Recreational physical activity and risk of papillary thyroid cancer among women in the California Teachers Study

Purpose: Little is known about the relationship between physical activity and thyroid cancer risk, and few cohort data on this association exist. Thus, the present study aimed to prospectively examine long-term activity and risk of papillary thyroid cancer among women. Methods: 116,939 women in the California Teachers Study, aged 22–79 years with no history of thyroid cancer at cohort entry, were followed from 1995–1996 through 2009; 275 were diagnosed with invasive papillary thyroid cancer. Cox proportional-hazards regression provided relative risk (RR) estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations between thyroid cancer and combined strenuous and moderate recreational physical activity both in the long-term (high school through age 54 years or current age if younger than 54 years) and recently (during the three years prior to joining the cohort). Results: Overall, women whose long-term recreational physical activity averaged at least 5.5 MET-hours/week (i.e. were active) had a non-significant 23% lower risk of papillary thyroid cancer than inactive women (RR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.57, 1.04). RR estimates were stronger among normal weight or underweight women (body mass index, BMI < 25.0 kg/m², trend p = 0.03) than among overweight or obese women (trend p = 0.35; homogeneity-of-trends p = 0.03). A similar pattern of risk was observed for recent activity (BMI < 25 kg/m², trend p = 0.11; BMI ≥ 25 kg/m², trend p = 0.16; homogeneity-of-trends p = 0.04). Associations for long-term activity did not appear to be driven by activity in any particular life period (e.g. youth, adulthood). Conclusions: Long-term physical activity may reduce papillary thyroid cancer risk among normal weight and underweight women.     

Gender discrimination in undernutrition with mediating factors among Bengalee school children from Eastern India

This study was undertaken to determine age and sex variations in the prevalence of underweight and stunting, and to assess the impact of some socio-economic variables on undernutrition among 6–16 year old school children of Bengalee ethnicity in Chapra, West Bengal, India. The subjects were selected randomly from various schools and madrassas of the Chapra Block. A total of 725 children (342 boys and 383 girls) aged 6–16 years were measured and data on their socio-economic status were collected. Age and sex combined rates of underweight and stunting were 44.40% and 37.20%, respectively. Weight-for-age Z-score (WAZ) showed significant association with per-capita income (PCI) among boys (F = 5.45) and girls (F = 8.14). Height-for-age Z-score (HAZ) has also shown the association with per-capita income among boys (F = 4.43) and girls (F = 9.69). The WAZ was significantly associated with fathers’ educational status (FOS) (t = ?2.95) and the number of living rooms (NLR) (t = ?2.91) among girls. The HAZ showed significant association with number of siblings (NS) among girls (F = 4.25). Linear regression analyses revealed that NLR (t = 2.04) and NS (t = 1.95) had a significant impact on HAZ among boys. Among girls, PCI (t = 3.38), FOS (t = 2.87) and NLR (t = 2.81) had a significant impact on WAZ and also PCI (t = 3.28) and FOS (t = 2.90) had a significant impact on HAZ. NLR had significant associations with underweight (χ² = 3.59) and stunting (χ² = 4.20) among boys. Among girls, PCI had significant associations with underweight (χ² = 11.15) and stunting (χ² = 11.64). FOS also showed significant associations with underweight (χ² = 8.10) as well as stunting (χ² = 8.28) among girls. NLR showed a significant association with underweight (χ² = 7.75). Logistics regression analyses revealed that FOS (Wald = 8.00) and NLR (Wald = 4.09) were significant predictors of stunting among boys. Among girls, PCI was a significant predictor of underweight (Wald = 10.95) as well as stunting (Wald = 10.45). FOS, NLR and NS were also significant predictors of stunting (Wald = 8.16), underweight (Wald = 7.68) and stunting (Wald = 6.97) respectively. The present study revealed that the nutritional status of the children was unsatisfactory and it is of paramount importance not only to increase the amount of food supplementation given but also to promote gender equality.     

