bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anthocyanin oligomer (grape skin extract) administration improves dry eye disease: A randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Fan Meiqi , Kim Su Ah. , Choi Young‐Jin , Tang Yujiao , Yang Hyun Pil , Kim Eun‐Kyung 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundDry eye disease is a chronic, progressive ocular disease characterised by ocular discomfort and is one of the most common ophthalmological disorders that affects people's lives.MethodsThis study investigated the clinical efficacy of anthocyanin oligomers (grape skin extract) for the treatment of dry eye. One hundred and eight patients with dry eye were randomly divided into placebo and treatment groups, each with 54 cases. The placebo group received maltodextrin (800 mg/day) and the treatment group received anthocyanin oligomers (800 mg/day). Clinical efficacy, clinical indices, and occurrence of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.ResultsAnthocyanin oligomers were safe and effective in mild‐to‐moderate dry eye disease, improving the tear break‐up time, intraocular pressure, ocular surface disease, and patient symptomatology.ConclusionsThe use of oral anthocyanin oligomers in the treatment of dry eye patients can enhance the therapeutic effect and improve the quality of life of patients while ensuring the safety of treatment, making this therapeutic option suitable for wider application.
Impact of baseline kidney function on the effects of sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors on kidney and heart failure outcomes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Maddaloni Ernesto , Cavallari Ilaria , La Porta Ylenia , Appetecchia Alessandro , D'Onofrio Luca , Grigioni Francesco , Buzzetti Raffaella , Holman Rury R. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAimTo determine whether the magnitude of the cardiorenal benefits of sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) varies with baseline kidney function.MethodsWe searched randomized, placebo‐controlled trials testing the effects of SGLT2is on renal and cardiovascular outcomes. Efficacy outcomes, stratified by baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) categories, included renal disease progression, a composite heart failure (HF) outcome and mortality.ResultsThirteen trials testing SGLT2is in 90 402 participants with available eGFR data were included. The risk of bias was judged as low for all trials. SGLT2is reduced the relative risks of renal disease progression by 27% to 57% and of HF outcomes by 13% to 32% across different eGFR categories, with an overall low heterogeneity. Meta‐regression analyses showed a significant direct relationship between baseline eGFR and the magnitude of SGLT2is’ renal protection (P = .003). The greatest risk reduction was in participants with an eGFR of 90 ml/min/1.73m2 or higher (HR 0.43, 95% CI: 0.32‐0.58) and the smallest was in those with an eGFR of less than 30 ml/min/1.73m2 (HR 0.73, 95% CI: 0.62‐0.86, P < .001). Conversely, for HF, the greatest risk reduction was in those with an eGFR of less than 30 ml/min/1.73m2 (HR 0.68, 95% CI: 0.48‐0.96) and the smallest was in those with an eGFR of 90 ml/min/1.73m2 or higher (HR 0.87, 95% CI: 0.56‐1.34).ConclusionsSGLT2is reduce the risk of renal and HF outcomes for all eGFR categories. The greatest benefits in terms of kidney protection may be achieved by early initiation of SGLT2is in people with preserved eGFR. The greatest risk reduction for HF outcomes is observed in people with lower eGFR values.
