bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anthelmintic efficacy ofAchillea millifoliumagainst gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep:in vitroandin vivostudies
Authors: Tariq K.A. , Chishti M.Z. , Ahmad F. , Shawl A.S. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractAchillea millifoliumLinn., commonly called ‘Pehl-ghasa’, is used by farmers in traditional animal health care as a vermifuge. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anthelmintic efficacy of crude aqueous extracts and crude ethanolic extracts of entireA. millifoliumagainst the gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep. The worm motility inhibition assay was used forin vitrostudies and faecal egg count reduction assay was used forin vivostudies.In vitrostudies revealed significant anthelmintic effects of aqueous extracts and ethanolic extracts on liveHaemonchus contortusworms (P < 0.05) as evident from their paralysis and/or death at 8 h post exposure. Aqueous extracts ofA. millifoliumresulted in a mean worm motility inhibition of 94.44%, while ethanolic extracts resulted in mean worm motility inhibition of 88.88%. The mean mortality index of aqueous extracts was 0.95 while for ethanolic extracts it was 0.9. The lethal concentration 50 was 0.05 mg ml− 1for aqueous extracts and 0.11 mg ml− 1for ethanolic extracts. Thein vivoanthelmintic activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts ofA. millifoliumdemonstrated a maximum (88.40%) nematode egg count reduction in sheep treated with aqueous extracts at 2 g kg− 1body weight on day 15 after treatment. Ethanolic extracts resulted in a maximum of 76.53% reduction in faecal egg counts on day 15 after treatment with 2 g kg− 1body weight. Thus, the aqueous extracts exhibited greater anthelmintic activity under bothin vitroandin vivoconditions, and could be due to the presence of water-soluble active principle/s inA. millifolium. It is concluded that the entire plant ofA. millifoliumpossesses significant anthelmintic activity and could be a potential alternative for treating cases of helminth infections in ruminants.
Dynamics of modulationally unstable ion-acoustic wavepackets in plasmas with negative ions
Authors: RUDERMAN MICHAEL S. , TALIPOVA TATYANA , PELINOVSKY EFIM 
Published: April 2008

AbstractIn this paper we study the propagation of nonlinear ion-acoustic waves in plasmas with negative ions. The Gardner equation governing these waves in plasmas with the negative ion concentration close to critical is derived. The weakly nonlinear theory of modulational instability based on the use of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation is discussed. The investigation of the nonlinear dynamics of modulationally unstable quasi-harmonic wavepackets is carried out by the numerical solution of the Gardner equation. The results are compared with the predictions of the weakly nonlinear theory.
Hospitalization rates for human metapneumovirus infection among 0- to 3-year-olds in Gipuzkoa (Basque Country), Spain
Authors: CILLA G. , OÑATE E. , PEREZ-YARZA E. G. , MONTES M. , VICENTE D. , PEREZ-TRALLERO E. 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARYNumerous studies have been published on human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection, but few have been population based. The main aim of this study was to estimate the incidence rate of hospitalization for community-acquired HMPV infection in infants and children aged <3 years. Between July 2004 and June 2007, 796 episodes (742 patients) of community-acquired acute respiratory infection were hospitalized. HMPV was detected in 90 episodes (11·3%). Fifty-nine episodes occurred in infants aged <1 year. The mean length of hospital stay was 6·2 days (range 2–31 days). Thirteen children required admission to the intensive care unit. Viral co-infections were detected in 46 episodes (51·1%). The incidence rate of hospitalization per 1000 inhabitants was 2·6 (95% CI 2·1–3·2), lower than that for respiratory syncytial virus, but higher than that observed for the influenza and parainfluenza viruses. HMPV is a major respiratory pathogen that leads to a high hospitalization rate.
