bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Urban DDR-processes: paramilitaries and criminal networks in Medellín, Colombia
Authors: ROZEMA RALPH 
Published: July 2008

AbstractWhile most scientific studies on disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) of former combatants focus on the countryside, the case of the paramilitaries in Medellín, Colombia, provides an exceptional opportunity to study such a process in a metropolitan environment. Analysis reveals how an urban DDR-process may lead to highly contradictory results: a strong decrease in the number of homicides and at the same time a consolidation of networks of criminal groups. Extralegal combatants, especially in an urban environment, are able to form extensive networks with criminal organisations. Although DDR-approaches warn of the risk that ex-combatants may resort to violence, scholars tend to disregard existing networks of groups of combatants and powerful criminal organisations in their analyses. Taking theories on DDR as a starting point and reflecting on earlier local peace initiatives, this article analyses the process with paramilitaries in Medellín. It argues that although, the local peace process has led to some significant results, it has to date failed to address the wider network of criminal organisations within which former paramilitaries were and continue to be involved.
Conservation of grassland patches failed to enhance colonization of ground-active beetles on formerly cultivated plots
Authors: FADDA SYLVAIN , ORGEAS JEROME , PONEL PHILIPPE , BUISSON ELISE , DUTOIT THIERRY 
Published: July 2008

SUMMARYThe dry grasslands of the Mediterranean Basin have been traditionally managed since ancient times, but have been drastically degraded by recent human activities such as cultivation. Cultivated plots in a dry grassland of Southern France were abandoned more than 20 years ago, but their vegetation and ground-active beetle community structure and composition differ considerably from neighbouring uncultivated grassland plots. Because these formerly cultivated plots are adjacent to an uncultivated grassland area, they constitute a model system for examining beetle recolonization patterns on field margins. No edge effect or ecotone was identified on the margins between two of the formerly cultivated plots and the uncultivated dry grassland; there was no significant peak of beetles species richness in this area. All the most common dry grassland beetle species (mainly saprophagous and predatory species, which are less habitat-specialist than phytophagous species) had already recolonized the formerly cultivated plots. However, although uncultivated dry grassland was adjacent to the formerly cultivated plots it was insufficient for complete regeneration of dry grassland beetle communities on formerly cultivated plots, indicating habitat quality remained lower even after 20 years. Understanding the causes of spatial variation in active-ground beetles at the species level is important before the ecological restoration of habitat quality to its prior state, using the adjacent steppe as a reference.
A clinical prediction rule for urinary tract infections in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in primary care
Authors: VENMANS L. M. A. J. , GORTER K. J. , RUTTEN G. E. H. M. , SCHELLEVIS F. G. , HOEPELMAN A. I. M. , HAK E. 
Published: July 2008

SUMMARYWe aimed to develop a prediction rule for urinary tract infections (UTIs) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). A 12-month prospective cohort study was conducted in patients with DM2 aged ⩾45 years to predict the occurrence of recurrent UTIs in women and lower UTIs in men. Predictors for recurrent UTI in women (n=81, 2%) and lower UTIs in men (n=93, 3%) were age, number of general practitioner (GP) visits, urinary incontinence, cerebrovascular disease or dementia. In women, renal disease was an additional predictor. The optimum corrected area under the receiver-operating curve (AUC) was 0·79 (95% CI 0·74–0·83) for women and 0·75 (95% CI 0·70–0·80) for men. Using a cut-off score of 4, women with a lower risk assignment had a probability of 0·3% for the outcome. For a cut-off score of 6, women with a higher risk assignment had a probability of 5·8%. For men these figures were 0·8 and 7·1 for a cut-off score of 2 and 4, respectively. Simple variables can be used for the risk stratification of patients.
