bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation of Adiponectin Receptor Expression with Cytokines and Insulin Sensitivity in Growth Hormone (GH)-Treated Children with Prader-Willi Syndrome and in Non-GH-Treated Obese Children
Authors: Sohn Young Bae , Kwak Min Jung , Kim Su Jin , Park Sung Won , Kim Chi Hwa , Kim Mi Young , Kwon Eun Kyung , Paik Kyung Hoon , Jin Dong-Kyu 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
Context: Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), a genetic disorder characterized by obesity in early childhood, is reported to have elevated levels of adiponectin. The effects of adiponectin are mediated by adiponectin receptors (ADIPORs) that include ADIPOR1 and ADIPOR2. There is evidence that several cytokines, including adiponectin, TNF-α, and IL-6, are involved in insulin sensitivity.
Objective and Methods: We measured the relative expression of adiponectin, ADIPORs, several proinflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, and IL-6 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of children with PWS and obese comparators using real-time PCR. Their correlation with homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was analyzed.
Patients: Thirty children with PWS (median age 7.1 yr, 18 males, 12 females) that were being treated with GH and 32 obese children not receiving GH treatment (median age 9.1 yr, 15 males, 17 females) for comparison were enrolled.
Results: The PWS children had increased expression of ADIPOR2 (P = 0.02) and decreased expression of IL-6 (P = 0.03) compared with the comparison group. Moreover, there was a significant positive correlation between the ADIPORs and TNF-α (ADIPOR1 vs. TNF-α: r = 0.66, P &lt; 0.001 in PWS, r = 0.80, P &lt; 0.001 in comparison group; ADIPOR2 vs. TNF-α: r = 0.69, P &lt; 0.001 in comparison group). The ADIPORs in the comparison group showed significant negative correlation with HOMA-IR (ADIPOR1 vs. HOMA-IR; ρ = −0.41, P = 0.02, ADIPOR2 vs. HOMA-IR; ρ = −0.46, P &lt; 0.01).
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that inflammatory cytokine expression was closely associated with the expression of the ADIPORs in the PBMCs of both the children with PWS and the comparison group. Moreover, ADIPOR2 expression was highly expressed in the PBMCs of the children with PWS. A further study on the mechanism of increased expression of ADIPOR2 and its correlation with the expression of TNF-α in the PBMCs using the non-GH-treated PWS and obese control will be warranted because this study compared GH-treated PWS with an obese comparator group.
Leptin Replacement Prevents Weight Loss-Induced Metabolic Adaptation in Congenital Leptin-Deficient Patients
Authors: Galgani Jose E. , Greenway Frank L. , Caglayan Sinan , Wong Ma-Li , Licinio Julio , Ravussin Eric 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
Context: Leptin regulates energy homeostasis by suppressing food intake; however, its role in energy expenditure and fat oxidation remains uncertain in humans.
Objective: The aim of the study was to assess 24-h energy metabolism before and after weight loss induced by leptin treatment in congenital leptin-deficient subjects or low-calorie diet in controls.
Design and Patients: We measured 24-h energy expenditure, 24-h fat oxidation, and body fat in three null homozygous leptin-deficient obese adults before and after weight loss induced by a 19-wk leptin replacement period (0.02–0.04 mg/kg/d). The same measures were performed in three obese controls pair-matched for sex, age, and weight loss induced by a 10- to 21-wk low-calorie diet. Measurements were preceded for 1 wk of weight stabilization. Energy expenditure was adjusted for fat-free mass, fat mass, sex, and age based on a reference population (n = 842; R2 = 0.85; P &lt; 0.0001). Similarly, fat oxidation was adjusted for fat-free mass, percentage body fat, energy balance, and diet composition during the 24-h respiratory chamber stay (R2 = 0.38; P &lt; 0.0001).
