bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract 13652: An Innate YAP/TAZ Mechanosensing Deficit in Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome
Authors: Walther Brandon K , Mojiri Anahita , Rajeeva Pandian Navaneeth Krishna , Ohayon Jacques , Wang Huie , Gu Jianhua , Pettigrew Roderic I , Jain Abhishek , Guiseppi-Elie Anthony , Cooke John P
Published: November 2020

Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) is a disease of accelerated aging causing death in the mid-teens from myocardial infarction or stroke. The disease is caused by a point mutation in the gene encoding lamin-A. The mutated scaffolding protein is aberrantly farnesylated inducing a constellation of defects included nuclear abnormalities, genomic damage, and rapid senescence. Therapy targeting the abnormal farnesylation provides a modest extension of life, thus new insights and therapeutic approaches are urgently needed for these children. Consistent with previous morphological observations and new studies implicating YAP/TAZ mechanobiology as an important mechanical pathway for endothelial cell (EC) health under shear stress, we hypothesized that HGPS ECs have an innate mechanical disturbance rendering them unable to respond to external, atheroprotective cues. We used a microfluidic vessel-on-a-chip with channel geometries and fluid flow to precisely model the hemodynamic stimuli present in vasculature as we have previously described. We cultured iPSC-derived HGPS ECs in this system to study mechanoresponse to shear stress and YAP/TAZ signaling. HGPS ECs manifest a rounded, flattened appearance characteristic of senescent ECs, are unable to align in response to flow, and have aberrant YAP/TAZ activity despite unidirectional laminar flow. To explore the physical underpinnings of such biochemical disturbances, we used atomic force microscopy (AFM) to precisely characterize the shape of individual HGPS cells, and their deformation to a controlled force applied by the AFM cantilever. Preliminary measurements confirmed that HGPS cells have a reduced profile and are compositely stiffer (nuclear modulus + cytoskeletal modulus) than cells derived from the unaffected parent of the child. These data provide evidence of altered biophysical properties of senescent cells which we term “mechanical aging,” which is associated with aberrant signaling in response to hemodynamic stimuli. Further characterization of mechanical aging may lead to new therapeutic approaches for HGPS and other age-related diseases.
Abstract 13726: Remote Cardiac Rehabilitation is a Good Alternative of Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation in the Covid-19 Era
Authors: Nakayama Atsuko , Takayama Naoko , Morita Hiroyuki , Komuro Issei
Published: November 2020

Introduction:
As the COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly spread throughout the world, people need to take social distance to protect from SARS-CoV-2 infection. In such a stressful situation, physical activity is obliged to be reduced, and the risk of cardiovascular events was elevated in patients with heart failure (HF). The remote cardiac rehabilitation (CR) might be an alternative of outpatient-CR program.

Methods:
We prospectively investigated patients hospitalized for HF with left ventricular ejection fraction < 50% from January 2019 to April 2020. For patients who participated in the remote-CR program, telephone support by a nurse specialized in HF and cardiologists was provided every two weeks for five months after discharge. Emergency readmission rate within 30 days after discharge was compared among outpatient-CR, remote-CR and non-CR groups, and EQ-5D score as an indicator for quality of life (QOL) was compared between outpatient-CR and remote-CR groups.

Results:
The participation rate of our remote-CR program for HF patients, which had been launched in 2019, was elevated during COVID-19 pandemic. As was observed in the outpatient-CR group (n=70), emergency readmission rate within 30 days after discharge was lower in remote-CR group (n=31) as compared with non-CR group (n=137) (p=0.02). EQ-5D score 30 days after discharge was higher in remote-CR group than outpatient-CR group (p=0.03).

Conclusions:
Remote-CR is as effective as outpatient-CR for the improvement in short-term prognosis after discharge in patients hospitalized for heart failure, suggesting that remote-CR program can be provided as a good alternative of outpatient-CR program.
Abstract 13760: Intensive versus Standard Blood Pressure Control in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease: The Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT)
Authors: Frary Johanna , Byrne Christina , Vaduganathan Muthiah , Biering-srensen Tor , Olsen Michael H , Bhatt Deepak L , Pareek Manan
Published: November 2020

Background:
High blood pressure (BP) is the strongest modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) disease and is highly prevalent among individuals with peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Purpose:
To assess the efficacy and safety of intensive versus standard BP control in patients with PAD, and to assess if the presence of PAD modified treatment effect.

Methods:
SPRINT was a randomized, controlled, open-label trial in which individuals aged ≥50 years, at high CV risk, and with a systolic BP 130-180 mmHg were randomized to intensive (systolic BP target <120mmHg) or standard BP control (systolic BP target 135-139 mmHg). The primary outcome was the composite of acute coronary syndromes, stroke, heart failure, or CV death. Safety outcomes included serious adverse events, such as hypotension, syncope, electrolyte abnormalities, acute kidney injury or failure, or injurious falls. We assessed the risk of events in patients with PAD versus those without and assessed the efficacy and safety of intensive BP in patients with PAD. Subgroup heterogeneity was evaluated using interaction analyses.

