bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A randomized, phase 3 trial of naltrexone SR/bupropion SR on weight and obesity‐related risk factors (COR‐II)
Authors: Apovian Caroline M. , Aronne Louis , Rubino Domenica , Still Christopher , Wyatt Holly , Burns Colleen , Kim Dennis , Dunayevich Eduardo ,   for the COR‐II Study Group
Published: February 2013

AbstractObjective:To examine the effects of naltrexone/bupropion (NB) combination therapy on weight and weight‐related risk factors in overweight and obese participants.Design and Methods:CONTRAVE Obesity Research‐II (COR‐II) was a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study of 1,496 obese (BMI 30‐45 kg/m2) or overweight (27‐45 kg/m2 with dyslipidemia and/or hypertension) participants randomized 2:1 to combined naltrexone sustained‐release (SR) (32 mg/day) plus bupropion SR (360 mg/day) (NB32) or placebo for up to 56 weeks. The co‐primary endpoints were percent weight change and proportion achieving ≥5% weight loss at week 28.Results:Significantly (P < 0.001) greater weight loss was observed with NB32 versus placebo at week 28 (−6.5% vs. −1.9%) and week 56 (−6.4% vs. −1.2%). More NB32‐treated participants (P < 0.001) experienced ≥5% weight loss versus placebo at week 28 (55.6% vs. 17.5%) and week 56 (50.5% vs. 17.1%). NB32 produced greater improvements in various cardiometabolic risk markers, participant‐reported weight‐related quality of life, and control of eating. The most common adverse event with NB was nausea, which was generally mild to moderate and transient. NB was not associated with increased events of depression or suicidality versus placebo.Conclusion:NB represents a novel pharmacological approach to the treatment of obesity, and may become a valuable new therapeutic option.
Caesarean section and body mass index among danish men
Authors: Svensson Elisabeth , Hyde Matthew , Modi Neena , Ehrenstein Vera 
Published: February 2013

AbstractObjective:We conducted a prevalence study to examine the association between Caesarean section and body mass index (BMI) in 21,051 adult Danish men born in 1977‐1983 who presented for mandatory conscription evaluation around age 18 years.Design and methods:Data on BMI from conscription records were linked to the men's birth records to identify mode of delivery and other perinatal data.Results:Two thousand one hundred thirty‐eight men (10%) had been delivered by a Caesarean section. Prevalence of obesity at conscription was 6% for those born vaginally and 9% for those born by a Caesarean section. The adjusted prevalence ratio (PR) for obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) was 1.35 (95% CI 1.14‐1.60); the adjusted PR for overweight (25 ≤ BMI < 30 kg/m2) was 1.05 (95% CI 0.94‐1.17). The adjusted mean difference in BMI was 0.38 kg/m2 (95% CI 0.16‐0.60) comparing men born by Caesarean versus vaginal delivery. The estimates were similar for planned and nonplanned Caesarean deliveries.Conclusion:Birth by a Caesarean section was associated with an increased risk of obesity among men.
An automated algorithm to identify and quantify brown adipose tissue in human 18F‐FDG‐PET/CT scans
Authors: Ruth Megan R. , Wellman Tyler , Mercier Gustavo , Szabo Thomas , Apovian Caroline M. 
Published: February 2013

ObjectiveTo develop an algorithm to identify and quantify BAT from PET/CT scans without radiologist interpretation.Design and MethodsCases (n = 17) were randomly selected from PET/CT scans with documented “brown fat” by the reviewing radiologist. Controls (n = 18) had no documented “brown fat” and were matched with cases for age (49.7 [31.0‐63.0] vs. 52.4 [24.0‐70.0] yrs), outdoor temperature at scan date (51.8 [38.9‐77.0] vs. 54.9 [35.2‐74.6] °F), sex (F/M: 15/2 cases; 16/2 controls) and BMI (28.2 [20.0‐45.7] vs. 26.8 [21.4‐37.1] kg/m2]). PET/CT scans and algorithm‐generated images were read by the same radiologist blinded to scan identity. Regions examined included neck, mediastinum, supraclavicular fossae, axilla and paraspinal soft tissues. BAT was scored 0 for no BAT; 1 for faint uptake possibly compatible with BAT or unknown; and 2 for BAT positive.ResultsAgreement between the algorithm and PET/CT scan readings was 85.7% across all regions. The algorithm had a low false negative (1.6%) and higher false positive rate (12.7%). The false positive rate was greater in mediastinum, axilla and neck regions.ConclusionThe algorithm's low false negative rate combined with further refinement will yield a useful tool for efficient BAT identification in a rapidly growing field particularly as it applies to obesity.
A randomized trial of energy‐restricted high‐protein versus high‐carbohydrate, low‐fat diet in morbid obesity
Authors: Dalle Grave Riccardo , Calugi Simona , Gavasso Ilaria , El Ghoch Marwan , Marchesini Giulio 
Published: February 2013