Results: Before weight loss, congenital leptin-deficient and control subjects had similar energy expenditure. However, after weight loss (∼15 kg), controls had energy expenditures lower than expected for their new weight and body composition (−265 ± 76 kcal/d; P = 0.04), whereas leptin-treated subjects had values not different from the reference population (−128 ± 119 kcal/d; P = 0.67). Before weight loss, fat oxidation was similar between groups. However, after weight loss, leptin-treated subjects had higher fat oxidation than controls (P = 0.005) and higher than the reference population (P = 0.0001).
Conclusion: In congenital leptin-deficient subjects, leptin replacement prevented the decrease in energy expenditure and fat oxidation often observed after weight loss.
Obesity without Established Comorbidities of the Metabolic Syndrome Is Associated with a Proinflammatory and Prothrombotic State, Even before the Onset of Puberty in Children
Authors: Mauras Nelly , DelGiorno Charles , Kollman Craig , Bird Keisha , Morgan Melissa , Sweeten Shawn , Balagopal Prabhakaran , Damaso Ligeia 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
Background: Metabolic syndrome (MS)-related comorbidities in obesity, such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and glucose intolerance, are increasingly recognized in children, predisposing them to early cardiovascular disease.
Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate whether markers of inflammation and prothrombosis are abnormal in obese children without established MS comorbidities across puberty, as compared with lean, age-matched controls.
Subjects and Methods: Obese children (body mass index &gt;95%) with normal fasting glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides were recruited; lean controls (body mass index 10–75%) had no first-degree relatives with MS. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), IL-6, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, and fibrinogen concentrations were measured. Body composition was assessed by waist circumference and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry.
Results: Of 623 children screened, 203 enrolled (106 males, 97 females), aged 7–18 yr, 115 obese, 88 lean (balanced for age and gender), 99 prepubertal, and 104 pubertal. Many screen failures were due to silent comorbidities. Obese subjects with insulin resistance but without MS comorbidities had about 10 times higher hsCRP concentrations than controls and higher fibrinogen, IL-6, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (P &lt; 0.01 all). Differences were significant, even in the prepubertal cohort. hsCRP and fibrinogen correlated with waist circumference (r = 0.73 and 0.40, respectively) and percent fat mass (r = 0.76 and 0.47) (P &lt; 0.0001).
Conclusion: Childhood obesity per se is associated with a proinflammatory and prothrombotic state before other comorbidities of the MS are present and even before the onset of puberty. Whether biomarkers like hsCRP and fibrinogen are useful in assessing cardiovascular risk and whether these abnormalities are reversible with earlier therapeutic interventions in very young obese children requires further study.
Endocrine Aspects of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Attal Pierre , Chanson Philippe 
Published: January 2010

AbstractContext: Some endocrine and metabolic disorders are associated with a high frequency of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and treatment of the underlying endocrine disorder can improve and occasionally cure OSA. On the other hand, epidemiological and interventional studies suggest that OSA increases the cardiovascular risk, and a link between OSA and glucose metabolism has been suggested, via reduced sleep duration and/or quality.Evidence Acquisition: We reviewed the medical literature for key articles through June 2009.Evidence Synthesis: Some endocrine and metabolic conditions (obesity, acromegaly, hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary disease, etc.) can be associated with OSA. The pathophysiological mechanisms of OSA in these cases are reviewed. In rare instances, OSA may be improved or even cured by treatment of underlying endocrine disorders: this is the case of hypothyroidism and acromegaly, situations in which OSA is mainly related to upper airways narrowing due to reversible thickening of the pharyngeal walls. However, when irreversible skeletal defects and/or obesity are present, OSA may persist despite treatment of endocrine disorders and may thus require complementary therapy. This is also frequently the case in patients with obesity, even after substantial weight reduction.Conclusions: Given the potential neurocognitive consequences and increased cardiovascular risk associated with OSA, specific therapy such as continuous positive airway pressure is recommended if OSA persists despite effective treatment of its potential endocrine and metabolic causes.“Apropos of sleep, that sinister adventure of all our nights, we might say that men go to bed daily with an audacity that would be incomprehensible if we did not know that it is the result of ignorance of the danger.”Charles Baudelaire, in “Fusées, IX”
Implementation of a Fingerprint Recognition System Using LBP Descriptor
Authors: Masmoudi Alima Damak , Masmoudi Dorra Sellami 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
Conventional fingerprint recognition systems provide authentication by a direct matching of minutiae points and orientation field. Although several resemblance algorithms have been proposed, reliable automatic fingerprint verification remains a challenge due to the difficulty in alignment for direct matching and the construction of adequate functions for resemblance measurements. In this paper, we propose a solution to the aforementioned problems using a local binary pattern (LBP) descriptor applied to minutiae and orientation fields. The experimental results on the public fingerprint database, Fingerprint Verification Competition (FVC), show high recognition rates. The proposed system was implemented on the platform known as FPGA Virtex-II Xilinix™ (Virtex2p-xc2vp7-FF672) and optimized with respect to hardware resources occupation, based on a co-design methodology. All the proposed algorithms are involved in the design of a mixed software/hardware dedicated system. A classifier based on pulse mode neural networks using floating-point format is proposed.
