Select environmental and genetic determinants of adiponectin and obesity in black and white women

Using interview data and blood samples collected at baseline from the Southern Community Cohort Study, this cross-sectional study examined serum adiponectin levels in relation to select environmental and behavioral factors. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in three adiponectin-related genes (ADIPOQ, ADIPOR1, and ADIPOR2) were also examined in relation to adiponectin and body mass index (BMI). Multivariate linear regression models were used to evaluate the association between adiponectin and BMI separately for white and black women. Prediction models for adiponectin for black and white women were also developed using multiple linear regression. Associations between SNPs in ADIPOQ, ADIPOR1, and ADIPOR2 in relation to adiponectin and BMI were examined in linear regression models with adjustment for age and percentage of African ancestry to account for population stratification. Black women were found to have lower adiponectin levels compared with whites even after adjustment for body mass index (BMI). These results expand upon previous studies that were limited by small sample sizes or narrow age and body size ranges and demonstrate that racial differences in adiponectin exist across the spectrum of BMI. In the examination of predictors of adiponectin beyond BMI, the factors age, HDL-cholesterol, and hypertension were found to be strong correlates of adiponectin in both race groups. In the genetic analyses, one SNP (rs17366568) in ADIPOQ was found to be significantly associated with adiponectin in white women but not in black women. This finding confirms results from two recent genome-wide association studies in European whites by demonstrating significant differences in adiponectin levels across genotypes of SNP rs17366568 and expands the current literature by examining this SNP in black women for the first time. No significant associations were observed between any of the SNPs in the three adiponectin-related genes and BMI. Observed racial differences in adiponectin and its correlates from this study will be utilized in future studies of diseases potentially affected by adiponectin such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. In addition, the development of lifestyle interventions as well as therapeutics that increase adiponectin levels for the purpose of disease prevention may be guided by results of this study

The New Generation Atlas of Quasar Spectral Energy Distributions from Radio to X-rays

We have produced the next generation of quasar spectral energy distributions (SEDs), essentially updating the work of Elvis et al. (1994) by using high-quality data obtained with several space and ground-based telescopes, including NASA's Great Observatories. We present an atlas of SEDs of 85 optically bright, non-blazar quasars over the electromagnetic spectrum from radio to X-rays. The heterogeneous sample includes 27 radio-quiet and 58 radio-loud quasars. Most objects have quasi-simultaneous ultraviolet-optical spectroscopic data, supplemented with some far-ultraviolet spectra, and more than half also have Spitzer mid-infrared IRS spectra. The X-ray spectral parameters are collected from the literature where available. The radio, far-infrared, and near-infrared photometric data are also obtained from either the literature or new observations. We construct composite spectral energy distributions for radio-loud and radio-quiet objects and compare these to those of Elvis et al., finding that ours have similar overall shapes, but our improved spectral resolution reveals more detailed features, especially in the mid and near-infrared.Comment: 46 pages, 10 figures, 10 tables, Accepted by ApJS. Composite SED data files for radio-loud and radio-quiet quasars (rlmsedMR.txt, rqmsedMR.txt) are included in the source (Other formats -> Source). Supplemental figures are not include

Success factors for reducing maternal and child mortality.

Reducing maternal and child mortality is a priority in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and will likely remain so after 2015. Evidence exists on the investments, interventions and enabling policies required. Less is understood about why some countries achieve faster progress than other comparable countries. The Success Factors for Women's and Children's Health studies sought to address this knowledge gap using statistical and econometric analyses of data from 144 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) over 20 years; Boolean, qualitative comparative analysis; a literature review; and country-specific reviews in 10 fast-track countries for MDGs 4 and 5a. There is no standard formula--fast-track countries deploy tailored strategies and adapt quickly to change. However, fast-track countries share some effective approaches in addressing three main areas to reduce maternal and child mortality. First, these countries engage multiple sectors to address crucial health determinants. Around half the reduction in child mortality in LMICs since 1990 is the result of health sector investments, the other half is attributed to investments made in sectors outside health. Second, these countries use strategies to mobilize partners across society, using timely, robust evidence for decision-making and accountability and a triple planning approach to consider immediate needs, long-term vision and adaptation to change. Third, the countries establish guiding principles that orient progress, align stakeholder action and achieve results over time. This evidence synthesis contributes to global learning on accelerating improvements in women's and children's health towards 2015 and beyond

Success factors for reducing maternal and child mortality

Reducing maternal and child mortality is a priority in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and will likely remain so after 2015. Evidence exists on the investments, interventions and enabling policies required. Less is understood about why some countries achieve faster progress than other comparable countries. The Success Factors for Women’s and Children’s Health studies sought to address this knowledge gap using statistical and econometric analyses of data from 144 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) over 20 years; Boolean, qualitative comparative analysis; a literature review; and country-specific reviews in 10 fast-track countries for MDGs 4 and 5a. There is no standard formula – fast-track countries deploy tailored strategies and adapt quickly to change. However, fast-track countries share some effective approaches in addressing three main areas to reduce maternal and child mortality. First, these countries engage multiple sectors to address crucial health determinants. Around half the reduction in child mortality in LMICs since 1990 is the result of health sector investments, the other half is attributed to investments made in sectors outside health. Second, these countries use strategies to mobilize partners across society, using timely, robust evidence for decision-making and accountability and a triple planning approach to consider immediate needs, long-term vision and adaptation to change. Third, the countries establish guiding principles that orient progress, align stakeholder action and achieve results over time. This evidence synthesis contributes to global learning on accelerating improvements in women’s and children’s health towards 2015 and beyond