bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Leptin Receptor Signaling and Action in the Central Nervous System
Authors: Leshan Rebecca L. , Björnholm Marie , Münzberg Heike , Myers Martin G. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe increasing incidence of obesity in developed nations represents an ever‐growing challenge to health care by promoting diabetes and other diseases. The discovery of the hormone, leptin, a decade ago has facilitated the acquisition of new knowledge regarding the regulation of energy balance. A great deal remains to be discovered regarding the molecular and anatomic actions of leptin, however. Here, we discuss the mechanisms by which leptin activates intracellular signals, the roles that these signals play in leptin action in vivo, and sites of leptin action in vivo. Using “reporter” mice, in which LRb‐expressing (long form of the leptin receptor) neurons express the histological marker, β‐galactosidase, coupled with the detection of LRb‐mediated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling events, we identified LRb expression in neuronal populations both within and outside the hypothalamus. Understanding the regulation and physiological function of these myriad sites of central leptin action will be a crucial next step in the quest to understand mechanisms of leptin action and energy balance.
Distributed Neural Control of Energy Balance: Contributions from Hindbrain and Hypothalamus
Authors: Grill Harvey J. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractData are reviewed that support the hypothesis that the neural control of energy expenditure is distributed among several brain sites. This view contrasts with that expressed most commonly in literature, that a single site—the arcuate hypothalamic nucleus—receives and integrates signals of relevance to energy status assessment and engages the effector circuits that orchestrate responses that maintain energy balance. The data reviewed support a contribution from medullary neurons, including those of the nucleus of the solitary tract, in the integration of signals of relevance to energy balance and in the issuing of commands to local behavioral and autonomic effectors. Experimental evidence is discussed that supports the following specific conclusions: hindbrain neurons integrate oral and gastrointestinal signals and issue commands to local motor circuits that control meal size; leptin's effect on food intake may be mediated, in part, by a direct action on the hindbrain neurons that respond to gastric distention; deprivation signals, such as the fall in leptin level, affect gene expression outside of the hypothalamus with reductions in proglucagon and proopiomelanocortin message seen in nucleus of the solitary tract‐rich tissue; and that hindbrain neurons contribute to the control of energy expenditure seen with food deprivation and increases in expenditure after cold exposure or starvation. Future work is needed to define how the nucleus of the solitary tract and arcuate nodes of the central energy balance control network interact to collectively, or separately, influence specific aspects of energy balance control in the intact brain.
Rapid Glucocorticoid Actions in the Hypothalamus as a Mechanism of Homeostatic Integration
Authors: Tasker Jeffrey G. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) is a major integrative site for the control of homeostasis, including energy balance, through coordinated regulation of neuroendocrine and autonomic outputs. However, cross‐talk regulation of PVN neuroendocrine and preautonomic systems is poorly understood. The stress response invokes the coordinated control of motor, hormonal, and vegetative systems to establish homeostasis after an environmental perturbation. Elevated stress levels of circulating glucocorticoids give rise to multiple, complex physiological effects. The complexity of the glucocorticoid actions is caused by the wide range of glucocorticoid target tissues and to the broad time scale over which the actions occur. Recent studies have revealed rapid glucocorticoid actions in the hypothalamus that may provide an integrative signal linking stress with the regulation of energy and fluid homeostasis. Glucocorticoids inhibit PVN and supraoptic nucleus neurons by stimulating a rapid synthesis and retrograde release of endocannabinoids, which suppress synaptic excitation through presynaptic CB1 receptor activation. The glucocorticoid‐induced endocannabinoid synthesis is mediated apparently by a novel membrane‐associated glucocorticoid receptor found in multiple subpopulations of hypothalamic neuroendocrine cells. It may, therefore, represent a mechanism for rapid glucocorticoid control of activity among different neuroendocrine systems to coordinate a global response to stress. In support of this, leptin, a circulating adipose signal that regulates food intake and energy expenditure through central actions, blocks the glucocorticoid‐mediated endocannabinoid release in the PVN. This represents a means by which the regulation of stress and feeding may interface in the PVN, thus providing a possible mechanism for the integration of multiple homeostatic functions.
