bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Very Low‐Carbohydrate versus Isocaloric High‐Carbohydrate Diet in Dietary Obese Rats
Authors: Axen Kathleen V. , Axen Kenneth 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: The effects of a very low‐carbohydrate (VLC), high‐fat (HF) dietary regimen on metabolic syndrome were compared with those of an isocaloric high‐carbohydrate (HC), low‐fat (LF) regimen in dietary obese rats.Research Methods and Procedures: Male Sprague‐Dawley rats, made obese by 8 weeks ad libitum consumption of an HF diet, developed features of the metabolic syndrome vs. lean control (C) rats, including greater visceral, subcutaneous, and hepatic fat masses, elevated plasma cholesterol levels, impaired glucose tolerance, and fasting and post‐load insulin resistance. Half of the obese rats (VLC) were then fed a popular VLC‐HF diet (Weeks 9 and 10 at 5% and Weeks 11 to 14 at 15% carbohydrate), and one‐half (HC) were pair‐fed an HC‐LF diet (Weeks 9 to 14 at 60% carbohydrate).Results: Energy intakes of pair‐fed VLC and HC rats were less than C rats throughout Weeks 9 to 14. Compared with HC rats, VLC rats exhibited impaired insulin and glycemic responses to an intraperitoneal glucose load at Week 10 and lower plasma triacylglycerol levels but retarded loss of hepatic, retroperitoneal, and total body fat at Week 14. VLC, HC, and C rats no longer differed in body weight, plasma cholesterol, glucose tolerance, or fasting insulin resistance at Week 14. Progressive decreases in fasting insulin resistance in obese groups paralleled concomitant reductions in hepatic, retroperitoneal, and total body fat.Discussion: When energy intake was matched, the VLC‐HF diet provided no advantage in weight loss or in improving those components of the metabolic syndrome induced by dietary obesity and may delay loss of hepatic and visceral fat as compared with an HC‐LF diet.
Effect of Weight Loss on P Wave Dispersion in Obese Subjects
Authors: Duru Mehmet , Seyfeli Ergun , Kuvandik Guven , Kaya Hasan , Yalcin Fatih 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: The aim of this study was to investigate effect of loss weight on P wave dispersion in obese subjects.Research Methods and Procedures: After a 12‐week weight loss program (diet and medical therapy), a total of 30 (24 women and six men) obese subjects who had lost at least 10% of their original weight were included in the present study. All subjects underwent a routine standard 12‐lead surface electrocardiogram. Electrocardiograms were transferred to a personal computer by a scanner and then magnified 400 times by Adobe Photoshop software (Adobe Systems, Mountain View, CA). P wave dispersion, which is also defined as the difference between the maximum P wave duration and the minimum P wave duration, was also calculated.Results: After a 12‐week weight loss program, BMI (p < 0.001), maximum P wave duration (p < 0.001), and P wave dispersion (p < 0.001) significantly decreased. The mean percentage of weight loss was 13% (10% to 20.3%). The decrease in the level of P wave dispersion (21 ± 10 and 7 ± 12 ms, p < 0.002) was more prominent in Group II (≥12% loss of their original weight) than Group I (<12% loss of their original weight) after the weight loss program. A statistically significant correlation between decrease in the level of P wave dispersion and percentage of weight loss was found (r = 0.624, p < 0.001).Discussion: Substantial weight loss in obese subjects is associated with a decrease of P wave duration and dispersion. Therefore, these observations suggest that substantial weight loss is associated with improvement in atrial repolarization abnormalities in obese subjects.
Dietary Quality Predicts Adult Weight Gain: Findings from the Framingham Offspring Study
Authors: Quatromoni Paula A. , Pencina Michael , Cobain Mark R. , Jacques Paul F. , D'Agostino Ralph B. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: We tested the hypothesis that dietary quality, measured by adherence to the Dietary Guidelines, was related to weight change in adults.Research Methods and Procedures: Dietary intake was assessed among 2245 adult men and women (average age, 49 to 56 years) in the Framingham Offspring cohort. Three‐day dietary records were collected in 1984 to 1988 and again in 1991 to 1996. Weight change was measured over 8 years after each assessment. A five‐point diet quality index (DQI) was computed based on mean nutrient intake levels from each set of diet records. One DQI point was contributed for each of five nutrients if intake met Dietary Guidelines for total and saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, and carbohydrate. Gender‐specific generalized estimating equations pooled data across the two assessments to relate DQI to 8‐year weight gain.Results: Men and women with higher DQI scores gained less weight during follow‐up (p < 0.05). Average gain over 8 years was ∼3 pounds among those with highest scores, compared with 5 to 8 pounds among those with lower scores. Smoking cessation was an important predictor of weight gain, accounting for about a 5‐ to 9‐pound difference in weight gain.Discussion: A high‐quality diet, one that is consistent with the Dietary Guidelines, may help curb rising rates of obesity at the population level. Poor compliance with the Guidelines, rather than the guidelines themselves, is likely responsible for the weight gain observed in the American population. Adoption of an eating pattern consistent with the Dietary Guidelines should facilitate population weight control if sustained long term.
