bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of various confounding variables and storage conditions on metanephrine and normetanephrine levels in plasma
Authors: Deutschbein Timo , Unger Nicole , Jaeger Andrea , Broecker‐Preuss Martina , Mann Klaus , Petersenn Stephan 
Published: December 2009

SummaryObjective  Measurements of plasma free metanephrines have been advocated as first‐line tests for phaeochromocytoma. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of potential confounding variables.Design  Comparative study between 2008 and 2009.Subjects  Hundred and eighty healthy subjects.Measurements  The effects of age, BMI, gender, menstrual cycle (sampling every 2 days), time of day (sampling every 2 h), venepunture (0, 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min), physical exercise (0, 15 and 30 min), coffee (0 and 60 min), breakfast (0 and 60 min) and various body positions (standing and supine rest, each 0 and 120 min) were evaluated. In addition, whole blood and plasma samples were stored at 4 °C or at 22 °C for 0, 1, 3, 24 and 72 h. Plasma free metanephrines were measured using radioimmunoassay (LDN).Results  While metanephrine was significantly influenced by sex and age, BMI and sex were significant predictors of normetanephrine. Coffee (+20%) and food (+8%) elevated normetanephrine significantly (P < 0·05), while metanephrine remained stable. Physical exercise increased metanephrine (+82%) as well as normetanephrine (+84%) significantly (P < 0·005). Supine rest significantly decreased both metanephrine (−34%) and normetanephrine (−19%) when compared to standing rest (P < 0·01). Metanephrine and normetanephrine were not significantly influenced by time of day, menstrual cycle or venepuncture. When plasma samples were stored at 4 °C, metanephrine and normetanephrine were stable for 72 h.Conclusions  Physical exercise may lead to relevant changes in metanephrine and normetanephrine and should therefore be avoided prior to sampling. Although effects of age, sex and BMI were small, these variables should be considered when interpreting biochemical results. Blood should be taken in the supine position, and samples should be immediately centrifuged and stored at 4 °C to improve stability.
The effect of DPP‐4 inhibition with sitagliptin on incretin secretion and on fasting and postprandial glucose turnover in subjects with impaired fasting glucose
Authors: Bock Gerlies , Man Chiara Dalla , Micheletto Francesco , Basu Rita , Giesler Paula D. , Laugen Jeanette , Deacon Carolyn F. , Holst Jens J. , Toffolo Gianna , Cobelli Claudio , Rizza Robert A. , Vella Adrian 
Published: December 2009

SummaryObjective  Low glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) concentrations have been observed in impaired fasting glucose (IFG). It is uncertain whether these abnormalities contribute directly to the pathogenesis of IFG and impaired glucose tolerance. Dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitors raise incretin hormone concentrations enabling an examination of their effects on glucose turnover in IFG.Research design and methods  We studied 22 subjects with IFG using a double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group design. At the time of enrolment, subjects ate a standardized meal labelled with [1‐13C]‐glucose. Infused [6‐3H] glucose enabled measurement of systemic meal appearance (MRa). Infused [6,6‐2H2] glucose enabled measurement of endogenous glucose production (EGP) and glucose disappearance (Rd). Subsequently, subjects were randomized to 100 mg of sitagliptin daily or placebo. After an 8‐week treatment period, the mixed meal was repeated.Results  As expected, subjects with IFG who received placebo did not experience any change in glucose concentrations. Despite raising intact GLP‐1 concentrations, treatment with sitagliptin did not alter either fasting or postprandial glucose, insulin or C‐peptide concentrations. Postprandial EGP (18·1 ± 0·7 vs 17·6 ± 0·8 μmol/kg per min, P = 0·53), Rd (55·6 ± 4·3 vs 58·9 ± 3·3 μmol/kg per min, P = 0·47) and MRa (6639 ± 377 vs 6581 ± 316 μmol/kg per 6 h, P = 0·85) were unchanged. Sitagliptin was associated with decreased total GLP‐1 implying decreased incretin secretion.Conclusions  DPP‐4 inhibition did not alter fasting or postprandial glucose turnover in people with IFG. Low incretin concentrations are unlikely to be involved in the pathogenesis of IFG.
Lithocholic acid downregulates vitamin D effects in human osteoblasts
Authors: Ruiz‐Gaspà S. , Guañabens N. , Enjuanes A. , Peris P. , Martinez‐Ferrer A. , Martinez de Osaba M. J. , Gonzalez B. , Alvarez L. , Monegal A. , Combalia A. , Parés A. 
Published: December 2009

