bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gender Differences in the Relationship between Personality Dimensions and Relative Body Weight
Authors: Faith Myles S. , Flint Jonathan , Fairburn Christopher G. , Goodwin Guy M. , Allison David B. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: The relationship between body mass index (BMI: kg/m2) and personality seems to differ for men and women, although these effects may be driven by the extremes of the BMI distribution. It is unclear whether these associations exist for most individuals in the relatively normal range of BMI scores, excluding the thinnest and heaviest extremes in the population. We tested the association of BMI with neuroticism, extraversion, and psychoticism with a trimmed BMI sample.Research Methods and Procedures: Using a cross‐sectional design, we tested the association of BMI with the aforementioned psychological variables in a British population‐based sample. Participants were 7889 adult men and women (30 to 50 years old) selectively sampled from four counties in west England. Participants reported their height and weight and completed the Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPQ). We tested the association of BMI with the EPQ subscales among individuals with BMI ≥19.16 kg/m2 and ≤37.78 kg/m2, i.e., the approximate 5th and 95th percentiles.Results: Despite elimination of extreme BMIs, different associations between BMI and EPQ subscales emerged for men and women. Among women, increasing BMI was significantly associated with increased neuroticism and reduced extraversion. Among men, increasing BMI was associated with increased extraversion and psychoticism. In all cases, the magnitude of the association was very small.Discussion: Increasing BMI was associated with potentially poorer adjustment among women but better adjustment among men. These findings are consistent with recent reports and, taken together, suggest that these patterns are not accounted for solely by the extremes of the BMI distribution.
Is There a Role for Gastric Accommodation and Satiety in Asymptomatic Obese People?
Authors: Kim Doe‐Young , Camilleri Michael , Murray Joseph A. , Stephens Debra A. , Levine James A. , Burton Duane D. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: The relationships of gastric accommodation and satiety in moderately obese individuals are unclear. We hypothesized that obese people had increased gastric accommodation and reduced postprandial satiety. The objective of this study was to compare gastric accommodation and satiety between obese and non‐obese asymptomatic subjects.Research Methods and Procedures: In 13 obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30 kg/m2; mean BMI, 37.0 ± 4.9 kg/m2) and 19 non‐obese control subjects (BMI < 30 kg/m2; mean BMI, 26.2 ± 2.9 kg/m2), we used single photon emission computed tomography to measure fasting and postprandial gastric volumes and expressed the accommodation response as the ratio of postprandial/fasting volumes. The satiety test measured maximum tolerable volume of ingestion of liquid nutrient meal (Ensure) and symptoms 30 minutes after cessation of ingestion.Results: Total fasting and postprandial gastric volumes and the ratio of postprandial/fasting gastric volume were not different between asymptomatic obese and control subjects. However, the fasting volume of the distal stomach was greater in obese than in control subjects. Maximum tolerable volume of ingested Ensure and aggregate symptom score 30 minutes later were also not different between obese and control subjects.Discussion: Asymptomatic obese individuals (within the BMI range of 32.6 to 48 kg/m2) did not show either increased postprandial gastric accommodation or reduced satiety. These datasuggest that gastric accommodation is unlikely to provide an important contribution to development of moderate obesity.
Sensitivity and Specificity of Anthropometrics for the Prediction of Diabetes in a Biracial Cohort
Authors: Stevens June , Couper David , Pankow James , Folsom Aaron R. , Duncan Bruce B. , Nieto F. Javier , Jones Daniel , Tyroler Herman A. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: To evaluate the ability of body mass index, waist circumference, waist‐to‐hip ratio, and combinations of these variables to discriminate individuals who will develop diabetes in adulthood.Research Methods and Procedures: Data were from 45‐ to 64‐year‐old men and women who were members of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities cohort. The analysis sample consisted of 12,814 African American and white participants who were free of diabetes at baseline. Body mass index, waist circumference, waist‐to‐hip ratio, and diabetes incidence (defined as one glucose measure ≥126 mg/dL after fasting for at least 8 hours, one nonfasting glucose measure ≥200 mg/dL, and self‐report of diabetes or report of taking medication for diabetes).Results: 1515 new cases of diabetes were identified over the 9‐year follow‐up. Areas under receiver operating characteristic curves ranged from 0.66 to 0.73 for single measures. The curves were smooth, with no indication of a threshold. Waist tended to have the highest receiver operating characteristic statistic in all groups, but differences were small.Discussion: The three anthropometric indices tested were approximately equivalent in their ability to predict diabetes. Sensitivity and specificities differed among ethnic and gender groups.
