Design and baseline characteristics of the finerenone in reducing cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in diabetic kidney disease trial

Background: Among people with diabetes, those with kidney disease have exceptionally high rates of cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality and progression of their underlying kidney disease. Finerenone is a novel, nonsteroidal, selective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist that has shown to reduce albuminuria in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) while revealing only a low risk of hyperkalemia. However, the effect of finerenone on CV and renal outcomes has not yet been investigated in long-term trials. Patients and Methods: The Finerenone in Reducing CV Mortality and Morbidity in Diabetic Kidney Disease (FIGARO-DKD) trial aims to assess the efficacy and safety of finerenone compared to placebo at reducing clinically important CV and renal outcomes in T2D patients with CKD. FIGARO-DKD is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, event-driven trial running in 47 countries with an expected duration of approximately 6 years. FIGARO-DKD randomized 7,437 patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate >= 25 mL/min/1.73 m(2) and albuminuria (urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio >= 30 to <= 5,000 mg/g). The study has at least 90% power to detect a 20% reduction in the risk of the primary outcome (overall two-sided significance level alpha = 0.05), the composite of time to first occurrence of CV death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, or hospitalization for heart failure. Conclusions: FIGARO-DKD will determine whether an optimally treated cohort of T2D patients with CKD at high risk of CV and renal events will experience cardiorenal benefits with the addition of finerenone to their treatment regimen. Trial Registration: EudraCT number: 2015-000950-39; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02545049

Laminar Flow Simulation Between Parallel Flat Plates using OpenFOAM

Internal flow is a type of flow present in many industrial applications. A particular case of internal flow is the flow between parallel flat plates also known as plane channel flow. This is a bidimensional flow which has analytical solution for the case of fully developed flow. In the present work this flow is simulated and compared with analytical solution. The finite volume method was used by means of open-source software OpenFOAM. Due to the geometry of the problem a structured mesh was used. In addition, a mesh sensitivity analysis was done which serves as a guide for the elaboration of meshes for the simulation of laminar flow in internal flow in general. The pressure in the flow direction, velocity profile, friction factor and maximum velocity to average velocity ratio were determined. Simulation results are perfectly in agreement with the analytical solution

Laminar Flow Simulation Between Parallel Flat Plates using OpenFOAM

Internal flow is a type of flow present in many industrial applications. A particular case of internal flow is the flow between parallel flat plates also known as plane channel flow. This is a bidimensional flow which has analytical solution for the case of fully developed flow. In the present work this flow is simulated and compared with analytical solution. The finite volume method was used by means of open-source software OpenFOAM. Due to the geometry of the problem a structured mesh was used. In addition, a mesh sensitivity analysis was done which serves as a guide for the elaboration of meshes for the simulation of laminar flow in internal flow in general. The pressure in the flow direction, velocity profile, friction factor and maximum velocity to average velocity ratio were determined. Simulation results are perfectly in agreement with the analytical solution

Efficacy and Safety of K-877 (Pemafibrate), a Selective PPARα Modulator, in European Patients on Statin Therapy

OBJECTIVE High plasma triglyceride (TG) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Fibrates lower TG levels through peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor α (PPARα) agonism. Currently available fibrates, however, have relatively low selectivity for PPARα. The aim of this trial was to assess the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of K-877 (pemafibrate), a selective PPARα modulator, in statin-treated European patients with hypertriglyceridemia. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 408 statin-treated adults were recruited from 68 European sites for this phase 2, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. They had fasting TG between 175 and 500 mg/dL and HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) ≤50 mg/dL for men and ≤55 mg/dL for women. Participants were randomly assigned to receive placebo or one of six pemafibrate regimens: 0.05 mg twice a day, 0.1 mg twice a day, 0.2 mg twice a day, 0.1 mg once daily, 0.2 mg once daily, or 0.4 mg once daily. The primary end points were TG and non–HDL-C level lowering at week 12. RESULTS Pemafibrate reduced TG at all doses (adjusted P value &amp;lt;0.001), with the greatest placebo-corrected reduction from baseline to week 12 observed in the 0.2-mg twice a day treatment group (54.4%). Reductions in non–HDL-C did not reach statistical significance. Reductions in TG were associated with improvements in other markers for TG-rich lipoprotein metabolism, including reductions in apoB48, apoCIII, and remnant cholesterol and an increase in HDL-C levels. Pemafibrate increased LDL-cholesterol levels, whereas apoB100 was unchanged. Pemafibrate was safe and well-tolerated, with only minor increases in serum creatinine and homocysteine concentrations. CONCLUSIONS Pemafibrate is effective, safe, and well-tolerated for the reduction of TG in European populations with hypertriglyceridemia despite statin treatment. </jats:sec