Results:
Of 9361 participants, 503 (5.3%) had baseline PAD (intensive group 250 (5.3%) versus standard group 253 (5.4%); P=0.90). Median follow-up duration was 3.2 years (range 0-4.6 years). PAD was independently associated with a higher risk of both the primary outcome (hazard ratio (HR) 1.61, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.23-2.12; P<0.001) and composite serious adverse events (HR 1.49, 95% CI: 1.32-1.69; P<0.001). The presence of PAD did not modify the efficacy and safety of intensive versus standard BP control (P≥0.05). However, due to the higher baseline risk in PAD patients, the absolute risk reduction of the primary outcome with intensive treatment was larger compared with patients without PAD (1.8% versus 1.6%), as was the risk of death from any cause (2.3% versus 1.1%)
(Figure)
.

Conclusion:
Intensive BP control reduced CV events and death in patients with hypertension and PAD.
Abstract 14090: Multiparity is Associated With Aortic Pathology in Women From the Dallas Heart Study
Authors: Singh Kavisha , Mauricio Rina , Vongpatanasin Wanpen , Lonergan Katy , Sanghavi Monika , Khera Amit , De Lemos James A , Ayers Colby , Joshi Parag H
Published: November 2020

Introduction:
The proximal aorta has been shown to enlarge with aging in humans, but the long-term impact of hormonal and hemodynamic changes associated with pregnancy on aortic size and function are unknown. We examined if number of live births was independently associated with aortic dimensions and stiffness in a healthy multi-ethnic population-based cohort, the Dallas Heart Study (DHS). We hypothesized that multiparity (>/=4 live births) is independently associated with aortic dilation and aortic stiffness after adjustment for CV risk factors.

Methods:
Women with available thoracic aortic MRI measurements (n=1468, mean 44.5 years old) from DHS were stratified based on self-reported number of live births (0,1,2,3,>/=4). Sequential multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess independent associations of the number of live births with ascending aortic cross-sectional area/height, aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) and aortic compliance. Models were adjusted for major CV risk factors.

Results:
Women with >/=4 live births were older, more likely to be Black, and had higher blood pressure, triglycerides and body mass index. Compared with nulliparous women, women with >/=4 had larger ascending aortic areas indexed to height [5.19 vs 4.74 cm2/m; p<0.0001; Table 1]. After adjustment for risk factors, multiparity remained a significant predictor of aortic size. Compared to nulliparous women, women with >/=4 live births also had higher aortic PWV (5.54 vs 4.54 m/s; p<0.0001) and lower aortic compliance (21.9 vs 27.2 mL/mmHg; p 0.0002), but these relationships were no longer significant after multivariable adjustment (Table 1). Analyzing live births as a continuous variable did not change these results.

Conclusions:
Multiparity was associated with thoracic aortic enlargement, independent of age and relevant risk factors. Parity is an emerging sex-specific risk factor in cardiovascular disease that may have an impact on aortic remodeling in women.
Abstract 14937: Evaluation of Biventricular Functions in Patients With Covid-19 Using Speckle Tracking Echocardiography
Authors: Baycan Omer F , Barman Hasan Ali A , Atici Adem , Tatlisu Mustafa A , bolen furkan , Ergen Pinar , icten sacit , Gungor Baris , Caliskan Mustafa
Published: November 2020

Introduction:
A new infectious outbreak sustained by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is now spreading all around the world. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) and right ventricular longitudinal strain (RV-LS) in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Hypothesis:
As some studies have shown that COVID-19 could affect the cardiovascular system due to the capability of pathogenity of the virus, biventricular functions could be affected in the tissue level even though the routine evaluations of the heart functions seem normal.

Methods:
In this prospective, single-center study, data were gathered from patients treated for COVID-19, who had biventricular systolic function and no history of coronary artery disease. Two-dimensional echocardiography (2-DE) and speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) images were obtained for all patients. Patients were divided into three groups: those with severe COVID-19 infection, those with non-severe COVID-19 infection, and those without COVID-19 infection (the control group). Data regarding clinical characteristics and laboratory findings were obtained from electronic medical records. The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality.

Results:
A total of 100 patients hospitalized for COVID-19 were included in this study. The mean age of the severe group (n = 44) was 59.1 ± 12.9, 40% of whom were male. The mean age of the non-severe group (n = 56) was 53.7 ± 15.1, 58% of whom were male. Of these patients, 22 died in the hospital. In patients in the severe group, LV-GLS and RV-LS were decreased compared to patients in the non-severe and control groups (LV-GLS: -14.5 ± 1.8 vs. -16.7 ± 1.3 vs. -19.4 ± 1.6, respectively [p < 0.001]; RV-LS: -17.2 ± 2.3 vs. -20.5 ± 3.2 vs. -27.3 ± 3.1, respectively [p < 0.001]). The presence of cardiac injury, D-dimer, arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), LV-GLS (OR:1.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08-2.47; p = 0.010) and RV-LS (OR:1.55, 95% CI 1.07-2.25; p = 0.019) were identified as independent predictors of mortality via multivariate analysis.

