bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract P207: Mitochondrial Dysfunction And Natural Killer Cell Activation Stimulated By Il-17 Signaling From Th17 Cells In Response To Placental Ischemia During Pregnancy; Sarah Fitzgerald, Evangeline Deer, Owen Herrock, Tarek Ibrahim, Lorena Amaral, Denise Cornelius And Babbette Lamarca;
1
Department Of Pharmacology, University Of Mississippi Medical Center.
Authors: Fitzgerald Sarah , Herrock Owen , Deer Evangeline M , Ibrahim Tarek , Lamarca Babbette B , Cornelius Denise C , Amaral Lorena
Published: September 2020

Preeclampsia (PE) is a multisystem disorder characterized by new onset hypertension associated with placental ischemia (PI), mitochondrial (mt) dysfunction, and an imbalance in T helper (TH) and Natural Killer (NK) cells during pregnancy. The reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) model is an established model for PE. We have previously shown an important role for IL-17 in hypertension and activation of NK cells in the RUPP rat. We don’t know the role for IL-17 or TH17 cells in contributing to NK cell mediated mt dysfunction and ROS associated with PI. Therefore, we hypothesize that hypertension in response to PI stimulated TH17 cells causes mt ROS mediated through IL-17 signaling to NK cells. On gestation day 12 (GD12) RUPP-induced TH17s (splenic CD4+/CD25- cells) were adoptively transferred (Ad-T) into normal pregnant (NP) rats. Recombinant mouse IL-17 receptor C (IL-17RC) (100 pg/day) was administered from GD14-19 via osmotic mini-pump. On GD19, samples were collected and mean arterial pressure (MAP) was measured. Mt respiration and mt ROS data was measured in isolated mt from renal and placental tissues using the Oxygraph 2K and fluorescent microplate reader, respectively. A one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc test was used for statistical analysis. MAP was increased in Ad-T rats (112 ± 0.72mmHg, n=14) compared to NP (92 ± 3.03mmHg, n=14) (p<0.05), and was lowered with IL-17RC (97.2± 2.14 mmHg, n=13). Circulating activated NK cells were significantly increased with Ad-T (3.326± 0.76 %gated, n=9) (p<0.0001) compared to NP (0.05± 0.05 %, n=11), and were attenuated with IL-17RC (0.42± 0.4 %, n=5) (p<0.01). Placental activated NK cells were significantly increased with Ad-T (2.5± 1.01 %, n=4) (p<0.05) compared to NP (0.03± 0.03 %, n=8) and were attenuated with IL-17RC (0.21± 0.12 %, n=4) (p<0.05). Renal mtROS increased in Ad-T (312.4 ± 44.7%, n=9) compared to NP (191.9 ± 20.5%, n=5). Placental mtROS significantly increased in Ad-T (312.5 ± 23.6%, n=9) (P<0.0005) compared to NP controls (134 ± 9.6%, n=5) (p<0.0001), and was decreased by administration of IL-17RC (174.5± 42.5 %, n=5) (p<0.0001). These data demonstrate that IL-17 signaling plays an important role in NK cell activation and tissue mt function in response to TH17 cells stimulated during PE.
Abstract P209: Androgen Receptor Antagonist, Bicalutamide, And Androgen Receptor Degradation Enhancer, Asc-j9, Decrease Blood Pressure Similarly In Male Spontaneously-hypertensive Rats.
Authors: Shawky Noha M , Reckelhoff Jane F
Published: September 2020

Background:
Men are at greater risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) than women until after menopause. For this reason, androgens have been implicated as playing a role in CVD in men. We have studied the role that androgens play in mediating the hypertension (HT) in spontaneously-hypertensive rats (SHRs), and found that blood pressure (BP) is decreased with castration and increased with testosterone supplements. In addition, we found that androgen receptor (AR) antagonists reduce BP, but blockers of the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone have no effect on BP, suggesting that testosterone alone is capable of mediating HT in male SHR. Testosterone is known to induce genomic and non-genomic effects via binding to nuclear AR or via independent mechanisms caused by membrane-bound AR. It is unclear whether or not membrane-bound AR play a role in mediating HT in male SHRs. In the present study we tested the hypothesis that only nuclear AR, not membrane-bound AR, mediate the HT in male SHR.

