LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
The effect of initial therapy with the fixed-dose combination of sitagliptin and metformin compared with metformin monotherapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

AIMS
This study was conducted to compare the glycaemic efficacy and safety of initial combination therapy with the fixed-dose combination of sitagliptin and metformin versus metformin monotherapy in drug-naive patients with type 2 diabetes.


METHODS
This double-blind study (18-week Phase A and 26-week Phase B) randomized 1250 drug-naÏve patients with type 2 diabetes [mean baseline haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) 9.9%] to sitagliptin/metformin 50/500 mg bid or metformin 500 mg bid (uptitrated over 4 weeks to achieve maximum doses of sitagliptin/metformin 50/1000 mg bid or metformin 1000 bid). Results of the primary efficacy endpoint (mean HbA1c reductions from baseline at the end of Phase A) are reported herein.


RESULTS
At week 18, mean change from baseline HbA1c was -2.4% for sitagliptin/metformin FDC and -1.8% for metformin monotherapy (p < 0.001); more patients treated with sitagliptin/metformin FDC had an HbA1c value <7% (p < 0.001) versus metformin monotherapy. Changes in fasting plasma glucose were significantly greater with sitagliptin/metformin FDC (-3.8 mmol/l) versus metformin monotherapy (-3.0 mmol/l; p < 0.001). Homeostasis model assessment of β-cell function (HOMA-β) and fasting proinsulin/insulin ratio were significantly improved with sitagliptin/metformin FDC versus metformin monotherapy. Baseline body weight was reduced by 1.6 kg in each group. Both treatments were generally well tolerated with a low and similar incidence of hypoglycaemia. Abdominal pain (1.1 and 3.9%; p = 0.002) and diarrhoea (12.0 and 16.6%; p = 0.021) occurred significantly less with sitagliptin/metformin FDC versus metformin monotherapy; the incidence of nausea and vomiting was similar in both groups.


CONCLUSION
Compared with metformin monotherapy, initial treatment with sitagliptin/metformin FDC provided superior glycaemic improvement with a similar degree of weight loss and lower incidences of abdominal pain and diarrhoea.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of the sensorimotor cortex and medial frontal cortex modifies human pain perception

OBJECTIVE
Although recent neuroimaging studies have shown that painful stimuli can produce activity in multiple cortical areas, the question remains as to the role of each area in particular aspects of human pain perception. To solve this problem we used transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) as an 'interference approach' tool to test the consequence on pain perception of disrupting activity in several areas of cortex known to be activated by painful input.


METHODS
Weak CO(2) laser stimuli at an intensity around the threshold for pain were given to the dorsum of the left hand in 9 normal subjects. At variable delays (50, 150, 250, 350 ms) after the onset of the laser stimulus, pairs of TMS pulses (dTMS: interpulse interval of 50 ms, and stimulus intensity of 120% resting motor threshold) were applied in separate blocks of trials over either the right sensorimotor cortex (SMI), midline occipital cortex (OCC), second somatosensory cortex (SII), or medial frontal cortex (MFC). Subjects were instructed to judge whether or not the stimulus was painful and to point to the stimulated spot on a drawing of subject's hand.


RESULTS
Subjects judged that the stimulus was painful on more trials than control when dTMS was delivered over SMI at 150-200 ms after the laser stimulus; the opposite occurred when dTMS was delivered over MFC at 50-100 ms. dTMS over the SII or OCC failed to alter the pain threshold.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that TMS to SMI can facilitate whereas stimulation over MFC suppresses central processing of pain perception. Since there was no effect of dTMS at any of the scalp sites on the localization task, the cortical locus for point localization of pain may be different from that for perception of pain intensity or may involve a more complex mechanism than the latter.


SIGNIFICANCE
This is the first report that TMS of SMI facilitates while that of MFC suppresses the central processing of pain perception. This raises the possibility of using TMS as a therapeutic device to control pain.
Multicenter evaluation of Tosoh glycohemoglobin analyzer.

BACKGROUND
We describe an Anglo-French evaluation of a new analyzer.