Conclusions:
LV-GLS and RV-LS are independent predictors of in-hospital mortality in patients with COVID-19.
Abstract 15420: Resolving a Controversy: Inhibition of Cardiac Ryanodine Receptors is the Principal Mechanism of Antiarrhythmic Action of Flecainide in Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: Kryshtal Dmytro O , Blackwell Daniel J , Egly Christian L , Smith Abigail N , Batiste Suzanne M , Johnston Jeffrey N , Laver Derek R , Knollmann Bjorn C
Published: November 2020

Rationale:
The class Ic antiarrhythmic drug flecainide prevents ventricular tachyarrhythmia in patients with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT), a disease caused by hyperactive cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2) calcium (Ca) release. Although flecainide inhibits single RyR2 channels
in vitro
, reports have claimed that RyR2 inhibition by flecainide is not relevant for its mechanism of antiarrhythmic action and concluded that sodium channel block alone is responsible for flecainide’s efficacy in CPVT.

Objective:
To determine whether RyR2 block independently contributes to flecainide’s efficacy for suppressing spontaneous sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca release and for preventing ventricular tachycardia
in vivo
.

Methods and Results:
We synthesized
N
-methyl flecainide analogues (QX-FL and NM-FL) and showed that
N
-methylation reduces flecainide’s inhibitory potency on RyR2 channels but not on cardiac sodium channels. Antiarrhythmic efficacy was tested utilizing a calsequestrin knockout (Casq2-/-) CPVT mouse model. In membrane-permeabilized Casq2-/- cardiomyocytes — lacking intact sarcolemma and devoid of sodium channel contribution — flecainide, but not its analogues, suppressed RyR2-mediated Ca release at clinically relevant concentrations. In voltage-clamped, intact Casq2-/- cardiomyocytes pretreated with tetrodotoxin (TTX) to inhibit sodium channels and isolate the effect of flecainide on RyR2, flecainide significantly reduced the frequency of spontaneous SR Ca release, while QX-FL and NM-FL did not.
In vivo
, flecainide effectively suppressed catecholamine-induced ventricular tachyarrhythmias in Casq2-/- mice, whereas NM-FL did not, despite comparable sodium channel block.

Conclusions:
Flecainide remains an effective inhibitor of RyR2-mediated arrhythmogenic Ca release even when cardiac sodium channels are blocked. In mice with CPVT, sodium channel block alone was not enough to prevent arrhythmias. Hence, RyR2 inhibition by flecainide is critical for its mechanism of antiarrhythmic action.
Abstract 15492: The Prognostic Role of Education Attainment Level in Individuals With Ischemic Heart Disease: Analysis From the Endocrine Vascular Approach Study
Authors: Raparelli Valeria , Tucci Claudia , Proietti Marco , Santonemma Floriana , Lenzi Andrea , Viceconte Nicola , Corica Bernadette , Tanzilli Gaetano , Romiti Giulio Francesco , Basili Stefania ,   EVA Investigators
Published: November 2020

Introduction:
Although adverse outcomes from cardiovascular disease (CVD) have been on a linear decline, the burden remains high. Addressing the social determinants of health in the care of CVD patients is emerging as a strategy for improving outcomes. Educational attainment level (EAL), a proxy of socioeconomic status, has been associated with both cardiovascular risk and patient’s ability to self-manage the complex cardiovascular treatment.

Objective:
To assess the impact of EAL on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and all-cause death in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD).

Methods:
Endocrine Vascular disease Approach (EVA) is a prospective observational study recruiting hospitalized patients with IHD undergoing coronary angiography and/or percutaneous coronary interventions. Socio-demographics and clinical data, including the level of multimorbidity defined by a Charlson Comorbidity Index≥ 4, were collected. A low-EAL, assessed through a self-reported questionnaire, was defined if at least elementary/middle school education was completed. The primary outcome was the occurrence of MACE (i.e. cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke) and a secondary composite endpoint (i.e. all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke) was also analyzed.

Results:
Among 460 individuals (mean age 67±11, 30% women) with IHD, 252 (55%) had a low-EAL. Individuals with low-EAL were younger and more likely to have heart failure, vascular encephalopathy, and high multimorbidity. A low-EAL was associated with a higher risk of MACE compared with higher EAL (Log-rank=12.29, p<0.001) with similar results for the secondary outcome (Log-rank=9.45, p=0.002). In the adjusted multivariate regression analysis, low EAL was independently associated with MACE [Hazard Ration (HR): 2.31, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.23-4.34, p=0.010] and secondary outcome [HR: 1.73, 95%CI 1.02-2.92, p=0.042] compared to high-EAL.

Conclusion:
Individuals with IHD and low-EAL had a higher risk of MACE and all-cause death. Interventions that specifically address health literacy and cognition should be tested among these high-risk patients to improve outcomes.
Abstract 15857: SARS-Cov-2 Genes Encode

I
to

-like Potassium Channels: Linkage Between Viroporins and High Mortality Rate in COVID-19 Patients With Pre-existing Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Polina Iuliia , Sung Jae Hwi , Jhun Bong Sook , O-uchi Jin
Published: November 2020

Introduction:
COVID-19 patients with pre-existing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have a higher risk for severe illness, cardiac damage, and death. Therefore, strategies for cardiovascular protection in COVID-19 are urgently needed until a reliable and effective treatment for COVID-19 (e.g., vaccine) is established. Because angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is overexpressed in the cardiovascular system during CVD, COVID-19 patients with pre-existing CVDs may have higher risk for direct SARS-CoV-2 infection into the heart. However, the specific molecular mechanisms linking SARS-CoV-2 and cardiac risk are still unclear. Previous studies for SARS suggest that several SARS-CoV-1 genes [Envelope (E) protein, open reading frame (ORF) 3a, and ORF8a] have the potential to form viral channels (i.e., “viroporins”) in host cells and dysregulate host-cell functions.

