bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
All‐cause mortality and cardiovascular effects associated with the DPP‐IV inhibitor sitagliptin compared with metformin, a retrospective cohort study on the Danish population
Authors: Scheller N. M. , Mogensen U. M. , Andersson C. , Vaag A. , Torp‐Pedersen C. 
Published: August 2013

AimWe performed a retrospective cohort study, investigating the clinical outcomes including mortality and cardiovascular disease of sitagliptin compared with metformin monotherapies.MethodsAll patients receiving monotherapy with the dipeptidyl peptidase‐IV inhibitors (DPP‐IV) inhibitor sitagliptin between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2011 were identified. All‐cause mortality and a composite endpoint of stroke, acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and all‐cause mortality associated with sitagliptin monotherapy were compared with metformin monotherapy. In addition, as an indicator of efficacy we analysed the hazard ratio of changing treatment.ResultsA total of 84 756 patients were included in the analysis, 1228 (1.4%) received sitagliptin monotherapy whereas the remaining 83 528 (98.6%) patients received metformin monotherapy. Patients using metformin were younger than patients using sitagliptin (59.0 ± 15.2 vs. 62.5 ± 13.1) were less often male (51.6 vs. 54.2%) and had longer treatment duration with monotherapy (1.8 ± 1.3 vs. 0.9 ± 1.1 years). Compared with patients receiving metformin, patients using sitagliptin showed no statistically significant excess risks of all‐cause mortality [hazard ratio, 1.25; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.92–1.71; p = 0.153] or the composite endpoint (hazard ratio, 1.22; 95% CI, 0.92–1.61; p = 0.164). However, the use of sitagliptin monotherapy was associated with an increased likelihood of changing treatment (hazard ratio, 4.88; 95% CI, 4.46–5.35; p < 0.001).ConclusionIn a retrospective analysis, sitagliptin monotherapy compared with metformin monotherapy was not associated with any statistical significant increased risk of all‐cause mortality or the composite endpoint, but was associated with an increased likelihood of changing glucose‐lowering treatment.
The effect of antiobesity drugs on waist circumference: a mixed treatment comparison
Authors: Chilton M. , Dunkley A. , Carter P. , Davies M. J. , Khunti K. , Gray L. J. 
Published: August 2013

AimTo use meta‐analytic techniques to quantitatively evaluate the efficacy of orlistat and lorcaserin in the treatment of people who are overweight and obese.MethodsWe identified publications from searches of electronic databases and extracted data from studies that compared orlistat or lorcaserin to lifestyle advice (standard care), placebo, sibutramine, rimonabant or metformin and collected information on waist circumference change or withdrawals due to adverse events (AEs). A mixed treatment comparison (MTC) meta‐analysis was performed on the data extracted.ResultsOrlistat was found to be significantly better than placebo and standard care in reducing waist circumference at 6 and 12 months; orlistat reduced waist circumference by −6.96 cm [95% credible interval (CrI): −8.93, −4.96 cm] compared to standard care at 6 months. The results suggested that lorcaserin reduced waist circumference by a greater amount than all other interventions at 12 months, for example, lorcaserin lead to a greater reduction of −2.45 cm (95% CrI: −4.99, 0.08 cm) in comparison to placebo, although these differences were not statistically significant. Although data were very limited, metformin reduced waist circumference by a greater amount (−2.11 cm, 95% CI: −1.00, −3.22 cm) than orlistat at 6 months. On average, 6.5% of patients on orlistat and 5.4% of those on lorcaserin discontinued their treatment due to AEs at 12 months.ConclusionsOrlistat should be considered as an addition to lifestyle interventions in the treatment of obesity. Lorcaserin has recently been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and these results suggest that it is similar in both efficacy and safety compared to orlistat.