METHODS
The Tosoh HLC-723 GHb V, A1c2.2 glycohemoglobin analyzer is an HPLC instrument with primary blood tube sampling, bar-code reading, cap piercing, and the ability to chromatographically separate labile hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). We evaluated two analytical protocols, 2.2 and 3.0 min, and compared results for blood samples collected from diabetic and nondiabetic subjects with those obtained with Bio-Rad Diamat and Variant analyzers.


RESULTS
Within- and between batch-imprecision (CVs) was <2% with linearity to at least 15.9% HbA1c. Although some hemoglobinopathies were detected in the 2. 2-min chromatography, clearer evidence of abnormality was visible in the 3.0-min version. Comparison with established methods showed good correlation (r = 0.993; n = 316 with Diamat; and r = 0.995; n = 133 with Variant) but highlighted calibration differences.


CONCLUSIONS
The problems of manual blood sample preparation, labile HbA1c, and carbamylated hemoglobin interference associated with the older instruments have been eliminated in the new Tosoh analyzer. The 3. 0-min protocol is preferred for routine use.
Organic and metal contamination in surface mangrove sediments of South China.

Mangrove forests, the intertidal wetlands of the tropics and subtropics, are key ecological habitats that link terrestrial and marine environments. Mangrove forests and adjacent mudflats are increasingly impacted by urban/industrial development in the tropical coastal zone, suffering pollution from multiple sources including but not limited to municipal waste, aquaculture, mariculture and shipping as well as onshore industries and run-off from urban centres (Cuong et al. 2005; Huang et al. 2003; Zheng et al. 2000). Sediments that accumulate in mangroves are potential repositories of anthropogenic pollution because of high total organic carbon content, anaerobic properties and rapid turnover and burial (Marchand et al. 2005; Tam and Yao, 2002). The world wide denigration and loss of mangrove habitats is of global concern given they account for an estimated 11 % of the input of terrestrially-derived carbon into the ocean and about 10 % dissolved organic carbon (DOC) sourced from land; the long term effect of altering the carbon cycle is uncertain (Dittmar et al. 2006; Jennerjahn and Ittekkot, 2002). It has been widely postulated that mangroves afford physical protection against catastrophic storm events such as hurricanes and tsunamis (Alongi, 2007). Recent post-impact surveys along the Tamil Nadu coast follwing the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami confirmed this notion and demonstrated that man-made structures built behind mangroves were significantly less damaged than their unprotected counterparts (Alongi, 2007).
CONCEPTUALIZING THE CONSTRUCT OF INTERPERSONAL CONFLICT

Few conflict researchers clearly specify, not only their chosen definitions and means of assessing interpersonal conflict, but also how their conceptualization is similar or different from other researchers’ perspectives. The lack of a clear conceptualization and operationalization of the construct of interpersonal conflict makes it difficult to compare the results of different studies and hinders the accumulation of knowledge in the conflict domain. To address this issue, the present paper develops and presents a general definition for the construct of interpersonal conflict, as well as a two-dimensional conceptual framework that incorporates previous conceptualizations of this construct. Subsequently, the paper uses this definition and framework to highlight several shortcomings of current conceptualizations and operationalizations of interpersonal conflict in the organizational literature, and to provide directions for their remedy.
Satisfaction of HIV patients with pharmaceutical services in South Eastern Nigerian hospitals

Background Pharmacists play an important role in the care of HIV patients especially by providing pharmaceutical care. Thus it is imperative to assess the experience and satisfaction of HIV patients with the pharmaceutical services they receive as this will ensure that quality care is provided. Objective The objective of this study was to assess HIV-infected patients’ satisfaction with pharmaceutical services provided in South-Eastern Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS clinics. A secondary aim was to repeat the validation process in order to confirm the initial validation of ‘Patient Satisfaction with Pharmaceutical Service’ (PSPS) questionnaire. Methods The survey was conducted in six HIV/AIDS clinics in South-Eastern Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select the clinics. The level of satisfaction of the participants was determined. Variance in satisfaction score among the different demographic variables was also assessed. Re-validation techniques employed include factor analysis, reliability test, and construct validity. Results The response rate was 81.85 % (1,637 patients). With the exception of item 12 which examined provision of written information by pharmacists, the average score obtained in the survey was high. Most of the average scores ranged from 4 to 5, signifying that responses ranged from agree to strongly agree. Re-validation of the PSPS questionnaire revealed the same result obtained in the original validation exercise. Conclusion HIV patients were highly satisfied with services rendered by the pharmacists in South-Eastern HIV clinics in Nigeria and PSPS proved to be a reliable and valid instrument for measuring satisfaction of HIV patients with pharmaceutical services.
Neural networks and differential dynamic programming for reinforcement learning problems

