bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy, safety and tolerability of imeglimin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Hagi Katsuhiko , Nitta Masahiro , Watada Hirotaka , Kaku Kohei , Ueki Kohjiro 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAims/IntroductionThis meta‐analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety/tolerability of imeglimin, a novel oral antihyperglycemic agent, administered as monotherapy and adjunctive therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Materials and MethodsParallel‐group randomized controlled trials comparing imeglimin with placebo in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus were included. Risk ratios or weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random effects models. The primary outcome for efficacy was the change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Secondary outcomes included other efficacy‐related outcomes, specific adverse events, and changes in body weight and lipid parameters.ResultsNine randomized controlled trials (n = 1,655) were included. When analyzed by dose, there was a significant difference in glycated hemoglobin (%) between imeglimin monotherapy and placebo at doses >1,000 mg twice daily (1,000 mg: studies N = 3, patients n = 517, WMD = −0.714, P < 0.001; 1,500 mg: N = 5, n = 448, WMD = −0.531, P = 0.020; 2,000 mg: N = 1, n = 149, WMD = −0.450, P = 0.005). Imeglimin adjunctive therapy significantly improved glycated hemoglobin over placebo at doses of 1,000 mg (N = 1, n = 214, WMD = −0.600, P < 0.001) and 1,500 mg (N = 2, n = 324, WMD = −0.576, P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis of the primary outcome showed that imeglimin was effective regardless of chronic kidney disease category, with studies carried out in Japan and in patients with lower body mass index showing a trend toward improved imeglimin efficacy. There were no significant differences between imeglimin and placebo in the risk of all‐cause discontinuation and the proportion of patients who presented with at least one adverse event.ConclusionsImeglimin is efficacious, safe, and well tolerated as monotherapy and adjunctive therapy.
Baseline prevalence of hyperglycemia and its predictors among community clinic users of a selected rural area of Bangladesh: A cross‐sectional study using the WHO PEN Protocol 1
Authors: Faruque Mithila , Barua Lingkan , Rakhshanda Shagoofa , Banik Palash Chandra , Shawon Riffat Ara , Rahman AKM Fazlur , Mashreky Saidur Rahman 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAims/IntroductionOur objective was to estimate the prevalence of hyperglycemia at baseline, and identify its predictors among community clinic (CC) users from a selected rural area of Bangladesh.Materials and MethodsThis cross‐sectional study partly used the baseline data of implementation research in which a total of 11,244 adults visited the CC, and their blood glucose, blood pressure and anthropometry were evaluated according to ‘Action 2’ of the World Health Organization (WHO) Package of Essential Noncommunicable Disease Interventions (PEN) protocol 1. Of these, 11,144 had complete information on demography, chronic diseases and their risk factors, which were collected during the implementation of ‘Action 1’ of WHO PEN protocol 1 at the household level. Hyperglycemia, prediabetes (PreD) and type 2 diabetes were diagnosed using the WHO criteria.ResultsUsing WHO PEN protocol 1, the estimated baseline prevalence was 12.5% for hyperglycemia, 3.4% for PreD and 9.2% for type 2 diabetes, and was more prevalent among men compared with women. PreD and type 2 diabetes had significantly higher odds ratio (OR >1) of having common risk factors as follows: age ≥40 years (PreD,P < 0.001; type 2 diabetes,P < 0.001), generalized obesity (PreD,P < 0.001; type 2 diabetes,P = 0.005) and hypertension (PreD,P < 0.000; type 2 diabetes,P < 0.001). Furthermore, participants with a family history of diabetes appeared to be a significant predictor of type 2 diabetes (P < 0.001), but not for PreD (P = 0.303).ConclusionsHyperglycemia, preD and type 2 diabetes showed a comparatively high prevalence among the CC users of the selected rural area. Obesity and hypertension are the key modifiable risk factors that should be reduced using a CC‐centered risk reduction strategy.
