bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dose distribution and up‐titration patterns of metformin monotherapy in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Iglay Kristy , Sawhney Baanie , Fu Alex Z. , Fernandes Gail , Crutchlow Michael F. , Rajpathak Swapnil , Khunti Kamlesh 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAimsTo assess the dose distribution among users of metformin monotherapy as well as the patterns of up‐titration following initiation of therapy in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Materials and MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of adults with T2DM in the United Kingdom (UK). Metformin dose distribution was assessed at 0, 6 and 12 months in people initiating metformin monotherapy (new users) and cross‐sectionally in people with ongoing metformin monotherapy (prevalent users). Patterns and predictors of up‐titration were also analysed in new users. Dose distributions and treatment patterns were assessed descriptively; predictors of up‐titration were determined using multivariable logistic regressions.ResultsTotals of 6174 new users and 8733 prevalent users were included. New users initiated metformin at >0 mg to ≤500 mg (25%), >500 mg to ≤1000 mg (47%), >1000 mg to ≤1500 mg (17%) or >1500 mg to ≤2000 mg (12%) daily. This distribution did not vary over time. Prevalent users of metformin received doses of >0 mg to ≤500 mg (14%), >500 mg to ≤1000 mg (40%), >1000 mg to ≤1500 mg (15%), >1500 mg to ≤2000 mg (29%) or >2000 mg (1%) daily. Among new users of metformin, 6.7% and 10.8% had been up‐titrated at 6 and 12 months, respectively, despite the majority having glycated haemoglobin >53 mmol/mol. Predictors of up‐titration included younger age and higher HbA1c.ConclusionsA majority of T2DM patients taking metformin received a dose ≤1000 mg/day. Up‐titration of metformin is infrequent in the first year postinitiation.
Thin Layer Membrane Systems as Rapid Development Tool for Potentiometric Solid Contact Ion‐selective Electrodes
Authors: Forrest Tara , Zdrachek Elena , Bakker Eric 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe use of thin membrane layer ion‐selective electrodes (of ∼200 nm thickness) as rapid diagnosis tool is proposed. While conventional solid contact systems (with a membrane of ∼250 μm thickness) may exhibit a satisfactory stability for regular laboratory use, a signal degradation can still be distinguished over a longer period of time but this requires tedious and time consuming tests. By diminishing the thickness of the membrane by a factor of 103 approximately, diffusion processes happen faster, and the lifetime is significantly reduced. This would ordinarily be a strong drawback but not if the aim is to detect a membrane deterioration in a shorter time frame. This characteristic makes thin membrane systems an ideal tool for rapid complications identification in the development process of conventional solid contact electrodes. The approach is demonstrated here in the development of an all new solid contact probe for anions. PEDOT−C14, a conducting polymer, was used for the first time in a solid contact electrode with an anion exchange membrane for the detection of nitrate. The thin layer configuration was used to optimise the polymerisation parameters as well as the membrane composition without having to run week‐long trials. A stable conventional solid contact electrode was in the end successfully developed and exhibited a lower detection limit of 10−5.5 M for nitrate with a stable Nernstian response for several days.
Anxiety disorders predict fasting to control weight: A longitudinal large cohort study of adolescents
Authors: Lloyd E. Caitlin , Haase Anne M. , Zerwas Stephanie , Micali Nadia 
Published: December 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether anxiety disorders are prospectively associated with fasting for weight‐loss/to avoid weight‐gain, a behaviour that precedes and is typical of anorexia nervosa (AN), during adolescence.MethodParticipants were 2,406 female adolescents of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. Anxiety disorders were assessed when participants were aged 13–14 and 15–16; fasting was measured approximately 2 years after each anxiety assessment. Generalised estimating equation models examined whether anxiety disorders predicted later fasting, across the two longitudinal waves of data. To probe the moderating effect of time, data were stratified by wave and binary logistic regression analyses completed.ResultsAcross longitudinal waves, anxiety disorder presence predicted increased risk of later fasting. Evidence from wave‐stratified analyses supported a positive association between anxiety disorder presence at wave 15–16 and fasting at wave 17–18, however did not indicate an association between anxiety disorders at wave 13–14 and fasting at wave 15–16.DiscussionAnxiety disorder presence in mid‐late, but not early, adolescence predicted increased likelihood of later fasting. The differential association could be explained by anxiety being parent‐reported at wave 13–14. Findings highlight anxiety disorder pathology as a possible eating disorder prevention target, though the nature of association observed requires clarification.