Meta‐analysis of head‐to‐head clinical trials comparing incretin‐based glucose‐lowering medications and basal insulin: An update including recently developed glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) receptor agonists and the glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide/GLP‐1 receptor co‐agonist tirzepatide
Authors: Nauck Michael A. , Mirna Abd El Aziz , Quast Daniel R. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo assess comparative efficacy, safety and tolerability of injectable incretin‐based glucose‐lowering medications (IBGLMs) versus basal insulin treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes.Research Design and MethodsWe performed an updated meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials of head‐to‐head comparisons of IBGLMs (short‐ and long‐acting glucagon‐like peptide‐1 [GLP‐1] receptor agonists [GLP‐1RAs] and glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide [GIP]/GLP‐1 receptor co‐agonist tirzepatide) versus basal insulin using a PubMed database search (April 2022). The primary endpoint was difference in reduction of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) versus baseline between pooled IBGLMs (fixed‐effects meta‐analysis) and their subgroups (random‐effects meta‐analysis) versus basal insulin treatment (mean differences). Secondary endpoints were fasting plasma glucose, body weight, HbA1c target achievement, hypoglycaemia, blood pressure and lipids. Risk of bias assessment was performed using Jadad scores and the Risk of Bias tool 2.0.ResultsIn all, 20 studies, representing 47 study arms and 11 843 patients, were eligible. Compared with basal insulin, IGBLMs lowered HbA1c by 0.48 (0.45‐0.52)% more than did basal insulin treatment. This effect was driven by pooled long‐acting GLP‐1RAs (ΔHbA1c −0.25 [−0.38; −0.11]%) and the only GIP/GLP‐1 receptor co‐agonist, tirzepatide (pooled doses; ΔHbA1c −0.90 [−1.06; −0.75]%), while short‐acting GLP‐1RAs were equally effective compared with basal insulin (P = 0.90). All IBGLM subgroups achieved significantly lower body weight versus insulin treatment (−4.6 [−4.7; −4.4] kg), in particular tirzepatide (−12.0 [−13.8; −10.1] kg). IBGLMs significantly reduced hypoglycaemia and blood pressure and improved lipid variables. Risk of bias was low. IBGLM treatment was associated with more nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea and study medication discontinuation.ConclusionsRecently introduced, highly effective IBGLMs were superior to basal insulin treatment, reinforcing the recommendation that IBGLMs should be considered as the first injectable treatment for most patients with type 2 diabetes.
Long‐term impact of weight loss for people with overweight but not obesity, and with type 2 diabetes: 10‐year outcomes of a randomized trial of gastric band surgery
Authors: Qi Qi Yang Damien , Playfair Julie , Brown Wendy A. , Burton Paul , O'Brien Paul E. , Wentworth John M. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAimRandomized trials reporting 5‐year outcomes have shown bariatric surgery to induce diabetes remission and improve cardiovascular risk. However, the longer‐term effects of surgery are uncertain, with only one randomized trial reporting 10‐year diabetes outcomes in people with obesity. We aimed to compare 10‐year diabetes outcomes of people who are overweight but not obese, randomly assigned to receive either multidisciplinary diabetes care, or multidisciplinary diabetes care combined with gastric band (GB) surgery.MethodsBetween 2009 and 2011, 51 adults were randomized. After 5 years, they were discharged to receive community care and reassessed after 10 years. The primary outcome was diabetes remission, defined as glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) <6.5% (48 mmol/mol) without glucose‐lowering medication.ResultsForty‐one participants (20 medical and 21 GB) completed the 10‐year assessment. The median (Q1, Q3) weight loss in the GB group was 9.8 (6.7, 16.3)% at 10 years compared with 5.6 (3.4, 7.6)% in the medical group (median difference 4.2%; p = .008). Diabetes remission occurred in five GB participants and no medical participants (relative risk 0.76, 95% CI: 0.55‐0.93, p = .048). GB participants used fewer glucose‐lowering medications at 10 years but HbA1c, fasting glucose, calculated cardiovascular risk, quality‐of‐life and incident diabetes complications did not differ significantly between the groups.ConclusionWhen compared with medical care, GB surgery achieved greater weight loss and modestly increased the likelihood of diabetes remission. However, it did not improve HbA1c, cardiovascular risk or quality of life.
Status and mortality: Is there a Whitehall effect in the United States?
Authors: Nicholas Tom 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe influential Whitehall studies found that top‐ranking civil servants in Britain experienced lower mortality than civil servants below them in the organizational hierarchy due to differential exposure to workplace stress. I test for a Whitehall effect in the United States using a 1930 cohort of white‐collar employees at a leading firm – General Electric (GE). All had access to a corporate health and welfare program during a critical period associated with the health transition. I measure status using position in the managerial hierarchy, attendance at prestigious management training camps and promotions, none of which is associated with a Whitehall‐like rank‐mortality gradient. Instead, senior managers and executives experienced a 3–5‐year decrease in lifespan relative to those in lower levels, with the largest mortality penalty experienced by individuals in the second level of the hierarchy. I discuss generalizability and potential explanations for this reversal of the Whitehall phenomenon using additional data on the status and lifespan of top business executives and US senators.