Descriptive and comparative analysis of mucocutaneous manifestations in patients with dengue fever: A prospective study
Authors: Fera C. , Maillard O. , Joly E. , Diallo K. , Mavingui P. , Koumar Y. , Cabié A. , Bertolotti A. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundDengue is an arbovirosis affecting nearly 4 billion people worldwide. Since 2018, dengue has been re‐emerging in Reunion Island. The incidence of mucocutaneous manifestations varies according to the studies and is generally called ‘rash’.ObjectivesTo assess the prevalence of different mucocutaneous symptoms and describe the characteristics of patients developing these symptoms and the clinical signs associated with severe dengue.MethodsA prospective study was conducted in 2019 at the University Hospital of La Réunion, in patients presenting a positive PCR for dengue. Descriptive analyses were performed. All cases in the prospective study were examined by a dermatologist.ResultsA total of 163 cases were included. The prevalence of mucocutaneous signs was 80.4%. A pruritus was reported in 33.7% cases, an erythematous rash in 29.4% and a mouth involvement including lip, tongue, cheek, angular cheilitis, pharyngitis, mouth ulcer and gingivitis in 31.3%. Most of symptoms appeared in the first days, but some of them could disappear only after the 3rd week. Mucocutaneous signs were not associated with a severe dengue fever (p = 0.54), but ecchymotic purpura was (p = 0.037). In multivariate analysis, skin involvement was associated with flu‐like syndrome (headache, pharyngitis, rachis pain) and patient required rehydration but not invasive reanimation.ConclusionThis work confirms the high prevalence of skin symptoms in dengue disease, but also their wide diversity. The mucocutaneous involvement of dengue fever appears to be accompanied by a pronounced flu‐like syndrome in people without severity, but careful examination to identify ecchymotic purpura or sign of dehydration in the mucous membranes would better identify cases that may worsen.
Interactions between egg parasitoids and predatory ants for the biocontrol of the invasive brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys
Authors: Schifani Enrico , Giannetti Daniele , Costi Elena , Franconi Giulia , Campostrini Arianna , Maistrello Lara , Grasso Donato A. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys is an Asian species that has become a major agricultural pest in North America and Europe. Ants from the genus Crematogaster are predators of H. halys nymphs in Asia, as well as in the Mediterranean, where known native predators are still few. At the same time, ants usually do not harm H. halys eggs, which are the target of the main biological control agents, the scelionid parasitoids of the genus Trissolcus. However, ants, as generalist predators and territorial organisms, may kill or displace a variety of other insects, potentially interfering with parasitoids and biological control programmes. We conducted laboratory experiments to investigate the interactions between the Mediterranean ant Crematogaster scutellaris and the parasitoids T. japonicus and T. mitsukurii, evaluating the possibility that the ants could damage the parasitized eggs, attack the parasitoids during emergence or interfere with the egg‐laying behaviour of female parasitoids. Our results demonstrate that C. scutellaris is not able to damage parasitized eggs and is not aggressive towards adult parasitoids at any stage. The presence of ants can slow down the parasitization rate in T. mitsukurii females in the smallest laboratory setups; however, this has not been observed in a more natural setting. We suggest that ants may play a complementary role together with egg‐parasitoids in the control of H. halys without interfering with each other.
The efficacy and safety of cold snare polypectomy with submucosal injection for the removal of polyps less than 20 mm in size: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Liang Zheng , Wei Yongqiu , Zhang Shutian , Li Peng 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackground and AimNeoplastic polyp removal is important for colorectal cancer prevention. Endoscopists have proposed cold snare endoscopic mucosal resection (CS‐EMR) as a solution to solve positive cutting edges and postoperative bleeding. However, many controversies regarding its specific performance in practice have been reported. The aim of this pooled analysis was to report the efficacy and safety of CS‐EMR.MethodsPubMed/Medline, Embase, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library searched up to January 2022 to identify studies in which CS‐EMR was performed for the removal of colorectal polyps measuring less than 20 mm. The primary outcome was the complete resection rate (CRR), and the secondary outcome was the rate of adverse events.ResultsEleven studies were included in the final analysis, which included 861 colorectal polyps. The overall CRR with CS‐EMR was 96.3% (95% CI, 93.9–98.2%). The early and delayed bleeding rates of CS‐EMR were 3.1% (95% CI, 1.2–5.5%) and 1.4% (95% CI, 0.6–2.4%), respectively. There were no statistical significances between CS‐EMR and cold snare polypectomy (CSP) in terms of the CRR and adverse events, as well as CS‐EMR and hot snare endoscopic mucosal resection (HS‐EMR).ConclusionsFor resecting colorectal polyps measuring ≤20 mm, CS‐EMR is an effective attempt. However, compared with CSP and HS‐EMR, CS‐EMR did not improve the efficiency and safety of polypectomy as expected. Multicenter randomized controlled trials are needed to compare CSP with CS‐EMR in the resection of <10 mm polyps and HSP with CS‐EMR in the resection of ≥10 mm polyps.