Cardiovascular Vagosympathetic Activity in Rats with Ventromedial Hypothalamic Obesity
Authors: Valensi Paul , Doaré Liliane , Perret Gérard , Germack Renée , Pariès Jacques , Mesangeau Didier 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: Rats with ventromedial hypothalamic lesion (VMH) are massively obese with endogenous hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, low sympathetic activity, and high parasympathetic activity, which are likely to induce hypertension. The goal was to follow in this model the long‐term hemodynamic changes and to investigate the role of autonomic nervous system and insulin resistance in these changes.Research Metho ds and Procedures: Heart rate and blood pressure were monitored for 12 weeks after operation using a telemetric system in VMH and sham rats. Plasma catecholamines and heart β‐adrenoceptors were measured. Glucose tolerance was studied after an intravenous glucose injection and insulin sensitivity during a euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp test.Results: A marked bradycardia and only a mild increase in blood pressure occurred in VMH rats compared with sham animals. Response to autonomic‐acting drugs showed an increase in heart vagal tone and responsiveness to a β‐agonist drug. Plasma catecholamine levels were markedly increased, and the density and affinity of heart β‐adrenoceptors were similar in VMH, sham, and control rats. Muscle glucose use was reduced by 1 week after operation in VMH animals.Discussion: These results show the following in this model of massively obese rats with sympathetic impairment: 1) adrenal medulla secretion is increased, probably as a result of hyperinsulinemia and increased vagal activity; 2) cardiac responsiveness to β‐agonist stimulation is increased; and 3) despite these changes and suspected resistance to the vasodilative effect of insulin, blood pressure does not increase. We conclude that high vagal activity may be protective against hypertension associated with obesity.
Fasting Plasma Insulin Modulates Lipid Levels and Particle Sizes in 2‐ to 3‐Year‐Old Children
Authors: Shea Steven , Aymong Eve , Zybert Patricia , Berglund Lars , Shamoon Harry , Deckelbaum Richard J. , Basch Charles E. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: Obesity and hyperinsulinemia are associated with dyslipidemia in adults and older children, but little is known about these relationships in very young children. We examined the relation of fasting insulin to lipid levels and lipid particle size in young healthy children.Research Methods and Procedures: Analyses were performed on data from 491 healthy 2‐ and 3‐year old Hispanic children enrolled in a dietary study conducted in New York City, 1992–1995. Obesity measures included BMI, ponderal index, skinfold thickness, and waist circumference. Low‐density lipoprotein (LDL)‐ and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL)‐cholesterol particle size were measured by nuclear magnetic resonance.Results: Fasting insulin level was positively correlated with triglyceride levels (r = 0.24 for boys and r = 0.23 for girls; p < 0.001 for both) and inversely correlated with HDL‐cholesterol level in boys (r = −0.20; p < 0.01). Higher fasting insulin level was also correlated with smaller mean HDL particle size in both boys (r = −0.21; p < 0.001) and girls (r = −0.14; p < 0.05) and smaller mean LDL particle size in boys (r = −0.13; p < 0.05). The associations of fasting insulin level with triglyceride and HDL‐cholesterol levels and HDL and LDL particle size remained significant after multivariate regression adjustment for age, sex, and BMI or ponderal index.Discussion: Fasting insulin level is associated with relative dyslipidemia in healthy 2‐ and 3‐year‐old Hispanic children.
Nosocomial Infections and Obesity in Surgical Patients
Authors: Cantürk Zeynep , Cantürk Nuh Zafer , Çetinarslan Berrin , Utkan Nihat Zafer , Tarkun Ilhan 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: There is an increased morbidity and mortality associated with surgery in the obese patient. This study was conducted to determine risk factors and compare the nosocomial infection rate in obese and nonobese surgical patients.Research Methods and Procedures: A total of 395 surgical patients were evaluated. BMI was calculated for each patient. Various conventional risk factors for nosocomial infections were recorded. Biochemical parameters with plasma total cholesterol and high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol levels were measured. The diagnosis of infection was made according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria. Univariate and two‐step multivariate logistic regression methods were used for determination of nosocomial infection risk factors.Results: There were 117 nosocomial infections identified in 96 of 395 surgically operated patients. A significant increase in the total number of nosocomial infections was determined in obese patients compared with the normal‐weight patients (p < 0.05). High‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol below the 10th percentile increased risk of surgical site infection.Discussion: Our results suggest that obesity is an important risk factor for postoperative nosocomial infection.
