bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Diabetes Unmet Need with Basal Insulin Evaluation (DUNE) study in type 2 diabetes: Achieving HbA1c targets with basal insulin in a real‐world setting
Authors: Meneghini Luigi F. , Mauricio Didac , Orsi Emanuela , Lalic Nebojsa M. , Cali Anna M.G. , Westerbacka Jukka , Stella Peter , Candelas, DEA Christophe , Pilorget Valerie , Perfetti Riccardo , Khunti Kamlesh ,   on behalf of the DUNE investigators
Published: February 2019

AimsTo describe in a real‐world setting the achievement of physician‐selected individualized HbA1c targets in individuals with type 2 diabetes, newly or recently initiated with basal insulin, and the association of hypoglycaemia with target achievement.Materials and methodsA 12‐week, prospective, single‐arm, observational study of adults with type 2 diabetes, either newly initiated with any basal insulin or start on basal insulin within the preceding 12 months. At enrollment, eligible participants from 28 countries were treated with or without oral antihyperglycaemic drugs and/or GLP‐1 receptor agonists.ResultsIndividualized targets for almost all of the 3139 evaluable participants (99.7%) had been set by their physicians, with 57% of participants having HbA1c targets between 7.0% and <7.5% (53 and <58 mmol/mol). By week 12, 28% and 27% of newly and previously initiated participants, respectively, achieved individualized HbA1c targets with modest average increases in daily insulin dose of 9 and 5 U (0.10 and 0.06 U/kg), respectively, from baseline (14 and 23 U [0.17 and 0.29 U/kg], respectively). Overall, 16% of participants experienced at least one episode of hypoglycaemia. Both the incidence and frequency of hypoglycaemia, but not the severity, were positively associated with a higher likelihood of achieving individualized HbA1c targets (P < 0.05).ConclusionsIn this prospective real‐world study, most participants using basal insulin did not achieve the individualized HbA1c targets set by their physicians. Participants who experienced symptomatic hypoglycaemia were more likely to achieve HbA1c targets than those who did not.
Congenital myopathy‐related mutations in tropomyosin disrupt regulatory function through altered actin affinity and tropomodulin binding
Authors: Moraczewska Joanna , Robaszkiewicz Katarzyna , Śliwinska Małgorzata , Czajkowska Marta , Ly Thu , Kostyukova Alla , Wen Han , Zheng Wenjun 
Published: February 2019