Support and unmet needs of patients undergoing multidrug‐resistant tuberculosis (MDR‐TB) treatment in southern Nigeria
Authors: Oshi Daniel , Chukwu Joseph , Nwafor Charles , Chukwu Ngozi E. , Meka Anthony O. , Anyim Moses , Ukwaja Kingsley N. , Alobu Isaac , Ekeke Ngozi , Oshi Sarah N. 
Published: December 2019

SummaryMultidrug‐resistant tuberculosis (MDR‐TB) is presently a major public health threat. MDR‐TB patients face diverse financial and psychosocial difficulties. Researchers conducted in‐depth interviews based on interview guides with 42 participants. Data were analyzed using categorization, coding, generation of themes, and thematic memo writing. The key findings were as follows: Out of the 42 patients, 30 (71.4%) were males and 12 (28.6%) were females. All patients received financial stipends for transport and monthly social support. The patients however needed more financial support than they received (suggesting high unmet financial needs). Patients suffered depressive mood before and during treatment but received inadequate mental health/psychosocial care and treatment. Patients developed hearing impairment as a major adverse drug reaction, but the care and treatment they received were inadequate. In conclusion, the programmatic support provided for MDR‐TB patients' financial and mental health/psychosocial needs and auditory drug side effects fell short of their need. Programmes for control of MDR‐TB should increase budgetary allocations and ramp up mechanisms for provision of mental health/psychosocial support and care/treatment for drug side effects.
Establishing irrigation potential of a hillside aquifer in the African highlands
Authors: Tilahun Seifu A. , Yilak Debebe L. , Schmitter Petra , Zimale Fasikaw A. , Langan Simon , Barron Jennie , Parlange Jean‐Yves , Steenhuis Tammo S. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractFeeding 9 billion people in 2050 will require sustainable development of all water resources, both surface and subsurface. Yet, little is known about the irrigation potential of hillside shallow aquifers in many highland settings in sub‐Saharan Africa that are being considered for providing irrigation water during the dry monsoon phase for smallholder farmers. Information on the shallow groundwater being available in space and time on sloping lands might aid in increasing food production in the dry monsoon phase. Therefore, the research objective of this work is to estimate potential groundwater storage as a potential source of irrigation water for hillside aquifers where lateral subsurface flow is dominant. The research was carried out in the Robit Bata experimental watershed in the Lake Tana basin which is typical of many undulating watersheds in the Ethiopian highlands. Farmers have excavated more than 300 hand dug wells for irrigation. We used 42 of these wells to monitor water table fluctuation from April 16, 2014 to December 2015. Precipitation and runoff data were recorded for the same period. The temporal groundwater storage was estimated using two methods: one based on the water balance with rainfall as input and baseflow and evaporative losses leaving the watershed as outputs; the second based on the observed rise and fall of water levels in wells. We found that maximum groundwater storage was at the end of the rain phase in September after which it decreased linearly until the middle of December due to short groundwater retention times. In the remaining part of the dry season period, only wells located close to faults contained water. Thus, without additional water sources, sloping lands can only be used for significant irrigation inputs during the first 3 months out of the 8 months long dry season.
Extended bladder catheterization for women with positive dye tests after obstetric vesicovaginal fistula repair surgery
Authors: Chang Olivia H. , Ganesh Prakash , Wilkinson Jeffrey P. , Pope Rachel J. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the success rate and factors that result in a negative dye test after extended bladder catheterization after surgery for obstetric fistula.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was carried out on women who underwent obstetric fistula repair in Malawi and had ≥14 days of bladder catherization. Variables such as age, class of fistula, previous repairs, menopausal status, and HIV status were examined for association with successful healing at the end of the catheterization period.ResultsFifty‐two patients had a positive dye test after the intended period of catheterization and the catheterization period was extended by 7 days. Of these patients, 29 (55.7%) had a subsequent negative dye test. Older women (mean age 28.4 years) who developed a fistula were more likely to have a negative dye test after extended catheterization, compared to their younger counterparts (mean age 20 years) (P=0.0018). Other variables were not found to be significantly different between the two groups.ConclusionMore than half of the patients with a positive dye test had complete closure of the fistula defect after an extension of bladder decompression. It is reasonable to consider an extension of bladder catheterization for 7 days after an initial positive dye test.