Efficacy and Safety of K-877 (Pemafibrate), a Selective PPARα Modulator, in European Patients on Statin Therapy

OBJECTIVE: High plasma triglyceride (TG) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Fibrates lower TG levels through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) agonism. Currently available fibrates, however, have relatively low selectivity for PPARα. The aim of this trial was to assess the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of K-877 (pemafibrate), a selective PPARα modulator, in statin-treated European patients with hypertriglyceridemia. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 408 statin-treated adults were recruited from 68 European sites for this phase 2, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. They had fasting TG between 175 and 500 mg/dL and HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) ≤50 mg/dL for men and ≤55 mg/dL for women. Participants were randomly assigned to receive placebo or one of six pemafibrate regimens: 0.05 mg twice a day, 0.1 mg twice a day, 0.2 mg twice a day, 0.1 mg once daily, 0.2 mg once daily, or 0.4 mg once daily. The primary end points were TG and non-HDL-C level lowering at week 12. RESULTS: Pemafibrate reduced TG at all doses (adjusted P value <0.001), with the greatest placebo-corrected reduction from baseline to week 12 observed in the 0.2-mg twice a day treatment group (54.4%). Reductions in non-HDL-C did not reach statistical significance. Reductions in TG were associated with improvements in other markers for TG-rich lipoprotein metabolism, including reductions in apoB48, apoCIII, and remnant cholesterol and an increase in HDL-C levels. Pemafibrate increased LDL-cholesterol levels, whereas apoB100 was unchanged. Pemafibrate was safe and well-tolerated, with only minor increases in serum creatinine and homocysteine concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Pemafibrate is effective, safe, and well-tolerated for the reduction of TG in European populations with hypertriglyceridemia despite statin treatment

Efficacy and Safety of K-877 (Pemafibrate), a Selective PPARα Modulator, in European Patients on Statin Therapy

&lt;strong&gt;Background &lt;/strong&gt;High plasma triglyceride (TG) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Fibrates lower TG-levels through PPARα agonism. Currently available fibrates, however, have relatively low selectivity for PPARα.&lt;b&gt;&lt;/b&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objectives&lt;/strong&gt; The aim of this trial was to assess the safety, tolerability and efficacy of K-877 (pemafibrate) —a selective PPARα modulator —in statin-treated European patients with hypertriglyceridemia.&lt;b&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods A total of &lt;/strong&gt;408 statin-treated adults were recruited from 68 European sites for this Phase 2, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. They had fasting TG between 175 and 500 mg/dL and HDL-C ≤50 mg/dL for men and ≤55 mg/dL for women. Participants were randomized to receive placebo or one of 6 pemafibrate regimens: 0.05 mg BID, 0.1 mg BID, 0.2 mg BID, 0.1 mg QD, 0.2 mg QD, or 0.4 mg QD. The primary endpoints were TG and non-HDL-C level lowering at Week 12.&lt;b&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Results&lt;/b&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Pemafibrate reduced TG at all doses (adjusted p value &lt;0.001) with the greatest placebo-corrected reduction from baseline to Week 12 observed in the 0.2 mg BID treatment group (54.4%). Reductions in non-HDL-C did not reach statistical significance. Reductions in TG were associated with improvements in other markers for TG-rich lipoprotein metabolism, including reductions in apoB48, apoCIII, and remnant cholesterol, and an increase in HDL-C levels. Pemafibrate increased LDL-C levels, whereas apoB100 was unchanged. Pemafibrate was safe and well-tolerated, with only minor increases in serum creatinine and homocysteine concentrations.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Conclusion&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Pemafibrate is effective, safe, and well-tolerated for the reduction of TG in European populations with hypertriglyceridemia despite statin treatment.&lt;/p&gt;</jats:p

