bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract P110: Proteomics Identified Novel Proteins Associated With Genetic Risk Of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: The Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities Study (ARIC)
Authors: Steffen Brian , Pankow James S , Pankratz Nathan , Lutsey Pamela L , Norby Faye L , Matsushita Kunihiro , Demmer Ryan , Tang Weihong
Published: May 2021

Introduction:
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a condition characterized by a weakened dilated vessel wall with the potential for lethal rupture. A recent genome-wide association study identified and replicated nine AAA-related variants (rs602633, rs4129267, rs3827066, rs1795061, rs10757274, rs10985349, rs9316871, rs6511720, and rs2836411), but pathways through which these loci may influence disease have not been elucidated.

Hypothesis:
AAA risk variants were hypothesized to be associated with plasma proteins with numerous roles including, but not limited to, inflammation and extracellular matrix remodeling.

Methods:
Data from participants of the community-based ARIC Study were used. Genomic DNA from whole blood was genotyped using the Affymetrix Genome-Wide Human SNP array 6.0. Concentrations of 4,870 proteins were determined using the SomaLogic aptamer-based capture array in plasma collected at visit 3 (1993-95). Outliers that were 6 standard deviations from the means were excluded. Race-specific multiple linear regression analysis evaluated associations between genetic variants and log base 2 transformed protein levels, with adjustment for age, sex, estimated glomerular filtration rate, field center, and ten principal components of ancestry. Identified proteins in whites (N=7,241) were then examined for replication in Black participants (N=1,671). Cox regression was used to evaluate the associations between identified proteins and incident AAA (n=454) over a median 21.2-year follow-up in all 11,064 participants.

Results:
In white participants twenty-six protein associations were identified for rs602633 (
PSRC1-CELSR2-SORT1
), rs4129267 (
IL6R
), and rs3827066 (
PCIF1-ZNF335-MMP9
) following Bonferroni correction (
p
≤5.13x10
-6
). Associations were observed between rs4129267 and soluble interleukin-6 receptor subunit alpha (β=-0.339; p<1.0E-200) and CRP (β=0.093; p=2.24E-7); rs602633 and granulin (β=0.184; p<1.0E-200), complement C1q TNF-related protein-1 (β=0.115; p=2.17E-184), and neogenin (β=-0.031; p=5.60E-13); and rs3827066 and kit ligand (β=-0.045; p=2.41E-08). Five associations were replicated in Black participants (
p
≤1.9x10
-3
). In the whole cohort, top quintiles of CRP (HR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.22, 2.31), kit ligand (HR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.40, 0.78) and neogenin (HR: 0.57 95% CI: 0.42, 0.78) were significantly related to incident AAA risk compared to corresponding bottom quintiles.

Conclusions:
Three of the nine AAA risk variants were associated with plasma protein concentrations, with the strongest associations for those involved in inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Granulin, complement C1q tumor necrosis factor-related protein-1, kit ligand, and neogenin represent novel targets for genetic risk of AAA and may link genetic susceptibility to disease pathogenesis.
Abstract P132: Potato Consumption And Risk Of Diabetes And Cardiovascular Mortality In The Alpha Omega Cohort
Authors: Cruijsen Esther , Simon Anne W , Indyk Indira M , Busstra Maria C , Geleijnse Johanna M
Published: May 2021

Introduction:
Higher potatoes intake, especially French fries, was unfavorably associated with cardiometabolic endpoints in population-based studies. Little is known about this in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients.

Hypothesis:
Boiled potatoes and French fries intake might increase the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D), cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality and all-cause mortality after myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods:
We analyzed 3401 Dutch patients (60-80 y, 78% male) from the Alpha Omega Cohort, free from T2D, with an MI ≤ 10 y before enrolment. Diet was assessed at baseline (2002-2006) using a 203-item validated food frequency questionnaire, including potato preparation methods. T2D incidence (self-reported physician diagnosis and/or prescribed anti-diabetes medication) was monitored during the first 40 months of follow-up and cause-specific mortality through December 2018. Multivariable Cox models were used to obtain Hazard Ratios (HRs) for incident T2D and fatal endpoints in potato categories.

Results:
Patients had a median potato intake (mainly boiled) of 111 g/d (3.8 weekly servings of 200 g), with 6% consuming <1 serving per week. French fries were consumed by 48% of the patients (median: 6 g/d). Total potato intake was non-linearly associated with T2D risk during early follow-up (186 cases). Compared to 0-2 servings, HRs were 1.52 (0.97, 2.39) for 3-4 servings and 1.78 (1.10, 2.89) for ≥5 servings per week. During >12 y of follow-up (38,987 person-years) 1618 deaths occurred, of which 697 from CVD, 431 from CHD and 128 from stroke. HRs for fatal endpoints were non-significant in categories of total and boiled potatoes (Table). For French fries (consumers vs. non-consumers), HRs were 1.23 (0.89, 1.69) for T2D, 1.03 (0.87, 1.22) for fatal CVD and 0.93 (0.83, 1.04) for all-cause mortality.