We explore a model-based approach to reinforcement learning where partially or totally unknown dynamics are learned and explicit planning is performed. We learn dynamics with neural networks, and plan behaviors with differential dynamic programming (DDP). In order to handle complicated dynamics, such as manipulating liquids (pouring), we consider temporally decomposed dynamics. We start from our recent work [1] where we used locally weighted regression (LWR) to model dynamics. The major contribution of this paper is making use of deep learning in the form of neural networks with stochastic DDP, and showing the advantages of neural networks over LWR. For this purpose, we extend neural networks for: (1) modeling prediction error and output noise, (2) computing an output probability distribution for a given input distribution, and (3) computing gradients of output expectation with respect to an input. Since neural networks have nonlinear activation functions, these extensions were not easy. We provide an analytic solution for these extensions using some simplifying assumptions. We verified this method in pouring simulation experiments. The learning performance with neural networks was better than that of LWR. The amount of spilled materials was reduced. We also present early results of robot experiments using a PR2. Accompanying video: https://youtu.be/aM3hE1J5W98.
Metabolomics of biomarker discovery in ovarian cancer: a systematic review of the current literature

Metabolomics is the emerging member of “omics” sciences advancing the understanding, diagnosis and treatment of many cancers, including ovarian cancer (OC). To systematically identify the metabolomic abnormalities in OC detection, and the dominant metabolic pathways associated with the observed alterations. An electronic literature search was performed, up to and including January 15th 2016, for studies evaluating the metabolomic profile of patients with OC compared to controls. QUADOMICS tool was used to assess the quality of the twenty-three studies included in this systematic review. Biological samples utilized for metabolomic analysis include: serum/plasma (n = 13), urine (n = 4), cyst fluid (n = 3), tissue (n = 2) and ascitic fluid (n = 1). Metabolites related to cellular respiration, carbohydrate, lipid, protein and nucleotide metabolism were significantly altered in OC. Increased levels of tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates and altered metabolites of the glycolytic pathway pointed to perturbations in cellular respiration. Alterations in lipid metabolism included enhanced fatty acid oxidation, abnormal levels of glycerolipids, sphingolipids and free fatty acids with common elevations of palmitate, oleate, and myristate. Increased levels of glutamine, glycine, cysteine and threonine were commonly reported while enhanced degradations of tryptophan, histidine and phenylalanine were found. N-acetylaspartate, a brain amino acid, was found elevated in primary and metastatic OC tissue and ovarian cyst fluid. Further, elevated levels of ketone bodies including 3-hydroxybutyrate were commonly reported. Increased levels of nucleotide metabolites and tocopherols were consistent through out the studies. Metabolomics presents significant new opportunities for diagnostic biomarker development, elucidating previously unknown mechanisms of OC pathogenesis.
Blood Pressure Is a Major Modifiable Risk Factor Implicated in Pathogenesis of Intraplaque Hemorrhage: An In Vivo Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study.

OBJECTIVE
Effective prevention and management strategies of intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) remain elusive because of our limited knowledge regarding its contributing factors. This hypothesis-generating study aimed to investigate associations between cardiovascular risk factors and IPH for improved understanding of the pathogenesis of IPH.