Efficacy and Safety of K-877 (Pemafibrate), a Selective PPARα Modulator, in European Patients on Statin Therapy

&lt;strong&gt;Background &lt;/strong&gt;High plasma triglyceride (TG) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Fibrates lower TG-levels through PPARα agonism. Currently available fibrates, however, have relatively low selectivity for PPARα.&lt;b&gt;&lt;/b&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objectives&lt;/strong&gt; The aim of this trial was to assess the safety, tolerability and efficacy of K-877 (pemafibrate) —a selective PPARα modulator —in statin-treated European patients with hypertriglyceridemia.&lt;b&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods A total of &lt;/strong&gt;408 statin-treated adults were recruited from 68 European sites for this Phase 2, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. They had fasting TG between 175 and 500 mg/dL and HDL-C ≤50 mg/dL for men and ≤55 mg/dL for women. Participants were randomized to receive placebo or one of 6 pemafibrate regimens: 0.05 mg BID, 0.1 mg BID, 0.2 mg BID, 0.1 mg QD, 0.2 mg QD, or 0.4 mg QD. The primary endpoints were TG and non-HDL-C level lowering at Week 12.&lt;b&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Results&lt;/b&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Pemafibrate reduced TG at all doses (adjusted p value &lt;0.001) with the greatest placebo-corrected reduction from baseline to Week 12 observed in the 0.2 mg BID treatment group (54.4%). Reductions in non-HDL-C did not reach statistical significance. Reductions in TG were associated with improvements in other markers for TG-rich lipoprotein metabolism, including reductions in apoB48, apoCIII, and remnant cholesterol, and an increase in HDL-C levels. Pemafibrate increased LDL-C levels, whereas apoB100 was unchanged. Pemafibrate was safe and well-tolerated, with only minor increases in serum creatinine and homocysteine concentrations.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Conclusion&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Pemafibrate is effective, safe, and well-tolerated for the reduction of TG in European populations with hypertriglyceridemia despite statin treatment.&lt;/p&gt;</jats:p

Physical Activity Is Associated With Sleep Quality: Results of the ESSE-RF Epidemiological Study

Background and hypothesisPhysical activity (PA) is an important behavioral factor associated with the quality of life and healthy longevity. We hypothesize that extremely low and extremely high levels of daily PA (including occupational PA) may have a negative impact on sleep quality and psychological well-being.ObjectiveThe aim of the study is to investigate the association between the level and type of PA and sleep problems in adult population.Materials and methodsThe sample of the study consisted of the participants from the population-based cohort of The Epidemiology of Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Diseases in Regions of the Russian Federation Study (ESSE-RF). The data of three regions (Saint Petersburg, Samara, Orenburg), varying in geographic, climatic, socioeconomic characteristics, was included into analysis. The total sample consisted of 4,800 participants (1,600 from each region; 1,926 males, 2,874 females), aged 25–64. The level of PA was evaluated using three parameters: the type of PA at work, the frequency of an intensive/high PA including sport (times a week), the mean duration of leisure-time walking (minutes a day). The measures of sleep quality were sleep duration and the frequency of difficulty falling asleep, difficulty maintaining sleep, daytime sleepiness, and sleep medication use. PA and sleep characteristics were assessed by interview carried by the trained medical staff.ResultsWhen controlling for gender, age and socioeconomic status (SES) extremely high occupational PA was a significant risk factor for difficulty falling asleep three or more times a week [OR(CI95%) = 1.9(1.2–3.0), p = 0.003] while working in a sitting position or having moderate physical load at work were not associated with sleep characteristics. Having a high physical load six or more times a week was a risk factor for difficulty falling asleep controlling for gender, age and SES [OR(CI95%) = 1.9(1.4–3.4), p = 0.001]. The association between leisure-time walking and sleep characteristics was insignificant. Walking less than an hour a day was associated with increased depression scores (46.5 vs. 41.9%, p = 0.006).ConclusionHigh physical load at work and excessively frequent intensive PA are associated with difficulties initiating sleep and may represent a risk factor for insomnia.</jats:sec

