bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The relationship of glycaemic control and triglycerides in patients with diabetes mellitus: a PreCIS Database Study
Authors: Davidson M. B. , Hu T. , Sain Guven , Hoar B. , Stevenson C. , Hoogwerf B. J. 
Published: June 2008

Aims:  A common therapeutic approach in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who have elevated triglycerides (TGs) is to treat the hyperglycaemia before specifically targeting high TG. The aims of the current study were (i) to determine whether there was a relationship between glycated haemoglobin (HgbA1c) and TG levels at the baseline visit and (ii) to analyse the relationship between ΔHgbA1c and ΔTG after treatment.Methods:  Among 650 consecutive diabetic patients seen in the Cleveland Clinic Preventive Cardiology Department, 372 had both baseline and post‐treatment HgbA1c and TG values. We analysed the relationship between baseline HgbA1c and TG as well as between the change in HgbA1c and the change in TG. For analysis, patients were divided into nine groups by tertiles of HgbA1c (≤6.6, 6.7–7.8 and >7.8%) and TG (≤1.75, 1.76–3.89 and >3.89 mmol/l) at baseline.Results:  At baseline, there was a small correlation between HgbA1c and TG (r2 = 0.051; p < 0.001). For the entire group, there was a significant correlation between ΔHgbA1c and ΔTG from baseline to follow‐up (r2 = 0.077; p < 0.001). Analyses by tertiles showed that ΔTG were only associated with changes in two groups: HgbA1c tertile 3 (>7.8%) and TG tertiles 2 (r2 = 0.24; p < 0.0001) and 3 (r2 = 0.187; p = 0.003). For every 1% change in the top tertile HgbA1c, there was a 9.3% change in TG (tertile 2) and a 9.8% change in TG (tertile 3).Conclusions:  These observations suggest that for patients with diabetes mellitus and elevated TG, the effect of HgbA1c reduction has limited effects on TG reduction. Patients may benefit from TG‐specific therapy initiated earlier rather than waiting to see effects of glycaemic control.
Safety and efficacy of sitagliptin in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic renal insufficiency
Authors: Chan J. C. N. , Scott R. , Arjona Ferreira J. C. , Sheng D. , Gonzalez E. , Davies M. J. , Stein P. P. , Kaufman K. D. , Amatruda J. M. , Williams‐Herman D. 
Published: June 2008

Objective:  To assess the safety of sitagliptin in patients with type 2 diabetes and moderate [creatinine clearance (CrCl) ≥30 to <50 ml/min] or severe renal insufficiency [CrCl <30 ml/min including patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) on dialysis]. The efficacy of sitagliptin in this patient population was also assessed.Methods:  In a 54‐week, randomized, double‐blind, parallel‐group study, patients with baseline glycosylated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) values of 6.5–10% were allocated (2:1) to sitagliptin (for 54 weeks) or the sequence of placebo (for 12 weeks) followed by active treatment with glipizide (for 42 weeks). To achieve plasma concentrations similar to those observed in patients with normal renal function treated with 100 mg sitagliptin once daily, patients with moderate renal insufficiency were allocated to receive sitagliptin 50 mg once daily and patients with severe renal insufficiency to receive 25 mg once daily. Glipizide treatment was initiated at 2.5 or 5 mg/day and uptitrated to a maximum of 20 mg/day.Results:  Patients (N = 91) with a mean baseline HbA1c value of 7.7% (range: 6.2–10.3%) were randomized to sitagliptin (n = 65) or placebo (n = 26). After 12 weeks, the mean change [95% confidence interval (CI)] from baseline in HbA1c was −0.6% (−0.8, −0.4) in the sitagliptin group compared with −0.2% (−0.4, 0.1) in the placebo group [between‐group difference (95% CI) = −0.4% (−0.7, −0.1)]. At 54 weeks, patients continuously treated with sitagliptin had a mean change (95% CI) from baseline in HbA1c of −0.7% (−0.9, −0.4). The overall incidence of adverse experiences was generally similar between groups. Between‐group differences in incidences of specific clinical adverse experiences were generally small; however, the proportion of patients for whom hypoglycaemia was reported was lower in the sitagliptin group (4.6%) compared with the placebo/glipizide group (23.1%). Consistent with the high mortality risk in this patient population, there were six deaths during this 54‐week study [5 of 65 patients (7.7%) in the sitagliptin group and 1 of 26 patients (3.8%) in the placebo/glipizide group]; no death was considered by the investigator to be drug related. The overall incidences of drug‐related and serious adverse experiences and discontinuations because of adverse experiences were generally similar between groups.Conclusions:  In this study, sitagliptin was generally well tolerated and provided effective glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes and moderate to severe renal insufficiency, including patients with ESRD on dialysis.