Tropomyosin (Tpm) binds along actin filaments and regulates myosin binding to control muscle contraction. Tropomodulin binds to the pointed end of a filament and regulates actin dynamics, which maintains the length of a thin filament. To define the structural determinants of these Tpm functions, we examined the effects of two congenital myopathy mutations, A4V and R91C, in the Tpm gene, TPM3, which encodes the Tpm3.12 isoform, specific for slow‐twitch muscle fibers. Mutation A4V is located in the tropomodulin‐binding, N‐terminal region of Tpm3.12. R91C is located in the actin‐binding period 3 and directly interacts with actin. The A4V and R91C mutations resulted in a 2.5‐fold reduced affinity of Tpm3.12 homodimers for F‐actin in the absence and presence of troponin, and a two‐fold decrease in actomyosin ATPase activation in the presence of Ca2+. Actomyosin ATPase inhibition in the absence of Ca2+ was not affected. The Ca2+ sensitivity of ATPase activity was decreased by R91C, but not by A4V. In vitro, R91C altered the ability of tropomodulin 1 (Tmod1) to inhibit actin polymerization at the pointed end of the filaments, which correlated with the reduced affinity of Tpm3.12‐R91C for Tmod1. Molecular dynamics simulations of Tpm3.12 in complex with F‐actin suggested that both mutations reduce the affinity of Tpm3.12 for F‐actin binding by perturbing the van der Waals energy, which may be attributable to two different molecular mechanisms—a reduced flexibility of Tpm3.12‐R91C and an increased flexibility of Tpm3.12‐A4V.
Global temporal patterns in plant nutrient resorption plasticity
Authors: Drenovsky Rebecca E. , Pietrasiak Nicole , Short Thomas H. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAimLeaf nutrient resorption is a key nutrient conservation trait, which also influences nutrient cycling rates and pools. Most global biogeochemical models assume that resorption is non‐varying at a temporal scale. However, this trait can differ substantially within populations among years. We assessed the commonality of attaining proficient resorption, the factors associated with proficient resorption, as well as the variability of this trait and the factors controlling trait variability.LocationGlobal.Time period1965–2009.Major taxa studiedPlants.MethodsWe compiled multi‐year nutrient resorption data from the literature, representing 50 studies, 94 unique study locations, and 141 species from 53 families and 29 orders. We used multiple linear regression to relate resorption data, as well as the variability in this trait, expressed as the coefficient of variation, to environmental factors.ResultsResource availability was a key driver of resorption, with nutrient‐poor soils associated with more complete resorption and lower resorption plasticity. Nitrogen and phosphorus resorption differentially responded to some drivers, such as leaf habit, soil order and mycorrhizal status.Main conclusionsOverall, environmental and biological factors representing a strong selective force for nutrient conservation, such as nutrient‐poor soil orders, semi‐arid soil moisture regimes, or lack of plant mutualists, were associated with complete resorption, whereas incomplete resorption was associated with weak selective forces, such as nutrient‐rich soil orders, or factors impeding this physiological process (e.g., drought). Inter‐annual variability in resorption was common, particularly for phosphorus. This plasticity has implications for ecosystem nutrient cycling and plant productivity, and accounting for this plasticity in dynamic models of nutrient cycling will improve predictions of nutrient limitations and productivity under future climate conditions.
Spontaneous, anecdotal, retrospective, open-label study on the efficacy, safety and tolerability of cannabis galenical preparation (Bedrocan)
Authors: Palmieri Beniamino , Laurino Carmen , Vadalà Maria 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Objectives
Our main aim was to investigate the short-term therapeutic effects, safety/tolerability and potential side effects of the cannabis galenical preparation (Bedrocan) in patients with a range of chronic conditions unresponsive to other treatments.

Methods
In this retrospective, ‘compassionate use’, observational, open-label study, 20 patients (age 18–80 years) who had appealed to our ‘Second Opinion Medical Consulting Network’ (Modena, Italy), were instructed to take sublingually the galenical oil twice a day for 3 months of treatment. The usual starting dose was low (0.5 ml/day) and gradually titrated upward to the highest recommended dose (1 ml/day). Tolerability and adverse effects were assessed at baseline and monthly thereafter during the treatment period through direct contact (email or telephone) or visit if required. Patients’ quality of life was evaluated at baseline and 3 months using the medical outcome short-form health survey questionnaire (SF-36).

Key findings
From baseline to 6 months post-treatment, SF-36 scores showed: reductions in total pain (P &lt; 0.03); improvements in the physical component (P &lt; 0.02); vitality (P &lt; 0.03); social role functioning (P &lt; 0.02); and general health state (P &lt; 0.02). No changes in role limitations (P = 0.02) due to emotional state (e.g. panic, depression, mood alteration) were reported. Monthly reports of psychoactive adverse effects showed significant insomnia reduction (P &lt; 0.03) and improvement in mood (P &lt; 0.03) and concentration (P &lt; 0.01).