Decision Model for Global Manufacturing and Operating Flexibility: Real Options Approach
Authors: Wu Cheng-Ru 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThis study develops the batch production model of single firm, N sale points, single goods, and adding transport cost of N sale points, which choose one production from N production location (N countries, respectively), and applies the real options approach (ROA) to determine the value of locating production in N countries. A closed-form solution of the optimal transfer threshold value and expected arrival time concerning the firm’s decisions to transfer production location by the ROA and net present value (NPV) method and the continuous-time model optimization problem are derived. Moreover, we get the parameters of how to reciprocally influence optimal transfer threshold values among N countries. Next, given the values of 88-piece parameters in the research model, we can get optimal transfer threshold values from country-0 to country-1, country-2, and country-3, respectively, and more important insights such as that real exchange rate volatility influences expected arrival time for a firm that decides to transfer the production location by the ROA and NPV and the optimal transfer threshold value for a firm that decides to transfer the production location by the ROA. We give an example to explain how to operate this model, and a useful summary of insights is provided for global operation managers.
Serum estradiol is associated with lean mass in elderly Swedish men
Authors: Vandenput Liesbeth , Mellström Dan , Karlsson Magnus K , Orwoll Eric , Labrie Fernand , Ljunggren Östen , Ohlsson Claes 
Published: January 2010

ObjectiveAssociation studies in men have shown that androgens are inversely related to fat measures, while the relation between sex steroids and lean mass remains unclear. We, therefore, investigated the associations between serum sex steroid levels and body composition in elderly men with a main focus on lean mass measures.Design and methodsA cross-sectional survey of a population-based cohort of 3014 elderly men, aged 69–80 years (Osteoporotic Fractures in Men study, Sweden). Serum levels of testosterone and estradiol (E2) were measured by mass spectrometry, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels were measured by IRMA, and measures of body composition were obtained by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.ResultsTotal as well as free serum testosterone associated independently inversely (P<0.001), while total as well as free serum E2associated independently directly (P<0.001) with total body fat mass and trunk fat mass. Serum SHBG associated independently inversely with central fat distribution. Serum E2and free E2but not serum testosterone or free testosterone levels associated positively with lean mass (P<0.01). Elderly men within the lowest quartile of free E2had 0.5 kg less lean mass in the legs than subjects within the highest quartile, while the subjects in the different quartiles of free testosterone did not differ in lean mass.ConclusionsSerum E2, but not serum testosterone, is directly associated with lean mass in this large study of elderly Swedish men. In addition, serum SHBG is associated with central fat distribution and we confirmed that serum testosterone is inversely associated with fat mass.
