bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of linagliptin as add‐on therapy to basal insulin and metformin in people with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Durán‐Garcia S. , Lee J. , Yki‐Järvinen H. , Rosenstock J. , Hehnke U. , Thiemann S. , Patel S. , Woerle H.‐J. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAimTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of linagliptin in people with Type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on basal insulin and metformin.MethodsThis was a post hoc subanalysis of participants who received basal insulin and metformin in a global phase III study that randomized participants (1:1) to receive linagliptin 5 mg once daily or placebo for ≥52 weeks as add‐on therapy to basal insulin alone or in combination with metformin and/or pioglitazone. During the first 24 weeks, the background dose of basal insulin remained stable; thereafter, adjustments based on glucose concentrations were recommended. The primary endpoint of the subanalysis was the change from baseline in HbA1c after 24 weeks. The safety analysis incorporated data up to a maximum of 110 weeks.ResultsA total of 950 participants receiving background insulin and metformin were included in this subanalysis (linagliptin and placebo, both n = 475). At week 24, the placebo‐corrected adjusted mean (±se) change from baseline in HbA1c with linagliptin was –7 (±1) mmol/mol [–0.7 (±0.1) %; 95% CI –0.8, –0.6; P < 0.0001]. The overall frequency of drug‐related adverse events (linagliptin, 18.9%; placebo, 21.9%) and investigator‐reported hypoglycaemia (linagliptin, 30.7%; placebo, 31.6%) were similar in both groups at the end of treatment. The frequency of severe hypoglycaemia was low (linagliptin, 1.7%; placebo, 0.8%). No meaningful changes in mean (±sd) body weight were noted in either group [week 52: linagliptin, –0.5 (±3.2) kg; placebo, 0.0 (±3.1) kg].ConclusionsLinagliptin added to basal insulin and metformin improved glycaemic control, without increasing the risk of hypoglycaemia or body weight gain.
Carotid stenosis and cognitive impairment amongst older Chinese adults living in a rural area: a population‐based study
Authors: Yan Z. , Liang Y. , Shi J. , Cai C. , Jiang H. , Song A. , Qiu C. 
Published: November 2015

Background and purposeThe possible association between carotid stenosis and cognitive impairment in the Chinese population has been rarely investigated. The association between the severity of carotid stenosis and cognitive impairment amongst older Chinese people living in a rural area was assessed.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study included 1375 participants (age ≥60 years) from the Confucius Hometown Aging Project in Shandong. In 2010–2011, data were collected through interviews and clinical examinations. Carotid stenosis was assessed using ultrasonography. Cognitive impairment was defined according to the education‐specific cutoff scores of the Mini‐Mental State Examination. Data were analyzed using multinomial logistic models.ResultsThe overall prevalence was 7.0% for moderate carotid stenosis, 2.0% for severe stenosis and 6.0% for cognitive impairment. The multi‐adjusted odds ratio of cognitive impairment was 1.43 (95% confidence interval 0.63–3.22) for moderate carotid stenosis and 3.75 (1.24–11.40) for severe carotid stenosis (Ptrend = 0.023). Similar results were obtained in people without a history of cerebrovascular disease.ConclusionsSevere carotid stenosis, even asymptomatic, is associated with cognitive impairment independent of atherosclerotic risk factors and disorders amongst older Chinese people.
