bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is the Relationship between Adipose Tissue and Waist Girth Altered by Weight Loss in Obese Men?
Authors: Paré Alfred , Dumont Martine , Lemieux Isabelle , Brochu Martin , Alméras Natalie , Lemieux Simone , Prud'homme Denis , Després Jean‐Pierre 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: The aim of the present study was to examine whether the association of waist girth to visceral adipose tissue (AT) accumulation was altered by weight loss in abdominally obese men.Research Methods and Procedures: We studied 45 dyslipidemic abdominally obese men (45.4 ± 6.2 years of age; body mass index [BMI], 31.3 ± 3.0 kg/m2; waist circumference, 103.4 ± 7.6 cm; total cholesterol, <6.72 mM; triglycerides, ≥1.7 mM but ≤5.65 mM; high density lipoprotein cholesterol, ≤1.2 mM). Each of them followed nutritional recommendations combined with a prescription of gemfibrozil (1200 mg/d) or a placebo for 1 year. After 6 months, a training exercise program was added at a frequency of four sessions of 60 minutes per week at 50% of maximal oxygen uptake.Results: In response to the 1‐year intervention program, men showed significant reductions in body weight, BMI, waist circumference, and in the partial volume of visceral and abdominal subcutaneous AT measured from two abdominal computed tomography scans performed at lumbar vertebra (L)2 to L3 and L4 to L5 levels. No change in waist‐to‐hip ratio was observed. Changes in visceral AT were strongly correlated with changes in body weight, BMI, and waist circumference (0.83 < r < 0.85; p < 0.001). However, a weak association was noted between waist‐to‐hip ratio and changes in visceral AT (r = 0.40; p < 0.05). There was no change in slopes or in intercepts before and after treatment in the relationships between volume or area of abdominal AT and anthropometric markers.Discussion: Despite a greater level of the partial volume of subcutaneous AT than of the partial volume of visceral AT at baseline (p < 0.001), the greater relative reduction in the visceral AT volume in comparison with the subcutaneous AT volume suggested a preferential mobilization of visceral AT with weight loss in these abdominally obese men. The close relationship between changes in the partial volume of visceral AT and changes in cross‐sectional areas of visceral AT measured at L2 to L3 (r = 0.94; p < 0.001) or L4 to L5 (r = 0.88; p < 0.001) suggests that a single computed tomography scan performed at L2 to L3 or L4 to L5 could predict changes in the partial volume of visceral AT secondary to weight loss.
The Expression of Cyclin D1 during Adipogenesis in Pig Primary Stromal–Vascular Cultures
Authors: Kim Hyunsook S. , Hausman Gary J. , Hausman Dorothy B. , Martin Roy J. , Dean Roger G. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: Our objective in this study was to measure the expression of cyclin D1 in pig primary stromal‐vascular (S‐V) cells as they differentiate into adipose cells and to identify which factors may alter cyclin D1 expression.Research Methods and Procedures: Western blot analysis was performed on cultured S‐V cells using 8% sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gels, mouse monoclonal cyclin D1 antibody, and anti‐mouse IgG secondary labeled with horseradish peroxidase. For immunocytochemistry, cultures were fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde and incubated with anti‐CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBPα) and anti‐cyclin D1 together. Cyclin D1 expression was evaluated in 105‐day fetal dorsal subcutaneous tissues using paraffin sections.Results: Our results with Western blot analysis showed that cyclin D1 was found in freshly isolated S‐V cells and continued to be expressed during the first 3 days of adipose cell development with a significant increase in late development at day 9. Elevated cyclin D1 levels were colocalized with C/EBPα beginning at day 3 and remained colocalized with C/EBPα through day 9. Removing insulin from cultures resulted in a reduction in differentially elevated levels of cyclin D1.Discussion: The elevated level of cyclin D1 expression colocalized with C/EBPα expression is unexpected because differentiated adipocytes would be expected to have reduced proliferative potential. The elevated levels of cyclin D1 expression we observed in mature adipocytes depend on insulin. In addition, cyclin D1 is absent from lipid‐filled fetal adipose cells in vivo, where insulin levels are very low. The activity of cyclin D1 in differentiated adipocytes may be directed toward proteins outside of the cell cycle.