Preventing Excessive Weight Gain in Adolescents: Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Binge Eating
Authors: Tanofsky‐Kraff Marian , Wilfley Denise E. , Young Jami F. , Mufson Laura , Yanovski Susan Z. , Glasofer Deborah R. , Salaita Christine G. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe most prevalent disordered eating pattern described in overweight youth is loss of control (LOC) eating, during which individuals experience an inability to control the type or amount of food they consume. LOC eating is associated cross‐sectionally with greater adiposity in children and adolescents and seems to predispose youth to gain weight or body fat above that expected during normal growth, thus likely contributing to obesity in susceptible individuals. No prior studies have examined whether LOC eating can be decreased by interventions in children or adolescents without full‐syndrome eating disorders or whether programs reducing LOC eating prevent inappropriate weight gain attributable to LOC eating. Interpersonal psychotherapy, a form of therapy that was designed to treat depression and has been adapted for the treatment of eating disorders, has shown efficacy in reducing binge eating episodes and inducing weight stabilization among adults diagnosed with binge eating disorder. In this paper, we propose a theoretical model of excessive weight gain in adolescents at high risk for adult obesity who engage in LOC eating and associated overeating patterns. A rationale is provided for interpersonal psychotherapy as an intervention to slow the trajectory of weight gain in at‐risk youth, with the aim of preventing or ameliorating obesity in adulthood.
Interventions to Prevent or Treat Obesity in Preschool Children: A Review of Evaluated Programs
Authors: Bluford Dontrell A.A. , Sherry Bettylou , Scanlon Kelley S. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjective: To identify effective programs to prevent or treat overweight among 2‐ to <6‐year‐old children.Research Methods and Procedures: We searched six databases to identify evaluated intervention programs assessing changes in weight status or body fat and systematically summarized study attributes and outcomes.Results: Four of the seven studies (two intervention, two prevention) documented significant reductions in weight status or body fat. Among these, three sustained reductions at 1 or 2 years after program initiation, three incorporated a framework/theory, two actively and one passively involved parents, three included multicomponent strategies, and all four monitored behavioral changes. Of the three (prevention) studies that did not show reduction in weight or fat status, all performed assessments between 4 and 9 months after program initiation, and one used a multicomponent strategy. Other significant changes reported were reductions in television viewing, cholesterol, and parental restriction of child feeding.Discussion: The paucity of studies limits our ability to generalize findings. Among the available studies, multicomponent programs with 1‐ to 2‐year follow‐up in clinics or child care settings were successful in their impact on weight; they were likely enhanced by parental involvement. Both treatment programs and two of five prevention programs reduced weight/fat status. Our review highlights the need to evaluate more programs, advocate for use of a framework/behavioral theory and objective behavioral measures, further examine the impact of involving parents and the impact of intervention duration and follow‐up time, strengthen prevention programs, and further evaluate successful programs in other settings and among other racial/ethnic groups.
Metabolic and Behavioral Compensatory Responses to Exercise Interventions: Barriers to Weight Loss
Authors: King Neil A. , Caudwell Phillipa , Hopkins Mark , Byrne Nuala M. , Colley Rachel , Hills Andrew P. , Stubbs James R. , Blundell John E. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractAn activity‐induced increase in energy expenditure theoretically disturbs energy balance (EB) by creating an acute energy deficit. Compensatory responses could influence the weight loss associated with the energy deficit. Individual variability in compensation for perturbations in EB could partly explain why some individuals fail to lose weight with exercise. It is accepted that the regulatory system will readily defend impositions that promote a negative EB. Therefore, a criticism of exercise interventions is that they will be ineffective and futile methods of weight control because the acute energy deficit is counteracted. Compensation for exercise‐induced energy deficits can be categorized into behavioral or metabolic responses and automatic or volitional. An automatic compensatory response is a biological inevitability and considered to be obligatory. An automatic compensatory response is typically a metabolic consequence (e.g., reduced resting metabolic rate) of a negative EB. In contrast, a volitional compensatory response tends to be deliberate and behavioral, which the individual intentionally performs (e.g., increased snack intake). The purpose of this review is to highlight the various metabolic and behavioral compensatory responses that could reduce the effectiveness of exercise and explain why some individuals experience a lower than expected weight loss. We propose that the extent and degree of compensation will vary between individuals. That is, some individuals will be predisposed to compensatory responses that render them resistant to the weight loss benefits theoretically associated with an exercise‐induced increase in energy expenditure. Therefore, given the inter‐individual variability in behavioral and metabolic compensatory responses, exercise prescriptions might be more effective if tailored to suit individuals.
