bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Achievement of glycaemic control is associated with improvements in lipid profile with iGlarLixi versus iGlar: A post hoc analysis of the LixiLan‐L trial
Authors: Giorgino Francesco , Shaunik Alka , Liu Minzhi , Saremi Aramesh 
Published: August 2019

AbstractDiabetic dyslipidaemia is a major risk factor for accelerated atherosclerosis. Glycaemic treatments that improve dyslipidaemia may help reduce the burden of atherosclerosis. This analysis investigated the effect of iGlarLixi [insulin glargine U100 (iGlar) and lixisenatide] versus iGlar on lipid profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes uncontrolled on basal insulin. Data from LixiLan‐L were used to estimate changes in fasting lipid levels from baseline to week 30, overall and in patients stratified by achievement of glycaemic targets {2‐hour postprandial glucose [≤10, >10 mmoL/L], fasting plasma glucose [≤6.1, >6.1 mmoL/L], HbA1c [≤7, >7% (≤53, >53 mmol/mol)]}. At week 30, median percentage change in triglycerides remained nearly unchanged (0.3% increase) with iGlarLixi versus a 6.5% increase with iGlar (P = 0.035; overall); similarly, trends towards better total and LDL cholesterol levels were observed with iGlarLixi versus iGlar. In patient subgroups achieving glycaemic targets, all lipid variables except for HDL cholesterol improved with iGlarLixi but not with iGlar. In summary, patients with type 2 diabetes uncontrolled on basal insulin showed improved fasting lipid profiles with iGlarLixi compared with iGlar, particularly when achieving glycaemic targets.
Comparison of the urinary glucose excretion contributions of SGLT2 and SGLT1: A quantitative systems pharmacology analysis in healthy individuals and patients with type 2 diabetes treated with SGLT2 inhibitors
Authors: Yakovleva Tatiana , Sokolov Victor , Chu Lulu , Tang Weifeng , Greasley Peter J. , Peilot Sjögren Helena , Johansson Susanne , Peskov Kirill , Helmlinger Gabriel , Boulton David W. , Penland Robert C. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAimTo develop a quantitative drug‐disease systems model to investigate the paradox that sodium‐glucose co‐transporter (SGLT)2 is responsible for >80% of proximal tubule glucose reabsorption, yet SGLT2 inhibitor treatment results in only 30% to 50% less reabsorption in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Materials and methodsA physiologically based four‐compartment model of renal glucose filtration, reabsorption and excretion via SGLT1 and SGLT2 was developed as a system of ordinary differential equations using R/IQRtools. SGLT2 inhibitor pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics were estimated from published concentration‐time profiles in plasma and urine and from urinary glucose excretion (UGE) in healthy people and people with T2DM.ResultsThe final model showed that higher renal glucose reabsorption in people with T2DM versus healthy people was associated with 54% and 28% greater transporter capacity for SGLT1 and SGLT2, respectively. Additionally, the analysis showed that UGE is highly dependent on mean plasma glucose and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and that their consideration is critical for interpreting clinical UGE findings.ConclusionsQuantitative drug‐disease system modelling revealed mechanistic differences in renal glucose reabsorption and UGE between healthy people and those with T2DM, and clearly showed that SGLT2 inhibition significantly increased glucose available to SGLT1 downstream in the tubule. Importantly, we found that the findings of lower than expected UGE with SGLT2 inhibition are explained by the shift to SGLT1, which recovered additional glucose (~30% of total).
