bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ramelteon for the Treatment of Delirium in Elderly Patients: A Consecutive Case Series Study
Authors: Tsuda Akihiro , Nishimura Katsuji , Naganawa Eiko , Otsubo Tempei , Ishigooka Jun 
Published: May 2014

Objective: Melatonin is effective in the prevention and treatment of delirium. Ramelteon has few adverse effects and higher affinity for MT1 and MT2 receptors than melatonin. The aim of the present study was to determine the efficacy of ramelteon in elderly patients with delirium caused by different primary diseases/conditions. Method: We treated 10 consecutive elderly patients having delirium with ramelteon. Results: Of the 10 patients, six showed improvement, and no marked adverse effects were observed. Conclusions: Our study suggested that ramelteon was a safe and useful alternative to melatonin for the treatment of delirium in elderly patients. Randomized, controlled studies are necessary to confirm the therapeutic benefits of ramelteon.
A Closer Look at the Nature of Anxiety in Weight Loss Surgery Candidates
Authors: Edwards-Hampton Shenelle A. , Madan Alok , Wedin Sharlene , Borckardt Jeffery J. , Crowley Nina , Byrne Karl T. 
Published: May 2014

Objective: Depression among weight loss surgery (WLS) candidates is common. Anxiety in this population is less studied. Untreated anxiety persists post-surgery and is associated with poor surgical outcomes. The current study sought to explore the nature of anxiety in WLS candidates. Given shared symptoms of anxiety and obesity, we hypothesized that physiological symptoms of anxiety would be most common. Methods: In this retrospective study, the medical records of 174 pre-WLS candidates at a large medical center were reviewed. Each completed a comprehensive medical, surgical, and psychological evaluation as part of standard of care. Data from these evaluations were abstracted. One hundred forty-three candidates completed the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). A Principal Components Analysis (PCA) with varimax rotation was used to identify the factor structure of the BAI. Results: The sample consisted of primarily middle-aged (46.0 ± 13.24 years), married (60.8%), Caucasian (65.7%), females (79%) with Class III obesity (Body Mass Index = 50.1 ± 10.68) and mild anxiety (8.86 ± 8.70). Forty-four percent of the sample endorsed clinically significant anxiety. PCA revealed a four-factor structure that explained 56.28% of the variance in the BAI. The four factors were: 1) cognitive-emotional distress, 2) autonomic hyperarousal, 3) neurophysiologic concerns, and 4) body temperature. Conclusions: Clinically significant anxiety is common among WLS candidates. Cognitive-emotional clustering of anxiety symptoms was more common than hypothesized. This is notable given the overlap of physiological symptoms of anxiety and obesity. Findings lend support for the utility of psychotherapeutic approaches tailored to address maladaptive thoughts to address anxiety and potentially improve WLS outcomes.
Outcome of Treatment with Antidepressants in Patients with Hypertension and Undetected Depression
Authors: Diminic-Lisica Ines , Popovic Branislava , Rebic Jelena , Klaric Miro , Franciškovic Tanja 
Published: May 2014

Objective: The objective of the research was to determine whether the administration of antidepressants, concurrently with antihypertensive therapy, leads to the better regulation of blood pressure in patients with hypertension and increased depressiveness. Methods: Research was conducted in two outpatient family clinics in Rijeka, Croatia, on 452 patients with arterial hypertension who had not been diagnosed with depression prior to the study. The diagnosis of hypertension was made in accordance with the European Society of Hypertension and the European Society of Cardiology Guidelines for the Management of Arterial Hypertension. Using the Beck Depression Inventory and the ICD-10 criteria for depression, a group of depressed hypertensive patients ( N = 134) was selected. Out of a total of 134 selected patients, 73 patients ( N = 73) were receiving antidepressants together with antihypertensives for 24 weeks. They formed the experimental group. The rest of the patients ( N = 61) continued to receive only antihypertensives and they formed the control group. Results: After the end of the 24-week therapy, the experimental group of patients had significantly lower levels of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure ( Z = 7.42; P < 0.001; and Z = 7.36; P < 0.001). The control group saw no significant difference between the level of blood pressure (both systolic and diastolic) prior to and after this period. Conclusion: The application of antidepressant therapy in patients with hypertension who are also depressed may be associated with the better control of blood pressure, which reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease in addition to alleviating depressive symptoms.
Relationship between Vitamin D Levels and Depressive Symptoms in Renal Transplant Recipients
Authors: Ozkayar Nihal , Altun Bulent , Ulusoy Semra , Yildirim Tolga , Halil Meltem , Yilmaz Rahmi , Abudalal Ayman , Altindal Mahmut , Arici Mustafa , Erdem Yunus 
Published: May 2014