Species limits, quarantine risk and the intrigue of a polyphagous invasive pest with highly restricted host relationships in its area of invasion
Authors: Rafter Michelle A. , Hereward James P. , Walter Gimme H. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractScirtothrips aurantiiis a generalist horticultural pest in its native African range and recently established quite widely in Australia on the invasive succulent weedBryophyllum delagoense. Paradoxically, this thrips is not polyphagous in its incursive range. The issue is principally one of quarantine. Will the thrips in Australia shift, perhaps adaptively, to citrus, and should the primary focus be on containment aroundAustralian citrus, or does the real quarantine risk exist offshore with thrips present on citrus inAfrica? We examined the phylogenetic relationships betweenBryophyllum‐associated thrips populations in Australia and populations sampled from various host plant species inSouthAfrica (includingBryophyllum) using bothCO1 and 28s markers. Eight variable microsatellite markers were developed to assess the extent of gene flow between the thrips on different hosts inSouthAfrica. TheCOIphylogeny resolvedS. aurantiiinto three distinct clades with samples collected fromB. delagoensein South Africa and Australia representing a single clade, a second clade associated withGloriosalilies and the third with horticultural hosts. The microsatellite analysis confirmed that the populations associated with citrus andBryophyllumdo not hybridize with one another in sympatry. We conclude that the citrus‐damaging thrips are not currently present inAustralia and remain a serious quarantine concern in relation toAustralian horticulture.
Heart failure patients' descriptions of participation in structured home care
Authors: Näsström Lena M. , Idvall Ewa A‐C. , Strömberg Anna E. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundTo strengthen the patient's position in health care, patient participation has been decreed in policy documents and legalizations. For patients suffering from heart failure, self‐care is an important part of disease management and participation is crucial to succeed with this.ObjectiveTo examine how heart failure patients receiving structured home care described participation in the care.DesignQualitative study.Setting and participantsThirteen men and six women, aged between 63 and 90 years, were interviewed. The informants received structured home care at four home care units in Sweden. The interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis.ResultsFive categories with associated subcategories describing participation in care were identified: communication between patients and health‐care professionals (HCPs) including time and space for dialogue and exchange of care‐related information, accessibility to care through awareness of the plan for home visits or feasibility to initiate home visits, active involvement in care by engaging in self‐care and collaboration with HCPs, trustful relation with HCPs, with confidence in competence and individually adapted care, options for decision making, by making decisions or entrusting decisions.ConclusionsPatient participation could be strengthened through structured home care. Participation was facilitated when there was a balance between the patient's own preferences to influence care and the health‐care professional's actions and values and the organization of care. Barriers to participation could depend on the health‐care organization, lack of continuity and confidence in HCPs.
Hospital admissions for dental treatment among children with cleft lip and/or palate born between 1997 and 2003: an analysis of Hospital Episode Statistics in England
Authors: Fitzsimons Kate J. , Copley Lynn P. , Smallridge Jacqueline A. , Clark Victoria J. , van der Meulen Jan H. , Deacon Scott A. 
Published: August 2013

BackgroundChildren with clefts have an increased tendency for dental anomalies and caries.AimTo determine the pattern of hospital admissions for dental treatment during primary dentition among children with clefts.DesignCohort study based on Hospital Episode Statistics, an administrative database of all admissions to National Health Service hospitals in England. Patients born alive between 1997 and 2003 who had both a cleft diagnosis and cleft repair were included. The number of hospital admissions for surgical removal of teeth, simple extraction of teeth, and restoration of teeth before the age of seven was examined.ResultsEight hundred and fifty‐eight hospital admissions for dental treatment among 6551 children (<7 year) with a cleft were identified. 66.4% of admissions were primarily for caries and 95.6% involved extractions. 11.4% of children had at least one admission for dental treatment. The presence of additional anomalies, having a more severe cleft type, and living in relatively deprived areas increased the risk of hospital admission.ConclusionsFactors increasing the risk of hospital admission among cleft children should be taken into account when planning services. Efforts to reduce the number of hospital admissions should be focused on disease prevention, particularly among those most at risk of caries.
Inside the leader relationship: constructive controversy for team effectiveness inChina
Authors: Chen Nancy Yi Feng , Tjosvold Dean 
Published: August 2013

AbstractResearch is needed to understand the dynamics by which high‐quality leader relationships have their productive effects on followers. This study proposes that these leader relationships do not simply induce compliance but encourage employees and managers to discuss their diverse views open‐mindedly and constructively. Team leaders indicated leader–member relationship with employees who rated their constructive controversy and their team's effectiveness and feelings of respect, support, and reduced stress. Structural equation analysis suggested that leader–member relationship affects employee team productivity and emotions through constructive controversy. The study's findings and previous research were interpreted as suggesting that high‐quality leader relationships coupled with constructive controversy provide a foundation for effective team leadership inChina.
