bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening and Treatment for Subclinical Hypertensive Heart Disease in Emergency Department Patients With Uncontrolled Blood Pressure: A Cost‐effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Twiner Michael J. , Marinica Alexander L. , Kuper Kenneth , Goodman Allen , Mahn James J. , Burla Michael J. , Brody Aaron M. , Carroll Justin A. , Josiah Willock Robina , Flack John M. , Nasser Samar A. , Levy Phillip D.
Published: January 2017

Objectives

Poorly controlled hypertension (HTN) is extremely prevalent and, if left unchecked, subclinical hypertensive heart disease (SHHD) may ensue leading to conditions such as heart failure. To address this, we designed a multidisciplinary program to detect and treatSHHDin a high‐risk, predominantly African American community. The primary objective of this study was to determine the cost‐effectiveness of our program.

Methods

Study costs associated with identifying and treating patients withSHHDwere calculated and a sensitivity analysis was performed comparing the effect of four parameters on cost estimates. These included prevalence of disease, effectiveness of treatment (regression ofSHHD, reversal of left ventricular hypertrophy [LVH], or blood pressure [BP] control as separate measures), echocardiogram costs, and participant time/travel costs. The parent study for this analysis was a single‐center, randomized controlled trial comparing cardiac effects of standard and intense (<120/80 mm Hg)BPgoals at 1 year in patients with uncontrolledHTNandSHHD. A total of 149 patients (94% African American) were enrolled, 133 (89%) hadSHHD, 123 (93%) of whom were randomized, with 88 (72%) completing the study. Patients were clinically evaluated and medically managed over the course of 1 year with repeated echocardiograms. Costs of these interventions were analyzed and, following standard practices, a cost per quality‐adjusted life‐year (QALY) less than $50,000 was defined as cost‐effective.

Results

Total costs estimates for the program ranged from $117,044 to $119,319. Cost perQALYwas dependent onSHHDprevalence and the measure of effectiveness but not input costs. Cost‐effectiveness (cost perQALYless than $50,000) was achieved whenSHHDprevalence exceeded 11.1% for regression ofSHHD, 4.7% for reversal ofLVH, and 2.9% for achievement ofBPcontrol.

Conclusions

In this cohort of predominantly African American patients with uncontrolledHTN,SHHDprevalence was high and screening with treatment was cost‐effective across a range of assumptions. These data suggest that multidisciplinary programs such as this can be a cost‐effective mechanism to mitigate the cardiovascular consequences ofHTNin emergency department patients with uncontrolledBP.
Unconsented Sterilisation, Participatory Story‐Telling, and Digital Counter‐Memory in Peru
Authors: Brown Matthew , Tucker Karen
Published: January 2017

This article aims to prompt reflection on the ways in which digital research methods can support or undermine participatory research. Building on our experiences of working on the Quipu Project (quipu‐project.com), an interactive, multimedia documentary on unconsented sterilisation in Peru, it explores the ways in which digital technologies can enable participatory knowledge production across geographic, social and linguistic divides. It also considers the new forms of engagement between knowledge‐producers and audiences that digital methods can encourage. Digital technologies can, we contend, help build new spaces for, and modes of engagement with, participatory research, even in contexts such as the Peruvian Andes where digital technologies are not well established or commonly used. Doing so, we argue, entails responding sensitively to the social, linguistic and digital inequalities that shape specific research contexts, and centring the human relationships that are easily sacrificed at the altar of technological innovation.
Objective and subjective outcomes of strabismus surgery in Graves' orbitopathy: a prospective multicentre study
Authors: Jellema Hinke Marijke , Saeed Peerooz , Mombaerts Ilse , Dolman Peter J. , Garrity Jim , Kazim Mike , Dhrami‐Gavazi Elona , Lyons Christopher , Nieuwkerk Pythia , Mourits Maarten P.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

To assess the change and interrelationship of the field of binocular single vision (BSV) and the quality of life (QoL), tested with two different tools, after one or two strabismus surgeries in patients with Graves' orbitopathy (GO).

Methods

Prospectively, consecutive patients with GO who were scheduled for their first strabismus surgery were recruited from five centres specialized in the treatment of GO. One week preoperatively and 3 months after the last operation, a full ophthalmic and orthoptic examination was performed. Change in field of BSV, GO‐QoL and thyroid eye disease‐QoL (TED‐QoL) was recorded.

Results

A total of 59 met all the eligibility criteria of whom 15 underwent two strabismus operations. The median (interquartile range) preoperative score of the field of BSV was 0 (0–0), which improved to 73 (53–85) after the correction(s) (p < 0.001). After the first surgery, a significant higher score of the field of BSV was found in the patients who underwent one operation (76; 60–86) compared with those who underwent two 0 (0–63) operations (p < 0.001). After the second surgery, this score increased to 62 (40–76; p = 0.05). A moderate correlation was found between the score of the field of BSV and the GO‐QoL visual functioning (VF) questionnaires (r = 0.485; p < 0.001). Both the GO‐QoL and TED‐QoL for VF and appearance (AP) showed significantly higher scores after the treatment (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

After strabismus surgery in GO patients, both the field of BSV and quality of life questionnaires increase. In approximately 30% of the patients, an additional strabismus surgery is performed. This second surgery significantly expands the field of BSV and the quality of life.
Is an ophthalmic check‐up needed after uneventful cataract surgery? A large retrospective comparative cohort study of Finnish patients
Authors: Eloranta Hannakaisa , Falck Aura
Published: January 2017

Purpose

To evaluate retrospectively the potential benefit of a routine 1‐month ophthalmic check‐up after cataract surgery, and the potential harm after terminating this practice and only organizing a check‐up for those patients anticipated to need such.