BMI,hypertension and low bone mineral density in adult men and women

The aim of this work was to estimate the body mass index (BMI) at which risk of hypertension is lowest in men and women, while concurrently considering the protective role of adipose tissue in osteoporosis. Healthy, occupationally active inhabitants of the city of Wroc?aw, Poland, 1218 women and 434 men were studied. BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, bone mineral density (BMD) of the trabecular compartment and distal radius of the non-dominant hand were recorded. Overweight in young women (≤45 years) was associated with increased risk of hypertension, whereas the risk of low bone mineral was decreased for the same BMI. In older women (>45 years), a BMI > 27 was the threshold for increased risk of hypertension. In this age group, extremely slim women (BMI < 21) had the highest risk of low bone mineral density. In younger males (≤45 years), risk of hypertension was lowest among the thinnest subjects (BMI < 21). Increase in BMI over 21 kg/m² increased the risk of hypertension. The probability of low bone mineral density was the same in all BMI categories of men. In older men (>45 years), the thinnest (BMI < 21) had higher risk of hypertension. To begin from BMI = 25 kg/m², there was a monotonous increase in risk of hypertension in men. Higher risk for low bone mineral density was observed in older men with the BMI < 23.Among younger adults, risk of hypertension and low bone mineral density increase at BMI ≥ 21 kg/m² in men and BMI ≥ 23 kg/m² in women. Among older men and women, the BMI threshold was 27 kg/m².     

Circulating levels of irisin in patients with anorexia nervosa and different stages of obesity – Correlation with body mass index

Irisin was recently identified as cleavage product of fibronectin type III domain containing 5 (FNDC5) and shown to increase energy expenditure in mice and humans and therefore was discussed as potential treatment option in obesity. However, the regulation of irisin under conditions of severely altered body weight such as anorexia nervosa and obesity remains to be investigated. We analyzed circulating irisin levels over a broad spectrum of body weight in 40 patients with anorexia nervosa (mean body mass index, BMI 12.6 ± 0.7 kg/m²), normal weight controls (22.6 ± 0.9 kg/m²) and obese patients with BMI of 30–40 (36.9 ± 1.2 kg/m²), 40–50 (44.9 ± 1.1 kg/m²) and >50 (70.1 ± 2.7 kg/m², n = 8/group). Correlation analyses were performed between irisin and different body indices, parameters of body composition and hormones involved in various homeostatic processes. Obese patients showed higher circulating irisin levels compared to normal weight and anorexic patients (p < 0.05) resulting in a correlation of irisin with body weight (r = 0.47, p < 0.01) and BMI (r = 0.50, p < 0.001). Plasma irisin was also positively correlated with fat mass (r = 0.48, p < 0.01), body cell mass (r = 0.45, p < 0.01) and fat free mass (r = 0.40, p < 0.05). Insulin levels were positively correlated with irisin (r = 0.45, p < 0.01), whereas circulating ghrelin, cortisol, thyroid-stimulating hormone or C-reactive protein were not (p > 0.05). These data indicate that circulating irisin is affected under conditions of altered BMI with highest levels in severely obese patients. The increase of irisin under conditions of obesity may indicate a physiological function to improve glucose tolerance which is often impaired in obese subjects.     

Axial BMD in Diabetic and Nondiabetic Southeast Asians with HIP Fractures: Do Race and Body Mass Index Matter?

Objective: Obesity is less prevalent in Asian subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in contrast to Caucasians. Whether higher axial bone mineral density (BMD) often reported in T2DM is independent of body mass index (BMI) has not been clearly shown. BMD characterization in T2DM patients with hip fractures has also not been performed. We compared the BMD of Asian diabetic and nondiabetic patients with new hip fractures and explored how BMD was influenced by BMI.Methods: We included 255 diabetic and 148 nondiabetic patients. BMD adjusted for age; BMI; race; sex; renal function; and use of statins, proton pump inhibitors, steroids, anticonvulsants, and calcium and/or vitamin D supplements were compared between the groups. We were particularly interested in the BMD comparison between underweight diabetics and nondiabetics with hip fractures.Results: The presence of T2DM was associated with higher BMD (g/cm²) at the femoral neck (0.527 ± 0.103 vs. 0.491 ± 0.102, P<.01) and lumbar spine [LS] (0.798 ± 0.147 vs. 0.723 ± 0.156, P<.01). This association persisted after adjustment for multiple confounding variables including BMI. The age-, BMI-, and sex-adjusted LS BMD was higher in underweight (BMI <18.5 kg/m²) diabetics compared to similar weight nondiabetics (0.733 ± 0.126 vs. 0.649 ± 0.131 g/cm², P = .014).Conclusion: T2DM is independently associated with higher axial BMD in patients with new hip fractures. The finding of higher BMD even in underweight diabetics with hip fractures compared to their nondiabetic counterparts suggests that higher BMD in subjects with T2DM is not due to higher BMI.Abbreviations:BMD = bone mineral densityBMI = body mass indexCV = coefficient of variationDXA = dual-energy X-ray absorptiometryHbA1c = glycated hemoglobinIGF-1 = insulin growth factor-1LS = lumbar spine25(OH)D = 25-hydroxyvitamin DT2DM = type 2 diabetes mellitus     