Pharmacokinetics, safety and tolerability of the novel, selective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist finerenone – results from first‐in‐man and relative bioavailability studies
Authors: Lentini Silvia , Heinig Roland , Kimmeskamp‐Kirschbaum Nina , Wensing Georg 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of the selective nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist finerenone were evaluated in healthy male volunteers in two randomized, single‐centre studies. Study 1 was a first‐in‐man, single‐blinded, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group, dose‐escalation study. Fasted participants (n = 45) received single oral doses of finerenone 1–40 mg polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution or placebo. Study 2 was a relative bioavailability study comparing a finerenone 10 mg immediate‐release (IR) tablet with finerenone 10 mg PEG solution in the fasted state, investigating the effect of a high‐fat/high‐calorie meal on the pharmacokinetics of the IR tablet and assessing a further dose escalation to finerenone 80 mg (eight × finerenone 10 mg IR tablets), in an open‐label, fourfold crossover design (n = 15). Finerenone was rapidly absorbed from PEG solution (median time to maximum plasma concentration [tmax]: 0.500–1.00 h), exhibited dose‐linear pharmacokinetics and was rapidly eliminated from plasma (geometric mean terminal half‐life [t½]: 1.70–2.83 h). Finerenone IR tablets demonstrated similar pharmacokinetics (median tmax: 0.750–2.50 h; geometric mean t½: 1.89–4.29 h) with, however, enhanced bioavailability versus PEG solution (least‐squares mean tablet/solution ratio of 187% for area under the plasma–concentration curve [AUC] and maximum plasma concentration [Cmax]). High‐fat/high‐calorie food affected the rate but not the extent of finerenone absorption. Finerenone was well tolerated and did not influence clinical laboratory parameters, blood pressure, heart rate, urinary electrolytes or neurohormones, including serum aldosterone and angiotensin II. In conclusion, finerenone has favourable pharmacokinetics and tolerability in healthy men, and is suitable for dosing independent of food intake.
Development of a patient‐centred conceptual framework of health‐related quality of life in neuromyelitis optica: a qualitative study
Authors: Methley Abigail M. , Mutch Kerry , Moore Perry , Jacob Anu 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackgroundNeuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an auto‐immune disease that can cause severe visual and mobility impairments. Research on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in NMO is scarce, limiting knowledge on factors influencing HRQoL and support needs.AimThis study provides the first qualitative exploration of HRQoL in NMO, conducted to provide a conceptual framework for the development of an NMO patient‐reported outcome measure.MethodFifteen people with NMO (aged 18–74; 11 women, 4 men) participated in semi‐structured interviews; data were analysed using constant comparative analysis.ResultsHRQoL in NMO is a multifaceted concept incorporating highly subjective perceptions of normality and meaning. Four major themes were identified: impact of physical symptoms on daily living, utilizing support to achieve independence, expectations for life and meaningful roles in life and purpose.DiscussionThemes highlighted the importance of perceived normality, and its relationship to attaining life goals comparable to peers, as underpinning evaluations of HRQoL. Many people with severe disability reported a high HRQoL, suggesting the inappropriateness of assuming a negative HRQoL on the basis of an individual's neurological impairment.ConclusionsThese findings further the conceptual understanding of HRQoL in NMO, informing patient‐care approaches and the development of an NMO‐specific patient‐reported outcome measure.
Regional challenges: evaluation of a hepatitis outreach programme using transient elastography (FibroScan) in Victoria
Authors: Thurnheer M. C. , Schulz T. R. , Nguyen T. , MacLachlan J. , Sasadeusz J. 
Published: November 2015

BackgroundEvaluation of an outreach programme using a mobile transient elastography (TE) device (FibroScan) to improve liver disease assessment in different clinical settings.AimsTo evaluate a programme of liver fibrosis assessment by TE and to compare fibrosis scores between different sites and patient groups.MethodsProspective cohort study. TE was conducted at a tertiary hospital and during outreach clinics in three different settings: community clinics, clinics for people who use drugs (PWUD) and regional clinics in rural Victoria. All patients referred for TE at the participating locations were eligible during the study period.ResultsA total of 200 of 623 patients was assessed and evaluated during outreach sessions (regional 100; PWUD 18; community 82). While the majority of patients in community centres were infected with hepatitis B (68%), most patients in regional clinics and in PWUD settings had hepatitis C virus (HCV) (81 and 100%, respectively). Significantly more patients assessed at regional clinics and PWUD settings presented with severe fibrosis (F3‐F4, F4): regional clinics 39%; PWUD 31%; tertiary 11%; community 7%, (P <0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that older age, alcohol consumption, male sex, increased alanine transferase levels, HCV infection and importantly, evaluation at regional sites were independently associated with severe fibrosis.ConclusionsA TE‐based outreach programme allows for assessment of liver fibrosis in varied and regional populations. The finding that patients in regional settings and PWUD presented with more advanced fibrosis should prompt improvements in healthcare to improve access for these populations.
