bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hormone‐substrate changes with exenatide plus dapagliflozin versus each drug alone: The randomized, active‐controlled DURATION‐8 study
Authors: Ferrannini Ele , Baldi Simona , Frías Juan P. , Guja Cristian , Hardy Elise , Repetto Enrico , Jabbour Serge A. , DeFronzo Ralph A. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAimTo determine the effects of individual and combined therapies on plasma insulin, glucagon, β‐hydroxybutyrate (β‐OH) and associated metabolites.Materials and MethodsIn DURATION‐8, the combination of once‐weekly exenatide (EQW) + 10 mg dapagliflozin (Dapa) in patients with type 2 diabetes poorly controlled with metformin‐reduced HbA1c levels and body weight (at weeks 28 and 52) was compared with EQW + placebo (Plb) or Dapa + Plb. The study included 678 patients randomized 1:1:1 to EQW + Dapa, EQW + Plb, or Dapa + Plb. Plasma insulin and glucagon were measured at fasting and 2 hours after a mixed meal. Fasting plasma free fatty acids (FFA) and β‐OH concentrations were measured.ResultsThe fasting insulin‐to‐glucagon molar ratio (I/Glg) increased with EQW + Plb only; postprandial I/Glg increased in all groups but significantly more with EQW + Plb. β‐OH, FFA, and glycerol concentrations showed a parallel response: larger increments with Dapa + Plb, larger decrements with EQW + Plb, and intermediate changes with EQW + Dapa. β‐OH levels and I/Glg were inversely related to one another. Patients in the top quartile of β‐OH changes from baseline [median (interquartile range): +207 (305) vs. −65 (−154) μmol/L; P < .0001] were more frequently treated with Dapa + Plb, had higher urine glucose‐to‐creatinine ratios, and lower fasting insulin [52 (51) vs. 68 (53) pmol/L; P = .0013) and I/Glg [1.76 (1.49) vs. 2.23 (1.70) mol/mol; P = .0020]. Haematocrit increased only in the Dapa group.ConclusionsThe EQW + Dapa combination abolished the Dapa‐induced rise in β‐OH, reduced the EQW‐induced increase in I/Glg, maintained glycosuria, and increased haematocrit in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. The drug combination may preserve any putative benefits while mitigating the risk of ketoacidosis.
Monitoring vegetation recovery in the early stages of the Dirk Hartog Island Restoration Programme using high temporal frequency Landsat imagery
Authors: van Dongen Richard , Huntley Bart , Keighery Greg , Brundrett Mark 
Published: August 2019

SummaryDirk Hartog Island is the largest island off the West Australian coast. From the 1860s to 2008, the island was managed as a pastoral lease. In 2009, the island was gazetted as a National Park and the process of removing introduced animals, to allow for the reintroduction of a suite of 12 native mammal species, began. With the removal of high numbers of goats and sheep concerns were raised regarding the proliferation of weed species (which would no longer be controlled through grazing) and the ability of the island’s native vegetation to recover. A vegetation monitoring programme was developed which integrated detailed floristic surveys, repeated site photography and Landsat time series data to provide a comprehensive picture of how the island’s vegetation cover had changed since destocking. The integration of these elements has allowed present‐day observations to be put into context of longer term landscape dynamics. Through statistical analysis of temporal sequences of Landsat satellite imagery, the timing of changes to phenology and cover at monitoring sites was related directly to the management action of stock removal. With the use of field observations, the species responsible for the increase in cover were identified. These data sources, when analysed together, allowed management to have confidence that, following destocking, native vegetation cover is increasing.