Efficacy and safety of oral hyoscine used for outpatient cervical ripening among primiparous women with term pregnancy
Authors: Naeiji Zahra , Naghshvarian Narjes , Mirzamoradi Masoumeh , Sotudeh Sara , Moridi Atefeh 
Published: December 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the efficacy and safety of outpatient administration of oral hyoscine for cervical ripening.MethodsIn a randomized controlled trial at a university hospital in Tehran between September 2017 and December 2018, 100 primiparous women with singleton pregnancy at 380–400 gestational weeks and Bishop score of 5 or less were randomized to either routine expectant management (control group) or 10 mg of oral hyoscine twice daily for 1 week, followed by once daily for 1 week (hyoscine group).ResultsMean ± SD Bishop score in the hyoscine and control groups was, respectively, 1.19 ± 1.38 and 1.08 ± 1.70 at baseline, and 4.56 ± 2.87 and 2.76 ± 2.14 on admission for delivery (P=0.001). Duration of the first stage was 4.10 ± 5.49 hours in the hyoscine and 5.29 ± 6.48 hours in the control group (P=0.03). Duration of the second and third stages was, respectively, 0.52 ± 0.53 and 0.14 ± 0.25 hours in the hyoscine, and 0.59 ± 1.08 and 0.12 ± 0.15 hours in the control group. No adverse effects were reported.ConclusionAdministration of oral hyoscine in an outpatient setting was found to ripen the cervix with no clinically significant adverse drug reaction.Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20180819040830N1)
Uniform sarcolemmal dystrophin expression is required to prevent extracellular microRNA release and improve dystrophic pathology
Authors: van Westering Tirsa L.E. , Lomonosova Yulia , Coenen‐Stass Anna M.L. , Betts Corinne A. , Bhomra Amarjit , Hulsker Margriet , Clark Lucy E. , McClorey Graham , Aartsma‐Rus Annemieke , van Putten Maaike , Wood Matthew J.A. , Roberts Thomas C. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundDuchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal muscle‐wasting disorder caused by genetic loss of dystrophin protein. Extracellular microRNAs (ex‐miRNAs) are putative, minimally invasive biomarkers of DMD. Specific ex‐miRNAs (e.g. miR‐1, miR‐133a, miR‐206, and miR‐483) are highly up‐regulated in the serum of DMD patients and dystrophic animal models and are restored to wild‐type levels following exon skipping‐mediated dystrophin rescue in mdx mice. As such, ex‐miRNAs are promising pharmacodynamic biomarkers of exon skipping efficacy. Here, we aimed to determine the degree to which ex‐miRNA levels reflect the underlying level of dystrophin protein expression in dystrophic muscle.MethodsCandidate ex‐miRNA biomarker levels were investigated in mdx mice in which dystrophin was restored with peptide‐PMO (PPMO) exon skipping conjugates and in mdx‐XistΔhs mice that express variable amounts of dystrophin from birth as a consequence of skewed X‐chromosome inactivation. miRNA profiling was performed in mdx‐XistΔhs mice using the FirePlex methodology and key results validated by small RNA TaqMan RT‐qPCR. The muscles from each animal model were further characterized by dystrophin western blot and immunofluorescence staining.ResultsThe restoration of ex‐myomiR abundance observed following PPMO treatment was not recapitulated in the high dystrophin‐expressing mdx‐XistΔhs group, despite these animals expressing similar amounts of total dystrophin protein (~37% of wild‐type levels). Instead, ex‐miRNAs were present at high levels in mdx‐XistΔhs mice regardless of dystrophin expression. PPMO‐treated muscles exhibited a uniform pattern of dystrophin localization and were devoid of regenerating fibres, whereas mdx‐XistΔhs muscles showed non‐homogeneous dystrophin staining and sporadic regenerating foci.ConclusionsUniform dystrophin expression is required to prevent ex‐miRNA release, stabilize myofiber turnover, and attenuate pathology in dystrophic muscle.