Obesity and Attained Education: Cohort Study of More Than 700,000 Swedish Men
Authors: Karnehed Nina , Rasmussen Finn , Hemmingsson Tomas , Tynelius Per 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: To study the relationship between BMI at age 18 years and later attained education, with control for intelligence and parental social position.Research Methods and Procedures: A cohort of 752,283 Swedish men born from 1952 to 1973 were followed in registers with respect to attainment of high education (≥15 years of education) until December 31, 2001. Intelligence and BMI (kilograms per meter squared) were measured at compulsory military conscription at age 18 years. Ninth grade school marks were available for a subgroup born from 1972 to 1973 (N = 93,374). The hazard ratio for attaining high education was estimated with proportional hazard regression analysis controlling for intelligence, height, parental socioeconomic position, country of birth, conscription center, and municipality.Results: Young men who were obese (BMI ≥ 30) at age 18 years (N = 10,782) had a much lower chance of attaining a high education than normal‐weight subjects [(18.5 ≤ BMI < 25); adjusted hazard ratio 0.48 (95% confidence interval, 0.45, 0.52)]. Young men who were obese at age 18 had lower mean ninth grade school marks than young men with normal weight at any given intelligence level.Discussion: Obese men in Sweden are doing much worse in the educational system than their normal‐weight counterparts even after adjustments for intelligence and parental socioeconomic position. Discrimination in the educational system and other sectors of the society may explain these strong associations.
Freshman 15: Fact or Fiction?
Authors: Morrow Michelle L. , Heesch Kristiann C. , Dinger Mary K. , Hull Holly R. , Kneehans Allen W. , Fields David A. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: The objective of this study was to investigate changes in body weight, BMI, body composition, and fat distribution among freshman women during their 1st year of college.Research Methods and Procedures: Freshman women during the 2004 to 2005 academic year were recruited to participate. The initial baseline visit occurred within the first 6 weeks of the fall 2004 semester, with the follow‐up visit occurring during the last 6 weeks of the spring 2005 semester. At each visit, height, weight, BMI, waist and hip circumferences, and body composition (by DXA) were obtained.Results: One hundred thirty‐seven participants completed both the fall and spring visits. Significant (p < 0.0001) increases between the fall and spring visits were observed for body weight (58.6 vs. 59.6 kg), BMI (21.9 vs. 22.3), percentage body fat (28.9 vs. 29.7), total fat mass (16.9 vs. 17.7 kg), fat‐free mass (38.1 vs. 38.4 kg), waist circumference (69.4 vs. 70.3 cm), and hip circumference (97.4 vs. 98.6 cm), with no significant difference observed in the waist‐to‐hip ratio (0.71 vs. 0.71; p = 0.78).Discussion: Although statistically significant, changes in body weight, body composition, and fat mass were modest for women during their freshman year of college. These results do not support the purported “freshman 15” weight gain publicized in the popular media.