Fat and Energy Partitioning: Longitudinal Observations in Leptin‐treated Adults Homozygous for a Lep Mutation
Authors: Heymsfield Steven B. , Fong Tung M. , Gantz Ira , Erondu Ngozi 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: Partitioning of body energy content in the aleptinemic ob/ob mouse differs from that in wild‐type mice, but it is not known whether parallel differences exist between humans with leptin (Lep) gene mutations and healthy adults. The objective of this study was to evaluate body composition in three leptin‐treated Turkish adults homozygous for a missense mutation (C→T substitution at codon 105 resulting in Arg→Trp) of Lep.Research Methods and Procedures: Subjects, one male and two female Turkish family members, were evaluated at baseline and treated for 18 months with r‐MetHuLeptin. Patient data (fat mass, energy content) were compared with adult sex‐specific predicted values (adjusted for weight, height, and age) derived in healthy control subjects.Results: Weight loss with leptin treatment was substantial, ranging from 43.9% to 52.1%. At baseline and with leptin treatment, the two women had a fat mass and energy content similar (±12%) to predicted values. Baseline fat and energy content in the male patient was high compared with predicted values (e.g., fat +33%) but approached and reached normal values (e.g., fat, +2%) after 18 months of leptin therapy.Discussion: Adult women with Lep mutations had body composition similar to normal women at baseline and with leptin treatment. In contrast, the man with a Lep mutation had high body fat in the untreated state but a normal male phenotype with leptin administration, possibly secondary to androgenic fat partitioning effects. Fat and energy partitioning can, thus, be quantitatively assessed and linked with potential hormonal mechanisms in humans with inherited disturbances in energy regulation.
Intramyocellular Lipid Content in Human Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Schrauwen‐Hinderling Vera B. , Hesselink Matthijs K.C. , Schrauwen Patrick , Kooi Marianne Eline 
Published: April 2008

AbstractFat can be stored not only in adipose tissue but also in other tissues such as skeletal muscle. Fat droplets accumulated in skeletal muscle [intramyocellular lipids (IMCLs)] can be quantified by different methods, all with advantages and drawbacks. Here, we briefly review IMCL quantification methods that use biopsy specimens (biochemical quantification, electron microscopy, and histochemistry) and non‐invasive alternatives (magnetic resonance spectroscopy, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography).
Left Ventricular Mass and +276 G/G Single Nucleotide Polymorphism of the Adiponectin Gene in Uncomplicated Obesity
Authors: Iacobellis Gianluca , Petrone Antonio , Leonetti Frida , Buzzetti Raffaella 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe single nucleotide polymorphism at position 276 in the adiponectin gene (APM1/ACDC +276 G>T) and left ventricular mass (LVM) have been associated with increased cardiovascular risk. We sought to evaluate whether +276 G>T variants in the adiponectin gene are correlated with LVM in uncomplicated obese subjects. APM1/ACDC +276 G>T single nucleotide polymorphism, echocardiographic indexed LVM (LVM/body surface area and LVM/height2.7), insulin sensitivity by euglycemic clamp, and plasma adiponectin levels were analyzed in 62 obese subjects without complications (51 women and 11 men; mean age, 34.2 ± 10.2 years; BMI, 38.6 ± 9.1 kg/m2). Forty lean subjects formed the control group for LVM evaluation. We found 23 (37%) uncomplicated obese subjects with the APM1/ACDC +276 G/G genotype, 25 (40%) with the G/T genotype, and 14 (23%) with the T/T genotype. G/G uncomplicated obese subjects showed significant higher LVM/body surface area and LVM/height2.7 (within the normal range in the majority of them) than uncomplicated obese subjects carrying the G/T and T/T genotypes (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). This study showed that LVM is significantly higher in uncomplicated obese subjects carrying the G/G genotype at position 276 of the human adiponectin gene.