Volunteer engagement and intention to quit from a self‐determination theory perspective
Authors: Haivas Simona , Hofmans Joeri , Pepermans Roland 
Published: August 2013

AbstractDrawing on self‐determination theory, the current study investigates the mediation process of satisfaction with the 3 basic needs (i.e., autonomy, competence, relatedness) between autonomous motivation and volunteers' turnover intention and work engagement. A study of 349 Romanian volunteers reveals an interesting dichotomy. For work engagement, the positive effect of autonomy and competence needs satisfaction appears to have been partially mediated by autonomous motivation. Turnover intention, however, was directly influenced by the degree of autonomy and competence needs satisfaction. Moreover, satisfaction of the relatedness need had no effect on the 2 outcome variables when controlling for satisfaction of autonomy and competence needs. Implications and possible explanations are suggested.
Influence of psychological attachment patterns on periodontal disease – a pilot study with 310 compliant patients
Authors: Graetz Christian , Ehrenthal Johannes C. , Senf Dana , Semar Katrin , Herzog Wolfgang , Dörfer Christof E. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractObjectivesPsychosocial variables have received increased attention in periodontology. Attachment theory adds to known risk factors by linking early interactional experiences with adult tendencies of stress‐regulation, health behaviour, symptom reporting, and healthcare utilization. The study investigates associations between attachment patterns and periodontal parameters.MethodsWithin the context of a longitudinal study on periodontal diseases, 310 patients with aggressive (AgP) and chronic periodontitis (CP) filled out questionnaires on psychological attachment patterns. The influence of attachment style on health behaviour, treatment attendance and utilization, and periodontal variables was tested.ResultsWe found associations between psychological attachment anxiety on smoking and higher number of session use, independent of disease severity, which was more pronounced for women. Patients with higher attachment avoidance attended periodontal treatment later when diagnosed with CP and earlier with AgP. For men, we found differential associations for attachment avoidance and anxiety and number of teeth at beginning of treatment.ConclusionPsychological attachment patterns are a promising target for understanding periodontal disease in addition to known psychosocial risk factors.
The impact of psoriasis on work‐related problems: a multicenter cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Ayala F. , Sampogna F. , Romano G.V. , Merolla R. , Guida G. , Gualberti G. , Paparatti U.d.L. , Amerio P. , Balato N. , Potenza C. ,   The Daniele Study Group
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundPsoriasis can have cumulative physical and psychosocial effects preventing sufferers from achieving their full‐life potential. Few studies have addressed the impact of psoriasis on work‐related characteristics.ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of psoriasis on education prospects and work limitations in patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis.MethodsThis study was conducted in 29 dermatology centres across Italy. Information was collected by questionnaire during office visits.ResultsA total of 787 patients (64% male, aged 50 years) completed the questionnaire. At the time of the survey, mean Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score and disease duration were 10 and 19 years respectively. Current smokers had higher PASI scores compared to non‐smokers (10.8 vs. 9.4, P = 0.02). Plaque psoriasis was the most frequently described (91.2%). Fifty‐five percent of patients had limited expectations of career progression. Similarly, in 42% of cases, psoriasis reduced the prospects of improvement in employment status and 35% of patients reported having reduced earning potential. Approximately 60% of patients reported that psoriasis localized to their hands or feet caused work limitations, whilst in about 25%, it caused them to quit their job. Approximately 37% of patients reported having lost between 3–10 work days in the past 3 months due to clinical assessment or treatment. Logistic regression revealed that gender, low standard of education, number of localizations, shame, anger and self‐esteem were predictors significantly associated with limitations in work.ConclusionsModerate‐to‐severe psoriasis has a profound negative impact on the employment capacity of patients in Italy. Psoriasis also contributes to days lost from work, affects job opportunity, career prospects and revenue potential.
