bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of A2BP1 as an Obesity Gene
Authors: Ma Lijun , Hanson Robert L. , Traurig Michael T. , Muller Yunhua L. , Kaur Bakhshish P. , Perez Jessica M. , Meyre David , Fu Mao , Körner Antje , Franks Paul W. , Kiess Wieland , Kobes Sayuko , Knowler William C. , Kovacs Peter , Froguel Philippe , Shuldiner Alan R. , Bogardus Clifton , Baier Leslie J. 
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVE
A genome-wide association study (GWAS) in Pima Indians (n = 413) identified variation in the ataxin-2 binding protein 1 gene (A2BP1) that was associated with percent body fat. On the basis of this association and the obese phenotype of ataxin-2 knockout mice, A2BP1 was genetically and functionally analyzed to assess its potential role in human obesity.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Variants spanning A2BP1 were genotyped in a population-based sample of 3,234 full-heritage Pima Indians, 2,843 of whom were not part of the initial GWAS study and therefore could serve as a sample to assess replication. Published GWAS data across A2BP1 were additionally analyzed in French adult (n = 1,426) and children case/control subjects (n = 1,392) (Meyre et al. Nat Genet 2009;41:157–159). Selected variants were genotyped in two additional samples of Caucasians (Amish, n = 1,149, and German children case/control subjects, n = 998) and one additional Native American (n = 2,531) sample. Small interfering RNA was used to knockdown A2bp1 message levels in mouse embryonic hypothalamus cells.

RESULTS
No single variant in A2BP1 was reproducibly associated with obesity across the different populations. However, different variants within intron 1 of A2BP1 were associated with BMI in full-heritage Pima Indians (rs10500331, P = 1.9 × 10−7) and obesity in French Caucasian adult (rs4786847, P = 1.9 × 10−10) and children (rs8054147, P = 9.2 × 10−6) case/control subjects. Reduction of A2bp1 in mouse embryonic hypothalamus cells decreased expression of Atxn2, Insr, and Mc4r.

CONCLUSIONS
Association analysis suggests that variation in A2BP1 influences obesity, and functional studies suggest that A2BP1 could potentially affect adiposity via the hypothalamic MC4R pathway.
Pparg-P465L Mutation Worsens Hyperglycemia in Ins2-Akita Female Mice via Adipose-Specific Insulin Resistance and Storage Dysfunction
Authors: Pendse Avani A. , Johnson Lance A. , Tsai Yau-Sheng , Maeda Nobuyo 
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVE
The dominant-negative P467L mutation in peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) was identified in insulin-resistant patients with hyperglycemia and lipodystrophy. In contrast, mice carrying the corresponding Pparg-P465L mutation have normal insulin sensitivity, with mild hyperinsulinemia. We hypothesized that murine Pparg-P465L mutation leads to covert insulin resistance, which is masked by hyperinsulinemia and increased pancreatic islet mass, to retain normal plasma glucose.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We introduced in PpargP465L/+ mice an Ins2-Akita mutation that causes improper protein folding and islet apoptosis to lower plasma insulin.

RESULTS
Unlike Ins2Akita/+ littermates, male PpargP465L/+Ins2Akita/+ mice have drastically reduced life span with enhanced type 1 diabetes. Hyperglycemia in Ins2Akita/+ females is mild. However, PpargP465L/+Ins2Akita/+ females have aggravated hyperglycemia, smaller islets, and reduced plasma insulin. In an insulin tolerance test, they showed smaller reduction in plasma glucose, indicating impaired insulin sensitivity. Although gluconeogenesis is enhanced in PpargP465L/+Ins2Akita/+ mice compared with Ins2Akita/+, exogenous insulin equally suppressed gluconeogenesis in hepatocytes, suggesting that PpargP465L/+Ins2Akita/+ livers are insulin sensitive. Expression of genes regulating insulin sensitivity and glycogen and triglyceride contents suggest that skeletal muscles are equally insulin sensitive. In contrast, adipose tissue and isolated adipocytes from PpargP465L/+Ins2Akita/+ mice have impaired glucose uptake in response to exogenous insulin. PpargP465L/+Ins2Akita/+ mice have smaller fat depots composed of larger adipocytes, suggesting impaired lipid storage with subsequent hepatomegaly and hypertriglyceridemia.

