bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term treatment of hypogonadal men with testosterone produces substantial and sustained weight loss
Authors: Saad Farid , Haider Ahmad , Doros Gheorghe , Traish Abdulmaged 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveThis study analyzed the effects of normalization of serum testosterone (T) levels on anthropometric parameters in hypogonadal men.Design and MethodsOpen‐label, single‐center, cumulative, prospective registry study of 255 men (aged 33–69 years, mean 58.02 ± 6.30 years), with T levels below 12.13 nmol/L (mean: 9.93±1.38). 215 men for at least 2 years, 182 for 3 years, 148 for 4, and 116 for at least 5 years were studied. They received parenteral T undecanoate 1,000 mg/12 weeks after an initial interval of 6 weeks.ResultsBody weight (BW) decreased from 106.22 ± 16.93 kg to 90.07 ± 9.51 kg. Waist circumference (WC) reduced from 107.24 ± 9.14 cm to 98.46 ± 7.39 cm. BMI (m/kg2) declined from 33.9 ± 5.51 m/kg2 to 29.13 ± 3.09 m/kg2. All parameters examined were statistically significant with P < 0.0001 versus baseline and versus the previous year over 5 years indicating a continuous weight loss over the full observation period. The mean per cent weight loss after 1 year was 4.16 ± 0.31%, after 2 years 7.54 ± 0.32%, after 3 years 9.23 ± 0.33%, after 4 years 11.42 ± 0.35% and after 5 years 13.57 ± 0.37%.ConclusionsIn an uncontrolled, observational cohort, normalizing serum T to normal physiological levels produced consistent loss of BW, WC, and BMI. These improvements were progressive over the full 5 years of the study.
Comparison of three weight maintenance programs on cardiovascular risk, bone and vitamins in sedentary older adults
Authors: Christensen Pia , Frederiksen Rikke , Bliddal Henning , Riecke Birgit F. , Bartels Else M. , Henriksen Marius , Juul‐S⊘rensen Tina , Gudbergsen Henrik , Winther Kaj , Astrup Arne , Christensen Robin 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveObese patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) are encouraged to lose weight to obtain symptomatic relief. Risk of vascular events is higher in people with OA compared to people without arthritis. Our aim in this randomized trial was to compare changes in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk‐factors, nutritional health, and body composition after 1‐year weight‐loss maintenance achieved by [D]diet, [E]knee‐exercise, or [C]control, following weight loss by low‐energy‐diet.Design and MethodsObese individuals (n = 192, >50 years) with knee OA, 63 years (SD 6), weight 103.2 kg (15.0), body‐mass index 37.3 kg/m2 (4.8), were enrolled into a 68‐week weight‐loss trial.ResultsMean changes in weight, in D, E, and C were −11.0, −6.3, and −8.3 kg (P = 0.002). Reduction in waist circumference in D, E, and C were −8.4, −4.6, and −7.0 cm (P = 0.007). D reduced waist circumference significantly more than E: −3.8 cm (95%CI −6.2 to −1.4; P = 0.0024). There was no difference between the groups in changes in CVD risk factors; blood pressure, triglycerides, and cholesterol. Nutritional health was improved in all groups. For markers of bone, no statistical difference was found between the groups.ConclusionsDietary support, or control, maintained improvements in cardiovascular risk factors to the same extent and none of the interventions had a detrimental effect on bone.
Obesity increases risk of declining physical activity over time in women: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Tucker Jared M. , Tucker Larry A. , LeCheminant James , Bailey Bruce 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveResearch indicates that risk of obesity increases as physical activity (PA) decreases; however, the reciprocal effect has been rarely studied. The present investigation was conducted to determine the contribution of obesity on objectively measured PA over 20 months.Design and MethodsA prospective cohort design with 254 middle‐aged women was employed. Body fat percentage (BF%) was measured using Bod Pod, and obesity was defined as BF% ≥32%. PA was assessed objectively using 7‐day accelerometry at baseline and ∼20 months later at follow‐up.ResultsOf the 254 subjects, 124 were obese (49%) at baseline. Mean BF% was 32.1 ± 7.8 and average age was 41.7 ± 3.1 years. Mean weekly PA was 2.79 ± 0.85 million activity counts for all participants. Over the 20‐month period, PA decreased significantly more in obese women (−8.1% ± 27.1%) than in nonobese women (0.3% ± 31.7%) after adjusting for confounders (F = 5.3, P = 0.022). Moderate plus vigorous PA levels also decreased more in obese women (−28.1 ± 73.6 min/week) than in nonobese women (−5.9 ± 66.8 min/week), after adjusting for covariates (F = 7.84; P = 0.0055).ConclusionsIt appears that obese women tend to reduce PA over time at a faster rate than nonobese women. Evidently, obesity is a risk factor for decreasing PA over time in middle‐aged women.