Conclusion:
In Dutch post-MI patients, potatoes (mainly boiled) were neutrally associated with CVD and all-cause mortality. An increased risk of T2D was found for French fries, which warrants further study in CHD patient cohorts.
Abstract P135: Dietary Sources Of Linoleic Acid (LA) Differ By Race/ethnicity In Adults Participating In The National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) Between 2015-2016
Authors: Momin Shabnam R , Manichaikul Ani , Mathias Rasika , Senn Mackenzie , Phan Mimi , Reynolds Lindsay M , Rich Stephen S , Sergeant Susan , Seeds Michael C , Yang Chaojie , Chilton Floyd H , Wood Alexis C
Published: May 2021

Background:
Linoleic acid (LA), a primary polyunsaturated fatty acid, is a nutritional quandary as has been associated with diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) protection but may have negative effects in inflammation and cancer.

Objective:
To determine whether the relative contributions of nine food sources (dairy, eggs, select fats and oils, fish, fruit, grains, meat, nuts, and desserts) to overall LA intake differ by race / ethnicity in the adult US population.

Methods:
We included all non-pregnant, non-lactating adults (< 20 years, ~50% female) with plausible dietary data (average daily caloric intake ≥600 kcals/day and ≤6000 kcals/day; N=3,884). The percentage of LA calories attributable from each of the nine food groups was calculated. Linear regression models, incorporating survey weights, examined differences by race/ethnicity and included age, gender, income level, highest level of education and daily caloric intake as covariates, with a post-hoc Tukey test applied to group comparison. Significance was set at Bonferroni corrected P≤.006.

Results:
Across the population as a whole, 7.14% of the overall caloric intake was attributable to LA. Grains contributed to the highest percentage of LA intake (29%) followed by meat (18%), with fish contributing the least (4%). Significant differences in the relative contribution of almost all food sources to overall LA were found across race/ethnic groups (all except dairy; Table 1). Fruits and Grains showed the greatest number of differences by race/ethnicity, with NHBs reporting the greatest intake contribution of fruit to LA intake (14.8%) and MAs the lowest (9.6%; P<.001 for the difference; Table 1). This pattern was reversed when looking at the contribution of grains to overall LA intake (25.9% vs 41.2% respective; P<.001; Table 1).

Conclusions:
Our findings suggest that the foods contributing to overall LA intake differ across race/ethnic groups. Interventions designed to alter LA intake may benefit from tailoring to a population’s ethnic/race distribution.
Abstract P147: Association Of Rosuvastatin Use With Risk Of Rhabdomyolysis Across Chronic Kidney Disease Status
Authors: Shin Jung-Im , Qiao Yao , Surapaneni Aditya , Inker Lesley , Fine Derek , Nolin Thomas , Chang Alex R , Grams Morgan
Published: May 2021

Introduction:
Statin-induced rhabdomyolysis is a rare, but potentially life-threatening condition. It is unknown whether specific statins carry a greater risk of rhabdomyolysis and whether the risk differs between patients with and without chronic kidney disease (CKD). The objective of this study was to investigate the association of rosuvastatin use vs. atorvastatin use with the risk of rhabdomyolysis across CKD status.

Hypothesis:
Rosuvastatin use is associated with a higher risk of rhabdomyolysis as compared to atorvastatin use and the risk is greater among those with CKD than those without CKD.

Methods:
We identified adult patients who initiated rosuvastatin or atorvastatin between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2018 and were free of end-stage kidney disease at the time of prescription in the Geisinger Health System. The association between rosuvastatin use and rhabdomyolysis was assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression models with an interaction between rosuvastatin use and CKD (i.e., estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min/1.73 m
2
) in an inverse probability of treatment weighted (IPTW) sample.

Results:
Of 8,748 rosuvastatin users (mean [SD] age, 59.7 [12.6] years; 49.8% female; 11.8% CKD) and 31,770 atorvastatin users (mean [SD] age, 59.1 [12.6] years; 48.2% female; 11.9% CKD), 0.7% and 0.4% patients developed rhabdomyolysis, respectively, during a median follow-up of 5.1 years. Rosuvastatin use was associated with a higher risk of rhabdomyolysis in patients with CKD (hazard ratio [HR], 3.29; 95% CI, 1.53-7.09), but not in those without CKD (HR, 1.29; 95% CI, 0.82-2.03; p-interaction=0.04). A higher risk of rhabdomyolysis associated with rosuvastatin use in lower eGFR was also observed in the analysis with continuous eGFR (
Figure
).

Conclusions:
The findings suggest that rosuvastatin use in patients with CKD may be associated with excess risk of rhabdomyolysis as compared to atorvastatin.
Abstract P170: Cardiovascular-related Pregnancy Complications: Associations With Health Behaviors And Mental Health During The Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Phipps Jennifer E , Wilson Machelle D , Ebong Imo A , Hedriana Herman L , Simmons Leigh Ann
Published: May 2021

