bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of infrared dermal thermometry in the management of neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers
Authors: Ghosh A. , Ray S. , Garg M. K. , Chowdhury S. , Mukhopadhyay S. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAimThis prospective observational study evaluated the role of infrared (IR) dermal thermometry in the management of diabetic foot ulcers.MethodsThirty participants with unilateral neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers of University of Texas grade 1 or 2 (stage A) were followed up monthly for 1 year. At each visit, skin temperatures were measured with an IR dermal thermometer at corresponding sites on both feet, using the contralateral feet without ulcers as controls.ResultsAverage temperature and ulcer temperature in affected feet were significantly higher than in unaffected feet, with a mean difference of 1.2 °C [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.7 to 1.7] and 3.1 °C (95% CI 2.3 to 3.9), respectively. Although the gradient between average temperature of affected foot and that of unaffected foot normalized (mean difference 0.2 °C, 95% CI −0.2 to 0.7) at healing, the temperature gradient between the ulcer and a corresponding site on the unaffected foot decreased but did not normalize (mean difference 2.1 °C, 95% CI 1.2 to 3.1) even at healing, as documented by skin closure, and persisted for up to 1 month after skin closure. A gradient of ≥1 °C between average temperature of affected foot and that of unaffected foot at initial presentation or at any time during ulcer healing was found to predict impaired healing and should alert clinicians to ulcers requiring more attention. An incremental trend in temperature gradient (median difference 2.2 °C; range 0.1–6.3 °C) at a site on the foot was predictive of a recurrent ulcer involving the same site.ConclusionsIR dermal thermometry may have a role in predicting diabetic foot ulcer healing, in determining the completeness of healing and in guiding the duration of offloading. Serial monitoring of the temperature gradient may predict the development of recurrent diabetic foot ulcers.
Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and tolerability of single and multiple doses of janagliflozin, a sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitor, in Chinese people with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Li Xiaojiao , Zhu Xiaoxue , Liu Jingrui , Li Qianqian , Zhang Hong , Li Cuiyun , Wu Min , Gao Lei , Wen He , Li Xixi , Tang Xinran , Liu Li , Ding Yanhua 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAimsTo evaluate the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) characteristics, and tolerability of janagliflozin, a novel sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitor, in Chinese people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Materials and methodsIn this study, 36 people with T2DM were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1:1 ratio to receive janagliflozin 25 mg, janagliflozin 50 mg, dapagliflozin 10 mg or placebo. Participants received a single dose on day 1, and were treated once daily from day 4 to day 17.ResultsFollowing oral administration, janagliflozin was rapidly absorbed, reaching Cmax at 2 hours. The mean half‐life (t1/2) at steady state was approximately 21 to 23 hours. There was no significant accumulation with multiple doses (accumulation factor < 2). In participants treated with janagliflozin 25 mg, janagliflozin 50 mg, dapagliflozin 10 mg or placebo, change in mean 24‐hour urinary glucose excretion from baseline was 92.35, 94.17, 87.61 and 6.26 g after multiple doses, and change in mean fasting plasma glucose level from baseline to day 17 was −2.18, −2.66, −2.79 and 1.70%, respectively. Most adverse events (AEs) were mild or moderate with no deaths, serious AEs, or discontinuations due to AEs.ConclusionsSingle and multiple oral administration (14 days) of janagliflozin 25 mg and 50 mg exhibited favourable PK, PD and tolerability profiles in Chinese people with T2DM, which were comparable to those of dapagliflozin 10 mg. Janagliflozin 25 mg and 50 mg are recommended for further clinical investigation.
