bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metallothionein multigene family expression is differentially affected by Chromium (III) and (VI) in Solanum nigrum L. plants
Authors: Teixeira Jorge , Ferraz Pedro , Almeida Agostinho , Verde Nuno , Fidalgo Fernanda 
Published: June 2013

AbstractSolanum nigrum L. plants were grown in hydroponic systems exposed to Cr (III) or Cr (VI) under two different exposure regimes (a 4‐week prolonged treatment with lower concentrations and a 1‐week shock treatment with higher concentrations), to determinate the effects of Cr exposure on plant metabolism and growth and to define the Cr phytoremediation potential of this plant species. The data obtained shows that only Cr (VI) induced the appearance of visible symptoms of metal toxicity (reduction of root and shoot growth and fresh mass), while none of the Cr oxidation states caused induction of lipid peroxidation, in terms of malondialdehyde content, neither affected total chlorophyll and carotenoids content. An increase of free proline content in shoots from plants exposed to both Cr (VI) treatments and to a prolonged 375 μmol L−1 Cr (III) exposure was found, as well as in roots from shock treatments with both metals. The levels of Cr (III) and Cr (VI) quantified in these plants' tissues do not allow this plant species to be considered as a hyperaccumulator for Cr, but these plants can be used to phytostabilize this pollutant. The metallothioneins (MT) mRNA accumulation analysis showed that Cr (III) induced an increased accumulation of MT2a‐related transcripts in both roots and shoots, and of MT1‐ and MT2d‐related transcripts only in roots, whereas Cr (VI) induced the accumulation of MT2a‐ and MT2d‐related transcripts only in roots from the shock treatment, and the de novo accumulation of the MT2c‐related transcripts only in shoots, suggesting that these MTs are related to the Cr homeostasis in S. nigrum.
Recommended Joint and Meta‐Analysis Strategies for Case‐Control Association Testing of Single Low‐Count Variants
Authors: Ma Clement , Blackwell Tom , Boehnke Michael , Scott Laura J. 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTIn genome‐wide association studies of binary traits, investigators typically use logistic regression to test common variants for disease association within studies, and combine association results across studies using meta‐analysis. For common variants, logistic regression tests are well calibrated, and meta‐analysis of study‐specific association results is only slightly less powerful than joint analysis of the combined individual‐level data. In recent sequencing and dense chip based association studies, investigators increasingly test low‐frequency variants for disease association. In this paper, we seek to (1) identify the association test with maximal power among tests with well controlled type I error rate and (2) compare the relative power of joint and meta‐analysis tests. We use analytic calculation and simulation to compare the empirical type I error rate and power of four logistic regression based tests: Wald, score, likelihood ratio, and Firth bias‐corrected. We demonstrate for low‐count variants (roughly minor allele count [MAC] < 400) that: (1) for joint analysis, the Firth test has the best combination of type I error and power; (2) for meta‐analysis of balanced studies (equal numbers of cases and controls), the score test is best, but is less powerful than Firth test based joint analysis; and (3) for meta‐analysis of sufficiently unbalanced studies, all four tests can be anti‐conservative, particularly the score test. We also establish MAC as the key parameter determining test calibration for joint and meta‐analysis.