Stages of Change and Weight Loss Among Rural African American Women
Authors: Hawkins Dawn S. , Hornsby Paige P. , Schorling John B. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: Obesity is a prevalent public health problem in the United States, especially for rural African American women, and causes increased morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this analysis was to determine whether the transtheoretical stages of change model was generalizable to weight loss intention among overweight and obese rural African American women and to identify important predictors of the stages of change.Research Methods and Procedures: The study was conducted in two rural counties in central Virginia. A population‐based sample of 200 women under the age of 40 completed questionnaires concerning weight loss behavior and beliefs about weight. Ordinal logistic regression was used to predict stage of change.Results: A total of 142 of the 200 women (71%) were overweight or obese (body mass index of ≥25) and were classified into a stage of change. Overall, 30% of respondents were in the precontemplation stage, 15% in the contemplation stage, 48% in the preparation stage, 4% in the action stage, and 3% in the maintenance stage. Education, what friends think about weight, body mass index, and a scale of the positive aspects of weight loss were significant predictors of the stage of change (p < 0.05).Conclusions: Several predictors of stage were the same as those found in studies of other health behaviors, and this research provides support for applying a stages of change model for weight loss intention among rural African American women. Two predictors in particular, significance of what friends think about weight and a scale of the positive aspects of weight loss, have implications for health education initiatives and social support in weight loss interventions.
Cardiac Parasympathetic Activity Is Increased by Weight Loss in Healthy Obese Women
Authors: Rissanen Päivi , Franssila‐Kallunki Anja , Rissanen Aila 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: We studied the effect of weight reduction on cardiac parasympathetic activity (PSA) in obese women. We also studied the relationship between the changes of PSA, resting energy expenditure (REE), and major cardiovascular risk factors.Research Methods and Procedures: Changes of cardiac vagal tone, an index of PSA, REE, and major cardiovascular risk factors, were measured in 52 healthy obese women after a 6‐month weight reduction. Ten of the women were remeasured at 12 and 24 months. Cardiac vagal tone was assessed by a vagal tone monitor and REE by indirect calorimeter.Results: Cardiac vagal tone increased significantly (p = 0.046), averaging a 9.5% weight loss in 6 months. The vagal tone increased further with weight loss during the following 6 months, and thereafter, it declined with weight regain. The increase of cardiac vagal tone correlated significantly with decreases of body weight, fat mass, waist circumference, serum insulin, and heart rate. REE adjusted for fat‐free mass and age did not change with weight loss and was not related to cardiac vagal tone at any time‐point.Discussion: Cardiac PSA activity increases with weight loss in obese women. This increase may not be maintained long‐term if body weight is regained. The rise of cardiac PSA is correlated with decreases of body fat mass, abdominal fat, serum insulin, and heart rate. Cardiac PSA is not related to REE.
Assessment of wall shear stress in the common carotid artery of healthy subjects using 3.0-tesla magnetic resonance
Authors: Sui B. , Gao P. , Lin Y. , Gao B. , Liu L. , An J. 
Published: April 2008

Background: Wall shear stress (WSS) has been proven to play a critical role in the formation and development of atherosclerotic plaques. Measurement of WSS in vivo is significant for the clinical assessment of atherosclerosis. Purpose: To assess the magnitude and distribution of local WSS in the common carotid artery (CCA) in vivo using 3.0T magnetic resonance (MR). Material and Methods: The common carotid artery of eight healthy volunteers was studied using a cine phase-contrast MR sequence. A three-dimensional paraboloid model was applied to fit the velocity profiles, and the WSS values were calculated. The cross-sectional area, average flow velocity, maximum velocity, and flow rate were also obtained. Results: Mean WSS was 0.850±0.195 (range 0.132–3.464) N/m2 for the common carotid arteries; the spatial and temporal distribution and change of WSS were displayed. During a cardiac cycle, the mean velocity was 22.8±3.5 (16.9–28.3) cm/s, blood flow rate 8.03±1.45 (5.73–10.72) ml/s, and luminal vessel area 34.94±7.06 (24.25–49.01) mm2. Conclusion: Local WSS values in CCAs can be measured using 3.0T MR imaging combined with image-processing techniques. Intersubject variations were found in the distribution and magnitude of wall shear stress as well as in the flow profile pattern in CCAs, which may be caused by different vessel morphologies.
