bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exenatide prevents fat‐induced insulin resistance and raises adiponectin expression and plasma levels
Authors: Li L. , Yang G. , Li Q. , Tan X. , Liu H. , Tang Y. , Boden G. 
Published: September 2008

Background:  Exenatide (exendin‐4) can reduce blood glucose levels, increase insulin secretion and improve insulin sensitivity through mechanisms that are not completely understood.Methods:  In the present study, we examined the effects of exenatide treatment on glucose tolerance (intravenous glucose tolerance test), insulin sensitivity (euglycaemic–hyperinsulinaemic clamps), insulin signalling (insulin receptor substrate 1 tyrosine phosphorylation) and adipocytokine levels (visfatin and adiponectin) in high fat–fed rats.Results:  Administration of exenatide (0.5 or 2.0 μg/kg twice daily × 6 weeks) prevented high‐fat diet (HFD)–induced increases in body weight, plasma free fatty acids, triglycerides and total cholesterol. Exenatide also prevented HFD‐induced deterioration in peripheral and hepatic insulin sensitivity, insulin clearance, glucose tolerance and decreased tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate‐1 (IRS‐1) in fat and skeletal muscles. Interestingly, plasma visfatin levels decreased in exenatide‐treated rats, whereas expression and plasma levels of adiponectin increased.Conclusions:  These results indicate that chronic exenatide treatment enhances insulin sensitivity and protects against high fat–induced insulin resistance.
Isosteviol increases insulin sensitivity and changes gene expression of key insulin regulatory genes and transcription factors in islets of the diabetic KKAy mouse
Authors: Nordentoft I. , Jeppesen P. B. , Hong J. , Abudula R. , Hermansen K. 
Published: September 2008

Aims:  Isosteviol (ISV), a diterpene molecule, is an isomer of the backbone structure of a group of substances with recently proven antidiabetic capabilities in both man and rodents. The aim of this study was to investigate if ISV possesses beneficial effects on the metabolism in the diabetic KKAy mouse and to establish the long‐term in vivo effects of ISV on the gene expression profile of key insulin regulatory genes in islets.Methods:  Twenty KKAy mice, aged 5 weeks, were divided into two groups and treated for 9 weeks with either (i) standard chow diet (control) or (ii) chow + 20 mg/kg body weight of ISV. Blood samples were collected before and after intervention and were subsequently analysed. As a non‐diabetic control group, 10 normal C57BL mice were fed with standard chow diet. Gene expression was determined in islets by quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR and Affymetrix microarray.Results:  We demonstrated that long‐term treatment with ISV improves glucose homeostasis, increases insulin sensitivity, lowers plasma triglycerides and lowers weight in the diabetic KKAy mice. Furthermore, ISV markedly changes the gene expression profile of key insulin regulatory genes GLUT2, Ins1, Ins2, Pdx1/Ipf1, Beta2/Neurod1, Pax6 and 11‐beta‐HSD‐1 and beta‐cell transcription factors Nkx2‐2, Nkx6‐1, C/EBPalpha and FoxA2 in isolated islets of the KKAy mice.Conclusions:  The results indicate that ISV improves glucose and insulin sensitivity as well as improving the lipid profile and upregulates the gene expression of key beta‐cell genes, including insulin regulatory transcription factors.
Influences on the supply of accounting graduates in Australia: a focus on international students
Authors: Jackling Beverley , Keneley Monica 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThis paper examines the influences on the potential supply of accounting graduates in Australia with reference to the personal and social influences on the decision to major in accounting using the Theory of Reasoned Action and focusing on differences between local and international students. Responses from 437 accounting majors’ found that personal attitudes linked to ‘intrinsic interest’ and ‘extrinsic interest’ was influential in choice of major. ‘Reference groups’ were an important social influence for international students. The findings have implications for government policy and the accounting profession in terms of attracting students and particularly international students, who are sufficiently interested in accounting as a career choice to address the skill shortage in Australia.
Fundamental and technical analysis: substitutes or complements?