Unraveling the complexity of extended producer responsibility policy mix design, implementation, and transfer dynamics in the European Union
Authors: Pruess Jakob T. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractExtended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging was introduced to achieve closed‐loop end‐of‐life management and design for recyclability and is an integral part of the European Union's (EU) environmental policy mix. Despite common objectives, EPR systems differ across EU member states in design and implementation. Existing cross‐country comparisons often fall short of systematizing EPR and reflecting its complexity. Understanding the components and interdependencies of EPR is crucial for adjusting policy design. This article links previously isolated components of EPR and studies the design, implementation, and transfer of EPR systems in 25 European countries through a developmental approach. It extends EPR theory by systematizing EPR design features at three hierarchical levels: system scope, responsibility allocation, and instrument type. It then tests the approach by systematically examining similarities and differences, including a uniform coding process and cluster analysis. My results indicate that EPR for plastic packaging is becoming increasingly fine‐grained and diverse. I show that ‘‘path‐dependencies’’ emerge between certain features at the responsibility allocation level. I also find common implementation patterns across countries revolving around, for example, EPR market structure or producer responsibility type. System scope converges across countries, while instrument types are becoming increasingly multi‐faceted. I find that policy transfer mechanisms, such as first‐mover dynamics and geographic proximity, have likely influenced existing landscapes of EPR design across the EU. These insights provide an intriguing first step toward deeper analysis of EPR design and, if further extended, can be operationalized for future ex ante or ex post policy analysis of EPR system setups.
Can Internet Banking Affect Households' Participation in Financial Markets and Financial Awareness?
Authors: MICHELANGELI VALENTINA , VIVIANO ELIANA 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWe are in a digital era and more and more banks have begun to offer Internet banking. The availability of this new channel can reduce households' cost of acquiring information and the time spent on financial transactions; therefore, it could also impact on households' decisions to start investing in financial markets. Using an instrumental variable approach, we find that the adoption of Internet banking induces households to participate in financial markets and, in particular, to hold short‐term assets with a low risk/return profile. Over time, the adoption of Internet banking also drives a better understanding of basic financial concepts.
Clinical evaluation of the safety and efficacy of a 1060 nm diode laser for non‐invasive fat reduction of the flanks
Authors: Kang Alison , Kislevitz Mikaela , Wamsley Christine , Barillas Jennifer , Hoopman John , Kenkel Jeffrey , Kilmer Suzanne 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundLaser hyperthermia‐induced lipolysis is a non‐invasive method of localized fat treatment. Non‐invasive approaches could be an option for a growing number of patients who are risk‐averse and are seeking out non‐invasive alternatives to surgical procedures such as liposuction. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of a 1060 nm diode laser for the non‐invasive fat reduction of the flanks.MethodsA total of 30 subjects were enrolled in this prospective, single center study. Subjects received one 25‐min treatment with a 1060 nm diode laser to both flanks. Follow‐up visits were conducted at 6 and 12 weeks after the last treatment. Ultrasound adipose thickness, body weight, and circumference measurements were taken at baseline and at the 6‐ and 12‐week follow‐up visits. Subject satisfaction was assessed using a self‐assessment of fat reduction, pain, and tolerability scales, and a subject satisfaction questionnaire. Safety was assessed via the presence or absence of any adverse events.ResultsThe average age of subjects was 47.3 years. A total of 27 subjects completed the treatment and returned for both follow‐up visits. An adipose reduction of 7.57 ± 1.15% at 6 weeks post‐treatment (p < 0.0001) was measured using ultrasound. High subject satisfaction was seen, with 74% of subjects reporting being either “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with their results on a 5‐point Likert Scale. Eighty‐two percent of subjects stated they would recommend the treatment to their friends. All subjects had either mild or moderate pain, with 52% of subjects rating their pain as “mild” (1–3), while 48% rated their pain as moderate (4–7) on the Wong‐Baker Scale.ConclusionsA single treatment with a 1060 nm diode laser was both safe and effective in reducing unwanted fat in the flanks without any unanticipated adverse events. Subjects described their treatment pain as mild or moderate and were highly satisfied with their treatment outcomes.