Eating Behaviors and Indexes of Body Composition in Men and Women from the Québec Family Study
Authors: Provencher Véronique , Drapeau Vicky , Tremblay Angelo , Després Jean‐Pierre , Lemieux Simone 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: To put into relationship the dietary and anthropometric profile of men and women with their eating behaviors (cognitive dietary restraint, disinhibition, and susceptibility to hunger) and to assess whether gender and obesity status influence these associations.Research Methods and Procedures: Anthropometric measurements (including visceral adipose tissue accumulation), dietary profile (3‐day food record), and eating behaviors (Three‐Factor Eating Questionnaire) were determined in a sample of 244 men and 352 women.Results: Women had significantly higher cognitive dietary restraint and disinhibition scores than men (p < 0.0001). In both genders, scores for disinhibition and susceptibility to hunger, but not for cognitive dietary restraint, were higher in obese subjects than in overweight and nonobese subjects (p < 0.05). Positive correlations were observed between rigid restraint and most of the anthropometric variables studied (0.12 ≤ r ≤ 0.16). Moreover, in women, flexible restraint was negatively associated with body fat and waist circumference (r = −0.11). Cognitive dietary restraint and rigid restraint were positively related to BMI among nonobese women (0.19 ≤ r ≤ 0.20), whereas in obese men, cognitive dietary restraint and flexible restraint tended to be negatively correlated with BMI (−0.20 ≤ r ≤ −0.22; p = 0.10).Discussion: Gender could mediate associations observed between eating behaviors and anthropometric profile. It was also found that disinhibition and susceptibility to hunger are positively associated with the level of obesity. On the other hand, cognitive dietary restraint is not consistently related to body weight and adiposity, whereas rigid and flexible restraint are oppositely associated to obesity status, which suggests that it is important to differentiate the subscales of cognitive dietary restraint. Finally, counseling aimed at coping with disinhibition and susceptibility to hunger could be of benefit for the long‐term treatment of obesity.
Genetic Contributions to Body Weight in Mice: Relationship of Exploratory Behavior to Weight
Authors: Zhang Shumin , Gershenfeld Howard K. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: The A/J and C57BL/6J mouse strains differ markedly in their exploratory behavior and their weight gain on a high‐fat diet. We examined the genetic contributions of exploratory behavior to body weight and tested for shared, pleiotropic loci influencing energy homeostasis.Research Methods and Procedures: Segregating (A×B6)F2 intercross (n = 514) and (B6AF1×A/J)N2 backcross (N = 223) populations were studied, phenotyping for weight and exploratory behaviors. Relationships among traits were analyzed by correlations. Weight traits were dissected with a genome‐wide scan.Results: Modest correlations were found between exploratory behaviors and weight, explaining 2% to 14% of the variance. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) for body weight at 8 weeks (wgt8), 10 weeks (wgt10), and 2‐week weight gain (difference between weeks 8 and 10) on a 6% fat diet were mapped. Two QTL on chromosome 1 (peaks at 66 cM and 100 cM; Bw8q1) affected wgt8 [likelihood of the odds ratio (Lod), 3.0 and 4.4] and wgt10 (Lod, 2.2 and 3.4), respectively. In the backcross, a significant QTL on chromosome 4 (peak at 66 cM; Bw8q2) affected wgt 8 (Lod, 3.3) and wgt10 (Lod, 3.1). For 2‐week weight gain, suggestive QTL were mapped on chromosomes 4 and 6. The chromosome 6 QTL region overlaps a human 7q locus for obesity. A search for between‐strain sequence polymorphisms in the leptin and NPY genes was unrevealing.Discussion: In mice, loci influencing exploratory activity play a modest role in body‐weight regulation. Some forms of obesity may emerge from loci regulating normal body weight.
Validity of Six Field and Laboratory Methods for Measurement of Body Composition in Boys
Authors: Parker Lisa , Reilly John J. , Slater Christine , Wells Jonathan C.K. , Pitsiladis Yannis 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: To determine the validity of the following six body composition methods against a reference method (three‐component model): air displacement plethysmography (BODPOD); estimation from body density using BODPOD; skinfold thickness using the Slaughter equations; bioelectrical impedance, both leg‐leg (TANITA) and hand—foot (Bodystat) approaches; and total body water.Research Methods and Procedures: Forty‐two healthy white 10‐ to 14‐year‐old boys (mean age, 12.9 ± 1.0 years) were enrolled in this study. Measures of body fat percentage and body fat mass derived from the three‐component model were used as the reference method. Validity of all of the other methods was assessed by comparison against the reference by calculation of biases and limits of agreement.Results: Mean body fatness measured using the reference method was 16.4 ± 11.6% and 8.7 ± 7.0 kg. Estimates of fatness from total body water had the narrowest limits of agreement relative to the reference (+0.9 ± 5.0% body fat; +0.5 ± 2.9 kg fat mass). For all other methods tested, we observed large biases and very wide limits of agreement.Discussion: This study suggests that the validity of newer field and laboratory methods for estimation of body composition is poor in adolescent boys. For applications where high accuracy of estimation at the individual level is essential, only reference methods would be acceptable.