ObjectiveConflicting evidence exists as to weight loss produced by diets with different carbohydrate/protein ratio. The aim was to compare the long‐term effects of high‐protein vs. high‐carbohydrate diet (HPD, HCD), combined with cognitive behavior therapy (CBT).Design and MethodsIn a randomized trial, 88 obese participants (mean age, 46.7; mean BMI, 45.6 kg m−2) were enrolled in a 3‐week inpatient and 48‐week outpatient treatment, with continuous CBT during the study period. All subjects consumed a restricted diet (1,200 kcal day−1 for women, 1,500 for men; 20% energy from fat, <10% saturated fat). HPD derived 34% energy from proteins, 46% from carbohydrates; HCD 17% from proteins, 64% from carbohydrates. The primary outcome was 1‐year percent weight loss. Secondary outcomes were attrition rates and changes in cardiovascular risk factors and psychological profile.ResultsAttrition rates were similar between groups (25.6%). In the intention‐to‐treat analysis, weight loss averaged 15.0% in HPD and 13.3% in HCD at 1 year, without any difference throughout the study period. Both diets produced a similar improvement in secondary outcomes.ConclusionsThe relative carbohydrate and protein content of the diet, when combined with intensive CBT, does not significantly affect attrition rate, weight loss and psychosocial outcome in patients with severe obesity.
Associations of leukocyte telomere length with body anthropometric indices and weight change in chinese women
Authors: Cui Yong , Gao Yu‐Tang , Cai Qiuyin , Qu Shimian , Cai Hui , Li Hong‐Lan , Wu Jie , Ji Bu‐Tian , Yang Gong , Chow Wong‐Ho , Shu Xiao‐Ou , Zheng Wei 
Published: February 2013

Objective: This study evaluated associations of telomere length with various anthropometric indices of general and abdominal obesity, as well as weight change.Design and Methods: The study included 2,912 Chinese women aged 40‐70 years. Monochrome multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction was applied to measure relative telomere length.Results: Telomere length was inversely associated with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, waist‐to‐height ratio, weight, and hip circumference (Ptrend = 0.005, 0.004, 0.004, 0.010, and 0.026, respectively), but not waist‐to‐hip ratio (Ptrend = 0.116) or height (Ptrend = 0.675). Weight change since age 50 was further evaluated among women over age 55. Women who maintained their weight within ±5% since age 50, particularly within a normal range (BMI = 18.5‐24.9 kg/m2), or reduced their weight from overweight (BMI = 25‐29.9 kg/m2) or obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) to normal range, had a longer mean of current telomere length than women who gained weight since age 50 (Ptrend = 0.025), particularly those who stayed in obesity or gained weight from normal range or overweight to obesity (P = 0.023).Conclusion: Our findings show that telomere shortening is associated with obesity and that maintaining body weight within a normal range helps maintain telomere length.
Metabolic disregulation in obese adolescents with sleep‐disordered breathing before and after weight loss
Authors: Van Hoorenbeeck K. , Franckx H. , Debode P. , Aerts P. , Ramet J. , Gaal L. F. Van , Desager K. N. , Backer W. A. De , Verhulst S. L. 
Published: February 2013