Thrombin and plasmin generation in patients with plasminogen or plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 deficiency
Authors: Saes Joline L. , Schols Saskia E. M. , Molitor Kathleen F. , van Geffen Mark , Verbeek‐Knobbe Kitty , Gupta Sweta , Hardesty Brandon M. , Shapiro Amy D. , van Heerde Waander L. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIntroductionDeficiencies of plasminogen and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI‐1) are rare disorders of fibrinolysis. Current laboratory assays for analysis of activity of plasminogen and PAI‐1 do not provide an accurate correlation with clinical phenotype.MethodsThe Nijmegen Hemostasis Assay (NHA) was used to simultaneously measure thrombin and plasmin generation in 5 patients with plasminogen deficiency (PLGD) and 10 patients with complete PAI‐1 deficiency. Parameters analysed included: lag time ratio, thrombin peak time ratio, thrombin peak height, thrombin potential (AUC), fibrin lysis time, plasmin peak height and plasmin potential. Parameters were expressed as a percentage compared to a reference value of 53 healthy normal controls.ResultsPatients with PLGD demonstrated a short lag time and thrombin peak time, with normal thrombin peak height but an increased AUC. Plasmin generation was able to be detected in only one (23% plasminogen activity) of the five PLGD patients. All ten PAI‐1 deficient patients demonstrated a short lag and thrombin peak time, low thrombin peak height with normal AUC. Plasmin generation revealed an increased plasmin peak and plasmin potential; interestingly, there was a large variation between individual patients despite all patients having the same homozygous defect.ConclusionPatients with either PLGD or PAI‐1 deficiency show distinct abnormalities in plasmin and thrombin generation in the NHA. The differences observed in the propagation phase of thrombin generation may be explained by plasmin generation. These results suggest that disorders of fibrinolysis also influence coagulation and a global assay measuring both activities may better correlate with clinical outcome.
Synthesis and in vitro biodegradation of pure octacalcium phosphate spheres
Authors: Tripathi Garima , Miyazaki Toshiki 
Published: August 2019

AbstractOctacalcium phosphate (OCP) is a key precursor of biological apatite in hard tissues with excellent osteoconductive and biodegradable properties for bone regeneration. OCP spherical granules are expected to be useful as drug delivery carriers, since OCP has high specific surface area. Although there have been some reports of OCP sphere preparation, methods for preparing pure OCP spheres are limited. The objective of this study is the preparation of spherical granules of pure OCP and assessment of their in vitro biodegradation in physiological conditions. We successfully prepared spherical pure OCP granules with a size of ~500 µm without any organic additives by simple immersion of α‐tricalcium phosphate spherical granules in pH 5.0 acetate buffered solutions at 60°C. The granules had core‐shell structure composed of OCP crystals different particle size. The spherical granules showed 20%‐40% in vitro degradation in physiological conditions; however, the phase transition of OCP was not significantly observed.
Effects of simulated gastric and intestinal digestion on chitooligosaccharides in two in vitro models
Authors: Chen Jiayi , Chen Qiming , Xie Chuanqi , Ahmad Waheed , Jiang Lihua , Zhao Liming 
Published: August 2019

SummaryChitooligosaccharides (COS) with different degree of polymerisation (DP) have different physiological activities such as anti‐tumour and anti‐hyperlipidemia activities. However, the digestive process might lead to the change of DP of COS as well as cause the change of physiological activities in vivo. In this study, two in vitro digestion models (static and dynamic) were used to investigate digestion behaviours of COS and the influencing factors during digestion with or without food matrix. The results showed that COS with DP 2–5 were indigestible and COS with DP 6–10 degraded with time during gastric and intestinal digestion. Pepsin, pancreatin and lipase were the main factors leading to degradation. Food matrix could protect COS with DP 6–10 from degradation during gastric digestion. However, the degradation of COS with DP 6–10 accelerated and the degradation of COS with DP 5 occurred during intestinal digestion with food matrix due to pancreatin, lipase and bile salt.
Does social responsibility improve firm value? Evidence from mandatory corporate social responsibility regulations in India
Authors: Jadiyappa Nemiraja , Iyer Subramanian R. , Jyothi Pavana 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe debate on the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on firm value is still unsettled. Empirically, research designs cannot unequivocally prove that CSR affects firm value because CSR and firm value could be predetermined. Using a natural experiment, we prove that CSR positively affects firm value. In this study, we use the mandatory CSR spending regulation implemented by India in 2015, as a natural setting. We compare the changes in the firm value during the pre‐ and postregulation period. Our results show that market value increases for firms that were forced to spend on CSR during postregulation period.