Clinical evaluation of a dual-side readout technique computed radiography system in chest radiography of premature neonates
Authors: Carlander A. , Hansson J. , Söderberg J. , Steneryd K. , Båth M. 
Published: April 2008

Background: Recently, the dual-side readout technique has been introduced in computed radiography, leading to an increase in detective quantum efficiency (DQE) compared with the single-side readout technique. Purpose: To evaluate if the increase in DQE with the dual-side readout technique results in a higher clinical image quality in chest radiography of premature neonates at no increase in radiation dose. Material and Methods: Twenty-four chest radiographs of premature neonates were collected from both a single-side readout technique system and a double-side readout technique system. The images were processed in the same image-processing station in order for the comparison to be only dependent on the difference in readout technique. Five radiologists rated the fulfillment of four image quality criteria, which were based on important anatomical landmarks. The given ratings were analyzed using visual grading characteristics (VGC) analysis. Results: The VGC analysis showed that the reproduction of the carina with the main bronchi and the thoracic vertebrae behind the heart was better with the dual-side readout technique, whereas no significant difference for the reproduction of the central vessels or the peripheral vessels could be observed. Conclusions: The results indicate that the higher DQE of the dual-side readout technique leads to higher clinical image quality in chest radiography of premature neonates at no increase in radiation dose.
On treatment mechanisms—what can we learn from the COMBINE study?
Authors: Bergmark Anders 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACTAim  To discuss the results of combined pharmacotherapies and behavioural interventions for alcohol dependence as presented by the COMBINE study.Methods and results  Although the main hypothesis in the COMBINE study was to determine if improvements in treatment outcome can be achieved by combining pharmacotherapy and behavioural interventions, the lack of support for this idea in the results of the study is merely mentioned in passing, but not really discussed. Instead, the COMBINE study group claims that the results of their study constitute support for the use of naltrexone in primary care settings. However, the empirical basis for this recommendation appears somewhat weak. Furthermore, the COMBINE study group's discussions of the results could have benefited from a discussion of the treatment mechanisms that are supposed to have generated the improvement in the participants' drinking practices: what importance should we attribute to common mechanisms that are embedded in the treatment context, and what weight should we ascribe to the pharmacological interventions and the specific behavioural intervention?Conclusions  In the context of other major studies within the alcohol field, such as Project MATCH and the UK Alcohol Treatment Trial (UKATT) study, and contemporary psychotherapy research, it seems reasonable to regard the main results from the COMBINE as supportive of a need to change the focus of future addiction treatment research.
Workers' drinking patterns: the impact on absenteeism in the Australian work‐place
Authors: Roche Ann M. , Pidd Ken , Berry Jesia G. , Harrison James E. 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACTAims  To examine the relationship between Australian workers' patterns of alcohol consumption and absenteeism.Design  A secondary analysis of the 2001 National Drug Strategy Household Survey data.Setting  Australia 2001.Participants  A total of 13 582 workers aged ≥14 years.Measurements  Alcohol consumption levels associated with National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) guidelines for short‐ and long‐term harm were identified and compared with self‐reported measures of absenteeism due to alcohol use and due to any illness/injury.Findings  More than 40% of the Australian work‐force consumed alcohol at risky or high‐risk levels at least occasionally. High‐risk drinkers were up to 22 times more likely to be absent from work due to their alcohol use compared to low‐risk drinkers. Short‐term high‐risk drinkers were also significantly more likely to be absent from work due to any illness or injury than employed low‐risk drinkers. Young employees and males were more likely to report alcohol‐related absenteeism compared to older workers and females.Conclusions  The relationship between workers' alcohol consumption patterns and absenteeism is more substantial than previously recognized or documented. Alcohol‐related absenteeism is not restricted to small numbers of chronic heavy drinkers, but also involves the much larger number of risky non‐dependent drinkers who drink less frequently at risky levels. To improve workers' health and wellbeing and enhance productivity and economic prosperity, appropriate education, prevention and policy strategies are warranted and necessitate revision of previously narrow approaches undertaken with work‐place programmes.