ObjectiveSleep‐disordered breathing (SDB) is prevalent in obesity. Weight loss is one of the most effective treatment options. The aim was to assess the association of SDB and metabolic disruption before and after weight loss.Design and MethodsObese adolescents were included when entering an in‐patient weight loss program. Fasting blood analysis was performed at baseline and after 4‐6 months. Sleep screening was done at baseline and at follow‐up in case of baseline SDB.Results224 obese adolescents were included. Median age was 15.5 years (10.1‐18.0) and mean BMI z‐score was 2.74 ± 0.42. About 30% had SDB at baseline (N = 68). High‐density lipoprotein (HDL)‐cholesterol was associated with mean nocturnal oxygen saturation (<SaO2>) (partial r = 0.21; P = 0.002). Aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) and alanine aminotransferase were related with oxygen desaturation index (partial r = −0.15; P = 0.03 and partial r = −0.15; P = 0.02), but this became insignificant after correction for sex. After weight loss, 24% had residual SDB. Linear regression showed an association between ASAT and <SaO2> (partial r = −0.34; P = 0.002). There were no significant correlations between improvements in laboratory measurements and sleep parameters. HDL‐cholesterol improved in relation with the decrease in BMI z‐score.ConclusionSDB at baseline was associated with higher levels of liver enzymes and lower HDL‐cholesterol concentration. Improvements in sleep parameters were not associated with improvements in laboratory measurements. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2013
Abdominal fat is associated with a greater brain reward response to high‐calorie food cues in hispanic women
Authors: Luo Shan , Romero Ana , Adam Tanja C. , Hu Houchun H. , Monterosso John , Page Kathleen A. 
Published: February 2013

ObjectiveExposure to high‐calorie foods may promote overeating by stimulating brain reward pathways and appetite. Abdominal fat has particularly adverse metabolic consequences and may alter brain pathways that regulate feeding behavior. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to test the hypothesis that high‐calorie food cues activate brain reward regions and increase appetite, and to examine the relationship between abdominal fat and brain reward responsiveness in Hispanic women.Design and MethodsfMRI was performed while 13 volunteers viewed 12 blocks of pictures of food and non‐food items. Participants rated hunger and food desire after each block of pictures. Brain activation to high‐calorie foods was determined by calculating a contrast of high‐calorie food minus non‐food images. Pearson's correlations were used to test the relationship between brain reward activation and waist circumference.ResultsHigh‐calorie food images activated brain reward regions (Z > 2.3, P < 0.05 corrected for multiple comparisons) and increased hunger (P = 0.001), desire for sweet (P = 0.012) and savory (P = 0.009) foods. The striatal response to high‐calorie foods positively correlated with waist circumference, independent of BMI (r = 0.621, P = 0.031).ConclusionsExposure to high‐calorie food images activates brain reward pathways and increases appetitive drive in Hispanic females. Abdominal fat, independent of BMI, parallels striatal responsiveness to high‐calorie food images.
Effect of longitudinal changes in visceral fat area on incidence of metabolic risk factors: The hitachi health study
Authors: Matsushita Yumi , Nakagawa Toru , Yamamoto Shuichiro , Takahashi Yoshihiko , Yokoyama Tetsuji , Mizoue Tetsuya , Noda Mitsuhiko 
Published: February 2013

ObjectiveTo examine the incidences of metabolic risk factors according to changes in visceral fat area (VFA) in a large Japanese population.Design and MethodsThe subjects were 973 men who received a computed tomography (CT) examination in health checkups twice (2004‐2005 and 2007‐2008), and not having two or more of metabolic risk factors (except for the waist circumference) in 2004‐2005. VFA was measured using CT. To assess the potential influence of changes in VFA for the 3‐year incidences of each metabolic risk factor and clustering metabolic risk factors, logistic regression analyses were used.ResultsA significant association was observed between the change in VFA and the components of the metabolic risk factors. Incidences of the components of the metabolic risk factors were significantly higher among subjects with a larger increase in VFA and were significantly lower among subjects with a larger decrease in VFA (trend P < 0.001). Significant increases in the odds ratios for the incidences of high triglycerides and low high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol level were observed among subjects with ≥50 cm2 VFA increase.ConclusionsThe adoption of a lifestyle that does not increase the VFA is important for preventing metabolic syndrome.
Alternate day fasting and endurance exercise combine to reduce body weight and favorably alter plasma lipids in obese humans
Authors: Bhutani Surabhi , Klempel Monica C. , Kroeger Cynthia M. , Trepanowski John F. , Varady Krista A. 
Published: February 2013

