bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of TCF7L2 Polymorphisms on Obesity in European Populations
Authors: Cauchi Stéphane , Choquet Hélène , Gutiérrez‐Aguilar Ruth , Capel Frédéric , Grau Katrine , Proença Christine , Dina Christian , Duval Alex , Balkau Beverley , Marre Michel , Potoczna Natascha , Langin Dominique , Horber Fritz , Sørensen Thorkild I.A. , Charpentier Guillaume , Meyre David , Froguel Philippe 
Published: January 2008

The transcription factor 7‐like 2 (TCF7L2) rs7903146 T allele was previously associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and decreased BMI whereas haplotypes carrying the rs7903146 C and rs10885406 A alleles (HapA) were associated with increased BMI. The functional relevance of TCF7L2 polymorphisms and their effects on T2D and obesity remained to be further investigated.In white European populations, we found that the rs7903146 T allele was more associated with T2D in 3,547 non‐obese individuals (odds ratio (OR) = 1.88 (1.69–2.10)) than in 1,110 class III obese subjects (OR = 1.24 (1.03–1.50)). No direct effect of the rs7903146 C allele and HapA was found on any form of obesity in 3,507 normal glucose tolerant (NGT) individuals, 1,106 pedigrees with familial obesity and 5,512 individuals from the French general population. However, in T2D subjects, the rs7903146 C allele was less prevalent in the 1,111 non‐obese individuals (55.2%) compared to 659 class III obese subjects (67.5% OR = 1.69 (1.46–1.95)). Functional studies showed that the rs7903146 T allele is less prone to be bound by protein factors than the C allele in 3T3‐L1, HepG2 and β‐TC3 cell lines and that TCF7L2 expression decreases in subcutaneous adipose tissue from NGT obese T/T carriers under calorie restriction.In conclusion, TCF7L2 is not a risk factor for obesity in European populations, but its effect on T2D risk is modulated by obesity. Furthermore, our data suggest that the rs7903146 T allele may be possibly functional and associated with a nominal decrease in TCF7L2 expression in adipose tissue of individuals under calorie restriction.
DXA: Can It Be Used as a Criterion Reference for Body Fat Measurements in Children?
Authors: Shypailo Roman J. , Butte Nancy F. , Ellis Kenneth J. 
Published: January 2008

Objective: Dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) is often cited as a criterion method for body composition measurements. We have previously shown that a new DXA software version (Hologic Discovery V12.1) will affect whole‐body bone mineral results for subjects weighing <40 kg. We wished to reanalyze pediatric whole‐body scans in order to assess the impact of the new software on pediatric soft‐tissue body composition estimates.Methods and Procedures: We reanalyzed 1,384 pediatric scans (for ages 1.7–17.2 years) using Hologic software V12.1, previously analyzed using V11.2. Regression analysis and ANCOVA were used to compare body fat (total body fat (TBF), percentage fat (%BF)), and non‐bone lean body mass (LBM) for the two versions, adjusting for gender, age and weight.Results: Software V12.1 yielded values that were higher for TBF, lower for LBM, and unchanged for DXA‐derived weight in subjects weighing <40 kg. Body composition values for younger, smaller subjects were most affected, and girls were more affected than boys. Using the new software, 14% of the girls and 10% of the boys were reclassified from the “normal” %BF range to “at risk of obesity,” while 7 and 5%, respectively, were reclassified as obese.Discussion: Hologic's newest DXA software has a significant effect on soft‐tissue results for children weighing <40 kg. The effect is greater for girls than boys. Comparison of TBF estimates with previous studies that use older DXA instruments and software should be done with caution. DXA has not yet achieved sufficient reliability to be considered a “gold standard” for body composition assessment in pediatric studies.
Effects of Gastric Bypass and Gastric Banding on Glucose Kinetics and Gut Hormone Release
Authors: Rodieux Frédérique , Giusti Vittorio , D'Alessio David A. , Suter Michel , Tappy Luc 
Published: January 2008