Illicit online marketing of lorcaserin before DEA scheduling
Authors: Liang Bryan A. , Mackey Tim K. , N. Archer‐Hayes Ashley , Shinn Linda M. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractObjective:Antiobesity drugs have been marketed illicitly by “no prescription” online pharmacies after approval and scheduling by the drug enforcement agency. We assess whether antiobesity drug Belviq® (lorcaserin HCl) was available from illicit online vendors before DEA‐scheduling when sales are unauthorized.Design and Methods:Online searches of “buy Belviq no prescription” examining first five result pages marketing the drug. Searches were performed from 11/5/2012‐12/8/2012, prior to DEA scheduing.Results:Belviq® is actively marketed by “no prescription” online vendors despite official unavailability and prescription requirements. Approaches included direct‐to‐consumer advertising using descriptive website URLs; linking to illicit marketers; and directing customers to other weight‐loss websites for additional marketing. Finally, large quantities were marketed by business‐to‐business vendors.Conclusion:Illicit online “no prescription” pharmacies are marketing unauthorized, suspect antiobesity drugs before DEA scheduling and permitted marketing. Regulators must legally intercede to ensure patient safety, and providers must educate patients about online‐sourcing risks.
Physical Activity Patterns Over 10 Years in Relation to Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference: The Whitehall II Cohort Study
Authors: Hamer M. , Brunner E.J. , Bell J. , Batty G.D. , Shipley M. , Akbaraly T. , Singh‐Manoux A. , Kivimaki M. 
Published: March 2013

ObjectivePhysical activity patterns over 10‐years in relation to changes in body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were examined.Design and MethodsParticipants (4,880, mean age 49.3 years at baseline) from the Whitehall II cohort study were included. Self‐reported physical activity and anthropometric data were collected at baseline (1991) and twice during follow‐up (1997 and 2002).ResultsAt baseline, meeting established guidelines for physical activity, particularly through vigorous activity, was associated with lower WC (multivariable adjusted B compared to not meeting the guidelines −2.08 cm, 95% CI, −1.39, −0.75) and BMI (−0.34 kg/m2 , −0.10, −0.59). Based on repeat data, “high adherence” to the guidelines compared to “rare adherence” over follow‐up was associated with lower BMI (adjusted difference, −0.43 kg/m2, 95% CI, −0.79, −0.08) and WC (−2.50 cm, 95% CI, −3.46, −1.54) at follow‐up. Compared to participants that remained stable between 1997 and 2002 (change of <2.5 h/week), those that reported an increase in moderate‐vigorous physical activity of at least 2.5 h/week displayed lower BMI (−0.40 kg/m2, 95% CI, −0.71, −0.08) and WC (−1.10 cm, 95% CI, −1.95, −0.75).ConclusionRegular physical activity, confirmed by repeated assessments, is associated with relatively favorable levels of adiposity markers after 10 years follow‐up.