Adiponectin Is a Candidate Biomarker of Lower Extremity Bone Density in Men With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Doherty Ashley L , Battaglino Ricardo A , Donovan Jayne , Gagnon David , Lazzari Antonio A , Garshick Eric , Zafonte Ross , Morse Leslie R 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACT

Adipose tissue is a major regulator of bone metabolism and in the general population obesity is associated with greater bone mineral density (BMD). However, bone-fat interactions are multifactorial, and may involve pathways that influence both bone formation and resorption with competing effects on the skeleton. One such pathway involves adipocyte production of adipokines that regulate bone metabolism. In this study we determined the association between BMD, walking status, and circulating adipokines (adiponectin and leptin) in 149 men with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). Although adipokine levels did not vary significantly based on walking status, there was a significant inverse association between adiponectin and BMD in wheelchair users independent of body composition. We found no association between adiponectin and BMD in the walkers and no association between leptin and BMD in either group. These findings suggest that for subjects with chronic SCI, walking may mitigate the effect of adiponectin mediated bone loss. For wheelchair users, adipose-derived adiponectin may contribute to SCI-induced osteoporosis because the osteoprotective benefits of obesity appear to require mechanical loading during ambulation. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Magnesium Metabolism in 4-Year-Old to 8-Year-Old Children
Authors: Abrams Steven A , Chen Zhensheng , Hawthorne Keli M 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACT

Magnesium (Mg) is a key factor in bone health, but few studies have evaluated Mg intake or absorption and their relationship with bone mineral content (BMC) or bone mineral density (BMD) in children. We measured Mg intake, absorption, and urinary excretion in a group of children 4 to 8 years of age. Mg absorption was determined using a dual-tracer stable isotope technique, with 25Mg given intravenously and 26Mg given orally. We found a small, but significantly greater Mg absorption efficiency (percentage absorption) in males than females (67% ± 12% versus 60% ± 8%, p = 0.02) but no difference in estimated net Mg retention (average of 37 mg/d in both males and females). Relating dietary Mg intake to estimated Mg retention showed that an intake of 133 mg/d, slightly above the current estimated average requirement (EAR) of 110 mg/d, led to a net average retention of 10 mg/d, the likely minimum growth-related need for this age group. Covariate analysis showed that Mg intake and total Mg absorption, but not calcium intake or total absorption were significantly associated with both total body BMC and BMD. These results suggest that usual Mg intakes in small children in the United States meet dietary requirements in most but not all children. Within the usual range of children's diets in the United States, dietary Mg intake and absorption may be important, relatively unrecognized factors in bone health. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
K‐Pg extinction patterns in marine and freshwater environments: The impact winter model
Authors: Robertson Douglas S. , Lewis William M. , Sheehan Peter M. , Toon Owen B. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe Chicxulub asteroid impact produced massive extinction in terrestrial environments most likely through an intense heat pulse and subsequent widespread fires. Aquatic environments were shielded from this heat and fire but nevertheless showed massive extinction in marine environments and, for reasons unexplained, far less extinction in freshwater environments. Extinction in marine environments resulted from the effects of an “impact winter” caused by dust and smoke in the atmosphere that extinguished sunlight at the Earth's surface for a period of months to years. The resulting cessation of photosynthesis caused a globally extensive extinction of phytoplankton taxa. Because aquatic ecosystems, unlike terrestrial environments, are strongly dependent on daily photosynthetic output by autotrophs, loss of phytoplankton likely caused catastrophic mortality and extinction in aquatic ecosystems. Other potential causes of mortality in aquatic ecosystems include lower ambient temperatures and anoxia due to the lack of photosynthetic oxygen. Inland waters, although probably subject to high mortality, showed lower proportionate extinction than marine environments probably because of the greater potential among the freshwater taxa for dormancy, the greater efficiency of reaeration by rapid flow to offset oxygen demand, abundant thermal refugia fed by groundwater at moderate temperatures, and preadaptation of freshwater taxa to a great degree of environmental variability. In addition, detrital feeders appear to have had low extinction rates in either marine or freshwater environments, but again freshwater taxa would have been favored by higher renewal rates of detrital organic matter as a result of their direct hydrologic contact with soil.
Severity and prognostic assessment of the endotoxin activity assay in biliary tract infection
Authors: Sato Mari , Matsuyama Ryusei , Kadokura Toshiaki , Mori Ryutaro , Kumamoto Takafumi , Nojiri Kazunori , Taniguchi Koichi , Takeda Kazuhisa , Kubota Kensuke , Tanaka Kuniya , Endo Itaru 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundAcute cholangitis and cholecystitis (AC) often progress to severe septic conditions. We evaluated the endotoxin activity assay (EAA) for assessment and prediction of the severity of AC.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 98 patients diagnosed with AC. We divided them into low (<0.4) and high (≥0.4) groups based on EAA values.ResultsEndotoxin levels showed no correlation with EAA values. Serum C‐reactive protein (8.57 vs. 5.23 mg/dl, P = 0.02), procalcitonin (2.45 vs. 0.48 ng/ml, P = 0.004), and the positive culture rate of blood (50% vs. 15%, P < 0.001) were significantly higher in the high group than in the low group. Platelet counts were significantly lower in the high group than in the low group (23.9 vs. 13.5 104/ml, P = 0.004). The ratio of patients with a Japanese Association for Acute Medicine disseminated intravascular coagulation score ≥4 (32% vs. 14%, P = 0.032) was significantly higher in the high group than in the low group. There was a significantly higher percentage of patients with a severe grade of AC in the high group than patients with a mild or moderate grade (32% vs. 15%, P = 0.05).ConclusionsEndotoxin activity assay is useful for assessment and early prediction of septic conditions due to AC.
Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leak repair: A five‐year prospective evaluation
Authors: Chaaban Mohamad R. , Illing Elisa , Riley Kristen O. , Woodworth Bradford A. 
Published: June 2013

Objectives/HypothesisMounting evidence indicates the majority of spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are associated with intracranial hypertension. The objectives of the current study were to assess outcomes regarding spontaneous CSF leaks focusing on premorbid factors, surgical technique, and management of intracranial pressure.Study DesignProspective cohort.MethodsProspective evaluation of patients with spontaneous CSF leaks was performed. Data regarding demographics, nature of presentation, body mass index (BMI), location and size of defect, intracranial pressure, clinical follow‐up, and complications were collected.ResultsOver 5 years, 46 patients (average age, 51 years) with 56 spontaneous CSF leaks were treated by a single otolaryngologist. Twenty‐one subjects presented with recurrence of their CSF leak following previous endoscopic and/or open approaches by other physicians. Obesity was present in 78% of individuals (average BMI, 35.6). Fifty‐two CSF leaks (93%) were successfully repaired at first attempt. With secondary repair, all CSF leaks were closed at last clinical follow‐up (average, 93 weeks). Three patients developed late failures (>2 months), with one recurrence at a distinct location from the primary site at 8 months postprocedure (associated with ventriculoperitoneal shunt failure). Opening pressures via lumbar puncture averaged 24.3 ± 8.3 cm H20, which increased significantly to 32.3 ± 9.0 cm H20 (P < .0001) following closure of the skull base defect(s). Management of intracranial hypertension included acetazolamide (n = 23) or permanent CSF diversion (n = 19, including five revisions of failed preexisting shunts).ConclusionsAlthough spontaneous CSF leaks have the highest recurrence rate of any etiology, prospective evaluation demonstrates high success rates with control of intracranial hypertension.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 124:70–75, 2014
Exploring the Molecular Basis of Qobc1 Complex Inhibitors Activity to Find Novel Antimalarials Hits
Authors: Carrasco Marta P. , Gut Jiri , Rodrigues Tiago , Ribeiro Maria H. L. , Lopes Francisca , Rosenthal Philip J. , Moreira Rui , dos Santos Daniel J. V. A. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractCytochrome bc1 complex is a crucial element in the mitochondrial respiratory chain, being indispensable for the survival of several species of Plasmodia that cause malaria and, therefore, it is a promising target for antimalarial drug development. We report a molecular docking study building on the most recently obtained X‐ray structure of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae bc1 complex (PDB code: 3CX5) using several reported inhibitors with experimentally determined IC50 values against the Plasmodium falciparum bc1 complex. We produced a molecular docking model that correlated the calculated binding free energy with the experimental inhibitory activity of each compound. This Qo model was used to search the drug‐like database included in the MOE package for novel potential bc1 complex inhibitors. Twenty three compounds were chosen to be tested for their antimalarial activity and four of these compounds demonstrated activity against the chloroquine‐resistant W2 strain of P. falciparum. The most active compounds were also active against the atovaquone‐resistant P. falciparum FCR3 strain and S. cerevisiae. Our study suggests the validity of the yeast bc1 complex structure as a model for the discovery of new antimalarial hits.
