bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of liraglutide versus sitagliptin on circulating cardiovascular biomarkers, including circulating progenitor cells, in individuals with type 2 diabetes and obesity: Analyses from the LYDIA trial
Authors: Ahmad Ehtasham , Waller Helen L. , Sargeant Jack A. , Webb M'Balu A. , Htike Zin Zin , McCann Gerry P. , Gulsin Gaurav , Khunti Kamlesh , Yates Tom , Henson Joseph , Davies Melanie J. , Webb David R. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe mechanisms behind the beneficial cardiovascular effects of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs) compared with dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors (DPP4is) remain largely unknown, despite both targeting the incretin pathway to improve glycaemic control. In these prespecified secondary analyses of the LYDIA trial, we examined the impact of the GLP‐1RA liraglutide (1.8 mg once‐daily) and the DPP4i sitagliptin (100 mg once‐daily) on circulating cardiovascular biomarkers associated with atherosclerotic risk, including circulating progenitor cells (CPCs). LYDIA was a 26‐week, randomized, active‐comparator trial in 61 adults with type 2 diabetes and obesity (mean ± SD: age 43.8 ± 6.5 years, body mass index 35.3 ± 6.4 kg/m2, HbA1c 7.5% ± 0.83% [58.5 ± 9.1 mmol/mol]). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and stromal cell‐derived factor‐1‐alpha (SDF‐1ɑ), both of which are implicated in endothelial function, were higher at 26 weeks with liraglutide therapy compared with sitagliptin (mean between‐group difference [95% CI]: 77.03 [18.29, 135.77] pg/mL, p = .010; and 996.25 [818.85, 1173.64] pg/mL, p < .001, respectively). There were no between‐group differences in CPCs, nitric oxide, C‐reactive protein, interleukin‐6, tumour necrosis factor alpha and advanced glycation end‐products. These analyses suggest a favourable impact of liraglutide on VEGF and SDF‐1ɑ levels compared with sitagliptin. These factors may therefore be implicated in the differential cardiovascular effects observed between these agents in large cardiovascular outcome trials. However, these are secondary analyses from a previous trial and thus hypothesis‐generating. Purposive trials are required to examine these findings further.
Exploratory pilot study of exogenous sustained‐release melatonin on nocturia in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Batla Amit , Simeoni Sara , Uchiyama Tomoyuki , deMin Lorenzo , Baldwin Joanne , Melbourne Charles , Islam Saiful , Bhatia Kailash P. , Pakzad Mahreen , Eriksson Sofia , Panicker Jalesh N. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIntroductionNocturia is one of the commonest non‐motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD). Nocturia has evolved from being understood as a symptom of urological disorders or neurogenic bladder dysfunction to being considered as a form of circadian dysregulation. Exogenous melatonin is known to help circadian function and can be an effective strategy for nocturia in PD.MethodsIn this open‐label, single‐site, exploratory, phase 2 pilot study, adults with PD and nocturia underwent assessments using standardized questionnaires, urodynamics studies and a bladder scan. This was followed by completion of a frequency volume chart (FVC) and 2‐week sleep diary. Sustained‐release melatonin 2 mg was then administered once‐nightly for 6 weeks. A repeat assessment using questionnaires, the FVC and sleep diary was performed whilst on treatment with melatonin. Companion or bed partners filled in sleep questionnaires to assess their sleep during the intervention.ResultsTwenty patients (12 males; mean age 68.2 [SD = 7.8] years; mean PD duration 8.0 [±5.5] years) with PD reporting nocturia were included. Administration of melatonin was associated with a significant reduction in the primary outcome bother related to nocturia measured using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Nocturia (ICIQ‐N) (p = 0.01), number of episodes of nocturia per night (p = 0.013) and average urine volume voided at night (p = 0.013). No serious adverse events were reported. No significant improvement was noted in bed partner sleep scores.ConclusionsIn this preliminary open‐label study, administration of sustained‐release melatonin 2 mg was found to be safe for clinical use and was associated with significant improvements in night‐time frequency and nocturnal voided volumes in PD patients.