Pregnancies with cardiovascular (CV) complications are more likely to involve additional complications, poorer short and long-term health, and worse fetal outcomes. Additionally, CV complications are associated with poorer mental health, lower socioeconomic status, and non-White race/ethnicity. The COVID-19 pandemic has had negative effects on mental well-being and disproportionately affects people of lower socioeconomic status and non-White race/ethnicity. Thus, we hypothesized that the pandemic would differentially affect pregnant people with and without CV complications. We performed a cross-sectional survey of 465 pregnant people in California from June 6 through July 29, 2020. Twenty-three participants reported CV complications (e.g., hypertensive disorders, gestational diabetes) and 29 participants reported non-CV complications. The CV group was 56.5% (13 of 23) Latinx and 43.5% (10 of 23) White versus the uncomplicated pregnancy group, which was 33.7% (137 of 407) Latinx and 66.3% (270 of 407) White (chi-square, p=0.03; 6 respondents did not answer). The CV complications group was 9.5% (2 of 21) African American and the uncomplicated pregnancy group was 4.9% (19 of 392) African American (Fisher’s Exact, p=0.053; 23 respondents did not answer). We assessed 64 health behaviors reported on a Likert scale with the Wilcoxon 2-Sample Test and found the CV group reported more health-promoting behaviors, including: less likely to eat sweets (p=0.004), more likely to sanitize frequently used areas in their homes and their groceries (p=0.049 and 0.069, respectively). However, they were also more likely to smoke cigarettes (p=0.02). While the two groups did not differ significantly on stress, depression, or anxiety, the CV group was more likely to worry that their babies may be hospitalized after birth (p=0.01) and their provider may be unavailable during delivery (p=0.047). Concerns for self and baby trended towards significance for the CV group, which reported being more likely to worry about getting sick (p=0.077) and their babies being born early (p=0.079) or getting sick (p=0.098). While preliminary, these data suggest that COVID-19 disproportionately affects pregnant people with prenatal CV complications. Given limited research on pregnancy during COVID-19 and the primary focus on biological outcomes, these findings indicate a clear need to address the pandemic’s influence on behavioral and emotional health during pregnancy - especially for those with CV complications who are at higher risk of poor maternal and fetal outcomes.
Abstract P171: A Longitudinal Study Of Maternal Thyroid Hormone Trajectories And Neonatal Anthropometric Measures
Authors: Rawal Shristi , Berube Lauren , Hinkle Stefanie , Wu Jing , Zhang Cuilin
Published: May 2021

Introduction:
Maternal thyroid hormones (TH) are essential for fetal growth and development. While prior studies have examined associations of TH with birthweight (BW), data on other neonatal anthropometric measures are scarce. Here we aimed to examine relations between TH and its trajectory across pregnancy with neonatal anthropometrics in a multi-racial pregnancy cohort.

Hypothesis:
We hypothesized that distinct TH trajectories across gestation would explain differences in neonatal anthropometrics including BW, length and sum of skinfolds (SSF).

Methods:
We used longitudinal data from 321 women who were included in a gestational diabetes (GDM) case-control study nested within the NICHD Fetal Growth Studies-Singletons Cohort (n=2802). Plasma free triiodothyronine (fT3), free thyroxine (fT4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were measured, and fT3/fT4 ratio was derived, using blood samples collected at gestational weeks (GW) 10-14, 15-26, 23-31 and 33-39. TH trajectories were identified using a latent class trajectory approach. BW was abstracted from medical records. Neonatal length and SSF were measured. To examine associations between TH levels and neonatal outcomes, we used weighted linear regression models, adjusted for maternal age, race/ethnicity, GW at blood collection, pre-pregnancy BMI, education, parity, infant sex, GDM diagnosis (33-39 GW only) and number of days post-delivery (length and SSF only).

Results:
Overall, neonates of women in the highest fT3 tertile at 33-39 GW had marginally higher BW (β: 205.5 g, 95% CI -23.4, 434.4) and BW z-score (β: 0.4, 95% CI 0.0, 0.8) than neonates of women in the lowest tertile. Significant interactions were observed by infant sex for associations of fT4 and BW, BW z-score and neonatal length (all p for interactions <0.05). Specifically, female neonates of women in the highest fT4 tertile had lower BW, BW z-score and length than those in the lowest tertile at 15-26 (β
BW
-416.3 g, 95% CI -753.7, -79.0; β
BW
zscore
-0.5, 95% CI -0.9, -0.1; β
length
-1.5 cm, 95% CI -2.8, -0.1, respectively) and 23-31 GW (β
BW
-357.0 g, 95% CI -635.6, -78.4; β
BW
zscore
-0.7, 95% CI -1.3, -0.1; β
length
-1.8 cm, 95% CI -3.3, -0.2, respectively). Across gestation, a low fT3 trajectory (class size 5.5%) was associated with lower neonatal SSF (β: -3.2 mm, 95% CI -6.0, -0.5) than an intermediate/referent trajectory (60.1%). A high fT3/fT4 ratio trajectory (16.2%) was associated with higher BW (β: 300.5 g, 95% CI 41.7, 559.4), BW z-score (β: 0.6, 95% CI 0.3, 0.8), and neonatal SSF (β: 3.3 mm, 95% CI 0.7, 5.9) than an intermediate/referent trajectory (44.3%).

Conclusions:
Our study suggests that both overall TH trajectory across gestation and TH levels at specific timepoints in pregnancy may be related to neonatal anthropometrics, with associations varying by infant sex. These novel data support the significance of monitoring thyroid hormones longitudinally in pregnancy.
Abstract P186: “It Was Just For Us”: Qualitative Evaluation Of An Exercise Intervention For Older African-american Couples
Authors: Hornbuckle Lyndsey M , Barroso Cristina S , Rauer Amy , Jones Chloe S , Winters-Stone Kerri M
Published: May 2021

Introduction:
Promoting long-term exercise adherence should be a key focus for health and fitness professionals working to reduce obesity and cardiometabolic health disparities, and all-cause mortality in inactive African-American (AA) adults. Data have suggested that romantic partners can improve long-term exercise adherence and that this dyadic approach should be examined in exercise interventions. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to conduct a qualitative process evaluation of a pilot exercise intervention conducted in older AA couples. The intervention itself examined whether exercising together influenced exercise adherence and cardiometabolic risk.

