bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract P3012: Early Vascular Aging and Metabolic Status of Young People
Authors: Evsevyeva Maria , Sergeeva Oksana , Fursova Elena , Rusidi Anjelika , Baturin Vladimir , Stctetinin Evgenij
Published: September 2019

Background:
Since atherosclerotic pathology is getting younger, it is necessary to study possible relationship of main risk factors (RF) with signs of premature aging of arterial wall at stage of absence of any clinical manifestations.

Purpose:
To evaluate some features of metabolic status of young people taking into account their belonging to quartile groups formed by indicator of vascular stiffness.

Material and methods:
It was evaluated profile of major RF from 224 students in the University preventive project. The device VaSera 1500 (Fukuda Denshi, Japan) was used, which allows to estimate Cardio-Angle Vascular Index (CAVI). The device also gives conclusion about vascular age of the subjects, which allows to identify cases of early vascular aging or EVA syndrome. The groups were formed by quartiles of CAVI. Data obtained were processed using the software package Statistica 10.0 (StatSoft Inc, USA).

Results:
It was found that among medical students signs of EVA syndrome occur in 9,9% (8 of 81) of boys and 9,3% (15 of 162) of girls. Individuals who have vascular age, on contrary, below passport among young men was 48,2% (39 of 81) and among girls was 47,5% (77 of 162). Among young men body mass index (BMI) from first to fourth quartile CAVI group was 26,3±0,5; 24,5±0,6; 23,6±1,0 and 21.3±0.6 kg/m2 and among girls - 22,1±0,57; 21,8±0,57; 20,9±0,4 and 21.05±0.5 kg/m2. The prevalence of overweight among boys in these groups varied as follows: 72% (18 of 25), 41,2% (7 of 17), 25% (5 of 20) and 10,5% (2 of 19) and among girls 14% (7 of 47), 10% (4 of 40), 8% (3 of 37) and 10,5% (4 of 38). Among young men the highest values of total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoproteins (LDL) and triglycerides (TG) were found in the first group, although the differences between the extreme groups did not reach a reliable level. Among girls this trend is also observed, but it is less pronounced.

Conclusion:
Among medical students, one in ten is a carrier of EVA syndrome. It was found that at a young age interquartile increase in CAVI is combined with decrease in BMI, as well as with a decrease in TC, LDL and TG. This trend is particularly evident among young men. These data should be used in formation of programs of group preventive measures among young people based on the results of mass angiological screening.
Abstract P3016: High Glucose Induced Diabetic Dementia is Mediated by Mitochondria Dysfunction
Authors: Guo Ya , Wang Shaoxun , Zhang Huawei , Gao Wenjun , He Xiaochen , Booz George W , Roman Richard J , Fan Fan
Published: September 2019

Diabetes is an important risk factor for dementia. We previously reported that cognitive dysfunction is associated with impaired cerebral vascular function in our diabetic rat model. Hyperglycemia contributes to endothelial dysfunction by increasing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the role of changes in mitochondrial dynamics in altering autoregulation of cerebral blood flow and the loss of cognitive function in diabetes is unknown. The present study examined the myogenic response of middle cerebral arteries (MCAs), as well as mitochondrial function and fission in primary vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) maintained in normal glucose (NG) or high glucose (HG). ROS production assessed by DHE staining was significantly increased in freshly isolated MCAs of diabetic rats (55.77 ± 11.27 arbitrary unit (a.u.), n=4) vs. Sprague Dawley (SD, 15.46 ± 1.92 a.u. n=4) rats. In addition, HG-treated primary VSMCs from SD rats exhibited more mitochondrial ROS than controls, as detected by MitoSOX. The myogenic response of MCAs was impaired in 3-month old diabetic rats compared to age-matched controls. Treatment with superoxide dismutase (150 U/mL) restored the myogenic response. Mitochondrial respiration was decreased in HG-treated (91.1 ± 7.6 pmol/min/mg/ml, n=6) vs. NG-treated (153.2 ± 6.3 pmol/min/mg/ml, n=9) VSMCs as measured by a Seahorse XF
e
24 analyzer. Treatment with HG also caused mitochondrial depolarization as assessed by staining with JC-1. The length of mitochondria in high glucose-treated VSMCs was significantly less than in control VSMCs (HG: 5.66 ± 0.14 μm vs. Control: 11.70 ± 0.23 μm, n=3, 100) as seen by Tomm20 immunostaining. In addition, levels of OPA1 were significantly lower and MFF levels were higher in HG-treated cells compared to controls, indicating an increase in mitochondrial fission and a decrease in fusion in the HG-treated VSMCs. This was associated with decreased levels of p-AMPK in HG-treated vs. control VSMCs. These results demonstrate that the impaired myogenic response in cerebral arteries in diabetes is associated with impaired mitochondrial dysfunction and elevated production of ROS via the p-AMPK/MFF signaling pathway, which may contribute to the loss of cognitive function in diabetes.
Abstract P3017: Associations of Metabolic Syndrome, Diabetes, and Metabolic Syndrome Plus Diabetes With Extent of Intracranial Atherosclerotic Stenosis
Authors: Park Jong-Ho , Kim Byoung Seok , Lee Junyoung
Published: September 2019

Background and Objective:
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) plus diabetes mellitus (DM) are linked to higher recurrent stroke risk (vs. MetS only). With varying MetS definitions, we compared the extent of intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) defined as >/=50% stenosis among ischemic stroke patients with different MetS and DM status.

Methods:
We conducted a cross-sectional study of 1158 Korean patients with acute ischemic stroke (mean age 68.3±12.7; 43.3% female), who underwent brain MRI and MRA. Patients were stratified into MetS only, DM only, both, and neither. MetS was defined using the harmonized and International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) criteria.