CONCLUSIONS
PPARg-P465L mutation worsens hyperglycemia in Ins2Akita/+ mice primarily because of adipose-specific insulin resistance and altered storage function. This underscores the important interplay between insulin and PPARγ in adipose tissues in diabetes.
Neck Circumference Positively Related With Central Obesity, Overweight, and Metabolic Syndrome in Chinese Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes: Beijing Community Diabetes Study 4
Authors: Yang Guang-ran , Yuan Shen-yuan , Fu Han-jing , Wan Gang , Zhu Liang-xiang , Bu Xiang-lei , Zhang Jian-dong , Du Xue-ping , Li Yu-ling , Ji Yu , Gu Xiao-ning , Li Yue ,   Beijing Community Diabetes Study Group
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVE
To investigate the association between neck circumference and central obesity, overweight, and metabolic syndrome in Chinese individuals with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
A total of 3,182 diabetic subjects (aged 20–80 years) were recruited from 15 community health centers in Beijing using a multistage random sampling approach.

RESULTS
Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the area under the curve for neck circumference and central obesity was 0.77 for men and 0.75 for women (P &lt; 0.001). Furthermore, a neck circumference of ≥38 cm for men and ≥35 cm for women was the best cutoff point for determining overweight subjects. A neck circumference of ≥39 cm for men and ≥35 cm for women was the best cutoff point to determine subjects with metabolic syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS
In the present study, neck circumference is positively related with BMI, waist circumference, and metabolic syndrome in Chinese individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Leptin Gene Epigenetic Adaptation to Impaired Glucose Metabolism During Pregnancy
Authors: Bouchard Luigi , Thibault Stéphanie , Guay Simon-Pierre , Santure Marta , Monpetit Alexandre , St-Pierre Julie , Perron Patrice , Brisson Diane 
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVE
To verify whether the leptin gene epigenetic (DNA methylation) profile is altered in the offspring of mothers with gestational impaired glucose tolerance (IGT).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Placental tissues and maternal and cord blood samples were obtained from 48 women at term including 23 subjects with gestational IGT. Leptin DNA methylation, gene expression levels, and circulating concentration were measured using the Sequenom EpiTYPER system, quantitative real-time RT-PCR, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. IGT was assessed after a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 24–28 weeks of gestation.

RESULTS
We have shown that placental leptin gene DNA methylation levels were correlated with glucose levels (2-h post-OGTT) in women with IGT (fetal side: ρ = −0.44, P ≤ 0.05; maternal side: ρ = 0.53, P ≤ 0.01) and with decreased leptin gene expression (n = 48; ρ ≥ −0.30, P ≤ 0.05) in the whole cohort. Placental leptin mRNA levels accounted for 16% of the variance in maternal circulating leptin concentration (P &lt; 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS
IGT during pregnancy was associated with leptin gene DNA methylation adaptations with potential functional impacts. These epigenetic changes provide novel mechanisms that could contribute to explaining the detrimental health effects associated with fetal programming, such as long-term increased risk of developing obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Measurement of Femoral Torsion by Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Concurrent Validity
Authors: Kulig Kornelia , Harper-Hanigan Kellee , Souza Richard B. , Powers Christopher M. 
Published: August 2010

BackgroundAbnormal femoral torsion has been linked to osteoarthritis in the knee as well as to patellofemoral pain. Inexpensive, valid, and reliable methods for assessing femoral torsion are needed. Ultrasound (US) is a noninvasive and clinically accessible method that can be used for the assessment of bone morphology, such as femoral torsion.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to determine the concurrent validity of US for the measurement of femoral torsion with a reference method, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).DesignRepeated measurements of femoral torsion were obtained with US and MRI in a laboratory setting.MethodsTwenty-eight people (4 men, 24 women; mean age=26.8 years [SD=4.0 years], mean body height=170.3 cm [SD=8.0 cm], mean body weight=64.7 kg [SD=9.8 kg]) participated in this study. T1-weighted axial oblique images of the femoral neck and epicondylar axis were acquired with a 1.5-T magnetic resonance system. Ultrasonographic measurements then were obtained by a tilting technique with a linear transducer that was 4.5 cm long and operated at a frequency of 10 MHz and a depth of 5 cm.ResultsThe average angles of anteversion measured by US and by MRI were 20.7 degrees (SD=11.0) and 19 degrees (SD=11.3), respectively. The reliability, reported as the intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC (2,1)], of repeated measurements of in vivo femoral torsion by US was .98. The reliability [ICC (2,1)] of magnetic resonance image analysis was .96. The standard error of the measurement for US was 2.2 degrees, and that for MRI was 1.9 degrees. The concurrent validity of US with MRI (R2) was .93 (r=.96).LimitationsObtaining measurements by US requires appropriate training before data collection.ConclusionsUltrasound measurement of femoral torsion has high concurrent validity with in vivo MRI and may be used when an assessment of bony morphology is needed but MRI is not available.
Preoperative embolization or ligature of the uterine arteries in preparation for conservative uterine fibroma surgery
Authors: Tixier Hervé , Grevoul Julie , Loffroy Romaric , Lauferon Juliette , Guiu Boris , Mutamba William , Filipuzzi Laurence , Cercueil Jean Pierre , Douvier Serge , Krause Denis , Sagot Paul 
Published: August 2010