Extent estimates and land cover relationships for functional indicators in non-wadeable rivers

Functional indicators are being increasingly used to assess waterway health but their responses to pressure in non-wadeable rivers have not been widely documented or applied in modern survey designs that provide unbiased estimates of extent. This study tests the response of river metabolism and loss in cotton strip tensile strength across a land use pressure gradient in non-wadeable rivers of northern New Zealand, and reports extent estimates for river metabolism and decomposition rates. Following adjustment for probability of selection, ecosystem respiration (ER) and gross primary production (GPP) for the target population of order 5–7 non-wadeable rivers averaged −7.3 and 4.8 g O₂ m⁻² d⁻¹, respectively, with average P/R < 1 indicating dominance by heterotrophic processes. Ecosystem respiration was <−3.3 g O₂ m⁻² d⁻¹ for 75% of non-wadeable river length with around 20% of length between −10 and −20 g O₂ m⁻² d⁻¹. Cumulative distribution functions of cotton strength loss estimates indicated a more-or-less linear relationship with river km reflecting an even spread of decay rates (range in k 0.0007–0.2875 d⁻¹) across non-wadeable rivers regionally. A non-linear relationship with land cover was detected for GPP which was typically <5 g O₂ m⁻² d⁻¹ where natural vegetation cover was below 20% and greater than 80% of upstream catchment area. For cotton strength loss, the relationship with land cover was wedge-shaped such that sites with >60% natural cover had low decay rates (<0.02 d⁻¹) with variability below this increasing as natural cover declined. Using published criteria for assessing waterway health based on ER and GPP, 232–298 km (20–29%) of non-wadeable river length was considered to have severely impaired ecosystem functioning, and 436–530 km (42–50%) had no evidence of impact on river metabolism.     

An LED-based UV-B irradiation system for tiny organisms: System description and demonstration experiment to determine the hatchability of eggs from four Tetranychus spider mite species from Okinawa

We developed a computer-based system for controlling the photoperiod and irradiance of UV-B and white light from a 5 × 5 light-emitting diode (LED) matrix (100 × 100 mm). In this system, the LED matrix was installed in each of four irradiation boxes and controlled by pulse-width modulators so that each box can independently emit UV-B and white light at irradiances of up to 1.5 and 4.0 W m⁻², respectively, or a combination of both light types. We used this system to examine the hatchabilities of the eggs of four Tetranychus spider mite species (T. urticae, T. kanzawai, T. piercei and T. okinawanus) collected from Okinawa Island under UV-B irradiation alone or simultaneous irradiation with white light for 12 h d⁻¹ at 25 °C. Although no eggs of any species hatched under the UV-B irradiation, even when the irradiance was as low as 0.02 W m⁻², the hatchabilities increased to >90% under simultaneous irradiation with 4.0 W m⁻² white light. At 0.06 W m⁻² UV-B, T. okinawanus eggs hatched (15% hatchability) under simultaneous irradiation with white light, whereas other species showed hatchabilities <1%. These results suggest that photolyases activated by white light may reduce UV-B–induced DNA damage in spider mite eggs and that the greater UV-B tolerance of T. okinawanus may explain its dominance on plants in seashore environments, which have a higher risk of exposure to reflected UV-B even on the undersurface of leaves. Our system will be useful for further examination of photophysiological responses of tiny organisms because of its ability to precisely control radiation conditions.     

Patch dynamics of the Mediterranean seagrass Posidonia oceanica: Implications for recolonisation process