Results:
Results of the multivariable adjusted associations between MetS status and ICAS appear in Figure 1. Patients with MetS (harmonized and IDF) plus DM had a higher prevalence of ICAS and more ICAS lesions vs. those with neither condition (
p
<0.001 for all). Compared with neither condition, harmonized MetS plus DM was independently associated with higher ICAS lesions (OR 2.15 95% CI; 1.15–4.01 for ICAS >/=2 and OR 3.07, 95% CI; 1.25–7.50 for ICAS >/=3) and IDF MetS plus DM also showed a similar pattern to findings from harmonized definition.

Conclusion:
MetS plus DM remained an independent predictor of ICAS burden, which might be linked to an intracranial atherogenic stroke. These findings support to identify patients with MetS at high risk of developing DM who might benefit from greater scrutiny and more intensive life style modification to prevent from ICAS extension.
Abstract P3028: Conditional Knockout of Acid Ceramidase in Collecting Ducts Exacerbates Salt Sensitivity of Blood Pressure With High Fat Diet
Authors: Wang Weili , Li Pin-Lan , Ritter Joseph , Li Ningjun
Published: September 2019

Ceramidase is the rate-limit step for the production of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) by controlling the immediate substrate sphingosine for S1P generation. We have previously shown that S1P increases sodium excretion via S1P receptor 1, which is mainly localized in the collecting ducts. We have also shown that conditional deletion of acid ceramidase (AC), the major form of ceramidase in collecting duct, promotes sodium retention. It is well known that salt sensitivity of blood pressure is a characteristic in obesity-associated hypertension. The present study detected levels of renal medullary AC in male C57BL6J mice fed with a high fat (HF) diet (10 weeks) and/or 1% NaCl drinking water (2 weeks). Western blot analyses showed that there was no significant difference in AC levels among normal salt (NS)-, low fat (LF)- and HF-treated mice. However, the high salt (HS) intake increased the AC levels, whereas a HF diet blocked the high salt-induced increase of AC. The relative protein levels of AC were 1.0 ± 0.06, 1.4 ± 0.07, 0.99 ± 0.23, 1.1 ± 0.05, and 0.4 ± 0.06, in NS, HS, LF, HF, and HS+HF groups, respectively. Mice with collecting duct-specific AC knockout (CD-AC-KO) were generated by crossing AC floxed mice with Aquoporin 2-Cre mice. The specific knockout of AC in collecting ducts was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and western blot. The mean arterial pressure (MAP) was significantly increased in CD-AC-KO mice compared with AC floxed mice after fed with HS+HF diet. The delta MAP before and after 2 week HS intake were 3.45 ± 0.35 mmHg in control vs. 10.6 ± 1.04 mmHg in CD-AC-KO mice measured by a DSI telemetry system. These data indicate that collecting duct AC plays an important role in salt-sensitivity of blood pressure associated with a high fat diet and that modulation of AC function in the kidneys could be a therapeutic approach for salt-sensitive hypertension associated with obesity.
Abstract P3037: Timing of Food Intake Controls Diurnal Blood Pressure Rhythm in Mice
Authors: Zhang Dingguo , Jin Chunhua , Rhodes Megan , Almutlaq Rawan , Becker Bryan , Speed Joshua , Pollock David
Published: September 2019

Recent studies suggest that timing of food intake plays pivotal roles in regulating many physiological processes, such as lipid metabolism, immune responsiveness, and blood pressure (BP). Whether BP rhythms are altered by timing of food intake remains unknown. Here we sought to test the hypothesis that feeding during the inactive period (reverse feeding or RF) disrupts BP rhythms in mice. Male C57Bl/6J mice (WT, 12-16 wk old, n=11) and Bmal1 knockout mice (Bmal1KO, 12-16 wk old, n=7) were placed in metabolic cages maintained in normal 12 hr light/dark periods. Mice had free access to food and water for 3 days, followed by 6-days of RF with free access to water. Food and water intake were monitored twice per day at the beginning of active (lights off, 7pm-7am) and inactive (lights off, 7pm-7am) periods (AP and IP). As expected, mean arterial pressure (MAP via telemetry) was significantly higher in AP compared to IP when WT mice were fed ad libitum (113 ± 2 vs. 100 ± 2 mmHg, respectively, p<0.01). Similar to previous reports, baseline MAP in Bmal1KO was comparable between AP and IP (95 ± 1 vs. 92 ± 3 mmHg, respectively, p=0.30). WT mice consumed the majority of their food during their active period (6.3 ± 0.7 vs. 2.1 ± 0.2 g, AP vs. IP, p<0.01). In contrast, Bmal1KO mice consumed roughly the same amount of food throughout the day (3.6 ± 0.6 vs. 2.7 ± 0.4 g, AP vs. IP, p=0.25). RF led to an inversion of diurnal MAP in WT (99 ± 3 vs. 110 ± 3 mmHg, p<0.01). Furthermore, RF induced a significant diurnal MAP rhythm in Bmal1KO (79 ± 3 vs. 95 ± 2 mmHg, p<0.01). To eliminate the potential effect of light acting as a Zeitgeber (timing cue), we used WT mice to perform additional experiments in constant darkness. Mice were allowed ad lib food for several days before being divided into three groups: ad lib feeding, RF, and an offset feeding (OF) regimen (mice fed from 1pm-1am). Similar to normal lighting, RF in constant darkness led to an inversion of diurnal MAP (104 ± 3 vs. 112 ± 3 mmHg, fasting and feeding, respectively, p=0.055). OF resulted in a roughly 6-hour shift in diurnal MAP where again MAP was significantly higher when food was available from 1pm to 1am (104 ± 1 vs. 118 ± 3 mmHg, fasting and feeding, respectively, p<0.001). These data demonstrate that timing of food intake controls diurnal blood pressure rhythm in mice.
Abstract P3045: The ELP-VEGF Fusion Protein Is Bioavailable After Subcutaneous Administration And Prevents Increased Blood Pressure In Response To Placental Ischemia
Authors: LOGUE OMAR C , EDDY ADRIAN C , MOORE KYLE , CHAPMAN HEATHER , GEORGE ERIC M , Bidwell Gene L
Published: September 2019