Production mondialisée et progrès social: le cas du textile et de l'habillement
Authors: GIMET Céline , GUILHON Bernard , ROUX Nathalie 
Published: November 2015

RésuméLa fragmentation de la production au sein de réseaux mondiaux n'obéit pas seulement à l'avantage comparatif, mais aussi aux décisions de localisation des entreprises dominantes en fonction de la capacité de négociation des producteurs locaux et du rôle qu'elles leur assignent dans la chaîne de production. Les auteurs examinent les conséquences de cette spécialisation dans le textile et l'habillement, pour vingt‐six pays où l'offre de main‐d'œuvre est abondante, sur la période 1990–2007. L'étude économétrique montre que le secteur ne tire pas toujours bénéfice de l'intégration commerciale: on observe plutôt une association négative entre spécialisation verticale et salaires réels.
Informality in a micro economy: Measurement, composition and consequences
Authors: BESIM Mustafa , EKICI Tufan , JENKINS Glenn P. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThis article measures the extent of – and unrecorded income generated by – informal employment in a micro economy characterized by poor governance. Household survey and census data are used to estimate the number of informal workers in Northern Cyprus and analyse the characteristics of informal employment, for the period 2004–11. Informal workers are mostly comprised of citizens with no social security registration, illegally employed immigrants or second‐job holders who have not registered their second jobs. In terms of value added, the estimated size of the informal economy is 9.1 per cent and 12.2 per cent of GNP in 2006 and 2011, respectively.
The Postcolonial has Moved into Europe: Bordering, Security and Ethno‐Cultural Belonging
Authors: Kinnvall Catarina 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe legacy of European colonialisms and nationalisms has conditioned immigration and citizenship policies that inform the postcolonial move into Europe. This article questions the assumptions that undergird conceptions of boundary, territory and ethno‐cultural belonging in the constitution of Europe. In particular, it emphasizes how Europe and European integration must be read within the context of postcolonial globalization, migration and ethnicity in which the concept of postcolonialism is important not only for understanding how the idea of Europe was transferred to postcolonial societies, but also for arguing that colonialism never left Europe unaffected and is still part of European reality. Reading Europe and European integration through a postcolonial lens means taking seriously the challenges involved in the re‐assertion of national identities. It also provides a novel attempt to conceptualize the current economic crisis as being as much about contesting (national) narratives of economic transformations as of contrasting material developments and processes.
The dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor vildagliptin suppresses development of neuropathy in diabetic rodents: effects on peripheral sensory nerve function, structure and molecular changes
Authors: Tsuboi Kentaro , Mizukami Hiroki , Inaba Wataru , Baba Masayuki , Yagihashi Soroku 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIncretin‐related therapy was found to be beneficial for experimental diabetic neuropathy, but its mechanism is obscure. The purpose of this study is to explore the mechanism through which dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor, vildagliptin (VG), influences neuropathy in diabetic rodents. To this end, non‐obese type 2 diabetic Goto‐Kakizaki rats (GK) and streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic mice were treated with VG orally. Neuropathy was evaluated by nerve conduction velocity (NCV) in both GK and STZ‐diabetic mice, whereas calcitonin‐gene‐related peptide expressions, neuronal cell size of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and intraepidermal nerve fiber density were examined in GK. DRG from GK and STZ‐diabetic mice served for the analyses of GLP‐1 and insulin signaling. As results, VG treatment improved glucose intolerance and increased serum insulin and GLP‐1 in GK accompanied by the amelioration of delayed NCV and neuronal atrophy, reduced calcitonin‐gene‐related peptide expressions and intraepidermal nerve fiber density. Diet restriction alone did not significantly influence these measures. Impaired GLP‐1 signals such as cAMP response element binding protein, protein kinase B/Akt (PKB/Akt) and S6RP in DRG of GK were restored in VG‐treated group, but the effect was equivocal in diet‐treated GK. Concurrently, decreased phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 2 in GK was corrected by VG treatment. Consistent with the effect on GK, VG treatment improved NCV in diabetic mice without influence on hyperglycemia. DRG of VG‐treated diabetic mice were characterized by correction of GLP‐1 signals and insulin receptor substrate 2 phosphorylation without effects on insulin receptor β expression. The results suggest close association of neuropathy development with impaired signaling of insulin and GLP‐1 in diabetic rodents.