The F Box Protein S Phase Kinase‐associated Protein 2 Regulates Adipose Mass and Adipocyte Number in Vivo
Authors: Cooke Paul S. , Holsberger Denise R. , Cimafranca Melissa A. , Meling Daryl D. , Beals Charity M. , Nakayama Keiko , Nakayama Keiichi I. , Kiyokawa Hiroaki 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjective: The etiology of some obesity may involve adipocyte hyperplasia. However, the role of adipocyte number in establishing adipose mass is unclear. Cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor p27 regulates activity of cyclin/cyclin‐dependent kinase complexes responsible for cell cycle progression. This protein is critical for establishing adult adipocyte number, and p27 knockout increases adult adipocyte number. The SCF (for Skp1‐Cullin‐F‐box protein) complex targets proteins such as p27 for ubiquitin‐proteosome degradation; the F box protein S phase kinase‐associated protein 2 (Skp2), a component of the SCF complex, specifically recognizes p27 for degradation. We used Skp2 knockout (Skp2−/−) mice to test whether Skp2 loss decreased adipose mass and adipocyte number.Research Methods and Procedures: We measured body weight, adipose mass, adipocyte diameter and number, and glucose tolerance in wild‐type (WT), Skp2−/−, and p27−/−Skp2−/− mice. Mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs) from WT and Skp2−/− fetuses were differentiated to determine whether Skp2 directly affected adipogenesis.Results: Skp2−/− mice had a 50% decrease in both subcutaneous and visceral fat pad mass and adipocyte number; these decreases exceeded those in body weight, kidney, or muscle. To test the hypothesis that Skp2 effects on adipocyte number involved p27 accumulation, we used p27−/−Skp2−/− double knockout mice. The Skp2−/− decrements in adipocyte number and fat pad mass were totally reversed in p27−/−Skp2−/− mice. Adipogenesis was inhibited in MEFs from Skp2−/− vs. WT mice, and this inhibition was absent in MEFs from p27−/−Skp2−/− mice.Discussion: Our results indicate that Skp2 regulates adipogenesis and ultimate adipocyte number in vivo; thus, Skp2 may contribute to obesity involving adipocyte hyperplasia.
Sleep Apnea Is Induced by a High‐fat Diet and Reversed and Prevented by Metformin in Non‐obese Rats
Authors: Ramadan Wiâm , Dewasmes Gérard , Petitjean Michel , Wiernsperger Nicolas , Delanaud Stéphane , Geloen Alain , Libert Jean‐Pierre 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjective: We assessed the relationship between a high‐fat (HF) diet and central apnea during rapid eye movement and non‐rapid eye movement sleep stages by recording ventilatory parameters in 28 non‐obese rats in which insulin resistance had been induced by an HF diet. We also studied whether metformin (an anti‐hyperglycemic drug frequently used to treat insulin resistance) could reverse sleep apnea or prevent its occurrence in this experimental paradigm.Research Methods and Procedures: Rats were fed with a standard diet (10 rats), an HF diet (8 rats), or an HF diet concomitantly with metformin treatment (10 rats). Each animal was instrumented for electroencephalographic and electromyographic recording. After 3 weeks, ventilatory parameters during sleep were recorded with a body plethysmograph. All rats were treated with metformin for 1 week, after which time the ventilatory measurements were measured again.Results: Our results showed that the three groups of animals did not differ in terms of body growth over the entire experimental period. The HF diet did not modify sleep structure or minute ventilation in the different sleep stages. A great increase (+266 ± 48%) in central apnea frequency was observed in insulin‐resistant rats. This was explained by an increase in both post‐sigh (+195 ± 35%) and spontaneous apnea (+437 ± 65%) in the different sleep stages. These increases were suppressed by metformin treatment.Discussion: Insulin resistance induced by the HF diet could be the promoter of sleep apnea in non‐obese rats. Metformin is an efficient curative and preventive treatment for sleep apnea, suggesting that insulin resistance modifies the ventilatory drive independently of obesity.