Preeclampsia is often characterized by high circulating levels of sFlt-1 and low VEGF and PlGF. VEGF supplementation therapy has shown promise in preclinical models, however rapid plasma clearance hampers the use of VEGF as a therapeutic. We fused human VEGF-A
121
with the Elastin-like Polypeptide (ELP) protein carrier. The objective of this study was to test the pharmacokinetics and therapeutic efficacy of ELP-VEGF when given via intravenous (IV) and subcutaneous (SC) administration routes.Fluorescently labeled ELP-VEGF was administered via daily IV (5 mg/kg/day) or SC injection (50 mg/kg/day). Plasma levels were determined by direct fluorescence measurement, and whole-body fluorescence imaging was used to determine total tissue clearance rates. The ability of SC delivered ELP-VEGF to modulate blood pressure was tested in a rat model of placental ischemia.When administered via IV injection, ELP-VEGF cleared from the plasma with an average daily half-life of 2.17±1.14 h. SC injected ELP-VEGF was absorbed into the blood and peaked within 2 hours of each injection. Tissue levels peaked 2h after each injection and remained elevated prior to the next injection, resulting in accumulation and high whole-body bioavailability. In pregnant rats, placental ischemia induced an increase in mean arterial pressure (108 ±11 vs. 122±13 mmHg, p=0.024). Daily SC injection of ELP-VEGF (50 mg/kg/day) completely prevented placental ischemia-induced increases in blood pressure (107±11 vs. 109±9 mmHg, p=ns). These results demonstrate that ELP-VEGF is bioavailable via clinically relevant administration routes and is a promising candidate agent for preeclampsia therapy.
Abstract P3050: The Effects of Sacubitril/Valsartan on Blood Pressure: Experiences From a Community-Based Heart Failure Center
Authors: Patel Keem , Dobariya Varun , Kioussopoulos Kathleen , Rao Vijay , Nicoson Susan , Stickford Teresa , Titus Ashley , Chugh Atul R
Published: September 2019

Background:
The use of sacubitril/valsartan (S/V) in heart failure has shown promising results. Clinical data is lacking regarding antihypertensive effects. We examined systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) reduction with S/V.

Methods:
From July 2016 to March 2018, 193 consecutive patients on uninterrupted S/V therapy were identified. Of these, patients who a) had 14 or more days of S/V therapy and b) at least two follow-up visits 7 or more days apart from S/V initiation and from each visit were included in the analyses. Change in SBP from baseline to first visit was the dependent variable. Paired-t and one-way ANOVA tests were performed to identify deltas and associations. Linear regression models were used for continuous variables.

Results:
In 111 eligible patients, a significant decrease in SBP (123.4 ± 16.8 to 113.7 ± 18.0 mm Hg; p<0.001) and DBP (75.2 ± 12.1 to 69.6 ± 11.8 mm Hg; p<0.001) occurred from baseline to the first clinic visit (mean days of therapy: 38.2 ± 35.3 days). Significance did not persist to the second clinic visit (mean SBP: 121 ± 18.3 mm Hg, p=0.316; mean DBP: 73.9 ± 12.0 mm Hg) with mean 110.2 ±119.2 days. Multiple factors were associated with SBP reduction from baseline to first visit (Table). With multiple linear regression, only higher baseline BNP (R=0.006, p=0.028) and higher baseline SBP (R=0.549, p<0.001) remained significant.

Conclusion:
The use of S/V was associated with a short-lived reduction in SBP. Hypotheses regarding diuretic effect with subsequent fluid homeostasis could be considered given noted associations. As symptomatic hypotension is a limiting adverse effect, these data may help guide clinicians with patient selection and dosing.
Abstract P3052: A Muscadine Grape Extract Improves Hypertension-Induced Aortic Damage in Conjunction With a Reduction in Fibrosis, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation
Authors: Gallagher Patricia E , Patil Pooja D , Varagic Jasmina , Westwood Brian M , Tallant E A
Published: September 2019

