Efficacy of imeglimin treatment versus metformin dose escalation on glycemic control in subjects with type 2 diabetes treated with a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor plus low-dose metformin: A multicenter, prospective, randomized, open-label, parallel-group comparison study (MEGMI study).

Aims: To compare the efficacy of adding imeglimin versus that of metformin dose escalation on glycemic control in subjects with type 2 diabetes treated with a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor plus low-dose metformin (500-1000 mg/day).

Materials And Methods: In this multicentre, open-labelled, prospective, randomized, parallel-group comparison study, the addition of imeglimin (2000 mg/day) or metformin escalation was applied for 24 weeks in eligible subjects. The primary endpoint was the mean change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) over 24 weeks.

Sublingual macrophage-associated ILDR2 contributes to immune tolerance via Treg induction.

The sublingual mucosa (SLM) has been used for sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) which has the potential to induce antigen-specific immune tolerance. We previously demonstrated the CD206 macrophages that were increased in the SLM after repeated antigen exposure. These macrophages showed high expression of the gene encoding ILDR2 (Ig-like domain-containing receptor 2), an immune checkpoint molecule.

Examination of evaluation indicators for spasticity in stroke patients using ultrasound imaging equipment.

[Purpose] To compare the muscle evaluation indices obtained by scanning the spastic muscles of stroke patients between the paretic and non-paretic sides using ultrasound imaging equipment, determine whether any features can be detected, and verify whether the evaluation indices that detect differences are valid for measuring the degree of spasticity. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 23 first-ever stroke patients with motor paralysis in one upper or lower limb, admitted to our hospital between 1 and 6 months after onset. The biceps brachii muscle and medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle were evaluated on both sides using ultrasound imaging equipment.

Safety and Efficacy of Everolimus Use to Preserve Renal Function in Intestinal and Multivisceral Transplantation Patients.

Background: As calcineurin inhibitors are associated with renal impairment post intestinal transplant, use of everolimus (EVR) may provide renal-sparing benefits.

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis focused on EVR use and renal function after intestinal or multivisceral transplant. No prisoners were used in the study.

Development of the Followership Evaluation Instrument for Nurses: A Prospective Longitudinal Survey.

Maintaining a healthy work environment in nursing practice depends not only on the leader's skill but also on the nursing staff's followership. The study purpose is to develop a followership instrument for nurses. We developed a followership evaluation instrument using data from two surveys conducted in 2013 and 2014 and assessed its validity using a questionnaire with nurses in Japan.