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (1): 25–34AbstractBackground  Osteoporosis is a common complication in chronic cholestasis. It has been proposed that retained substances such as bile acids may produce a damaging effect on bone cells. This study analyses the effects of lithocholic acid (LCA) on cell survival and vitamin D metabolism in human osteoblasts (hOB).Materials and methods  Human osteoblasts cultures were performed with or without foetal bovine serum (FBS) or human albumin (HA) at different LCA concentrations and times with or without vitamin D.Results  Lithocholic acid at concentrations higher than 10–5 M decreased cell survival. This effect was partially prevented by the presence of FBS or HA. Vitamin D stimulated CYP24A, BGLAP and TNFSF11 expression in hOB and these effects were modified by nontoxic LCA concentrations. LCA significantly decreased vitamin D stimulation of CYP24A, BGLAP and TNFSF11 gene expression at 72%, 79% and 56% (respectively). LCA alone has an agonistic effect, as has vitamin D, thus partially increasing CYP24A and BGLAP expression, but with no changes on TNFRSF11B expression. Equivalent effects of the LCA were observed by performing gene reporter assays using MG‐63 cells transfected with constructs containing CYP24A1 promoter regions.Conclusions  Lithocholic acid decreases the stimulatory effect of vitamin D on CYP24A, BGLAP and TNFSF11 expression in hOB. This effect is produced through vitamin D response elements (VDREs), located in the promoter regions of these genes, suggesting that LCA acts as a mild analogous of vitamin D, interacting with the vitamin D receptor. These results may explain the potential deleterious effects of retained bile acids on hOB.
Exercise parameters in the treatment of clinical depression: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Perraton Luke G. , Kumar Saravana , Machotka Zuzana 
Published: December 2009

AbstractRationale, aims and objectives  Previous systematic reviews have concluded that exercise programmes are effective in the management of clinical depression. The aim of this review was to analyse the parameters of exercise programmes reported in the primary research, in order to provide clinicians with evidence‐based recommendations for exercise prescription for clinical depression.Methods  A systematic review of randomized controlled trials was undertaken. Only trials that reported exercise to be effective in treating depression were included and our review was limited to adults. Appropriate databases and reference lists were searched using established keywords. Data relating to the type, intensity, frequency, duration, mode of exercise and mode of application of exercise was extracted and collated.Results  A total of 14 randomized controlled trials were included in this review and from these trials 20 intervention arms were analysed. The majority of trials used an aerobic exercise intervention and were supervised. The most common exercise parameters were 60–80% of maximum heart rate for 30 minutes three times per week for an overall duration of 8 weeks. There is an equal volume of evidence supporting group as opposed to individually completed exercise programmes and no trends were identified which would support one mode of exercise over another.Conclusions  Currently the primary research on this topic supports the use of aerobic exercise which is supervised in some capacity. The current evidence base supports a prescription of three 30‐minute sessions per week of aerobic exercise at 60–80% of maximum heart rate for at least 8 weeks.
The effect of strain rate on the evolution of microstructure in aluminium alloys
Authors: LESZCZYŃSKA‐MADEJ B. , RICHERT M. 
Published: December 2009