In Vivo Phenotyping of the ob/ob Mouse by Magnetic Resonance Imaging and 1H‐Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Calderan Laura , Marzola Pasquina , Nicolato Elena , Fabene Paolo F. , Milanese Chiara , Bernardi Paolo , Giordano Antonio , Cinti Saverio , Sbarbati Andrea 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: We studied ob/ob and wild‐type (WT) mice to characterize the adipose tissues depots and other visceral organs and to establish an experimental paradigm for in vivo phenotyping.Research Methods and Procedures: An in vivo evaluation was conducted using magnetic resonance imaging and 1H‐magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS). We used T1‐weighted images and three‐dimensional spin echo T1‐weighted images for the morphological analysis and 1H‐MRS spectra on all body mass, as well as 1H‐MRS spectra focalized on specific lipid depots [triglyceride (TG) depots] for a molecular analysis.Results: In ob/ob mice, three‐dimensional evaluation of the trunk revealed that ∼64% of the volume consists of white adipose tissue, which is 72% subcutaneous and 28% visceral. In vivo 1H‐MRS showed that 20.00 ± 6.92% in the WT group and 58.67 ± 6.65% in the ob/ob group of the total proton content is composed of TG protons. In in vivo‐localized spectra of ob/ob mice, we found a polyunsaturation degree of 0.5247 in subcutaneous depots. In the liver, we observed that 48.7% of the proton signal is due to water, whereas in the WT group, the water signal amounted to 82.8% of the total proton signal. With the sequences used, the TG amount was not detectable in the brain or kidneys.Discussion: The present study shows that several parameters can be obtained by in vivo examination of ob/ob mice by magnetic resonance imaging and 1H‐MRS and that the accumulated white adipose tissue displays low polyunsaturation degree and low hydrolipidic ratio. Relevant anatomical alterations observed in urinary and digestive apparatuses should be considered when ob/ob mice are used in experimental paradigms.
Assessing Weight‐Related Quality of Life in Adolescents
Authors: Kolotkin Ronette L. , Zeller Meg , Modi Avani C. , Samsa Gregory P. , Quinlan Nicole Polanichka , Yanovski Jack A. , Bell Stephen K. , Maahs David M. , de Serna Daniela Gonzales , Roehrig Helmut R. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: The development of a new weight‐related measure to assess quality of life in adolescents [Impact of Weight on Quality of Life (IWQOL)‐Kids] is described.Research Methods and Procedures: Using a literature search, clinical experience, and consultation with pediatric clinicians, 73 items were developed, pilot tested, and administered to 642 participants, 11 to 19 years old, recruited from weight loss programs/studies and community samples (mean z‐BMI, 1.5; range, −1.2 to 3.4; mean age, 14.0; 60% female; 56% white). Participants completed the 73 items and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory and were weighed and measured.Results: Four factors (27 items) were identified (physical comfort, body esteem, social life, and family relations), accounting for 71% of the variance. The IWQOL‐Kids demonstrated excellent psychometric properties. Internal consistency coefficients ranged from 0.88 to 0.95 for scales and equaled 0.96 for total score. Convergent validity was demonstrated with strong correlations between IWQOL‐Kids total score and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (r = 0.76, p < 0.0001). Significant differences were found across BMI groups and between clinical and community samples, supporting the sensitivity of this measure. Participants in a weight loss camp demonstrated improved IWQOL‐Kids scores, suggesting responsiveness of the IWQOL‐Kids to weight loss/social support intervention.Discussion: The present study provides preliminary evidence regarding the psychometric properties of the IWQOL‐Kids, a weight‐related quality of life measure for adolescents. Given the rise of obesity in youth, the development of a reliable and valid weight‐related measure of quality of life is timely.