Circulating endothelial cells are elevated in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Asicioglu Ebru , Gogas Yavuz Dilek , Koc Mehmet , Ozben Beste , Yazici Dilek , Deyneli Oguzhan , Akalin Sema 
Published: January 2010

ObjectiveCirculating endothelial cells (CECs) have emerged as vascular damage markers and are increased in type 2 diabetic patients. Since type 1 diabetes is associated with vascular damage, we hypothesized high CEC numbers in this patient population.MethodsThirty-nine patients with type 1 diabetes and 39 controls were included. CECs were isolated using anti-CD146-coated Dynabeads, stained with Ulex lectin-1, and counted by fluorescence microscopy. Endothelial function was measured as flow-mediated dilation (FMD). Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), total glutathione levels (GSH), and paraoxonase (PON) activity levels were measured as oxidative stress markers.ResultsPatients with type 1 diabetes mellitus had higher number of CECs (7.46±5.37 vs 2.13±1.13 cells/ml,P<0.001), lower FMD (7.87±2.19 vs 12.06±2.34%,P<0.001), higher TBARS (4.94±1.20 vs 3.07±0.75 nmol/MDA,P<0.001), lower GSH (206.12±98.06 vs 353.61±68.45 μM,P<0.001), and lower PON activity levels (89.10±17.82 vs 127.65±29.01 U/l,P<0.001) as compared to controls.There was positive correlation between CEC numbers and HbAlc levels (r=0.49,P=0.002). CECs and fasting glucose levels were not correlated. There was no correlation between the number of CECs and FMD. Furthermore, there were no correlations between the number of CECs and TBARS, GSH and PON activity levels. Multiple regression analysis showed that HbAlc levels (r2=0.40,P<0.009) were associated with CEC numbers.ConclusionCECs are elevated in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus reflecting endothelial damage. This increase is dependent on long-term glucose control.
Preoperative lanreotide treatment in acromegalic patients with macroadenomas increases short-term postoperative cure rates: a prospective, randomised trial
Authors: Mao Zhi-gang , Zhu Yong-hong , Tang Hai-liang , Wang Dao-yuan , Zhou Jing , He Dong-sheng , Lan Hai , Luo Bai-ning , Wang Hai-jun 
Published: January 2010

ObjectiveTo investigate whether 4-month preoperative lanreotide treatment would improve the surgical cure rate of newly diagnosed acromegalic patients with macroadenomas.DesignA prospective, randomised study.MethodsAfter a baseline evaluation, patients were randomly assigned to 4-month preoperative treatment with lanreotide (starting with 30 mg/2 weeks i.m. and increasing to 30 mg/week i.m. at week 8 if mean GH >2.5 μg/l on GH day curves; pretreatment group, Group 1) or to transsphenoidal surgery (direct surgery group, Group 2). Cure was evaluated 4 months postoperatively primarily by fasting IGF1 less than or equal to age-adjusted upper limit of normal.ResultsA pool of 108 patients was randomly divided into two groups. Five patients in each group were lost to follow-up during the study period, so 49 patients in each group were analysed. At baseline, no difference was observed between the two groups. Cure was established in 24 of 49 (49.0%, 95% confidence interval (CI), 35.0–63.0%) pretreated patients (Group 1) versus 9 of 49 (18.4%, 95% CI, 7.6–29.2%) direct surgery patients (Group 2;P=0.001). Surgical morbidity was recorded in 12 patients (12.2%) and was similar in Group 1 and 2 patients (14.3 and 10.2% respectively;P=0.538). The postoperative hospital stay was similar between groups: being 4.5±1.6 days in Group 1 vs 4.8±1.9 days in Group 2 (P=0.328).ConclusionsPretreatment with lanreotide before transsphenoidal surgery improves surgical cure rates in patients with GH-secreting pituitary macroadenomas. Pretreatment does not affect surgical complications or duration of hospital stay (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00993356).