Crystal structure of the full‐length LysR‐type transcription regulator CbnR in complex with promoter DNA
Authors: Giannopoulou Evdokia‐Anastasia , Senda Miki , Koentjoro Maharani Pertiwi , Adachi Naruhiko , Ogawa Naoto , Senda Toshiya 
Published: February 2021

LysR‐type transcription regulators (LTTRs) comprise one of the largest families of transcriptional regulators in bacteria. They are typically homo‐tetrameric proteins and interact with promoter DNA of ~ 50–60 bp. Earlier biochemical studies have suggested that LTTR binding to promoter DNA bends the DNA and, upon inducer binding, the bend angle of the DNA is reduced through a quaternary structure change of the tetrameric LTTR, leading to the activation of transcription. To date, crystal structures of full‐length LTTRs, DNA‐binding domains (DBD) with their target DNAs, and the regulatory domains with and without inducer molecules have been reported. However, these crystal structures have not provided direct evidence of the quaternary structure changes of LTTRs or of the molecular mechanism underlying these changes. Here, we report the first crystal structure of a full‐length LTTR, CbnR, in complex with its promoter DNA. The crystal structure showed that, in the absence of bound inducer molecules, the four DBDs of the tetrameric CbnR interact with the promoter DNA, bending the DNA by ~ 70°. Structural comparison between the DNA‐free and DNA‐bound forms demonstrates that the quaternary structure change of the tetrameric CbnR required for promoter region‐binding arises from relative orientation changes of the three domains in each subunit. The mechanism of the quaternary structure change caused by inducer binding is also discussed based on the present crystal structure, affinity analysis between CbnR and the promoter DNA, and earlier mutational studies on CbnR.DatabaseAtomic coordinates and structure factors for the full‐length Cupriavidus necator NH9 CbnR in complex with promoter DNA are available in the Protein Data Bank under the accession code 7D98.
Expression of lipid transport‐associated genes in lipid‐deprived cancer cells
Authors: Shoaib Naila , Bashir Muniba , Munir Rimsha , Rashid Rida , Zaidi Nousheen 
Published: February 2021

AbstractCancer cells are known to significantly alter their lipid profiles in response to changes in extracellular lipid availability. Recent studies have shown that in response to lipid deprivation, cancer cells display significant changes in their cellular lipid homeostasis. These changes have been linked to the modulation of de novo lipid synthesis pathways that are markedly altered under lipid‐deprived growth conditions. However, the effects of such environment on intracellular lipid trafficking—that could also affect cellular lipid homeostasis—have not been widely investigated. The presented work studies the effect of lipid deprivation on expression of genes for lipid transport proteins (LTPs) in cancer cell lines.
Evaluation of thiol/disulphide balance in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis
Authors: Sebel Yusuf , Aksoy Mustafa , An Isa , Celik Hakim 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate serum thiol disulphide levels in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) compared with a healthy control group and to investigate whether thiol/disulphide balance can be used as a new marker of oxidative stress in CL patients.Material and MethodsThis prospective study included 47 patients diagnosed with CL and 46 healthy individuals without any disease. Native thiol, disulphide and total thiol levels were used in plasma. Disulphide/total thiol, disulphide/native thiol and native thiol/total thiol levels were measured.ResultsDisulphide, native thiol disulphide and total thiol disulphide levels were significantly lower in CL patients compared with the control group. However, there was no statistically significant difference between CL patients and the control group in terms of disulphide/native thiol, disulphide/total thiol and native thiol/total thiol values.ConclusionBased on the data in our study, it can be said that the use of thiol/disulphide balance as a new oxidative stress marker in CL patients is not appropriate, but studies with a larger number of patients are needed.