Quality of Life after Lap‐Band Placement: Influence of Time, Weight Loss, and Comorbidities
Authors: Dixon John B. , Dixon Maureen E. , O'Brien Paul E. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: To assess the quality of life (QOL) in severely obese subjects before and after Lap‐Band gastric restrictive surgery and identify factors that may influence change.Research Methods and Procedures: All patients, over a 3‐year period, attending for preoperative assessment (n = 459) or annual review after surgery (n = 641) have completed the Short Form‐36 (SF‐36) health survey. Eight domain and physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores were calculated. Scores were analyzed in groups based on time after surgery and compared with community normal (CN) values. Paired preoperative and 1‐year scores (n = 218) data were used to find predictors of QOL change.Results: All preoperative mean scores (n = 459) were lower than CN values, with greater impairment in the PCS (36.8 ± 9.5 vs. CN: 51.3 ± 8.3, p < 0.001) than in the MCS (45.7 ± 8.2 vs. CN: 48.8 ± 9.5, p < 0.001) scores. After 1 year, scores were closer to CN scores (PCS: 52.4 ± 8.2 and MCS: 48.4 ± 7.7), and these remained closer for 4 years. Preoperative obesity comorbidity, especially physical disability, was the best predictor of poor preoperative SF‐36 scores and of improvement in scores at 1 year. The percentage of excess weight loss at 1 year (46 ± 16%) was of little predictive value of improved QOL.Discussion: Severely obese subjects have poor health‐related QOL as measured by the SF‐36 health survey. Lap‐Band surgery for this group has provided a dramatic and sustained improvement in all measures of the SF‐36. Improvement is greater in those with greater preoperative disability, and the extent of weight loss is not a good predictor of improved QOL.
Gly40Ser Polymorphism of the Glucagon Receptor Gene Is Associated with Central Adiposity in Men
Authors: Siani Alfonso , Iacone Roberto , Russo Ornella , Barba Gianvincenzo , Russo Paola , Cappuccio Francesco P. , Galletti Ferruccio , Strazzullo Pasquale 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: To study the association between the Gly40Ser polymorphism of the glucagon receptor gene (GCG‐R) and central adiposity.Research Methods and Procedures: Data from 985 working men (The Olivetti Heart Study) examined in 1994 were used in a cross‐sectional design. A complete anthropometry was performed; body mass index and waist circumference were taken as measures of total and central adiposity, respectively. The GCG‐R Gly40Ser polymorphism was characterized. Biochemical variables linked to energy metabolism were measured.Results: The GCG‐R Gly40Ser variant was present in 37 individuals only in heterozygous form and was significantly associated with anthropometric indices of central adiposity, accounting for age and body mass (odds ratio for waist circumference > 94 cm; 95% confidence interval: 3.14, 1.26 to 7.81), whereas no difference between the two groups was found with regard to biochemical indices of insulin resistance or plasma leptin levels.Discussion: The Gly40Ser polymorphism of the GCG‐R gene is associated with central adiposity independently from total body mass in men.
Diffusion-weighted imaging for predicting new compression fractures following percutaneous vertebroplasty
Authors: Sugimoto T. , Tanigawa N. , Ikeda K. , Ohmura N. , Maehara M. , Kariya S. , Kojima H. , Komemushi A. , Ha-Kawa S. K. , Saito Y. , Tajika A. , Kinoshita T. , Sawada S. 