Cardiometabolic risks during anabolic hormone supplementation in older men
Authors: He J. , Bhasin S. , Binder E.F. , Yarasheski K.E. , Castaneda‐Sceppa C. , Schroeder E.T. , Roubenoff R. , Chou C.‐P. , Azen S.P. , Sattler F.R. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractObjective:To determine the cardiometabolic risks of testosterone and growth hormone (GH) replacement therapy to youthful levels during aging.Design and Methods:A double‐masked, partially placebo controlled study in 112 men 65‐90 years‐old was conducted. Transdermal testosterone (5 g vs. 10 g/day) using a Leydig Cell Clamp and subcutaneous recombinant GH (rhGH) (0 vs. 3 vs. 5 μg/kg/day) were administered for 16‐weeks. Measurements included testosterone and IGF‐1 levels, body composition by DEXA, and cardiometabolic risk factors (upper body fat, blood pressure, insulin sensitivity, fasting triglycerides, HDL‐cholesterol, and serum adiponectin) at baseline and after 16 weeks of treatment.Results:Some cardiometabolic factors improved (total and trunk fat, triglycerides, HDL‐cholesterol) and others worsened (systolic blood pressure, insulin sensitivity index [QUICKI], adiponectin). Cardiometabolic risk composite scores (CRCSs) improved (−0.69 ± 1.55, P < 0.001). In multivariate analyses, QUICKI, triglycerides, and HDL‐cholesterol contributed 33%, 16%, and 14% of the variance in CRCS, respectively. Pathway analyses indicated that changes in fat and lean mass were related to individual cardiometabolic variables and CRCS in a complex manner. Changes in BMI, reflecting composite effects of changes in fat and lean mass, were more robustly associated with cardiometabolic risks than changes in fat mass or LBM individually.Conclusions:Testosterone and rhGH administration was associated with diverse changes in individual cardiometabolic risk factors, but in aggregate appeared not to worsen cardiometabolic risk in healthy older men after 4‐months. The long‐term effects of these and similar anabolic therapies on cardiovascular events should be investigated in populations with greater functional limitations along with important health disabilities including upper body obesity and other cardiometabolic risks.
Serum amyloid A is found on ApoB‐containing lipoproteins in obese humans with diabetes
Authors: Jahangiri Anisa , Wilson Patricia G. , Hou Tianfei , Brown Aparna , King Victoria L. , Tannock Lisa R. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractObjective:In murine models of obesity/diabetes, there is an increase in plasma serum amyloid A (SAA) levels along with redistribution of SAA from high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) to apolipoprotein B (apoB)‐containing lipoprotein particles, namely, low‐density lipoprotein and very low‐density lipoprotein. The goal of this study was to determine if obesity is associated with similar SAA lipoprotein redistribution in humans.Design and Methods:Three groups of obese individuals were recruited from a weight loss clinic: healthy obese (n = 14), metabolic syndrome (MetS) obese (n = 8), and obese with type 2 diabetes (n = 6). Plasma was separated into lipoprotein fractions by fast protein liquid chromatography, and SAA was measured in lipid fractions using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and Western blotting.Results:Only the obese diabetic group had SAA detectable in apoB‐containing lipoproteins, and SAA reverted back to HDL with active weight loss.Conclusions:In human subjects, SAA is found in apoB‐containing lipoprotein particles only in obese subjects with type 2 diabetes, but not in healthy obese or obese subjects with MetS.
Maternal serum leptin during pregnancy and infant birth weight: The influence of maternal overweight and obesity
Authors: Misra Vinod K. , Straughen Jennifer K. , Trudeau Sheri 
Published: June 2013

AbstractObjective:Few studies have examined whether the distinct metabolic patterns found in obese and nonobese pregnant women have different effects on the growing fetus. Our objective was to estimate the influence of longitudinal variation in maternal serum leptin levels on variation in infant birth weight in overweight/obese versus normal‐weight women.Design and Methods:In a prospective cohort of 286 gravidas, maternal weight and serum leptin levels at 6–10, 10–14, 16–20, 22–26, and 32–36 weeks gestation were measured. Effects of leptin levels on infant birth weight adjusted for gestational age at delivery (aBW) were analyzed using a linear regression model that accounted for the relationship of time‐varying predictors to the log‐transformed leptin concentrations.Results:Different relationships of aBW to maternal serum leptin and its rate of change across pregnancy were exhibited by overweight/obese and normal‐weight gravidas. For normal‐weight women, aBW is not associated with either the magnitude of the logarithm of the leptin concentration or with its rate of change in either the first or second half of pregnancy. Conversely, for overweight/obese women, an increase in the rate of change in maternal serum leptin in the second half of pregnancy is significantly associated with a decrease in aBW. This effect is distinct from that of maternal weight.Conclusion:Differences in the effect of maternal serum leptin on fetal growth between overweight/ obese and normal‐weight women suggest metabolic and physiologic heterogeneity between these groups. Such differences may be involved in the long‐term physiologic effects of the obese intrauterine environment on the health of the offspring.