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Diabetic neurons are resistant to insulin and such insulin resistance may contribute to development of neuropathy. DPP‐IV inhibitor, vildagliptin, corrected insulin resistance and improved neuropathy irrespective of blood glucose via augmented action of GLP‐1.
Effects of Light Color on Consumers’ Acceptability and Willingness to Eat Apples and Bell Peppers
Authors: Yang Famous Lue , Cho Sungeun , Seo Han‐Seok 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThis study aimed to determine whether ambient light colors affect consumers’ willingness to eat, sensory perceptions and hedonic impressions of foods. Sliced apples and red bell peppers were presented under five different colors of light: white, yellow, green, blue and red, respectively. Participants were asked to observe the presented food under these colored lights, to rate their willingness to eat and liking of food appearance. After tasting, participants were asked to rate intensities of flavor and crispness and rate overall impression of the food. When the food samples were presented under white or yellow light rather than blue light, participants not only wanted to eat more, but also liked the foods more. Participants were especially more willing to eat apples under yellow light than under white light commonly experienced in daily life. Flavor intensity of apples was found to be lower under blue light than under yellow, white or red light; this trend was not observed in flavor intensity of bell peppers. Crispness intensities were not different among the five light‐color conditions. In conclusion, our findings support and extend the notion that light colors modulate consumers’ willingness to eat and their hedonic impressions of foods, especially apples and bell peppers.Practical ApplicationsAs multicolored light‐emitting diode bulbs have become popular, foods and drinks are often displayed under colored light in restaurants and retail stores. The results of this study will provide sensory scientists and food‐service professionals with valuable insights as to how their consumers will most likely behave under colored lights in a given dining establishment. In addition, based on findings that participants’ appetites were significantly higher for apples under yellow light than under white light, yellow light might be used as a tool for encouraging people to consume more apples in everyday life.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Chinese Isolate of Melon Necrotic Spot Virus and its Phylogenetic Relationship
Authors: Wu Hui‐jie , Wen Shao‐hua , Hong Ni , Veronica Truniger , Gu Qin‐sheng 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe full‐length nucleotide sequence and genomic organization of a melon necrotic spot virus isolate from Haimen, China (MNSV‐HM), were determined. The MNSV‐HM genome consists of a positive sense single‐stranded RNA, 4267 nt in length, with at least five open reading frames (ORFs) encoding p29, p89, p42, and two small 7‐kDa proteins (p7A and p7B). p89 shares a common start codon with p29 and continues through the amber stop codon of p29 to produce an 89‐kDa protein. The p7A ORF terminates in an amber codon whose read‐through could generate a 14‐kDa protein. Phylogenetic analyses based on the p42 amino acid sequence and complete genomic sequence placed MNSV‐HM and Spanish isolates of the virus in a major cluster, indicating a close genetic relationship. In conclusion, we report the full‐length sequence of MNSV‐HM and its translation strategy. The obtained genomic organization and phylogenetic trees indicate that MNSV‐HM belongs to the MNSV genus Carmovirus. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of the complete nucleotide sequence of an MNSV isolate from China.