Effects of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists liraglutide and semaglutide on cardiovascular and renal outcomes across body mass index categories in type 2 diabetes: Results of the LEADER and SUSTAIN 6 trials
Authors: Verma Subodh , McGuire Darren K. , Bain Stephen C. , Bhatt Deepak L. , Leiter Lawrence A. , Mazer C. David , Monk Fries Tea , Pratley Richard E. , Rasmussen Søren , Vrazic Hrvoje , Zinman Bernard , Buse John B. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAssociations between body mass index (BMI) and the cardiovascular (CV) and kidney efficacy of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1 RAs) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are uncertain; therefore, data analysed separately from the Liraglutide Effect and Action in Diabetes: Evaluation of Cardiovascular Outcome Results (LEADER) trial and the Trial to Evaluate Cardiovascular and Other Long‐term Outcomes with Semaglutide in Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes (SUSTAIN 6) were examined. These international, randomized, placebo‐controlled trials investigated liraglutide and semaglutide (both subcutaneous) in patients with T2D and at high risk of CV events. In post hoc analyses, patients were categorized by baseline BMI (<25, ≥25‐<30, ≥30‐<35 and ≥35 kg/m2), and CV and kidney outcomes with GLP‐1 RA versus placebo were analysed. All baseline BMI data from LEADER (n = 9331) and SUSTAIN 6 (n = 3290) were included (91% and 92% of patients with overweight or obesity, respectively). In SUSTAIN 6, nominally significant heterogeneity of semaglutide efficacy by baseline BMI was observed for CV death/myocardial infarction/stroke (major adverse CV events, primary outcome of both; Pinteraction = .02); otherwise, there was no statistical heterogeneity for either GLP‐1 RA versus placebo across BMI categories for key CV and kidney outcomes. The lack of statistical heterogeneity from these cardiorenal outcomes implies that liraglutide and semaglutide may be beneficial for many patients and is probable not to depend on their baseline BMI, but further study is needed.
Assessing the cost‐effectiveness of sodium–glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A comprehensive economic evaluation using clinical trial and real‐world evidence
Authors: McEwan Phil , Bennett Hayley , Khunti Kamlesh , Wilding John , Edmonds Christopher , Thuresson Marcus , Wittbrodt Eric , Fenici Peter , Kosiborod Mikhail 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAimsThe economic burden of diabetes is driven by the management of vascular complications. Sodium–glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have demonstrated reductions in cardiovascular and renal complications, including hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) and renal disease progression, in randomized clinical trials. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of the SGLT2i class versus standard of care in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), using evidence from both clinical trial and real‐world studies.MethodsAn established T2DM model was adapted to use contemporary outcomes evidence from real‐world studies and randomized controlled trial evaluations of SGLT2i, and extrapolated over a lifetime for HHF, myocardial infarction, stroke, end‐stage renal disease and all‐cause mortality. The economic analysis considered adults with T2DM, with and without established cardiovascular disease, and was conducted over a lifetime from the perspective of the health care payer in the United Kingdom, United States and China, discounted at country‐specific rates.ResultsSGLT2i were consistently associated with increased treatment costs, reduced complication costs and gains in quality‐adjusted life years driven by differences in projected life expectancy, cardiovascular and microvascular morbidity and weight loss. SGLT2i were estimated to be cost‐saving or cost‐effective at relevant thresholds for the overall population in the United Kingdom, United States and China, with cost‐effectiveness being the greatest in higher risk subgroups.ConclusionsThe findings highlight the need to take into account cost savings from reducing common, morbid and preventable T2DM complications when considering the cost of diabetes medications.