Cannabis withdrawal predicts severity of cannabis involvement at 1‐year follow‐up among treated adolescents
Authors: Chung Tammy , Martin Christopher S. , Cornelius Jack R. , Clark Duncan B. 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACTAims  Controversy exists regarding the inclusion of cannabis withdrawal as an indicator of dependence in the next revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and International Classification of Diseases (ICD). This study contrasted the concurrent and predictive validity of three operational definitions of cannabis withdrawal in a sample of treated adolescents.Design  Prospective study of treated adolescents with 1‐year follow‐up.Setting and participants  Adolescents (n = 214) were recruited from intensive out‐patient treatment programs for substance abuse, and followed at 1 year (92% retention). Youth who were included in the analyses reported regular cannabis use.Measurements  The number of DSM‐IV cannabis abuse and dependence symptoms at baseline and 1‐year follow‐up, past year frequency of cannabis use at baseline and follow‐up, and periods of abstinence at 1‐year follow‐up. Cannabis withdrawal was defined based on (i) the presence of two or more cannabis withdrawal symptoms; (ii) a definition proposed by Budney and colleagues (2006) that requires four or more withdrawal symptoms (four‐symptom definition); and (iii) the use of latent class analysis to identify subgroups with similar cannabis withdrawal symptom profiles.Findings and conclusions  All three definitions of cannabis withdrawal demonstrated some concurrent validity. Only the four‐symptom and latent class‐derived definitions of withdrawal predicted severity of cannabis‐related problems at 1‐year follow‐up. No cannabis withdrawal definition predicted frequency of use at follow‐up. Further research is needed to determine the clinical utility and validity of the four‐symptom definition, as well as alternative definitions of cannabis withdrawal, to inform revisions leading to DSM‐V and ICD‐11.
The incidence and severity of hangover the morning after moderate alcohol intoxication
Authors: Howland Jonathan , Rohsenow Damaris J. , Allensworth‐Davies Donald , Greece Jacey , Almeida Alissa , Minsky Sara J. , Arnedt J. Todd , Hermos John 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACTAims  To determine the incidence and covariates of hangover following a night of moderate alcohol consumption at a targeted breath alcohol level.Design  Data were combined from three randomized cross‐over trials investigating the effects of heavy drinking on next‐day performance. A total of 172 participants received either alcoholic beverage (mean = 0.115 g% breath alcohol concentration) or placebo on one night and the other beverage a week later. The next day, participants completed a hangover scale.Participants  Participants were 54 professional merchant mariners attending a recertification course at Kalmar Maritime Academy (Kalmar, Sweden) and 118 university students or recent graduates recruited from greater Boston.Setting  One trial was conducted at Kalmar Maritime Academy (Sweden); the other two were conducted at the General Clinical Research Center at Boston Medical Center.Measurements  A nine‐item scale assessed hangover.Findings  Hangover was reported by 76% of participants. Neither alcoholic beverage type nor participant characteristics was associated with incidence of hangover.Conclusions  Our findings on the propensity of hangover suggest that 25–30% of drinkers may be resistant to hangover.
Mutualism, hybrid inviability and speciation in a tropical ant–plant
Authors: LÉOTARD G. , SALTMARSH A. , KJELLBERG F. , MCKEY D. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractAlthough biotic interactions are particularly intricate in the tropics, few studies have examined whether divergent adaptations to biotic interactions lead to speciation in tropical organisms. Ant–plant mutualisms are widespread in the tropics. WithinLeonardoxa africana, two subspecies present contrasting defences against herbivores. Young leaves of subsp.africanaare defended by mutualistic ants, whereas subsp.gracilicaulissatiates herbivores by synchronized leaf production. Subsp.africanapossesses hollow internodes and many large foliar nectaries, housing and feeding ants. We detected no genetic introgression between the two subspecies in the contact zone between them. F1 hybrids were present. They were intermediate in phenotype, expressing reduced, nonfunctional but costly myrmecophilic traits. However, they suffered more herbivory than their parents. Hybrids remained small, failing to reach reproductive size, probably due to their maladapted defence phenotype. Hence, there could be a direct link between adaptation to mutualism and reproductive isolation: biotic interactions could be a driver of tropical diversity.