Beyond mean fitness: Demographic stochasticity and resilience matter at tree species climatic edges
Authors: Guyennon Arnaud , Reineking Björn , Salguero‐Gomez Roberto , Dahlgren Jonas , Lehtonen Aleksi , Ratcliffe Sophia , Ruiz‐Benito Paloma , Zavala Miguel A. , Kunstler Georges 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAimLinking local population dynamics and species distributions is crucial to predicting the impacts of climate change. Although many studies focus on the mean fitness of populations, theory shows that species distributions can be shaped by demographic stochasticity or population resilience. Here, we examine how mean fitness (measured by invasion rate), demographic stochasticity and resilience (measured by the ability to recover from disturbance) constrain populations at the edges compared with the climatic centre.LocationEurope: Spain, France, Germany, Finland and Sweden.PeriodForest inventory data used for fitting the models cover the period from 1985 to 2013.Major taxaDominant European tree species; angiosperms and gymnosperms.MethodsWe developed dynamic population models covering the entire life cycle of 25 European tree species with climatically dependent recruitment models fitted to forest inventory data. We then ran simulations using integral projection and individual‐based models to test how invasion rates, risk of stochastic extinction and ability to recover from stochastic disturbances differ between the centre and edges of the climatic niches of species.ResultsResults varied among species, but in general, demographic constraints were stronger at warm edges and for species in harsher climates. Conversely, recovery was more limiting at cold edges. In addition, we found that for several species, constraints at the edges were attributable to demographic stochasticity and capacity for recovery rather than mean fitness.Main conclusionsOur results highlight that mean fitness is not the only mechanism at play at the edges; demographic stochasticity and population capacity to recover also matter for European tree species. To understand how climate change will drive species range shifts, future studies will need to analyse the interplay between population mean growth rate and stochastic demographic processes in addition to disturbances.
Accelerated cognitive decline after the COVID‐19 pandemic in a community population of older persons with cognitive impairment: A 4‐year time series analysis in the Tokyo Metropolis area
Authors: Matsui Toshifumi , Mitsuma Sayuri , Nagata Akane , Matsushita Sachio , Asahi Toshiomi 
Published: January 2023

AimThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has led to lifestyle restrictions and might be associated with long‐term changes in cognitive function. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the overall effect of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the cognitive trajectory of a cohort of patients with cognitive impairment.MethodsWe enrolled 160 patients who had been making regular visits to a medical center for dementia. Cognitive function was assessed based on changes in scores on the Mini‐Mental State Examination before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic throughout a 4‐year period. The trajectory of cognitive decline was determined by carrying out a time series analysis using a state‐space model.ResultsCrude analysis showed that the Mini‐Mental State Examination scores decreased from 20.9 ± 4.4 points (mean ± SD) at the time of the initial cognitive assessments to 17.5 ± 5.6 points at the time of the final assessments, and the decline rate was 1.15 ± 1.78 points per year (P < 0.0001). The time series analysis showed an accelerated cognitive trajectory after the COVID‐19 outbreak, and the average decline in the Mini‐Mental State Examination scores was 0.46 points (95% confidence interval 0.034–0.91) per year before the COVID‐19 pandemic, and a steeper decline of 1.87 points (95% confidence interval 1.34–2.67) per year after the outbreak.ConclusionsThe COVID‐19 pandemic accelerated the rate of cognitive decline in patients with cognitive impairment fourfold in comparison with before the pandemic. Specific strategies designed for cognitively older people in the “new normal” will reconcile both requirements, reducing the risk of infection, and maintaining their physical and psychological well‐being. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 200–204.