Efficacy and Safety of K-877 (Pemafibrate), a Selective PPARα Modulator, in European Patients on Statin Therapy

Background High plasma triglyceride (TG) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Fibrates lower TG-levels through PPARα agonism. Currently available fibrates, however, have relatively low selectivity for PPARα. Objectives The aim of this trial was to assess the safety, tolerability and efficacy of K-877 (pemafibrate) —a selective PPARα modulator —in statin-treated European patients with hypertriglyceridemia. Methods A total of 408 statin-treated adults were recruited from 68 European sites for this Phase 2, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. They had fasting TG between 175 and 500 mg/dL and HDL-C ≤50 mg/dL for men and ≤55 mg/dL for women. Participants were randomized to receive placebo or one of 6 pemafibrate regimens: 0.05 mg BID, 0.1 mg BID, 0.2 mg BID, 0.1 mg QD, 0.2 mg QD, or 0.4 mg QD. The primary endpoints were TG and non-HDL-C level lowering at Week 12. Results Pemafibrate reduced TG at all doses (adjusted p value <0.001) with the greatest placebo-corrected reduction from baseline to Week 12 observed in the 0.2 mg BID treatment group (54.4%). Reductions in non-HDL-C did not reach statistical significance. Reductions in TG were associated with improvements in other markers for TG-rich lipoprotein metabolism, including reductions in apoB48, apoCIII, and remnant cholesterol, and an increase in HDL-C levels. Pemafibrate increased LDL-C levels, whereas apoB100 was unchanged. Pemafibrate was safe and well-tolerated, with only minor increases in serum creatinine and homocysteine concentrations. Conclusion Pemafibrate is effective, safe, and well-tolerated for the reduction of TG in European populations with hypertriglyceridemia despite statin treatment.</p

Table_1_Physical Activity Is Associated With Sleep Quality: Results of the ESSE-RF Epidemiological Study.DOCX

Background and hypothesisPhysical activity (PA) is an important behavioral factor associated with the quality of life and healthy longevity. We hypothesize that extremely low and extremely high levels of daily PA (including occupational PA) may have a negative impact on sleep quality and psychological well-being.ObjectiveThe aim of the study is to investigate the association between the level and type of PA and sleep problems in adult population.Materials and methodsThe sample of the study consisted of the participants from the population-based cohort of The Epidemiology of Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Diseases in Regions of the Russian Federation Study (ESSE-RF). The data of three regions (Saint Petersburg, Samara, Orenburg), varying in geographic, climatic, socioeconomic characteristics, was included into analysis. The total sample consisted of 4,800 participants (1,600 from each region; 1,926 males, 2,874 females), aged 25–64. The level of PA was evaluated using three parameters: the type of PA at work, the frequency of an intensive/high PA including sport (times a week), the mean duration of leisure-time walking (minutes a day). The measures of sleep quality were sleep duration and the frequency of difficulty falling asleep, difficulty maintaining sleep, daytime sleepiness, and sleep medication use. PA and sleep characteristics were assessed by interview carried by the trained medical staff.ResultsWhen controlling for gender, age and socioeconomic status (SES) extremely high occupational PA was a significant risk factor for difficulty falling asleep three or more times a week [OR(CI95%) = 1.9(1.2–3.0), p = 0.003] while working in a sitting position or having moderate physical load at work were not associated with sleep characteristics. Having a high physical load six or more times a week was a risk factor for difficulty falling asleep controlling for gender, age and SES [OR(CI95%) = 1.9(1.4–3.4), p = 0.001]. The association between leisure-time walking and sleep characteristics was insignificant. Walking less than an hour a day was associated with increased depression scores (46.5 vs. 41.9%, p = 0.006).ConclusionHigh physical load at work and excessively frequent intensive PA are associated with difficulties initiating sleep and may represent a risk factor for insomnia.</p