Background: Bariatric surgery markedly improves glucose homeostasis in patients with type 2 diabetes even before any significant weight loss is achieved. Procedures that involve bypassing the proximal small bowel, such as Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGBP), are more efficient than gastric restriction procedures such as gastric banding (GB).Objective: To evaluate the effects of RYGBP and GB on postprandial glucose kinetics and gastro‐intestinal hormone secretion after an oral glucose load.Methods and Procedures: This study was a cross‐sectional comparison among non‐diabetic, weight‐stable women who had undergone RYGBP (n = 8) between 9 and 48 months earlier or GB (n = 6) from 25 to 85 months earlier, and weight‐ and age‐matched control subjects (n = 8). The women were studied over 4 h following ingestion of an oral glucose load. Total glucose and meal glucose kinetics were assessed using glucose tracers and plasma insulin, and gut hormone concentrations were simultaneously monitored.Results: Patients who had undergone RYGBP showed a a more rapid appearance of exogenous glucose in the systemic circulation and a shorter duration of postprandial hyperglycemia than patients who had undergone GB and C. The response in RYGBP patients was characterized by early and accentuated insulin response, enhanced postprandial levels of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) and polypeptide YY (PYY), and greater postprandial suppression of ghrelin.Discussion: These findings indicate that RYGBP is associated with alterations in glucose kinetics and glucoregulatory hormone secretion. These alterations are probably secondary to the anatomic rearrangement of the foregut, given the fact that they are not observed after GB. Increased PYY and GLP‐1 concentrations and enhanced ghrelin suppression are compatible with reduced food intake after RYGBP.
Safety and Efficacy of Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding in the Elderly
Authors: Busetto Luca , Angrisani Luigi , Basso Nicola , Favretti Franco , Furbetta Francesco , Lorenzo Michele ,   Italian Group for Lap‐Band
Published: January 2008

Objective: Bariatric surgery is not usually recommended in the elderly. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) in older patients registered in the database of the Italian Group for Lap‐Band Gruppo Italiano Lap‐Band (GILB).Methods and Procedures: GILB is a centralized database which collects operative and follow‐up data from 26 Italian surgical centers who utilize the Lap‐Band System as a restrictive procedure. Patients ≥60 years were selected from the database of the GILB and analyzed according to co‐morbidities, conversion, peri‐operative complications, and weight loss.Results: Of 5,290 patients, 216 (4.1%; 184F/32M) were ≥60 years old at surgery (mean age 64.1 ± 4.0 years; range 60–83). Baseline BMI was similar in both sets of patients i.e., ≥60 and <60 years of age (44.2 ± 7.6 kg/m2 vs. 44.9 ± 7.4 kg/m2). Patients ≥60 years of age were more frequently affected by co‐morbidities than patients <60 years of age. Two cases of operative mortality were observed in patients <60 years old (0.04%) and one in patients ≥60 years old (0.46%). The proportion of patients requiring revision surgery was comparable as well. Weight loss was significantly lower in elderly patients. Despite their lower weight loss, patients ≥60 years of age experienced a significant improvement of obesity‐related co‐morbidities (they showed improvement 1 year after surgery in 100% of cases of diabetes or sleep apnoea, 67.1% of cases of hypertension, and 34.9% of cases of osteoarthritis).Discussion: LAGB may be performed safely in patients ≥60 years old. Weight loss in older patients seems unsatisfactory if compared to younger subjects. However, the majority of elderly patients show an improvement in obesity‐related co‐morbidities.
Effect of a Weight Management Program on the Determinants and Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: La Londe Michelle A. , Graffagnino Cheryl L. , Falko James M. , Snow Richard J. , Spencer Kathy , Caulin‐Glaser Teresa 
Published: January 2008

Objective: As prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome (met synd) rises, establishing effective, community‐based treatments is imperative. Our investigation sought to evaluate and report the effect of a weight management program on the prevalence and determinants of met synd, and the effect of participation level.Methods and Procedures: Between 10 July 2001 and 17 November 2005, 339 of 574 individuals enrolled in and completed our 6‐month weight management program at the McConnell Heart Health Center in Columbus, Ohio. One hundred and sixty completers met our inclusion criteria for our retrospective analysis: (i) non diabetic, (ii) complete outcomes, (iii) no program participation in the previous 6 months. Met synd status was determined using AHA/NHLBI criteria. Blood pressure criterion was modified to a history of hypertension or current antihypertension medication use. Participation level was dichotomized as high participators (HP) and low participators (LP) using the number of center visits.Results: The entire cohort showed significant reductions in BMI, waist circumference and met synd prevalence (51–39%). The met synd group had significant improvements in high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides, and glucose. Compared with LP, HP had a significant reduction in the prevalence of met synd and significantly greater improvement in the anthropometric, HDL and triglyceride determinants of met synd.Discussion: This weight management program had a positive effect on determinants and prevalence of met synd. High participation levels were associated with significantly greater improvements in the anthropometric variables, HDL, triglycerides, met synd determinants, and reduction of met synd prevalence.
The Flow‐mediated Dilation Response to Acute Exercise in Overweight Active and Inactive Men
Authors: Harris Ryan A. , Padilla Jaume , Hanlon Kevin P. , Rink Lawrence D. , Wallace Janet P. 
Published: January 2008