Utilization patterns, cardiovascular risk, and concomitant serotoninergic medications among triptan users between 2008 and 2018: A gender analysis in one Italian region, Tuscany
Authors: Hyeraci Giulia , Gini Rosa , Bezin Julien , Iannone Luigi Francesco , Benemei Silvia , Lupi Chiara , De Cesaris Francesco , Geppetti Pierangelo , Roberto Giuseppe 
Published: January 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the pattern of triptan use by gender in Tuscany, Italy, focusing on special user populations in which evidence on triptan safety is still not conclusive.BackgroundGrowing evidence supports the role of gender differences in migraine pathophysiology and treatment. However, gender impact on triptan real‐word utilization has been poorly investigated.MethodsA retrospective, descriptive, cohort study was performed using the population‐based Administrative Healthcare Database of Tuscany region (Italy). Subjects registered in the database on the January 1 of each year between 2008 and 2018 were identified. New users (NU) of triptans (ATC:N02CC*) were patients with one or more triptan dispensation during the year of interest and none in the past. Age, cardiovascular comorbidities representing an absolute or a possible contraindication to triptan utilization, concomitant serotonergic medications, and pattern of triptan use during 1‐year follow‐up were described by gender.ResultsA total of 86,109 patients who received one or more triptan dispensing were identified. Of 64,672 NU (men = 17,039; women = 47,633), 10.2% (6823/64,672) were aged >65 years, who were mostly women (n = 4613). Among NU, men and women with absolute cardiovascular contraindications were 4.3% (740/17,039) and 2.1% (1022/47,633), respectively, while those concomitantly taking serotonergic medications were 17.2% (267/1549) and 21.9% (949/4330), respectively (949/4330). Regular users (two or more dispensing with ≥3 months between first and last observed dispensing) accounted for 26.4% of women (12,597/47,633) and 19.11% of men (3250/17,039); frequent users (≥15 dosage units/month during ≥3 consecutive months) were overall 0.1% (94/64,672) and 62.0% (58/94) of them concomitantly received serotonergic medications.ConclusionConsidering gender differences in triptan use highlighted here, large scale observational studies are warranted to better define what populations are safe to use triptans and whether it is appropriate to tighten or relax certain recommendations on triptan use. In the meantime, any suspected adverse drug reaction observed in the special user populations highlighted in this study should be promptly reported.
Association between inflammatory bowel disease and periodontitis: A bidirectional two‐sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Zhongyuan , Li Song , Tan Dong , Abudourexiti Waresi , Yu Zeqian , Zhang Tenghui , Ding Chao , Gong Jianfeng 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAimThis Mendelian randomization (MR) study was performed to explore the potential bidirectional causal association between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and periodontitis.Materials and MethodsWe used genetic instruments from the genome‐wide association study summary statistics of European descent for IBD (12,882 cases and 21,770 controls) to investigate the association with periodontitis (3046 cases and 195,395 controls) and vice versa. The radial inverse‐variance weighted method was carried out to obtain the primary causal estimates, and the robustness of the results was assessed by a series of sensitivity analyses. Due to multiple testing, associations with p values <.008 were considered as statistically significant, and p values ≥.008 and <.05 were considered as suggestively significant.ResultsIn the primary causal estimates, IBD as a whole was associated with an increased risk of periodontitis (odds ratio [OR], 1.060; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.017; 1.105; p = .006). Subtype analyses showed that ulcerative colitis (UC) was associated with periodontitis (OR, 1.074; 95% CI 1.029; 1.122; p = .001), while Crohn's disease (CD) was not. Regarding the reverse direction, periodontitis showed a suggestive association with IBD as a whole (OR, 1.065; 95% CI 1.013; 1.119; p = .014). Subtype analyses revealed that periodontitis was associated with CD (OR, 1.100; 95% CI 1.038; 1.167; p = .001) but not UC. The final models after outlier removal showed no obvious pleiotropy, indicating that our primary analysis results were reliable.ConclusionsThe present MR study provides moderate evidence on the bidirectional causal relationship between IBD and periodontitis. The bidirectional increased risk found in our study was marginal and, possibly, of limited clinical relevance. More studies are needed to support the findings of our current study.
