The Length and Density of Prickles on <i>Zanthoxylum ailanthoides</i>(Rutaceae): A Comparison of Japanese Islands with Different Sika Deer Browsing Pressures

To determine the effects of sika deer (Cervus nippon) browsing on the physical defences of the Japanese pricklyash “Zanthoxylum ailanthoides Sieb. et Zucc.” (Rutaceae), we compared the length and density of prickles on Japanese islands which were under different browsing pressures. We measured the length and density of prickles on the midribs, leaf rachis, and stems. We found that the prickles of Z. ailanthoides on Kashima island were not significantly longer or at higher densities than those in the neighbouring areas;the longest pickles at the highest densities were found on Akune island. The density of sika deer on Akune (ca. 520-600/km2) was higher than that on Kashima (ca. 38.5/km2), and consequently, Akune was under greater browsing pressure. Our results suggest that the increased length and density of prickles on Akune is a response by Z. ailanthoides to the high density of sika deer found on the island.

Morphological Study of <i>Glochidion obovatum</i>under Heavy Browsing Pressure by Sika Deer

To clarify the modification of physical defences of Glochidion obovatum Sieb. et Zucc., we compared the length of spine-like branches and frequency of lateral branches of G. obovatum between Kashima Island, which supports a high density of sika deer (Cervus nippon), and its neighbouring areas. The length of spine-like branches of G. obovatum in Kashima Island was not significantly longer than that of the neighbouring areas, but the frequency of lateral branches on the island was higher than that of the neighbouring areas. Since the branches of G. obovatum are heavily foraged by the sika deer, the shrub form of the species has evolved into the bonsai form, suggesting increased frequency of occurrence of lateral branches, which could develop as shoot-like branches. Thus, the observed features are facultative defence mechanisms of G. obovatum against heavy browsing in a small-sized island with very high density of sika deer.

Efficacy and Safety of Basal-Supported Prandial GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Therapy

Aim: To assess the safety and efficacy of basal-supported prandial GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy (BPT)* in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: Patients with T2DM, who had previously received insulin injection therapy and who had had their treatment switched to BPT (liraglutide), were retrospectively recruited. The efficacy of BPT was assessed by determining changes in HbA1c, body weight and total daily insulin dose from baseline to 4 months after BPT initiation. Safety was assessed by comparing the frequency of hypoglycemic episodes at baseline and after 4 months. The Wilcoxon test was used to analyze changes in parameters throughout the study period. Results: Twenty-nine patients, previously treated with basal-supported oral therapy (BOT), basal-bolus insulin, or pre-mixed insulin, were recruited. When analyzed together, there was no change in HbA1c throughout the study period, but body weight decreased (baseline 68.8 ± 13.2 kg vs. month 4 67.3 ± 13.1 kg;p < 0.001). Total daily insulin dose decreased after 4 months (baseline 24.4 ± 15.5 U/day vs. month 4 14.7 ± 9.2 U/day;p < 0.001), and there was no change in the frequency of hypoglycemic episodes. Analysis was conducted within sub-groups based on previous treatment modality. In the BOT group, HbA1c decreased from baseline after 2 months and body weight did not change throughout the study period. In both the basal-bolus insulin group and the pre-mixed insulin group, HbA1c remained steady throughout and there was a decrease in body weight. No change in the frequency of hypoglycemia was observed in any of the sub-groups. Conclusion: BPT in T2DM was associated with weight loss without changes in glycemic control over 4 months, suggesting that it may be an effective and safe therapy.

Comparison of glycemic variability between basal-bolus and premixed insulin therapy

Background: Several studies have shown that twice-daily injections of premixed insulin analogs (MIX) could achieve comparable HbA1c levels to basal-bolus (BB) therapy. However, HbA1c does not necessarily reflect short-term glycemic fluctuations that may contribute to the onset or progression of diabetic complications. Therefore, in this study, we compared MIX and BB therapies in terms of their effects on glycemic variability. Methods: We performed a crosssectional observational study of patients attending our outpatient clinics to compare the effects of two insulin regimens on glycemic variability. We recruited patients treated with MIX or BB with HbA1c < 8.4%. A total of 27 patients (11 treated with BB and 16 treated with MIX) were enrolled and wore a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) for 72 h, while continuing their usual lifestyle and insulin doses. Results: No significant differences in CGM-determined glycemic markers were observed between the two groups. However, the post-lunch duration of glucose levels > 180 mg/dL (t > 180) was significantly shorter with BB therapy (88 ± 76 min) than with MIX therapy (145 ± 54 min;p < 0.05). After classification according to HbA1c levels, markers of glycemic variability were better in patients treated with BB than in those treated with MIX in better control group. Conclusion: These results suggest that BB therapy achieves better glucose profiles than MIX therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes, particularly after lunch.