Hypertension-induced arterial stiffness contributes to both reduced vascular and cardiac function. While the pathophysiology of aortic stiffness is not completely understood, significant vascular remodeling occurs in response to stimuli such as vascular stress and Ang II. The goal of this study was to determine whether a polyphenol-enriched muscadine grape skin and seed extract (MGE) improves Ang II-induced aortic remodeling. Sprague-Dawley rats (male, 8 weeks old) received normal drinking water (Control), 0.2 mg total phenolics/mL in their drinking water (MGE), 24 μg/kg/h of Ang II via osmotic minipump (Ang II), or both Ang II and MGE (Ang II/MGE, pre-treated with MGE for 1 week prior to Ang II treatment). MGE had no effect on systolic blood pressure, measured by tail cuff plethysmography, in normotensive or Ang II-treated rats. Aortic stiffness, determined by echocardiographic pulse wave velocity, was increased 2.5-fold in Ang II-treated animals but was significantly improved by co-administration of MGE. MGE prevented the Ang II-induced increase in aortic media thickness (Control: 95.8 ± 2.1 μm, Ang II: 135.1 ± 3.7 μm, and Ang II/MGE: 118.2 ± 2.9 μm) and lumen diameter (Control: 2.7 ± 0.2, Ang II: 2.1 ± 0.1 mm, and Ang II/MGE: 2.6 ± 0.1 mm). Nuclear phosphorylated ERK (pERK) in aortic medial cells was increased by 131% in Ang II-treated rats compared to Controls (p < 0.05); MGE co-administration prevented this by 83% (p < 0.001). Ang II-induced aortic fibrosis, measured by total collagen and collagen III, was significantly attenuated in hypertensive animals treated with MGE, in association with reduced pSMAD2 and CTGF. 4-HNE, a marker of lipid peroxidation, and subunits of NADPH oxidases--Nox1, Nox2, p-p47phox--were significantly upregulated by Ang II and normalized with MGE. The inflammatory markers IL-6 and NF-κB were also increased in Ang II-treated aortas (8.9- and 12.7-fold, respectively) and attenuated by MGE. This study is the first to demonstrate that Ang II-induced vascular remodeling is prevented by co-administration of MGE. MGE reduced aortic stiffness, in association with a decrease in fibrotic, oxidative stress, and inflammatory signaling, suggesting that MGE supplementation may improve vascular function in hypertensive patients.
Abstract P3053: Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Resistant Hypertension Participating in Cardiac Rehabilitation
Authors: Laffin Luke J , Khan Asad , Lang Katherine , Van Iterson Erik H
Published: September 2019

Introduction:
Phase 2 cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a 36-session medically supervised exercise and educational program prescribed for patients with a variety of cardiovascular conditions. The beneficial effect of physical activity on BP is well established. Whether CR participation affects exercise capacity (EC) and outcomes in patients with resistant hypertension (RH) is unknown.

Methods:
Participants enrolled in Phase 2 CR at a tertiary academic medical center between 2012 and 2017 were evaluated. Of 504 total CR participants, 298 completed both entry and exit stress testing. Participants were defined as having RH if they were taking 3 antihypertensive medications including a diuretic, with a resting SBP > 130 mm Hg, or 4+ antihypertensive medications, regardless of BP. The percentage change in EC from CR entry to exit and cardiovascular outcomes were compared between patients with and without RH.

Results:
Of CR participants that completed both entry and exit stress testing, 8% (24) had RH, 62% (185) were non-resistant hypertensives, and 30% (89) had normal BP. Compared to other CR participants, those with RH exhibited lower absolute baseline EC (5.4 +/- 2.4 metabolic equivalents (METs) vs. 6.9 +/- 2.6 , p=0.007) and lower EC after completion of CR (6.6 +/- 2.6 METs vs. 8.4 +/- 3.0 , p=0.004); but demonstrated a similar relative increase in EC (31% vs 28%, p=0.74) pre to post CR. Among all participants in CR (n=504), participants with RH (n=36) were more likely to be hospitalized within 2 years of completion of CR (67% (24/36) vs. 39% (184/468), p=0.002) and demonstrated a trend toward increased mortality (8% (3/36) vs. 4% (18/468), p=0.18) over the subsequent 5 years.

Conclusion:
Although less fit at baseline, CR participants with RH have a similar relative improvement in EC compared to all other CR participants. However, among CR participants with RH, these data demonstrate that a low absolute level of EC is accompanied by a greater likelihood of being hospitalized in the two years following CR.
Abstract P3055: Effects of Lactotripeptides on Tele-Monitoring Home Blood Pressure in Prehypertension: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study
Authors: Fujii Masatsune , Tomiyama Hirofumi , Chikamori Taishiro
Published: September 2019

Aims:
The present randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study was conducted to examine the effect of lactotripeptides on tele-monitoring home blood pressure (homeBP) and also on markers of vascular function and renal damages, which affect the blood pressure elevation, in Japanese subjects with prehyperension.

Methods:
In 26 subjects with prehypertension, the active products (lactotripeptides tablets) or placebo tables were randamly allocated for 8 weeks each in a cross-over manner. 2 weeks of run-in period and 4 weeks of wash-out period between two sessions were set up. The home BP was monitored by home BP tele-monitoring from the run-in period to the end of the study. The urinary liver-type fatty acid-binding protein-to-creatine ratio (UFABPCR), pulse wave velocity (PWV), and flow-mediated vasodilatation of brachial artery (FMD) were measured at the end of each intervention.

Results:
While the home BP before each intervention (mean of BP in 7 days just before the start each intervention) were similar, the home BP at the end of taking lactotripeptides were significantly lower than those at the end of taking placebo (mean of BPs in 7 days at the end of each intervention) (127 ± 2 vs. 130 ± 2 mmHg, p<0.05). PWV and FMD were similar between both interventions, but the UFABPCR was significantly lower in at the end of taking lactotripeptides than that at the end of taking placebo (1.9 ± 1.7 vs. 2.4 ± 2.2 microg/g creatinine, p<0.05). The mixed linear model analysis demonstrated a significant difference of the change of home DBP between both intervention was observed (P=0.04), and that difference of the change of home SBP was marginal (p=0.10).

Conclusion:
The lactotripeptides supplement may provide a beneficial effect on the blood pressure in Japanese subjects with prehypertension. In addition, it seems to have a protective effect against renal damage.
Abstract P3056: The Effect of Device Guided Slow Breathing With Biofeedback on Pulse Transit Time and Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia
Authors: Mengden Thomas , Bachler Martin , Mayer Christopher C , Mikisek Ines , Sehnert Walter , Wassertheurer Siegfried
Published: September 2019

Slow breathing is a relaxation exercise with class B, IIa recommendation by the AHA for lowering blood pressure (BP). Biofeedback on the effect of the exercise may improve patient adherence and enhance the BP lowering effect. Conversely, standard BP measurements with occlusion cuffs interfere with relaxation. Hence, the pulse transit time (PTT) is used as a surrogate to estimate BP changes.