Atlantic salmon living on the edge: Smolt behaviour and survival during seaward migration in River Minho
Authors: Flávio Hugo , Caballero Pablo , Jepsen Niels , Aarestrup Kim 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) population of the River Minho represents the southern natural distribution edge of the species. In line with the general trend for Atlantic salmon, this population has been declining over the years and is now at a critically low level. With river connectivity compromised by a large dam just 80 km upstream the River Minho's outlet, and an expected deterioration of climatic conditions, it is urgent to increase our knowledge of this population and identify survival bottlenecks that can be addressed. In this study, we used radio and acoustic telemetry to track Atlantic salmon smolts during their migration towards the sea and record both survival rates and possible causes of mortality. The recorded survival for the tagged migrating Atlantic salmon remained below 55% in the three studied years, indicating that the in‐river loss of smolts is likely a strong constraint to this population. From the smolts to which a likely cause of mortality could be attributed (34%), most appear to have been removed from the river (25%), with two confirmed events of bird predation and one of mammal predation. Interestingly, eight tags were recorded moving back upstream, likely indicating predation by larger fish. Increasing predator populations (e.g. cormorants, Phalacrocorax carbo) and invasive predators (e.g. American mink, Neovison vison) lead to elevated predation pressure on this already strained Atlantic salmon population, and further studies quantifying their impact in more detail could prove crucial for future management considerations.
Preliminary validation of the Dental Clinical Learning Environment Instrument in a Brazilian dental school
Authors: Krois Nicole , Kossioni Anastasia , Barlow Patrick B. , dos Santos Mateus Bertolini Fernandes , Malhão Eduarda Carrera , Marchini Leonardo 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIntroductionThis study aimed to perform a preliminary validation of the Dental Clinical Learning Environment Instrument (DECLEI) in a Brazilian dental school.Material and MethodsDental Clinical Learning Environment Instrument was translated into Brazilian‐Portuguese, and Brazilian DECLEI's items relevance and content validity were assessed using the content validity index (CVI). DECLEI was then distributed to 155 Brazilian undergraduate dental students attending the 7th and 8th semester of dental studies. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used as an initial exploration of the Brazilian DECLEI's internal structure. Item‐total correlations for the remaining items were calculated to identify items with poor discrimination coefficients. The internal consistency reliability for the final set of 17 items was calculated using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The sensitivity of the instrument to measure differences between groups regarding year in dental school, race and sex was also assessed.ResultsThe CVI was ≥0.80 for all 24 items of the Brazilian DECLEI indicating that all items were relevant to the local culture. Principal Components Analysis (PCA) provided evidence of a single dominant component containing 17 items (Cronbach's α = .86), and all 17 items met the benchmark of acceptable item‐total correlation. Significant differences were found only when comparing 7th‐ and 8th‐semester students.ConclusionsDental Clinical Learning Environment Instrument has the potential to be used as a reliable instrument to measure clinical learning environments for Brazilian dental students.
Methods and approaches to advance soil macroecology
Authors: White Hannah J. , León‐Sánchez Lupe , Burton Victoria J. , Cameron Erin K. , Caruso Tancredi , Cunha Luís , Dirilgen Tara , Jurburg Stephanie D. , Kelly Ruth , Kumaresan Deepak , Ochoa‐Hueso Raúl , Ordonez Alejandro , Phillips Helen R.P. , Prieto Iván , Schmidt Olaf , Caplat Paul 
Published: August 2020

AbstractMotivation and aimSoil biodiversity is central to ecosystem function and services. It represents most of terrestrial biodiversity and at least a quarter of all biodiversity on Earth. Yet, research into broad, generalizable spatial and temporal patterns of soil biota has been limited compared to aboveground systems due to complexities of the soil system. We review the literature and identify key considerations necessary to expand soil macroecology beyond the recent surge of global maps of soil taxa, so that we can gain greater insight into the mechanisms and processes shaping soil biodiversity. We focus primarily on three groups of soil taxa (earthworms, mycorrhizal fungi and soil bacteria) that represent a range of body sizes and ecologies, and, therefore, interact with their environment at different spatial scales.ResultsThe complexities of soil, including fine‐scale heterogeneity, 3‐D habitat structure, difficulties with taxonomic delimitation, and the wide‐ranging ecologies of its inhabitants, require the classical macroecological toolbox to be expanded to consider novel sampling, molecular identification, functional approaches, environmental variables, and modelling techniques.Main conclusionsSoil provides a complex system within which to apply macroecological research, yet, it is this property that itself makes soil macroecology a field ripe for innovative methodologies and approaches. To achieve this, soil‐specific data, spatio‐temporal, biotic, and abiotic considerations are necessary at all stages of research, from sampling design to statistical analyses. Insights into whole ecosystems and new approaches to link genes, functions and diversity across spatial and temporal scales, alongside methodologies already applied in aboveground macroecology, invasion ecology and aquatic ecology, will facilitate the investigation of macroecological processes in soil biota, which is key to understanding the link between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in terrestrial ecosystems.