Patch dynamics of the Mediterranean slow-growing seagrass Posidonia oceanica was studied in two shallow sites (3–10 m) of the Balearic Archipelago (Spain) through repeated censuses (1–2 year⁻¹). In the sheltered site of Es Port Bay (Cabrera Island), initial patch density (October 2001) was low: 0.05 patches m⁻², and the patch size (number of shoots) distribution was bimodal: most of the patches had less than 6 shoots or between 20 and 50 shoots. Mean patch recruitment in Es Port Bay (0.006 ± 0.002 patches m⁻² year⁻¹) exceeded mean patch loss (0.001 ± 0.001 patches m⁻² year⁻¹), yielding positive net patch recruitment (0.004 ± 0.003 patches m⁻² year⁻¹) and a slightly increased patch density 3 years later (July 2004, 0.06 patches m⁻²). In the exposed site of S’Estanyol, the initial patch density was higher (1.38 patches m⁻², August 2003), and patch size frequency decreased exponentially with size. Patch recruitment (0.26 patches m⁻² year⁻¹) and loss (0.24 patches m⁻² year⁻¹) were high, yielding a slightly increased patch density in the area 1 year later (October 2004, 1.40 patches m⁻²). Most recruited patches consisted of rooting vegetative fragments of 1–2 shoots. Seedling recruitment was observed in Summer 2004 at both sites. Episodic, seedling recruitment comprised 30% and 25% of total patch recruitment in Es Port Bay and S’Estanyol, respectively. Patch survival increased with patch size and no direct removal was observed among patches of 5 shoots or more. Most patches grew along the study, shifting patch distribution towards larger sizes. Within the size range studied (1–150 shoots), absolute shoot recruitment (shoots year⁻¹) increased linearly with patch size (R² = 0.64, p < 4 × 10⁻⁵, N = 125), while specific shoot recruitment was constant (about 0.25 ± 0.05 year⁻¹), although its variance was large for small patches. Given the slow growth rate and the high survival of patches with 5 or more shoots, even the low patch recruitment rates reported here could play a significant role in the colonisation process of P. oceanica.     

Efficiency of energy use for maintenance and gain by growing crossbred Boer and Spanish Goats consuming diets differing in forage level

Eight Boer (75%) × Spanish (BS) and eight Spanish (S) wether goats (155 ± 8 days of age and 19.2 ± 2.3 kg BW, initial) were used in a replicated crossover design experiment with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments to determine the effects of genotype and diet quality on heat production with ad libitum, near maintenance and fasting levels of feed intake. Diets were 65% concentrate (CON 15% CP, DM basis) and coarsely ground alfalfa hay (FOR 23% CP). There were no significant interactions between genotype and diet. ME intake was similar between genotypes and greater (P < 0.05) for CON versus FOR both when intake was ad libitum (7.60 versus 5.43 MJ/day) and near maintenance (4.31 versus 4.09 MJ/day). DE concentration was greater (P < 0.05) for CON than for FOR with ad libitum (74.4 versus 55.5%) and restricted intake (77.0 versus 59.6%). Energy expenditure (EE), determined by respiration calorimetry, at all levels of intake was similar between genotypes. EE was greater (P < 0.05) for CON than for FOR at each of the three levels of intake, ad libitum (573 and 521 kJ/kg BW^0.75 while fasting), near maintenance (426 and 400 kJ/kg BW^0.75) and fasting (280 and 255 kJ/kg BW^0.75). Efficiencies of ME utilization for maintenance (k_m) and gain (k_g) and the ME requirement for maintenance (ME_m) were similar between genotypes. k_m was similar between diets (0.705 and 0.690 for CON and FOR, respectively), although k_g was greater (P < 0.05) for CON than for FOR (0.603 versus 0.387). ME_m was numerically greater (P < 0.17) for CON than for FOR (407 versus 379 kJ/kg BW^0.75), which may have involved higher ME intake with CON. In conclusion, under the conditions of this experiment energy requirements and efficiency of utilization were not different between growing Boer crossbred and Spanish goats regardless of diet quality.     

Rabbit preference for cages and pens with or without mirrors

Five-week-old Pannon White rabbits were housed in a closed climatized rabbitry and randomly assigned to either pens (56 rabbits) having a basic area of 1 m² with a stocking density of 16 and 12 rabbits/m² or to 18 individual cages (0.24 m²/cage). The pens and the cages were divided into two halves and animals could move freely between the two halves through swing doors. The walls of one half of the pens and cages were completely covered with mirrors while the other half was covered with white plastic panels. A 24 h video recording was made twice a week using infrared cameras and the number of rabbits in each pen and cage was counted every 15 min. The duration of the trial was 6 weeks. The lighting period was 16L/8D. In each half of the cage or pen, a feeder and nipple drinkers were available and feed intake was measured separately. Throughout the entire rearing period, 72% of the individually caged rabbits showed a preference for the cage half enriched with mirrors (P < 0.001). This preference decreased slightly with increasing age. Preference toward the cage half provided with mirror walls was independent of the time of day; in other words, during the active period (23:00–05:00) corresponding to the dark part of the day, rabbits continued to prefer the mirrored half even if the vision of the reflected image was reduced. The presence of conspecifics at different stocking densities (12 vs. 16 rabbits/m²) did not reduce this interest in mirrors: averaging the ages, 66% of animals living at 16 rabbits/m² stocking density and 63% of those living at 12 rabbits/m² density were found in the half pen with mirrors (P < 0.001). Group-penned rabbits showed a marked preference toward mirrors during the active period (73–76% for 12 and 16 rabbits/m² stocking densities, respectively; P < 0.001). The results suggest that the presence of mirrors offers advantages perhaps related to comfort and welfare, and therefore might be used as environmental enrichment for fattening rabbits and advised for rabbits caged individually for long periods.     