Thirty patients treated for essential hypertension (age 62.9 (SD 7.7) years, 11F/19M, Sys. BP 133.0 (SD 17.1) mmHg, Dia. BP 83.8 (SD 10.6) mmHg) performed a device-guided slow breathing relaxation exercise for 10 minutes, with respiratory rate guided by instructions on a tablet computer. The PTT was measured by ECG and plethysmography and immediately presented on the same display. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) was detected as the most prominent frequency in the interbeat intervals.

Respiratory rate was reduced from 13.6/min (SD 1.9/min) at baseline to 5.4/min (SD 1.0/min) during guided breathing. We observed a continuous and progressive increase of PTT from 231.5 (SD 20.3) to 237.3 (SD 18.5) ms (p < 0.001, fig.). Of the 30 patients, 25 responded with increase in PTT. The overall deviation of RSA from the guided respiratory rate was 0.06/min (IQR 0.19/min). In 3 subjects, an individual deviation of >0.20/min was detected. Two of those 3 did not respond with increased PTT.

Real-time biofeedback of PTT during device-guided slow breathing results in an increased PTT, indicating a BP reduction. Feedback of the RSA as indicator of the respiratory rate is feasible and may further improve adherence and motivation. The procedure may serve as a user-friendly, self-managed alternative for lowering BP.
Abstract P3058: Significant Reduction of Visceral Adiposity in Hypertensive Participants of Doctor-Supervised, Intense Weight Loss Program
Authors: Dembrowski Gerald , Barnes Jessica
Published: September 2019

According to new statistics from the American Heart Association, nearly half of all adults in the US have high blood pressure and/or are taking antihypertensive medication. Perhaps even more alarming is that >45% of those with hypertension (HT) do not have it controlled. These statistics along with the fact that HT is the most common cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD) -related death, demonstrate a need for effective non-pharmacological antihypertensive strategies. A direct linear relationship exists between visceral adiposity (VA) and blood pressure. Studies show the amount of adipose tissue accumulating in the abdominal viscera exerts a graded influence on blood pressure. Few strategies exist targeting VA as a means to reduce the risk of HT, CVD, and metabolic syndrome. Commercial weight loss programs target body weight but none have shown a meaningful effect on VA. The 20Lighter Program (T20LP), a doctor-supervised program combining patent-pending meal plans, all natural anti-inflammatory supplementation, and daily oversight is designed to reduce VA, lower risk of disease, and improve health. T20LP employs VA reduction as a clinical indicator of CVD and metabolic disease risk reduction instead of a simple weight loss endpoint. For the first time, we present data on 2200 men and women completing T20LP a 3-phase (9wk) intensive weight reduction program, to assess changes in body composition of participants taking antihypertensive medications versus participants without. From baseline to 20 days, 40 days, and 60 days, each group (HT; non-HT) showed statistically significant and clinically meaningful reductions in % body weight (HT: 6.9±0.64, 10.9±0.10,13.1±0.15; non-HT: 6.6±0.41, 10.7±0.08, 13.0±0.12), and % VA (HT: 14.4±0.37, 21.3±0.55, 25.7±0.51; non-HT: 13.9±0.20, 19.9±0.35, 24.8±0.37). When comparing mean changes between HT and non-HT groups we found numerical, but not statistically significant, differences in reductions of % body weight, VA, body fat %, and BMI. Unlike conventional weight loss programs, our results show a clinically meaningful reduction in VA thereby lowering risk of HT, CVD, and metabolic syndrome. T20LP is a comprehensive lifestyle program capable of complementing existing pharmacological HT and CVD treatments.
Regional Variation in the Association of Poverty and Heart Failure Mortality in the 3135 Counties of the United States
Authors: Ahmad Khansa , Chen Edward W. , Nazir Umair , Cotts William , Andrade Ambar , Trivedi Amal N. , Erqou Sebhat , Wu Wen‐Chih
Published: September 2019

Background

There is significant geographical variation in heart failure (
HF
) mortality across the United States. County socioeconomic factors that influence these outcomes are unknown. We studied the association between county socioeconomic factors and
HF
mortality and compared it with coronary heart disease (
CHD
) mortality.

Methods and Results

This is a cross‐sectional analysis of socioeconomic factors and mortality in
HF
and
CHD
across 3135
US
counties from 2010 to 2015. County‐level poverty, education, income, unemployment, health insurance status, and cause‐specific mortality rates were collected from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and
US
Census Bureau databases. Poverty had the strongest correlation with both
HF
and
CHD
mortality, disproportionately higher for
HF
(
r
=0.48) than
CHD
(
r
=0.24).
HF
mortality increased by 5.2 deaths/100 000 for each percentage increase in county poverty prevalence in a frequency‐weighted, demographic‐adjusted, multivariate regression model. The greatest attenuation in the poverty regression coefficient (66.4%) was seen after adjustment for prevalence of diabetes mellitus and obesity. Subgroup analysis by census region showed that this relationship was the strongest in the South and weakest in the Northeast (6.1 versus 1.4 deaths/100 000 per 1% increase in county poverty in a demographics‐adjusted model).