Superior HbA1c control with the fixed‐ratio combination of insulin degludec and liraglutide (IDegLira) compared with a maximum dose of 50 units of insulin degludec in Japanese individuals with type 2 diabetes in a phase 3, double‐blind, randomized trial
Authors: Watada Hirotaka , Kaneko Shizuka , Komatsu Mitsuhisa , Agner Bue Ross , Nishida Tomoyuki , Ranthe Mattis , Nakamura Jiro 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAimsTo investigate the efficacy and safety of insulin degludec/liraglutide (IDegLira) compared with 50 U insulin degludec (degludec) or less in Japanese individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D).Materials and methodsIn this 26‐week, double‐blind, multicentre, treat‐to‐target trial, Japanese individuals with T2D that was uncontrolled with basal or pre‐mix insulin (20–50 units) were randomized (1:1) to receive IDegLira or degludec, both with metformin. The maximum dose was 50 dose steps (IDegLira) or 50 units (degludec). The primary endpoint was change from baseline in HbA1c with IDegLira vs degludec after 26 weeks of treatment.ResultsIn total, 210 Japanese individuals were randomized to IDegLira or degludec and completion rates were 100% and 93%, respectively. IDegLira was superior to degludec with respect to change from baseline in HbA1c: estimated treatment difference (ETD) (95% confidence interval), −13.98 mmol/Mol (−16.41; −11.55); P < 0.0001. The change in mean HbA1c was from 70.6 by −21.3 mmol/Mol with IDegLira and from 70.1 by −7.1 mmol/Mol with degludec. Mean change in body weight was −0.7 kg with IDegLira and 0.7 kg with degludec: ETD (95% CI) −1.41 kg (−2.26; −0.56); P = 0.0012. Mean daily total insulin dose was significantly lower with IDegLira (37.6 U) as compared to that with degludec (41.2 U) at Week 26. Overall rates of severe or blood glucose‐confirmed hypoglycaemia and adverse events were comparable between treatment groups.ConclusionsIDegLira provided superior reductions in HbA1c compared with ≤50 U degludec, with weight loss and similar hypoglycaemia rates and no unexpected safety or tolerability issues. These results suggest that this treatment could be an attractive intensification option for Japanese subjects with T2D that was uncontrolled with basal or pre‐mixed insulin.
The effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy on left ventricular and mitral valve geometry and secondary mitral regurgitation in patients with left bundle branch block
Authors: Mihos Christos G. , Santana Orlando , Yucel Evin , Capoulade Romain , Upadhyay Gaurav A. , Orencole Mary P. , Singh Jagmeet P. , Picard Michael H. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundSecondary mitral regurgitation (MR) is common in patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB) undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). We aimed to define CRT effects on left ventricular (LV) and mitral valve (MV) geometry, and their correlation with MR severity.MethodsForty‐one patients with LBBB and ≥mild secondary MR underwent CRT between 2009 and 2012, and had baseline and follow‐up echocardiograms available. Repeated measure and linear regression analyses were performed to assess for changes in MV and LV geometry and MR severity, and associations with follow‐up MR grade.ResultsThe mean age and baseline QRS duration were 65.5 ± 14.9 years and 160 ± 24 ms. At a mean follow‐up of 2.6 ± 1.8 years, there was an increase in LV ejection fraction and reductions in LV end‐systolic volume index, MR grade, and end‐systolic interpapillary muscle distance (P < .05 for all). Linear correlations were observed between follow‐up MR grade and baseline MV tenting height (r = .44), left atrial volume index (r = .41), LV end‐systolic volume index (r = .4), MV tenting area (r = .38), LV ejection fraction (r = −.34), and end‐systolic interpapillary muscle distance (r = .34) (P < .05 for all). Multiple regression analysis revealed associations between follow‐up MR grade and baseline MV tenting height (β/mm = 0.42, P = .006) and left atrial volume index (β/mL/m2 = 0.4, P = .008), independent of QRS duration (β/ms=−0.07; P = 0.6) and nonischemic cardiomyopathy (β = −0.34, P = .02).ConclusionsCardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with LBBB and secondary MR results in LV and MV geometric reverse remodeling and decreases MR severity. Extent of baseline MV tethering is independently associated with persistent MR at follow‐up.