AbstractObjective. To compare the efficacy, feasibility and morbidity of two preparation techniques for conservative uterine myoma surgery: temporary embolization and temporary surgical ligature of the uterine arteries. Design. Retrospective study. Setting. Gynecological Surgery and Interventional Radiology departments, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire of Dijon, France. Population. A total of 100 women undergoing myomectomy between 2000 and 2008. Methods. Three groups were constituted: (1) no preparation (43 patients), (2) uterine artery embolization (UAE) (30 patients) and (3) temporary surgical ligature of the uterine arteries (SLUA) (27 patients). The choice of technique depended on the number, size and topography of the fibromas. Main outcomes measures. Quantification of peroperative blood loss, delta hemoglobin, complications, subsequent fertility. Results. Blood loss and delta hemoglobin were both lower in group 2 (p = 0.026 and p = 0.0002) and in group 3 (p = 0.048 and p = 0.001), respectively, than in group 1. The two preparation techniques were efficient. SLUA increased the duration of the operation (p < 0.0001). Hospitalization was longer following UAE (p = 0.0001). The rate of complications was 16.3, 23.3 and 3.7%, and of synechiae 9.3, 13.3 and 0% for groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The number of pregnancies was 8, 5 and 6 after a mean postoperative period of 5.6, 4.3 and 3.9 years, respectively. Conclusion. Both UAE and SLUA for myomectomy are feasible, reproducible and effective techniques for reducing peroperative blood loss. Use of these techniques must be generalized in patients with a high risk of hemorrhage, but may be compatible with subsequent fertility.
DESCRIPTIVE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF HEMOPHILIA AND OTHER COAGULATION DISORDERS IN MANSOURA , EGYPT
Authors: Al Tonbary Youssef , ElAshry Rasha , El Sayed Zaki Maysaa 
Published: August 2010