Hypothesis:
SARS-CoV-2 genes encode viroporins, which can be expressed in the heart after infection and dysregulate cardiac electrophysiology and contractility.

Methods:
Individual SARS-CoV-2 genes were expressed in HEK293T cells via plasmids vector and the transfected cells were used for biochemical and electrophysiological assays.

Results:
By database analysis, we found that ORF3a and E from SARS-CoV-2 share over 85% similarity to those in SARS-CoV and maintain the critical sequences for ion channel functions. Both SARS-CoV-2-ORF3a and E protein form K
+
channels with similar channel properties of the endogenous transient outward K
+
current (

I
to

), which can be activated during the initial repolarization phase of an action potential (AP) in cardiomyocytes. A computational model of human ventricular myocytes (O'Hara-Virag-Varro-Rudy Model) with increased

I
to

amplitude suggests that the expression of these viroporins may increase Ca
2+
transient (CaT) amplitude at the baseline, but decrease CaT in response to increased heart rate.

Conclusion:
SARS-CoV-2 genes encode K
+
channels, which may dysregulate AP and Ca
2+
handing in cardiomyocytes, thus promoting decreased cardiac contractility and increased susceptibility to arrhythmias. Targeting these viroporins may reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death and cardiac damage in COVID-19 patients with pre-existing CVDs.
Abstract 15887: Clonal Hematopoiesis Links Premature Menopause to Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Honigberg Michael C , Zekavat Seyedeh , Niroula Abhishek , Griffin Gabirel K , Bick Alexander G , Pirruccello James , Kooperberg Charles , Manson Joann E , Gabriel Stacey , Libby Peter , Reiner Alex , Ebert Benjamin , Natarajan Pradeep
Published: November 2020

Introduction:
Premature menopause is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease in women, but mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP), the age-related expansion of hematopoietic cells with leukemogenic mutations, is associated with accelerated atherosclerosis. Whether premature menopause is associated with CHIP is unknown.

Methods:
We included postmenopausal women from the UK Biobank (N=11,509) aged 40-70 years with whole exome sequences and from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI, N=8,111) aged 50-79 years with whole genome sequences. Premature menopause was defined as natural or surgical menopause occurring before age 40 years. Co-primary outcomes were the presence of (1) any CHIP and (2) CHIP with variant allele fraction (VAF) >0.1. Logistic regression tested the association of premature menopause with CHIP, adjusted for age, race, the first 10 principal components, smoking, diabetes mellitus, and hormone therapy use.

Results:
Across cohorts, prevalence of CHIP in women with vs. without a history of premature menopause was 8.8% vs. 5.5% (P<0.001), respectively. After multivariable adjustment, premature menopause was independently associated with CHIP, driven by associations with natural premature menopause (OR for all CHIP: 1.73, 95% CI 1.23-2.44; OR for CHIP with VAF >0.1: 1.91, 95% CI 1.30-2.80;
Figure
). In gene-specific analyses,
DNMT3A
CHIP had a strong association with natural premature menopause but no association with surgical premature menopause. Among postmenopausal middle-aged women in the UK Biobank and WHI, CHIP was independently associated with incident coronary artery disease (meta-analyzed HR 1.52, 95% CI 1.17-1.99).

Conclusions:
Premature menopause, especially natural premature menopause, is independently associated with CHIP. CHIP may contribute to the excess cardiovascular risk associated with premature menopause.
Abstract 16287: Clinical Characteristics, Treatment and Long-term Mortality of Patients With Congenital Coronary Fistulas
Authors: Cutz Miguel alejandro A , Gaxiola Manuel , Juarez Steaven
Published: November 2020

Introduction:
Congenital coronary fistulas (CCF) are rare (0.002% in general population) however under-diagnosis is frequent. Patient and fistula characteristics vary among different populations, treatment is controversial and the impact in survival is not well established.

Purpose:
This study aimed to describe clinical characteristics, treatment received and long-term mortality among different options of treatment for CCF.

Methods:
We identified all cases of CCF diagnosed from January 2009 to January 2019 in a single center. Clinical data was obtained from medical records and mortality was assessed according to clinical checkups or by phone call. Long-term mortality was defined after at least one-year follow-up. Descriptive statistics were applied to all cases.

Results:
22 cases of CCF were diagnosed, medium age was 53.6 years, 65% were male and 31% had smoking history. At presentation 36% had angina and 27% had dyspnea. Only 13.6% had no significant past medical history, 20% had another congenital anomaly associated, 13.6 % had chronic heart failure and 45.4% were associated to coronary artery disease (CAD), usually anterior descending artery (ADA) was affected. Most frequent origin of fistula was from the ADA in 42.3% of the cases and drainage was frequent to the pulmonary artery in 53.4%, 80% had a single fistula and 45% presented small fistulas. Overall mortality was 13.6% (n=3) with median follow-up of 3.6 (1-9.9) years. Among patients treated, 72.8% of the patients received medical treatment with a 12.5% rate of long-term mortality, however only one patient died from cardiovascular cause (worsening heart failure). None of the patients who received interventional treatment (N=3) died at long-term, 13.6% had coronary artery bypass grafting for CAD (none had fistula ligation), only one patient died several years later of neurological cause.