The effect of Clip‐tone® and its smartphone application on optimisation of metered‐dose inhalers inhalation technique
Authors: Wael Waleed , Sanders Mark J. , Hussein Raghda R. S. , Sarhan Rania M. , Ramadan Waleed , Abdelrahim Mohamed E. A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundsAlthough metered‐dose inhalers (pMDI) therapy is convenient and widely prescribed, its use usually results in repetitive inhalation technique errors.One of the most repetitive errors is inhaling too fast through the pMDI. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of Clip‐tone® along with smartphone visual feedback application on the subject's inhalation time.MethodsTwo hundred subjects were included in the study. They were randomised into four groups. Group 1 received only verbal counselling; group 2 received verbal counselling with resistance (a modified Clip‐tone® that does not produce whistle attached to their pMDI); group 3 received verbal counselling plus whistle (as audio feedback) from ordinary Clip‐tone® and group 4 received verbal counselling plus audio feedback (whistle) from Clip‐tone® and visual feedback (smartphone application). Inhalation time through the pMDI for each subject was recorded three times and inter and intra‐subjects variations were calculated.ResultsVerbal counselling plus audio feedback and verbal counselling plus audio and visual feedbacks groups had 45/50 (90%) and 37/50 (74%) subjects respectively, having correct inhalation flow (inhaling at between 3 to 7 seconds). Verbal counselling plus audio feedback and verbal counselling plus audio and visual feedbacks groups' inter and intra‐subjects variations were lower than that of verbal counselling and verbal counselling with resistance groups which had 28/50 (52%) and 20/50 (40%) subjects respectively, with inhalation time between 3 and 7 seconds.ConclusionsProviding audio feedback by the Clip‐tone® along with smartphone visual feedback application maintained the deep and slow inhalation through pMDI much better compared to verbal counselling only. We recommend the patients to take all their inhaled doses using pMDI attached to a training device like Clip‐tone® along with a smartphone visual feedback application for optimisation of the aerosol delivery from the pMDI.
Usefulness of novel Martin/Hopkins and Sampson equations over Friedewald equation in cardiology outpatients: A CVSCORE‐TR substudy
Authors: Dinç Asarcıklı Lale , Kış Mehmet , Güvenç Tolga Sinan , Tosun Veysel , Acar Burak , Avcı Demir Fulya , Naser Abdulrahman , Zoghi Mehdi ,   CVSCORE‐TR investigators
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackground and aimsThe Friedewald equation (LDL‐Cf) is known to produce inaccurate estimations of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) when triglycerides are high (>400 mg/dL) or LDL‐C is low (<70 mg/dL). The Martin/Hopkins (LDL‐Cmh) and Sampson (LDL‐Cs) equations were developed to overcome these limitations, but few data are available to assess whether these equations offer incremental usefulness over LDL‐Cf. Our aim was to understand whether there was any incremental usefulness of novel equations on decisions regarding patient management.MethodsFour thousand one hundred and ninety‐six cardiology patients who were included in a multicentre registry database were analysed. Each patient was assigned to a cardiovascular risk class using the SCORE (Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation) algorithm, and relevant European guidelines were used to assess LDL‐C targets.ResultsCompared with LDL‐Cmh and LDL‐Cs, LDL‐Cf was able to correctly identify 96.9%‐98.08% of patients as within or outside the LDL‐C target, respectively, and 1.95%‐2.8% of patients were falsely identified as being within the LDL‐C target. Kappa coefficients for agreement between LDL‐Cf vs LDL‐Cmh and LDL‐Cf vs LDL‐Cs were 0.868 and 0.918 (P < .001). For patients not on cholesterol‐lowering drugs, the decision to initiate treatment would be different in 1.2%‐1.8% of cases if LDL‐Cs or LDL‐Cmh were used, respectively. For those already on cholesterol‐lowering drugs, decisions regarding treatment intensification would be different in 1.5%‐2.4% of cases if LDL‐Cs or LDL‐Cmh were used.ConclusionsIn most cardiology outpatients, the Friedewald equation has excellent agreement with the novel Martin/Hopkins and Sampson equations, and treatment decisions should not change in most patients.
A method to screen left ventricular dysfunction through ECG based on convolutional neural network
Authors: Sun Jin‐Yu , Qiu Yue , Guo Hong‐Cheng , Hua Yang , Shao Bo , Qiao Yu‐Cong , Guo Jin , Ding Han‐Lin , Zhang Zhen‐Ye , Miao Ling‐Feng , Wang Ning , Zhang Yu‐Min , Chen Yan , Lu Juan , Dai Min , Zhang Chang‐Ying , Wang Ru‐Xing 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectiveThis study aims to develop an artificial intelligence‐based method to screen patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 50% or lesser using electrocardiogram (ECG) data alone.MethodsConvolutional neural network (CNN) is a class of deep neural networks, which has been widely used in medical image recognition. We collected standard 12‐lead ECG and transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) data including the LVEF value. Then, we paired the ECG and TTE data from the same individual. For multiple ECG‐TTE pairs from a single individual, only the earliest data pair was included. All the ECG‐TTE pairs were randomly divided into the training, validation, or testing data set in a ratio of 9:1:1 to create or evaluate the CNN model. Finally, we assessed the screening performance by overall accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value.ResultsWe retrospectively enrolled a total of 26 786 ECG‐TTE pairs and randomly divided them into training (n = 21 732), validation (n = 2 530), and testing data set (n = 2 530). In the testing set, the CNN algorithm showed an overall accuracy of 73.9%, sensitivity of 69.2%, specificity of 70.5%, positive predictive value of 70.1%, and negative predictive value of 69.9%.ConclusionOur results demonstrate that a well‐trained CNN algorithm may be used as a low‐cost and noninvasive method to identify patients with left ventricular dysfunction.