Predictors of Attrition in a Large Clinic‐Based Weight‐Loss Program
Authors: Honas Jeffery J. , Early James L. , Frederickson Doren D. , O'Brien Megan S. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: Identifying client factors that predict dropout is critical for the development of effective weight‐loss programs. Although demographic predictors are studied, there are few consistent findings. The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of dropout in a large clinic‐based weight‐loss program using readily attainable demographic variables.Research Methods and Procedures: All 866 weight‐loss patients in a clinic‐based weight‐loss program enrolled during 1998 to 1999 were followed. Attrition and retention rates were measured at 8 and 16 weeks. Six variables (sex, race, marital status, age, BMI, and treatment protocol) were evaluated using bivariate and multivariable statistics for relative association with dropout.Results: The overall attrition rate for the 16‐week program was 31%. The retention rate was 69%. Significant risk for dropout, measured as bivariate relative risk (95% confidence interval), was found among patients who were: females, 1.32 (1.01 to 1.73); divorced, 1.54 (1.13 to 2.09); African Americans, 1.68 (1.26 to 2.23); age < 40, 1.66 (1.27 to 2.18); and ages 40 to 50, 1.33 (1.01 to 1.76). There were no significant differences in retention rates by BMI group or program protocol. After logistic regression analysis to control for all variables, young age < 50 years had the only significant association with dropout [odds ratio = 1.39 (1.02 to 1.90)].Discussion: Multivariable modeling was helpful for prioritizing risk factors for program dropout. These findings have important implications for improving weight‐loss program effectiveness and reducing attrition. By knowing the groups at risk for dropout, we can improve or target program treatments to these populations.
Association of African Genetic Admixture with Resting Metabolic Rate and Obesity Among Women
Authors: Fernández José R. , Shriver Mark D. , Beasley T. Mark , Rafla‐Demetrious Nashwa , Parra Esteban , Albu Jeanine , Nicklas Barbara , Ryan Alice S. , McKeigue Paul M. , Hoggart Clive L. , Weinsier Roland L. , Allison David B. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: To investigate the role of genetic admixture in explaining phenotypic variation in obesity‐related traits in a sample of African‐American women (n = 145) and to determine significant associations between obesity traits and admixture genetic markers.Research Methods and Procedures: Associations between genetic admixture and BMI, resting metabolic rate, fat mass, fat‐free mass, and bone mineral density were tested using linear regression considering the estimation of admixture by 1) a maximum‐likelihood approach (MLA) and 2) a Bayesian analysis.Results: Both the conservative MLA and the Bayesian approach support an association between African genetic admixture and BMI. Evidence for the associations of African genetic admixture with fat mass and fat‐free mass was supported by the Bayesian analysis; the MLA supported an association with bone mineral density. When the individual ancestry informative markers that were used to estimate admixture were tested for associations with BMI, significant associations were identified in chromosomes 1, 11, and 12.Discussion: These results provide evidence supporting the application of admixture mapping methods to the identification of genes that result in higher levels of obesity among African‐American women. Further research is needed to replicate and further explore these findings.
Serum Ghrelin Levels in Response to Glucose Load in Obese Subjects Post‐Gastric Bypass Surgery
Authors: Tritos Nicholas A. , Mun Edward , Bertkau Anne , Grayson Rebecca , Maratos‐Flier Eleftheria , Goldfine Allison 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: We sought to elucidate further the mechanisms leading to weight loss after gastric bypass (GBP) surgery in morbidly obese individuals. Ghrelin is a gastroenteric appetite‐stimulating peptide hormone, fasting levels of which decrease with increasing adiposity and increase with diet‐induced weight loss. In addition, ghrelin levels rapidly decline postprandially.Research Methods and Procedures: We measured serum ghrelin responses to a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in 6 subjects who had undergone GBP surgery 1.5 ± 0.7 years before testing and compared these responses with 6 obese subjects about to undergo GBP surgery, 6 obese nonsurgical subjects (matched for BMI to the post‐GBP surgical group), and 5 lean subjects.Results: Despite weight loss induced by the GBP surgery, fasting serum ghrelin levels were significantly lower in the post‐GBP surgery group than in the lean subject (by 57%) or pre‐GBP surgery (by 45%) group. Serum ghrelin levels during the OGTT were significantly lower in postoperative than in lean, obese pre‐GBP surgical, or obese nonsurgical subjects. The magnitude of the decline in serum ghrelin levels between 0 and 120 minutes post‐OGTT was significantly smaller in postoperative (by 62%), obese pre‐GBP surgical (by 80%), or obese nonsurgical (by 69%) subjects in comparison with lean subjects.Discussion: Serum ghrelin levels in response to OGTT are lower in subjects post‐GBP surgery than in either lean or obese subjects. Tonically low serum ghrelin levels may be involved in the mechanisms inducing sustained weight loss after GBP surgery.