Methods:
Two semi-structured focus groups were utilized to compare experiences across two randomly assigned treatment conditions (exercising together with partner [ET: n=8] versus exercising separately [ES: n=6]). Participants (mean age: 64.7±6.8 years; body mass index 30.4±4.8 kg/m
2
) of a previous 12-week pilot exercise intervention (walking ≥3 days/week, 30 minutes/day plus supervised resistance training 2 days/week) were interviewed. Investigators used guidelines for process evaluation and the context of the intervention to design the focus group guide. Verbatim transcripts were coded using an open coding approach.

Results:
Three key themes emerged (Table 1). Although all couples identified health and relationship benefits of the intervention, some differences surfaced within themes across the two intervention groups.

Conclusions:
These data will help investigators continue to develop the intervention, which is ultimately designed to promote long-term exercise adherence to reduce cardiometabolic health disparities in the AA community.
Abstract P226: Longitudinal Work Hour Patterns Associated With Diabetes Risk
Authors: Lal Tia S , Conway Sadie H , Li Ruosha , Perkison William B , Zhang Feng , Aguilar David
Published: May 2021

Introduction:
Evidence shows a positive correlation between work hour (WH) duration and incident diabetes (DM). However, little is known about the association between longitudinal WH patterns and the risk of incident DM.

Hypothesis:
We hypothesized that the greatest risk of DM would be observed in consistently long WH patterns and that age, sex, and ethnicity would modify the relationship between WH patterns and incident DM.

Methods:
We utilized a representative sample of 15,843 U.S. adults from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics who reported weekly WH for a minimum of five years between 1985-2017 and did not have a history of DM prior to reporting five years of WH data. Latent class linear mixed modeling was used to identify distinct longitudinal WH trajectory patterns. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were then used to examine the association between WH patterns and incident DM, with initial adjustments made for sex, age, ethnicity, education, income-to-needs ratio, and occupation. We also tested for statistical interactions between WH patterns and baseline age, sex, and ethnicity.

Results:
Over a mean follow-up of 17.5 years, four WH trends were identified: standard, full-time (61.1%), increasing (11.5%), quickly decreasing (11.3%), and gradually decreasing (16.1%). Age (interaction p=0.013), but not ethnicity nor sex, modified the association between WH patterns and incident DM. In age stratified analyses, adults aged 18-29 showed no significant association between WH patterns and DM. In adults aged 30-39, a gradually decreasing WH trend showed lower DM risk compared to those working standard hours (OR=0.59; 95% CI: 0.45 - 0.77). Among those ≥40 years, both quickly decreasing (OR=0.66; 95% CI: 0.50 - 0.87) and gradually decreasing (OR=0.45; 95% CI: 0.34 - 0.60) WH patterns were associated with lower risk of DM compared to those working standard hours.

Conclusion:
Compared to individuals working standard WH over many years, decreasing WH patterns were associated with a lower risk of incident DM.
BASILICA Trial: One-Year Outcomes of Transcatheter Electrosurgical Leaflet Laceration to Prevent TAVR Coronary Obstruction
Authors: Khan Jaffar M. , Greenbaum Adam B. , Babaliaros Vasilis C. , Dvir Danny , Reisman Mark , McCabe James M. , Satler Lowell , Waksman Ron , Eng Marvin H. , Paone Gaetano , Chen Marcus Y. , Bruce Christopher G. , Stine Annette M. , Tian Xin , Rogers Toby , Lederman Robert J.
Published: May 2021

Background:

Coronary artery obstruction is a rare, devastating complication of transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Transcatheter electrosurgical aortic leaflet laceration (Bioprosthetic or Native Aortic Scallop Intentional Laceration to Prevent Iatrogenic Coronary Artery Obstruction [BASILICA]) is a novel technique to prevent coronary artery obstruction. We report the 1-year outcomes of the BASILICA trial. Primary end points of 30-day success and safety have been reported previously.

Methods:

The BASILICA trial was a prospective, multicenter, single-arm safety and feasibility study. Subjects with severe native or bioprosthetic aortic valve disease at high or extreme risk for surgery, and high risk of coronary artery obstruction, were included. End points at 1 year included death, stroke, and myocardial infarction. Source data was independently verified and end points independently adjudicated.

Results:

Thirty subjects were enrolled between February 2018 and July 2018. At 30 days, BASILICA was successful in 28 subjects (93.3%), there were 3 strokes (10%), including 1 disabling stroke (3.3%), 1 death (3.3%), and 1 periprocedural myocardial infarction (3.3%). Between 30 days and 1 year, there were no additional strokes, no myocardial infarction, and 2 deaths (10% 1-year mortality). No subject needed repeat intervention for aortic valve or coronary disease. Two subjects had infective endocarditis (6.7%), but neither was isolated to the aortic valve. There were no hospital admissions for heart failure. Fourteen (46.7%) subjects required repeat hospital admission for other causes. Aortic valve gradients on echocardiography, New York Heart Association functional class, and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire scores improved from baseline to 30 days and were maintained at 1 year.