Conclusions:
The most common origin of CCF was from the ADA and the drainage was common to the pulmonary artery. Long term mortality is low in patients with CCF despite treatment received, only one patient in the entire cohort died of cardiac disease even when 55% had medium to large coronary fistula and 86.4% had previous cardiovascular disease. Further studies are needed to establish treatment guidelines.
Abstract 16327: Clinical Profiles, Care Patterns, Outcomes and Sex Differences of Patients With STEMI in India: Insights From the North Indian ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NORIN STEMI) Registry
Authors: Qamar Arman , Arora Sameer , Gupta Puneet , Hendrickson Michael , Vaduganathan Muthiah , BANSAL ANKIT , Pandey Ambarish , Batra Vishal , Rao Sunil V , Mukhopadhya Saibal , Mehta Vimal , Bangalore Sripal , MP Girish , Bhatt Deepak L , Gupta Mohit
Published: November 2020

Background:
Although major strides have been made in the care of patients (pts) with STEMI in high-income countries, little is known about the characteristics, practice patterns, outcomes & sex differences of pts with STEMI in India.

Methods:
The NORIN STEMI registry is an ongoing investigator-initiated prospective cohort study of pts presenting with STEMI at tertiary medical centers in North India. This registry started enrolling pts in January 2019.

Results:
Of 3,635 participants enrolled to date, 16% were women & the median age was 55 (IQR 45-62) years with 33% aged <50 years. Prior to STEMI, 63% were smokers, 29% had hypertension, 24% diabetes, & 54% were obese or overweight (Figure). Overall, 11% were previously treated with aspirin or statins. Only 2% of these patients had health insurance, & 65% had lower socioeconomic status. Most (93%) initially presented to a non-PCI capable facility. Almost all received aspirin, statin, P2Y12i & heparin on presentation; 66% were treated with PCI (98% femoral access), 15% fibrinolysis alone, 3% both fibrinolysis & PCI, &21% were medically managed; symptom onset to balloon time was 2.9 (0.6-9) days. LVEF was <40% in 46% & mechanical complications occurred in 1.3% (n=35 VSD, n=12 severe MR). 30-day mortality was 9%. Women were less likely to receive PCI (58% vs 67%) & had a 2-fold higher mortality vs men (OR
adj
2.1; 1.6-3.0; Figure).

Conclusion:
In this contemporary registry of pts with STEMI in North India, over a third were younger than 50 years & tobacco smoking was a dominant risk factor. There were significant delays in timely reperfusion therapy with resultant severe LV dysfunction present in over half & high mortality particularly in women. It is critical to identify barriers, increase awareness, and develop strategies to improve STEMI care in India.
Abstract 16375: The Association Between Pregestational Hypertension and Cardiovascular Events in Pregnant Females, a Population-based Study
Authors: Gad Mohamed M , Abdeldayem Jasmin , lichtman Devora , Elgendy Islam Y , Saad Anas M , Mahmoud Ahmed M , Abdelfattah Omar M , Isogai Toshiaki , Mountis Maria M , Ghobrial Joanna , Kapadia Samir R
Published: November 2020

Introduction:
Pregestational hypertension is associated with poor fetal and maternal outcomes, however, the impact on maternal cardiovascular outcomes is not well defined. In this study, we aim to study the impact of pregestational hypertension on maternal cardiovascular outcomes.

Methods:
Pregnant women hospitalized from January 2016 to December 2017 were identified in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Pregnant females with pregestational hypertension were identified using AHRQ comorbidity measures. Outcomes of interest were mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke. Multivariate regression analysis adjusting for differences in baseline comorbidities was used for odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results:
Among 8,141,277 pregnant women, 224,295 (2.76%) had pregestational hypertension. Pregnant females with pregestational hypertension were significantly older (mean age of 31.52 +/- 6.03 vs. 28.65 +/- 5.84, p-value<0.001), and had a higher burden of comorbidities includingpregestational diabetes mellitus (10.4% vs. 1.1%, p-value<0.001), gestational diabetes (26.3% vs. 8.1%, p-value<0.001), obesity (27.6% vs. 7.7%, p-value<0.001), smoking (16.4% vs. 9.8%,p-value<0.001), hyperlipidemia (2.1% vs. 0.2%, p-value<0.001), and depression; 6.6% vs. 3.0%, p-value<0.001. Females with pregestational hypertension had more cesarean section; 46.6% vs. 29.2%, p-value<0.001, intra-uterine death; 1.3% vs. 0.4%, p-value<0.001, and spontaneous abortion; 0.6% vs. 0.3%, p-value<0.001. Pregetational hypertension had higher mortality rate (55.7 vs. 10.1 per 100,000 hospitalizations, p-value<0.001), MI rate (207.3 vs. 9.3 per 100,000 hospitalizations, p-value<0.001), and stroke rate (288.4 vs. 22.6 per 100,000 hospitalizations, p-value<0.001). Pregestational hypertension was associated with significantly worse outcomes including in-hospital mortality (aOR 3.01, 95% CI 2.48-3.67), MI (aOR 8.27, 95% CI 7.30-9.35), and stroke (aOR 9.31, 95% CI 8.47-10.24).