Published: April 2008

Background: Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) is a technique that structurally stabilizes a fractured vertebral body. However, some patients return to the hospital due to recurrent back pain following PVP, and such pain is sometimes caused by new compression fractures. Purpose: To investigate whether the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of adjacent vertebral bodies as assessed by diffusion-weighted imaging before PVP could predict the onset of new compression fractures following PVP. Material and Methods: 25 patients with osteoporotic compression fractures who underwent PVP were enrolled in this study. ADC was measured for 49 vertebral bodies immediately above and below each vertebral body injected with bone cement before and after PVP. By measuring ADC for each adjacent vertebral body, ADC was compared between vertebral bodies with a new compression fracture within 1 month and those without new compression fractures. In addition, the mean ADC of adjacent vertebral bodies per patient was calculated. Results: Mean preoperative ADC for the six adjacent vertebral bodies with new compression fractures was 0.55×10−3 mm2/s (range 0.36–1.01×10−3 mm2/s), and for the 43 adjacent vertebral bodies without new compression fractures 0.20×10−3 mm2/s (range 0–0.98×10−3 mm2/s) ( P<0.001). Mean preoperative ADC for the six patients with new compression fractures was 0.55×10−3 mm2/s (range 0.21–1.01×10−3 mm2/s), and that for the 19 patients without new compression fractures 0.17×10−3 mm2/s (range 0.01–0.43×10−3 mm2/s) ( P<0.001). Conclusion: The ADC of adjacent vertebral bodies as assessed by diffusion-weighted imaging before PVP might be one of the predictors for new compression fractures following PVP.
High-resolution t2-weighted abdominal magnetic resonance imaging using respiratory triggering: impact of butylscopolamine on image quality
Authors: Wagner M. , Klessen C. , Rief M. , Elgeti T. , Taupitz M. , Hamm B. , Asbach P. 
Published: April 2008

Background: Respiratory triggering allows the acquisition of high-resolution magnetic resonance (MR) images of the upper abdomen. However, the depiction of organs close to the gastrointestinal tract can be considerably impaired by ghosting artifacts and blurring caused by bowel peristalsis. Purpose: To evaluate the effect of gastrointestinal motion suppression by intramuscular butylscopolamine administration on the image quality of a respiratory-triggered T2-weighted turbo spin-echo (T2w TSE) sequence of the upper abdomen. Material and Methods: Images of 46 patients were retrospectively analyzed. Twenty-four patients had received intramuscular injection of 40 mg butylscopolamine immediately before MR imaging. Fourteen of the 24 patients in the butylscopolamine group underwent repeat imaging after a mean of 29 min. Quantitative analysis of the ghosting artifacts was done by measuring signal intensities in regions of interest placed in air anterior to the patient. In addition, image quality was assessed qualitatively by two radiologists by consensus. Results: Spasmolytic medication with butylscopolamine reduced ghosting artifacts and significantly improved image quality of the respiratory-triggered T2w TSE sequence. The most pronounced effect of butylscopolamine administration on image quality was found for the pancreas and the left hepatic lobe. The rate of examinations with excellent or good depiction of the pancreas and the left hepatic lobe in the group without premedication and in the butylscopolamine group was 55% vs. 96% (pancreatic head), 35% vs. 88% (pancreatic body), 43% vs. 96% (pancreatic tail), and 45% vs. 83% (left hepatic lobe), respectively. Regarding the duration of the effect of intramuscular butylscopolamine, repeat imaging after a mean of 29 min did not result in a significant deterioration of image quality. Conclusion: Intramuscular butylscopolamine administration significantly improves image quality of respiratory-triggered T2-weighted abdominal MR imaging by persistent reduction of peristaltic artifacts. MR imaging of the liver and pancreas in particular benefits from the suppression of gastrointestinal peristalsis by butylscopolamine.
Assessing doses to interventional radiologists using a personal dosimeter worn over a protective apron
Authors: Stranden E. , Widmark A. , Sekse T. 
Published: April 2008

Backround: Interventional radiologists receive significant radiation doses, and it is important to have simple methods for routine monitoring of their exposure. Purpose: To evaluate the usefulness of a dosimeter worn outside the protective apron for assessments of dose to interventional radiologists. Material and Methods: Assessments of effective dose versus dose to dosimeters worn outside the protective apron were achieved by phantom measurements. Doses outside and under the apron were assessed by phantom measurements and measurements on eight radiologists wearing two routine dosimeters for a 2-month period during ordinary working conditions. Finger doses for the same radiologists were recorded using thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD; DXT-RAD Extremity dosimeters). Results: Typical values for the ratio between effective dose and dosimeter dose were found to be about 0.02 when the radiologist used a thyroid shield and about 0.03 without. The ratio between the dose to the dosimeter under and outside a protective apron was found to be less than 0.04. There was very good correlation between finger dose and dosimeter dose. Conclusion: A personal dosimeter worn outside a protective apron is a good screening device for dose to the eyes and fingers as well as for effective dose, even though the effective dose is grossly overestimated. Relatively high dose to the fingers and eyes remains undetected by a dosimeter worn under the apron.