Methods

In 2006, cataract patients of the Oulu University Hospital Eye Clinic were advised to have a check‐up at an ophthalmologist 1 month after uneventful surgery, while in 2009, no check‐up was regarded necessary. The consecutive first 1000 cataract surgery visits in both 2006 and 2009 are included in this study. Data on intra‐ and postoperative complications, ocular comorbidity, planned and unplanned postoperative out‐patient visits, nights in the hospital and phone calls were gathered until 2014. In both time periods, a hospital check‐up was provided for patients experiencing complications or symptoms.

Results

There were 31 complications identified during or immediately after cataract surgery in 2006, and 23 in 2009. Fifty‐eight (2006) and 27 patients (2009) were assigned an out‐patient visit to the hospital. Additional 42 (2006) and 39 patients (2009) contacted the hospital because of symptoms, five (2006) and three (2009) with a referral. Medical or surgical intervention was needed by a third. Long‐term complications other than secondary cataract were rare in both groups. Problems attributable to the lack of a 1‐month check‐up were not found in the later patient group during 5 years of follow‐up.

Conclusion

According to this study, ophthalmic check‐up arranged at 1 month after uneventful cataract surgery is unnecessary. However, the 5–10% of patients with intraoperative problems or ocular comorbidities that could interfere with recovery, or postoperative symptoms, should be seen at low threshold.
Comparison of laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy and open hepaticojejunostomy. Can stenosis of the hilar hepatic duct affect postoperative outcome?
Authors: Miyano Go , Koyama Mariko , Miyake Hiromu , Kaneshiro Masakatsu , Morita Keiichi , Nakajima Hideaki , Yamoto Masaya , Nouso Hiroshi , Fukumoto Koji , Urushihara Naoto
Published: January 2017

Introduction

The aim of this study was to compare laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy (LHJ) and open hepaticojejunostomy (OHJ) for choledochal cyst associated with hilar hepatic duct stenosis (HHDS).

Methods

Data collection was prospective for LHJ cases from 2009 and retrospective for OHJ cases from 2003 to 2008. Data were compared with respect to HHDS. HHDS was incised longitudinally as required during hilar hepatic ductoplasty.

Results

Fifty‐eight subjects were studied (LHJ: n = 27, 4 boys, 23 girls; OHJ: n = 31; 6 boys, 25 girls). HHDS was present in 10 LHJ cases and 10 OHJ cases. Todani classification of choledochal cyst in LHJ patients was type 1A (n = 16) and type 4A (n = 11), and in OHJ patients, it was type 1A (n = 19) and type 4A (n = 12). There were significant differences between LHJ and OHJ with regard to mean operative time (386 vs 341 min), mean blood loss (5.9 vs 18.4 mL), recommencement of enteral feeding (3.9 vs 6.4 days), and hospital stay (11.7 vs 15.5 days) (all P < 0.05). Hepatic ductoplasty was performed in 23 LHJ patients and in 21 OHJ patients. There were no intraoperative complications and no conversions to OHJ. There were no significant differences between LHJ and OHJ, regardless of the presence of HHDS, for postoperative complications, which included minor bile leakage, anastomotic stricture, and intestinal obstruction.

Conclusion

LHJ is as effective as OHJ for the treatment of choledochal cysts irrespective of the presence of HHDS and the need for hepatic ductoplasty.
The CYP2C19*2 and CYP2C19*17 Polymorphisms play a Vital Role in Clopidogrel Responsiveness after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Pharmacogenomics Study
Authors: Saydam Faruk , Değirmenci İrfan , Birdane Alparslan , Özdemir Mahmut , Ulus Taner , Özbayer Cansu , Çolak Ertuğrul , Ata Necmi , Güneş Hasan Veysi
Published: January 2017

Clopidogrel inhibits platelet activation and aggregation by blocking the P2Y12 receptor. Dual antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel and aspirin is recommended treatment by current guidelines for patients undergoing percutaneous interventions. Recurrent ischaemic cardiac events after this treatment showed lack of clopidogrel responsiveness. We aimed to investigate the most noticeable variants in the genes involved in clopidogrel pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. A total of 347 Turkish patients who underwent percutaneous coronary interventions with stent implantation were included in our study. Platelet reactivity (PRU) and % inhibition were measured with VerifyNow P2Y12 assay in blood samples collected from patients who took a standard dose of clopidogrel (75 mg/day) for at least 7 days. The variants in the CYP2C19, CYP3A4, CYP2B6, ABCB1, ITGB3 and PON1 genes were genotyped using the Sequenom MassARRAY system. When grouped, the patients with PRU values >208 as non‐responsiveness to clopidogrel therapy; 104 (30%) patients were non‐responders and 243 (70%) patients were responders. A significant association was found between the CYP2C19*2 (G636A) polymorphism and non‐responsiveness to clopidogrel therapy (p < 0.001). An allele frequency of this single nucleotide polymorphism was high in non‐responders; its odds ratio was 2.92 compared with G allele (p < 0.001). PRU values of CT genotypes were lower (p = 0.029) and % inhibition values of CT genotypes were higher (p = 0.008) compared with CC genotypes for the CYP2C19*17 (C806T) polymorphism. None of the other genetic variants were found to be statistically associated with non‐responsiveness to clopidogrel and antiplatelet activity. Our findings suggest that the CYP2C19*2 polymorphism is associated with non‐responsiveness to clopidogrel therapy and the CYP2C19*17 polymorphism enhances antiplatelet activity of clopidogrel. Depending on haplotypes of these two polymorphisms, clopidogrel‐treated patients can be protected or not from stent thrombosis and ischaemic events.
Modeling Nonstationarity in Space and Time
Authors: Shand Lyndsay , Li Bo
Published: January 2017