Conclusions:

In these subjects with multiple comorbidities and restrictive anatomy that underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement, there was no late stroke, myocardial infarction, or death related to BASILICA. Mitigation of coronary obstruction remained intact at 1 year and was not related to recurrent readmission. These results are reassuring for patients and physicians who wish to avoid the long-term complications related to snorkel stenting.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT03381989.
Indirect Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Activity and Outcomes of Transcatheter and Surgical Treatment of Aortic Stenosis in England
Authors: Martin Glen P. , Curzen Nick , Goodwin Andrew T. , Nolan James , Balacumaraswami Lognathen , Ludman Peter F. , Kontopantelis Evangelos , Wu Jianhua , Gale Chris P. , de Belder Mark A. , Mamas Mamas A.
Published: May 2021

Background:

Aortic stenosis requires timely treatment with either surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). This study aimed to investigate the indirect impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on national SAVR and TAVR activity and outcomes.

Methods:

The UK TAVR Registry and the National Adult Cardiac Surgery Audit were used to identify all TAVR and SAVR procedures in England, between January 2017 and November 2020. The number of isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR), AVR+coronary artery bypass graft surgery, AVR+other surgery, and TAVR procedures per month was calculated. Separate negative binomial regression models were fit to monthly procedural counts, with functions of time as covariates, to estimate the expected change in activity during COVID-19.

Results:

We included 15 142 TAVR cases, 13 357 isolated AVR cases, 8550 AVR+coronary artery bypass graft cases, and 6773 AVR+other cases. Before March 2020 (UK lockdown), monthly TAVR activity was rising, with a slight decrease in the SAVR activity during 2019. We observed a rapid and significant drop in TAVR and SAVR activity during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for elective cases. Cumulatively, over the period March to November 2020, we estimated an expected 4989 (95% CI, 4020–5959) cases of aortic stenosis who have not received treatment.

Conclusions:

This study has demonstrated a significant decrease in TAVR and SAVR activity in England following the COVID-19 outbreak. This situation should be monitored closely, to ensure that monthly activity rapidly returns to expected levels. There is potential for significant backlog in the near-to-medium term and potential for increased mortality in this population.
Association of Coronary Artery Atherosclerosis With Brain White Matter Hyperintensity
Authors: Johansen Michelle C. , Gottesman Rebecca F. , Kral Brian G. , Vaidya Dhananjay , Yanek Lisa R. , Becker Lewis C. , Becker Diane M. , Nyquist Paul
Published: May 2021

Background and Purpose:

We aim to determine, in healthy high-risk adults, the association between subclinical coronary artery disease and white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume and location, independent of atherosclerotic risk factors.

Methods:

Seven hundred eighty-two asymptomatic first-degree relatives of index cases with early-onset coronary artery disease (<60 years old) from GeneSTAR (Genetic Study of Atherosclerosis Risk) with contemporaneous coronary computed tomography angiography and brain magnetic resonance imaging were analyzed. Multilevel mixed-effects linear regression models, accounting for family structure, evaluated the association of total WMH volume and 3 regions (deep WMH, periventricular WMH [PVWMH], or borderzone [cuff]) with markers of coronary artery disease. Separate models were created for total WMH, deep WMH, PVWMH, and cuff volumes, each, as dependent variables, across coronary computed tomography angiography variables, adjusted for covariates.

Results:

Mean age was 51 years ±10, with 58% women and 39% African American people. Participants with any coronary plaque had 52% larger WMH volumes than those without plaque (95% CI, 0.24–0.59). Per 1% greater coronary plaque volume, total WMH volumes were 0.07% larger (95% CI, 0.04–0.10). Every 1% higher total coronary plaque volume was associated with 5.03% larger deep WMH volume (95% CI, 4.67–5.38), 5.10% PVWMH larger volume (95% CI, 4.72–5.48), and 2.74% larger cuff volume (95% CI, 2.38–3.09) with differences in this association when comparing deep WMH to PVWMH (
P
interaction, 0.001) or cuff (
P
interaction, <0.001), respectively.

Conclusions:

In healthy, high-risk individuals, the presence and volume of coronary artery plaque are associated with larger WMH volumes, appearing the strongest for PVWMH. These findings in high-risk families suggest a disease relationship in 2 different vascular beds, beyond traditional risk factors, possibly due to genetic predisposition.
Improved Performance of Platinum Diselenide Based Surface Plasmon Resonance Biosensor Using Silicon
Authors: Tiwari Rashmi , Singh Sachin , Yadav R. K. , Lohia Pooja , Dwivedi D. K.
Published: May 2021