Objective: Vitamin D deficiency might influence the development of depression; however, the association between vitamin D and depression in renal transplant recipients has not been evaluated. We aimed to test if there is a relation between 25-hydroxy (OH) vitamin D levels and depressive symptoms in patients with kidney transplantation. Methods: This was a cross-sectional and descriptive study. A total of 117 renal transplant recipients (44 female, 73 male; mean age, 39.0 ± 11.7 years) were included in the study. Patients were stratified to two groups according to the cut-off point (7) of depression subscale (D) of Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS), with or without depression risk. Blood biochemistry, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and 25-OH vitamin D levels were determined. Results: Depression scores were higher than cut-off point in 33.3% ( n = 39) of patients. The mean 25-OH vitamin D level was 19.6 ± 12.0 µg/L. In the group with depression risk, 25-OH vitamin D levels were significantly lower than the other group (15.2 ± 9.2 µg/L and 21.9 ± 12.7 µg/L, respectively; p = 0.004). No significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of demographic parameters, blood biochemistry, and GFR. A negative correlation was detected between HADS-D score and vitamin D levels ( r = −0.365, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Lower serum 25-OH vitamin D levels are associated with higher depressive symptom levels among renal transplantation recipients. This finding should be the basis for further clinical studies and for future prospects on vitamin D supplementation for prevention and treatment of depression in these patients.
Association of MicroRNA137 Gene Polymorphisms with Age at Onset and Positive Symptoms of Schizophrenia in a Han Chinese Population
Authors: Wang Shuai , Li Wenqiang , Zhang Hongxing , Wang Xiujuan , Yang Ge , Zhao Jingyuan , Yang Yongfeng , Lv Luxian 
Published: May 2014

Objectives: MicroRNA137 ( miRNA137) regulates several gene expressions involved in brain development, and a recent large genome wide association study (GWAS) revealed a possible association between miRNA137 and schizophrenia. Methods: The allelic variants of rs66642155, a variable number tandem repeat polymorphism, and the single nucleotide polymorphism rs1625579 A/C in the miRNA137 host gene fragment were compared between 300 schizophrenic patients and 300 healthy controls from the Han Chinese population. The association of these polymorphisms with clinical characteristics of schizophrenia was also tested. Results: Genotype and allele frequencies of these polymorphisms were not significantly different between patient and control populations. In patients, however, age at onset was much later in wild type rs66642155 carriers than in mutation carriers. Total positive score on the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS), total five-factor model positive score, and the delusions symptom score were all significantly higher in wild type rs66642155 carriers with schizophrenia, while the disturbance of volition symptom score was significantly higher in the mutation carriers with schizophrenia. Conclusions: MiRNA137 may not be a significant susceptibility gene for schizophrenia, but in patients, rs66642155 allelic variant of miRNA137 appears to influence age at onset and the severity of positive symptoms.
Who's Really in Charge? Audit Committee versus CFO Power and Audit Fees
Authors: Beck Matthew J. , Mauldin Elaine G. 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACT
Although regulation makes audit committees responsible for determining and negotiating audit fees, researchers and practitioners express concerns that CFOs continue to control these negotiations. Thus, regulation may give investors a false sense of security regarding auditor independence. We utilize the recent financial crisis and economic recession as an exogenous shock that allows us to shed light on the relative influence of the audit committee and the CFO on fee negotiations. During the recession, we find larger fee reductions in the presence of more powerful CFOs, and smaller fee reductions in the presence of more powerful audit committees. We also find the CFO or the audit committee primarily influences fees when their counterpart is less powerful. Our findings suggest a more complex relationship between the CFO and the audit committee than current regulations recognize and cast doubt on the ability of regulation to force one structure on the negotiation process.
Data Availability: Data are available from public sources identified in the text.
Glucose Control and Medication Adherence Among Veterans With Diabetes and Serious Mental Illness: Does Collocation of Primary Care and Mental Health Care Matter?
Authors: Long Judith A. , Wang Andrew , Medvedeva Elina L. , Eisen Susan V. , Gordon Adam J. , Kreyenbuhl Julie , Marcus Steven C. 
Published: May 2014