Objective: Inflammation has been found to play a role in the etiology of cardiovascular disease as well as provoke endothelial dysfunction. Inflammatory cytokines associated with endothelial function are interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). IL‐6 is exercise intensity dependent and has been shown to inhibit TNF‐α expression directly. The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction of IL‐6 and TNF‐α on endothelial function in response to acute exercise in overweight men exhibiting different physical activity profiles.Methods and Procedures: Using a randomized mixed factorial design, 16 overweight men (8 active, maximal exercise capacity (VO2peak) = 34.2 ± 1.7, BMI = 27.4 ± 0.7 and 8 inactive, VO2peak = 30.9 ± 1.2, BMI = 29.3 ± 1.0) performed three different intensity acute exercise treatments. Brachial artery flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) and subsequent blood samples were taken pre‐exercise and 1 h following the cessation of exercise.Results: Independent of exercise intensity, the active group displayed a 24% increase (P = 0.034) in FMD following acute exercise compared to a 32% decrease (P = 0.010) in the inactive group. Elevated (P < 0.001) concentrations of IL‐6 following moderate (50% VO2) and high (75% VO2) intensity acute exercise were observed in both groups; however, concentrations of TNF‐α were unchanged in response to acute exercise (P = 0.584).Discussion: The FMD response to acute exercise is enhanced in active men who are overweight, whereas inactive men who are overweight exhibit an attenuated response. The interaction of IL‐6 and TNF‐α did not provide insight into the physiological mechanisms associated with the disparity of FMD observed between groups.
Impaired Resting Muscle Energetics Studied by 31P‐NMR in Diet‐induced Obese Rats
Authors: Chanseaume Emilie , Bielicki Guy , Tardy Anne‐Laure , Renou Jean‐Pierre , Freyssenet Damien , Boirie Yves , Morio Béatrice 
Published: January 2008

Objective: Mitochondrial activity is altered in skeletal muscle of obese, insulin‐resistant or type 2 diabetic patients. We hypothesized that this situation was associated with profound adaptations in resting muscle energetics. For that purpose, we used in vivo 31P‐nuclear magnetic resonance (31P‐NMR) in male sedentary Wistar rats fed with obesogenic diets known to induce alterations in muscle mitochondrial activity.Methods and Procedures: Two experimental diets (high sucrose and high fat) were provided for 6 weeks at two levels of energy (standard, N and high, H) and compared to control diet. The rates of the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) exchange between phosphocreatine (PCr) and γ‐ATP (ka) and β‐adenosine diphosphate (β‐ADP) to β‐ATP (kb) were evaluated using 31P‐NMR in resting gastrocnemius muscle. Muscle contents in phosphorylated compounds as well as creatine, were assessed using 31P‐NMR and biochemical assays, respectively.Results: ATP content increased by 6.7–8.5% in standard‐energy high‐sucrose (NSU), high‐energy high‐fat (HF) and high‐energy high‐sucrose (HSU) groups compared to control (P < 0.05), whereas PCr content decreased by 4.2–6.4% (P < 0.01). Consequently, PCr to ATP ratio decreased in NSU, HF, and HSU groups, compared to control (P < 0.01). Furthermore in high‐energy groups (HF and HSU) compared to control, creatine contents were decreased by 14–19% (P < 0.001), whereas ka and kb fluxes were increased by 89–133% (P < 0.001) and 243–277% (P < 0.01), respectively.Discussion: Our in vivo data showed adaptations of resting skeletal muscle energetics in response to high‐energy diets. Increased activity of enzymes catalyzing ATP production may reflect a compensatory mechanism to face impaired mitochondrial ATP synthesis in order to preserve intracellular energy homeostasis.
Loss of Control Is Central to Psychological Disturbance Associated With Binge Eating Disorder
Authors: Colles Susan L. , Dixon John B. , O'Brien Paul E. 
Published: January 2008