Assessing the applicability of 2017 ACC/AHA hypertension guidelines for secondary stroke prevention in the BOSS study
Authors: Xie Xuewei , Gu Hong-Qiu , Wang Xianwei , Chen Pan , Liu Liping , Li Zixiao , Meng Xia , Wang Yilong , Wang Yongjun 
Published: August 2019

AbstractUsing data from the Blood Pressure and Clinical Outcome in TIA or Ischemic Stroke (BOSS) study, we aim to test the applicability and feasibility of stroke secondary prevention recommendations from the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guideline. Patients were categorized based on their blood pressure (BP) status at 3 months. The nonhypertension group was defined as those without a diagnosis of hypertension. The other patients were further divided into three subgroups according to office BP measured at 3‐month visit (BP <130/80, 130‐139/80‐89, and ≥140/90 mm Hg). The primary outcome was any stroke within one year. The associations between BP status and 1‐year prognosis (recurrent stroke, recurrent stroke/TIA, and poor functional outcome [modified Rankin scale score 3‐6]) were estimated. Among 2341 IS/TIA patients, additional 1056 patients were classified as uncontrolled hypertension at the 90‐day visit according to the new guidelines. Adjusted hazard/odds ratios (95% confidence intervals [CI]) for recurrent stroke in BP <130/80, 130‐139/80‐89, and ≥140/90 compared with nonhypertension group were 2.42 (95% CI: 0.87‐6.76), and 4.30 (95% CI: 1.73‐10.70), respectively. The prevalence of hypertension and uncontrolled BP among BOSS study population was substantially higher based on the new guidelines. BP of 130‐139/80‐89 did not show the worsened clinical outcomes compared with people without hypertension. Our study adds to the growing uncertainty about secondary prevention BP goal for IS/TIA patients.
Networks as First Best? Network Entrepreneurship and Venue Shifting in the Establishment of the Network of Euro–Mediterranean Energy Regulators
Authors: Vantaggiato Francesca Pia 
Published: August 2019

AbstractRegulators often play a leading role in establishing their informal networks yet regulatory networks are usually considered a second‐best instrument of policy integration. They have no decision‐making powers and unclear policy impact. Why then do regulators initiate networks? The article shows that regulators form networks to shift the venue of policy discussion from a formal setting, dominated by policy‐makers, to an informal one, where they share agenda‐setting power with their peers only. Regulators forming networks are network entrepreneurs, for whom the establishment of the network is a policy goal in itself. Bolstered by previous positive networking experiences, network entrepreneurs consider networks the best instrument for influencing policy. The article analyses the empirical case of the network of energy regulators of the Euro–Mediterranean (MedReg, established in 2006) using elite interviews with 20 stakeholders. The findings hold implications for our understanding of informal regulatory collaboration in the EU and beyond.
Comorbidity Profiles Identified in Older Primary Care Patients Who Attempt Suicide
Authors: Morin Ruth T. , Li Yixia , Mackin R. Scott , Whooley Mary A. , Conwell Yeates , Byers Amy L. 