We propose to model a spatio-temporal random field that has nonstationary covariance structure in both space and time domains by applying the concept of the dimension expansion method in Bornn et al. (2012). Simulations are conducted for both separable and nonseparable space-time covariance models, and the model is also illustrated with a streamflow dataset. Both simulation and data analyses show that modeling nonstationarity in both space and time can improve the predictive performance over stationary covariance models or models that are nonstationary in space but stationary in time.
Concern Over Internal, External, and Incidence Validity in Studies of Child‐Care Quantity and Externalizing Behavior Problems
Authors: Dearing Eric , Zachrisson Henrik D.
Published: January 2017

Literature reviews have concluded that extensive time in early child care is associated with frequent externalizing behavior problems in children. In this article, we address three domains of validity in the work underlying these conclusions: internal, external, and incidence validity. Regarding internal validity, most studies rely on covariate‐adjusted correlations, an approach that is especially vulnerable to selection bias. In studies using more rigorous approaches to reduce selection bias, results are mixed and often inconsistent with the hypothesis that a high quantity of child care causes externalizing problems. Regarding external validity, the field has relied too heavily on U.S. samples. We call for more international replications to allow for sociopolitical variations. Regarding incidence validity, study designs have the widest relevance when structured to address the opportunities and constraints families face today. We suggest researchers ask questions about child‐care quantity that maximize validity in these three domains.
The influence of social deprivation on dental caries in Swedish children and adolescents, as measured by an index for primary health care: The Care Need Index
Authors: Östberg Anna‐Lena , Kjellström Anna N. , Petzold Max
Published: January 2017

Objectives

The objective was to examine associations between a primary Care Need Index (CNI) and dental caries experience.

Methods

Dental journal records for 300 988 individuals in western Sweden, aged 3‐19 years in 2007‐09, were completed with official socioeconomic information. The CNI (independent variable), originally developed for assessing primary care need, was calculated for residential areas (small areas, parishes, dental clinics) based on markers of material deprivation, sociodemographic characteristics, social instability and cultural needs. Dental caries (dependent variable) was registered using the decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) system. Multilevel Poisson regression and logistic regression models were used. All analyses were adjusted for age and gender.

Results

In the most deprived areas, the incidence rate ratio (IRR) for dental caries was up to five times higher than in the most affluent areas (reference); in small areas, the IRR for decayed teeth (DT) was 3.74 (95% CI: 3.39‐4.12) and 5.11 (CI: 4.45‐5.87) for decayed surfaces approximally (DSa). Caries indices including fillings (decayed filled teeth [DFT], decayed filled surfaces approximally [DFSa]) produced lower IRRs, with similar pictures at the parish and dental clinic level. The intracluster correlation was low overall, but stronger at lower geographical levels. The odds ratios for ≥3 caries lesions in the two most deprived areas of the CNI deciles were high, with a DT OR of 3.55 in small areas (95% CI: 3.39‐3.73), compared with the eight more affluent deciles.

Conclusions

There were strong associations between an index for assessing need in primary care, the CNI and dental caries in Swedish children and adolescents.
Alterations of the outer retina in non‐arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy detected using spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography
Authors: Ackermann Philipp , Brachert Maike , Albrecht Philipp , Ringelstein Marius , Finis David , Geerling Gerd , Aktas Orhan , Guthoff Rainer
Published: January 2017

Background

A characteristic disease pattern may be reflected by retinal layer thickness changes in non‐arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy measured using spectraldomain optical coherence tomography. Retinal layer segmentation is enabled by advanced software. In this study, retinal layer thicknesses in acute and chronic non‐arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy were compared.

Design

A single‐centre cross‐sectional analysis was used.

Participants

A total of 27 patients (20 age‐matched healthy eyes) were included: 14 with acute (<7 days) and 13 patients with chronic non‐arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy.

Methods

Macular volume and 12° peripapillary ring optical coherence tomography scans were used.

Main Outcome Measures

The peripapillary thicknesses of the following layers were determined by manual segmentation: retinal nerve fibres, ganglion cells + inner plexiform layer, inner nuclear layer + outer plexiform layer, outer nuclear layer + inner segments of the photoreceptors and outer segments of the photoreceptors to Bruch's membrane. Macular retinal layer thicknesses were automatically determined in volume cubes centred on the fovea.

Results

Peripapillary retinal swelling in acute nonarteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy was attributable to retinal nerve fibre layer, ganglion cell layer/inner plexiform layer and outer nuclear layer/segments of the photoreceptors thickening. In chronic cases, peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer, macular ganglion cell layer and inner plexiform layer thinning were observed.