An account of loneliness while living with an eating disorder
Authors: Grech Paulann , Azzopardi Andrew , Borg Sarah 
Published: August 2023

Accessible SummaryWhat is known on the subject?

Severe and prolonged loneliness is known to be detrimental to mental well‐being. Eating disorders and loneliness are linked to each other with loneliness often acting as a barrier during the recovery journey.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge?

This paper explores the experience of loneliness while recovering from an eating disorder, as framed within the context of childrearing and challenging family dynamics. While loneliness has negative connotations, it may act as a ‘companion’ to the person experiencing it.

What are the implications for practice?

The first visible need is that for public figures to raise awareness of loneliness and mental well‐being. Another emerging issue is the need to re‐think automatic negative assumptions associated with loneliness. Importantly, professionals and caregivers have to consider the co‐morbidity of loneliness and mental illness. Links between loneliness and unhealthy family dynamics also need to be assessed when providing support.
Behavioural responses to temporal variations of human presence: Insights from an urban adapter
Authors: Brogi R. , Apollonio M. , Grignolio S. , Cossu A. , Luccarini S. , Brivio F. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractHuman‐dominated environments are growing worldwide, forcing animals to adapt to new conditions characterized by increased risks and/or anthropogenic resources availability. While numerous studies have compared behavioural patterns of rural and urban populations, little is known about plastic behavioural responses to temporal variations in human presence. We modelled the behaviour‐specific resource selection of 15 wild boars (Sus scrofa) GPS‐tracked between 2017 and 2019 in a tourist area in Italy characterized by high seasonal variability of human presence. By means of activity sensor data, we differentiated between two behavioural states with different ecological needs: resting (safe shelter) and activity (food intake). We investigated the variability of selection/avoidance of infrastructures and beaches, across seasons and behavioural states. We expected human‐built landscape features to be avoided for resting and selected for activity, with a strength proportional to the seasonal level of human presence. Instead, wild boars selected locations near infrastructures and away from beaches, both for resting and while being active. We showed that the similarity of behavioural patterns exhibited during the resting and active phases was accountable to the wild boar activities being spatially constrained by the proximity with their previous resting location. As expected, the selection for infrastructure proximity and avoidance of beaches peaked in summer (maximum human presence) and was negligible in winter (least human presence), showing that a variable human presence elicits intra‐individual plastic responses in animal populations. Our results suggest the behavioural flexibility of wild boars as a key factor enabling them to rapidly colonize human‐dominated environments.
Genomic approaches to mitigating genetic diversity loss in declining populations
Authors: Bossu Christen M. , Rodriguez Marina , Rayne Christine , Chromczak Debra A. , Higgins Philip G. , Trulio Lynne A. , Ruegg Kristen C. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe accelerating pace of global biodiversity loss is exacerbated by habitat fragmentation and subsequent inbreeding in small populations. To address this problem, conservation practitioners often turn to assisted breeding programmes with the aim of enhancing genetic diversity in declining populations. Although genomic information is infrequently included in these efforts, it has the potential to significantly enhance the success of such programmes. In this study, we showcase the value of genomic approaches for increasing genetic diversity in assisted breeding efforts, specifically focusing on a highly inbred population of Western burrowing owls. To maximize genetic diversity in the resulting offspring, we begin by creating an optimal pairing decision tree based on sex, kinship and patterns of homozygosity across the genome. To evaluate the effectiveness of our strategy, we compare genetic diversity, brood size and nestling success rates between optimized and non‐optimized pairs. Additionally, we leverage recently discovered correlations between telomere length and fitness across species to investigate whether genomic optimization could have long‐term fitness benefits. Our results indicate that pairing individuals with contrasting patterns of homozygosity across the genome is an effective way to increase genetic diversity in offspring. Although short‐term field‐based metrics of success did not differ significantly between optimized and non‐optimized pairs, offspring from optimized pairs had significantly longer telomeres, suggesting that genetic optimization can help reduce the risk of inbreeding depression. These findings underscore the importance of genomic tools for informing efforts to preserve the adaptive potential of small, inbred populations at risk of further decline.