Designing better water troughs: 2. Surface area and height,but not depth,influence dairy cows’ preference

Water consumption affects milk production of dairy cows. In a previous study, we found that dairy cows preferred to drink from larger than from smaller troughs and that intake was higher when water was offered in the larger, preferred troughs. In this study, we investigated some of the trough's characteristics that may underlie such preference. The volume of water consumed, time spent drinking and number of sips taken by cows (n = 18) were compared when water was offered in two troughs differing in surface area (1.13 m² or 0.28 m²; experiment 1), height (30 cm or 60 cm; experiment 2) or depth (30 cm or 60 cm; experiment 3). In each experiment, each cow was tested individually for six consecutive days with the troughs randomly placed in each side. In experiment 1, cows took more sips (P < 0.01), spent more time drinking (P < 0.01) and drank more water (P < 0.01) from the trough with larger surface area. In experiment 2, cows took more sips from the higher than from the lower trough (P < 0.02) and showed a tendency to consume more water (P = 0.08) and to spend more time drinking (P = 0.08) from the higher than from the lower trough. Trough depth did not influence any of the variables recorded.     

Light thresholds derived from seagrass loss in the coastal zone of the northern Great Barrier Reef,Australia

There is a world-wide trend for deteriorating water quality and light levels in the coastal zone, and this has been linked to declines in seagrass abundance. Localized management of seagrass meadow health requires that water quality guidelines for meeting seagrass growth requirements are available. Tropical seagrass meadows are diverse and can be highly dynamic and we have used this dynamism to identify light thresholds in multi-specific meadows dominated by Halodule uninervis in the northern Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Seagrass cover was measured at ∼3 month intervals from 2008 to 2011 at three sites: Magnetic Island (MI) Dunk Island (DI) and Green Island (GI). Photosynthetically active radiation was continuously measured within the seagrass canopy, and three light metrics were derived. Complete seagrass loss occurred at MI and DI and at these sites changes in seagrass cover were correlated with the three light metrics. Mean daily irradiance (I_d) above 5 and 8.4 mol m⁻² d⁻¹ was associated with gains in seagrass at MI and DI, however a significant correlation (R = 0.649, p < 0.05) only occurred at MI. The second metric, percent of days below 3 mol m⁻² d⁻¹, correlated the most strongly (MI, R = −0.714, p < 0.01 and DI, R = −0.859, p = <0.001) with change in seagrass cover with 16–18% of days below 3 mol m⁻² d⁻¹ being associated with more than 50% seagrass loss. The third metric, the number of hours of light saturated irradiance (H_sat) was calculated using literature-derived data on saturating irradiance (E_k). H_sat correlated well (R = 0.686, p < 0.01; and DI, R = 0.704, p < 0.05) with change in seagrass abundance, and was very consistent between the two sites as 4 H_sat was associated with increases in seagrass abundance at both sites, and less than 4 H_sat with more than 50% loss. At the third site (GI), small seasonal losses of seagrass quickly recovered during the growth season and the light metrics did not correlate (p > 0.05) with change in percent cover, except for I_d which was always high, but correlated with change in seagrass cover. Although distinct light thresholds were observed, the departure from threshold values was also important. For example, light levels that are well below the thresholds resulted in more severe loss of seagrass than those just below the threshold. Environmental managers aiming to achieve optimal seagrass growth conditions can use these threshold light metrics as guidelines; however, other environmental conditions, including seasonally varying temperature and nutrient availability, will influence seagrass responses above and below these thresholds.     

Design,synthesis and structure–activity relationship of rhenium 2-arylbenzothiazoles as β-amyloid plaque binding agents

To continue our efforts toward the development of ^99mTc PiB analogs, we have synthesized 24 neutral and lipophilic Re (as a surrogate of ^99mTc) 2-arylbenzothiazoles, and explored their structure–activity relationship for binding to Aβ_1–40 fibrils. These Re complexes were designed and synthesized via the integrated approach, so their ^99mTc analogs would have a greater chance of crossing the blood–brain barrier. While the lipophilicities (log P_C18 = 1.59–3.53) of these Re 2-arylbenzothiazoles were all within suitable range, their binding affinities (K_i = 30–617 nM) to Aβ_1–40 fibrils varied widely depending on the selection and integration of the tetradentate chelator into the 2-phenylbenzothiazole pharmacophore. For potential clinical applications, further refinement to obtain Re 2-arylbenzothiazoles with better binding affinities (<10 nM) will likely be needed. The integrated approach reported here to generate compact, neutral and lipophilic Re 2-arylbenzothiazoles could be applied to other potent pharmacophores as well to convert other current Aβ PET tracers to their ^99mTc analogs for more widespread application via the use of SPECT scanners.     