The ventromedial hypothalamic circuitry and male alloparental behaviour in a socially monogamous rodent species
Authors: Liu Yan , Donovan Meghan , Jia Xixi , Wang Zuoxin 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAs prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) display spontaneous biparental care, and the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) has been implicated in reproductive behaviour, we conducted experiments to test the hypothesis that the VMH neurochemical circuitry is involved in alloparental behaviours in male prairie voles. We compared alloparental behaviours of adult, sexually naïve male and female voles—both displayed licking/grooming, huddling and retrieving behaviours towards conspecific pups. We also stained for the immediate‐early gene encoded early growth protein Egr‐1 in the vole brain. The pup‐exposed animals showed levels of Egr‐1 staining that was higher in the VMH but lower in the amygdala compared to animals exposed to a pup‐sized piece of plastic (control). A retrograde tracer, Fluoro‐Gold (FG), was injected into the VMH of male voles that were subsequently tested in the pup exposure or control condition. More FG/Egr‐1 cells were detected for glutamatergic (GLU) staining in the ventral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNSTv) and medial amygdala (MeA), whereas less FG/Egr‐1 cells were stained for gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the MeA of the pup‐exposed group compared to the control group. Further, the ratio of GLU:GABA expression in FG/Egr‐1 projection neurons from both the BNSTv and MeA to the VMH was increased following pup exposure. Finally, pharmacological blockade of either dopamine D1 receptor or oxytocin receptor in the VMH impaired the onset of male alloparental behaviour. Together, these data suggest that the VMH may be involved in the onset of alloparental care and play a role in regulating social approach in male prairie voles.
A method to assess the impact of soil available water capacity uncertainty on crop models with a tipping‐bucket approach
Authors: Constantin Julie , Picheny Victor , Nassar Lina H. , Bergez Jacques‐Eric 
Published: August 2019

AbstractMost agronomic crop models use a reservoir tipping‐bucket approach to model the water budget in the soil. Soil available water capacity (AWC) is the main soil property considered in this approach. Because AWC is difficult to measure, uncertainty in AWC may be high. We developed a method using a specific kriging technique to determine the effects of uncertainty in AWC on crop model predictions. The AqYield crop model was used as an example to assess the effects of uncertainty in AWC on two agronomic output variables (grain yield and drainage). The factors considered were the climatic region, crop type and soil depth. We assessed the results using the coefficient of variation (CV) and sets of critical values for which CV exceeded 5, 10 and 15%. The experiment provided insight into the criticality of AWC uncertainty over a wide range of agropedoclimatic situations according to crop, model and output of interest. The method revealed the greater effect of AWC uncertainty on both outputs for the spring crop than for the winter crop and identified cases where AWC uncertainty was critical. There was a stronger effect of AWC uncertainty on yield for shallow soil and climatic water deficit conditions. For each situation, the AWC uncertainty levels were determined above or below which the impact becomes significant on a given output because the sensitivity was very dependent on climate–crop–soil combinations. It was also observed that uncertainty in AWC had little effect in AqYield for a wide range of situations. The method developed uses a small number of model simulations to produce accurate results to better understand the impact of this major soil input data according to the target model and specific objectives. It could help to determine the level of accuracy needed in AWC measurement, depending on the objectives.Highlights
The method quantifies the effects of AWC uncertainty on crop models with a tipping‐bucket approach.
This method can assess the impact of uncertainty with only a few runs using a kriging approach.
The method identifies critical situations for a wide range of agropedoclimatic conditions.
Critical region graphs give critical thresholds for accuracy needed in AWC.
Soil aggregates impact nitrifying microorganisms in a vertisol under diverse fertilization regimes
Authors: Han Shun , Luo Xuesong , Tan Shuang , Wang Jianfei , Chen Wenli , Huang Qiaoyun 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAmmonia oxidizers (ammonia‐oxidizing archaea (AOA) and bacteria (AOB)), nitrite oxidizers (e.g., Nitrobacter and Nitrospira) and comammox Nitrospira play important roles in the nitrogen cycle in agroecosystems, yet their activities and abundance in soil microhabitats under environmental disturbances remain unclear. In this study, we collected samples from treatment plots in a field experiment established in 2010 in a lime concretion black soil in central China to investigate the effects of varying inorganic and organic fertilizer managements in a wheat–maize crop rotation, in order to investigate the impacts on the abundance and activities of ammonia and nitrite oxidizers inhabiting different microenvironments in soil, represented by three soil aggregate size fractions. The treatments were: control without fertilizer (CK), chemical fertilization (NPK), NPK and straw (NPKS), NPKS and pig manure (NPKSP) or cow manure (NPKSC). The potential nitrite oxidation activity (PNO) and soil nutrients (soil carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus content) were the highest in the microaggregates, followed by those in the macroaggregates and silt+clay fractions in all the plots. Both the ammonia and nitrite oxidizers were more abundant in the macroaggregates and microaggregates than in the silt+clay fractions. A two‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that the soil aggregate size had a significant influence on the abundance of ammonia and nitrite oxidizers and the soil nutrients. We also found a significant positive correlation between PNO and the nitrite oxidizer and AOA abundance. In addition, the abundances of the ammonia oxidizers (AOA and AOB) and nitrite oxidizers (Nitrobacter and Nitrospira) were positively correlated with each other. Overall, the soil aggregates with a higher inorganic nutrient and organic carbon content may provide a better protective microenvironment to guard against environmental disturbances and facilitate the inhabitation of ammonia and nitrite oxidizers, which cooperate in the nitrogen cycling process.Highlights
Nitrifying guilds and their activities were investigated under soil aggregates in a Vertisol.