Synthesis of 3‐aryl pyrrolidines: A highlights
Authors: Barman Gopa 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPyrrolidine derivatives are very important families of heterocyclic compounds that show diverse biological activity. The substitution pattern and functionalization on these derivatives show different biological activities. Different substituted pyrrolidines shown to have different antibacterial effects. They are also used as scaffolds in the synthesis of unnatural oligomers which have various biological applications in the field of antidiabetic, anticancer, antimalarial, antiviral, antimicrobial, anti‐inflammatory, and antibacterial activities. Numerous groups have synthesized substituted pyrrolidines and they constructed the pyrrolidine ring by the formation of various different bonds from acyclic precursors. Some of the groups have synthesized that derivatives only by reduction.
A 5‐year molecular epidemiology survey of human enterovirus 71 before vaccine application in Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Liu Hong‐Bo , Yu Liang , Zhang Jie , Huang Xiao‐Qin , Yang Zhao‐Qing , Liao Guo‐Yang , Sun Hao , Ma Shao‐Hui 
Published: December 2019

AbstractEnterovirus A71 (EV‐A71) infection is known to cause hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). Last year, an inactivated EV‐A71 whole virus vaccine was used to prevent this disease in Yunnan, China. To obtain a viral genetic background for evaluating vaccine protection and monitor the adaptive evolution of the virus after the vaccination, a 5‐year molecular epidemiology survey was performed before the vaccination. Twenty‐six EV‐A71 strains were separated from 561 stool specimens of patients with serious HFMD. The whole‐genomic sequences of these strains were sequenced. Phylogenetic trees were constructed, and the mutation spectra were analyzed based on these viral sequences. There was no obvious mutation for the circular EV‐A71 strains of the same year. Pathogenic EV‐A71 strains may arise from a “subgroup” randomly each year. Whole‐genomic analyses showed that a hotspot nonsynonymous substitution potentially affecting the immunogenicity of vaccines was found in the 2A gene, but not in genes of the viral capsid proteins, and the genetic diversity of whole viral genomes associated with the incidence of HFMD. Therefore, it will be valuable to monitor the genome‐wide changes of EV‐A71 to detect the adaptive mutations affecting immunogenicity or perform investigations using genetic diversity as a parameter.
Determination of pesticide residual levels in strawberry (Fragaria) by near‐infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Yazici Arzu , Tiryaki Gulgun Yildiz , Ayvaz Huseyin 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn this study, an infrared‐based prediction method was developed for easy, fast and non‐destructive detection of pesticide residue levels measured by reference analysis in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch, cv. Albion) samples using near‐infrared spectroscopy and demonstrating its potential alternative or complementary use instead of traditional pesticide determination methods. Strawberries of Albion variety, which were supplied directly from greenhouses, were used as the study material. A total of 60 batch sample groups, each consisting of eight strawberries, was formed, and each group was treated with a commercial pesticide at different concentrations (26.7% boscalid + 6.7% pyraclostrobin) and varying residual levels were obtained in strawberry batches. The strawberry samples with pesticide residuals were used both to collect near‐infrared spectra and to determine reference pesticide levels, applying QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, rugged, safe) extraction, followed by liquid chromatographic–mass spectrometric analysis.RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONPartial least squares regression (PLSR) models were developed for boscalid and pyraclostrobin active substances. During model development, the samples were randomly divided into two groups as calibration (n = 48) and validation (n = 12) sets. A calibration model was developed for each active substance, and then the models were validated using cross‐validation and external sets. Performance evaluation of the PLSR models was evaluated based on the residual predictive deviation (RPD) of each model. An RPD of 2.28 was obtained for boscalid, while it was 2.31 for pyraclostrobin. These results indicate that the developed models have reasonable predictive power. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