Low testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin levels and high estradiol levels are independent predictors of type 2 diabetes in men
Authors: Vikan Torkel , Schirmer Henrik , Njølstad Inger , Svartberg Johan 
Published: January 2010

ObjectiveTo study the impact of endogenous sex hormone levels in community-dwelling men on later risk for type 2 diabetes.DesignPopulation-based prospective cohort study.MethodsFor the analyses, 1454 men who participated in the fourth Tromsø study (1994–1995) were used. Cases of diabetes were retrieved and validated until 31.12.05 following a detailed protocol. The prospective association between sex hormones and diabetes was examined using Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, allowing for multivariate adjustments.ResultsThere was a significantly lowered multi-adjusted risk for later diabetes with higher normal total testosterone levels, both linearly per s.d. increase (hazard ratio (HR) 0.71, confidence interval (CI) 0.54–0.92) and in the higher quartiles of total testosterone than in the lowest quartiles (HR 0.53, CI 0.33–0.84). A reduced multi-adjusted risk for incident diabetes was also found for men with higher sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels, both linearly per s.d. increase (HR 0.55, CI 0.39–0.79) and when comparing the third (HR 0.38, CI 0.18–0.81) and the fourth quartile (HR 0.37, CI 0.17–0.82) to the lowest quartile. The associations with total testosterone and SHBG were no longer significant after inclusion of waist circumference to the multivariate models. Estradiol (E2) was positively associated with incident diabetes after multivariate adjustments including waist circumference when comparing the second (HR 0.49, CI 0.26–0.93) and the third (HR 0.51, CI 0.27–0.96) quartile to the highest quartile.ConclusionMen with higher E2 levels had an increased risk of later diabetes independent of obesity, while men with lower total testosterone and SHBG had an increased risk of diabetes that appeared to be dependent on obesity.
2010: A Century of Drosophila Genetics Through the Prism of the white Gene
Authors: Green M M 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
In January 1910, a century ago, Thomas Hunt Morgan discovered his first Drosophila mutant, a white-eyed male (Morgan 1910). Morgan named the mutant gene white and soon demonstrated that it resided on the X chromosome. This was the first localization of a specific gene to a particular chromosome. Thus began Drosophila experimental genetics. The story of the initial work on white is well known but what is less well appreciated is the multiplicity of ways in which this gene has been used to explore fundamental questions in genetics. Here, I review some of the highlights of a century's productive use of white in Drosophila genetics.
Personal Reflections on the Origins and Emergence of Recombinant DNA Technology
Authors: Berg Paul , Mertz Janet E 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
The emergence of recombinant DNA technology occurred via the appropriation of known tools and procedures in novel ways that had broad applications for analyzing and modifying gene structure and organization of complex genomes. Although revolutionary in their impact, the tools and procedures per se were not revolutionary. Rather, the novel ways in which they were applied was what transformed biology.
Immunotherapy of Cancer: Key Findings and Commentary on the Third Tegernsee Conference
Authors: Rüttinger Dominik , Winter Hauke , van den Engel Natasja K. , Hatz Rudolf , Jauch Karl-Walter , Fox Bernard A. , Weber Jeffrey S. 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy broadly includes active immunization, as in the use of cancer vaccines, passive immunization, such as the use of adoptive cell therapy and antibodies that modulate tumor function, and immunostimulation, using antibodies and small molecules to treat malignancy by activating or unleashing an endogenous immune response against tumor cells. Currently, &gt;100 different monoclonal antibodies are in use or under evaluation for use as therapeutic agents in various malignancies. Active stimulation of the host's immune system holds promise for achieving durable remission of malignant disease and represents a nontoxic method of therapy if tumor-specific effector cells can be selectively targeted. However, no active-specific treatment strategy (i.e., a therapeutic cancer vaccine) has yet found its way into the clinical armamentarium, although several promising recent reports suggest that, for follicular lymphoma, prostate cancer, and melanoma, clinical benefit was shown for the first time in randomized trials with a vaccine approach. Here, we report on the key findings of the Third Tegernsee Conference on Immunotherapy of Cancer (Feldafing, Germany, July 2–4, 2009) and provide short commentaries on data presented at this meeting regarding the future role of cancer vaccines, recent developments in adoptive cellular therapy, ways to improve immunotherapeutic treatment modalities (e.g., by manipulating the tumor microenvironment), and some novel targeted therapies that are well advanced in clinical testing, all of which have implications for future oncology practice.