Expression of the mRNAs Coding for the Glucocorticoid Receptor Isoforms in Obesity
Authors: Boullu‐Ciocca Sandrine , Paulmyer‐Lacroix Odile , Fina Frédéric , Ouafik L'Houcine , Alessi Marie‐Christine , Oliver Charles , Grino Michel 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: Glucocorticoids may be a pathophysiological mediator for the development of visceral obesity. In obese patients, adipose tissue reactivation of cortisone to cortisol is enhanced. In addition, changes in glucocorticoid receptor (GR) could also be important, either at the central nervous system level, by modulating the negative glucocorticoid feedback, or at a peripheral level, by regulating adipose tissue activity.Research Methods and Procedures: Using quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction, we studied the expression of the GR mRNA isoforms (active, GRα inactive, GRβ) in circulating mononuclear leukocytes (in which GR shares the same regulation with central nervous system GR) obtained from normal weight women (n = 65) and patients with gluteofemoral (n = 26) or visceral (n = 39) obesity. Using in situ hybridization, we measured GRα mRNA levels in adipose tissue from control (n = 10) or obese (n = 15) patients.Results: The mean α/β ratio was decreased in mononuclear leukocytes from obese patients (2.6, 9.2, and 32.1, respectively). GRα mRNA levels were significantly decreased in subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue obtained from obese patients compared with nonobese ones, suggesting the existence of a downregulation of GR gene expression. This phenomenon was not found in visceral adipose tissue.Discussion: This suggests that, in obese patients, the relative insensitivity to the negative glucocorticoid feedback is, at least in part, subsequent to a dysregulation of the GRα/GRβ ratio and that visceral, but not subcutaneous, adipose tissue retains a full capacity to respond to increased local generation of cortisol.
Weight Loss Reduces Tissue Factor in Morbidly Obese Patients
Authors: Kopp Christoph W. , Kopp Hans‐Peter , Steiner Sabine , Kriwanek Stephan , Krzyzanowska Katarzyna , Bartok Andrea , Roka Rudolf , Minar Erich , Schernthaner Guntram 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: To investigate the tissue factor (TF) pathway in clinical obesity and associated metabolic syndrome.Research Methods and Procedures: Thirty‐seven morbidly obese patients (4 men; BMI, 48 ± 7 kg/m2; range, 42 to 53 kg/m2), undergoing elective gastroplasty for the induction of weight loss, were examined for hemostatic, metabolic, and inflammatory parameters at baseline and 14 ± 5 months postoperatively.Results: Weight loss significantly reduced circulating plasma TF (314 ± 181 vs. 235 ± 113 pg/mL, p = 0.04), coagulation factor VII (130 ± 22% vs. 113 ± 19%, p = 0.023), and prothrombin fragment F1.2 (2.4 ± 3.4 vs. 1.14 ± 1.1 nM, p = 0.04) and normalized glucose metabolism in 50% of obese patients preoperatively classified as diabetic or of impaired glucose tolerance. The postoperative decrease in plasma TF correlated with the decrease of F1.2 (r = 0.56; p = 0.005), a marker of in vivo thrombin formation. In subgroup analysis stratified by preoperative glucose tolerance, baseline circulating TF (402.6 ± 141.6 vs. 176.2 ± 58.2, p < 0.001) and TF decrease after gastroplasty (ΔTF: 164.7 ± 51.4 vs. −81 ± 31 pg/mL, p = 0.02) were significantly higher in obese patients with impaired glucose tolerance than in patients with normal glucose tolerance.Discussion: Procoagulant TF is significantly reduced with weight loss and may contribute to a reduction in cardiovascular risk associated with obesity.