Consultation frequency and perceived consultation time in a Japanese psychiatric clinic: Their relationship with patient consultation satisfaction and depression and anxiety
Authors: Igarashi Hiromi , Kitamura Toshinori , Ohuchi Kiyoshi , Mitoma Hiroshi 
Published: April 2008

Aim:  To examine the relationship of the consultation frequency and the perceived consultation time of psychiatric clinic attenders with their satisfaction towards the consultation and depression and anxiety (measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale).Methods:  Questionnaires were distributed to 186 outpatients attending a psychiatric clinic.Results:  In a path analytic model, a longer session with shorter interval (‘dense’ session) predicted lowered depression and anxiety level of the patientsthrough the perceived satisfaction of the patients, and it was also predicted by the higher anxiety level. The dense session was also influenced by shorter duration of clinic attendance.Conclusion:  Dense psychiatric sessions in busy Japanese outpatient clinics may benefit patients.
Patterns of temperament and character in a clinical sample of Korean children with attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Cho Soo‐Churl , Hwang Jun‐Won , Lyoo In‐Kyoon , Yoo Hee‐Jung , Kin Boong‐Nyun , Kim Jae‐Won 
Published: April 2008

Aims:  The purpose of the present study was to assess patterns of temperament and character in a clinical sample of Korean children with attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and to investigate the relationship between patterns of temperament and character and the severity of ADHD symptoms.Methods:  Fifty‐one children who met DSM‐IV criteria for ADHD and 51 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy comparison subjects completed the Junior Temperament and Character Inventory (JTCI) and the DuPaul's ADHD Rating Scale (ARS‐IV).Results:  Children with ADHD had significantly higher scores of Novelty Seeking and lower scores of Self‐directedness in both parents' rating and children's self‐rating. In addition, low Self‐directedness scores predicted higher total scores of ARS‐IV.Conclusions:  In a clinical sample of Korean children with ADHD, a distinct pattern of temperament and character was found. The current findings suggest that low Self‐directedness may be related to the severity of ADHD symptoms.
Effect of mood states on QT interval and QT dispersion in eating disorder patients
Authors: Takimoto Yoshiyuki , Yoshiuchi Kazuhiro , Akabayashi Akira 
Published: April 2008

Aim:  Prolonged QT interval and QT dispersion have been reported in patients with eating disorders. Although the factors that cause prolongation remain unclear, mood states such as anxiety have been reported to influence QT interval and dispersion, probably via the autonomic nervous system. Therefore the aim of the present paper was to investigate mood effect on prolonged QT interval and QT dispersion.Method:  The subjects were 47 female anorexia nervosa (AN) and 48 female bulimia nervosa (BN) patients. In all of the patients, serum electrolyte levels were normal. QT interval and QT dispersion were measured from 12‐lead electrocardiographic recordings. Mood states in each patient were measured using a Profile of Mood States (POMS) evaluation, and the patients were divided into high‐ and low‐score groups for each POMS subscale. The differences in QT variables were compared between the two groups for each subscale.Results:  In the BN group, QT interval and QT dispersion in the high depression score group were significantly longer than those in the low depression score group, and QT dispersion was significantly greater in the high anxiety score group than in the low anxiety score group. In addition, QT interval and QT dispersion were significantly correlated with depression scores. In the AN group there were no significant differences in QT interval or QT dispersion between the high‐ and low‐score groups for any POMS subscale.Conclusions:  BN patients with worse states of depression or anxiety had longer QT intervals and larger QT dispersion. In BN patients, mood disturbance might increase the risk of arrhythmias.