After the discovery of graphene in 2004, two-dimensional materials have attracted attention at large scale because of their peculiar structure and extraordinary properties. As they have large potential in future nano electronics, two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides has
become most focus topic of study. Transition metal dichalcogenides with tunable finite band gap and significant transitional behavior are much suitable for the construction of electronic and optoelectronic devices of high-performance. However, platinum diselenide is group-10 transition metal
dichalcogenides which occur naturally in one phase transition, which has been theoretically predicted as an excellent material. The proposed structure of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) -based biosensor consists of a silicon and two-dimensional nanomaterial platinum diselenide. The performance
parameters of proposed biosensor (surface plasmon resonance-based) such as detection accuracy, figure of merit, sensitivity, full width at half maximum have been investigated. The sensitivity, detection accuracy, full width half maximum and figure of merit of proposed surface plasmon resonance
biosensor having silver (50 nm), silicon (2 nm) and one layer of platinum diselenide with 2 nm thickness at 633 nm wavelength is 2200RIU–1 , 0.20 deg–1, 4.980 and 44.22 RIU–1 respectively. Silicon sheet is used in the middle of
the Ag and platinum diselenide to prevent the oxidation of silver and enhance the sensitivity of platinum diselenide based surface plasmon resonance biosensor. The sensitivity of conventional surface plasmon resonance biosensor and the proposed surface plasmon resonance biosensor without silicon
layer is 1700RIU–1 and 2000RIU–1 respectively. Surface plasmon resonance biosensor of device structure CaF2/Ag/Si/PtSe2 has higher sensitivity in comparison to device structures CaF2/Ag (conventional)
and CaF2/Ag/PtSe2 (without Silicon Layer) by 29.41% and 10% respectively. Although the highest sensitivity obtained is 2620RIU–1 for 60 nm silver with 3 nm silicon layer except the platinum diselenide layer.
Self Assembled Monolayers and Carbon Nanotubes: A Significant Tool’s for Modification of Electrode Surface
Authors: Pandey Padmaker , Pandey Anamika , Singh Shruti , Shukla Nikhil Kant
Published: May 2021

A compromising and well-organized model system is needed for investigating the molecular behaviour of biomolecules as many transduction processes and biological recognition occur at biological surfaces. The application of techniques in interfacial surfaces like one molecule thick films
has made a feasible and significant tool for modern scientific studies. Self Assembling Monolayers (SAMs) technology is a very useful means for producing monomolecular films of various biological molecules on different substrates. Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) have length-to-diameter aspect ratio
property which provides a large surface-to-volume ratio, making it an intensely capable material for biomolecular attachments. The incorporation of Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) with biological systems forming functional assemblies has shown an explored area of research. Organo-sulfur mainly alkanethiol
(CnH2n+1–SH) molecules get adsorbed onto CNTs. This phenomenon has grabbed a lot of attention because Self Assembling Monolayers (SAMs) of organo-sulfur compound acts as an example system for understanding important chemical, physical or biological
processes.
‘You should tell somebody’: An evaluation of a survivor stories blog project to motivate sexual assault victims
Authors: Riggs Rachel E
Published: May 2021

Objective:

Sexual assault victims often do not disclose their assaults or seek positive health outcomes. The RAINN Survivor Stories project shares testimonials in the form of online blogs from sexual assault survivors to motivate and encourage others to come forward and disclose their assaults. This study aimed to better understand the themes present in the survivor stories to motivate victims to disclose their assaults and seek positive health outcomes.

Design:

A theoretical thematic analysis was conducted on blog posts created for the project to identify (a) how the posts tell survivor stories and (b) how the posts model positive health outcomes using social cognitive theory and the disclosure processes model as a guide.

Setting:

Online setting linked to the rainn.org website.

Method:

Blog posts were collected for inductive thematic analysis. Themes were identified based on their prevalence in the data and their pertinence to the research questions.

Results:

Emerging themes included (a) overcoming initial disclosure, (b) overcoming the lasting effects of victimisation, (c) utilising support and (d) advocating for others after assault.

Conclusion:

Findings offer insight to researchers and practitioners creating media messages for sexual assault victims and other stigmatised groups by expanding understanding of modelled positive health outcomes in media and the disclosure process of victims.
Gatekeepers to Decolonisation: Recentring the UN Peacekeepers on the Frontline of West Papua’s Re-colonisation, 1962–3
Authors: Tudor Margot
Published: May 2021

This article examines the policies employed by United Nations (UN) peacekeeping leadership and mid-level staff to silence West Papuan anti-Indonesian activists and dismiss the population’s political opinions as immaterial to their territory’s sovereign future. The UN brokered the New York Agreement, legitimising Indonesia’s claims to the region following a decade of international discussions and military skirmishes between Indonesia and the Netherlands over the territory of West Papua. The Agreement vested the UN with sovereign control of West Papua for seven months to facilitate the transition in authority from Dutch colonial rule. Drawing on a multi-archival study of the mission, this article offers depth and balance to previous high-policy-focused scholarship on the dispute, rendering mid-level peacekeepers visible and bringing their role in shaping peacekeeping practices to light. It illuminates how the mission staff dismissed the views of West Papuan representatives in 1962–3 and contributed to the project of disenfranchisement carried out by the Indonesian government. In doing so, the mission leadership decisively participated in the re-colonisation of the population and disregarded rights violations on the ground.
Mechanism research on crack propagation in coal induced by CO2 phase-transition fracturing under different lateral compression coefficients
Authors: Li Qingsong , Fu Jinlei , Heng Xianwei , Xu Xiaoqian , Ma Shu
Published: May 2021