Hemophilia represent the most severe inherited bleeding disorder (INB) , it’s thought to affect inviduals from all geographical areas in equal frequency. In Egypt which has a population of approximately (80million) consanguineous marriage are frequent, therefore autosomal recessive coagulation disorders reach a higher prevalence than in many other countries.The primary aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological situation of hemophilia in Mansoura, Egypt ,as based on retrospective analysis of clinical records Mansoura University Children Hospital between years 2000 and 2008. The second aim was to assess the orthopedic complications and occurrence of hepatitis C in those patients and relate this status to the type of replacement therapy received prior to the study.The study included 72 children with hematological disorders registered from 2000 to 2008 in MUCH. The hemophilic patient was defined as a person with physician-diagnosed hemophilia A or B and a measured factor VIII or IX activity level of 30% or less. Persons with acquired inhibitors of FVIII or FIX excluded. Severity level was categorized as mild if the factor activity level was 6–30%, moderate if 1–5% and severe if
Intravenous immunoglobulins for steroid‐refractory esophageal involvement related to polymyositis and dermatomyositis: A series of 73 patients
Authors: Marie I. , Menard J.‐F. , Hatron P. Y. , Hachulla E. , Mouthon L. , Tiev K. , Ducrotte P. , Cherin P. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the long‐term outcome of esophageal complications in the group of patients receiving intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) for the treatment of severe steroid‐refractory esophageal involvement related to polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM).MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 73 patients (39 with PM, 34 with DM) with steroid‐resistant esophageal involvement. Esophageal involvement was evaluated by clinical and manometric investigations.ResultsSeventy‐three patients with steroid‐refractory esophageal involvement related to PM/DM received IVIG therapy (2 gm/kg monthly). The median interval between PM/DM diagnosis and the onset of esophageal complications was 6 months. The most common clinical manifestations revealing esophageal dysfunction were dysphagia (69.9%), coughing while eating (61.6%), and gastroesophageal reflux into the pharynx and/or mouth (34.2%). Twenty‐five patients exhibited life‐threatening esophageal complications requiring exclusive enteral feeding; 33 patients (45.2%) with esophageal impairment developed aspiration pneumonia. Sixty patients (82.2%) exhibited resolution of esophageal clinical manifestations, leading to a return to normal oral feeding and ablation of feeding enteral tubes. Four other patients (5.5%) improved, although they still experienced mild dysphagia intermittently. Because of impaired cricopharyngeal muscle relaxation, another patient successfully underwent cricopharyngeal myotomy. Eight patients died from aspiration pneumonia (n = 6) and cancer (n = 2). Muscle weakness, thoracic myopathy, and aspiration pneumonia were independent predictive factors of IVIG‐treated esophageal complications in PM/DM patients.ConclusionOur findings indicate that IVIG should be considered in life‐threatening esophageal impairment complicating steroid‐resistant PM/DM. We also suggest that combined therapy of IVIG and high‐dose steroids may be the first‐line therapy in PM/DM patients with life‐threatening esophageal manifestations.
Spectroscopic studies of photodegradation of polyethylene films containing TiO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Yang Rui , Christensen Paul A. , Egerton Terry A. , White Jim R. , Maltby Adam 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe effect of UV radiation on a family of low density polyethylene films containing different concentrations of TiO2 nanoparticles has been studied. The photodegradation was monitored using FTIR measurements of carbonyl group development and an in situ FTIR method that tracks the generation of CO2 as a principal product of degradation. Samples containing dispersant and/or a phenolic antioxidant but free from TiO2 particles were examined as controls. It was shown that the effects of photodegradation of the polymers could be followed even when these additives were present. The dispersant gave rise to absorption in the carbonyl region of the IR spectrum but meaningful results concerning the progress of photodegradation were obtained using difference spectra. Good correlation was found between the carbonyl and the CO2 measurements of the relative photosensitivities of the films with different compositions, and both methods indicated that addition of the nano‐particulate rutile TiO2 had decreased the film photostability. The decreased photostability inferred from spectroscopic measurements was also observed as a reduction, from ∼ 1100 h to 400 h, of the exposure time before film cracking, when samples were exposed to UVA radiation in QUV equipment. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Molecular weight and secondary structure change in eri silk during alkali degumming and powdering
Authors: Rajkhowa Rangam , Wang Lijing , Kanwar Jagat R. , Wang Xungai 
Published: August 2010

AbstractChanges in molecular weight and secondary structure of eri silk during alkali degumming and silk powdering were studied. An increase in silk degumming intensity, through increased alkali concentration, treatment temperature, and time, reduced the fibroin molecular weight and, therefore, the fiber tenacity, but at the same time, increased the β‐sheet fraction. These changes reduced the time required to mill the degummed silk fibers into fine powders. Mechanical forces used in wet attritor and air jet milling disturbed intermolecular packing along the direction of side chains, but the conformation remained essentially β‐sheet even in the sub‐micron silk particles. Dry milling drastically reduced molecular weight and changed the conformation of the fibroin chains. The rate of the spontaneous conformation transition in regenerated fibroin solution prepared from fibers and powders increased with a decrease in fibroin molecular weight, affecting the time fibroin solutions could be stored before gelling. Overall, the study showed that molecular weight and secondary structure of silk powders could be manipulated by suitably changing the degumming and milling conditions. It also suggests that wet media milling and air jet milling are better than dry media milling to prepare less degraded and more crystalline ultrafine silk particles. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Effects of silane on the properties of wood‐plastic composites with polyethylene‐polypropylene blends as matrices
Authors: Clemons Craig M. , Sabo Ronald C. , Kaland Michael L. , Hirth Kolby C. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe influence of 3‐(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate and benzoyl peroxide on gel content, crystallinity, and mechanical performance of unfilled PP‐PE blends, and their composites with wood was investigated. All materials were compounded in a twin screw extruder and then injection molded. Specimens were then exposed to high‐humidity and elevated temperature in a humidity chamber to cross‐link any unhydrolyzed silane.Adding wood to the PE‐PP blends, increased premature cross‐linking but also increased gel contents. However, the gel contents of the composites were still low. The PP component did not appear to cross‐link well and our gels were almost entirely HDPE. Fourier Transfer Infrared (FTIR) spectra provided additional evidence that TMSPM is grafted and cross‐linked in unfilled PE‐PP blends. Unfortunately, the spectra of wood composites proved difficult to interpret because of the complexity and overlap of the FTIR spectra of the wood. The HDPE component annealed when exposed to high‐humidity and elevated temperature, although less so in samples with high‐gel contents, presumably because of the decreased mobility. Annealing influenced mechanical performance, especially increasing moduli. Adding peroxide and silane appeared to improve adhesion between the wood flour and matrix in the composites but had little effect on energy absorbed during high‐speed puncture tests. Published 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Spectrofluorometric analysis and electrical conductivities of styrene and methyl methacrylate polymers
Authors: Ramelow Ulku S. , Wagle Rajesh 
Published: August 2010