Uncoupling Protein 2 Promoter Polymorphism −866G/A, Central Adiposity, and Metabolic Syndrome in Asians
Authors: Shen Haiqing , Qi Lu , Tai E. Shyong , Chew Suok Kai , Tan Chee Eng , Ordovas Jose M. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractA polymorphism in the promoter region of uncoupling protein 2 gene −866G/A has been associated with its expression levels in adipose tissue, the risk of obesity, and metabolic abnormalities. Our purpose was to examine the associations of −866G/A with body fat and the risk of metabolic syndrome in a random sample of 4018 Asians (1858 men and 2160 women) from three ethnic groups (Chinese, Malay, and Indian). The minor allele frequency of −866G/A polymorphism in South Asians was similar to that in whites. After adjustment for covariates including age, cigarette smoking, and physical activity, the −866A/A genotype was associated with higher waist‐to‐hip ratio as compared with the wild‐type genotype in Chinese and Indian men (p = 0.018 and p = 0.046, respectively). Moreover, Indian men with −866A/A genotype had a significantly increased risk of metabolic syndrome as compared with those homozygous for the wild‐type (odds ratio, 2.66; 95% confidence interval, 1.21 to 5.88; p = 0.015). Such a risk was mainly caused by the excess presence of hypertriglyceridemia and central obesity. Our findings indicate that the uncoupling protein 2 gene −866G/A polymorphism may increase the risks of central obesity and metabolic syndrome, with greater effects on Asian men.
Acute Insulin Secretion as a Predictor of Weight Gain in Healthy Humans
Authors: Silver Robert J. , Mehta Sheena , Soeldner J. Stuart , Martin Blaise C. , Warram James H. , Goldfine Allison B. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: We sought to determine the role of the acute insulin secretory response to glucose (AIRg) in predicting weight gain in normoglycemic persons with no family history of diabetes, who are at low risk for development of disease.Research Methods and Procedures: One hundred five individuals (64 men and 41 women) who underwent measures of weight and AIRg and insulin sensitivity index (SI) by intravenous glucose tolerance test between 1963 and 1983 were surveyed again for weight between 1994 and 1999, with a mean follow‐up of 26 ± 4 years.Results: Mean change in weight was 8 ± 10 kg. Annualized weight change was calculated as change in kilograms divided by change in year and averaged 0.27 ± 0.04 kg/yr. Dividing the cohort by either median AIRg or median SI demonstrated no association of either AIRg or SI with total or annualized weight gain. Subgroup analysis by ideal body weight or gender did not alter the association. Furthermore, no association between AIRg and weight gain rate was seen within insulin‐sensitive or ‐resistant subgroups, although younger age at entry was associated with greater rates of weight gain.Discussion: Our data suggest that neither AIRg nor SI plays a role in predicting weight gain in normoglycemic individuals with no family history of diabetes.
Sex Difference in the Effect of Puberty on the Relationship between Fat Mass and Bone Mass in 926 Healthy Subjects, 6 to 18 Years Old
Authors: Ackerman Alexandra , Thornton John C. , Wang Jack , Pierson Richard N. , Horlick Mary 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: Understanding factors influencing bone mineral accrual is critical to optimize peak bone mass during childhood. The epidemic of pediatric obesity and reported higher incident of fracture risk in obese children led us to study the influence of fat mass on bone mineral content (BMC) in children.Research Methods and Procedures: Height; weight; pubertal stage; and BMC, non‐bone fat‐free mass (nbFFM), and fat mass (FM) by DXA were obtained in a multiethnic group of healthy children (444 girls/482 boys; 6 to 18 years old) recruited in the New York metropolitan area. Regression techniques were used to explore the relationship between BMC and FM, with age, height, nbFFM, pubertal stage, sex, and ethnicity as covariates.Results: Because there were significant sex interactions, separate regression analyses were performed for girls and boys. Although ln(nbFFM) was the greatest predictor of ln(BMC), ln(FM) was also a significant predictor in prepubertal boys and all girls but not in pubertal boys. This effect was independent of ethnicity.Discussion: FM was a determinant of BMC in all girls but in only prepubertal boys. Our study confirms nbFFM as the greatest predictor of BMC but is the first to find a sex difference in the effect of puberty on the relationship of FM to BMC. Our results suggest that, in two individuals of the same sex and weight, the one with greater fat mass will have lower BMC, especially pubertal boys. The implications of these findings for achievement of optimal peak bone mass in a pediatric population with an unprecedented incidence of overweight and “overfat” status remain to be seen.