Progress in molecular mechanisms of coronary microvascular dysfunction
Authors: Li Hao , Gao Yuping , Lin Yuanyuan 
Published: August 2023

AbstractCoronary microvascular dysfunction is a high‐risk factor for many cardiovascular events. However, because of multiple risk factors and limited understanding about its underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, it was easily misdiagnosed. Therefore, its clinical diagnosis and treatment were greatly restricted. Coronary microcirculation refers to microvessels that play an important role in the physiological regulation of myocardial perfusion and regulating blood flow distribution, fulfilling myocardial metabolic needs and moderating peripheral vascular resistance. In coronary microvascular dysfunction, vascular endothelial celldamage is a critical link. The main feature of early coronary microvascular dysfunction is the impairment of endothelial cell proliferation, adhesion, migration, apoptosis, and secretion. Moreover, coronary microvascular dysfunction risk factors include hyperglycemia, lipid metabolism disorders, ischemia‐reperfusion injury, aging, and hypertension, similar to coronary atherosclerosis. There are various mechanisms by which these risk factors harm endothelial function and cause microcirculatory disturbances. Therefore, we reviewed coronary microvascular dysfunction's risk factors and pathogenesis in this article.
Early leaf responses of cell physiological and sensor‐based signatures reflect susceptibility of wheat seedlings to infection by leaf rust
Authors: Spanic Valentina , Vukovic Ana , Cseplo Monika , Vukovic Rosemary , Buchvaldt Amby Daniel , Cairo Westergaard Jesper , Puskas Katalin , Roitsch Thomas 
Published: August 2023

AbstractLeaf rust caused byPuccinia triticinaErikss. can have devastating effects on wheat (Triticum aestivumL.), causing severe economic losses. This comprehensive study serves to facilitate our understanding of the impact of carbohydrate and antioxidant metabolism in association with sensor‐based phenotyping and leaf rust stress responses in wheat seedlings. After 24 h of inoculation (hai) very susceptible variety to leaf rust (Ficko) increased cell‐wall invertase (cwInv; EC 3.2.1.26), compared to other varieties that significantly increased cwInv later. This could mean that the Ficko variety cannot defend itself from leaf rust infections once symptoms have started to develop. Also, Ficko had significantly decreased amounts of cytoplasmic invertase (cytInv; EC 3.2.1.26) at 8 hai. The downregulation of cytInv in susceptible plants may facilitate the maintenance of elevated apoplastic sucrose availability favoring the pathogen. The significant role of vacuolar invertase (vacInv; EC 3.2.1.26) in moderately resistant varieties was recorded. Also, a significant decrease of glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH; EC 1.1.1.49) and UDP‐glucose pyrophosphorylase (UGPase; EC 2.7.7.9) in moderately resistant varieties might restrict normal development of leaf rust due to reduced sugar. During plant–pathogen interaction, when the invader spreads systemically throughout the plant, the main role of ascorbate peroxidase (APX; EC 1.11.1.11) activity in one moderately resistant variety (Olimpija) and catalase (CAT; EC 1.11.1.6) activity in another moderately resistant variety (Alka) is to protect the plant against oxidative damage in the early stages of infection. Non‐invasive phenotyping with a sensor‐based technique could be used as a rapid method for pre‐symptomatic determination of wheat leaf rust resistance or susceptibility.