Multi‐lead cephalic venous access and long‐term performance of high‐voltage leads
Authors: Akhtar Zaki , Harding Idris , Elbatran Ahmed I. , Gonna Hanney , Mannakkara Nilanka N. , Leung Lisa W. M. , Zuberi Zia , Bajpai Abhay , Pearse Simon , Cox Andrew T. , Li Anthony , Jouhra Fadi , Valencia Oswaldo , Chen Zhong , Sohal Manav , Beeton Ian , Gallagher Mark M. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundCardiac resynchronization therapy‐defibrillator (CRT‐D) implantation via the cephalic vein is feasible and safe. Recent evidence has suggested a higher implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) lead failure in multi‐lead defibrillator therapy via the cephalic route. We evaluated the relationship between CRT‐D implantation via the cephalic and ICD lead failure.MethodsData was collected from three CRT‐D implanting centers between October 2008 and September 2017. In total 633 patients were included. Patient and lead characteristics with ICD lead failure were recorded. Comparison of “cephalic” (ICD lead via cephalic) versus “non‐cephalic” (ICD lead via non‐cephalic route) cohorts was performed. Kaplan–Meier survival and a Cox‐regression analysis were applied to assess variables associated with lead failure.ResultsThe cephalic and non‐cephalic cohorts were equally male (81.9% vs. 78%; p = .26), similar in age (69.7 ± 11.5 vs. 68.7 ± 11.9; p = .33) and body mass index (BMI) (27.7 ± 5.1 vs. 27.1 ± 5.7; p = .33). Most ICD leads were implanted via the cephalic vein (73.5%) and patients had a mean of 2.9 ± 0.28 leads implanted via this route. The rate of ICD lead failure was low and statistically similar between both groups (0.36%/year vs. 0.13%/year; p = .12). Female gender was more common in the lead failure cohort than non‐failure (55.6% vs. 17.9%, respectively; p = .004) as was hypertension (88.9% vs. 54.2%, respectively, p = .038). On multivariate Cox‐regression, female sex (p = .008; HR, 7.12 [1.7−30.2]), and BMI (p = .047; HR, 1.12 [1.001−1.24]) were significantly associated with ICD lead failure.ConclusionCRT‐D implantation via the cephalic route is not significantly associated with premature ICD lead failure. Female gender and BMI are predictors of lead failure.
Intrahospital transport of critically ill patients: A survey of emergency nurses
Authors: Hu Yingli , Shi Donglei , You Lili , Li Wei 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundDespite the frequency of its occurrence, few Chinese studies examined the status of intrahospital transport (IHT) of critically ill emergency room patients.Aims and objectivesTo investigate the current status of IHT of critically ill patients and emergency nurses' perception of IHT across China; explore the perceived associations of written protocols with adverse events during IHT; and compare regional differences in IHT of critically ill patients across China.DesignA self‐report questionnaire was conducted among the attendees of a large emergency medicine conference in Beijing in May 2015.MethodsThe data, collected through convenience sampling, were analysed using descriptive statistics. Categorical variables were compared using the chi‐squared test.ResultsOf the 528 participants from 142 hospitals whose data were analysed, 19.3% considered all nurses competent enough to perform IHT of critically ill patients without special training, and 7.6% even considered nursing students capable of the task. The absence of written transport protocols was perceived to be significantly associated with the occurrence of adverse events such as oxygen supply depletion and incorrect destination. Hospitals in the western region were less likely to have established written IHT protocols and emergency checklists than those in the eastern region.ConclusionsSafe IHT of critically ill patients in the emergency department involves enormous challenges. The results of this survey can facilitate a preliminary understanding of the characteristics and current situation of IHT in emergency settings across China.Relevance to clinical practiceThe establishment of standard transport protocols may help reduce the incidence of adverse events.