OBJECTIVEPersons with serious mental illness (SMI) may benefit from collocation of medical and mental health healthcare professionals and services in attending to their chronic comorbid medical conditions. We evaluated and compared glucose control and diabetes medication adherence among patients with SMI who received collocated care to those not receiving collocated care (which we call usual care).RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSWe performed a cross-sectional, observational cohort study of 363 veteran patients with type 2 diabetes and SMI who received care from one of three Veterans Affairs medical facilities: two sites that provided both collocated and usual care and one site that provided only usual care. Through a survey, laboratory tests, and medical records, we assessed patient characteristics, glucose control as measured by a current HbA1c, and adherence to diabetes medication as measured by the medication possession ration (MPR) and self-report.RESULTSIn the sample, the mean HbA1c was 7.4% (57 mmol/mol), the mean MPR was 80%, and 51% reported perfect adherence to their diabetes medications. In both unadjusted and adjusted analyses, there were no differences in glucose control and medication adherence by collocation of care. Patients seen in collocated care tended to have better HbA1c levels (β = −0.149; P = 0.393) and MPR values (β = 0.34; P = 0.132) and worse self-reported adherence (odds ratio 0.71; P = 0.143), but these were not statistically significant.CONCLUSIONSIn a population of veterans with comorbid diabetes and SMI, patients on average had good glucose control and medication adherence regardless of where they received primary care.
Do Cardiac Biomarkers NT-proBNP and hsTnT Predict Microvascular Events in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes? Results From the ADVANCE Trial
Authors: Welsh Paul , Woodward Mark , Hillis Graham S. , Li Qiang , Marre Michel , Williams Bryan , Poulter Neil , Ryan Louise , Harrap Stephen , Patel Ansuhka , Chalmers John , Sattar Naveed 
Published: May 2014

OBJECTIVE
We investigated microvascular event risk in people with type 2 diabetes and assessed whether N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and high-sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT) improved prediction.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We performed a case-cohort study, including 439 incident cases of microvascular events (new or worsening nephropathy or retinopathy) and 2,946 noncase subjects identified from participants in the Action in Diabetes and Vascular Disease: Preterax and Diamicron Modified Release Controlled Evaluation (ADVANCE) trial. NT-proBNP and hsTnT were measured in stored plasma samples using automated commercial assays.

RESULTS
After adjustment for age, sex, and randomized treatment, the hazard ratios for microvascular events per 1-SD increase in the log-transformed hsTnT and NT-proBNP were 1.67 (95% CI 1.51–1.85) and 1.63 (1.44–1.84), respectively. After further adjustment for classical and diabetes-related cardiovascular disease risk factors, the hazard ratios attenuated to 1.40 (1.24–1.58) and 1.41 (1.24–1.60), respectively. While the C statistic did not improve on addition of hsTnT or NT-proBNP for the total microvascular end point, a combination of both markers improved the prediction of nephropathy (P = 0.033) but not retinopathy (P = 0.72). The corresponding net reclassification indices in a three–risk category model (&lt;10%, 10–15%, and &gt;15% 5-year risk) for all microvascular events were 7.31% (95% CI 2.24–12.79) for hsTNT addition, 6.23% (1.74–11.5) for NT-proBNP addition, and 7.1% (1.5–12.9) for both markers together.

CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest that cardiac biomarkers moderately improve microvascular event risk prediction, in particular the risk of nephropathy. Further studies examining the value of this approach for trial design and clinical use are warranted.
Markers of Platelet Activation Are Increased in Adolescents With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Israels Sara J. , McNicol Archibald , Dean Heather J. , Cognasse Fabrice , Sellers Elizabeth A.C. 
Published: May 2014

OBJECTIVE
In adults with diabetes, in vivo platelet activation is a marker for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD). This pilot study investigated whether adolescents with diabetes had evidence of increased in vivo platelet activation.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
In vivo platelet activation was compared in four groups of age-matched adolescents: type 1 diabetes (T1D, n = 15), type 2 diabetes (T2D; n = 15), control subjects with normal BMI (n = 14), and overweight/obese control subjects (n = 13). Platelet surface activation markers and plasma levels of soluble activation markers were measured and compared among groups.

RESULTS
Increased expression of all activation markers was observed in T2D compared with either control group (P &lt; 0.05); levels of soluble markers were also higher in T2D than in T1D (P &lt; 0.05). There were no differences in marker expression between the nondiabetic control groups.