Pediatric multidetector computed tomography using tube current modulation and a patient image gallery
Authors: Honnef D. , Mahnken A. H. , Haras G. , Wildberger J. E. , Staatz G. , Das M. , Barker M. , Stanzel S. , Günther R. W. , Hohl C. 
Published: April 2008

Background: Dose reduction is crucial in pediatric multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). Purpose: To perform pediatric 16-slice MDCT using tube current modulations and to adjust prospectively the tube current using a patient image gallery (IG) providing simulated dose-reduced protocols; and to evaluate and compare the image quality of the IG and the clinical MDCT. Material and Methods: 30 examinations (thorax, n=15; abdomen, n=8; pelvis, n=7) in 20 patients (nine male, age 8.05±7.33 years, weight 29.8±24.02 kg) were performed according to an IG on a 16-slice MDCT with additional use of online tube current modulation (CARE Dose). Three radiologists visually assessed image quality from the IG and actual 16-slice MDCT scans. For objective analysis, image noise was determined. Results: Statistical analysis showed moderate concordance in objective (K =0.68–0.78) and subjective (K =0.33–0.64) image assessment between the IG and clinical 16-slice MDCT scans. Depending on the weight group and clinical question, no or only minor dose reductions in the chest, but moderate to considerable reductions in the abdominal/pelvic 16-slice MDCT scans compared to previously used pediatric protocols were achieved. Extra dose reduction was achieved due to additional use of CARE Dose depending on age group and scan region (mean 8.6–23.9%). Conclusion: The IG enabled us to prospectively reduce the tube current and adapt the required image quality to the clinical question. Additional dose reduction was achieved with application of CARE Dose; nevertheless, the images are comparable to the simulated images of the IG.
Conformational change upon ligand binding and dynamics of the PDZ domain from leukemia‐associated Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor
Authors: Liu Jiangxin , Zhang Jiahai , Yang Yinshan , Huang Hongda , Shen Weiqun , Hu Qi , Wang Xingsheng , Wu Jihui , Shi Yunyu 
Published: April 2008

AbstractLeukemia‐associated Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor (LARG) is a RhoA‐specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) that can activate RhoA. The PDZ (PSD‐95/Disc‐large/ZO‐1 homology) domain of LARG interacts with membrane receptors, which can relay extracellular signals to RhoA signal transduction pathways. Until now there is no structural and dynamic information about these interactions. Here we report the NMR structures of the LARG PDZ in the apo form and in complex with the plexin‐B1 C‐terminal octapeptide. Unobservable resonances of the residues in βB/βC and βE/αB loops in apo state were observed in the complex state. A distinct region of the binding groove in the LARG PDZ was found to undergo conformational change compared with other PDZs. Analysis of the 15N relaxation data using reduced spectral density mapping shows that the apo LARG PDZ (especially its ligand‐binding groove) is flexible and exhibits internal motions on both picosecond to nanosecond and microsecond to millisecond timescales. Mutagenesis and thermodynamic studies indicate that the conformation of the βB/βC and βE/αB loops affects the PDZ–peptide interaction. It is suggested that the conformational flexibility could facilitate the change of structures upon ligand binding.