Subjective parameters markedly limit the referral of transplantation candidates to liver transplant centres
Authors: Vidal‐Trécan Gwenaëlle , Kone Victoria , Pilette Christophe , Nousbaum Jean‐Baptiste , Doll Jacques , Buffet Catherine , Eugene Claude , Podevin Philippe , Boutet Olivier , Puyeo Jacques , Conti Filomena , Calmus Yvon 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackground & AimsEquality of access to organ transplantation is a mandatory public health requirement. Referral from a local to a university hospital and then registration on the national waiting list are the two key steps enabling access to liver transplantation (LT). Although the latter procedure is well defined using the Model for End‐stage Liver Disease score that improves equality of access, the former is mostly reliant on the practices of referring physicians. The aim of this study was to clarify the factors determining this initial step.MethodsThis observational study included consecutive inpatients with cirrhosis of whatever origin in a cohort constituted between 2003 and 2008, using medical records and structured questionnaires concerning patient characteristics and the opinions of hospital clinicians. Candidates for LT were defined in line with these opinions.ResultsFour hundred and thirty‐three patients, mostly affected by alcoholic cirrhosis, were included, 21.0% of whom were considered to be candidates for LT. Factors independently associated with their candidature were: physician empathy [odds ratio (OR) = 10.8; 95% CI: 4.0–29.5], adherence to treatment (OR = 16.6; 95% CI: 3.7–75.2), geographical area (OR = 6.8; 95% CI: 2.2–21.3) and the patient's physiological age (OR = 2.3; 95% CI: 1.1–4.7).ConclusionsSeveral subjective markers restrict the referral of patients from local hospitals to liver transplant centres. Their advancement to this second step is thus markedly weakened by initial subjectivity. The development of objective guidelines for local hospital physicians to assist them with their initial decision‐making on LT is now necessary.
Stochastic Tension‐Stiffening Approach for the Solution of Serviceability Problems in Reinforced Concrete: Exploration of Predictive Capacity
Authors: Gribniak Viktor , Mang Herbert Anton , Kupliauskas Rimantas , Kaklauskas Gintaris , Juozapaitis Algirdas 
Published: November 2015

AbstractDealing with short‐term deformations and the tension‐stiffening effect in reinforced concrete (RC), the current study consists of two parts as presented in two separate manuscripts. Based on the test data of more than 300 RC ties, alternative tension‐stiffening relationships of different complexity were proposed in the first article (Part I). In the companion manuscript (Part II), a stochastic modeling technique for assessing the deformation response of RC elements, subjected to different combinations of tension and flexure, is proposed. Based on stochastic principles, this technique allows not only to predict the average deformation response, but also to establish bounds of these predictions that are of vital importance for practical problems. The proposed technique is verified with the help of independent test data in order to validate the accuracy of the predictions of deformation, using the tension‐stiffening models proposed in Part I of the article. Test specimens with different arrangements of steel or GFRP bars in the tensile zone were considered. The analysis has revealed that the influence of the degree of sophistication of the tension‐stiffening models on the analysis results is smaller than the one of an adequate assessment of the shrinkage effect. The prediction accuracy is also related to the specific arrangement of reinforcement.
Influence of acute kidney injury on the time to complete remission in adult minimal change nephrotic syndrome: a single‐centre study
Authors: Komukai Daisuke , Hasegawa Takeshi , Kaneshima Nobuharu , Takayasu Mamiko , Sato Yoshinori , Hirose Makoto , Yoshimura Ashio 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAimAcute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication of minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS), particularly in adults. We evaluated the prevalence of AKI at the onset of adult MCNS and analyzed the influence of AKI on the duration of achieving complete remission (CR).MethodsA retrospective, single‐centre, dynamic cohort study was conducted with biopsy‐proven, first‐onset, adult MCNS patients treated with corticosteroids. Fifty‐three consecutive patients diagnosed with MCNS from January 2000 to April 2014 were enrolled. Age, gender, daily urinary protein excretion, and serum creatinine levels were measured. To evaluate AKI during induction, we used the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Clinical Practice Guidelines for AKI and judged AKI stage according to the fluctuations in serum creatinine levels during the first 4 weeks of starting corticosteroid therapy.ResultsTwenty patients (37.7%) met the AKI criteria and all 53 patients achieved CR within 1 year. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that the median time to CR was significantly longer in patients with AKI than in patients without AKI. Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that the hazard ratio (HR) associated with the presence of AKI for achieving CR within 4 weeks was 0.36 after adjustment for age, gender, serum albumin, daily urinary protein excretion, hypertension, administration of 25% albumin, and methylprednisolone pulse therapy. A graded association was also observed between AKI stage and HR for achieving CR.ConclusionsThe prevalence of AKI is high in adult patients with MCNS during induction therapy. AKI is an independent factor that delays the time to CR.