Isolation of Helicobacter pylori using leftover tissue in the rapid urease test kit
Authors: Gong Eun Jeong , Ahn Ji Yong , Jung Da Kyung , Lee Sun Mi , Pih Gyu Young , Kim Ga Hee , Na Hee Kyong , Lee Jeong Hoon , Jung Hwoon‐Yong , Kim Jung Mogg 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackground and AimsIsolation of Helicobacter pylori is considered difficult because of the requirement of the additional biopsy tissue and the effort involved in the isolation of the bacterium. We investigated whether H pylori can be cultured from tissue samples used for the rapid urease test (RUT).MethodsTotally, 174 specimens from 87 patients referred for endoscopy were prospectively included. During endoscopy, two biopsy specimens were obtained, one each from the gastric antrum and the corpus, and were placed into a commercially available RUT kit. After detection of urease activity, H pylori was cultured using tissue leftover in the RUT, regardless of the result.ResultsH pylori was successfully isolated using leftover tissue in 72.4% (63/87) of the patients. In 32 patients, H pylori was isolated from both specimens, while in 31 patients, it was isolated from either antrum or corpus. Eighty‐one H pylori strains were isolated from 141 specimens with positive RUT results (57.4%), whereas 14 strains were isolated from 33 specimens with negative RUT results (42.4%). The median interval between tissue acquisition and inoculation onto the isolation media was 3.6 hours (range: 0.5‐27.5 hours) in cases with successful cultures, compared to 23.5 hours (range: 0.5‐76.0 hours) in cases with failed cultures. Among the positive RUT tissues, 80.4% (45/56) were cultured successfully when the tissue was inoculated within 4 hours of the biopsy.ConclusionsRUT kits can be used as transport media for H pylori, and this media is most efficient when used within 4 hours of the test.
Polarization reduction by minimum‐cardinality edge additions: Complexity and integer programming approaches
Authors: Interian Ruben , Moreno Jorge R. , Ribeiro Celso C. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractReal‐world networks are often extremely polarized because the communication between different groups of vertices can be weak and, most of the time, only vertices within the same group or sharing the same beliefs communicate to each other. In this work, we introduce the minimum‐cardinality edge addition problem (MinCEAP) as a strategy for reducing polarization in real‐world networks based on a principle of minimum external interventions. We present the problem formulation and discuss its complexity, showing that its decision version is NP‐complete. We also propose three integer programming formulations for the problem and discuss computational results on artificially generated and real‐life instances. Randomly generated instances with up to 1000 vertices are solved to optimality. On the real‐life instances, we show that polarization can be reduced to the desired threshold with the addition of a few edges. The minimum intervention principle and the methods developed in this work are shown to constitute an effective strategy for tackling polarization issues in practice in social, interaction, and communication networks, which is a relevant problem in a world characterized by extreme political and ideological polarization.
The use of vascularised muscle flaps for treatment or prevention of wound complications following arterial surgery in the groin
Authors: Price Annie , Contractor Ummul , White Richard , Williams Ian 
Published: August 2020

AbstractWound complications following arterial surgery in the groin are relatively common and can result in significant morbidity and mortality. Vascularised muscle flaps (VMF) may be used as an adjunct to aid healing, either to manage complications or prophylactically. This series describes 46 patients who received sartorius or gracilis muscle flaps, of which 70% were performed as a salvage procedure to treat complications ranging from wound breakdown to vascular graft infection. The remaining 30% were performed at the time of the arterial surgery in patients with risk factors such as re‐do surgery or immunosuppression. The peri‐operative mortality rate was 9% and the major amputation rate was 26%, reflecting the complexity of patients that require intervention. Overall, 85% achieved successful healing in the groin without the need for further treatment following VMF. Only one case of flap necrosis occurred. Wound healing complications occurred more commonly after sartorius muscle flaps. The gracilis muscle offers a bulkier mass and greater mobility and so may be preferable, particularly for larger groin defects. This series has shown that VMF offer a safe and reliable option for selected cases to achieve wound healing in the groin in patients with often significant co‐morbidities.