Soil aggregates of different sizes provide spatially heterogeneous habitats for nitrifying guilds.
Ammonia‐ and nitrite‐oxidizer abundances and their activities are controlled by soil aggregate size.
Soil aggregates with higher nutrients may provide a better protective habitat for nitrifying guilds.
Method of invasive monitoring in epilepsy surgery and seizure freedom and morbidity: A systematic review
Authors: Yan Han , Katz Joel S. , Anderson Melanie , Mansouri Alireza , Remick Madison , Ibrahim George M. , Abel Taylor J. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractObjectiveInvasive monitoring is sometimes necessary to guide resective surgery in epilepsy patients, but the ideal method is unknown. In this systematic review, we assess the association of postresection seizure freedom and adverse events in stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) and subdural electrodes (SDE).MethodsWe searched three electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL [Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials]) from their inception to January 2018 with the keywords “electroencephalography,” “intracranial grid,” and “epilepsy.” Studies that presented primary quantitative patient data for postresection seizure freedom with at least 1 year of follow‐up or complication rates of SEEG‐ or SDE‐monitored patients were included. Two trained investigators independently collected data from eligible studies. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95% confidence interval (CIs) were used as a measure of the association of SEEG or SDE with seizure freedom and with adverse event outcomes.ResultsOf 11 462 screened records, 48 studies met inclusion criteria. These studies reported on 1973 SEEG patients and 2036 SDE patients. Our systematic review revealed SEEG was associated with 61.0% and SDE was associated with 56.4% seizure freedom after resection (WMD = +5.8%, 95% CI = 4.7‐6.9%, P = .001). Furthermore, SEEG was associated with 4.8% and SDE was associated with 15.5% morbidity (WMD = −10.6%, 95% CI = −11.6 to −9.6%, P = .001). SEEG was associated with 0.2% mortality and SDE was associated with 0.4% mortality (WMD = −0.2%, 95% CI = −0.3 to −0.1%, P = .001).SignificanceIn this systematic review of SEEG and SDE invasive monitoring techniques, SEEG was associated with fewer surgical resections yet better seizure freedom outcomes in those undergoing resections. SEEG was also associated with lower mortality and morbidity than SDE. Clinical studies directly comparing these modalities are necessary to understand the relative rates of seizure freedom, morbidity, and mortality associated with these techniques.
Bargains in the diamond market? How to take advantage from online information
Authors: Arcos‐Vargas Angel , Núñez Fernando , Tallón‐Ballesteros Antonio J. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThis paper empirically analyses the price of diamonds from different perspectives. The sample data contains detailed information on more than 165,000 diamonds certified by Gemological Institute of America, which can be purchased since July 2016 from a large online diamond supplier. Our empirical analysis allows to extend the classic 4Cs model in several directions as follows: (a) the classical 4Cs model is insufficient in order to explain the price, so that other attributes, such as polishing, symmetry, and fluorescence, must be incorporated to accurately estimate the price of a particular piece; (b) the large sample size allows us to analyse specific price ranges characterized by high market activity; (3) a very detailed analysis has been conducted for round diamonds, incorporating interactions between attributes within the regression model and studying the marginal rates of substitution between diamond weight and alternative characteristics given a certain price. Our model is able to detect diamonds that could constitute a clear market opportunity for buyers. This model can help to select efficient demand options taking advantage of the information available on the website, improving the overall efficiency of exchange in this sector.