Construction of KHV‐CJ ORF25 DNA vaccine and immune challenge test
Authors: Zhou J‐X , Wang H , Li X‐W , Zhu X , Lu W‐L , Zhang D‐M 
Published: August 2013

AbstractKHV ORF25 fragments were cloned from Koi Herpes Virus‐CJ (KHV‐CJ) strains isolated in our laboratory. The amplified products were inserted into the eukaryotic expression vector pIRES‐neo, forming recombinant plasmid pIRES‐ORF25. The recombinant plasmid pIRES‐ORF25 at 1 μg per koi, 10 μg per koi and 50 μg per koi was intramuscularly injected into healthy kois, respectively. The results showed that the recombinant pIRES‐ORF25 could induce the production of specific antibodies in koi determined by indirect ELISA. The differences of immune effect between three doses were not significant (P > 0.05), but all of them could induce the production of neutralizing antibodies. The immune challenge test showed that the mortality of koi injected with PBS, blank pIRES‐neo vector and nothing was 90%, 92.5% and 85% at 25 days. While the mortalities of koi injected with eukaryotic expression plasmid pIRES‐ORF25 were 20%, 17.5% and 12.5%. Differences in comparison with the control group were highly significant (P < 0.01). Histopathological staining revealed that the tissues of the immunized koi did not change apparently. In conclusion, the DNA vaccine pIRES‐ORF25 construct could well protect koi against KHV and had the potential to be applied in practice.
Effect of long‐term exposure and delayed drying time on moisture and mechanical integrity of flooded homes
Authors: Aglan H. , Ludwick A. , Kitchens S. , Amburgey T. , Diehl S. , Borazjani H. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractA housing flood unit (FU) and large wall section samples were constructed from conventional building materials and exposed to simulated flooding. Conditions resembling the flooding after Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, LA, were mimicked, specifically long‐term flooding (3 weeks) and standing periods (3 weeks). The effect of natural drying of the FU, followed by forced drying, on the moisture and mechanical integrity of building elements and components was studied. The results were compared with a similar study where the flood and standing times before drying were considerably shorter (3 and 5 days, respectively). The long‐term flood exposure and delayed re‐entry resulted in severe delamination and blistering of the gypsum board below water level on almost all the walls of the FU. Natural ventilation by opening windows was not effective in reducing the moisture content of the gypsum board. A combination of dehumidification and air conditioning dried the FU and test samples in about 1 week. Short‐term (3 days) flood exposure and re‐entry 5 days later caused significantly less visual damage to the walls of the FU in comparison with the long‐term exposure. Mechanical testing of the interior wall samples yielded similar results for both the long‐term and short‐term studies. For both studies, the mechanical strength above and below the water line was similar after the prescribed drying period. This type of data is important in order to utilise most effectively the components of a structure affected by flooding, as well as for development of protocols for the restoration of building components.
Vascular endothelial growth factor single‐nucleotide polymorphism in gall bladder cancer
Authors: Mishra Kumudesh , Behari Anu , Kapoor Vinay Kumar , Khan M. Salman , Prakash Swayam , Agrawal Suraksha 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackground and AimAngiogenesis plays a key role in growth, progression, and metastasis of various cancers. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) polymorphism has been associated with several cancers. Role of VEGF has not been reported in gallbladder cancer (GBC). Present study was designed to investigate the role of VEGF polymorphism in GBC and in other (benign) gallbladder diseases, that is chronic cholecystitis (CC) and xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC).MethodsBlood samples were collected from 195 GBC, 140 CC, and 47 XGC patients and 300 normal healthy controls. VEGF polymorphisms were investigated using amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction for g.43737830A>G and g.3437A>C, polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism for c.*237C>T, and g.43736418delTinsG amplified by polymerase chain reaction.ResultsAt g.43737830A>G, GA genotype showed susceptibility (odds ratio [OR] = 1.65 and OR = 1.68) and GG genotype showed protective association (OR = 0.58 and OR = 0.50) with GBC and CC. Allele A of VEGF g.43737830A>G was risk associated with GBC and CC (OR = 1.48 and OR = 1.70), while G allele was risk protective for GBC and CC (OR = 0.67 and OR = 0.58). At g.3437A>C, genotype CA was risk protective for GBC (OR = 0.61). TT genotype of c.*237C>T was susceptible for GBC and CC (OR = 2.59 and OR = 3.48), while CC genotype was risk protective for GBC and CC (OR = 0.61 and OR = 0.34). T allele of c.*237C>T polymorphism was risk associated with GBC and CC (OR = 1.63 and OR = 2.90), while C allele was risk protective for GBC and CC (OR = 0.38 and OR = 0.28). Haplotype I‐C‐A‐C was risk protective for GBC (OR = 0.27).ConclusionThe present study suggests that c.*237C>T and g.43737830A>G polymorphisms are useful markers of susceptibility to GBC.