Obesity in Older Adults: A Systematic Review of the Evidence for Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: McTigue Kathleen M. , Hess Rachel , Ziouras Jennifer 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: Although obesity is increasing in older U.S. adults, treatment is controversial in this age group. We sought to examine evidence concerning obesity's health‐related risks, diagnostic methods, and treatment outcomes in older individuals.Research Methods and Procedures: We searched MEDLINE and Cochrane Library databases, consulted with experts, and examined bibliographies for English language studies discussing obesity in older adults (mean age ≥ 60), published between January 1980 and November 2005. Inclusion criteria were met by 32 longitudinal analyses, seven diagnostic studies, and 17 randomized controlled trial articles. At least two authors independently reviewed and abstracted study design, population, results, and quality information.Results: Correlations between body fat and three anthropometric measures (BMI, waist circumference, waist‐to‐hip ratio) decrease with age but remain clinically significant. Obesity contributes to risk for several cardiovascular endpoints, some cancers, and impaired mobility but protects against hip fracture. The association between obesity and mortality declines as age increases. Intensive counseling strategies incorporating behavioral, dietary, and exercise components promote a weight loss of 3 to 4 kg over 1 to 3.3 years. The loss is linked with improved glucose tolerance, improved physical functioning, reduced incidence of diabetes and a combined hypertension and cardiovascular endpoint, and reduced bone density.Discussion: In older adults, obesity can be diagnosed with standard clinical measures. Intensive counseling can promote modest sustained weight loss, but data are insufficient to evaluate surgical or pharmacological options. Obesity treatment is most likely to benefit individuals with high cardiovascular risk. Limited data suggest possible functional improvement. Treatment should incorporate measures to avoid bone loss.
Adiponectin and Membrane Fluidity of Erythrocytes in Normotensive and Hypertensive Men
Authors: Tsuda Kazushi 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: Abnormalities in physicochemical properties of the cell membranes may underlie the defects that are strongly linked to hypertension. Recent evidence indicates that adiponectin may have protective effects against cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of the present study was to assess the possible link between plasma adiponectin and membrane fluidity in normotensive (NT) and hypertensive (HT) men.Research Methods and Procedures: We measured the membrane fluidity (a reciprocal value of membrane microviscosity) of erythrocytes in NT and HT men by using an electron paramagnetic resonance and spin‐labeling method.Results: The order parameter (S) for the spin label agent (5‐nitroxide stearate) and the peak height ratio (h0/h−1) for 16‐nitroxide stearate in the electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of erythrocytes were significantly higher in HT men than in NT men, indicating that membrane fluidity of erythrocytes was decreased in HT men compared with NT men. Both of plasma adiponectin and nitric oxide (NO) metabolite levels were significantly lower in HT men than in NT men. The plasma adiponectin levels were correlated with plasma NO metabolites. The S and the h0/h−1 of erythrocytes were inversely correlated with the plasma adiponectin and NO metabolite levels, indicating that the decreased membrane fluidity of erythrocytes was associated with hypoadiponectinemia and reduced plasma NO metabolites.Discussion: The results of the present study demonstrated that plasma adiponectin levels were lower in HT men than in NT men and that hypoadiponectinemia was associated with decreased membrane fluidity of erythrocytes. The finding suggests that adiponectin may be linked to the rheologic behavior of the erythrocytes and the microcirculation in men, at least in part, by the NO‐dependent mechanism.
Angiotensin‐Converting Enzyme Inhibition Reduces Lipid Deposits in Myocardium and Improves Left Ventricular Function of Obese Zucker Rats
Authors: Toblli Jorge Eduardo , Cao Gabriel , Rivas Carlos , DeRosa Graciela , Domecq Patricia 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: Alterations in the renin angiotensin system, cardiac lipotoxicity, and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction have been reported in obese rats. The present study examined whether angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibition could ameliorate lipid deposition and ventricular function in the myocardium of obese Zucker rats (OZRs).Research Methods and Procedures: For 6 months, rats were treated as follows: Group (G) 1, OZR, no treatment; G2, OZR + ramipril (R); G3, OZR + amlodipine (AML); and G4, lean Zucker rats. LV function was assessed by echocardiogram and lipid deposits in cardiomyocytes (LDCM) by light microscopy using Oil red O.Results: At the end of the experiment, both OZR + R and OZR + AML groups presented similar reduction in blood pressure in comparison with untreated OZR (p < 0.01). OZR with R presented lower insulin‐to‐glucose ratio and lower serum triglycerides and cholesterol when compared with both untreated OZR and OZR with AML (p < 0.01). Fractional shortening by echocardiogram was as follows: G1, 25.4 ± 3.8 (vs. G2 and G4, p < 0.05); G2, 37.2 ± 2.4; G3, 29.3 ± 4.4 (vs. G2 and G4, p < 0.05); and G4, 40.8 ± 2.3. Percentage LDCM was as follows: G1, 12.4 ± 2.7 (vs. G2 and G4, p < 0.05); G2, 0.8 ± 0.2; G3, 11.1 ± 2.1 (vs. G2 and G4, p < 0.05); and G4, 0.1 ± 0.1. There was a negative correlation between fractional shortening and LDCM percentage in OZR (r = −0.93) and in OZR + AML (r = −0.87).Discussion: AML reduced blood pressure significantly; however, it failed to modify both metabolic parameters and LDCM. In contrast, R showed a substantial reduction in LDCM, together with LV function preservation.