Representing and intervening in Swedish education—Mediating and adjudicating by grading numbers
Authors: Hasselbladh Hans , Bejerot Eva 
Published: August 2019

AbstractEducational reforms are attempts to transform and reconstitute conceptions of knowledge, the practice of teaching and the forms of subjectivity associated with being a teacher, pupil, and parent. We will investigate a particular aspect of the extensive changes that have swept across the landscape of Swedish education over the last decades. We will show how the grading system has come to fulfill a mediating role between progressivist educational ideas and neo‐liberal notions of individual choice and entrepreneurship, by way of adjudicating and mediating educational performance for individual pupils, schools, and the education system at large. The aggregated output of the grading system is used for instrumental purposes such as performance management, quality management, and bench marking in the school system. Grading and its associated practices extend throughout the entire school system, defining success and failure from individual classrooms to the national level as the dominant form of representing school performance. The grading system was initially intended to reshape the inner workings of education in Sweden but subsequently became the “gold standard” deployed in various managerial practices. Our analysis demonstrate the performative powers when seemingly innocent techniques are put to use in public sector reforms and new worlds are made and unmade by complex constellations of seemingly mundane techniques and ideational frameworks.
Different determinants of radiation use efficiency in cold and temperate forests
Authors: Balzarolo Manuela , Valdameri Nadia , Fu Yongshuo H. , Schepers Lennert , Janssens Ivan A. , Campioli Matteo 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAimTo verify which vegetation and environmental factors are the most important in determining the spatial and temporal variability of average and maximum values of radiation use efficiency (RUEann and RUEmax, respectively) of cold and temperate forests.LocationForty‐eight cold and temperate forests distributed across the Northern Hemisphere.Major taxa studiedEvergreen and deciduous trees.Time period2000–2011.MethodsWe analysed the impact of 17 factors as potential determinants of mean RUE (at 8 days interval, annual and interannual level) and RUEmax (at annual and interannual level) in cold and temperate forests by using linear regression and random forests models.ResultsMean annual RUE (RUEann, c. 1.1 gC/MJ) and RUEmax (c. 0.8 gC/MJ) did not differ between cold and temperate forests. However, for cold forests, RUEann was affected by temperature‐related variables, while for temperate forests RUEann was affected by drought‐related variables. Leaf area index (LAI) was important for both forest types, while N deposition only for cold forests and cloud cover only for temperate forest. RUEmax of cold forests was mainly driven by N deposition and LAI, whereas for temperate forests only a weak relationship between RUEmax and CO2 concentration was found. Short‐term variability of RUE was strongly related to the meteorological variables and varied during the season and was stronger in summer than spring or autumn. Interannual variability of RUEann and RUEmax was only weakly related to the interannual variability of the environmental drivers.Main conclusionsCold and temperate forests show different relationships with the environment and vegetation properties. Among the RUE drivers observed, the least anticipated was N deposition. RUE is strongly related to short‐term and seasonal changes in meteorological variables among seasons and among sites. Our results should be considered in the formulation of climate zone‐specific tools for remote sensing and global models.
Graded evolution of anisotropic microstructure during sintering from crystal‐oriented powder compact
Authors: Baba Shoko , Maître Alexandre , Pradeilles Nicolas , Antou Guy , Saito Nobuo , Tanaka Satoshi 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAnisotropic sintering, including shrinkage and grain growth, was examined for c‐axis‐oriented (Sr,Ca)2NaNb5O15 (SCNN) ceramics, which were prepared by colloidal processing under a magnetic field. In the c‐axis‐oriented SCNN powder compact, shrinkage and grain growth along the c‐axis were higher than those along the a‐axis. The anisotropic microstructural development was clearly associated with anisotropic sintering shrinkage. X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy back scattering diffraction showed that the grain growth of oriented particles by including random grains contribute to the development of the oriented microstructure. Finally, the highly crystal‐oriented SCNN ceramics with a densified microstructure were obtained through anisotropic sintering. These results clearly showed the potential to develop a well‐defined anisotropic microstructure during sintering by designing and controlling the particle packing structure in a powder compact.