A functional role for NS5ATP9 in the induction of HCV NS5A‐mediated autophagy
Authors: Quan M. , Liu S. , Li G. , Wang Q. , Zhang J. , Zhang M. , Li M. , Gao P. , Feng S. , Cheng J. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryAutophagy has been shown to facilitate replication of hepatitis C virus (HCV); however, the mechanism by which HCV induces autophagy has not been fully established. NS5A, a nonstructural protein expressed by HCV, regulates numerous cellular pathways, including autophagy, by up‐regulating Beclin 1; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. To obtain new insights into HCV‐regulated autophagy, NS5ATP9 was overexpressed in HepG2 and L02 cells, resulting in up‐regulation of endogenous Beclin 1 mRNA and protein levels, respectively. The luciferase‐reporter assay results showed that both NS5A and NS5ATP9 could transactivate Beclin 1 promoter activity, but that NS5A could not transactivate the Beclin 1 promoter in NS5ATP9‐silenced HepG2 and L02 cells. Up‐regulation of Beclin 1 mRNA and protein expression by NS5A could also be attenuated by NS5ATP9 knock‐down. Furthermore, the HepG2 and L02 cells that transiently overexpressed NS5ATP9 had enhanced accumulation of vacuoles carrying the autophagy marker LC3, consistent with the conversion of endogenous LC3‐I to LC3‐II. In contrast, the conversion of endogenous LC3‐I to LC3‐II could not be enhanced by NS5A in NS5ATP9‐silenced HepG2 cells. These results highlight an important potential role for NS5ATP9 in HCV NS5A‐induced hepatocyte autophagy.
Abnormal platelet kinetics are detected before the occurrence of thrombocytopaenia in HBV‐related liver disease
Authors: Wang Xiaoyun , Jiang Wei , Li Feng , Hua Fanli , Zhan Yanxia , Li Yingying , Ji Lili , Zou Shanhua , Min Zhihui , Song Dongli , Cheng Yunfeng 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackground & AimsThrombocytopaenia is a frequent feature in patients with HBV‐related liver disease. Its underlying mechanism is not fully understood. Multiple factors might contribute to the development of thrombocytopaenia. In this study, we investigated the reticulated platelets (RP), glycocalicin (GC), serum thrombopoietin (TPO) and platelet glycoprotein (GP) in different stages of the disease.MethodsOne hundred and fourteen patients with HBV‐related liver disease (30 with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), 20 patients in Child A without thrombocytopaenia, 19 patients in Child A with thrombocytopaenia, 45 in Child B/C with thrombocytopaenia) and 25 normal controls (NC) were enrolled. Liver cirrhosis (LC) was classified according to modified Child‐Turcotte‐Pugh (CTP) score. Serum TPO levels and GC were measured by ELISA. RP and platelet glycoprotein (GP) expression were detected by flow cytometry.ResultsThe TPO levels of patients with LC were significantly lower than that of controls, even in patients of Child A without thrombocytopaenia group. Serum TPO level was positively correlated (r = 0.65, p < 0.01) with serum albumin in Child B/C group. Both the RP percentages and the glycocalicin index (GCI) levels were significantly higher in patients groups including CHB and Child A without thrombocytopaenia than that of normal controls. A negative correlation existed in HBV DNA copies and the GPs% in patients with CHB and Child A without thrombocytopaenia.ConclusionAbnormal platelet production, destruction and platelet‐specific glycoproteins levels were detected before the occurrence of thrombocytopaenia in HBV‐related liver disease, indicating that multiple mechanisms might play roles in thrombocytopaenia in HBV‐infected patients.