A Quantitative Trait Locus on Chromosome 18q for Physical Activity and Dietary Intake in Hispanic Children
Authors: Cai Guowen , Cole Shelley A. , Butte Nancy , Bacino Carlos , Diego Vincent , Tan Karen , Göring Harald H. , O'rahilly Stephen , Farooqi I. Sadaf , Comuzzie Anthony G. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: Genetic components of energy homeostasis contributing to childhood obesity are poorly understood. Genome scans were performed to identify chromosomal regions contributing to physical activity and dietary intake traits in Hispanic children participating in the VIVA LA FAMILIA Study.Research Methods and Procedures: We report linkage findings on chromosome 18 for physical activity and dietary intake in 1030 siblings from 319 Hispanic families. Measurements entailed physical activity by accelerometry, dietary intake by two 24‐hour recalls, and genetic linkage analyses using SOLAR software.Results: Significant heritabilities were seen for physical activity and dietary intake, ranging from 0.46 to 0.69, except for vigorous activity (h2 = 0.18). Percentage time in sedentary activity mapped to markers D18S1102‐D18S64 on chromosome 18 [logarithm of the odds (LOD) score = 4.07], where melanocortin 4 receptor gene (MC4R) resides. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for total activity counts, percentage time in light or in moderate activity, and carbohydrate intake and percentage of energy intake from carbohydrates were detected in the same region (LOD = 2.28, 2.79, 2.2, 1.84, and 1.51, respectively). A novel loss of function mutation in MC4R (G55V) was detected in six obese relatives, but not in the rest of the cohort. Removal of these MC4R‐deficient subjects from the analysis reduced the LOD score for sedentary activity to 3.94.Discussion: Given its role in the regulation of food intake and energy expenditure, MC4R is a strong positional candidate gene for the QTL on chromosome 18 detected for physical activity and dietary intake in Hispanic children.
A Quantitative Trait Locus for Body Fat on Chromosome 1q43 in French Canadians: Linkage and Association Studies
Authors: Aissani Brahim , Perusse Louis , Lapointe Gilles , Chagnon Yvon C. , Bouchard Luigi , Walts Brandon , Bouchard Claude 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: To explore a quantitative trait locus (QTL) on human chromosome 1q affecting BMI, adiposity, and fat‐free mass phenotypes in the Quebec Family Study cohort.Research Methods and Procedures: Non‐parametric sibpair and variance component linkage analyses and family‐based association studies were performed with a dense set of chromosome 1q43 microsatellites and single‐nucleotide polymorphism markers in 885 adult individuals.Results: Linkage was observed between marker D1S184 and BMI (p = 0.0004) and with body fat mass or percentage body fat (p ≤ 0.0003), but no linkage was detected with fat‐free mass. Furthermore, significant linkages (p < 0.0001) were achieved with subsamples of sibpairs at both ends of phenotype distributions. Association studies with quantitative transmission disequilibrium tests refined the linkage to a region overlapping the regulator of G‐protein signaling 7 (RGS7) gene and extending to immediate upstream gene loci.Discussion: The present study indicates that the QTL on chromosome 1q43 specifically affects total adiposity and provides a genetic mapping framework for the dissection of this adiposity locus.
Body Image and Quality of Life in Post Massive Weight Loss Body Contouring Patients
Authors: Song Angela Y. , Rubin J. Peter , Thomas Veena , Dudas Jason R. , Marra Kacey G. , Fernstrom Madelyn H. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: Because post‐bariatric surgery patients undergo massive weight loss, the resulting skin excess can lead to both functional problems and profound dissatisfaction with appearance. Correcting skin excess could improve all these corollaries, including body image. Presently, few data are available documenting body image and weight‐related quality of life in this population.Research Methods and Procedures: Eighteen patients who underwent both bariatric surgery and body contouring completed our study. Both established surveys and new surveys designed specifically for the study were used to assess body perception and ideals, quality of life, and mood. Patients were surveyed at the following time‐points: pre‐body contouring (after massive weight loss) and both 3 and 6 month post‐body contouring. Statistical testing was performed using Student's t test and ANOVA.Results: The mean age of the patients was 46 ± 10 years (standard deviation). Quality of life improved after obesity surgery and was significantly enhanced after body contouring. Three months after body contouring, subjects ascribed thinner silhouettes to both current appearance and ideal body image. Body image also improved with body contouring surgery. Mood remained stable over 6 months.Discussion: Body contouring after surgical weight loss improved both quality‐of‐life measurements and body image. Initial body dissatisfaction did not correlate with mood. Body contouring improved body image but produced dissatisfaction with other parts of the body, suggesting that as patients become closer to their ideal, these ideals may shift. We further developed several new assessment methods that may prove useful in understanding these post‐surgical weight loss patients.
