infrequent with both purgatives. A significant increase in hyponatraemia was not identified for PEG‐SD vs. PEG‐ELS, but the sample size may have been inadequate to identify a small, but clinically important difference. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01299779.