Biliopancreatic Diversion Reduces QT Interval and Dispersion in Severely Obese Patients
Authors: Bezante Gian Paolo , Scopinaro Alice , Papadia Francesco , Campostano Adele , Camerini Giovanni , Marinari Giuseppe , Balbi Manrico , Adami Gian Franco , Barsotti Antonio , Scopinaro Nicola 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjectives: The objectives were to evaluate QT interval (QTc) and QT‐interval dispersion (QTd) in severely obese individuals and to determine the effects of biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) and weight loss after BPD on ventricular repolarization parameters.Background: People with severe obesity (SO) have a 50% to 100% increased risk of death associated with a 1.6‐fold increased risk of sudden death. BPD surgery induces rapid and considerable weight loss through severe lipid malabsorption, thus achieving long‐term weight control.Research Methods and Procedures: A total of 85 subjects with SO (age, 42 ± 12 years; 66 females; mean body weight, 120 ± 29 kg; BMI, 45 ± 11 kg/m2) of 330 who had a bariatric surgical consultation between January 2001 and July 2002 were enrolled. Inclusion criteria were sinus rhythm, unremarkable 12 leads surface electrocardiogram, no atrioventricular blocks and/or bundle branch blocks, normal serum electrolyte profile, and no medical therapies exerting known effects on QTc. Exclusion criteria were previous diagnosis of coronary artery disease, known cardiovascular disease, atrial fibrillation or any other known cardiac arrhythmias, cancer, or renal dysfunction.Results: A total of 86% of patients had QTc >440 ms and/or QTd >60 ms. Subjects with SO showed a mean maximum QTc of 446 ± 28 ms and a mean QTd of 52 ± 20 ms. A close correlation was found between QTc and QTd (p < 0.0001; R2 = 0.33). One month after BPD, mean QTc was 420 ms and remained stable at follow‐up; QTd was 32 ms at 1 and 6 months and became 35 ms at 1 year.Conclusions: Ventricular repolarization abnormalities are significantly increased in subjects with SO. Reduction of QT abnormalities after BPD is independent of weight loss and is caused by the 100% reduction of glucose plasma shortly after surgery. This effect may be related to surgical interruption of the entero‐insular axis.
Effect of Increased Dairy Consumption on Appetitive Ratings and Food Intake
Authors: Hollis James H. , Mattes Richard D. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjective: The influence of dairy product consumption on food intake and appetitive sensations was explored in a cross‐over design study with individuals who were habitually low (<1 serving/d) or high (>3 servings/d) dairy consumers.Research Methods and Procedures: Fifty‐eight participants were required to eat one portion of dairy each day (low dairy) or three portions of dairy each day (high dairy) for 7 days. After a 7‐day washout period, the opposite treatment condition was completed. Food intake and appetitive ratings were measured on each day of the treatment periods.Results: During the high‐dairy period, participants consumed 209 kcal/d more than during the low dairy period (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in subjective appetite ratings. Habitual dairy use did not influence either the appetitive or dietary findings.Discussion: These data indicate that increasing dairy consumption may lead to increased energy intake, which could potentially cause weight gain.
Sedentary Behavior, Recreational Physical Activity, and 7‐Year Weight Gain among Postmenopausal U.S. Women
Authors: Blanck Heidi M. , McCullough Marjorie L. , Patel Alpa V. , Gillespie Cathleen , Calle Eugenia E. , Cokkinides Vilma E. , Galuska Deborah A. , Khan Laura Kettel , Serdula Mary K. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjective: To assess the relationship among recreational physical activity (PA), non‐occupational sedentary behavior, and 7‐year weight gain among postmenopausal U.S. women 40 to 69 years old.Research Methods and Procedures: In 1992 and 1999, 18,583 healthy female participants from the Cancer Prevention Study II Nutrition Cohort completed questionnaires on anthropometric characteristics and lifestyle factors. The associations between recreational PA [in metabolic equivalent (MET) hours per week] and non‐occupational sedentary behavior (in hours per day) at baseline and risk for 7‐year weight gain (5 to 9 or ≥10 vs. ±4 pounds) were assessed using multivariate logistic regression analysis.Results: Neither PA nor sedentary behavior was associated with a 5‐ to 9‐pound weight gain. Among women who were not overweight at baseline (BMI <25.0), the odds of ≥10‐pound weight gain were 12% lower (odds ratio, 0.88; 95% confidence interval, 0.77 to 0.99) for those in the highest category of recreational PA (≥18 MET h/wk) compared with >0 to <4 MET h/wk; odds were 47% higher (odds ratio, 1.47; 95% confidence interval, 1.21 to 1.79) for non‐overweight women who reported ≥6 h/d of non‐occupational sedentary behavior compared with <3 h/d. Neither PA nor sedentary behavior were associated with risk of ≥10‐pound weight gain weight among women who were overweight at baseline (BMI ≥25.0).Discussion: Both recreational PA and non‐occupational sedentary behavior independently predicted risk of ≥10‐pound weight gain among postmenopausal women who were not overweight at baseline. Public health messages to prevent weight gain among normal‐weight postmenopausal women may need to focus on decreasing time spent in sedentary behaviors and increasing the amount of time spent on PA.