Published: August 2019

OBJECTIVESTo identify comorbidity profiles of older patients last seen in primary care before a suicide attempt and assess attempt and clinical factors (eg, means and lethality of attempt) associated with these profiles.DESIGNCohort study and latent class analysis using Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) national data (2012‐2014).SETTINGAll VA medical centers in the United States.PARTICIPANTSA total of 2131 patients 65 years and older who were last seen by a primary care provider before a first documented suicide attempt.MEASUREMENTSFatal suicide attempt and means were identified using the National Suicide Data Repository. Nonfatal attempt was defined using the National Suicide Prevention Applications Network. Medical and psychiatric diagnoses and other variables were determined from electronic medical records.RESULTSPatients (mean age = 74.4 y; 98.2% male) were clustered into five classes based on medical and psychiatric diagnoses: Minimal Comorbidity (23.2%); Chronic Pain‐Osteoarthritis (30.1%); Depression‐Chronic Pain (22.9%); Depression‐Medical Comorbidity (16.5%); and High Comorbidity (7.3%). The patients in the Minimal Comorbidity and Chronic Pain‐Osteoarthritis classes were most likely to attempt fatally compared with classes with a higher burden of comorbidities. Overall, 61% of the sample attempted fatally, and 82.5% of suicide decedents used firearms.CONCLUSIONThis study provides evidence that most comorbidity profiles (>50%) in primary care patients attempting suicide were characterized by minimal depression diagnoses and fatal attempts, mostly with firearms. These findings suggest that more than a depression diagnosis contributes to risk and that conversations about firearm safety by medical providers may play an important role in suicide intervention and prevention. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:2553–2559, 2019
The effect of aquatic exercises on the physical and functional fitness of adults with Down syndrome: A non‐randomised controlled trial
Authors: Boer Pieter‐Henk , de Beer Zelda 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe importance of exercise for individuals with Down syndrome (DS) has been well documented. The use of aquatic exercises may be an attractive alternative to land‐based exercises for individuals with musculoskeletal conditions such as low muscle tone and excess adiposity as found in adults with DS. As a result, the purpose of the current study was to study the effect of an aquatic training intervention on the functional fitness for adults with DS.MethodsParticipants were recruited from two intellectually disabled care centres in the Western Cape of South Africa. Twenty‐three adults with DS (13 men and 10 women) (31.4 ± 7.4 years) were allocated to an aquatic training group or a control group. The exercise group performed 35 min of aquatic training, three times a week for 6 weeks, with an increase duration of 45 min after 3 weeks. Outcome measures assessed were aerobic capacity, muscular strength, functional ability and balance.ResultsThe aerobic capacity and functional ability of the participants in the aquatic group improved significantly than in the control group with strong to medium effect sizes. Two out of the three strength parameters also improved significantly than in the control group.ConclusionsThe functional fitness of adults with DS improved with an aquatic intervention but was insufficient to improve balance and upper body strength. The improvement of various parameters associated with functional fitness is important in this population who age prematurely, suffer from the early onset of age‐related conditions, are vulnerable to falls and susceptible to chronic conditions.
Prenatal drug exposure and neurodevelopmental programming of glucocorticoid signalling
Authors: Franks Alexis L. , Berry Kimberly J. , DeFranco Donald B. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractPrenatal neurodevelopment is dependent on precise functioning of multiple signalling pathways in the brain, including those mobilised by glucocorticoids (GC) and endocannabinoids (eCBs). Prenatal exposure to drugs of abuse, including opioids, alcohol, cocaine and cannabis, has been shown to not only impact GC signalling, but also alter functioning of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis. Such exposures can have long‐lasting neurobehavioural consequences, including alterations in the stress response in the offspring. Furthermore, cannabis contains cannabinoids that signal via the eCB pathway, which is linked to some components of GC signalling in the adult brain. Given that GCs are frequently used in pregnancy to prevent complications of prematurity, and also that rates of cannabis use in pregnancy are increasing, the likelihood of foetal co‐exposure to these compounds is high and may have additional implications for long‐term neurodevelopment. Here, we present a discussion of GC signalling and the HPA axis, as well as the effects of prenatal drug exposure on these pathways and the stress response, and we explore the interactions between GC and EC signalling in the developing brain and potential for neurodevelopmental consequences.
In vivo identification of arteries and veins using two‐photon excitation elastin autofluorescence
Authors: Li Hui , Yan Meng , Yu Jia , Xu Qiang , Xia Xianyuan , Liao Jiuling , Zheng Wei 
Published: August 2019

AbstractDistinguishing arteries from veins in vivo has a great significance in clinical practices and preclinical studies. Optical imaging methods such as two‐photon microscopy can provide high‐resolution morphological information of tissue and are therefore extremely suitable for imaging small blood vessels. However, few optical imaging methods allow in vivo identification of arteries and veins merely utilizing the autofluorescence signal of blood vessels. In this report, we found the arterial wall generates a remarkably stronger two‐photon excitation autofluorescence (TPEA) signal compared with the venous wall based on BALB/c mice. According to histological analysis and fluorescence characteristic measurement, the contrast signal is confirmed to be from elastin fibers. Employing this unique feature, we propose an objective and effective artery–vein separation strategy that considers the presence of the elastin‐TPEA border as the indicator of arteries. Using this strategy, the arterial and venous networks of the dorsal skin and cerebral cortex of BALB/c mice are demonstrated to be excellently mapped and accurately separated in vivo without depending on any exogenous contrast agent, empirical knowledge, and algorithm. This study may provide a novel technique for mapping arterial and venous networks for anatomic research as well as an extra aid to basic researches on the mechanism, diagnosis, and treatment of blood vessel‐related diseases.
