The SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: A bench to bedside review

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) continues to pose challenges for clinicians and patients. The dramatic rise in T2DM prevalence, which has paralleled the rise in obesity, has strained the healthcare system and prompted the search for therapies that not only effectively treat hyperglycemia, but are also weight neutral or promote weight loss. In most clinical situations after diagnosis, patients are advised to adopt lifestyle changes and metformin is initiated to help control blood glucose levels. However, metformin may not be tolerated, or may not be sufficient for those with higher glucose levels at diagnosis. Even among those who have initial success with metformin, the majority eventually require one or more additional agents to achieve their treatment goals. Because T2DM is a progressive disease, the requirement for combination treatment escalates over time, driving the need for therapies with complementary mechanisms of action. METHODS AND RESULTS: Online public resources were searched using “empagliflozin”, identifying 32 articles in PubMed, and 12 abstracts presented at the 2013 American Diabetes Association meeting. Peer-reviewed articles and abstracts describing preclinical studies and clinical trials were retrieved, and relevant publications included in this review. Trials registered on clinicaltrials.gov were searched for ongoing empagliflozin studies. CONCLUSION: The sodium–glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are of great interest since they provide a novel, insulin-independent mechanism of action. The SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin has demonstrated promising pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties. In clinical trials, empagliflozin has demonstrated a good efficacy and safety profile in a broad range of patients with T2DM, and appears to be an attractive adjunct therapeutic option for the treatment of T2DM. Ongoing trials, including patients with T2DM and comorbidities such as hypertension, are expected to provide important additional data, which will further define the role of empagliflozin in a growing movement toward individualized approaches to diabetes care. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s13300-014-0063-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users

Characterization of ceramics and intermetallics fabricated by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis

Three efforts aimed at investigating the process of self-propagating high temperature synthesis (SHS) for the fabrication of structural ceramics and intermetallics are summarized. Of special interest was the influence of processing variables such as exothermic dopants, gravity, and green state morphology in materials produced by SHS. In the first effort directed toward the fabrication of SiC, exothermic dopants of yttrium and zirconium were added to SiO2 or SiO2 + NiO plus carbon powder mix and processed by SHS. This approach was unsuccessful since it did not produce the desired product of crystalline SiC. In the second effort, the influence of gravity was investigated by examining Ni-Al microstructures which were produced by SHS combustion waves traveling with and opposite the gravity direction. Although final composition and total porosities of the combusted Ni-Al compounds were found to be gravity independent, larger pores were created in those specimens which were combusted opposite to the gravity force direction. Finally, it was found that green microstructure has a significant effect on the appearance of the combusted piece. Severe pressing laminations were observed to arrest the combustion front for TiC samples

Optimal use of β-blockers in high-risk hypertension: A guide to dosing equivalence

Hypertension is the number one diagnosis made by primary care physicians, placing them in a unique position to prescribe the antihypertensive agent best suited to the individual patient. In individuals with diabetes mellitus, blood pressure (BP) levels >130/80 mmHg confer an even higher risk for cardiovascular and renal disease, and these patients will benefit from aggressive antihypertensive treatment using a combination of agents. β-blockers are playing an increasingly important role in the management of hypertension in high-risk patients. β-blockers are a heterogeneous class of agents, and this review presents the differences between β-blockers and provides evidence-based protocols to assist in understanding dose equivalence in the selection of an optimal regimen in patients with complex needs. The clinical benefits provided by β-blockers are only effective if patients adhere to medication treatment long term. β-blockers with proven efficacy, once-daily dosing, and lower side effect profiles may become instrumental in the treatment of hypertensive diabetic and nondiabetic patients

CO 601 Counseling Theories and Techniques

Required Texts: Corsini, R. & Wedding, D. (2005). Current psychotherapies. (7th edition). Itasca, IL: Peacock Publishers. Jones, S. L. & Butman, R. E. (1991). Modern psychotherapies: A comprehensive Christian appraisal. Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press.https://place.asburyseminary.edu/syllabi/3854/thumbnail.jp

Student use of computers in the media center: does it support educational goals?

This study explored the ways students from study halls used computers in a media center at 22 student workstations. A shift toward use of computers and electronic resources for recreation and for research had been observed. A study was initiated to determine what students accomplish during these periods and if their use benefited learning. The first research method employed was a direct observation of 1264 students visiting the media center during 64 different periods over a three-week time period. Students were observed and the kinds of applications used were counted. In a second method, ninety-seven students from across the school\u27s population completed a questionnaire. Questions focused on student choice of computer applications and the satisfaction of their experience. Of the 694 students observed using computers, 67% browsed the web and 10% were using the web for research. Sixty-four percent of the 97 students reported that their computer use satisfied some research need, supported some learning in a subject, enhanced learning in some way, and were interested in learning more using a computer. These numbers are indicative of the lure and appeal computers hold for youth. This study reinforces the need for innovative measures to maximize learning as an educational goal of computer use

CO 720 Psychopathology: Theory and Assessment

(1) American Psychiatric Association (2000). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV TR). 4th ed. Washington, DC: APA. 92) Meyer, R. G. & Deitsch, S. H. (1996). The Clinician’s Handbook. Needham Heights, MA: Simon and Schuster.https://place.asburyseminary.edu/syllabi/2326/thumbnail.jp

CO 740 Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

•· Dobson, Keith, S.(ed.). (2001). Handbook of cognitive-behavioral therapies. (2nd. ed.). New York: Guilford Press. (446 pages). ISBN 57230-863-X •· Leahy, Robert, L. (2003). Cognitive-behavioral Techniques. New York: Guilford Press. (358 pages) ISBN 57230-905-9 •· Course lecture outlines, available on ATS Virtual Campushttps://place.asburyseminary.edu/syllabi/1311/thumbnail.jp