SummaryIntensive deformations influence strongly microstructure. The very well‐known phenomenon is the diminishing dimension of grain size by the severe plastic deformation (SPD) methods. The nanometric features of microstructure were discovered after the SPD deformation of various materials, such as aluminium alloys, iron and others. The observed changes depended on the kind of the deformed material, amount of deformation, strain rate, existence of different phases and stacking fault energy. The influence of the strain and strain rate on the microstructure is commonly investigated nowadays. It was found that the high strain rates activate deformation in shear bands, microbands and adiabatic shear bands. It was observed that bands were places of the nucleation of nanograins in the material deformed by SPD methods. In the work, the refinement of microstructure of the aluminium alloys influenced by the high strain rate was investigated. The samples were compressed by a specially designed hammer to the deformation of ϕ= 0 ÷ 0.62 with the strain rate in the range of . The highest reduction of microbands width with the increase of the strain was found in the AlCu4Zr alloy. The influence of the strain rate on the microstructure refinement indicated that the increase of the strain rate caused the reduction of the microbands width in the all investigated materials (Al99.5, AlCu4Zr, AlMg5, AlZn6Mg2.5CuZr). A characteristic feature of the microstructure of the compressed material was large density of the shear bands and microbands. It was found that the microbands show a large misorientation to the surrounds and, except Al99.5, the large density of dislocation.
In vitro isolation of stem cells derived from human dental pulp
Authors: Agha‐Hosseini Farzaneh , Jahani Mohammad‐Ali , Jahani Mohammad , Mirzaii‐Dizgah Iraj , Ali‐Moghaddam Kamran 
Published: December 2009

Agha‐Hosseini F, Jahani M‐A, Jahani M, Mirzaii‐Dizgah I, Ali‐Moghaddam K. In vitro isolation of stem cells derived from human dental pulp. Clin Transplant 2009: DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2009.01137.x. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Stem cells are characterized by the ability to differentiate and to self‐renew. Stem cells derived from human dental pulp have been shown to differentiate into osteoblasts serving as a potential source of autologous bone produced in vitro. The purpose of the present study was to isolate mesenchymal stem cells from dental pulp. Dental pulp was gently extracted from 27 intact human permanent third molars of patients aged 18–25. Cow horn forceps were used to isolate intact dental pulp in sterilized condition. The pulps were cultured in a medium containing Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium‐low glucose (DMEM)‐LG and Amphotericin 1%. The cells were subsequently expanded by passages, two passages were performed before they were stored in liquid nitrogen for further examination. DMEM + fetal bovine serum (FBS) 10% L‐Glutamin 0.1% + Trypsin 2.5% + ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) were used for passage. Light microscope and flow cytometry were used to study the cells. The isolated dental pulp cells expressed mesenchymal stem cell markers. The cells were negative for CD34 and CD31 and CD45 but were positive for CD13, CD44, CD90, CD166, and CD105. These results indicate that dental pulp can be use as a source of stem cells that we can isolate and culture.
Soluble cytokeratin 18 biomarkers may provide information on the type of cell death during early ischemia and reperfusion periods of liver transplantation
Authors: Ulukaya Sezgin , Ulukaya Engin , Alper Isik , Yilmaztepe‐Oral Arzu , Kilic Murat 
Published: December 2009

Ulukaya S, Ulukaya E, Alper I, Yilmaztepe‐Oral A, Kilic M. Soluble cytokeratin 18 biomarkers may provide information of the type of cell death during early ischemia and reperfusion periods of liver transplantation.  Clin Transplant 2010: 24: 848–854. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Hepatocellular damage takes place as a result of ischemia and reperfusion during liver transplantation (LT). To discriminate the type of cell death and quantitate its severity may provide new insights into the mechanisms of hepatocellular damage. Therefore, we investigated the type of cell death by ELISA‐based assays in patient sera. Apoptosis was specifically assessed by measuring a novel soluble biomarker, the caspase‐cleaved cytokeratin 18, while total cell death (apoptosis and necrosis) by cytokeratin 18 released from dead (necrotic and apoptotic) cells. Twenty‐seven live (LDLT) and 14 deceased (DDLT) donor liver transplantations were analyzed before the operation, at the anhepatic stage, first, sixth and 24th hour after the reperfusion. Both apoptosis and total cell death have successfully been demonstrated although they have not been confirmed by the liver biopsy that is impossible to perform in this setting. Apoptosis was not induced in LDLT. Total cell death (primarily necrosis) only transiently appeared the first hour after the reperfusion in LDLT, while it sharply increased the first hour after the reperfusion and maintained its level in DDLT. Soluble cytokeratin 18 biomarkers seem to be useful to discriminate and quantitate the type of cell death during early ischemia and reperfusion periods of LT.
A Look Back to Move Ahead: New Directions for Research on Proactive Performance and Other Discretionary Work Behaviours
Authors: Fay Doris , Sonnentag Sabine 
Published: December 2009