Authors: Bettman Jenni L. , Sault Stephen J. , Schultz Emma L. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractAlthough the fundamental and technical analysis literatures invest considerable effort in assessing their respective ability to explain share prices, they invariably do so without reference to each other. In this context, we propose an equity valuation model integrating both fundamental and technical analysis and, in doing so, recognize their potential as complements rather than as substitutes. Testing confirms the complementary nature of fundamental and technical analysis by showing that, although each performs well in isolation, models integrating both have superior explanatory power. While our findings relate to the valuation of shares, they also have implications for other valuation exercises.
Impact of a tick size reduction on liquidity: evidence from the Sydney Futures Exchange
Authors: Alampieski Kiril , Lepone Andrew 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThis paper examines the impact of a reduction in the minimum price increment on liquidity and execution costs in a futures market setting. In 2006, the Sydney Futures Exchange halved the minimum tick in the 3 Year Commonwealth Treasury Bond Futures. Results indicate that bid‐ask spreads are significantly reduced after the change. Quoted depth, both at the best quotes and visible in the limit order book, is significantly lower after the tick reduction. Further analysis reveals that execution costs are significantly reduced after the change. We conclude that a tick size reduction improves liquidity and reduces execution costs in a futures market setting.
Prospective association between emotional health and clinical evidence of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Ishihara‐Paul L. , Wainwright N. W. J. , Khaw K.‐T. , Luben R. N. , Welch A. A. , Day N. E. , Brayne C. , Surtees P. G. 
Published: September 2008

Background and purpose:  Whilst disorders of emotion are commonly comorbid with Parkinson’s disease (PD), evidence concerning their association with PD risk is limited. We investigate the prospective association between selected measures of emotional health and incident suspected PD.Methods:  20 855 men and women, considered PD‐free at baseline, completed a postal assessment of major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), psychological distress [defined by the five‐item Mental Health Inventory (MHI‐5)], and neuroticism. PD case ascertainment was based upon PD medication use, self‐report questionnaires, hospital record discharge codes, and death certification, subsequently checked against general practitioner, hospital records and neurological service records.Results:  175 suspected cases of incident PD were identified in 160 725 (median 7.9) person‐years of follow‐up (with 43 recorded in neurological service records). MDD lifetime history, GAD lifetime history, MHI‐5 and neuroticism were all significantly associated with suspected PD following adjustment for age, sex, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, social class and education.Conclusions:  This study supports an association between measures of emotional health, assessed prior to evidence of motor symptoms, and subsequent suspected PD diagnosis. However, we were unable to determine whether our measures of personality and emotional health represent genuine premorbid risk factors or early stages of PD. Long‐term prospective healthy cohort studies are required to investigate the relationship between emotional health history and the evolution of the premotor and motor phases of PD.
Comparison of the genetics and nesting ecology of two green turtle rookeries
Authors: Cheng I.‐J. , Dutton P. H. , Chen C.‐L. , Chen H.‐C. , Chen Y‐H. , Shea J.‐W. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractWe characterize the behavioral, phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of the two main green turtle Chelonia mydas nesting populations remaining in Taiwan and examine how the differing ecology of the nesting environments on each island may have influenced these life‐history traits. Wan‐an Island in the south‐west sector of the Taiwan Straits was found to be hotter and drier than Lanyu Island located south‐east of Taiwan in the Pacific Ocean. The frequency of nesting attempts and the internesting intervals were both significantly greater (mean nesting attempts: 15.4 vs. 15.2, mean internesting interval: 13.7 vs. 10.6 days) for the Wan‐an nesters. Nests were deeper (69.6 vs. 69.0 cm) while the incubation duration was shorter on this island (52.1 vs. 54.7 days). Green turtles were larger on Lanyu, but deposited smaller eggs. Nests on Lanyu had higher hatching success, hatchling emergence success and clutch survival rate (hatching success; 72.2 vs. 80.76%, hatchling emergence success; 47 vs. 64.1%, clutch survival rate; 67.7 vs. 70.3%). However, hatchlings on Wan‐an were larger (HC; 47.6 vs. 46.6 cm. HW; 23.9 vs. 21.7 cm). Analysis of mitochondrial DNA sequences obtained from a total of 53 nesters indicated that both rookeries are genetically distinct (FST=0.673, P<0.00001), with a single haplotype characterizing the Lanyu rookery (n=13). This lack of gene flow between the two rookeries is evidence for localized natal homing and is consistent with the morphological and behavioral differences that we detected between the two rookeries. These findings are surprising given the close geographic proximity of the two rookeries.