APPROACH AND RESULTS
Asymptomatic subjects with 16% to 79% stenosis on ultrasound underwent carotid magnetic resonance imaging using a large-coverage, 3-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging protocol. Individual plaques (maximum thickness >1.5 mm) in bilateral carotid arteries were identified, and presence of IPH was determined. From 80 subjects, 176 de novo plaques were measured, of which 38 (21.6%) contained IPH. Blood pressure (BP), primarily low diastolic BP, was associated with IPH in multivariate analysis adjusted for age, sex, and plaque size (odds ratio with 95% confidence interval per 10-mm Hg increase: 0.51 [0.30-0.88]), which was little changed after adjusting for antihypertensive use and systemic atherosclerosis. Antiplatelet use was associated with IPH in age and sex-adjusted models (P=0.018), for which a trend remained after considering plaque size and past medical history (odds ratio for aspirin alone versus none: 3.1 [0.66-14.8]; odds ratio for clopidogrel or dual therapy versus none: 5.3 [0.80-35.0]; P=0.083).


CONCLUSIONS
Low diastolic BP was independently associated with IPH, which was not attributed to treatment difference or BP changes from systemic atherosclerosis. Hemodynamic changes from lowering diastolic BP may be the pathophysiological link. Prospective serial studies are needed to assess whether BP and antiplatelet use are associated with the development of new or repeated IPH.
Comparative effect of two Mediterranean diets versus a low-fat diet on glycaemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes

Background/Objectives:Although benefits have been attributed to the Mediterranean diet, its effect on glycaemic control has not been totally elucidated. The aim of this work was to compare the effect of two Mediterranean diets versus a low-fat diet on several parameters and indices related to glycaemic control in type 2 diabetic subjects.Subjects/Methods:A multicentric parallel trial was conducted on 191 participants (77 men and 114 women) of the PREDIMED study in order to compare three dietary interventions: two Mediterranean diets supplemented with virgin olive oil (n=67; body mass index (BMI)=29.4±2.9) or mixed nuts (n=74; BMI=30.1±3.1) and a low-fat diet (n=50; BMI=29.8±2.8). There were no drop-outs. Changes in body weight and waist circumference were determined. Insulin resistance was measured by HOMA-IR index, adiponectin/leptin and adiponectin/HOMA-R ratios after 1 year of follow-up.Results:Increased values of adiponectin/leptin ratio (P=0.043, P=0.001 and P<0.001 for low-fat, olive oil and nut diets, respectively) and adiponectin/HOMA-IR ratio (P=0.061, P=0.027 and P=0.069 for low-fat, olive oil and nut diets, respectively) and decreased values of waist circumference (P=0.003, P=0.001 and P=0.001 for low-fat, olive oil and nut diets, respectively) were observed in the three groups. In both Mediterranean diet groups, but not in the low-fat diet group, this was associated with a significant reduction in body weight (P=0.347, P=0.003 and P=0.021 for low-fat, olive oil and nut diets, respectively).Conclusions:Mediterranean diets supplemented with virgin olive oil or nuts reduced total body weight and improved glucose metabolism to the same extent as the usually recommended low-fat diet.
Movement control exercise versus general exercise to reduce disability in patients with low back pain and movement control impairment. A randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND
Non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) in subacute and chronic stages can be treated effectively with exercise therapy. Research guidelines recommend evaluating different treatments in defined subgroups of patients with NSLBP. A subgroup of patients with movement control impairment (MCI) improved significantly on patient specific function and disability in a previous case series after movement control exercises.


METHODS/DESIGN
In a randomised controlled trial (RCT) we will compare the effectiveness of movement control and general exercise in patients with MCI. 106 participants aged 18 - 75 will be recruited in 5 outpatient hospital departments and 7 private practices.Patients randomly assigned to the movement control exercise group will be instructed to perform exercises according to their MCI. The general exercise group will follow an exercise protocol aimed at improving endurance and flexibility. Patients in both groups will receive 9 - 18 treatments and will be instructed to do additional exercises at home.The primary outcome is the level of disability assessed using the patient specific functional scale (PSFS) which links the perceived pain to functional situations and is measured before treatment and at 6 and 12 months follow-up. Secondary outcomes concern low back pain related disability (Roland Morris questionnaire, RMQ), graded chronic pain scale (GCPS), range of motion and tactile acuity.


DISCUSSION
To our knowledge this study will be the first to compare two exercise programs for a specific subgroup of patients with NSLBP and MCI. Results of this study will provide insight into the effectiveness of movement control exercise and contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms behind MCI and its relation to NSLBP.