Extended‐release tolterodine with or without tamsulosin in men with lower urinary tract symptoms and overactive bladder: effects on urinary symptoms assessed by the International Prostate Symptom Score
Authors: Kaplan Steven A. , Roehrborn Claus G. , Chancellor Michael , Carlsson Martin , Bavendam Tamara , Guan Zhonghong 
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy of tolterodine extended‐release (ER) plus tamsulosin on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) as assessed by changes in the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) in men who met symptom entry criteria for both overactive bladder (OAB) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) trials.PATIENTS AND METHODSMen aged ≥40 years with an IPSS of ≥12 and diary‐documented OAB symptoms (≥8 voids/24 h and ≥3 urgency episodes/24 h, with or without urgency urinary incontinence) who reported at least moderate problems related to their bladder condition were randomized to receive placebo, tolterodine ER (4 mg), tamsulosin (0.4 mg), or tolterodine ER (4 mg) + tamsulosin (0.4 mg) once daily for 12 weeks. Patients completed the IPSS at baseline and at 1, 6 and 12 weeks.RESULTSPatients receiving tolterodine ER + tamsulosin had significantly greater improvements than those taking placebo on IPSS storage subscale scores and scores for all three individual storage items included on the IPSS (urinary frequency, urgency, and nocturnal micturitions) by 12 weeks. Storage subscale and urgency scores were significantly improved vs placebo at 1 and 6 weeks, whereas frequency scores were significantly improved at 6 weeks. Changes in IPSS storage subscale and individual storage item scores in the tolterodine ER and tamsulosin monotherapy groups were not significantly different from placebo at most time points. IPSS voiding subscale scores and scores for three of four individual voiding items (sensation of incomplete emptying, intermittency, and weak stream) were significantly improved by 12 weeks for patients receiving tamsulosin monotherapy vs placebo. Voiding subscale and intermittency scores were significantly improved vs placebo at 1 week; weak stream scores were significantly improved at 1 and 6 weeks. The IPSS voiding subscale and individual voiding item scores in the tolterodine ER + tamsulosin and tolterodine ER groups were not significantly different from placebo at most time points.CONCLUSIONSIn this distinct clinical research population of men who met traditional symptom entry criteria for both OAB and BPH trials, tolterodine ER + tamsulosin was significantly more effective than placebo in treating storage LUTS, including OAB symptoms. Tamsulosin monotherapy produced significant improvements in voiding LUTS.
Association of British Clinical Diabetologists (ABCD) and Diabetes‐UK survey of specialist diabetes services in the UK, 2006. 1. The consultant physician perspective
Authors: Winocour P. H. , Gosden C. , Walton C. , Nagi D. , Turner B. , Williams R. , James J. , Holt R. I. G. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractAims  To identify the views and working practices of consultant diabetologists in the UK in 2006–2007, the current provision of specialist services, and to examine changes since 2000.Methods  All 592 UK consultant diabetologists were invited to participate in an on‐line survey. Quantitative and qualitative analyses of responses were undertaken. A composite ‘well‐resourced service score’ was calculated. In addition to an analysis of all respondents, a sub‐analysis was undertaken, comparing localities represented both in 2006/2007 and in 2000.Results  In 2006/2007, a 49% response rate was achieved, representing 50% of acute National Health Service Trusts. Staffing levels had improved, but remained below recommendations made in 2000. Ten percent of specialist services were still provided by single‐handed consultants, especially in Northern Ireland (in 50% of responses, P = 0.001 vs. other nations). Antenatal, joint adult–paediatric and ophthalmology sub‐specialist diabetes services and availability of biochemical tests had improved since 2000, but access to psychology services had declined. Almost 90% of consultants had no clinical engagement in providing community diabetes services. The ‘well‐resourced service score’ had not improved since 2000. There was continued evidence of disparity in resources between the nations (lowest in Wales and Northern Ireland, P = 0.007), between regions in England (lowest in the East Midlands and the Eastern regions, P = 0.028), and in centres with a single‐handed consultant service (P = 0.001). Job satisfaction correlated with well‐resourced service score (P = 0.001). The main concerns and threats to specialist services were deficiencies in psychology access, inadequate staffing, lack of progress in commissioning, and the detrimental impact of central policy on specialist services.Conclusions  There are continued disparities in specialist service provision. Without effective commissioning and adequate specialist team staffing, integrated diabetes care will remain unattainable in many regions, regardless of reconfigurations and alternative service models.