Carbon sequestration potential of green roofs using mixed-sewage-sludge substrate in Chengdu World Modern Garden City

Green roofs which use sewage sludge to sequestrate urban carbon dioxide may represent a potential opportunity to evaluate carbon sequestration benefits for the urban development under increasing global climate change. In this study, green roofs composed of 6 small green segments with two different substrates, mixed-sewage-sludge substrate (MSSS, volume ratio of sewage sludge and local-natural soil 1:1), and local-natural soil (LNS), three different substrate depths (20 cm, 25 cm and 30 cm), and three types of native plants (Ligustrum vicaryi, Neottia auriculata, and Liriope spicata) in Chengdu City were established to determine carbon sequestration from July 2012 to July 2013 through assessment of the carbon storage and sequestration. Results show that the average carbon storage of MSSS and LNS on green roofs was respectively 13.15 kg C m⁻² and 8.58 kg C m⁻², and the average carbon sequestration followed the order of LNS (3.89 kg C m⁻² yr⁻¹) > MSSS (3.81 kg C m⁻² yr⁻¹). Thus MSSS could be considered as a potential material for carbon sequestration. The carbon storage and carbon sequestration by native plants on the green roofs followed the order of L. vicaryi > L. spicata > N. auriculata. The whole green roof had a mean carbon storage of 18.28 kg C m⁻² and average carbon sequestration of 6.47 kg C m⁻² yr⁻¹ in the combined biomass and substrate organic matter. The best green roof configuration was L. vicaryi together with MSSS substrate, with a middle-high level of carbon sequestration. It will be feasible and worthwhile to scale-up the adaptable green roof configurations in Chengdu World Modern Garden City.     

Prevalencia de hiperandrogenismo y síndrome de ovario poliquístico en transexuales de mujer a hombre

IntroductionPrevalence of hyperandrogenism (HA), including the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), in female-to-male transsexuals (FMT) is high. This has been related to metabolic syndrome (MS), which appears to increase cardiovascular morbidity and mortality throughout cross-sex hormone (CSH) therapy.ObjectivesTo assess the prevalence of HA and PCOS in FMT patients before the start of CSH therapy, and their association to MS and its components, insulin resistance (IR) and other cardiovascular risk (CVR) factors.Materials and methodsSeventy-seven FMTs underwent clinical and biochemical assessment for HA before the start of CSH therapy. CVR, IR, and other MS parameters were also assessed.ResultsPrevalence of HA was 49.4% (73.7% were cases of PCOS [Rotterdam criteria]), and prevalence of PCOS in the overall sample was 36.4%. Prevalence of MS was 38.4% and 51.7% according to ATP-III and IDF criteria respectively). MS (according to ATP-III and IDF criteria respectively) was found in 36.8% and 57.9% as compared to 25.6% and 41% of patients with and without HA respectively (p < 0.0001 and P < 0.01 respectively). Of total patients, 54.5% had normal weight (body mass index [BMI] 18.5-24.9 kg.m^-2), 26% were overweight (BMI 25-29.9 kg.m^-2), and 19.5% were obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg.m^-2). After adjusting for BMI, the comparison of hormonal, metabolic, and anthropometric parameters showed statistically significant differences in plasma glucose, HOMA-IR, and abdominal circumference (P < 0.001 for all), as well as HDL cholesterol (HDL) (P = 0.033), but not in total testosterone or calculated free testosterone levels. In the total sample, 27.3% had HDL levels less than 50 mg/dL.ConclusionsOverall HA, and PCOS in particular, are highly prevalent in FMTs. HA and PCOS are related to early development of SM, IR, and other CVR factors with unknown consequences in adulthood.     