Conclusions:
Pregestational hypertension is associated with poor maternal cardiovascular outcomes in pregnancy. Further efforts should be directed to identifying high-risk females and better approaches to management are warranted.
New species and records of the quill mites of the genus Peristerophila Kethley, 1970 (Acariformes: Syringophilidae) associated with pigeons and doves (Aves: Columbiformes)
Authors: KASZEWSKA KATARZYNA , SKORACKI MACIEJ , KOSICKI JAKUB Z. , HROMADA MARTIN
Published: November 2020

The fauna of the quill mite genus Peristerophila Kethley, 1970 (Acariformes: Prostigmata: Syringophilidae) associated with pigeons and doves (Aves: Columbiformes) is reviewed. In our study, we examined 109 species of columbiform hosts of which 28 species belonging to nine genera were infested by Peristerophila mites. In the analyzed mite material, six species of this genus were found including two new species described herein: P. geopelis sp. nov. from Geopelia cuneata, G. placida, G. striata, as well as Ocyphaps lophotes and P. leucomela sp. nov. from Columba leucomela. Additionally, eighteen new host species and many new locality records for the previously described taxa are reported.
History and Data Records of the Automatic Weather Station on Denali Pass (5715 m), 1990–2007
Authors: Hartl Lea , Stuefer Martin , Saito Tohru , Okura Yoshitomi
Published: November 2020

We present the data records and station history of an automatic weather station (AWS) on Denali Pass (5715 m MSL), Alaska. The station was installed by a team of climbers from the Japanese Alpine Club after a fatal accident involving Japanese climbers in 1989 and was operational intermittently between 1990 and 2007, measuring primarily air temperature and wind speed. In later years, the AWS was operated by the International Arctic Research Center of the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Station history is reconstructed from available documentation as archived by the expedition teams. To extract and preserve data records, the original datalogger files were processed. We highlight numerous challenges and sources of uncertainty resulting from the location of the station and the circumstances of its operation. The data records exemplify the harsh meteorological conditions at the site: air temperatures down to approximately −60°C were recorded, and wind speeds reached values in excess of 60 m s−1. Measured temperatures correlate strongly with reanalysis data at the 500-hPa level. An approximation of critical wind speed thresholds and a reanalysis-based reconstruction of the meteorological conditions during the 1989 accident confirm that the climbers faced extremely hazardous wind speeds and very low temperatures. The data from the Denali Pass AWS represent a unique historical record that can, we hope, serve as a basis for further monitoring efforts in the summit region of Denali.
Uncertainty in Forced and Natural Arctic Solar Absorption Variations in CMIP6 Models
Authors: Sledd Anne , L’Ecuyer Tristan
Published: November 2020

The Arctic is rapidly changing, with increasingly dramatic sea ice loss and surface warming in recent decades. Shortwave radiation plays a key role in Arctic warming during summer months, and absorbed shortwave radiation has been increasing largely because of greater sea ice loss. Clouds can influence this ice–albedo feedback by modulating the amount of shortwave radiation incident on the Arctic Ocean. In turn, clouds impact the amount of time that must elapse before forced trends in Arctic shortwave absorption emerge from internal variability. This study determines whether the forced climate response of absorbed shortwave radiation in the Arctic has emerged in the modern satellite record and global climate models. From 18 years of satellite observations from CERES-EBAF, we find that recent declines in sea ice are large enough to produce a statistically significant trend (1.7 × 106 PJ or 3.9% per decade) in observed clear-sky absorbed shortwave radiation. However, clouds preclude any forced trends in all-sky absorption from emerging within the existing satellite record. Across 18 models from phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6), the predicted time to emergence of absorbed shortwave radiation trends varies from 8 to 39 and from 8 to 35 years for all-sky and clear-sky conditions, respectively, across two future scenarios. Furthermore, most models fail to reproduce the observed cloud delaying effect because of differences in internal variability. Contrary to observations, one-third of models suggest that clouds may reduce the time to emergence of absorbed shortwave trends relative to clear skies, an artifact that may be the result of inaccurate representations of cloud feedbacks.
An Assessment of Global Ocean Barotropic Tide Models Using Geodetic Mission Altimetry and Surface Drifters
Authors: Zaron Edward D. , Elipot Shane
Published: November 2020

The accuracy of three data-constrained barotropic ocean tide models is assessed by comparison with data from geodetic mission altimetry and ocean surface drifters, data sources chosen for their independence from the observational data used to develop the tide models. Because these data sources do not provide conventional time series at single locations suitable for harmonic analysis, model performance is evaluated using variance reduction statistics. The results distinguish between shallow and deep-water evaluations of the GOT410, TPXO9A, and FES2014 models; however, a hallmark of the comparisons is strong geographic variability that is not well summarized by global performance statistics. The models exhibit significant regionally coherent differences in performance that should be considered when choosing a model for a particular application. Quantitatively, the differences in explained SSH variance between the models in shallow water are only 1%–2% of the root-mean-square (RMS) tidal signal of about 50 cm, but the differences are larger at high latitudes, more than 10% of 30-cm RMS. Differences with respect to tidal currents variance are strongly influenced by small scales in shallow water and are not well represented by global averages; therefore, maps of model differences are provided. In deep water, the performance of the models is practically indistinguishable from one another using the present data. The foregoing statements apply to the eight dominant astronomical tides M2, S2, N2, K2, K1, O1, P1, and Q1. Variance reduction statistics for smaller tides are generally not accurate enough to differentiate the models’ performance.
Intra-Annual Rossby Waves Destabilization as a Potential Driver of Low-Latitude Zonal Jets: Barotropic Dynamics
Authors: Delpech Audrey , Ménesguen Claire , Morel Yves , Thomas Leif N. , Marin Frédéric , Cravatte Sophie , Le Gentil Sylvie
Published: November 2020