Implementing a national quality assurance system for diabetes care: the Scottish Diabetes Survey 2001–2006
Authors: McKnight J. A. , Morris A. D. , Cline D. , Peden N. , Fischbacher C. , Wild S. ,   on behalf of The Scottish Diabetes Survey Monitoring Group
Published: June 2008

AbstractAim  To create a standardized systematic quality assurance system for diabetes care throughout Scotland.Methods  Each of 15 National Health Service (NHS) boards have submitted core diabetes data for a nationally agreed data specification on an annual basis since 2001. These data are collated to produce an annual national report. We describe the iterative progress of the work in obtaining and analysing this information. The setting was Scotland, with a population of 5 million.Results  In Scotland in 2006, 196 801 people (3.9% of the population) were reported as having diabetes compared with 105 777 in 2001. In 2006 the prevalence of reported diabetes varied from 3.5 to 4.4% in different NHS board areas, reflecting variation in completeness of local registers as well as different demographic patterns. The completeness of recording of many clinical parameters has also increased. (2002 data n = 103 755: diagnosis date 77%, HbA1c, blood pressure and cholesterol within 15 months 71, 67 and 60%, respectively, increasing to 98, 87, 89 and 85% by 2006, n = 196 801.) A national information management and technology solution (Scottish Collaborative Information–Diabetes Care), involving automatic daily collection of data from routinely used systems both in primary and secondary care, is now used to co‐ordinate the collection of data in all NHS board areas.Conclusions  We have used routine data to estimate the prevalence of reported diabetes in Scotland, UK. This iterative approach to quality improvement has taken 6 years to achieve a baseline measure of care. There is potential to analyse these data further for a better understanding of the epidemiology of diabetes in Scotland. The national diabetes information technology system will contribute to this process.
Stratified analyses for selecting appropriate target patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy for long‐term treatment with an aldose reductase inhibitor, epalrestat
Authors: Hotta N , Kawamori R. , Atsumi Y. , Baba M. , Kishikawa H. , Nakamura J. , Oikawa S. , Yamada N. , Yasuda H. , Shigeta Y. ,   The ADCT Study Group
Published: May 2008

AbstractAims  The long‐term efficacy of epalrestat, an aldose reductase inhibitor, in improving subjective symptoms and nerve function was comprehensively assessed to identify patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy who responded to epalrestat treatment.Methods  Stratified analyses were conducted on data from patients in the Aldose Reductase Inhibitor—Diabetes Complications Trial (ADCT). The ADCT included patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, median motor nerve conduction velocity ≥ 40 m/s and with glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) ≤ 9.0%. Longitudinal data on HbA1c and subjective symptoms of the patients for 3 years were analysed (epalrestat n = 231, control subjects n = 273). Stratified analyses based on background variables (glycaemic control, grades of retinopathy or proteinuria) were performed to examine the relationship between subjective symptoms and nerve function. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted.Results  Stratified subgroup analyses revealed significantly better efficacy of epalrestat in patients with good glycaemic control and less severe diabetic complications. In the control group, no improvement in nerve function was seen regardless of whether symptomatic benefit was obtained. In the epalrestat group, nerve function deteriorated less or improved in patients whose symptoms improved. The odds ratio of the efficacy of epalrestat vs. control subjects was approximately 2 : 1 (4 : 1 in patients with HbA1c ≤ 7.0%).Conclusion  Our results suggest that epalrestat, an aldose reductase inhibitor, will provide a clinically significant means of preventing and treating diabetic neuropathy if used in appropriate patients.
Dual‐Class Equity Structure, Nonaudit Fees and the Information Content of Earnings
Authors: Niu Flora 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACTManuscript Type:EmpiricalResearch Question/Issue:This paper examines the relationship between dual‐class share structure and the purchase of nonaudit services, and the extent to which the market's valuation of accounting information is influenced by the perception of auditing compromise resulting from such purchases.Research Findings/Results:Using a sample of Canadian companies from 2003–2004, we find that dual‐class firms pay a larger amount of nonaudit fees to the auditors, relative to single‐class firms, both in the absolute dollar amount and as a ratio of total audit fees. In addition, the returns‐earnings association is significantly lower for dual‐class firms than for their counterparts, and there is a further valuation discount as dual‐class firms increase nonaudit service purchases.Theoretical Implications:We argue that severe agency problems inherent from the deviation from the one‐vote‐per‐share structure lead to greater demand for economic bonding with the auditors via the purchase of nonaudit services. This study contributes to the growing body of nonaudit service literature by documenting the empirical link between ownership of control and nonaudit purchases.Practical Implications:The results indicate that investors believe a larger amount of nonaudit services highlights the underlying agency problems and compromises auditor independence for firms with a separation of cash flow rights and voting rights. The findings suggest that regulators in Canada and in other developed countries, when revising their future regulations on audit committees, may need to emphasize the role of restricted‐class shareholders in bolstering the audit committee function and the auditing process.