Conclusions
These data suggest that a cannabis galenical preparation may be therapeutically effective and safe for the symptomatic treatment of some chronic diseases. Further studies on the efficacy of cannabis as well as cannabinoid system involvement in the pathophysiology are warranted.
A left common pulmonary vein: Anatomical variant predicting good outcomes of repeat catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Xu Buyun , Xing Yangbo , Xu Chao , Peng Fang , Sun Yong , Wang Shengkai , Guo Hangyuan 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIntroductionA left common pulmonary vein (LCPV) is a common anatomical variant in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Whether an LCPV influences outcomes of repeated radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for AF has not been elucidated.MethodsFrom a prospectively collected database, we enrolled 154 patients who received repeated RFCA for recurrent AF after the initial RFCA (56 ± 9 years, 72% paroxysmal AF, 32 patients with an LCPV, and 122 patients with typical left‐sided pulmonary veins [PVs]). Median postprocedural follow‐up was 26 months. The primary outcome was an episode of AF, atrial tachyarrhythmia, or atrial flutter lasting for more than 30 seconds, after the 3 months blanking period following the repeated procedure.ResultsAfter the follow‐up period, 75 patients suffered recurrence after repeated ablation. In the Kaplan‐Meier analysis, an LCPV was significantly associated with less recurrence (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.39; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.28‐0.79; P = 0.005). In subgroup analysis, the significant association persisted in paroxysmal AF patients. Regarding persistent AF patients, an LCPV tended to be associated with less recurrence with no statistical significance (HR: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.20‐1.03;
P = 0.067). In multivariate analyses, an LCPV still independently predicted freedom from recurrence (HR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.22‐0.88;
P = 0.02).ConclusionCompared with typical left‐sided PVs, an LCPV was independently associated with better outcomes after repeated RFCA of AF, particularly in patients with paroxysmal AF.
The clinical impact of the left atrial posterior wall lesion formation by the cryoballoon application for persistent atrial fibrillation: Feasibility and clinical implications
Authors: Nishimura Takuro , Yamauchi Yasuteru , Aoyagi Hideshi , Tsuchiya Yusuke , Shigeta Takatoshi , Nakamura Rena , Yamashita Mitsumi , Asano Mitsutoshi , Nakamura Tomofumi , Suzuki Hidetoshi , Shimura Tsukasa , Kurabayashi Manabu , Keida Takehiko , Sasano Tetsuo , Hirao Kenzo , Okishige Kaoru 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIntroductionThe left atrial (LA) posterior wall (LAPW) has been targeted to improve the clinical outcomes in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (PersAF). This study aimed to investigate the feasibility, safety, and clinical implications of cryoballoon (CB) applications on the LAPW to accomplish electrical isolation (EI) of the LAPW with CB.MethodsA total of 100 patients (males, 84; mean age, 64 ± 10 years) with PersAF were enrolled. The first 50 patients underwent only pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) (PVI‐only group) and the remaining 50 patients underwent PVI and EI of the LAPW with CB (EI‐LAPW group).ResultsOne‐year sinus rhythm maintenance probability was significantly higher in the EI‐LAPW group than in PVI‐only group (80.0% vs 55.1%, P = 0.01). The success rate of constructing an LA roof block line (LA‐RB), bottom block line, and EI of the LAPW was 92%, 60%, and 58%, respectively. The nadir CB temperature (−45°C ± 4°C vs −39°C ± 5°C,
P = 0.005) and anatomical angle of the left atrial roof (106°C ± 30°C vs 144°C ± 17°C,
P < 0.001) significantly predicted the successful LA‐RB construction. The left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly higher in unsuccessful cases than in successful cases of an EI of the LAPW (64% ± 8% vs 58% ± 11%,
P = 0.041). Even though the EI of the LAPW was unsuccessful, CB freezing in LAPW significantly debulked the nonscar area (≥0.1 mV) in LAPW (18.1 ± 5.6 vs 2.2 ± 3.1 cm
2,
P < 0.001) and provided the equivalent 1‐year outcome of successful cases (79.3% vs 81.0%,
P = 0.90).ConclusionThe combination of PVI and EI of the LAPW with CB provided better clinical outcomes than conventional PVI procedure for patients with PersAF.
Periodontal health: A national cross‐sectional study of knowledge, attitudes and practices for the public oral health strategy in China