Conclusions

In acute non‐arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy, the inner and outer peripapillary retinal layers are affected by thickness changes. In chronic cases, atrophy of the ganglion cells and their axons and dendrites is evident by inner retinal layer thinning.
Surgical outcomes of trabeculectomy and glaucoma drainage implant for uveitic glaucoma and relationship with uveitis activity
Authors: Kwon Hye Jin , Kong Yu Xiang George , Tao Lingwei William , Lim Lyndell L , Martin Keith R , Green Catherine , Ruddle Jonathan , Crowston Jonathan G
Published: January 2017

Importance

This study provides ophthalmologists who manage uveitic glaucoma with important information on factors that can affect the success of surgical management of this challenging disease.

Background

This study examines surgical outcomes of trabeculectomy and glaucoma device implant (GDI) surgery for uveitic glaucoma, in particular the effect of uveitis activity on surgical outcomes.

Design

Retrospective chart review at a tertiary institution.

Samples

Eighty‐two cases with uveitic glaucoma (54 trabeculectomies and 28 (GDI) surgeries) performed between 1 December 2006 and 30 November 2014.

Methods

Associations of factors with surgical outcomes were examined using univariate and multivariate analysis.

Main Outcome Measures

Surgical outcomes as defined in Guidelines from World Glaucoma Association.

Results

Average follow up was 26.4 ± 21.5 months. Overall qualified success rate of the trabeculectomies was not statistically different from GDI, being 67% and 75%, respectively (P = 0.60). Primary and secondary GDI operations showed similar success rates. The most common postoperative complication was hypotony (~30%). Active uveitis at the time of operation was higher in trabeculectomy compared with GDI group (35% vs. 14%). Active uveitis at the time of surgery did not significantly increase risk of failure for trabeculectomies. Recurrence of uveitis was significantly associated with surgical failure in trabeculectomy group (odds ratio 4.8, P = 0.02) but not in GDI group.

Conclusions and Relevance

Surgical success rate of GDI was not significantly different from trabeculectomy for uveitic glaucoma in this study. Regular monitoring, early and prolonged intensive treatment of ocular inflammation is important for surgical success particularly following trabeculectomy.
FELLOWS ADDRESS California Dreaming: The Economics of Renewable Energy
Authors: van Kooten G. Cornelis
Published: January 2017

California was the first jurisdiction to mandate a reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. This target was subsequently endorsed by the G8 in 2009 and the European Commission in 2014, and is the guiding principle of the 2015 Paris Agreement. To achieve these targets will require near elimination of fossil fuels and/or a technological breakthrough that might be considered a black swan event. Eschewing nuclear power, countries are relying on renewable energy sources to meet future energy needs. In this paper, I examine the prospects of reducing GHG emissions by 80% by first summarizing extant global energy sources and production, trends, and projections of energy demand, and the potential mix of future energy sources. I consider the role of conservation and then focus on the electricity sector to determine how wind and biomass could contribute to the 80% target. I conclude that these ambitious targets cannot be attained without nuclear power.
Morphologic patterns and treatment of transplant glomerulopathy: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Abreu Rui , Carvalho Fernanda , Viana Helena , Mesquita Isabel , Possante Marília , Aires Inês , Caeiro Fernando , Silva Cecília , Cotovio Patrícia , Ferreira Aníbal , Remédio Francisco , Nolasco Fernando
Published: January 2017

Transplant glomerulopathy is mainly due to chronic antibody‐mediated rejection and actually represents a major cause of long‐term allograft failure. The lack of effective treatment remains a serious problem in transplantation. A retrospective and uni‐center study was performed in 48 kidney allograft recipients with transplant glomerulopathy between January 2010 and December 2015. Median time for diagnosis was 7.1 (3.6‐11.8) years post‐transplant. Light microscopy showed severity of transplant glomerulopathy in the majority of patients (cg1=10.4%; cg2=20.8%; cg3=68.8%). Moderate microvascular inflammation was present in 56.3% (g+ptc≥2), and almost half of recipients (51.1%) were C4d positive in immunofluorescence. Female gender (P=.001), age (P=.043), renal dysfunction (P=.002), acute rejection episodes (P=.026), and anti‐HLA class II antibodies (P=.004) were associated with kidney allograft failure. Treatment of transplant glomerulopathy was performed in 67.6% of patients. The histologic and laboratory features that led to a therapeutic intervention were score ptc (P=.021), C4d (P=.03), and the presence of anti‐HLA antibodies (P=.029), whereas score ah (P=.005) was associated with conservative measure. The overall cumulative kidney allograft survival at 10 years was 75%. Treatment of transplant glomerulopathy was ineffective to improve long‐term kidney allograft survival.
Risk of tumor transmission after thoracic allograft transplantation from adult donors with central nervous system neoplasm—A UNOS database study
Authors: Hynes Conor F. , Ramakrishnan Karthik , Alfares Fahad A. , Endicott Kendal M. , Hammond‐Jack Katrina , Zurakowski David , Jonas Richard A. , Nath Dilip S.
Published: January 2017

Background

We analyzed the UNOS database to better define the risk of transmission of central nervous system (CNS) tumors from donors to adult recipients of thoracic organs.