Case study: An older COVID‐19 patient in a Turkish intensive care unit with prolonged stay
Authors: Kebapcı Ayda , Kütük Kübra , Eker Emine 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis paper reports the presentation and management of an older female patient who was diagnosed with Coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) and discharged from an intensive care unit (ICU) after prolonged hospitalization. The patient's COVID‐19 test was negative; therefore, she was monitored in the COVID‐19 general clinic with normal levels of oxygen saturation (SpO2). The patient had been taking Plaquenil for rheumatoid arthritis for a long time. Azithromycin was administered first, and then, the treatment continued with favipiravir according to the national treatment protocol in Turkey. On the third day in the COVID‐19 general clinic, she was transferred to the ICU because of decreased saturation levels. Owing to worsening respiratory status and SpO2 <70%, the patient was intubated on the sixth day in the ICU, and every day, she was nursed in a prone position for >16 hours. We believe that the treatment and care activities under qualified and effective nursing care, such as providing appropriate respiratory support at the right time, early initiation and maintenance of anticoagulant therapy, long‐term prone positioning, maintaining sufficient fluid resuscitation, and early commencement of balanced enteral nutrition, contributed to the successful discharge of the patient from the ICU. The patient was finally extubated on the 23rd day. Respiratory support was continued with oxygen administered at 2 lt/min through a nasal canula with SpO2 at 94%. We believe that by combining all these factors, the patient's results improved. She was discharged from the ICU after 25 days without any organ dysfunction. During the 25 days of care in the ICU, infectious disease protection and isolation rules were strictly adhered to, and personal protective equipment was worn.
Disclosing and discussing the role of spirituality in the transition theory of Afaf Meleis
Authors: Martins Helga , Caldeira Sílvia 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSpirituality is as an individual, dynamic, and a complex concept. Meleis's theory includes spirituality in many aspects, and looking at this dimension within this specific theory may help in understanding spirituality as a critical dimension in transitions, as processes, but also as a dimension of self–transition as individual development and growing. Therefore, spirituality is an inherent and integral element of the several foundations of this theory, especially in nursing therapeutics, patterns of responses and transition conditions (facilitators and inhibitors).
Features and roles of T helper 22 cells in immunological diseases and malignancies
Authors: Hossein‐Khannazer Nikoo , Zian Zeineb , Bakkach Joaira , Kamali Ali N. , Hosseinzadeh Ramin , Anka Abubakar Umar , Yazdani Reza , Azizi Gholamreza 
Published: February 2021

AbstractT helper 22 (Th22) cell populations are a newly identified subset of CD4+ T cells that primarily mediate biological effects on the epithelial barrier through interleukin (IL)‐22. Although, new studies showed that both Th22 and IL‐22 are closely associated with the pathogenesis of inflammatory, autoimmune and allergic disease as well as malignancies. In this review, we aim to describe the development and characteristics of Th22 cells as well as their roles in the immunopathogenesis of immune‐related disorders and cancer.
Circumventing Sovereignty: Extraterritorial Sanctions Leveraging the Technologies of the Financial System
Authors: Jaeger Mark Daniel 
Published: February 2021

AbstractUS extraterritorial sanctions are implemented with comprehensive global reach, despite allies and adversaries opposing and rejecting them as violations of international law. I argue that this staggering reach rests on more than just the central position of the US in the global financial system, as existing accounts indicate; it builds fundamentally on the financial system’s operational autonomy. Enabled by technologies such as the ‘risk‐based approach’ and automated screening procedures, this globalized network of private actors observes its regulatory environment through its own logic. It translates sanctions into risks susceptible to mitigation beyond the political system’s territorial borders, as the cases of Switzerland and the European Union show. These jurisdictions took futile measures to defend against foreign encroachment of their authority. Unless the financial system’s increased autonomy from the state system is recognized conceptually, analyses of international sanctions will remain deficient and attempts to counter their extraterritorial reach ineffective.