Conclusions

County poverty is the strongest socioeconomic factor associated with
HF
and
CHD
mortality, an association that is stronger with
HF
than with
CHD
and varied by census region. Over half of the association was explained by differences in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and obesity across the counties. Health policies targeting improvement in these risk factors may address and possibly minimize health disparities caused by socioeconomic factors.
Impact of Discrepancies in General and Abdominal Obesity on Major Adverse Cardiac Events
Authors: Choi Daein , Choi Seulggie , Son Joung Sik , Oh Sang Woo , Park Sang Min
Published: September 2019

Background

Body mass index and waist circumference (
WC
) are commonly used metrics that reflect general obesity and abdominal obesity. However, the impact of general and abdominal obesity discrepancies on the risk for major adverse cardiac events (
MACE
) is less explored.

Methods and Results

The study population was derived from the Korean National Health Insurance Service‐Health Screening Cohort. Among 315 982 participants aged 40 years or older who underwent health examinations between 2008 and 2009, body mass index and
WC
were used to determine the obesity status. The participants were followed from January 1, 2010 for
MACE
until December 31, 2015. Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the association of obesity and the risk of
MACE
. Compared with men who were not obese, those with abdominal obesity without general obesity (adjusted hazard ratio (
aHR
) 1.29, 95%
CI
1.16–1.43), and general and abdominal obesity (
aHR
1.20, 95%
CI
1.12–1.29) had elevated risk of
MACE
, while those with general obesity without abdominal obesity (
aHR
1.06, 95%
CI
0.98–1.16) did not. Similarly, women with abdominal obesity without general obesity (
aHR
1.13, 95%
CI
1.03–1.24) and those with general and abdominal obesity (
aHR
1.15, 95%
CI
1.06–1.25) had increased risk of
MACE
, while those with general obesity without abdominal obesity (
aHR
1.07, 95%
CI
0.88–1.30) did not.

Conclusions

Abdominal obesity without general obesity was associated with an elevated risk of major cardiovascular outcomes while general obesity without abdominal obesity did not. Concurrent determination of body mass index and
WC
may be beneficial for the accurate determination of future cardiovascular risk.
Stroke Incidence and Case Fatality According to Rural or Urban Residence
Authors: Grimaud Olivier , Lachkhem Yacine , Gao Fei , Padilla Cindy , Bertin Mélanie , Nowak Emmanuel , Timsit Serge
Published: September 2019

Background and Purpose—

Recent findings suggest that in the United States, stroke incidence is higher in rural than in urban areas. Similar analyses in other high-income countries are scarce with conflicting results. In 2008, the Brest Stroke Registry was started in western France, an area that includes about 366 000 individuals living in various urban and rural settings.

Methods—

All new patients with stroke included in the Brest Stroke Registry from 2008 to 2013 were classified as residing in town centers, suburbs, isolated towns, or rural areas. Poisson regression was used to analyze stroke incidence and 30-day case fatality variations in the 4 different residence categories. Models with case fatality as outcome were adjusted for age, stroke type, and stroke severity.

Results—

In total, 3854 incident stroke cases (n=2039 women, 53%) were identified during the study period. Demographic and socio-economic characteristics and primary healthcare access indicators were significantly different among the 4 residence categories. Patterns of risk factors, stroke type, and severity were comparable among residence categories in both sexes. Age-standardized stroke rates varied from 2.90 per thousand (95% CI, 2.59–3.21) in suburbs to 3.35 (95% CI, 2.98–3.73) in rural areas for men, and from 2.14 (95% CI, 2.00–2.28) in town centers to 2.34 (95% CI, 2.12–2.57) in suburbs for women. Regression models suggested that among men, stroke incidence was significantly lower in suburbs than in town centers (incidence rate ratio =0.87; 95% CI, 0.77–0.99). Case fatality risk was comparable across urban categories but lower in rural patients (relative risk versus town centers: 0.76; 95% CI, 0.60–0.96).

Conclusions—

Stroke incidence was comparable, and the 30-day case fatality only slightly varied in the 4 residence categories despite widely different socio-demographic features covered by the Brest Stroke Registry.
Confirmatory Study of Time-Dependent Computed Tomographic Perfusion Thresholds for Use in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Qiu Wu , Kuang Hulin , Lee Ting Y. , Boers Anna M. , Brown Scott , Muir Keith , Majoie Charles B.L.M. , Dippel Diederik W.J. , White Phil , Guillemin Francis , Mitchell Peter J. , Dávalos Antoni , Bracard Serge , Campbell Bruce , Saver Jeffrey L. , Jovin Tudor G. , Hill Michael D. , Demchuk Andrew M. , Goyal Mayank , Menon Bijoy K. ,   for the HERMES collaborators
Published: September 2019

Background and Purpose—

Computed tomographic perfusion (CTP) thresholds associated with follow-up brain infarction may differ by time from symptom onset to imaging and reperfusion. We confirm CTP thresholds over time to imaging and reperfusion in patients with acute ischemic stroke from the HERMES collaboration (Highly Effective Reperfusion Evaluated in Multiple Endovascular Stroke Trials) data.

Methods—

Patients with occlusion on CT angiography were acutely imaged with CTP. Noncontrast CT and magnetic resonance-diffusion weighted imaging at 24 to 48 hours defined follow-up infarction. Reperfusion was assessed on conventional angiogram. Tmax, cerebral blood flow (CBF), and cerebral blood volume maps were derived from delay-insensitive CTP postprocessing. These parameters were analyzed using receiver operator characteristics to derive optimal thresholds based on time from stroke onset-to-CTP or to reperfusion. ANOVA and linear regression were used to test whether the derived CTP thresholds were different by time.