Impaired Lung Function Is Associated with Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome in Adults
Authors: Lin Wen‐Yuan , Yao Chien‐An , Wang Hao‐Chien , Huang Kuo‐Chin 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: Impaired lung function is associated with obesity and insulin resistance. In this study, we investigated the relationship between metabolic syndrome and impaired lung function in adults.Research Methods and Procedures: A total of 46,514 subjects 20 years and over (21,669 men and 24,845 women, mean age = 37.3 ± 11.2 and 37.0 ± 11.3 years, respectively) were recruited from four nationwide MJ Health Screening Centers in Taiwan from 1998 to 2000. Metabolic syndrome was defined using the National Cholesterol Education Panel (NCEP) metabolic syndrome criteria or America Heart Association/National Heart Lung Blood Institute (AHA/NHLBI) criteria. The relationship between metabolic syndrome and lung function test was examined using multivariate logistic regression analysis.Results: The prevalence of impaired lung function was 11.1% in men and 14.0% in women. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 5.8% using NCEP criteria and 12.8% using AHA/NHLBI criteria. In multivariate logistic regression analysis with adjustment for age, gender, BMI, smoking, alcohol drinking, and physical activity, restrictive lung impairment was independently associated with increased risk of having metabolic syndrome (p < 0.01, odds ratios = 1.221 using NCEP criteria and 1.150 using AHA/NHLBI criteria).Discussion: Obesity and metabolic syndrome were associated with impaired lung function in adults in Taiwan. Our results imply that obesity and insulin resistance may be the common pathways underlying lung function impairment and metabolic syndrome. Moreover, lung function test may be applied as an additional evaluation for metabolic syndrome in a clinical setting.
Relation of BMI and Physical Activity to Sex Hormones in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: McTiernan Anne , Wu LieLing , Chen Chu , Chlebowski Rowan , Mossavar‐Rahmani Yasmin , Modugno Francesmary , Perri Michael G. , Stanczyk Frank Z. , Van Horn Linda , Wang C.Y. ,   Women's Health Initiative Investigators
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: Levels of estrogen, androgen, and prolactin have been related to risk of postmenopausal breast cancer. However, the determinants of these hormone concentrations are not established. The purpose of this study was to examine correlates of endogenous sex hormones.Research Methods and Procedures: Associations among adiposity, physical activity, and diet and concentrations of estradiol, free estradiol, estrone, testosterone, free testosterone, sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG), androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, and prolactin were evaluated in 267 postmenopausal women randomly selected from the Women's Health Initiative Dietary Modification Trial.Results: In multiple regression analyses on log‐transformed hormones, BMI was positively associated with estrone (β = 0.031, p < 0.001), estradiol (β = 0.048, p < 0.001), free estradiol (β = 0.062, p < 0.001), free testosterone (β = 0.017, p = 0.02), and prolactin (β = 0.012, p = 0.02) and negatively associated with SHBG (β = −0.02, p = 0.001). Total physical activity (metabolic equivalent tasks per week) was negatively associated with concentrations of estrone, estradiol, and androstenedione (β = −0.006, −0.007, and −0.005, respectively, all p ≤ 0.05). Using a composite variable of BMI and physical activity dichotomized by median values, women with high BMI/low physical activity had a mean estrone concentration of 28.8 pg/mL, compared with 24.1, 19.9, and 18.4 pg/mL for women with high BMI/high physical activity, low BMI/low physical activity, and low BMI/high physical activity, respectively (p trend < 0.001). Similar trends were observed for estradiol and free estradiol and, in inverse, for SHBG.Discussion: These associations may, in part, explain the positive associations between overweight/obesity and a sedentary lifestyle on breast cancer risk.