CONCLUSIONS
Platelet activation in adolescents with T2D may be a marker for the risk of CVD development in early adulthood.
Efficacy and Safety of Dulaglutide Added Onto Pioglitazone and Metformin Versus Exenatide in Type 2 Diabetes in a Randomized Controlled Trial (AWARD-1)
Authors: Wysham Carol , Blevins Thomas , Arakaki Richard , Colon Gildred , Garcia Pedro , Atisso Charles , Kuhstoss Debra , Lakshmanan Mark 
Published: May 2014

OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy and safety of dulaglutide, a once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist, with placebo and exenatide in type 2 diabetic patients. The primary objective was to determine superiority of dulaglutide 1.5 mg versus placebo in HbA1c change at 26 weeks.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
This 52-week, multicenter, parallel-arm study (primary end point: 26 weeks) randomized patients (2:2:2:1) to dulaglutide 1.5 mg, dulaglutide 0.75 mg, exenatide 10 μg, or placebo (placebo-controlled period: 26 weeks). Patients were treated with metformin (1,500–3,000 mg) and pioglitazone (30–45 mg). Mean baseline HbA1c was 8.1% (65 mmol/mol).

RESULTS
Least squares mean ± SE HbA1c change from baseline to the primary end point was −1.51 ± 0.06% (−16.5 ± 0.7 mmol/mol) for dulaglutide 1.5 mg, −1.30 ± 0.06% (−14.2 ± 0.7 mmol/mol) for dulaglutide 0.75 mg, −0.99 ± 0.06% (−10.8 ± 0.7 mmol/mol) for exenatide, and −0.46 ± 0.08% (−5.0 ± 0.9 mmol/mol) for placebo. Both dulaglutide doses were superior to placebo at 26 weeks (both adjusted one-sided P &lt; 0.001) and exenatide at 26 and 52 weeks (both adjusted one-sided P &lt; 0.001). Greater percentages of patients reached HbA1c targets with dulaglutide 1.5 mg and 0.75 mg than with placebo and exenatide (all P &lt; 0.001). At 26 and 52 weeks, total hypoglycemia incidence was lower in patients receiving dulaglutide 1.5 mg than in those receiving exenatide; no dulaglutide-treated patients reported severe hypoglycemia. The most common gastrointestinal adverse events for dulaglutide were nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Events were mostly mild to moderate and transient.

CONCLUSIONS
Both once-weekly dulaglutide doses demonstrated superior glycemic control versus placebo and exenatide with an acceptable tolerability and safety profile.
Different Lipid Variables Predict Incident Coronary Artery Disease in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes With or Without Diabetic Nephropathy: The FinnDiane Study
Authors: Tolonen Nina , Forsblom Carol , Mäkinen Ville-Petteri , Harjutsalo Valma , Gordin Daniel , Feodoroff Maija , Sandholm Niina , Thorn Lena M. , Wadén Johan , Taskinen Marja-Riitta , Groop Per-Henrik 
Published: May 2014

OBJECTIVE
To study the ability of lipid variables to predict incident coronary artery disease (CAD) events in patients with type 1 diabetes at different stages of nephropathy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Patients (n = 3,520) with type 1 diabetes and available lipid profiles participating in the Finnish Diabetic Nephropathy Study (FinnDiane) were included in the study. During a follow-up period of 10.2 years (8.6–12.0), 310 patients suffered an incident CAD event.

RESULTS
Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)/ApoA-I ratio was the strongest predictor of CAD in normoalbuminuric patients (hazard ratio 1.43 [95% CI 1.17–1.76] per one SD increase), and ApoB was the strongest in macroalbuminuric patients (1.47 [1.19–1.81]). Similar results were seen when patients were stratified by sex or glycemic control. LDL cholesterol was a poor predictor of CAD in women, normoalbuminuric patients, and patients with HbA1c below the median (8.3%, 67 mmol/L). The current recommended triglyceride cutoff of 1.7 mmol/L failed to predict CAD in normoalbuminuric patients, whereas the cohort median 0.94 mmol/L predicted incident CAD events.

