The 'scientist', the 'analyst' and the 'novelist': science or metrics?

An overwhelming number of meta-analyses and reviews are published by scientific journals. In part this may reflect some preference of editors and publishers for these types of papers, which are more frequently cited and can increase the impact factor of their journals. Meta-analyses and reviews are also attractive for investigators looking for a greater chance of having successful publications with several citations, and therefore an improved personal h-index.

Depressive symptoms and glycaemic control in adults with type 1 diabetes: an exploratory study on the role of family functioning.

Aims: Psychological distress and family functioning have a considerable impact on diabetes self-management and glycaemic control in individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, the influence of both individual and family factors on glycaemic control has not been adequately investigated yet. This study aimed at examining the relationship between perceived family functioning and depressive symptoms with the frequency of capillary self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) and glycaemic control (HbA) in a large sample of adults with T1D.

Ten years of experience with DPP-4 inhibitors for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Achieving and maintaining recommended glycemic targets without causing adverse e ffects, including hypoglycemia, is challenging, especially in older patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The introduction of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, more than 10 years ago, has provided an alternative to conventional medications for the intensification of glucose-lowering treatment after failure of metformin monotherapy, and therefore, marked an important advance in the management of T2DM. By prolonging the activity of incretin hormones, DPP-4 inhibitors induce insulin release and decrease glucagon secretion in a glucose-dependent manner.

Role of Exercise in Vascular Function and Inflammatory Profile in Age-Related Obesity.

In western countries, aging is often accompanied by obesity and age-related obesity is characterized by vascular dysfunction and a low-grade inflammatory profile. Exercise is a nonpharmacological strategy able to decrease the development and incidence of risk factors for several health-threatening diseases. Nonetheless, its long-term effect on vascular function and inflammation in age-related obesity is still unclear.