Results—

One hundred thirty-seven patients were included. Tmax thresholds of >15.7 s and >15.8 s and absolute CBF thresholds of <8.9 and <7.5 mL·min
−1
·100 g
−1
for gray matter and white matter respectively were associated with infarct if reperfusion was achieved <90 minutes from CTP with stroke onset-to-CTP <180 minutes. The discriminative ability of cerebral blood volume was modest. There were no statistically significant relationships between stroke onset-to-CTP time and Tmax, CBF, and cerebral blood volume thresholds (all
P
>0.05). A statistically significant relationship was observed between CTP-to-reperfusion time and the optimal thresholds for Tmax (
P
<0.001) and CBF (
P
<0.001). Similar but more modest relationship was noted for onset-to-reperfusion time and optimal thresholds for CBF (
P
≤0.01).

Conclusions—

CTP thresholds based on stroke onset and imaging time and taking into account time needed for reperfusion may improve infarct prediction in patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Aimee Semple McPherson’s Pentecostalism, Darwinism, Eugenics, the Disenfranchised, and the Scopes Monkey Trial
Authors: English de Alminana Margaret
Published: September 2019

This article posits that the cultural battle waged by Aimee Semple McPherson in concert with William Jennings Bryan over evolution and modernism was largely focused on a popular social theory linked to eugenics. On July 21, 1925, in the city of Dayton, Tennessee, a twentieth-century watershed event became a harbinger of the age: The State of Tennessee v. John Thomas Scopes, popularly known as the Scopes Monkey Trial. The public remembers the event as spotlighting the fundamentalist-modernist controversy with respect to the teaching of evolution in the public-school curriculum against the protests of fundamentalist Christians who advocated Creationism. The historical event was far more complicated than the popular recollection. By revisiting primary materials, this investigation will demonstrate that much of the protest voiced by McPherson and Bryan involved Social Darwinism and eugenics and a concern over the impact of these popular theories upon the Social Gospel.
The Cognitive Abilities of the Russian Peasantry at the Turn of the Twentieth Century
Authors: Mironov Boris N.
Published: September 2019

In Russia of 1917, two-thirds of the male and female peasants age 10 and older had not had systematic schooling and were illiterate; the rest were able to read and do basic arithmetic. Only 0.1% of peasants studied in secondary or higher educational institutions. As a result, 99.9% of all peasants had a particular mode of thinking - concrete, situational, and directly related to sensations and actions. Mastery of the world in practical terms, through the window of the senses, left a deep imprint on the nature and content of peasants’ knowledge, on how they conceptualized the social and physical world, and on how they behaved.
Rus’ – Byzantium – Europe: An Attempt at Triangulation?
Authors: Ivanov Sergey A.
Published: September 2019

The critique of Francis Thomson constitutes only part of Ostrowski’s book. The other part, completely unrelated to the first one, is dedicated to a comparison of the intellectual development of the two halves of the Christian world in the Middle Ages. Ostrowski’s assertion that the Byzantines did not include logic in their school curriculum is untrue. What seems to him to be the main difference between East and West does not take root until the end of the 12th century. The West was drifting away from the common patterns of ancient Mediterranean civilization. The East largely remained the same. The Byzantines did not feel any special inclination toward the practical application of theoretical ideas. The people of Old Rus’, on the contrary, were quick at learning and innovating. Respect for tradition inevitably played a smaller role in a nascent culture than in a culture that had been born old.
“To Do Nothing Would be to Dig Our Own Graves: Student Activism in the Republic of Vietnam”
Authors: Stur Heather
Published: September 2019

During the Vietnam War, South Vietnamese students were some of the most vocal activists asserting multiple visions for Vietnam’s future. Students’ attitudes spanned the political spectrum from staunchly anti-Communist to supportive of the National Liberation Front. Like young people throughout the world in the 1960s, students in South Vietnam embodied the spirit of the global Sixties as a hopeful moment in which the possibility of freedom energized those demanding political change. South Vietnam’s university students staged protests, wrote letters, and drew up plans of action that tried to unite the disparate political interests among the nation’s young people as politicians and generals in Saigon attempted to establish a viable national government. South Vietnamese government officials and U.S. advisors paid close attention to student activism hoping to identify and cultivate sources of support for the Saigon regime. While some students were willing to work with Americans, others argued that foreign intervention of any kind was bad for Vietnam. The Saigon government’s repressive tactics for dealing with political protest drove away students who otherwise might have supported it.
An outline on distribution and hosts of the cystoid nematodes of Ataloderinae Wouts, 1973 and Meloidoderinae Golden, 1971
Authors: GHADERI REZA
Published: September 2019

The cystoid nematodes of the subfamilies Ataloderinae and Meloidoderinae include 32 recognized species belonging to 10 genera. The geographical distribution and preferred hosts of these nematodes are reviewed in the present paper. Most genera in Ataloderinae are believed to have evolved in North America, but some genera currently show different or wider distributions. Although members of Bellodera, Ekphymatodera, Rhizonemella and Sarisodera have only been recovered from North America, those of Atalodera may be found in both North America and South America. Species of the other genera tend to occur in different geographical locations: Cryphodera species have been recorded in Asia and Oceania while Camelodera and Hylonema species have only reported from Asia and Africa, respectively. Members of Meloidoderinae (Meloidodera spp.) are distributed in North America, Asia and Europe. Plant hosts for the cystoid nematodes are distributed among both monocots and dicots. Nematologists suggest an ancient origin for genera such as Meloidodera, Cryphodera and Rhizonemella which can parasitize gymnosperms.
Three new species of earthworms (Oligochaeta: Megascolecidae) from Yunnan Province, China
Authors: YUAN ZHU , DONG YAN , JIANG JIBAO , JIANG JIBAO , ZHAO QI , QIU JIANGPING
Published: September 2019