To study crack propagation around the fracture hole in the coal body induced by high-pressure CO2 gas produced by CO2 phase transition fracturing, the mechanism of permeability enhancement of fractured coal induced by liquid CO2 phase transition fracturing was studied from two aspects, the process of coal gas displacement by competitive adsorption and physical characteristics of fractured coal induced by phase transition. Crack propagation pattern in coal under different lateral coefficients was explored by using discrete-element numerical simulation software. Distribution characteristics of hoop stress of fractured coal were analyzed through theoretical calculation. The results show that: (1) Micro-cracks in damaged coal body generated during phase transition process are mainly crack_tension type, which are formed by the composite action of tension and compression. The crack propagation is the result of the continuous release of compressive stress from concentrated area to the surrounding units. Micro-cracks are radially distributed in a pattern of “flame”. (2) The main crack formed above the fracture hole grows in the direction of vertical minimum initial stress, and the main crack formed below the fracture hole develops in the direction of horizontal initial stress. As the lateral compression coefficient increases, the extension distance of the second crack will not change after reducing to a certain length. (3) As the distance from the fracture hole increases, the peak compression loaded at the monitoring point decays, and the loop stress in the cracked coal is distributed in a pattern of “peanut”. It provides practical methods and ideas for studying the macroscopic and microscopic development of cracks, as well as theoretical support for the on-site hole layout.
‘Never let a good crisis go to waste’ – The 2020 business information review survey: Part II
Authors: Phillips Stephen
Published: May 2021

This is Part II of the 2020 Business Information Review survey. This is the world’s longest running conversation about business information services and their management, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary. The second instalment of the 2020 survey captures participants’ reflections on a range of topics that are shaping their operations including the operating environment, technology and content trends.
Public Sector Reform and the Introduction of Neoliberal Capitalism in African Socialist States: The Case of Zambia
Authors: Madimutsa Clever , Malisase Royd , Daka Evans , Chewe Moses
Published: May 2021

Public sector reform (PSR) is believed to improve the performance of the public sector in particular and the economy in general by introducing market competition in service delivery. However, this paper shows that PSR uses a three-stage process to introduce neoliberal capitalism in African socialist states. The first stage dismantles the socialist state through strategies such as downsizing, decentralization, and privatization. The second stage introduces neoliberal capitalism in the former socialist state by removing government controls and allowing private sector actors to participate in economic activities. The third stage reconfigures the former socialist state into an agent of neoliberal capitalism. Ultimately, ordinary citizens are exploited and impoverished while private investors accumulate capital.

JEL Classification: D73, P16, P33
Association Between Intimate Partner Violence and Contraceptive Use in India: Exploring the Moderating Role of Husband’s Controlling Behaviors
Authors: Paul Pintu , Mondal Dinabandhu
Published: May 2021

Existing studies show a mixed relationship between intimate partner violence (IPV) and contraceptive use. This study assesses the association between women’s exposure to IPV and contraceptive use in India. Furthermore, we aim to determine whether husband’s controlling behaviors play a moderating role in the IPV-contraception link. We used nationally representative data from the recent round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4), conducted in 2015-2016. In this study, the use of contraceptives is the outcome variable, categorized into three groups: no/traditional methods, modern methods, and female sterilization. Women’s exposure to IPV in the past year is the key exposure of interest. Socio-economic and demographic variables were used as covariates. Multinomial logistic regression models were performed to examine the association between women’s exposure to IPV and contraceptive use. Of the total participants ( N = 58,891), approximately one in every four women (24.1%) experienced any form of IPV in the past year. Slightly over half (50.8%) reported using either traditional methods of contraception or no contraceptive at all. About 14% of the respondents were using modern methods of contraception and 34.9% had undergone sterilization. After controlling for confounding factors, women who experienced IPV were 8% (95% CI [.87, .99]) less likely to report using modern contraceptives than those who did not face any IPV. Conversely, women who faced IPV were 14% (95% CI [1.09, 1.20]) more likely to undergo sterilization. Furthermore, women who experienced any form of IPV and whose husbands endorse controlling attitudes were 12% (95% CI [.81, .95]) less likely to report using modern contraceptives and 11% (95% CI [1.04, 1.17]) more likely to undergo sterilization. Interventions should be made to prevent violence against women that would increase their ability to choose appropriate contraception methods to avoid unintended pregnancies.
Homecoming—Dignity Through Movement at the End of Life: A Qualitative Interview Study With Healthcare Professionals
Authors: Cameron Fiona , Janze Anna , Klarare Anna
Published: May 2021

Aim:

To describe healthcare professionals’ and volunteers’ experiences of a pathway for movement on a hospice ward.

Method:

This was a qualitative study with an inductive approach. Data were collected in a hospice setting through 4 focus group interviews with healthcare professionals and volunteers (n = 12). The focus group participants varied in age, profession, and length of experience in palliative care. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and analyzed with qualitative content analysis.

Results:

Dignity through movement at the end of life was the main theme, complemented by 4 sub-themes. Two descriptive sub-themes: “A practical tool to facilitate physical activity” and “Companionship and goals give meaning to the day,” and 2 interpretative sub-themes: “Regaining control and having a choice” and “Feeling normal and alive” based on participants’ views of patient experiences.