Impact of chemotherapy on symptoms and symptom clusters in postmenopausal women with breast cancer prior to aromatase inhibitor therapy
Authors: Li Hongjin , Sereika Susan M. , Marsland Anna L. , Conley Yvette P. , Bender Catherine M. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAims and ObjectivesTo examine and compare the differences in symptoms and symptom clusters between postmenopausal women with early‐stage breast cancer who did and did not receive chemotherapy prior to aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy.BackgroundWomen with breast cancer often experience multiple concurrent symptoms during AI therapy. The burden of symptoms prior to AI is associated with nonadherence to cancer treatment. To date, few studies have comprehensively explored the symptoms and symptom clusters occurring prior to AI therapy.DesignSecondary analysis of a prospective repeated‐measures study.MethodsThe sample comprised postmenopausal women (N = 339) with breast cancer who would receive AI therapy with or without chemotherapy. We collected information on 48 symptoms after surgery or chemotherapy but before AI therapy using different symptom assessment tools. Mann–Whitney U tests were used to compare the differences in the severity of symptoms between groups. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted to determine symptom clusters. This study followed STROBE guidelines.ResultsThe most severe symptoms among women with breast cancer prior to AI therapy were breast sensitivity, unhappy with the appearance of my body, general aches and pain, joint pain and muscle stiffness. Women who received chemotherapy prior to AI therapy experienced significantly higher severity of 22 symptoms than women who did not receive chemotherapy. Through EFA seven distinct symptom clusters were revealed in both groups: cognitive, musculoskeletal, psychological, vasomotor, weight, sexual and urinary, with additional gastrointestinal symptom cluster been identified in women who received chemotherapy.ConclusionsThis study indicates the presence of symptoms among women with breast cancer prior to AI therapy, with higher severity of symptoms and greater number of symptom clusters for women who received chemotherapy.Relevance to clinical practiceNurses should assess and be aware of symptoms and symptom clusters existed prior to AI therapy and manage them in advance.
Variations in indwelling urinary catheter use in four Australian acute care hospitals
Authors: Giles Michelle , Graham Laura , Ball Jean , Watts Wendy , King Jennie , Bantawa Kamana , Paul Michelle , Harris Alison , Paul O'Brien Anthony , Parker Vicki 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAims and objectivesTo identify the point prevalence of indwelling urinary catheters (IDCs) in adult inpatients in acute care hospitals, and to describe the indications for IDC insertion based on patient age, gender, specialty and hospital.BackgroundCatheter‐associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are preventable healthcare‐associated infections. IDC duration is the strongest predictor of CAUTI, and little is known about characteristics of patients who receive an IDC.DesignTwo single‐day point prevalence surveys collected baseline patient data as part of a larger pre‐post control‐intervention study.MethodsSurveys were conducted at four acute care hospitals in NSW, Australia, for all adult patients. Data collection included IDC presence, insertion details and urine culture collection. Point prevalence data were linked with electronically extracted patient demographic data.This study is presented in line with STROBE checklist (See Supplementary File 1).ResultData from 1,630 patients were analysed, with 196 patients (12%) identified as having an IDC on the survey dates. IDC prevalence rates were higher in males (13%) than in females (11%). Critical care had the highest rate of patients with IDCs (42%). Urine cultures were collected in 70 patients with an IDC (43%).ConclusionsFindings indicated similar rates of IDC use in males and females, and there was no significant difference in age between patients with or without an IDC. However, indication for IDC varied by patient age and gender. High rates of urine culture collection may represent routine collection.Relevance to clinical practiceIDC use is found across genders, all age groups and specialties. Nurses should be aware that any of their patients may have an IDC and be particularly aware of certain indications based on patient age and gender. Routine urine culture collection is not advised, and instead, nurses should be guided by clinical decision‐making tools.