Methods

Data were procured from the Standard Transplant Analysis and Research dataset files. Donors with CNS tumors were identified, and recipients from these donors comprised the study group (Group I). The remaining recipients of organs from donors who did not have CNS tumors formed the control group (Group II). Incidence of recipient CNS tumors, donor‐related malignancies, and overall survival were calculated and compared in addition to multivariable logistic regression.

Results

A cohort of 58 314 adult thoracic organ recipients were included, of which 337 received organs from donors who had documented CNS tumors (Group I). None of these recipients developed CNS tumors at a median follow‐up of 72 months (IR: 30‐130 months). Although overall mortality in terms of the percentage was higher in Group I than Group II (163/320=51% vs 22 123/52 691=42%), Kaplan‐Meier curves indicate no significant difference in the time to death between the two groups (P=.92).

Conclusions

There is little risk of transmission of the common nonaggressive CNS tumors to recipients of thoracic organs.
Long‐term renal outcome after allogeneic hemopoietic stem cell transplant: A comprehensive analysis of risk factors in an Asian patient population
Authors: Zhou Wei , Sultana Rehena , Diong Colin , Goh Yeow‐Tee , Gopalakrishnan Sathish , Ho Aloysius , Hwang William , Koh Liang‐Piu , Koh Mickey , Loh Yvonne , Tan Patrick , Linn Yeh‐Ching
Published: January 2017

Allogeneic hemopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT) poses a significant challenge to renal function due to multiple drug‐ and complication‐related renal toxicity. In this single‐center series of 216 adult Asian patients with a long and complete follow‐up, 41 developed chronic kidney disease (CKD) giving a cumulative incidence of 19.0% at 25 years (median follow‐up duration 7.84 years, range 2.0‐27.7 years), but only two of the 41 patients reached stage 4 CKD and another two required dialysis. In contrast, acute kidney injury occurred in most patients, where glomerular filtration rate (GFR) suffered a mean fall of 50 mL/min/1.73 m2 at 6 months post‐transplant compared with baseline. Suppression of renal function may last beyond 6 months but is potentially reversible, although not to baseline level in most patients. Analysis of a comprehensive range of 18 risk factors showed that older age, lower GFR at transplant, unrelated donor, diagnosis of AML, presence of diabetes mellitus at transplant, and duration of foscarnet use were significantly associated with CKD development, with the first three remaining as independent risks for CKD in multivariate analysis. Long‐term survival is not affected by renal function, being 78.6% as compared to 85.5% for patients with low vs normal GFR at 2 years, respectively.
Pathways from witnessing parental violence during childhood to involvement in intimate partner violence in adult life: The roles of depression and substance use
Authors: Madruga Clarice S. , Viana Maria Carmen , Abdalla Renata Rigacci , Caetano Raul , Laranjeira Ronaldo
Published: January 2017

Introduction and Aims

The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of witnessing parental violence (WPV) during childhood and of current intimate partner violence (IPV) victimisation and aggression in a Brazilian sample, in order to verify pathways between WPV and involvement in IPV as an adult.

Design and Methods

The mediating roles of substance use and depression were investigated. Data came from the Second Brazilian National Alcohol and Drugs Survey, a multi‐cluster probabilistic household survey, which gathered information on the use of psychoactive substances, current depressive disorder, history of childhood direct and indirect exposure to domestic violence and IPV in a nationally representative sample. A subsample of 2120 individuals aged 14 years or older was analysed. Weighted prevalence rates, adjusted odds ratio and conditional path models were performed.

Results

Being a victim of IPV was reported by 6% of the sample. Thus being, 4.1% reported being IPV perpetrators; these rates were 16.6% and 7.3%, respectively, among those who reported WPV (13%). WPV was associated with being a victim of IPV in adult life, but not with becoming a perpetrator, regardless of being a victim of physical violence during childhood. There was a direct effect of WPV on IPV mediated by depressive symptoms. Alcohol and cocaine consumption and age of drinking initiation mediated only when combined with depressive symptoms.

Discussion and Conclusions

Intergenerational transmission models of IPV through exposure during childhood can help to explain the high rates of domestic violence in Brazil. Our findings provide evidence to implement targeted prevention strategies where they are needed most: the victims of premature adverse experiences. [Madruga CS, Viana MC, Abdalla RR, Caetano R, Laranjeira R. Pathways from witnessing parental violence during childhood to involvement in intimate partner violence in adult life: The roles of depression and substance use. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;36:107–114]
Controlling behaviours and technology‐facilitated abuse perpetrated by men receiving substance use treatment in England and Brazil: Prevalence and risk factors
Authors: Gilchrist Gail , Canfield Martha , Radcliffe Polly , D'Oliveira Ana Flavia Pires Lucas
Published: January 2017

Introduction and Aims

Controlling behaviours are highly prevalent forms of non‐physical intimate partner violence (IPV). The prevalence of perpetrating controlling behaviours and technology‐facilitated abuse (TFA) was compared by men receiving substance use treatment in England (n = 223) and Brazil (n = 280). Factors associated with perpetrating these behaviours towards their current/most recent partner and their association with other types of IPV were explored.

Design and Methods

Secondary analysis from two cross‐sectional studies was performed. Data on socio‐demographic characteristics, infidelity, IPV perpetration and victimisation, adverse childhood experiences (ACE), attitudes towards gender relations and roles, substance use, depressive symptoms and anger expression were collected.