Objective: Binge eating disorder (BED) is positively associated with obesity and psychological distress, yet the behavioral features of BED that drive these associations are largely unexplored. The primary aim of this study was to investigate which core behavioral features of binge eating are most strongly related to psychological disturbance.Methods and Procedures: A cross‐sectional study involved 180 bariatric surgery candidates, 93 members of a non‐surgical weight loss support group, and 158 general community respondents (81 men/350 women, mean age 45.8 ± 13.3, mean BMI 34.8 ± 10.8, BMI range 17.7–66.7). Validated questionnaires assessed BED and binge eating, symptoms of depression, appearance dissatisfaction (AD), quality of life (QoL) and eating‐related behaviors. Features of binge eating were confirmed by interview. BMI was determined by clinical assessment and self‐report.Results: The loss of control (LOC) over eating, that is, being unable to stop eating or control what or how much was consumed was most closely related to psychological markers of distress common in BED. In particular, those who experienced severe emotional disturbance due to feelings of LOC reported higher symptoms of depression (P < 0.001), AD (P = 0.009), and poorer mental health–related QoL (P = 0.027).Discussion: Persons who report subjective binge episodes or do not meet BED frequency criteria for objective binge episodes may still be at elevated risk of psychological disturbance and benefit from clinical intervention. Feelings of LOC could drive binge eaters to seek bariatric surgery in an attempt to gain control over body weight and psychologically disturbing eating behavior.
Knowledge governance in a dynamic global context: the center for strategic management and globalization at the Copenhagen Business School
Authors: Foss Nicolai J. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThis paper tells the story of the emergence of distinct research around the theory of the firm at Copenhagen Business School (CBS) within the last two decades, focussing on elements of continuity in the thinking of key CBS persons in the period. It discusses the current research agenda of the Center for Strategic Management and Globalization, a research agenda that may be described as multi‐level research in international strategy, based on the economic theory of the firm and strategic management theory, and with a strong emphasis on micro‐foundations and knowledge governance. The paper relates the narrative to organizational learning theory.
An agent‐based model of exaptive processes
Authors: Villani Marco , Bonacini Stefano , Ferrari Davide , Serra Roberto , Lane David 
Published: January 2008

AbstractA key problem in research on innovations is that of understanding their origins. In this paper, we propose that radical innovations are created by a process of ‘exaptation’, and we introduce a dynamical model that describes how it may happen. In particular, our model is focussed on the interplay between artefact innovation and attributions of functionality. We propose that the explicit representation of artefacts and categories eases the understanding of the exaptation phenomenon, seen in this context as a shift in terms of ‘leading attributions’ and allows the identification of the elements favouring the emergence of innovations.
Discovery in natural selection and knowledge processes: a commentary on ‘an agent‐based model of exaptive processes’
Authors: Grandori Anna 
Published: January 2008

AbstractCampbell drew a parallelism between traditional processes of adaptation and cognitive processes of “trial and error” and indicate in the blind variation, selection and retention model ‘the’ general template of creative processes. This comment positions the article on exaptation by drawing a parallelism between natural processes of exaptation and the cognitive processes of discovery. It is indicated that the multifunctionality and multi‐purposedness of resources, actions and artifacts permit processes that are simultaneously more creative and less error prone than those traditionally envisaged, and therefore better able to model and sustain innovation in unstructured problems.
In praise of ambiguity: a commentary on exaptation
Authors: Beunza Daniel 
Published: January 2008

AbstractWhen changes in the context of a technology prompt users to alter the way they employ it, the potential for novelty opens up. This phenomenon, known as ‘exaptation,’ is explored in a simulation by Villani et al. The authors show that exaptation, or innovation through reuse, is more likely to take place when a number of contextual characteristics are present: ambiguity, noise and room for misinterpretation. The results provide strong support to the sociological literature on ambiguity and multivocality. The article also incorporates material artifacts in the methodology of economics.
QTL for meat tenderness in the M. longissimus lumborum of cattle
Authors: Davis G. P. , Moore S. S. , Drinkwater R. D. , Shorthose W. R. , Loxton I. D. , Barendse W. , Hetzel D. J. S. 
Published: January 2008