Disclosure on Corporate Governance in the European Union
Authors: Bauwhede Heidi Vander , Willekens Marleen 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACTManuscript Type: EmpiricalResearch Question/Issue: In this paper, we examine the determinants of the level of disclosure on corporate governance practices among European listed companies in the time period preceding the adoption of the European Union recommendations and Action Plan.Research Findings/Results: Using ratings on corporate governance disclosure issued by an independent rating agency we find that –ceteris paribus– the level of disclosure: (1) is lower for companies with higher ownership concentration; (2) is higher for companies from common‐law countries; and (3) increases with the level of working capital accruals.Theoretical Implications: The results of the study support theoretical arguments that companies disclose corporate governance information in order to reduce information asymmetry and agency costs stemming from the separation between ownership and control, and to improve investor confidence in the reported accounting information. The study suggests various avenues for future research on corporate governance.Practical Implications: To policy makers and practitioners, the results suggest that a mandatory corporate governance disclosure requirement is abundant, and perhaps could even be inefficient. The results also indicate which types of companies can be expected to be least willing to comply with recent corporate governance disclosure requirements, and thus will need extra monitoring.
Self‐reported Use of Emotional Display Rules in the Netherlands and Iran: Evidence for Sociocultural Influence
Authors: Novin Sheida , Banerjee Robin , Dadkhah Asghar , Rieffe Carolien 
Published: June 2008

AbstractSociocultural differences in children's use and understanding of emotional display rules have been under‐researched. In the present study, 56 Dutch and 56 Iranian children aged 10–11 years took part in a structured interview about their experiences of using emotional display rules. In comparison with the Dutch children, the Iranian sample was more likely to report having actually used emotional display rules themselves, more likely to identify family audiences for display rules, and less likely to identify peer audiences. In addition, they were more likely than the Dutch children to identify both prosocial and self‐protective motives for concealing emotion from family audiences, and less likely to identify self‐protective motives for concealing emotion from peers. Results are interpreted in the light of socialization processes involved in the development of emotion regulation.
Extended Poisson Process Modelling of Dilution Series Data
Authors: Faddy M. J. , Smith D. M. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryData comprising colony counts, or a binary variable representing fertile (or sterile) samples, as a dilution series of the containing medium are analysed by using extended Poisson process modelling. These models form a class of flexible probability distributions that are widely applicable to count and grouped binary data. Standard distributions such as Poisson and binomial, and those representing overdispersion and underdispersion relative to these distributions can be expressed within this class. For all the models in the class, likelihoods can be obtained. These models have not been widely used because of the perceived difficulty of performing the calculations and the lack of associated software. Exact calculation of the probabilities that are involved can be time consuming although accurate approximations that use considerably less computational time are available. Although dilution series data are the focus here, the models are applicable to any count or binary data. A benefit of the approach is the ability to draw likelihood-based inferences from the data.
ON “NOT THREE GODS”—AGAIN: CAN A PRIMARY‐SECONDARY SUBSTANCE READING OF OUSIA AND HYPOSTASIS AVOID TRITHEISM?
Authors: JACOBS NATHAN 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThis article is both historical and constructive. The historical side addresses the question of whether a consistent line of analogy for the Trinity can be found among the Cappadocians. I answer in the affirmative, arguing that an analogy of primary‐secondary substance for the one ousia and three hypostases of the Godhead is present in Basil and the two Gregories. The constructive side concerns the question raised by modern critics over whether Primary‐Secondary Substance Trinitarianism (PST) can ultimately avoid tritheism. I will consider objections to this analogy in an effort to show that PST, when taking its cues from the Cappadocians, can successfully sustain its claim to monotheism.
Synthetic morphology: prospects for engineered, self‐constructing anatomies
Authors: Davies Jamie A. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThis paper outlines prospects for applying the emerging techniques of synthetic biology to the field of anatomy, with the aim of programming cells to organize themselves into specific, novel arrangements, structures and tissues. There are two main reasons why developing this hybrid discipline – synthetic morphology – would be useful. The first is that having a way to engineer self‐constructing assemblies of cells would provide a powerful means of tissue engineering for clinical use in surgery and regenerative medicine. The second is that construction of simple novel systems according to theories of morphogenesis gained from study of real embryos will provide a means of testing those theories rigorously, something that is very difficult to do by manipulation of complex embryos. This paper sets out the engineering requirements for synthetic morphology, which include the development of a library of sensor modules, regulatory modules and effector modules that can be connected functionally within cells. A substantial number of sensor and regulatory modules already exist and this paper argues that some potential effector modules have already been identified. The necessary library may therefore be within reach. The paper ends by suggesting a set of challenges, ranging from simple to complex, the achievement of which would provide valuable proofs of concept.