Results

Sixty‐four percent (143/223) and 33% (73/223) of participants in England and 65% (184/280) and 20% (57/280) in Brazil reported controlling behaviours and TFA, respectively, during their current/most recent relationship. Excluding IPV victimisation from the multivariate models; perpetrating controlling behaviours was associated with a higher number of ACE, higher anger expression (England) and severe physical IPV perpetration (Brazil), and perpetrating TFA was associated with younger age. Including both IPV victimisation and perpetration in the multivariate models; perpetrating controlling behaviour was associated with experiencing a higher number of ACE, higher anger expression (England), emotional IPV victimisation (England) and experiencing controlling behaviour from a partner (England). The perpetration of TFA was associated with younger age and experiencing TFA from a partner.

Conclusions

Technological progress provides opportunities for perpetrators to control and abuse their partners. Controlling behaviours and TFA should be addressed to reduce IPV perpetration by males in substance use treatment. [Gilchrist G, Canfield M,Radcliffe P, d'Oliveira AFPL. Controlling behaviours and technology‐facilitated abuse perpetrated by men receiving substance use treatment in England and Brazil: Prevalence and risk factors.Drug Alcohol Rev2017;36:52–63]
A population‐based study of the association between dysglycaemia and hearing loss in middle age
Authors: Sommer J. , Brenann‐Jones C. G. , Eikelboom R. H. , Hunter M. , Davis W. A. , Atlas M. D. , Davis T. M. E.
Published: January 2017

Aims

To investigate the independent associations between hearing loss and dysglycaemia in a sample of middle‐aged adults, including separate analysis of those aged < 60 years.

Methods

The first 2023 participants in the cross‐sectional Busselton Health Ageing Survey were assessed for hearing loss ≥ 26 dB (better ear) for four‐frequency average (4FA) of pure‐tone thresholds at 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 Hz, and high‐frequency average (HFA) of pure‐tone thresholds at 4000 and 8000 Hz.

Results

Valid data from 1864 participants in the Busselton Health Ageing Survey [92.1%; mean ± sd age 56.2 ± 5.5 years, 46.0% men, 120 (7.0%) with diabetes, 274 (14.7%) with prediabetes] were analysed, of whom 103 (5.5%) had four‐frequency average hearing loss and 561 (30.1%) had high‐frequency average hearing loss. In multivariable analyses, glycaemic status was not independently associated with four‐frequency or high‐frequency average hearing loss. In the 1286 participants aged < 60 years, there was no relationship between dysglycaemia and high‐frequency average hearing loss, but the prevalence of four‐frequency average hearing loss increased from 2.3% (95% CI 1.5–3.4) in participants with normoglycaemia to 5.7% (95% CI 3.0–10.6) in those with prediabetes and 10.2% (4.2–21.5) in those with diabetes (trend P = 0.003). In multivariable analysis with normoglycaemia as reference, the odds ratios for four‐frequency average hearing loss were 2.84 (95% CI 1.29–6.27) for prediabetes and 5.93 (95% CI 1.67–21.05) for diabetes (P ≤ 0.01) in the < 60 year age group.

Conclusions

There was progressively increasing mid‐range hearing loss with worsening glucose tolerance in younger individuals, suggesting dysglycaemia‐associated early‐onset presbycusis.
Climatic and trophic processes drive long‐term changes in functional diversity of freshwater invertebrate communities
Authors: Floury Mathieu , Souchon Yves , Looy Kris Van
Published: January 2017

When investigating the fields of biogeography and macroecology, climate‐ and productivity‐related variables are frequently identified as the strongest correlates of species‐diversity patterns. These variables have been usually merged under the climate/productivity hypothesis and describe the direct and indirect actions of climate on species. Being among the most vulnerable ecosystems to climate change, streams and rivers are expected to be influenced both by climatic and trophic (i.e. productivity‐related) factors. We propose here to distinguish the relative influence of the two processes on large‐scale, long‐term changes in the functional diversity of freshwater invertebrate communities over two decades in France. To this end, we designed two functional indices using invertebrate traits to surrogate the respective mechanisms: climate vulnerability and feeding specialisation. Using geographically weighted regression (GWR) models, we showed that trends in both indices, along with the initial regional species‐pools, have significantly contributed to the overall long‐term increase in functional diversity of invertebrate communities. In addition, we highlighted a strong geographical differentiation in the contribution patterns with the climate vulnerability effect decreasing with latitude and the feeding specialisation effect being higher in headwaters than in large rivers. Finally, taking into account this non‐stationarity in the ecological processes and responses using GWR models allowed explaining about 75% of the long‐term changes in the community diversity. Consequently, this study offers sound perspectives in predicting the future patterns of trends in functional diversity of communities under different scenarios of environmental changes, like climate and/or land‐use.
ENVIREM: an expanded set of bioclimatic and topographic variables increases flexibility and improves performance of ecological niche modeling
Authors: Title Pascal O. , Bemmels Jordan B.
Published: January 2017