AbstractConductive polymers were obtained by using a new polymerization method where UV‐light was used as a photochemical initiator. To obtain high molecular weights, optimum irradiation times were determined. The luminescence properties of polymers have been found to be useful for their identification. The use of luminescence spectroscopy as an analytical technique for polymer identification involves the measurement of fluorescence emission spectrum, which is obtained by exciting the polymer with UV‐radiation. Fluorescence emission spectra of polystyrene (PS) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) samples were taken at room temperature at excitation wavelengths at 290 nm and 292 nm, respectively. PPMA was prepared with different molecular weights, and the intensity of the fluorescence emission was correlated with polymer chain length. Conductivity versus molecular weight relation was established for each polymer. The plots obtained between conductivities and molecular weights can be used as a calibration curve. From the plot of emission intensity against polymer molecular weights, the molecular weights of unknown polymeric samples can be determined. The most efficient irradiation times were determined by using conductivity versus irradiation time plots. Conductivity versus temperature change of the polymeric samples at different temperatures was determined. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Experimental study of the influence of raw material impurities on yellowness index of transesterification polycarbonate
Authors: Godínez Carlos , de los Rios Antonia P. , Hernández‐Fernández Francisco J. , Lozano Luis J. , Baraza Xavier , Mardomingo Eva 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThis article covers a quantitative experimental study on the influence of raw materials and materials of construction impurities on polycarbonate color as expressed by a solution yellowness index. Major impurities in the production process were identified, synthesized, and spiked into the baseline materials. A fractional factorial experimental design was executed to provide some information of the influence of impurities as corresponding to levels similar to those occurring in the manufacturing practice. Analysis of the experimental design showed that isopropenylphenol (IPP), methoxyphenyl benzoate (MOB) and 9,9‐dimethylxanthene (DMX) are the main producers of color bodies. A quantitative expression was derived which can be used to predict manufacturing problems with regards to color. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Curcumin in Cancer Chemoprevention: Molecular Targets, Pharmacokinetics, Bioavailability, and Clinical Trials
Authors: Shehzad Adeeb , Wahid Fazli , Lee Young Sup 
Published: August 2010

AbstractCurcumin (diferuloylmethane), a derivative of turmeric is one of the most commonly used and highly researched phytochemicals. Abundant sources provide interesting insights into the multiple mechanisms by which curcumin may mediate chemotherapy and chemopreventive effects on cancer. The pleiotropic role of this dietary compound includes the inhibition of several cell signaling pathways at multiple levels, such as transcription factors (NF‐κB and AP‐1), enzymes (COX‐2, MMPs), cell cycle arrest (cyclin D1), proliferation (EGFR and Akt), survival pathways (β‐catenin and adhesion molecules), and TNF. Curcumin up‐regulates caspase family proteins and down‐regulates anti‐apoptotic genes (Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐XL). In addition, cDNA microarrays analysis adds a new dimension for molecular responses of cancer cells to curcumin at the genomic level. Although, curcumin's poor absorption and low systemic bioavailability limits the access of adequate concentrations for pharmacological effects in certain tissues, active levels in the gastrointestinal tract have been found in animal and human pharmacokinetic studies. Currently, sufficient data has been shown to advocate phase II and phase III clinical trials of curcumin for a variety of cancer conditions including multiple myeloma, pancreatic, and colon cancer.