Understanding student simultaneous smartphone use in learning settings: A conceptual framework
Authors: Fu En , Gao Qiufeng , Wei Chuqian , Chen Qianyi , Liu Yijun 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSmartphone use in learning settings is a common behaviour amongst college students. Building on the theory of consumerism, self‐efficacy and addictive behaviours, the current study developed a three‐component conceptual framework to understand college students' smartphone use in organizational as well as self‐directed learning settings. One thousand and thirty‐three students in Shenzhen completed an online survey that measured their frequency of using smartphones in learning settings, motivation for using smartphones in learning settings, behavioural control self‐efficacy, smartphone use time, problematic smartphone use, multitask habit and impulsiveness. Regression and configurational analytical approaches were used to examine linear and nonlinear relationships. Results support the use of the proposed framework to explain students' smartphone use behaviour in learning settings.
Student engagement with mobile‐based assessment systems: A survival analysis
Authors: Bacca‐Acosta Jorge , Avila‐Garzon Cecilia 
Published: August 2020

AbstractResearch on mobile‐based assessment systems is still an emerging topic in the mobile learning field. Current research has demonstrated that the use of mobile‐based assessment systems seems to have a positive impact on students' learning outcomes and motivation. The paper identifies some factors that influence student engagement with mobile‐based formative assessment in a language learning course. Survival analysis of the interaction of N = 86 students from eight English as a Foreign Language (EFL) courses over 5 weeks showed that students with higher levels of self‐reported effort and perceived importance engaged for longer periods of time. Perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness and behavioural intention to use were all predictors of the longer use of mobile‐based assessment systems. We found that within the first 25–50 min of use, about half of the students might disengage from using a mobile‐based assessment application.
Diagnostic and Prognostic ability of salivary MMP‐9 and S100A8 for periodontitis
Authors: Kim Hyun‐Duck , Kim Sungtae , Jeon Sumin , Kim Seon‐Jip , Cho Hyun‐Jae , Choi Young‐Nim 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectivesSalivary diagnostic using matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and S100 for periodontitis is a promising issue. However, its prognostic effect is still unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic ability of salivary MMP‐9 and S100A8 for periodontitis through non‐surgical periodontitis treatment clinical trial.Materials and MethodsTotal 149 participants, 99 periodontitis and 50 healthy, were recruited. Among 99 non‐surgical periodontitis treatment participants, 74 participants were revisited after three months. Periodontitis was classified as stage II‐IV of new classification of periodontitis proposed at 2018. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kit was used to quantify salivary MMP‐9 and S100A8. Receiver operating characteristic curve was applied for diagnostic ability. Paired t test was applied for prognostic ability evaluating changes in salivary markers between pre‐ and post‐treatment.ResultsSalivary MMP‐9 and S100A8 were associated with periodontitis (p < .05). The screening ability of algorithm using salivary MMP‐9 and S100A8 for periodontitis was 0.86 (p < .05). After treatment, reduction rate of salivary S100A8 and MMP‐9 was 83.7% and 23.5%, respectively, (p < .05): only salivary S100A8 was superior compared to clinical parameters.ConclusionAlgorithm using salivary MMP‐9 and S100A8 showed high diagnostic power for periodontitis. Both salivary S100A8 and MMP‐9 showed prognostic ability for periodontitis, but S100A8 was better.