Amniopatch procedure after previable iatrogenic rupture of the membranes: a two‐center review
Authors: Richter Jute , Henry Amanda , Ryan Greg , DeKoninck Philip , Lewi Liesbeth , Deprest Jan 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTObjectiveThis study aimed to analyze success rates and pregnancy outcomes of amniopatch procedures for previable iatrogenic preterm prelabour rupture of the membranes (PPROM) with associated oligohydramnios.MethodsRetrospective analysis of amniopatch procedures performed at the University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium, and the Mount Sinai Hospital Toronto, Canada. Cases were analyzed overall and in two sub‐groups: PPROM after a needle‐based procedure (NP group, n = 13) or after fetoscopic intervention (FI group, n = 11). Complete technical success was defined as cessation of leakage and normalization of amniotic fluid volume, partial success as cessation of leakage, or re‐establishment of volume. Further outcomes were pregnancy duration and outcome, fetal/neonatal morbidity and mortality, and maternal morbidity.ResultsGestational age at amniopatch was comparable in both groups (NP: 20.1, FI: 21.0 weeks). Amniopatch was completely and partially successful in 29% (NP: 31%; FI: 27%) and 29% (NP: 15%; FI: 45%), respectively. Mean gestational age at delivery was 27.5 weeks (NP: 25.5; FI: 29.4 weeks). Overall neonatal survival was 17/31 (55%) (NP: 4/13 (31%), FI: 13/18 (72%); p = .02). Chorioamnionitis occurred in three cases, two associated with maternal sepsis. Severe neonatal morbidity occurred in two survivors.ConclusionAmniopatch for iPPROM was successful in 58%, with an overall live birth rate of 68% and survival to discharge of 55%. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of maternal weight discrepancies on prenatal screening results for Down syndrome
Authors: Huang Tianhua , Meschino Wendy S. , Okun Nan , Dennis Alan , Hoffman Barry , Lepage Nathalie , Rashid Shamim , Aul Ritu , Farrell Sandra A. 
Published: March 2013

SUMMARYObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the quantitative impact of maternal weight discrepancy on the screen result for Down syndrome when using Integrated Prenatal Screening and First Trimester Combined Screening.MethodsThe study population consisted of 78 165 women undergoing prenatal screening in Ontario, Canada, and 158 pregnancies affected with Down syndrome at one Ontario center. The study assessed quantitative alterations of the multiple of the median values of first and second‐trimester serum markers and the risks of Down syndrome at a set of theoretical weight discrepancies.ResultsWeight discrepancies have the greatest impact on screening results when the initial risk is close to the risk cut‐off. When the weight discrepancy is 5 lb or greater and the denominator of the initial risk is within 50 of the risk cut‐off, the chance that a screen result will change from positive to negative or from negative to positive is 47–55% for women undertaking Integrated Prenatal Screening. This chance is 33–43% for women undertaking First Trimester Combined Screening.ConclusionA weight discrepancy of five or more pounds has a significant impact on the risk of Down syndrome; correction of maternal weight would improve the accuracy of the screening test. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and characterization of biodegradable linear–hyperbranched barbell‐like poly(ethylene glycol)‐supported poly(lactic‐ran‐glycolic acid) copolymers through direct polycondensation
Authors: Lu Dedai , Duan Pengxue , Liu Tao , Li Juan , Li Ting'e , Lei Ziqiang 
Published: March 2013

AbstractA series of biodegradable linear–hyperbranched barbell‐like poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)‐supported poly(lactic‐ran‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) copolymers were synthesized with PEG, d,l‐lactic acid aqueous solution, glycolic acid and gluconic acid (Glu) under bulk conditions. The branching density of the hyperbranched section was varied by controlling the molar ratio of Glu to hydroxyl‐terminal groups of PEG ([Glu]/[OH] = 1, 3.5, 6.0, 8.5). Chemical structures of these copolymers were confirmed using NMR spectroscopy. The molecular weights were determined using 1H NMR group analysis and gel permeation chromatography, both results being consistent with one another. The results of hydrolytic degradation indicate that these copolymers can degrade completely in no more than three weeks. The thermal properties were evaluated using differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The results indicate that the glass transition temperatures and melt temperatures of these copolymers are not above 50 °C. The self‐assembly behavior of the copolymers on hydrophilic surfaces was also investigated. The morphology of self‐assembly films made of the copolymers was observed using atomic force microscopy, and the results indicate that these copolymers exhibit more inhomogeneous and rough structural orientated films on a silicon wafer substrate with increasing branching densities. Due to the favorable biodegradability and biocompatibility of the PLGA and PEG, the results suggest new possibilities for these novel structural amphiphilic linear–hyperbranched barbell‐like copolymers as potential biomaterials. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Exploring the influence of gender‐role socialization and objectified body consciousness on body image disturbance in breast cancer survivors