SummaryMeat tenderness has been difficult to improve using standard genetic selection. Marker assisted selection holds great promise if markers for meat tenderness can be identified. Here, we report quantitative trait loci (QTL) for beef tenderness identified in 598 animals of three Charolais–Brahman × Belmont Red pedigrees after screening the whole genome using 183 DNA markers. In addition to the usual Warner–Bratzler peak force measurements, tenderness was also measured using compression, adhesion and pressure‐heat‐treated peak force. Three QTL for meat tenderness in the M. longissimus lumborum muscle were found, two of which have not been reported before. One is located in the HEL9‐CSSM47 interval on bovine chromosome 8 with a LOD of 3.1 and an effect of 1.02 phenotypic standard deviations for tensile strength of cooked muscle as measured by adhesion. A second QTL is located near CSRM60 on bovine chromosome 10 with a LOD of 2.4 and an effect of 0.48 phenotypic standard deviations for compression. The third QTL is in a region of bovine chromosome 7 that has previously been reported to have a QTL affecting peak force. This region also shows effects on compression and a combined tenderness index. These QTL are all for the myofibrillar component of meat tenderness. No QTL were found for pressure‐treated peak force, which is an estimate of the connective tissue component muscle of meat tenderness.
Limited frequency of the CYP2C19*17 allele and its minor role in a Japanese population
Authors: Sugimoto Katsuyoshi , Uno Tsukasa , Yamazaki Hiroshi , Tateishi Tomonori 
Published: January 2008

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT • A novel CYP2C19 gene variant, CYP2C19*17, is associated with increased metabolic activity.• Ethnic differences in the frequency of the variant allele have been reported. However, the frequency of the CYP2C19*17 allele has not been studied in the Japanese population. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS • In a population of 265 healthy Japanese subjects, a low frequency (1.3%) of the CYP2C19*17 allele was observed.• The limited frequency of the *17 allele and the absence of a subject homozygous for *17 indicated that CYP2C19*17 would play a minor role in a Japanese population.AIMSWe investigated the CYP2C19*17 allelic frequency in Japanese subjects, and evaluated whether CYP2C19*17 is an important determinant of interindividual variability of CYP2C19 activity.METHODSWe enrolled 265 subjects to determine their CYP2C19 genotype and plasma metabolic ratio following a single dose of 40 mg omeprazole.RESULTSSeven subjects heterozygous for CYP2C19*17 and no *17/*17 subjects resulted in the CYP2C19*17 frequency being 1.3%. These heterozygotes had moderate metabolic activities when compared with the metabolic ratio of the other subjects.CONCLUSIONSThe low frequency of CYP2C19*17 and the absence of *17/*17 indicates that CYP2C19*17 plays a minor role in the Japanese population.
Ezetimibe's effect on platelet aggregation and LDL tendency to peroxidation in hypercholesterolaemia as monotherapy or in addition to simvastatin
Authors: Hussein Osamah , Minasian LiLia , Itzkovich Yaroslav , Shestatski Karina , Solomon Lizora , Zidan Jamal 
Published: January 2008

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT • Statins demonstrate a pleiotropic effect which contributes beyond the hypocholesterolaemic effect to prevent atherosclerosis. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS • Ezetimibe has an antioxidative effect when given as monotherapy or as an add‐on to the statin, simvastatin.AIMSTo investigate the effect of lowering low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (LDL‐C) on platelet aggregation and LDL tendency to peroxidation by ezetimibe alone or with simvastatin in hypercholesterolaemia.METHODSSixteen patients with LDL‐C >3.4 mmol l−1 received ezetimibe for 3 months (Part I). Twenty‐two patients on fixed simvastatin dose with LDL‐C >2.6 mmol l−1 were enrolled (Part II). Part II patients continued simvastatin treatment 20 mg day−1 for 6 weeks, then received 20 mg day−1 simvastatin combined with ezetimibe 10 mg day−1 for another 6 weeks. The tendency of LDL to peroxidation measured by lag time in minutes required for initiation of LDL oxidation and by LDL oxidation at maximal point (plateau) was measured before and after ezetimibe treatment.RESULTSPart I: Ezetimibe 10 mg daily for 3 months decreased plasma LDL‐C level 16% (P = 0.002), prolonged lag time to LDL oxidation from 144 ± 18 min to 195 ± 16 min (P < 0.001), decreasing maximal aggregation from 83 ± 15% to 60 ± 36% (P = 0.04). Part II: Serum level LDL‐C decreased 23% (P = 0.02) and lag time in minutes to LDL oxidation was prolonged from 55.9 ± 16.5 to 82.7 ± 11.6 (P < 0.0001) using combined simvastatin–ezetimibe therapy. There were no differences in platelet aggregation.CONCLUSIONSEzetimibe was associated with decreased platelet aggregation and LDL tendency to peroxidation. Treatment with ezetimibe in addition to simvastatin has an additive antioxidative effect on LDL.