Authors: Zhao Qian , Wang Shi‐Bin , Xu Guodong , Song Yiqing , Han Xiaozhe , Liu Zhiqiang , Zhou Xuan , Zhang Tianyi , Huang Kewu , Yang Ting , Lin Yingxiang , Wu Sinan , Wang Zuomin , Wang Chen 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAimTo assess the status of periodontal health knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) among Chinese adults.Materials and MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted in a nationally representative sample of adults (N = 50,991) aged 20 years or older from ten provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities. Percentages of Chinese adults with correct periodontal knowledge, positive periodontal attitudes, and practices were estimated. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to examine the related factors.ResultsLess than 20% of Chinese adults were knowledgeable about periodontal disease. Very few (2.6%) of Chinese adults use dental floss ≥once a day and undergo scaling ≥once a year and visit a dentist (6.4%) in the case of gingival bleeding. Periodontal health KAP was associated with gender, age, body mass index, marital status, place of residence, education level, income, smoking status, and history of periodontal disease.ConclusionsPeriodontal health KAP are generally poor among the Chinese adult population. Community‐based health strategies to improve periodontal health KAP need to be implemented. Increasing knowledge of periodontal disease, the cultivation of correct practices in response to gingival bleeding, and the development of good habits concerning the use of dental floss and regular scaling should be public oral health priorities.
Psoriasis and skin pain: real‐life effectiveness of calcipotriol plus betamethasone dipropionate in aerosol foam formulation
Authors: Gallo L. , Megna M. , Cirillo T. , Caterino P. , Lodi G. , Mozzillo R. , Dente V. , Balato A. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackground/objectiveAlthough 40% of psoriasis patients reported skin pain, this symptom is often underestimated. A new formula of calcipotriol plus betamethasone dipropionate (Cal/BD) has been recently approved for psoriasis treatment. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Cal/BD aerosol foam on skin pain of patients with plaque psoriasis.MethodsA real‐life 4‐week prospective, open study on Cal/BD aerosol foam (not compared to vehicle or emollient cream) was performed in adult psoriasis patients attending three Dermatology units located in Campania region, Italy, between March and October 2018. Inclusion criteria were a history of skin pain over the last week and psoriatic involvement of the palmar area. Before (t0) and after a course of once daily application of Cal/BD aerosol foam for 4 weeks (t1), the following items were evaluated: Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), Physician Global Assessment (PGA) index of target plaque on palmar region, subjective skin pain features through Pain Qualities Assessment Scale questionnaire and skin pain threshold measured by pressure digital algometer at palmar psoriatic plaques.ResultsSeventy‐five patients (43 male, mean age of 43.2 years) were enrolled. After 4 weeks of therapy with Cal/BD aerosol foam, a significant improvement in both PASI (mean: 6.5 ± 2.1 at t0 vs. 2.3 ± 1.6 at t1) and palmar plaques PGA (mean: 3.6 at t0 vs. 1.7 at t1) was observed (P < 0.001). The mean intensity score of skin pain decreased from 7.6 to 1.3 (P < 0.001); among skin pain qualities, intense, sensible, aching and unpleasant showed the highest rate of reduction (t0–t1: 6.3, 6.3, 6.1 and 5.8, respectively). Pain threshold of palmar skin lesions increased at t1.ConclusionsOur real‐life study suggested that Cal/BD aerosol foam may represent a valid topical anti‐psoriatic treatment, not only improving skin lesions, but also relieving cutaneous pain, thus contributing to ameliorate patients' quality of life.
Investigation of the utility of Curcuma caesia in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Grover Madhuri , Shah Karan , Khullar Gaurav , Gupta Jyoti , Behl Tapan 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Objectives
Curcuma caesia has shown positive results in treating number of diseases, but till date no work was reported on its activity in diabetic neuropathy. So, the present review aims at exploring several hypothesis which can be proposed to explain further its utility in diabetic neuropathy by its antioxidant property, anti-inflammatory, CNS depressant effect, antibacterial and antifungal property. For finding the accurate and exact detail, a thorough review of all the available research and review article was done. A number of book chapters and encyclopaedias were taken into consideration to find out the origin, botany and genetics. The databases were searched using different keywords like antioxidant, inflammation, turmeric, diabetic neuropathy.