Effects of Palmitate and Oleate on the Respiratory Quotient During Acute Feeding
Authors: Kien C. Lawrence , Bunn Janice Y. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjective: Using tracers, we showed, over 9 hours, that palmitic acid (PA) is oxidized at a lower rate than oleic acid (OA). Our subsequent clinical trial showed that enriching the diet for 28 days with PA, relative to OA, lowered fatty acid (FA) oxidation. However, because this conclusion was based on indirect calorimetry for 7 hours after a test meal, transient differences in the kinetics of oxidation of OA and PA could explain these results. Thus, we hypothesized that increasing PA vs. OA would decrease FA oxidation during the first day of feeding the diets.Research Methods and Procedures: A double‐masked trial was conducted in 20 adults, who, after a baseline diet, were randomized to one of two experimental formula diets: high (HI) OA (PA = 1.7% kcal, OA = 31.4% kcal; N = 11) or HI PA (PA = 16.8% kcal, OA = 16.4% kcal; N = 9). Respiratory quotient (RQ) was measured over the first 14 hours of feeding the experimental diets (7:00 am to 9:00 pm). To determine whether these subjects were representative of the subjects in the previous trial, we assessed RQ 28 days after beginning either diet.Results: During the first 14 hours of feeding the diets, time (p = 0.026) but not diet group had an effect on the difference between the RQ post‐feeding and the fasting pre‐value. However, RQ in the fed state was significantly higher in the HI PA group after 28 days of feeding.Discussion: Chronically increasing dietary PA for 28 days, but not acute meal feeding, lowers total FA oxidation.
Activity, Inactivity, and Screen Time in Relation to Weight and Fatness Over Adolescence in Girls
Authors: Must Aviva , Bandini Linda G. , Tybor David J. , Phillips Sarah M. , Naumova Elena N. , Dietz William H. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjective: The impact of activity and inactivity on relative weight and fatness change are best evaluated longitudinally. We examined the longitudinal relationship of physical activity, inactivity, and screen time with relative weight status and percentage body fat (%BF) and explored how it differed by parental overweight status.Research Methods and Procedures: Non‐obese pre‐menarcheal girls (173), 8 to 12 years old, were followed until 4 years post‐menarche. %BF, BMI z‐score, and time spent sleeping, sitting, standing, walking, and in vigorous activity were assessed annually. We developed a physical activity index to reflect time and intensity of activity. Inactivity was defined as the sum of time spent sleeping, sitting, and standing. Screen time was defined as time spent viewing television, videotapes, or playing video games. Parental overweight was defined as at least one parent with BMI > 25.Results: In separate linear mixed effects models, activity, inactivity, and screen time were unrelated to BMI z‐score longitudinally, with and without accounting for parental overweight. After controlling for parental overweight, activity was inversely related (p < 0.001), and inactivity was directly related (p < 0.035) to increased %BF longitudinally. Screen time was unrelated to %BF change. With stratification for parental overweight, effects of activity and inactivity on %BF were observed only among girls with at least one overweight parent.Discussion: In this cohort of initially non‐overweight girls, activity and inactivity were related to accrual of BF over adolescence, particularly among children with at least one overweight parent. These results suggest that girls with a family history of overweight represent a target population of high priority for interventions around physical activity and inactivity.