Perceived benefits from peer‐support among family caregivers of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and cognitive impairments in a palliative rehabilitation blended online learning programme
Authors: Olesen Lene Klem , la Cour Karen , Thorne Sally , With Heidi , Handberg Charlotte 
Published: January 2023

AbstractRationaleFamily caregivers of persons with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and cognitive and/or behavioural impairments (PALS/CIs) experience various challenges and needs, including emotional and practical support from peers. Various forms of peer‐support have shown different strengths and weaknesses; however, little is known about how family caregivers of PALS/CIs interact with and perceive virtual face‐to‐face peer‐support.Aims and ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to understand how caregivers of PALS/CIs interact with and perceive virtual face‐to‐face peer‐support in a palliative rehabilitation programme designed to promote targeted palliative rehabilitation initiatives for caregivers of PALS/CIs.MethodA qualitative design using participant observations of 17 recorded virtual group‐facilitated meetings from two rounds of a 4‐month intervention was performed. The Medical Research Council framework, the inductive interpretive description methodology and the theoretical framework of Sense of Coherence guided the study. Nineteen participants, divided into four groups, were included.ResultsThree themes emerged: ‘Relating my situation to others’, ‘Making room for forbidden thoughts’ and ‘Longing for normalcy’. The themes reflected the various ways participants interacted in online group meetings and how the interactions evolved around practical, emotional and forbidden thoughts. Sharing personal and sorrowful concerns and frustrations engendered feelings of trust and a sense of belonging, which empowered the participants to address their genuine wish and longing for normalcy with all the trivialities of which ALS/CIs had robbed them.ConclusionVirtual face‐to‐face peer‐support can enable caregivers of PALS/CIs to share experiences of everyday life challenges that cannot always be shared elsewhere. Being able to relate to and learn from other's experiences alleviated feelings of loneliness, frustration, and concerns and thereby enhanced comprehensibility, manageability and meaningfulness. Online palliative rehabilitation interventions should provide an opportunity for caregivers to meet regularly in interactive group meetings. Familiarization takes time online and is necessary to improve their sense of feeling safe to share their deepest thoughts. Such group interventions, facilitated by trained healthcare professionals, offer a means to support dynamic group interactions and discussion of sensitive topics.
Venture capital and private equity investors, governance, and success of IPOs: Evidence from India
Authors: Gogineni Sridhar , Upadhyay Arun 
Published: January 2023

AbstractIn this article, we examine the role of domestic and foreign venture capital and private equity (VCPE) firms in India. We find robust evidence that portfolio firms backed by foreign VCPE firms incorporate effective governance structures after the initial public offering (IPO). Specifically, these firms are associated with smaller, more independent, and gender‐diverse boards. Furthermore, our results suggest that foreign VCPE firms continue their association with their portfolio firms in the post‐IPO period by nominating directors to the boards. Our results also suggest that portfolio firms backed by foreign VCPE firms are associated with better long‐term operating performance and profitability. This positive effect is exacerbated by the presence of independent and female directors. Collectively, our results support the view that good governance practices are key to the long‐term success of a business, especially in economies that lack good legal systems, developed financial markets, and alternative investment opportunities and where developing trust between parties in a transaction is crucial.
Institutional trading and information processing: Evidence from complicated firms and easy‐to‐analyze firms
Authors: Alldredge Dallin M. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractIn this article, I examine institutional trading within two groups of firms with different demands on investor information processing: conglomerate firms and stand‐alone firms. On average, institutional trading in conglomerate firm stocks yields significantly lower returns than institutional trading in stand‐alone firm stocks. Inferior returns following institutional trading in conglomerate firm stocks persist across small and large firms. Moreover, financial institutions with a low concentration of conglomerate firms in their portfolios are more profitable in their trading. This study provides evidence that skilled institutional investors intentionally focus their information‐processing efforts on easy‐to‐analyze firms.