Authors: Boquiren Virginia M. , Esplen Mary Jane , Wong Jiahui , Toner Brenda , Warner Ellen 
Published: March 2013

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the relationships between gender‐role socialization, objectified body consciousness and quality of life in breast cancer (BC) survivors with body image (BI) disturbance post‐treatment.MethodsA total of 150 BC survivors participating in an ongoing randomized clinical trial of a group psychotherapy intervention for BI‐related concerns completed a baseline battery of standardized measures including the following: Body Image Scale (BIS), Body Image after Breast Cancer Questionnaire (BIBCQ), Objectified Body Consciousness Scale (OBCS) measuring Body Shame and Surveillance, Gender‐Role Socialization Scale (GRSS) measuring internalization of traditional gender roles and attitudes and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Breast Quality‐of‐Life Instrument (FACT‐B). Correlational analyses were conducted between the two BI questionnaires, the two primary psychosocial variables GRSS and OBCS, and FACT‐B. Path analysis was conducted on a proposed theoretical model delineating pathways between the two primary psychosocial variables and BI disturbance.ResultsSignificant positive correlations were found between the two BI scales and (a) GRSS (average r = 0.53, p < 0.000), (b) Body Shame (average r = 0.53, p < 0.000) and Surveillance (average r = 0.48, p < 0.000). The BIS and BIBCQ were negatively associated with the FACT‐B (r = −0.62, −0.73, respectively; p < 0.000). Results from the path analysis demonstrated support for the proposed model.ConclusionBreast cancer survivors who endorsed greater internalization of traditional gender roles and attitudes, who engaged in greater self‐surveillance and experienced greater body shame, reported greater BI disturbance and poorer quality of life post‐treatment. Women with these predispositions are likely to be more vulnerable for psychological distress and may experience poorer adjustment after BC treatment. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Disorder and order in unfolded and disordered peptides and proteins: A view derived from tripeptide conformational analysis. II. Tripeptides with short side chains populating asx and β‐type like turn conformations
Authors: Rybka Karin , Toal Siobhan E. , Verbaro Daniel J. , Mathieu Daniel , Schwalbe Harald , Schweitzer‐Stenner Reinhard 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIn the preceding paper, we found that ensembles of tripeptides with long or bulky chains can include up to 20% of various turns. Here, we determine the structural and thermodynamic characteristics of GxG peptides with short polar and/or ionizable central residues (D, N, C), whose conformational distributions exhibit higher than average percentage (>20%) of turn conformations. To probe the side‐chain conformations of these peptides, we determined the 3J(Hα,Hβ) coupling constants and derived the population of three rotamers with χ1‐angles of −60°, 180° and 60°, which were correlated with residue propensities by DFT‐calculations. For protonated GDG, the rotamer distribution provides additional evidence for asx‐turns. A comparison of vibrational spectra and NMR coupling constants of protonated GDG, ionized GDG, and the protonated aspartic acid dipeptide revealed that side chain protonation increases the pPII content at the expense of turn populations. The charged terminal groups, however, have negligible influence on the conformational properties of the central residue. Like protonated GDG, cationic GCG samples asx‐turns to a significant extent. The temperature dependence of the UVCD spectra and 3J(HNHα) constants suggest that the turn populations of GDG and GNG are practically temperature‐independent, indicating enthalpic and entropic stabilization. The temperature‐independent J‐coupling and UVCD spectra of GNG require a three‐state model. Our results indicate that short side chains with hydrogen bonding capability in GxG segments of proteins may serve as hinge regions for establishing compact structures of unfolded proteins and peptides. Proteins 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fault‐tolerant control design to enhance damping of inter‐area oscillations in power grids
Authors: Segundo Sevilla F. R. , Jaimoukha I. , Chaudhuri B. , Korba P. 