Effect of heat treatment of skim milk and final fermentation pH on graininess and roughness of stirred yogurt
Authors: KÜCÜKCETIN AHMET 
Published: September 2008

The effects of heat treatment of skim milk (95°C/80 s, 95°C/256 s, 110°C/40 s, 110°C/180 s, 130°C/20 s and 130°C/80 s) and final fermentation pH of yogurt (4.8 and 4.4) on physical characteristics of stirred yogurt were investigated. Physical properties, including graininess and roughness, of stirred yogurt were determined during storage at 4°C for 15 days. Number of grains, perimeter of grains, visual roughness, storage modulus and yield stress decreased, when heating temperature or final fermentation pH increased. For practical applications, processing parameters such as heat treatment and fermentation pH can be optimized to improve quality or modified to create fermented milk products with different physical properties.
Applicability of bacteriocin‐producing Lactobacillus plantarum, Enterococcus faecium and Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis as adjunct starter in Minas Frescal cheesemaking
Authors: NASCIMENTO MARISTELA S. , MORENO IZILDINHA , KUAYE ARNALDO Y. 
Published: September 2008

The antimicrobial and technological characteristics of three bacteriocinogenic cultures used as adjunct starters in Minas Frescal cheese were investigated. The cheeses were manufactured with 1% commercial lactic starter and 0.5%Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis ATCC 11454, Lactobacillus plantarum ALC 01 or Enterococcus faecium FAIR‐E 198. The cheeses were then artificially inoculated with Listeria monocytogenes Scott A, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 27154 and Bacillus cereus K1‐B041 and stored for 21 days at 8°C. The results show that there was no significant difference in the counts of L. monocytogenes and S. aureus between the cheeses made with added bacteriocinogenic cultures and the control cheese. On the other hand, B. cereus exhibited susceptibility to Lb. plantarum ALC 01 and E. faecium FAIR‐E 198 from the seventh day of storage. However, these cultures increased the proteolysis of the Minas Frescal cheese.
A food‐derived synergist of NGF signaling: identification of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B as a key regulator of NGF receptor‐initiated signal transduction
Authors: Shibata Takahiro , Nakahara Hiroko , Kita Narumi , Matsubara Yui , Han Chunguang , Morimitsu Yasujiro , Iwamoto Noriko , Kumagai Yoshito , Nishida Motohiro , Kurose Hitoshi , Aoki Naohito , Ojika Makoto , Uchida Koji 
Published: September 2008

AbstractNeurotrophins, such as the nerve growth factor (NGF), play an essential role in the growth, development, survival and functional maintenance of neurons in the central and peripheral systems. They also prevent neuronal cell death under various stressful conditions, such as ischemia and neurodegenerative disorders. NGF induces cell differentiation and neurite outgrowth by binding with and activating the NGF receptor tyrosine kinase followed by activation of a variety of signaling cascades. We have investigated the NGF‐dependent neuritogenesis enhancer potential of a food‐derived small molecule contained in Brassica vegetables and identified the protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) 1B as a key regulator of the NGF receptor‐initiated signal transduction. Based on an extensive screening of Brassica vegetable extracts for the neuritogenic‐promoting activity in the rat pheochromocytoma cell line PC12, we found the Japanese horseradish, wasabi (Wasabia japonica, syn. Eutrema wasabi), as the richest source and identified 6‐methylsulfinylhexyl isothiocyanate (6‐HITC), an analogue of sulforaphane isolated from broccoli, as one of the major neuritogenic enhancers in the wasabi. 6‐HITC strongly enhanced the neurite outgrowth and neurofilament expression elicited by a low‐concentration of NGF that alone was insufficient to induce neuronal differentiation. 6‐HITC also facilitated the sustained‐phosphorylation of the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase and the autophosphorylation of the NGF receptor TrkA. It was found that PTP1B act as a phosphatase capable of dephosphorylating Tyr‐490 of TrkA and was inactivated by 6‐HITC in a redox‐dependent manner. The identification of PTP1B as a regulator of NGF signaling may provide new clues about the chemoprotective potential of food components, such as isothiocyanates.