Synthesis and β-amyloid binding properties of rhenium 2-phenylbenzothiazoles

As a first step toward the development of ^99mTc PiB analogs, we have synthesized six neutral Re 2-phenylbenzothiazoles via pendant or integrated approach. These Re compounds bind to Aβ_1–40 fibrils with fairly good affinities (K_i = 10.0–88.6 nM) and have moderate lipophilicities (log P_C18 = 1.21–3.26). The Re compounds prepared via the integrated approach are smaller in size, and therefore their corresponding ^99mTc analogs would have a greater chance of crossing the blood-brain barrier well. For potential clinical applications, further optimization on the structure–activity relationship to obtain Re 2-phenylbenzothiazoles with higher binding affinities (<10 nM) might be needed. The integrated approach reported here to obtain neutral, compact and lipophilic Re 2-phenylbenzothiazoles could to be applied to other high affinity pharmacophores as well as to generate ^99mTc analogs that could hold promise for extending the use of Aβ imaging in living human brain to many more clinical settings because they could be used with SPECT.     

Associations of body mass index with cancer incidence among populations,genders, and menopausal status: A systematic review and meta-analysis

In order to further reveal the differences of association between body mass index (BMI) and cancer incidence across populations, genders, and menopausal status, we performed comprehensive meta-analysis with eligible citations. The risk ratio (RR) of incidence at 10 different cancer sites (per 5 kg/m² increase in BMI) were quantified separately by employing generalized least-squares to estimate trends, and combined by meta-analyses. We observed significantly stronger association between increased BMI and breast cancer incidence in the Asia⿿Pacific group (RR 1.18:1.11⿿1.26) than in European⿿Australian (1.05:1.00⿿1.09) and North-American group (1.06:1.03⿿1.08) (meta-regression p < 0.05). No association between increased BMI and pancreatic cancer incidence (0.94:0.71⿿1.24) was shown in the Asia⿿Pacific group (meta-regression p < 0.05), whereas positive associations were found in other two groups. A significantly higher RR in men was found for colorectal cancer in comparison with women (meta-regression p < 0.05). Compared with postmenopausal women, premenopausal women displayed significantly higher RR for ovarian cancer (pre- vs. post- = 1.10 vs. 1.01, meta-regression p < 0.05), but lower RR for breast cancer (pre- vs. post- = 0.99 vs. 1.11, meta-regression p < 0.0001). Our results indicate that overweight or obesity is a strong risk factor of cancer incidence at several cancer sites. Genders, populations, and menopausal status are important factors effecting the association between obesity and cancer incidence for certain cancer types.     

Evaluation of the effects of light intensity on growth of the benthic dinoflagellate Ostreopsis sp. 1 using a newly developed photoirradiation-culture system and a novel regression analytical method

Benthic dinoflagellates of the genus Ostreopsis are found all over the world in temperate, subtropical, and tropical coastal regions. Our recent studies revealed that a putative “cryptic” species of Ostreopsis ovata is present widely along Japanese coasts. This organism, Ostreopsis sp. 1, possesses palytoxin analogs and thus its toxic blooms may be responsible for potential toxification of marine organisms. To evaluate the bloom dynamics of Ostreopsis sp. 1, the present study examined the growth responses of Ostreopsis sp. 1 strain s0716 to various light intensities (photon flux densities: μmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹) using a newly devised photoirradiation-culture system. This novel system has white light-emitting diodes (LEDs) capable of more closely simulating the wavelength spectrum of light entering the oceanic water column than do fluorescent tubes and halogen lamps. In this system, the light intensity of the white LEDs was reduced through two polarizing filters by varying the rotation angles of the filters. Thereby, the new system was capable of culturing microalgae under well-controlled light intensity conditions. Ostreopsis sp. 1 grew proportionally when light intensity was increased from 49.5 to 199 μmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹, but its growth appeared to be inhibited slightly at ≥263 μmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹. The relationship between observed growth rates and light intensity was calculated at R > 0.99 (P < 0.01) using a regression analysis with a modified equation of the photosynthesis-light intensity (P-L) model. The equation determined the critical light intensities for growth of Ostreopsis sp. 1 and the organism's growth potential as follows: (1) the threshold light intensity for growth: 29.8 μmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹; (2) the optimum light intensity (L_m) giving the maximum growth rate (μ_max = 0.659 divisions day⁻¹): 196 μmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹; (3) the optimum light intensity range (L_opt) giving ≥95% μ_max: 130–330 μmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹; (4) the semi-optimum range (L_sopt) giving ≥80% μ_max: 90 to over 460 μmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹. The L_sopt represents 4.5–23% ambient light intensity present in surface waters off of a temperate region of the Japanese coast, Tosa Bay; putatively, this semi-optimum range of light intensity appears at depth of 12.9–27.8 m. Considering these issues, our data indicate that Ostreopsis sp. 1 in coastal environments may form blooms at ca. ∼28 m depth in regions along Japanese coasts.     