Using structural analysis to generate parasite‐selective monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Kron Michael A. , Cichanowicz Sam , Hendrick Angela , Liu Aizhuo , Leykam Joseph , Kuhn Leslie A. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractDiagnosis of eukaryotic parasitic infection using antibody‐based tests such as ELISAs (enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays) is often problematic because of the need to differentiate between homologous host and pathogen proteins and to ensure that antibodies raised against a peptide will also bind to the peptide in the context of its three‐dimensional protein structure. Filariasis caused by the nematode, Brugia malayi, is an important worldwide tropical disease in which parasites disappear from the bloodstream during daylight hours, thus hampering standard microscopic diagnostic methods. To address this problem, a structural approach was used to develop monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that detect asparaginyl‐tRNA synthetase (AsnRS) secreted from B. malayi. B. malayi and human AsnRS amino acid sequences were aligned to identify regions that are relatively unconserved, and a 1.9 Å crystallographic structure of B. malayi AsnRS was used to identify peptidyl regions that are surface accessible and available for antibody binding. Sequery and SSA (Superpositional Structural Analysis) software was used to analyze which of these peptides was most likely to maintain its native conformation as a synthetic peptide, and its predicted helical structure was confirmed by NMR. A 22‐residue peptide was synthesized to produce murine mAbs. Four IgG1 mAbs were identified that recognized the synthetic peptide and the full‐length parasite AsnRS, but not human AsnRS. The specificity and affinity of mAbs was confirmed by Western blot, immunohistochemistry, surface plasmon resonance, and enzyme inhibition assays. These results support the success of structural modeling to choose peptides for raising selective antibodies that bind to the native protein.
Menstrual phase effects on smoking relapse
Authors: Allen Sharon S. , Bade Tracy , Center Bruce , Finstad Deborah , Hatsukami Dorothy 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACTAims  To examine if menstrual phase affects relapse in women attempting to quit smoking.Design  An intent‐to‐treat randomized smoking cessation trial where women were assigned to quit smoking in either the follicular (F) or luteal (L) menstrual phase and were followed for up to 26 weeks. They were assessed for relapse by days to relapse and relapse phase to determine if those who begin a quit attempt during the F phase were more successful than those who begin during the L phase.Setting  Tobacco Use Research Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.Participants  A total of 202 women.Measurements  Latency to relapse from continuous and prolonged abstinence, point prevalence, phase of relapse, first slip within the first 3 and 5 days post‐quit date, subject completion rates and symptomatology (i.e. withdrawal and craving).Findings  The mean days to relapse from continuous abstinence and relapse from prolonged abstinence for the F group were 13.9 and 20.6 days, respectively, and 21.5 and 39.2 days, respectively, for the L group. Using point prevalence analysis at 14 days, 84% of the F group had relapsed compared with 65% of the L group [χ2 = 10.024, P = 0.002; odds ratio (OR) = 2.871, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.474–5.590]. At 30 days, 86% of the F group relapsed, compared with 66% of the L group (χ2 = 11.076, P = 0.001; OR = 3.178, 95% CI, 1.594–6.334).Conclusion  Women attempting to quit smoking in the F phase had less favorable outcomes than those attempting to quit in the L phase. This could relate to ovarian hormones, which may play a role in smoking cessation for women.
Longitudinal changes in methamphetamine and cocaine use in untreated rural stimulant users: racial differences and the impact of methamphetamine legislation
Authors: Borders Tyrone F. , Booth Brenda M. , Han Xiaotong , Wright Patricia , Leukefeld Carl , Falck Russel S. , Carlson Robert G. 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACTAims To examine how race and methamphetamine legislation are associated with changes in cocaine and methamphetamine use among untreated rural stimulant users.Design A longitudinal study of stimulant users identified through respondent‐driven sampling.Setting Rural areas of three US states.Participants Participants at baseline were current users of methamphetamine and/or cocaine.Measures Self‐reports of methamphetamine, crack cocaine and powder cocaine use were assessed at 6‐month intervals over a 2‐year period. Generalized estimating equations were performed to account for correlations between the repeated measurements.Findings Compared to whites, African Americans were much more likely to use crack cocaine, equally likely to use powder cocaine and much less likely to use methamphetamine. Both whites and African Americans reduced their consumption of methamphetamine and both forms of cocaine over 2 years. Exposure to laws restricting the purchase of over‐the‐counter cold medications containing methamphetamine precursors was not associated with methamphetamine use, but associated with a slight rise in powder and crack cocaine use.Conclusions The study yielded disconcerting as well as promising findings regarding the natural history of stimulant use in rural areas. Of some concern is that methamphetamine precursor laws were correlated with increased cocaine consumption, diminishing their net public health benefits. However, despite its insurgence in rural areas of the United States, very few African Americans have initiated methamphetamine use. Regardless of race, many stimulant users stopped using cocaine and methamphetamine without formal substance abuse treatment over 24 months.