The Central Asian Supercourse to Increase Scientific Productivity.

Non

The Central Asian Supercourse to Increase Scientific Productivity

Non

An exploratory investigation of links between changes in adipokines and quality of life in individuals undergoing weight loss interventions: Possible implications for cancer research

Obesity has been linked to a wide spectrum of malignancies, with the strongest association demonstrated for endometrial cancer. Although the mechanisms are not yet entirely clear, a number of risk biomarkers have been proposed, including altered adipokines. Systemic levels of these adipose derived molecules have also been linked in prior research to self-reported quality of life (QOL). The study objective was to examine the hypothesis that adipokine changes during intentional weight loss may be associated with changes in QOL. Methods Fifty-two female participants were selected from two behavioral weight loss trials (SMART and PREFER) on the basis of achieving successful weight loss at 6 month assessment, availability of blood samples and completion of standard SF-36 QOL questionnaires. Levels of adiponectin, leptin, and resistin were measured using xMAP immunoassays. Changes in QOL were examined using linear regression models in relation to pre- and post-intervention changes in biomarker levels and BMI. Results Significant changes between pre- and post-intervention were observed for leptin. Controlling for baseline BMI, leptin was the only biomarker that predicted change in QOL (Physical Component Scale, PCS). Linear regression models demonstrated that leptin continued to be a significant predictor of change in PCS when other possible predictor variables were included in the model. Conclusions This study is among the first to demonstrate that changes in PCS may be regulated by levels of both metabolic variables and adipokines. An improved understanding of biological mechanisms associated with weight loss and the role of QOL may help guide preventive strategies for obesity-associated cancers. © 2014 Elsevier Inc

Endometrial histology in severely obese bariatric surgery candidates: an exploratory analysis

Abstract BackgroundEndometrial pathology risk has been linked to obesity; however, little is known of its prevalence in severely obese women not seeking care for endometrial pathology associated symptoms. This pilot study was designed to explore the frequency and risk factors associated with endometrial pathology in cancer-free, severely obese, bariatric surgery candidates using the Pipelle endometrial sampling technique (SureFlex Preferred Curette, Bioteque America, Inc, New Taipei City, Taiwan). MethodsTwenty-nine severely obese bariatric surgery candidates with intact uteruses and no history of endometrial cancer or endometrial ablation were included in this subanalysis from a larger cohort of 47. Endometrial samples were obtained using a Pipelle endometrial suction curette at a single time point before surgery. Logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between body mass index and endometrial pathology when adjusting for age and race. ResultsOf the 29 successful biopsies, 8 (27.6%) were classified as abnormal endometrium: 1 was classified as complex atypical hyperplasia, 1 was classified as hyperplasia without atypia, 4 samples were identified with endometrial polyps, and 2 samples were identified with metaplasia. None presented with cancer. Increasing body mass index was significantly associated with higher risk of abnormal endometrium (OR = 1.19, 95% CI [1.03–1.36], P = .01). ConclusionsThe findings in this sample suggest that obesity may be associated with increased risk of having undiagnosed endometrial pathology. More thorough examination of relationships between levels of obesity and endometrial pathology are needed to better characterize high cancer risk groups who may benefit from introducing new screening measures

Polyunsaturated fatty acids: biological significance, biosynthesis, and production by microalgae and microalgae-like organisms

link_to_subscribed_fulltex

Expanded encyclopaedias of DNA elements in the human and mouse genomes

AbstractThe human and mouse genomes contain instructions that specify RNAs and proteins and govern the timing, magnitude, and cellular context of their production. To better delineate these elements, phase III of the Encyclopedia of DNA Elements (ENCODE) Project has expanded analysis of the cell and tissue repertoires of RNA transcription, chromatin structure and modification, DNA methylation, chromatin looping, and occupancy by transcription factors and RNA-binding proteins. Here we summarize these efforts, which have produced 5,992 new experimental datasets, including systematic determinations across mouse fetal development. All data are available through the ENCODE data portal (https://www.encodeproject.org), including phase II ENCODE1 and Roadmap Epigenomics2 data. We have developed a registry of 926,535 human and 339,815 mouse candidate cis-regulatory elements, covering 7.9 and 3.4% of their respective genomes, by integrating selected datatypes associated with gene regulation, and constructed a web-based server (SCREEN; http://screen.encodeproject.org) to provide flexible, user-defined access to this resource. Collectively, the ENCODE data and registry provide an expansive resource for the scientific community to build a better understanding of the organization and function of the human and mouse genomes.11Nsciescopu