Over the last two decades, the multi‐dimensional notion of job performance has been fully brought to life. The differentiation between core task performance and various aspects of discretionary work behaviour is now commonly applied. A multitude of empirical studies, enhancing our knowledge of the antecedents and consequences of the different performance aspects, have recently been summarised through various meta‐analyses. We use this as an occasion for taking stock in order to identify new areas of theorising and empirical research. Focusing in particular on proactive performance aspects, the present paper identifies three themes that could inspire new research and model development. We suggest taking a new approach to the treatment of time in order to account for the dynamic nature of performance on the one hand, and to consider life‐span changes on the other, developing comprehensive models on proactivity‐enhancing interventions, and more strongly incorporating a cross‐cultural perspective.Durant les deux dernières décennies, la notion multidimensionnelle de performance au travail a été portée sur le devant de la scène. La différence entre la performance centrale dans la tâche et divers aspects de la conduite intentionnelle au travail est désormais entrée dans les esprits. Une multitude d'études empiriques qui enrichissent nos connaissances sur les antécédents et les conséquences des multiples facettes de la performance ont récemment été globalisées dans plusieurs méta‐analyses. Nous les exploitons afin d'ouvrir de nouveaux champs recherches théoriques et empiriques. En se focalisant en particulier sur les dimensions proactives de la performance, cet article identifie trois thèmes qui pourraient inspirer de nouvelles recherches et favoriser le développement de nouveaux modèles. On propose de traiter le temps différemment afin de prendre en compte d'une part le caractère dynamique de la performance et d'autre part les changements au cours de la vie, de développer des modèles exhaustifs des interventions améliorant la proactivité, et d'intégrer plus étroitement la perspective transculturelle.
The Criterion‐Related Validities and Perceived Fairness of the Situational Interview and the Situational Judgment Test in an Iranian Organisation
Authors: Banki Sara , Latham Gary P. 
Published: December 2009

The criterion‐related validity coefficients of a situational interview (SI) and a situational judgment test (SJT) were investigated in a sales department of a government‐owned automobile company in Iran. Both the SI and SJT had concurrent validity with job performance (n= 101, r= .28, r= .23, p < .05, respectively). Only the SI, however, had incremental validity over and above the SJT in predicting job performance. Furthermore, the SI fully mediated the relationship between SJT and job performance. The two methods did not differ significantly on employee motivation to perform well, perceived fairness, or test anxiety. Nevertheless, employees recommended the use of the SI over the SJT.Les coefficients de validité critérielle d'un entretien situationnel (SI) et d'un test de jugement situationnel (SJT) ont été calculés dans le service commercial d'une entreprise publique iranienne du secteur automobile. SI et SJT présentent tous les deux une validité concurrente avec la performance professionnelle (pour N = 101, r = .28 et .23 respectivement; sign. à .05). Toutefois, seul le SI bénéficie d'une validité incrémentielle par rapport au SJT dans la prédiction de la performance professionnelle. En outre, le SI contrôle totalement la relation entre le SJT et le critère. Les deux méthodes ne diffèrent pas significativement dans l'évaluation de la motivation au travail, de l'équité perçue ou de l'anxiété. Néanmoins les salariés préféraient le SI au SJT.
Does the Capitalization of Development Costs Improve Analyst Forecast Accuracy? Evidence from the UK
Authors: Anagnostopoulou Seraina C. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractIt has been documented that investments in Research and Development (R&D) are associated with increased errors and inaccuracy in earnings forecasts made by financial analysts. These deficiencies have been generally attributed to information complexity and the uncertainty of the future benefits of R&D. This paper examines whether the capitalization of development costs can reduce analyst uncertainty about the future economic outcome of R&D investments, provide outsiders with a better matching of future R&D‐related revenues and costs, and therefore promote accuracy in analyst forecasts. UK data is used, because accounting rules in the United Kingdom permitted firms to conditionally capitalize development costs even before the introduction of the International Financial Reporting Standards. The choice to expense R&D rather than conditionally capitalize development costs is found to relate positively to signed analyst forecast errors. This finding is robust to controlling for the influence of other factors that may affect errors, as well as for the influence of R&D investments on forecast errors. The decision to capitalize versus expense is not observed to have a significant influence on analyst forecast revisions. The findings are interpreted as evidence that the choice to capitalize as opposed to expense may help to reduce deficiencies in analyst forecasts; hence, is informative for users of financial statements. Increased informativeness is expected to have repercussions for the effectiveness with which analysts produce earnings forecasts, and, as a result, market efficiency.
THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN RETRACTED: STRENGTHENING THE LINK BETWEEN PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT AND DECISION MAKING
Authors: TAYLOR JEANNETTE 
Published: December 2009