At low latitudes in the ocean, the deep currents are shaped into narrow jets flowing eastward and westward, reversing periodically with latitude between 15°S and 15°N. These jets are present from the thermocline to the bottom. The energy sources and the physical mechanisms responsible for their formation are still debated and poorly understood. This study explores the role of the destabilization of intra-annual equatorial waves in the jets’ formation process, as these waves are known to be an important energy source at low latitudes. The study focuses particularly on the role of barotropic Rossby waves as a first step toward understanding the relevant physical mechanisms. It is shown from a set of idealized numerical simulations and analytical solutions that nonlinear triad interactions (NLTIs) play a crucial role in the transfer of energy toward jet-like structures (long waves with short meridional wavelengths) that induce a zonal residual mean circulation. The sensitivity of the instability emergence and the scale selection of the jet-like secondary wave to the forced primary wave are analyzed. For realistic amplitudes around 5–20 cm s−1, the primary waves that produce the most realistic jet-like structures are zonally propagating intra-annual waves with periods between 60 and 130 days and wavelengths between 200 and 300 km. The NLTI mechanism is a first step toward the generation of a permanent jet-structured circulation and is discussed in the context of turbulent cascade theories.
Barking Up the Wrong Tree: How Political Alignment Shapes Electoral Backlash from Natural Disasters
Authors: Blankenship Brian , Kennedy Ryan , Urpelainen Johannes , Yang Joonseok
Published: November 2020

While scholarship on “retrospective voting” has found that incumbent politicians can be punished for a range of events outside their control, the literature has paid scant attention to the role of political alignment between the different levels of government in disaster responses and its implications for voting decisions. We argue that retrospective voters punish only opposition incumbents (candidates in office but not aligned with the government leader), who have limited access to government resources for relief, for natural disasters. We use monthly data on precipitation and evaporation to capture droughts and floods in India’s four thousand State Assembly electoral constituencies over the years 1977–2007. Consistent with our hypothesis, we find that Members of State Assembly from the party of the Prime or Chief Minister do not face an electoral backlash under bad weather conditions during the monsoon season, whereas opposition politicians face major losses.
The Simplest Government Heuristic of All: Citizens Infer that Governing Parties are Pro-European Union
Authors: Adams James , Bernardi Luca , Phillips M. Christine
Published: November 2020

Previous research documents that citizens apply a “coalition heuristic” to infer that governing coalition partners share more similar policies and ideologies than are implied by the statements in their election manifestos. We propose even simpler government-related heuristics citizens can apply to infer party positions on European integration: the current government heuristic that currently governing parties are more pro-Europe than opposition parties, and the long-term opposition heuristic that opposition parties that have never governed are less pro-Europe than opposition parties with previous governing experience. We report theoretical and empirical analyses of survey data from 24 European Union member states, which substantiate that citizens apply these heuristics, which have consequences for citizens’ policy beliefs and their party support. We also find evidence that citizens respond to policy as measured through election manifestos and expert surveys.
Let’s Work Together: A Meta-Analysis on Robot Design Features That Enable Successful Human–Robot Interaction at Work
Authors: Ötting Sonja K. , Masjutin Lisa , Steil Jochen J. , Maier Günter W.
Published: November 2020

Objective

This meta-analysis reviews robot design features of interface, controller, and appearance and statistically summarizes their effect on successful human–robot interaction (HRI) at work (that is, task performance, cooperation, satisfaction, acceptance, trust, mental workload, and situation awareness).

Background

Robots are becoming an integral part of many workplaces. As interactions with employees increase, ensuring success becomes ever more vital. Even though many studies investigated robot design features, an overview on general and specific effects is missing.

Method

Systematic selection of literature and structured coding led to 81 included experimental studies containing 380 effect sizes. Mean effects were calculated using a three-level meta-analysis to handle dependencies of multiple effect sizes in one study.

Results

Sufficient feedback through the interface, clear visibility of affordances, and adaptability and autonomy of the controller significantly affect successful HRI, whereas appearance does not. The features of the interface and controller affect performance and satisfaction but do not affect situation awareness and trust. Specific effects of adaptability on cooperation and acceptance, as well as autonomy on mental workload, could be shown.

Conclusion

Robot design at work needs to cover multiple features of interface and controller to achieve successful HRI that covers not only performance and satisfaction, but also cooperation, acceptance, and mental workload. More empirical research is needed to investigate mediating mechanisms and underrepresented design features’ effects.