The effects of light intensity on the growth of Japanese Gambierdiscus spp. (Dinophyceae)

Marine toxic dinoflagellates of the genus Gambierdiscus are the causative agents of ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP), a form of seafood poisoning that is widespread in tropical, subtropical and temperate regions worldwide. The distributions of Gambierdiscus australes, Gambierdiscus scabrosus and two phylotypes of Gambierdiscus spp. type 2 and type 3 have been reported for the waters surrounding the main island of Japan. To explore the bloom dynamics and the vertical distribution of these Japanese species and phylotypes of Gambierdiscus, the effects of light intensity on their growth were tested, using a photoirradiation-culture system. The relationship between the observed growth rates and light intensity conditions for the four species/phylotypes were formulated at R > 0.92 (p < 0.01) using regression analysis and photosynthesis-light intensity (P-L) model. Based on this equation, the optimum light intensity (L_max) and the semi-optimum light intensity range (L_s-opt) that resulted in the maximum growth rate (μ_max) and ≥80% μ _max values of the four species/phylotypes, respectively, were as follows: (1) the L_max and L_s-opt of G. australes were 208 μmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹ and 91–422 μmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹, respectively; (2) those of G. scabrosus were 252 and 120–421 μmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹, respectively; (3) those of Gambierdiscus sp. type 2 were 192 and 75–430 μmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹, respectively; and (4) those of Gambierdiscus sp. type 3 were ≥427 and 73–427 μmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹, respectively. All four Gambierdiscus species/phylotypes required approximately 10 μmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹ to maintain growth. The light intensities in coastal waters at a site in Tosa Bay were measured vertically at 1 m intervals once per season. The relationships between the observed light intensity and depth were formulated using Beer’s Law. Based on these equations, the range of the attenuation coefficients at Tosa Bay site was determined to be 0.058–0.119 m⁻¹. The values 1700 μmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹, 500 μmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹, and 200 μmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹ were substituted into the equations to estimate the vertical profiles of light intensity at sunny midday, cloudy midday and rainy midday, respectively. Based on the regression equations coupled with the empirically determined attenuation coefficients for each of the four seasons, the ranges of the projected depths of L_max and L_s-opt for the four Gambierdiscus species/phylotypes under sunny midday conditions, cloudy midday conditions, and rainy midday conditions were 12–38 m and 12–54 m, 1–16 m and 1–33 m, and 0 m and 0–16 m, respectively. These results suggest that light intensity plays an important role in the bloom dynamics and vertical distribution of Gambierdiscus species/phylotypes in Japanese coastal waters.     

Lower dipeptidyl peptidase-4 following exercise training plus weight loss is related to increased insulin sensitivity in adults with metabolic syndrome

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) is a circulating glycoprotein that impairs insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and is linked to obesity and metabolic syndrome. However, the effect of exercise on plasma DPP-4 in adults with metabolic syndrome is unknown. Therefore, we determined the effect of exercise on DPP-4 and its role in explaining exercise-induced improvements in insulin sensitivity. Fourteen obese adults (67.9 ± 1.2 years, BMI: 34.2 ± 1.1 kg/m²) with metabolic syndrome (ATP III criteria) underwent a 12-week supervised exercise intervention (60 min/day for 5 days/week at ∼85% HR_max). Plasma DPP-4 was analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Insulin sensitivity was measured using the euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp (40 mU/m²/min) and estimated by HOMA-IR. Visceral fat (computerized tomography), 2-h glucose levels (75 g oral glucose tolerance), and basal fat oxidation as well as aerobic fitness (indirect calorimetry) were also determined before and after exercise. The intervention reduced visceral fat, lowered blood pressure, glucose and lipids, and increased aerobic fitness (P < 0.05). Exercise improved clamp-derived insulin sensitivity by 75% (P < 0.001) and decreased HOMA-IR by 15% (P < 0.05). Training decreased plasma DPP-4 by 10% (421.8 ± 30.1 vs. 378.3 ± 32.5 ng/ml; P < 0.04), and the decrease in DPP-4 was associated with clamp-derived insulin sensitivity (r = −0.59; P < 0.04), HOMA-IR (r = 0.59; P < 0.04) and fat oxidation (r = −0.54; P < 0.05). Increased fat oxidation also correlated with lower 2-h glucose levels (r = −0.64; P < 0.02). Exercise training reduces plasma DPP-4, which may be linked to elevated insulin sensitivity and fat oxidation. Maintaining low plasma DPP-4 concentrations is a potential mechanism whereby exercise plus weight loss prevents/delays the onset of type 2 diabetes in adults with metabolic syndrome.