Listening to the voice of living life with aphasia: Anne's story
Authors: Barrow Rozanne 
Published: April 2008

Background: Listening to how people talk about the consequences of acquired aphasia helps one gain insight into how people construe disability and communication disability in particular. It has been found that some of these construals can be more of a disabling barrier in re‐engaging with life than the communication impairment itself.Aims: To explore and identify the role that narratives of disability (i.e. the ‘inner stories we live by’) play in how Anne, a woman with aphasia, and those close to her, make sense of stroke and aphasia.Methods & Procedures: Qualitative analyses of in‐depth interviews, of notes from participant observation, and of artefactual material were used to get access to these insider perspectives of both Anne and some of her conversation partners.Outcomes & Results: The data revealed that Anne created, was surrounded by, and immersed in an intricate and elusive tapestry of narratives of disability that contributed to her experience of living life with aphasia. Narratives of ‘limited competence’ and ‘disability as less than whole’ emerged as strong voices that stemmed from cultural and societal views about disability. In response to this Anne and other participants sought refuge in the ‘grand’ narrative of Modern Medicine with its focus on restitution, in order to make sense of their situation and to chart a way forward. As a result her life revolved around activities that would ‘make her better’.Conclusions: Prevailing cultural narratives of disability played a key role in how Anne and those close to her made sense of aphasia and so shaped how she lived her life. The implications of this for working practice are discussed.
OnD-CRF: predicting order and disorder in proteins conditional random fields
Authors: Wang Lixiao , Sauer Uwe H. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Motivation: Order and Disorder prediction using Conditional Random Fields (OnD-CRF) is a new method for accurately predicting the transition between structured and mobile or disordered regions in proteins. OnD-CRF applies CRFs relying on features which are generated from the amino acids sequence and from secondary structure prediction. Benchmarking results based on CASP7 targets, and evaluation with respect to several CASP criteria, rank the OnD-CRF model highest among the fully automatic server group.
Availability: http://babel.ucmp.umu.se/ond-crf/
Contact: Uwe.Sauer@ucmp.umu.se
The Efficacy of Multilevel Surgery of the Upper Airway in Adults With Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome
Authors: Lin Hsin‐Ching , Friedman Michael , Chang Hsueh‐Wen , Gurpinar Berk 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: Many patients with obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) are incapable of using continuous positive airway pressure. These patients therefore turn to surgical options as a salvage treatment. Early studies and reviews focused on the efficacy of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, a single‐level procedure for the treatment of OSAHS. Since OSAHS is usually caused by multilevel obstructions, the true focus on efficacy should be on multilevel surgical intervention. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the literature on multilevel surgery for OSAHS patients.Study Design: Systematic review of the literature and meta‐analysis focusing on subjective and objective outcomes of patients with OSAHS treated with multilevel surgery of the upper airway.Methods: We searched PubMed, the Cochrane database, and MEDLINE bibliographic databases up to March 31, 2007, for studies dealing with multilevel surgical modification of the upper airway for the treatment of OSAHS. Additional studies were identified from their reference lists. Articles were included only if the surgical intervention involved at least two of the frequently involved anatomic sites: nose, oropharynx, and hypopharynx.Results: After applying specific inclusion criteria, 49 multilevel surgery articles (58 groups) were identified. There were 1,978 patients included in the study. The mean minimal follow‐up time was 7.3 months (range, 1 to 100 months). A meta‐analysis was performed to redefine the success rate to be consistent with the commonly agreed upon criteria, namely “a reduction in the apnea/ hypopnea index (AHI) of 50% or more and an AHI of less than 20.” “Success” implies an improved condition and is not meant to imply cure. The recalculated success rate was 66.4%. The overall complication rate was 14.6%. The evidence‐base medicine (EBM) level of these 49 studies revealed that only one study was EBM level 1, two papers were EBM level 3, and the other 46 papers were ranked as level 4 evidence.Conclusions: Multilevel surgery for OSAHS is obviously associated with improved outcomes, although this benefit is supported largely by level 4 evidence. Future research should focus on prospective and controlled studies.