Retraction: The following article from Public Administration, ‘Strengthening the link between performance measurement and decision making’, by Jeannette Taylor, published online on 18 December 2009 in Wiley Online Library (www.wileyonlinelibrary.com) and in Volume 89:3, September 2011, pp. 860–878 (DOI: 10.1111/j.1467‐9299.2009.01802.x), has been retracted by agreement between the author, the journal Editor in Chief, Arjen Boin, and Blackwell Publishing Ltd.The retraction has been agreed due to a production error, as a duplicate version of the article, entitled ‘Strengthening the link between performance measurement and decision making’ by the same author (DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9299.2009.01788.x) was previously published in volume 87:4 of the same journal. The publishers apologise to the author and to our readers for this error.REFERENCETaylor, J. (2011), Strengthening the Link Between Performance Measurement and Decision Making. Public Administration, 89: 860–878. doi: 10.1111/j.1467‐9299.2009.01802Many public agencies now face dual pressures to meet external accountability demands on one hand, and improve their internal performance on the other. This begs the question whether the demands that are made on public agencies to externally report on their performance have a limited or wide ranging impact on the utilization of performance indicators (PIs) for internal improvements. This article addresses this question via a small group of public agencies and public accountability authorities in Australia. It also examines the main factors that affect the use of PIs for decision making. The evidence suggests that the agencies use PIs more for meeting external reporting requirements than for achieving internal improvements. Various constraints on the use of PIs were identified, mainly technical problems, and to a lesser extent, political and organizational issues.
Quality of sleep in primary focal dystonia: a case–control study
Authors: Avanzino L. , Martino D. , Marchese R. , Aniello M. S. , Minafra B. , Superbo M. , Defazio G. , Abbruzzese G. 
Published: December 2009

Background:  Sleep disturbances are common in patients with movement disorders. Evaluating quality of sleep is of primary importance because of the effect that nocturnal and daytime sleep abnormalities exert on general health status. However, quality of sleep has never been addressed in detail in patients with dystonia. The aim of this case–control study was to analyse quality of sleep in patients with the two most common forms of primary focal dystonia, blepharospasm (BSP) and cervical dystonia (CD).Methods:  We evaluated quality of sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI) and excessive daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale, ESS) in 98 patients with focal adult‐onset dystonia (52 with BSP; 46 with CD) and in a group of 56 age‐and gender‐matched healthy subjects. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used for the evaluation of depressive symptomatology.Results:  Quality of sleep was impaired (significantly higher PSQI scores) in both groups of patients. However, differences in PSQI scores between patients with CD and control subjects were partly confounded by BDI scores, whereas differences in PSQI scores between patients with BSP and control subjects were not influenced by BDI. Excessive daytime sleepiness was not significantly more frequent than in control subjects in either patients with BSP or patients with CD.Conclusions:  This study suggests that the assessment and treatment of insomnia‐related complaints should be considered in global management plans of patients with focal dystonia, particularly in those affected by BSP.
Why Theological Hermeneutics Needs Rhetoric: Augustine's De doctrina Christiana
Authors: ANDREWS JAMES 
Published: December 2009

AbstractTo define theological interpretation, this article appeals to Augustine's De doctrina christiana. The article argues against the claim that De doctrina is a rhetorical handbook and asserts instead that the treatise can best be described as an ‘expanded hermeneutics’, that is, a hermeneutics that includes rhetoric. The discussion highlights that rhetoric is defined loosely as ‘communication’: the focus is on the target audience, not the mode of delivery. De doctrina is put into dialogue with a contemporary proponent of theological interpretation, Stephen Fowl, to highlight its distinctiveness. The article concludes that the paradigm for theological interpretation is the sermon.