The effects of hydroalcoholic extract of spinach on prevention and treatment of some metabolic and histologic features in a rat model of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Amirinejad Ali , Hekmatdoost Azita , Ebrahimi Abdolali , Ranjbaran Fatemeh , Shidfar Farzad 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDThis study evaluated the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of spinach (HES) on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In the prevention phase, 18 Sprague–Dawley rats were fed a high‐fat diet, a high‐fat diet plus 400 mg kg−1 HES, or a chow diet for 7 weeks. For the treatment phase, after the induction of NAFLD, they were fed a high‐fat diet, a high‐fat diet plus 400 mg kg−1 HES, a chow diet, or chow diet plus 400 mg kg−1 HES for 4 weeks (n = 6).RESULTSWeight gain (P = 0.01), food intake (P < 0.01), serum glucose (P = 0.01), triglyceride (TG) (P = 0.02), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐c) (P = 0.01), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (P = 0.02), liver steatosis, and the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) activity score (NAS) (P < 0.01) in the high‐fat group were statistically higher than in the other groups at the end of the prevention phase. Feeding spinach extract to rats on a high‐fat diet decreased serum glucose (P = 0.01), total cholesterol (TCh) (P < 0.01), AST (P = 0.01), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (P < 0.01), and liver steatosis (P < 0.01) in the treatment phase.CONCLUSIONOverall, spinach extract showed beneficial effects in the prevention and treatment of NAFLD. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Dietary supplementation of rumen‐protected methionine decreases the nitrous oxide emissions of urine of beef cattle through decreasing urinary excretions of nitrogen and urea
Authors: Zhao Yuchao , Rahman Md Sazzadur , Zhao Guangyong , Bao Yu , Zhou Ke 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDTwo consecutive trials were carried out to study the effects of dietary supplementation of rumen‐protected methionine (RPM) on nutrient digestibility, nitrogen (N) metabolism (Trial 1), and consequently the nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from urine in beef cattle (Trial 2). Eight 24‐month‐old castrated Simmental bulls with liveweights of 494 ± 28 kg, and four levels of dietary supplementation of RPM at 0, 10, 20, and 30 g head−1 d−1, were allocated in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square for Trial 1 and the N2O emissions from the urine samples collected in Trial 1 were measured using a static incubation technique in Trial 2.RESULTSSupplementation of RPM at 0, 10, 20, and 30 g head−1 d−1 to a basal ration deficient in methionine (Met) did not affect the apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, or acid detergent fiber (P > 0.05), but decreased the urinary excretions of total N (P < 0.05) and urea (P < 0.001), increased the ratio of N retention / digested N (P < 0.05) in beef cattle, and decreased the estimated cattle urine N2O‐N emissions by 19.5%, 23.4%, and 32.6%, respectively (P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONSupplementation of RPM to Met‐deficient rations was effective in improving the utilization rate of dietary N and decreasing the N2O emissions from urine in beef cattle. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Validation of a liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry method for the determination of drugs in wastewater using a three‐phase solvent system
Authors: Pascale Raffaella , Bianco Giuliana , Coviello Donatella , Cristina Lafiosca Maria , Masi Salvatore , Mancini Ignazio M. , Bufo Sabino A. , Scrano Laura , Caniani Donatella 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPharmaceuticals constitute one of the most important emerging classes of environmental pollutants. A three‐phase solvent system of water, water containing 0.1% of formic acid and acetonitrile was successfully used to separate, by liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (LC‐MS), polarity‐matched pharmaceuticals, that is, carbamazepine, clarithromycin, and erythromycin, as well as amoxicillin and metformin. Despite of polarity similarities, these pharmaceuticals were completely resolved in the analytical run time of 15 min. The optimized three‐phase solvent system based‐method was validated for the simultaneous analysis of six matched‐polarity pharmaceuticals in wastewater samples. Good linearity (coefficient of determination more than 0.993) and precision (relative standard deviation less than 15.66%) were achieved. Recovery of analytes from the wastewater was between 0.70 and 1.18. Limits of detections ranged from 0.0001 to 0.5114 µg/L. No significant matrix effect, evaluated by post extraction addition, was observed in the electrospray ionization (ESI) source. Then, this methodology has been successfully applied to environmental study of pharmaceutical residues occurring in influent and effluent wastewater samples, from the main wastewater treatment plant in Potenza (Basilicata, Southern Italy).