Significance of Results:

Indications are that the pathway for movement addresses a wide range of experiences related to different aspects of being human in a difficult situation. Experiences of movement and physical activity can promote wellbeing, dignity, and a sense of feeling “at home” for patients within hospice care. The pathway for movement is simple to set up, offers access to appropriate physical activity and seems to benefit patients both in the early and later phases of palliative care.
Modeling the Feedback Process in Teams: A Field Study of Teamwork
Authors: Potosky Denise , Godé Cécile , Lebraty Jean-Fabrice
Published: May 2021

Research on teamwork has considered the effects of different types of feedback and information exchanged as teams coordinate their actions and has described team processes in terms of phases of task performance. Interpersonal communication processes represent the behavioral mechanism by which teams create shared mental models, but it is not clear how teams use and exchange feedback as part of these processes as they perform together. Using a 5-year-period, grounded theory methodology, we investigated how action teams exchange feedback to achieve teamwork. We examined the feedback process of three different elite French military teams. Our findings offer new evidence that action teams working in extreme/high stakes contexts use different types of feedback from multiple sources and that certain feedback sources are more relevant and certain feedback practices are more prevalent at certain stages. Specifically, throughout briefing, team task performance, formal debriefing, and informal debriefing stages, the teams we studied used information from multiple sources as they engaged in technique, reflexive, and socialization feedback practices. Teamwork was evident as the teams coordinated their action during recurring performance cycles. We use our findings to model the feedback process for teamwork and discuss implications for research and practice.
Effect of heat treatment and γ-irradiation on pasting, rheological, and fungal load of whole and dehulled millets
Authors: Huang Hsiu-Hsiang , Dikkala Praveen Kumar , Sridhar Kandi , Yang Hung-To , Lee Jia-Twu , Tsai Feng-Jen
Published: May 2021

Millets are important food crops in food systems and application of physical treatments could improve the functional properties of millet-based products. Therefore, we investigated the effect of heat and γ-irradiation treatments on the pasting, rheological, and microbial load of whole and dehulled millets (sorghum, foxtail millet, and pearl millet). Moreover, similarity in treatment effect was evaluated by principal component analysis (PCA). The results revealed the significant ( p < 0.05) decrease in pasting properties of whole and dehulled millets, except for pasting temperature (71.03 to 74.88 °C). Likewise, significantly ( p < 0.05) decreased tendency was observed for all rheological properties, except for phase angle (0.05 to 0.30°) and yield point (13 to 5089). Samples showed a significant ( p < 0.05) reduction in fungal growth (89.75 × 104 to 4.46 × 104 CFU/g) compared to control (110.30 × 104 CFU/g). Moreover, samples individually formed 3 clusters (clusters 1: sorghum, 2: pearl millet, and 3: foxtail millet) based on pasting properties, which was confirmed by PCA. Therefore, the findings concluded that the effect of heat and γ-irradiation would be necessary to decrease pasting, rheological, and no microbial growth characteristics of dehulled and whole millets for the development of specific millet-based food products.
Gang in translation: Official and vernacular representations of a “Roma” drug gang in Czechia
Authors: Kupka Petr
Published: May 2021

This study focuses on the social construction of gangs in Czechia. Although the country is not usually associated with the activities of street gangs, the adoption of gang representations is evident in this context, including the use of the gang label itself. In order to capture the gang glocalization process, I employ the concept of translation, whereby glocalization is conceptualized as a complex process of the transposition of symbols based on the constant assessment and negotiation of the formed equivalent in the new discursive context. This approach allows us to understand the similarities and differences between how gangs are labelled not only across various cultural contexts, but also within them, with a honed analytical focus on the discursive strategies of the actors being studied. The concept of glocalization as translation is illustrated using the example of the Novák collective operating in a marginalized urban area in Czechia. While official discourse characterized this collective as an international drug gang, this construction was entirely absent in the discourse employed by the residents of the area. This discrepancy explains the gang construct within Czech public discourse as an equivalent of organized and sophisticated crime which automatically excludes certain ethnic groups by definition.
Biosimilar knowledge and viewpoints among Brazilian inflammatory bowel disease patients
Authors: Garcia Karoline Soares , Facas Bianca Pocopetz , Machado Marta Brenner , Teixeira Fábio Vieira , Avedano Luisa , Lönnfors Sanna , Hossne Rogério Saad , Peyrin-Biroulet Laurent , Queiroz Natália Sousa Freitas
Published: May 2021

Background:

In this analysis we aimed to describe Brazilian inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients’ knowledge and perceptions regarding biosimilars and compare with viewpoints from non-Brazilian patients.

Methods:

An online survey consisting of 19 questions was made available by the European Federation of Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis Associations between July 2018 and December 2018. Only respondents who had heard of biosimilars were asked to respond to all of the questions.

Results:

A total of 102 Brazilian IBD patients responded to the survey. The majority (78.4%) of patients had been exposed to anti-tumor-necrosis-factor drugs and 63.4% of them had heard of biosimilars. Brazilian respondents worried significantly more about biosimilars being less effective than the originator (62.5% versus 47.9%, p value 0.03) and molecular differences between biosimilars and originators (53.1% versus 31.8, p value 0.001) as compared with non-Brazilian IBD patients. The majority of Brazilian (75%) and non-Brazilian (64.1%) respondents thought that the lower cost of biosimilars should not come before their safety and efficacy ( p value 0.09). In addition, 79.1% of Brazilian respondents believed that the arrival of biosimilars will have an impact on the management of IBD.

Conclusions:

Brazilian patients reported higher rates of misconceptions regarding biosimilars than non-Brazilian IBD patients. Although patients still worry about different aspects regarding biosimilars, they also tend to be confident that biosimilars will have an impact on the management of their disease. With the recent approval of many biosimilars in Brazil and the imminent widespread use of these drugs, our data raise awareness for the need of providing patient education to prevent negative expectations toward switching to biosimilars.