Anthropometric markers of obesity and mortality in white and African American adults: The pennington center longitudinal study
Authors: Katzmarzyk Peter T. , Mire Emily , Bray George A. , Greenway Frank L. , Heymsfield Steven B. , Bouchard Claude 
Published: June 2013

AbstractObjective:The purpose of this study was to determine the association between anthropometric measures of obesity and all‐cause mortality in white and African American men and women.Design and Methods:The sample included 14,343 adults 18‐89 years of age. Height, weight, and waist and hip circumferences were measured, and the BMI (kg m−2), body adiposity index (BAI = ([hip circumference in centimeters]/[height in meters])1.5 – 18), waist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR) and waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR) were computed. Vital status of the participants was determined from linkage with the National Death Index through 2009. Cox regression was used to assess the association between anthropometry and all‐cause mortality, adjusting for age, sex, year of baseline examination, study code, smoking status, alcohol consumption and physical activity. Hazard ratios (HR) are expressed per standard deviation of each variable.Results:A total of 438 deaths occurred during 120,637 person‐years of follow‐up. All anthropometric markers demonstrated significant associations with all‐cause mortality in white subjects. In multivariable‐adjusted models, BMI (HR 1.34; 95% CI: 1.19‐1.50), waist circumference (1.41; 1.25‐1.60), BAI (1.34; 1.17‐1.53), WHtR (1.46; 1.28‐1.65), and WHR (1.40; 1.23‐1.61) all demonstrated significant relationships with mortality in white participants, but not in African Americans. In categorical analyses, there was a significant association between BMI status and mortality in whites but not African Americans. However, the risk associated with elevated waist circumference was similar in whites (1.49; 1.15‐1.94) and African Americans (1.60; 1.06‐2.40).Conclusion:In summary, this study has demonstrated race differences in the association between anthropometry and all‐cause mortality.
Optimizing healthy gestational weight gain in women at high risk of gestational diabetes: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Harrison Cheryce L. , Lombard Catherine B. , Strauss Boyd J. , Teede Helena J. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractObjective:Optimizing gestational weight gain (GWG) in early pregnancy is of clinical and public health importance, especially in higher risk pregnancies.Design and Methods:In a robustly designed, randomized controlled trial, 228 pregnant women at risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) were allocated to either control (written health information only) or intervention (four‐session lifestyle program). All women received standard maternal care. Measures were completed at 12‐15 and 26‐28 weeks gestation. Measures included anthropometrics (weight and height), physical activity (pedometer and International Physical Activity Questionnaire), questionnaires (risk perception), and GDM screening.Results:The mean (SD) age [31.7 (4.5) and 32.4 (4.7) years] and body mass index [BMI; 30.3 (5.9) and 30.4 (5.6) kg/m2] were similar between control and intervention groups, respectively. By 28 weeks, GWG was significantly different between control and intervention groups [6.9 (3.3) vs. 6.0 (2.8) kg, P < 0.05]. When stratified according to baseline BMI, overweight women in the control group gained significantly more weight compared to overweight women in the intervention group [7.8 (3.4) vs. 6.0 (2.2) kg, P < 0.05], yet in obese women, GWG was similar in both groups. Physical activity levels declined by 28 weeks gestation overall (P < 0.01); however, the intervention group retained a 20% higher step count compared to controls [5,203 (3,368) vs. 4,140 (2,420) steps/day, P < 0.05]. Overall, GDM prevalence was 22%, with a trend toward less cases in the intervention group (P = 0.1).Conclusions:Results indicate that a low‐intensity lifestyle intervention, integrated with antenatal care, optimizes healthy GWG and attenuates physical activity decline in early pregnancy. Efficacy in limiting weight gain was greatest in overweight women and in high‐risk ethnically diverse women.