Application

Robot designers should carefully choose design features to balance specific effects and implementation costs with regard to tasks, work design aims, and employee needs in the specific work context.
Why Nuclear? Explaining North Korea’s Strategic Choice of Going Nuclear and Its Implications for East Asian Security
Authors: Kim Min-hyung
Published: November 2020

This article seeks to provide a theoretically compelling account for North Korea’s strategic choice to go nuclear and explores its implications for East Asian security. Its main research question is as follows: despite the obvious risks of going nuclear, what makes North Korea so desperate in its pursuit of nuclear capabilities? Contrary to the extant accounts that only emphasize either nonsecurity variables or an “external security” factor, this article conceptualizes North Korea’s security considerations as “regime survival” and explains its strategic choice from it. The central thesis of this article is that North Korea’s decision to go nuclear is a strategic choice, of which the purpose is to achieve its goals of safeguarding independence from external powers as well as ensuring regime security. North Korea pursues nuclear weapons because they not only protect Pyongyang’s regime from foreign aggressions but also help to consolidate Kim Jong-un’s domestic power. North Korea also seeks nuclear weapons in order to safeguard its independence and autonomy from China because the removal of China’s influence is critical to ensuring its regime survival in the long run. North Korea’s strategic choice to go nuclear and its emergence as a de facto nuclear power have significant implications for East Asian security.
Comparative study of tubular composite structure subjected to internal pressure loading: Analytical and numerical investigation
Authors: Maziz Ammar , Rechak Saïd , Tarfaoui Mostapha
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this paper is to study the mechanical behaviour of a multi-layered composite tubular structure with various orientations subjected to internal hydrostatic pressure. The first part of this paper is devoted to studying stress analysis using the analytical approach. The 3 D analysis of the composite pipe originally made with carbon/epoxy is studied and compared with a pipe made of E-glass/epoxy; each layer is examined with five orientations. The hoop, axial, longitudinal, transversal, and shear stresses are obtained for each layer of the composite pipe simultaneously. The hybrid composite pipe is done to take advantage of the properties of each fiber and the studied hybridisation. `To validate some cases of the presented results, a numerical model is developed in ANSYS workbench software; this particular model is characterized by very close to the theoretical results. Throughout the investigation, it is observed that the behaviour of composite carbon/epoxy is the most resistant compared to glass/epoxy, and the results obtained in the case of hybrid shows that the variability of the stacking sequences generates the variation of the behaviour on composite hybrid pipe. It can be increased the design material utilisation and working pressure level by winding angle variation or hybridized between stacking sequences. The ability of this new 3 D model to simulate the stress evolution in the full-scale composite tubular structure under internal pressure events were demonstrated.
Pretend Play and Early Language Development—Relationships and Impacts: A Comprehensive Literature Review
Authors: Hà Tú Anh
Published: November 2020

This article reviews pretend play and its impact on and association with children’s language. Studies have shown the significant relationship between the two domains; however, more intervention research needs conducting to validate the causal impact of pretend play. Nevertheless, several studies exploring its effects on early language reported that pretend play is connected with children’s semantic diversity and semantic organization development; their level of using syntax and combining words in a creative way to fulfill the needs of fantasy as well. During pretend play, children practice and show advanced competence of using certain speech acts being appropriate with different contexts.
Estimating one-sided-killings from a robust measurement model of human rights
Authors: Fariss Christopher J , Kenwick Michael R , Reuning Kevin
Published: November 2020

Counting repressive events is difficult because state leaders have an incentive to conceal actions of their subordinates and destroy evidence of abuse. In this article, we extend existing latent variable modeling techniques in the study of repression to account for the uncertainty inherent in count data generated for this type of difficult-to-observe event. We demonstrate the utility of the model by focusing on a dataset that defines ‘one-sided-killing’ as government-caused deaths of non-combatants. In addition to generating more precise estimates of latent repression levels, the model also estimates the probability that a state engaged in one-sided-killing and the predictive distribution of deaths for each country-year in the dataset. These new event-based, count estimates will be useful for researchers interested in this type of data but skeptical of the comparability of such events across countries and over time. Our modeling framework also provides a principled method for inferring unobserved count variables based on conceptually related categorical information.
Seawater as an alternative to dye cotton fiber with reactive dyes
Authors: de Souza Ferreira Iêda Letícia , de Medeiros José Ivan , Steffens Fernanda , Oliveira Fernando Ribeiro
Published: November 2020

The textile industry is a sector completely dependent on water for its full functioning; on the other hand, water represents a very high cost in the production process. The textile chemical processing area is mainly responsible for the large consumption of water. On the opposite side of this high consumption there is an evident water crisis worldwide. That fact has led to many problems to textile companies, mainly for the preparation, dyeing and printing sectors. This present work focuses on an ecologically friendly alternative for cellulosic fiber dyeing processes using seawater. Dyeing cotton fabrics with reactive dye in three primary colors (blue, yellow and red) was performed, and the results compared with processes using distilled water. Samples dyed with seawater exhibit good uniformity, intense color (color strength – K/ S) and excellent washing and rubbing fastness properties compared to the conventional process. It was possible to observe also that the use of seawater did not affect the mechanical properties of the substrate. Thereby, it was verified that the use of seawater presents as a potential and important alternative to applications in the textile dyeing process.