Functional and molecular analysis of GABAAreceptors in human midbrain‐derived neural progenitor cells
Authors: Wegner Florian , Kraft Robert , Busse Kathy , Härtig Wolfgang , Schaarschmidt Grit , Schwarz Sigrid C. , Schwarz Johannes , Hevers Wulf 
Published: September 2008

AbstractGABAAreceptor function is involved in regulating proliferation, migration, and differentiation of rodent neural progenitor cells (NPCs). However, little is known about the molecular composition and functional relevance of GABAAreceptors in human neural progenitors. Here, we investigated human fetal midbrain‐derived NPCs in respect to their GABAAreceptor function and subunit expression using electrophysiology, calcium imaging, and quantitative real‐time PCR. Whole‐cell recordings of ligand‐ and voltage‐gated ion channels demonstrate the ability of NPCs to generate action potentials and to express functional GABAAreceptors after differentiation for 3 weeksin vitro. Pharmacological and molecular characterizations indicate a predominance of GABAAreceptor heteromers containing subunits α2, β1, and/or β3, and γ. Intracellular Ca2+measurements and the expression profile of the Na+–K+–Cl−co‐transporter 1 and the K+–Cl−co‐transporter 2 in differentiated NPCs suggest that GABA evokes depolarizations mediated by GABAAreceptors. These data indicate that NPCs derived from human fetal midbrain tissue acquire essential GABAAreceptor properties during neuronal maturationin vitro.
Otago Home‐Based Strength and Balance Retraining Improves Executive Functioning in Older Fallers: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Liu‐Ambrose Teresa , Donaldson Meghan G. , Ahamed Yasmin , Graf Peter , Cook Wendy L. , Close Jacqueline , Lord Stephen R. , Khan Karim M. 
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVES: To primarily ascertain the effect of the Otago Exercise Program (OEP) on physiological falls risk, functional mobility, and executive functioning after 6 months in older adults with a recent history of falls and to ascertain the effect of the OEP on falls during a 1‐year follow‐up period.DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial.SETTING: Dedicated falls clinics.PARTICIPANTS: Seventy‐four adults aged 70 and older who presented to a healthcare professional after a fall.INTERVENTION: The OEP, a home‐based program that consists of resistance training and balance training exercises.MEASUREMENTS: Physiological falls risk was assessed using the Physiological Profile Assessment. Functional mobility was assessed using the Timed Up and Go Test. Three central executive functions were assessed: set shifting, using the Trail Making Test Part B; updating, using the verbal digits backward test; and response inhibition, using the Stroop Color‐Word Test. Falls were prospectively monitored using daily calendars.RESULTS: At 6 months, there was no significant between‐group difference in physiological falls risk or functional mobility (P≥ .33). There was a significant between‐group difference in response inhibition (P=.05). A falls histogram revealed two outliers. With these cases removed, using negative binomial regression, the unadjusted incidence rate ratio of falls in the OEP group compared with the control group was 0.56. The adjusted incidence rate ratio was 0.47.CONCLUSION: The OEP may reduce falls by improving cognitive performance.
Cognitive Effects of Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Alzheimer's Disease: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Ancoli‐Israel Sonia , Palmer Barton W. , Cooke Jana R. , Corey‐Bloom Jody , Fiorentino Lavinia , Natarajan Loki , Liu Lianqi , Ayalon Liat , He Feng , Loredo Jose S. 
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVES: To examine whether treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) results in better cognitive function.DESIGN: Randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial. Participants were randomized to therapeutic CPAP for 6 weeks or placebo CPAP for 3 weeks followed by therapeutic CPAP for 3 weeks.SETTING: General clinical research center.PARTICIPANTS: Fifty‐two men and women with mild to moderate AD and OSA.INTERVENTION: CPAP.MEASUREMENTS: A complete neuropsychological test battery was administered before treatment and at 3 and at 6 weeks.RESULTS: A comparison of subjects randomized to 3 weeks of therapeutic versus placebo CPAP suggested no significant improvements in cognition. A comparison of pre‐ and posttreatment neuropsychological test scores after 3 weeks of therapeutic CPAP in both groups showed a significant improvement in cognition. The study was underpowered to make definitive statements about improvements within specific cognitive constructs, although exploratory post hoc examination of change scores for individual tests suggested improvements in episodic verbal learning and memory and some aspects of executive functioning such as cognitive flexibility and mental processing speed.CONCLUSION: OSA may aggravate cognitive dysfunction in dementia and thus may be a reversible cause of cognitive loss in patients with AD. OSA treatment seems to improve some cognitive functioning. Clinicians who care for patients with AD should consider implementing CPAP treatment when OSA is present.