Key findings
After getting data on pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy, it has been found out that its role as antioxidant will reduce the level of oxidative stress which is the main reason for the occurrence of the present complication. Apart this, the anti-inflammatory activity will further prevent the inflammation of neurons and antibacterial effect will inhibit the spread of infection. Combining all the factors together, the plant can be utilized in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy.

Summary
Curcuma caesia can be proved as a useful approach in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy.
Adolescents' Agentic Work on Developing Personal Pedagogies on Social Media
Authors: Tan Lynde , Kim Beaumie 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWhile current research points out that young people are developing emerging culture of learning in informal spaces, less is known about such digital literacy practices in the Asian contexts where the notion of literacy tends to refer to school literacy. Research on young people's online participatory culture continues to suggest that social media offer affinity spaces where extensive knowledge is acquired, constructed and produced outside of schools. In this paper, we use two case studies on social media as illustrative examples to understand how adolescents shape their learning online. We aim to contribute to the ongoing dialectics on social media and learning by examining how adolescents exhibit agency online. We argue that social media such as Facebook offer high learner agency environments for adolescents to participate in self‐initiated enterprise and allow them to develop personal trajectories for learning. The case studies presented in this paper suggested that the adolescents' pursuit of their passions on online affinity spaces gave rise to intellectual friendships and the development of personal pedagogies.
Global Ambitions: Evidence, Scale, and Child Well‐being in El Salvador
Authors: Matza Tomas 
Published: February 2019

AbstractExperimental design and metrics have become increasingly common in international assistance, as donor agencies have demanded rigorous forms of evaluation and monitoring. This article contributes to debates about the effects of an “evidence‐based turn” on interventions and recipients by exploring two questions: What constitutes evidence when it comes to everyday practices of aid at global scales? How are the goals of assistance affected? The article draws on collaborative research with an NGO and a group of social scientists who seek to improve child well‐being in El Salvador. It shows how evidence‐making was polysemic and costly, ultimately impacting the NGO's planned intervention. This outcome, I argue, was not a matter of poor planning, but reflects structural, evidence‐making demands placed on global assistance at this historical conjuncture. Discussions among stakeholders about the trade‐offs between evidence‐making and assistance is a possible future route through the challenges described in this article.
Conflicting selection on floral scent emission in the orchid Gymnadenia conopsea
Authors: Chapurlat Elodie , Ågren Jon , Anderson Joseph , Friberg Magne , Sletvold Nina 
Published: February 2019

Summary

Floral scent is a crucial trait for pollinator attraction. Yet only a handful of studies have estimated selection on scent in natural populations and no study has quantified the relative importance of pollinators and other agents of selection.

In the fragrant orchid Gymnadenia conopsea, we used electroantennographic data to identify floral scent compounds detected by local pollinators and quantified pollinator‐mediated selection on emission rates of 10 target compounds as well as on flowering start, visual display and spur length.

Nocturnal pollinators contributed more to reproductive success than diurnal pollinators, but there was significant pollinator‐mediated selection on both diurnal and nocturnal scent emission. Pollinators selected for increased emission of two compounds and reduced emission of two other compounds, none of which were major constituents of the total bouquet. In three cases, pollinator‐mediated selection was opposed by nonpollinator‐mediated selection, leading to weaker or no detectable net selection.

Our study demonstrates that minor scent compounds can be targets of selection, that pollinators do not necessarily favour stronger scent signalling, and that some scent compounds are subject to conflicting selection from pollinators and other agents of selection. Hence, including floral scent traits into selection analysis is important for understanding the mechanisms behind floral evolution.
Metabolic responses to potassium availability and waterlogging reshape respiration and carbon use efficiency in oil palm
Authors: Cui Jing , Davanture Marlène , Zivy Michel , Lamade Emmanuelle , Tcherkez Guillaume 
Published: February 2019

Summary

Oil palm is by far the major oil‐producing crop on the global scale, with c. 62 Mt oil produced each year. This species is a strong potassium (K)‐demanding species cultivated in regions where soil K availability is generally low and waterlogging due to tropical heavy rains can limit further nutrient absorption. However, the metabolic effects of K and waterlogging have never been assessed precisely.

Here, we examined the metabolic response of oil palm saplings in the glasshouse under controlled conditions (nutrient composition with low or high K availability, with or without waterlogging), using gas exchange, metabolomics and proteomics analyses.

Our results showed that both low K and waterlogging have a detrimental effect on photosynthesis but stimulate leaf respiration, with differential accumulation of typical metabolic intermediates and enzymes of Krebs cycle and alternative catabolic pathways. In addition, we found a strong relationship between metabolic composition, the rate of leaf dark respiration, and cumulated respiratory loss.

Advert environmental conditions (here, low K and waterlogging) therefore have an enormous effect on respiration in oil palm. Leaf metabolome and proteome appear to be good predictors of carbon balance, and open avenues for cultivation biomonitoring using functional genomics technologies.