CONCLUSIONS
In patients with type 1 diabetes, the predictive ability of the lipid variables differed substantially depending on the patient’s sex, renal status, and glycemic control. In normoalbuminuric patients, the ratios of atherogenic and antiatherogenic lipoproteins and lipids were the strongest predictors of an incident CAD event, whereas in macroalbuminuric patients, no added benefit was gained from the ratios. Current treatment recommendations may need to be revised to capture residual CAD risk in patients with type 1 diabetes.
Added Value of Soluble Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Receptor 1 as a Biomarker of ESRD Risk in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Forsblom Carol , Moran John , Harjutsalo Valma , Loughman Tony , Wadén Johan , Tolonen Nina , Thorn Lena , Saraheimo Markku , Gordin Daniel , Groop Per-Henrik , Thomas Merlin C. 
Published: May 2014

OBJECTIVERecent studies have suggested that circulating levels of the tumor necrosis factor-α receptor 1 (sTNFαR1) may be a useful predictor for the risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in patients with diabetes. However, its potential utility as a biomarker has not been formally quantified.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSCirculating levels of sTNFαR1 were assessed in 429 patients with type 1 diabetes and overt nephropathy from the Finnish Diabetic Nephropathy (FinnDiane) cohort study. Predictors of incident ESRD over a median of 9.4 years of follow-up were determined by Cox regression and Fine-Gray competing risk analyses. The added value of sTNFαR1 was estimated via time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves, net reclassification index (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) for survival data.RESULTSA total of 130 individuals developed ESRD (28%; ESRD incidence rate of 3.4% per year). In cause-specific modeling, after adjusting for baseline renal status, predictors of increased incidence of ESRD in patients with overt nephropathy were an elevated HbA1c, shorter duration of diabetes, and circulating levels of sTNFαR1. Notably, sTNFαR1 outperformed estimated glomerular filtration rate in terms of R2. Circulating levels of the sTNFαR1 also remained associated with ESRD after adjusting for the competing risk of death. A prediction model including sTNFαR1 (as a −0.5 fractional polynomial) was superior to a model without it, as demonstrated by better global fit, an increment of R2, the C index, and area under the curve. Estimates of IDI and NRI(&gt;0) were 0.22 (95% CI 0.16–0.28; P &lt; 0.0001) and 0.98 (0.78–1.23; P &lt; 0.0001), respectively. The median increment in the risk score after including sTNFαR1 in the prediction model was 0.18 (0.12–0.30; P &lt; 0.0001).CONCLUSIONSCirculating levels of sTNFαR1 are independently associated with the cumulative incidence of ESRD. This association is both significant and biologically plausible and appears to provide added value as a biomarker, based on the absolute values of NRI and IDI.
Incidence of Lactic Acidosis in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes With and Without Renal Impairment Treated With Metformin: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Richy Florent F. , Sabidó-Espin Meritxell , Guedes Sandra , Corvino Frank A. , Gottwald-Hostalek Ulrike 
Published: May 2014

OBJECTIVE
To determine whether the use of metformin in type 2 diabetic patients with various kidney functions is associated with an increased risk of lactic acidosis (LA).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
This study was a retrospective analysis of U.K. patient records from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink database from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2012. Inclusion criteria were 1) diagnosis of type 2 diabetes before 1 January 2007, 2) treatment with metformin, and 3) at least one assessment of renal function between 2007 and 2012. Renal function was assessed by glomerular filtration rate and categorized as normal (N), mildly reduced (Mi), moderately reduced (Mo), or severely reduced (Se) function. The outcome of the study was LA.

RESULTS
A total of 77,601 patients treated with metformin for type 2 diabetes were identified. There were 35 LA events (10.37 [95% CI 7.22–14.42] per 100,000 patient-years) of which none were fatal and 23 were linked to a comorbidity. No significant difference in the incidence of LA was observed across N, Mi, Mo and Se renal function groups (7.6 [0.9–27.5], 4.6 [2.00–9.15], 17 [10.89–25.79], and 39 [4.72–140.89] cases per 100,000 patient-years, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS
The overall LA incidence rate for patients on metformin in this study was within the range of rates reported in the literature for patients with type 2 diabetes, and no significant difference was observed among patients with N, Mi, Mo, and Se function.
Transpacific Interpretations
Authors: Bullen Ross 
Published: May 2014

Abstract: In this review, I look at recent texts by Yunte Huang, Hsuan Hsu, and Cynthia Wu on the transpacific literature and culture of the United States, noting how each of their books make significant and original contributions to this emerging critical field. All three books draw on transpacific methodologies (among other discourses) to generate fascinating new readings of well-known US literary and cultural texts, including—in all three critical studies—Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick. Although each of these books embraces its own method and scope, reading all three together provides a compelling snapshot of the development of transpacific American studies over the past half-decade, and suggests some of the new areas in which these methodologies are making critical headway.