TRIAL REGISTRATION
Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN80064281.
The Mediating Role of Coping Style in the Relationship between Psychological Capital and Burnout among Chinese Nurses

BACKGROUND
Burnout is recognized as an occupational hazard, and nursing has a high risk of burnout. This study aims to explore the relationship between psychological capital (PsyCap) and burnout among Chinese nurses and the mediating role of coping style in this relationship.


METHODS
A total of 1,496 nurses (effective response rate: 80.11%) from two large general hospitals in Daqing City of China were selected as participants. Data were collected via the Chinese Maslach Burnout Inventory (CMBI), the psychological capital questionnaire (PCQ-24), the Chinese Trait Coping Style Questionnaire (TCSQ) and demographic and caregiver-patient relationship. Hierarchical linear regression analyses were performed to explore the mediating role of positive coping and negative coping, and we used the Bootstrap method to confirm the mediating effect.


RESULTS
Self-efficacy, hope, resilience and optimism of nurses were all negatively related with emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and reduced personal accomplishment among Chinese nurses. Positive coping partially mediated the relationship between hope/optimism and emotional exhaustion and between self-efficacy/optimism and reduced personal accomplishment. Negative coping fully mediated the relationship between self-efficacy and emotional exhaustion, and in the regression model self-efficacy was positively correlated with emotional exhaustion. And negative coping also partially mediated the relationship between hope/optimism and emotional exhaustion and between optimism and depersonalization.


CONCLUSION
PsyCap had effects on burnout and coping style was a mediator in this relationship among Chinese nurses. Nurses who had a strong sense of self-efficacy adopted more negative coping style, which in turn would lead to higher levels of emotional exhaustion. These findings shed light on the influence of negative coping on burnout, and positive coping was a positive resource for fighting against nurses' burnout. Hence, in order to avoid negative coping style, improve skill of coping and enhance PsyCap of nurses, active interventions should be developed in the future.
Efficacy of Omeprazole Powder Paste or Enteric‐Coated Formulation in Healing of Gastric Ulcers in Horses 

BACKGROUND
GastroGard, an omeprazole powder paste formulation, is considered the standard treatment for gastric ulcers in horses and is highly effective. Gastrozol, an enteric-coated omeprazole formulation for horses, has recently become available, but efficacy data are controversial and sparse.


OBJECTIVES
To investigate the efficacy of GastroGard and Gastrozol at labeled doses (4 and 1 mg of omeprazole per kg bwt, respectively, PO q24h) in healing of gastric ulcers.


ANIMALS
40 horses; 9.5 ± 4.6 years; 491 ± 135 kg.


METHODS
Prospective, randomized, blinded study. Horses with an ulcer score ≥1 (Equine Gastric Ulcer Council) were randomly divided into 2 groups and treated for 2 weeks each with GastroGard followed by Gastrozol (A) or vice versa (B). After 2 and 4 weeks, scoring was repeated and compared with baseline. Plasma omeprazole concentrations were measured on the first day of treatment after administration of GastroGard (n = 5) or Gastrozol (n = 5).


RESULTS
Compared with baseline (squamous score (A) 1.65 ± 0.11, (B) 1.98 ± 0.11), ulcer scores at 2 weeks ((A) 0.89 ± 0.11, (B) 1.01 ± 0.11) and 4 weeks ((A) 1.10 ± 0.12, (B) 0.80 ± 0.12) had significantly decreased in both groups (P < .001), independent of treatment (P = .7). Plasma omeprazole concentrations were significantly higher after GastroGard compared with Gastrozol administration (AUCGG = 2856 (1405-4576) ng/mL × h, AUCGZ = 604 (430-1609) ng/mL × h; P = .03). The bioavailability for Gastrozol was 1.26 (95% CI 0.56-2.81) times higher than for GastroGard.


CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE
Both Gastrozol and GastroGard, combined with appropriate environmental changes, promote healing of gastric ulcers in horses. However, despite enteric coating of Gastrozol, plasma omeprazole concentrations after single labeled doses were significantly higher with GastroGard.