Species distribution modeling is a valuable tool with many applications across ecology and evolutionary biology. The selection of biologically meaningful environmental variables that determine relative habitat suitability is a crucial aspect of the modeling pipeline. The 19 bioclimatic variables from WorldClim are frequently employed, primarily because they are easily accessible and available globally for past, present and future climate scenarios. Yet, the availability of relatively few other comparable environmental datasets potentially limits our ability to select appropriate variables that will most successfully characterize a species’ distribution. We identified a set of 16 climatic and two topographic variables in the literature, which we call theENVIREMdataset, many of which are likely to have direct relevance to ecological or physiological processes determining species distributions. We generated this set of variables at the same resolutions as WorldClim, for the present, mid‐Holocene, and Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). For 20 North American vertebrate species, we then assessed whether including theENVIREMvariables led to improved species distribution models compared to models using only the existing WorldClim variables. We found that including theENVIREMdataset in the pool of variables to select from led to substantial improvements in niche modeling performance in 13 out of 20 species. We also show that, when comparing models constructed with different environmental variables, differences in projected distributions were often greater in the LGM than in the present. These variables are worth consideration in species distribution modeling applications, especially as many of the variables have direct links to processes important for species ecology. We provide these variables for download at multiple resolutions and for several time periods at envirem.github.io. Furthermore, we have written the ‘envirem’ R package to facilitate the generation of these variables from other input datasets.
Climate change may drive cave spiders to extinction
Authors: Mammola Stefano , Goodacre Sara L. , Isaia Marco
Published: January 2017

Subterranean ecosystems present ideal opportunities to study mechanisms underlying responses to changes in climate because species within them are often adapted to a largely constant temperature. We have characterized the thermal conditions of caves in the western Alps, and related these hypogean climate data to the occurrence of Troglohyphantes spiders (Araneae, Linyphiidae). Our data indicated that present distributions reflect Pleistocene glaciation events and also pointed to specific responses as a consequence of changes in temperature. Constant temperatures recorded inside caves provide an approximation of the mean annual temperature outside, thus we extended the results to a regional scale. We used ecological niche modeling to predict habitat suitability both in the Pleistocene and under future global warming scenarios. These analyses pointed toward a future decline in habitat suitability for subterranean spiders and the potential extinction of the most restricted endemic species. When compared with other species that live in confined habitats such as islands and mountains, we expect cave species to be as much, if not more, vulnerable to climate change.
Tree diversity in relation to tree height: alternative perspectives
Authors: Givnish Thomas J.
Published: January 2017

Marks et al. (Ecol. Lett., 19, 2016, 743–751) show that tree diversity increases with tree height in North America and argue it reflects habitat ‘suitability’. This finding conflicts with classical results, lacks controls for covariates of tree height, and can be explained alternatively using the modified Janzen–Connell effect and regional variance in habitats.
Haplotype‐based gene–gene interaction of bone morphogenetic protein 4 and interferon regulatory factor 6 in the etiology of non‐syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate in a Chilean population
Authors: Blanco Rafael , Colombo Alicia , Pardo Rosa , Suazo José
Published: January 2017

Non‐syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P) is the most common craniofacial birth defect in humans, the etiology of which can be dependent on the interactions of multiple genes. We previously reported haplotype associations for polymorphic variants of interferon regulatory factor 6 (IRF6), msh homeobox 1 (MSX1), bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4), and transforming growth factor beta 3 (TGFB3) in Chile. Here, we analyzed the haplotype‐based gene–gene interaction for markers of these genes and NSCL/P risk in the Chilean population. We genotyped 15 single nucleoptide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 152 Chilean patients and 164 controls. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) blocks were determined using the Haploview software, and phase reconstruction was performed by the Phase program. Haplotype‐based interactions were evaluated using the multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) method. We detected two LD blocks composed of two SNPs from BMP4 (Block 1) and three SNPs from IRF6 (Block 2). Although MDR showed no statistical significance for the global interaction model involving these blocks, we found four combinations conferring a statistically significantly increased NSCL/P risk (Block 1–Block 2): T‐T/T‐G C‐G‐T/G‐A‐T; T‐T/T‐G C‐G‐C/C‐G‐C; T‐T/T‐G G‐A‐T/G‐A‐T; and T‐T/C‐G G‐A‐T/G‐A‐T. These findings may reflect the presence of a genomic region containing potential causal variants interacting in the etiology of NSCL/P and may contribute to disentangling the complex etiology of this birth defect.
Improving estimates of population status and trend with superensemble models
Authors: Anderson Sean C , Cooper Andrew B , Jensen Olaf P , Minto Cóilín , Thorson James T , Walsh Jessica C , Afflerbach Jamie , Dickey‐Collas Mark , Kleisner Kristin M , Longo Catherine , Osio Giacomo Chato , Ovando Daniel , Mosqueira Iago , Rosenberg Andrew A , Selig Elizabeth R
Published: January 2017