ObjectiveThis study examined whether the combination of alternate day fasting (ADF) plus exercise produces superior changes in body composition and plasma lipid levels when compared to each intervention alone.Design and MethodsObese subjects (n = 64) were randomized to 1 of 4 groups for 12 weeks: 1) combination (ADF plus endurance exercise), 2) ADF, 3) exercise, or 4) control.ResultsBody weight was reduced (P < 0.05) by 6 ± 4 kg, 3 ± 1 kg, and 1 ± 0 kg in the combination, ADF, and exercise groups, respectively. Fat mass and waist circumference decreased (P < 0.001), while lean mass was retained in the combination group. Low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol decreased (12 ± 5%, P < 0.05) and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol increased (18 ± 9%, P < 0.05) in the combination group only. LDL particle size increased (P < 0.001) by 4 ± 1 Å and 5 ± 1 Å in the combination and ADF groups, respectively. The proportion of small HDL particles decreased (P < 0.01) in the combination group only.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that the combination produces superior changes in body weight, body composition, and lipid indicators of heart disease risk, when compared to individual treatments.
DANGER ZONES OF CORRUPTION: HOW MANAGEMENT OF THE MINISTERIAL BUREAUCRACY AFFECTS CORRUPTION RISKS IN POLAND
Authors: Heywood Paul , Meyer‐Sahling Jan‐Hinrik 
Published: February 2013

SUMMARYThis article examines the relationship between management of the ministerial bureaucracy and the risk of high‐level corruption in Poland. Four danger zones of corruption in the ministerial bureaucracy are distinguished, comprising the personalisation of appointments, the emergence of multiple dependencies, the screening capacity of the personnel system and the incentive of bureaucrats to develop a reputation of honesty and competence. Empirically, the article investigates the case of Poland from 1997 until 2007 and sets the findings in a comparative East Central European perspective. The article shows that corruption risks in the ministerial bureaucracy increased in most but not all danger zones after 2001 and, in particular, during the period of the centre‐right governments that were in office between 2005 and 2007. The increase in corruption risks is reflected in Poland's deteriorating corruption record during the same period. The conclusion discusses the findings with regard to alternative causes of corruption and the relationship between civil service professionalisation and corruption in other East Central European countries. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
AID EFFECTIVENESS AND THE PARIS DECLARATION: A MISMATCH BETWEEN OWNERSHIP AND RESULTS‐BASED MANAGEMENT?
Authors: Sjöstedt Martin 
Published: February 2013