Kidney Function and Cognitive Performance and Decline in Older Men
Authors: Slinin Yelena , Paudel Misti L. , Ishani Areef , Taylor Brent C. , Yaffe Kristine , Murray Anne M. , Fink Howard A. , Orwoll Eric S. , Cummings Steven R. , Barrett‐Connor Elizabeth , Jassal Simerjot , Ensrud Kristine E. ,   for the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study Group
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between kidney function and cognitive impairment and decline in elderly men.DESIGN: Observational prospective cohort.SETTING: Community based.PARTICIPANTS: Five thousand five hundred twenty‐nine community dwelling men aged 65 and older (mean age 73.6 ± 5.9).MEASUREMENTS: Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) calculated using the standardized Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation; cognitive function assessed using the Modified Mini‐Mental State Examination (3MS) and Trail Making Test B (Trails B).RESULTS: At baseline, 148 (2.7%) and 494 (9.1%) men were classified as cognitively impaired and, in the 5‐year prospective analysis, 931 (23%) and 432 (11.6%) met the criteria for cognitive decline at follow‐up defined according to 3MS and Trails B performance, respectively. In unadjusted analysis, the odds of prevalent cognitive impairment and risk of cognitive decline were significantly higher in men with an eGFR less than 45 and 45 to 59 mL/min per 1.73 m2 than in men with an eGFR 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 or greater. Differences in age, race, and education between eGFR categories largely explained these associations, with the exception of the association between poorer renal function and higher odds of impairment based on Trails B test score, which persisted despite adjustment for multiple potential confounders.CONCLUSION: This study found evidence of an independent association between mild to moderate reductions in kidney function and poor executive function at baseline but not with global cognitive impairment or risk of cognitive decline in older men.
Clinical Judgment Versus Decision Analysis for Managing Device Advisories
Authors: AMIN MITESH S. , WOOD MARK A. , SHEPARD RICHARD K. , KALAHASTY GAUTHAM , ELLENBOGEN KENNETH A. 
Published: September 2008

Introduction: Implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) and pacemaker (PM) advisories may have a significant impact on patient management. Surveys of clinical practice have shown a great deal of variability in patient management after a device advisory. We compared our management of consecutive patients in a single large university practice with device advisories to the “best” patient management strategy predicted by a decision analysis model.
Methods: We performed a retrospective review of all patients who had implanted devices affected by an advisory at our medical center between March 2005 and May 2006 and compared our actual patient management strategy with that subsequently predicted by a decision analysis model.
Results: Over 14 months, 11 advisories from three different manufacturers affected 436 patients. Twelve patients (2.8%) were deceased and 39 patients (8.9%) were followed at outside facilities. Management of the 385 remaining patients varied based on type of malfunction or potential malfunction, manufacturer recommendations, device dependency, and patient or physician preferences. Management consisted of the following: 57 device replacements (15.2%), 44 devices reprogrammed or magnets issued (11.7%), and 268 patients underwent more frequent follow‐up (71.3%). No major complications, related to device malfunction or device replacement, occurred among any patient affected with a device advisory. Concordance between the decision analysis model and our management strategy occurred in 57.1% of cases and 25 devices were replaced when it was not the preferred treatment strategy predicted by the decision model (43.9%, 37.3% when excluding devices replaced based on patient preference). The decision analysis favored replacement for all patients with PM dependency, but only for four patients with ICDs for secondary prevention. No devices were left implanted that the decision analysis model predicted should have been replaced.
Conclusions: We found that despite a fairly conservative device replacement strategy for advisories, we still replaced more devices when it was not the preferred device management strategy predicted by a decision analysis model. This study demonstrates that even when risks and benefits are being considered by experienced clinicians, a formal decision analysis can help to develop a systematic evidence based approach and potentially avoid unnecessary procedures.