Fishery managers must often reconcile conflicting estimates of population status and trend. Superensemble models, commonly used in climate and weather forecasting, may provide an effective solution. This approach uses predictions from multiple models as covariates in an additional “superensemble” model fitted to known data. We evaluated the potential for ensemble averages and superensemble models (ensemble methods) to improve estimates of population status and trend for fisheries. We fit four widely applicable data‐limited models that estimate stock biomass relative to equilibrium biomass at maximum sustainable yield (B/BMSY). We combined these estimates of recent fishery status and trends in B/BMSY with four ensemble methods: an ensemble average and three superensembles (a linear model, a random forest and a boosted regression tree). We trained our superensembles on 5,760 simulated stocks and tested them with cross‐validation and against a global database of 249 stock assessments. Ensemble methods substantially improved estimates of population status and trend. Random forest and boosted regression trees performed the best at estimating population status: inaccuracy (median absolute proportional error) decreased from 0.42 – 0.56 to 0.32 – 0.33, rank‐order correlation between predicted and true status improved from 0.02 – 0.32 to 0.44 – 0.48 and bias (median proportional error) declined from −0.22 – 0.31 to −0.12 – 0.03. We found similar improvements when predicting trend and when applying the simulation‐trained superensembles to catch data for global fish stocks. Superensembles can optimally leverage multiple model predictions; however, they must be tested, formed from a diverse set of accurate models and built on a data set representative of the populations to which they are applied.
Fatigue Crack Growth and Fracture of 30 wt% B4C/6061Al Composites
Authors: Li Y. L. , Wang W. X. , Zhou J. , Chen H. S. , Zhao J. C. , Wang B. D.
Published: January 2017

This paper focuses on studying the fatigue crack growth (FCG) characteristics and fracture behaviours of 30 wt% B4C/6061Al composites fabricated by using powder metallurgy and hot extrusion method. Compact tension (CT) specimens having incisions parallel to the extrusion direction (T‐D) and perpendicular to the extrusion direction (E‐D) were investigated through FCG tests. Results show that, at low/medium stress‐intensity factor range levels (ΔK ≤ 9), crack propagation rate in E‐D specimens is lower than that in T‐D specimens because the elongated B4C particles parallel to the extrusion direction in E‐D specimens can deflect the crack. The scanning electron microscope micrographs of the fractured surface illustrate that crack mainly propagates in the matrix alloy at the initial stage of its propagation and propagates more remarkably near the particle‐matrix interface with the increase of ΔK value. B4C particles are also found to be easy to fracture during the rapid crack propagation. Based on fracture analyses, considering the impacts of factors like crack deviation, plastic zone size at the crack tip, and crack driving force, a 2‐D crack propagation model was developed to study the fatigue crack propagation mechanism in the 30 wt% B4C/6061Al composite.
Fatigue crack growth modelling based on CTOD for the 7050‐T6 alloy
Authors: Antunes F. V. , Branco R. , Prates P. A. , Borrego L.
Published: January 2017

The plastic crack tip opening displacement (CTODp) is considered to replace ΔK in the study of fatigue crack propagation. The cyclic plastic deformation of the 7050‐T6 aluminium alloy was determined experimentally and modeled analytically. Then, a three‐dimensional elastic–plastic numerical model which included crack growth was developed in order to predict the plastic CTOD for different loading conditions. In a parallel study, crack growth rates were determined experimentally in M(T) specimens with a thickness of 6 mm. A relation was subsequently established between da/dN and plastic CTOD for the 7050‐T6 aluminium alloy, independent of stress ratio, showing that the CTOD is a viable alternative to ΔK in the analysis of fatigue crack propagation.
Responses of a wetland ecosystem to the controlled introduction of invasive fish
Authors: Preston Daniel L. , Hedman Hayden D. , Esfahani Evan R. , Pena Ewelina M. , Boland Clara E. , Lunde Kevin B. , Johnson Pieter T. J.
Published: January 2017

The ecological consequences of species invasions can vary in time and space, complicating efforts to generalise invader impacts across ecosystems. This challenge is particularly relevant when using small‐scale experiments to derive predictions for freshwater ecosystems. In this study, our aims were to document the effects of a controlled fish introduction within an ecosystem‐scale experiment and to test possible factors driving variation in invasion outcomes.

We measured community and ecosystem responses to the introduction of western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis: Poeciliidae) using a ‘Before‐After‐Control‐Impact’ design within a large, experimentally divided natural wetland in California, USA. We then used a replicated outdoor mesocosm experiment to address how two factors that vary widely in natural wetlands – habitat complexity and alternative prey availability – mediate the effects of mosquitofish on native wetland amphibians.

In the natural wetland, mosquitofish increased in population size by ˜90‐fold over the course of a single summer. Mosquitofish introduction was associated with a 50% decrease in macroinvertebrate density and a 90% decrease in zooplankton abundance relative to a fishless control treatment. We observed no effects of mosquitofish on the abundance or total biomass of two native pond‐breeding amphibians – the Pacific chorus frog (Pseudacris regilla: Hylidae) and California newt (Taricha torosa: Salamandridae) – likely because more preferable alternative prey were abundant, vegetation provided refuges from predation, and the mosquitofish introduction occurred after amphibian larval stages were most susceptible to predation. Surprisingly, mosquitofish were also associated with a 50% decrease in both relative phytoplankton fluorescence and total phosphorus, and a sharp increase in N:P ratios in the water column, possibly due to the assimilation of fish biomass acting as a nutrient sink.

In contrast to our ecosystem experiment, mosquitofish consumed native amphibians and reduced their growth rates in outdoor mesocosms. The strength of predation within the smaller scale venue, however, varied with the availability of alternative prey (i.e. zooplankton), and the complexity of the habitat (i.e. presence of aquatic macrophytes). Our mesocosm results support the hypothesis that alternative prey and habitat complexity facilitated coexistence between invasive mosquitofish and native amphibian larvae in our ecosystem experiment.

Our findings highlight the potential for invasive fish to drive rapid shifts in freshwater ecosystems while also emphasising the roles of environmental characteristics in mediating whether native and non‐native species will coexist.