Earthworm specimens collected from Yunnan Province, China were found to represent three new species of Megascolecidae: Amynthas demptus sp. nov., Amynthas lacustris sp. nov. and Metaphire reclusa sp. nov. A. demptus belongs to Amynthas hawayanus-group and has three pairs of spermathecal pores in 5/6–7/8. A. lacustris belongs to Amynthas morrisi-group and has two pairs of spermathecal pores in 5/6–6/7. M. reclusa has no spermathecal pores. A. demptus has no male pores. The male pores of A. lacustris are about 1/3 body circumference ventrally apart, with a presetal and a postsetal papilla medial to each pore, surrounded with two circular folds. The male pores of M. reclusa are in copulatory chambers at XVIII, with openings of copulatory chambers about 1/3 body circumference ventrally apart. In this paper, the morphological characters of the three new species are described. We also sequenced COI and 12S gene fragments of the holotypes and selected paratype specimens to provide molecular data.
Taxonomic clarification of two Nearctic Strumigenys (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: BOOHER DOUGLAS B.
Published: September 2019

In 1901, Forel described an ant species from a relatively poorly known genus of ants from North America, naming it Strumigenys pilinasis. In 1931 M. R. Smith obtained the holotype and redescribed it, and he included a first illustration. The description was incomplete and the illustration resembled Strumigenys brevisetosa Smith, 1935, more than it resembled S. pilinasis, which led subsequent taxonomists to make consistent misidentifications and to consider S. brevisetosa to be a synonym of S. pilinasis. Here I redescribe both S. pilinasis and S. brevisetosa (revived status). Strumigenys manni Wesson & Wesson, 1939, and S. ohioensis Kennedy & Schramm, 1933, are new junior synonyms of S. pilinasis, and S medialis Kennedy & Schramm, 1933, is a new junior synonym of S. brevisetosa.
Congenital Rubella Surveillance: A Matter of Priorities
Authors: Grand M. Gilbert , Wyll Shelby A.
Published: September 2019

Congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) has been a nationally notifiable disease since 1965; however, reporting has been quantitatively poor. To improve surveillance, a National Registry for Congenital Rubella Syndrome was established in 1969. Since then, the Registry has received 133 case report forms from 28 states and the District of Columbia. Analysis of these reports shows that peaks of CRS births occurred seven to nine months after the peak incidence of rubella in 1969 and 1970. Estimates of the number of babies born with CRS per year far exceed the actual number of -reported cases. Since the ultimate goal of rubella immunization programs is the prevention of congenital rubella syndrome, improved surveillance of CRS is of prime importance in the overall rubella immunization effort.
A Cinderella Story: How Past Identity Salience Boosts Demand for Repurposed Products
Authors: Kamleitner Bernadette , Thürridl Carina , Martin Brett A.S.
Published: September 2019

Like Cinderella, many repurposed products involve a biographical transformation, from a tattered past identity (e.g., an old airbag) to a product with a valuable but different new identity (e.g., a backpack made from an airbag). In this article, the authors argue that marketers should help customers infer such product stories by highlighting the products’ tattered past identities. Three field experiments and four controlled experiments show that making a product’s past identity salient boosts demand across a variety of repurposed products. This is because past identity salience induces narrative thoughts about these products’ biographies, which in turn allows customers to feel special. Results also suggest that this strategy of past identity salience needs to be particularly well-crafted for products with easily discernible past identities. These findings highlight a promising new facet of storytelling (i.e., stories that customers self-infer in response to minimal marketer input); create new opportunities for promoting products with a prior life; and deliver detailed guidance for the largely unexplored, growing market for upcycled and recycled products.
A longitudinal study of changes in intra-metropolitan employment concentration in Beijing: Decentralisation, reconcentration and polycentrification
Authors: Sun Tieshan
Published: September 2019

This article explores the spatial trend of intra-metropolitan employment concentration in the Beijing metropolitan area from 2004 to 2013. We use multiple-year economic census data and construct a unique longitudinal dataset of employment at the subdistrict level, applying the locally weighted regression method to identify employment centres in Beijing. The results show that jobs continued to decentralise from the urban core to the suburbs in Beijing over the studied period; however, different from the common trajectory of Western metropolitan spatial evolution, decentralised jobs tended to be more concentrated in subcentres and the polycentric urban structure prevailed in Beijing. Polycentricity strengthened in Beijing from 2004 to 2008, but job dispersion increased at the expense of polycentricity during 2008–2013. However, job dispersion did not follow an unstructured model; instead, subcentres played an increasingly important role in structuring the dispersed jobs. Job dispersion in Beijing has been more associated with the scatteration of service jobs, while manufacturing jobs tended to be more concentrated in subcentres, which contributed to the polycentric development of the capital. We also observe the persistence in the location of employment centres in Beijing over the studied period, as well as substantial spatial changes in the boundaries of employment centres, which suggests that the employment concentrations within the metropolitan area are persistent but not static.
Changes in residential satisfaction after home relocation: A longitudinal study in Beijing, China
Authors: Wang Fenglong , Wang Donggen
Published: September 2019

The literature on residential mobility pays little attention to the outcomes of residential relocation and their determinants. This study aims to address this shortfall by examining the link between home relocation and change in residential satisfaction based on data from a two-wave sample survey in Beijing, China. The data is collected through interviews with a sample of 537 participants who planned to move and eventually did move in Beijing. A multi-level structural equation model is developed to analyse the determinants of change in residential satisfaction after home relocation. The results show that people generally become more satisfied with their residence after relocation. The major determinants of residential satisfaction changes are adjustments in housing conditions (including housing tenure and dwelling space) and neighbourhood environment (including physical design, absence of nuisance, social interaction and accessibility to various facilities). The findings of this research not only enrich the literature on residential satisfaction and residential mobility, but may also help to improve urban planning and public housing policies.