Published: March 2013

SUMMARYIn this paper, passive and active approaches for the design of fault‐tolerant controllers (FTCs) are presented. The FTCs are used to improve the damping of inter‐area oscillations in a power grid. The effectiveness of using a combination of local and remote (wide area) feedback signals is first demonstrated. The challenge is then to guarantee a minimum level of dynamic performance following a loss of remote signals. The designs are based on regional pole placement using linear matrix inequalities. First, a passive FTC is proposed. It is shown that the computation of the controller reduces to the solution of bilinear matrix inequalities. An iterative procedure is then used to design the controller. Next, as an alternative to active, time‐varying controllers, one for each fault scenario, we propose an approach for the design of a ‘minimal switching’ FTC in which only one controller is designed, but where a simple switch is incorporated into the controller structure. A case study in a linear and nonlinear Nordic equivalent system is presented to show that the closed‐loop response using a conventional control design could deteriorate the performance or even destabilize the system if the remote signals are lost and to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed FTC designs. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Digital video broadcasting‐return channel via satellite linear modulation with turbo coding
Authors: Brandt Hartmut , Abdel Nour Charbel , Alagha Nader , Lexow Hans Peter 
Published: March 2013

SUMMARYThe digital video broadcasting, return channel via satellite second generation (DVB‐RCS2) linear modulation scheme offers significantly better performance than that of the first generation (DVB‐RCS) both at the physical layer and at the link layer. The DVB‐RCS2 design allows for optimizing the link margin by implementing adaptive coding and modulation (ACM) in the return link, controlled by the central system controller, resembling the ACM as supported for the DVB‐S2‐based forward link. The gain of the return link ACM complements performance improvements at layers 1 and 2. The performance enhancement of the DVB‐RCS2 comes with a higher computational complexity compared with that of the DVB‐RCS but mainly at the gateway, whereas the computational load increase of the terminal is minimal. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Information structure: linguistic, cognitive, and processing approaches
Authors: Arnold Jennifer E. , Kaiser Elsi , Kahn Jason M. , Kim Lucy K. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractLanguage form varies as a result of the information being communicated. Some of the ways in which it varies include word order, referential form, morphological marking, and prosody. The relevant categories of information include the way a word or its referent have been used in context, for example, whether a particular referent has been previously mentioned, and whether it plays a topical role in the current utterance or discourse. We first provide a broad review of linguistic phenomena that are sensitive to information structure. We then discuss several theoretical approaches to explaining information structure: information status as a part of the grammar; information status as a representation of the speaker's and listener's knowledge of common ground and/or the knowledge state of other discourse participants; and the optimal systems approach. These disparate approaches reflect the fact that there is little consensus in the field about precisely which information status categories are relevant, or how they should be represented. We consider possibilities for future work to bring these lines of work together in explicit psycholinguistic models of how people encode information status and use it for language production and comprehension.WIREs Cogn Sci2013, 4:403–413. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1234This article is categorized under:Linguistics > Language in Mind and BrainPsychology > Language
Music perception and cognition: development, neural basis, and rehabilitative use of music
Authors: Särkämö Teppo , Tervaniemi Mari , Huotilainen Minna 
Published: March 2013

AbstractMusic is a highly versatile form of art and communication that has been an essential part of human society since its early days. Neuroimaging studies indicate that music is a powerful stimulus also for the human brain, engaging not just the auditory cortex but also a vast, bilateral network of temporal, frontal, parietal, cerebellar, and limbic brain areas that govern auditory perception, syntactic and semantic processing, attention and memory, emotion and mood control, and motor skills. Studies of amusia, a severe form of musical impairment, highlight the right temporal and frontal cortices as the core neural substrates for adequate perception and production of music. Many of the basic auditory and musical skills, such as pitch and timbre perception, start developing already in utero, and babies are born with a natural preference for music and singing. Music has many important roles and functions throughout life, ranging from emotional self‐regulation, mood enhancement, and identity formation to promoting the development of verbal, motor, cognitive, and social skills and maintaining their healthy functioning in old age. Music is also used clinically as a part of treatment in many illnesses, which involve affective, attention, memory, communication, or motor deficits. Although more research is still needed, current evidence suggests that music‐based rehabilitation can be effective in many developmental, psychiatric, and neurological disorders, such as autism, depression, schizophrenia, and stroke, as well as in many chronic somatic illnesses that cause pain and anxiety. WIREs Cogn Sci 2013, 4:441–451. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1237This article is categorized under:

Psychology > Brain Function and Dysfunction
Psychology > Perception and Psychophysics
Neuroscience > Cognition