SUMMARYAlthough recent years have witnessed substantial changes in the global aid architecture, less effort has been devoted to investigating the process of implementing those changes. By using the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) as an illustrative and critical case, this article shows how a donor development priority—gender—travels from Stockholm and headquarters to a Paris Declaration‐infused aid practice in three cases with different aid modalities: Tanzania, Zanzibar, and Cambodia. More specifically, the qualitative empirical investigation conducted here shows that the implementation of the new aid architecture puts severe and competing demands on development practitioners. At the core of this tension is the fact that although all donors are supposed to promote partner country ownership, harmonize their efforts with other donors, and align themselves with partner country priorities, results‐based management simultaneously implies not only a focus on continuously measuring and reporting results but also stricter prioritizations on behalf of donor governments. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High School Exit Exams and Dropout in an Era of Increased Accountability
Authors: Hemelt Steven W. , Marcotte Dave E. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractA key form of student‐level accountability is the requirement for students to pass high school exit exams (HSEEs) in order to receive a diploma. In this paper, we examine the impact of HSEEs on dropout during a period when these exams became more common and rigorous. Further, we study whether offering alternate pathways to graduation for students who cannot pass HSEEs moderates any dropout effects. Using a district‐grade‐level panel assembled from the Common Core of Data, we exploit the fact that new exit exam policies first affect a particular graduating class, so we can isolate the impact of exposure to HSEEs for students in one grade in a district separate from other unaffected grades in the same district. We estimate dropout effects by grade for all students, and by race, sex, and urbanicity. We find that HSEEs increase dropout rates for students in the 12th grade, with especially large effects for African‐American students. Dropout effects are uniformly larger in states that do not provide alternate pathways to receive a diploma or alternative credentials for students that cannot pass exit exams. We estimate that 1.25 percent of 12th graders in these states do not graduate with their high school class, likely due to having a diploma withheld because of inability to pass the requisite HSEE. © 2013 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Early pregnancy vaginal fluid phosphorylated insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐1 predicts preterm delivery
Authors: Kallioniemi Hanna , Rahkonen Leena , Heikinheimo Oskari , Paavonen Jorma 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTObjectiveWe aimed to study vaginal fluid phosphorylated insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐1 (phIGFBP‐1) testing in early pregnancy to predict spontaneous preterm delivery (PTD).MethodsVaginal and cervical swab samples were collected from 5180 unselected women during the first‐trimester (mean gestational age 13.1 weeks) ultrasound screening. PhIGFBP‐1 was measured in vaginal and cervical fluid by an immunoenzymometric assay. Concentrations of ≥10 µg/L were considered elevated. The outcome measure was spontaneous PTD at <32 or <37 weeks gestation.ResultsThe median concentrations of first‐trimester vaginal and cervical phIGFBP‐1 were higher in women with spontaneous PTD at <32 and <37 weeks gestation. When 10 µg/L of phIGFBP‐1 was used as a cut‐off level, the OR in predicting PTD at <32 weeks gestation was 8.6 (95% CI 3.6–20.7) for vaginal samples and 3.6 (95% CI 1.7–7.9) for cervical samples. At <37 weeks gestation, the OR in predicting PTD was 3.0 (95% CI 1.9–3.9) for vaginal samples and 1.9 (95% CI 1.4–2.5) for cervical samples. In multiple logistic regression analysis, both elevated vaginal and cervical fluid phIGFBP‐1 levels were independent predictors of PTD both at <32 and <37 weeks gestation.ConclusionFirst‐trimester vaginal phIGFBP‐1 performed better than cervical phIGFBP‐1 in the prediction of spontaneous PTD. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Statistical visualization for assessing performance of methods for safety surveillance using electronic databases
Authors: Li Xiaochun , Hui Siu , Ryan Patrick , Rosenman Marc , Overhage Marc 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTPurposeThe success of an epidemiological study for drug safety surveillance or comparative effectiveness depends largely on design and analysis strategies besides data quality. The Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership (OMOP) methods community implemented a collection of statistical methods with extensive parameters allowing a wide variety of designs and analyses. Our objective was to develop a visualization tool to explore which parameter settings may enable better predictive properties for a given method in a database.MethodsPerformance measures were produced for each setting, including sensitivity (recall), specificity (1‐FPR), AUC, MAP, andPk. Multiple regressions with relevant parameters as main effects were run for performance measures on all test cases and subgroups. Heatmaps with sequential palettes to indicate the parameters' impacts on performance measures were generated based on matrices of the standardized coefficients (t‐statistics) by parameter settings and test case subgroups.ResultsHeatmaps help researchers to explore design and analysis options of methods for evaluating a variety of drug–outcome relationships and also to explore data issues.ConclusionsStatistical visualization through heatmaps is a useful tool for summarizing and presenting method performance results and for the exploration of the parameter settings for method performance characteristics and data limitations. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fear of cancer recurrence in young early‐stage breast cancer survivors: the role of metacognitive style and disease‐related factors
Authors: Thewes B. , Bell M. L. , Butow P. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractObjectiveFear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a common challenge of cancer survivorship, particularly in younger survivors. Maladaptive metacognitions have been shown to be important to the development of a range of emotional disorders but have not previously been explored in the context of FCR.AimsThis study aimed to explore the relationship between FCR and a maladaptive metacognitions.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study included young women diagnosed with early‐stage breast cancer at least 1 year prior to study entry. Participants completed a web‐based questionnaire, which included the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory (FCRI) and the brief Metacognitions Questionnaire‐30 (MCQ‐30). Linear regression was used to calculate unadjusted and adjusted slope estimates of the association of FCR with six metacognition variables, the total score of the MCQ‐30 and the five subscales.ResultsTwo‐hundred and eighteen women with a mean age of 39 years at diagnosis participated. All measures of metacognitive style were moderately correlated with FCRI scores (r = 0.31–0.49) and significantly associated with FCRI in both unadjusted and adjusted models. Overall metacognitive style explained 36% of the variance in FCR scores in combination with disease and demographic factors. Negative metacognitions (R2 = 0.32) and need for control over cognition (R2 = 0.26) were the MCQ‐30 subscales most associated with higher FCR.ConclusionsUnhelpful metacognitions appear to play an important role in FCR in young women with early‐stage breast cancer. Treatments that focus on changing unhelpful metacognitions may prove a useful approach for treating clinical FCR in cancer survivors in the future. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.