Methods:
Male SHR (aged 13 months; n = 5 - 6 rats/group) were implanted with radiotelemeters, and after 2 weeks recovery, mean arterial pressure (MAP) was measured for 4 days (baseline). Then rats were given vehicle (dimethylacetamide, DMA, 1 ml/kg, s.c.); bicalutamide (BICA, nuclear AR antagonist; 5 mg/k/d, s.c.); or Asc-j9 (AR degradation enhancer, 50 mg/kg/d, s.c.) for 8 days while measuring their MAP. Asc-j9 degrades both nuclear and membrane-bound AR.

Results:
Both BICA and Asc-j9 reduced MAP in male SHRs (BICA: 171 ± 2 to 151 ± 1 mmHg, p < 0.05; Asc-j9: 172 ± 3 to 148 ± 2 mmHg, p < 0.05.). DMA vehicle also reduced MAP (176 ± 5 to 161 ± 4 mmHg, p < 0.05). The decrease in the BICA and Asc-j9 groups was significantly different than the DMA group.

Conclusion:
In summary, AR degradation enhancer, that degrades both membrane-bound and nuclear AR, reduced MAP to similar level as nuclear AR antagonist in male SHR, suggesting that it is the nuclear AR that plays a greater role in mediating chronic BP control in male SHR. It is likely that membrane-bound AR may mediate more acute effects of androgen function independent of the BP.
Abstract P223: Changes In Cardiometabolic Risk Factors Following Complications Of Pregnancy Among Hispanic/latina Women Of The Hispanic Community Health Study/study Of Latinos, 2008-2017.
Authors: Elfassy Tali , Bello Natalie , DeFreitas Marissa , Cordero Christina , Argos Maria , DAVIGLUS Martha L , Perreira Krista , Thyagarajan Bharat , Isasi Carmen , Gallo Linda , Pike James R , Hare Joshua M , Paidas Michael J , Kulandavelu Shathiyah
Published: September 2020

Background:
Pregnancy-related complications (PC), such as preeclampsia (PE), gestational hypertension (GH) and gestational diabetes (GD), are associated with an elevation of cardiometabolic risk and subsequent cardiovascular disease (CVD) following pregnancy among European Caucasian mothers. Our study goal was to determine whether PC is associated with greater change in blood pressure (BP), fasting glucose (FPG), and/or glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) among US Hispanic/Latina women.

Methods:
The Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos is a population-based study of 16,415 Hispanics/Latinos aged 18-74 years (at visit one: 2008-11) from four US sites. At visit two (2014-17), PC information was collected in 550 women who reported a live birth between visits. PC was defined as: no PC (PE, eclampsia, GH, or GD), PC without (w/o) pre-existing conditions (hypertension or diabetes), or PC with pre-existing conditions. At both visits (before and after birth), BP was measured (average of three seated readings) along with FPG and HbA1c (from blood). The association of PC with visit-to-visit change in BP, FPG, and HbA1c was estimated using linear regression models accounting for the complex survey design and adjusted for follow-up time, and visit one sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral characteristics.

Results:
Baseline age was 26.2 years (SE: 0.3), with 77.4% without PC, 17.2% with PC w/o pre-existing conditions, and 5.4% with PC with pre-existing conditions. From fully adjusted models, PC w/o pre-existing conditions compared to no PC, was associated with a greater increase in systolic BP (+4.58mmHg; 95% CI: 1.08, 8.08), diastolic BP (+4.20mmHg; 95% CI: 1.19, 7.20), and FPG (+3.03mg/dL; 95% CI: 0.37, 5.69). PC with pre-existing conditions compared to no PC, was associated with a greater increase in systolic BP (+19.17mmHg; 95% CI: 7.10, 31.23), diastolic BP (+10.10mmHg; 95% CI: 2.67, 17.53), HbA1c (+0.82; 95% CI: 0.19, 1.45), and FPG (+27.12mg/dL; 95% CI: 7.70, 46.55).

Conclusions:
BP and blood glucose levels increased among US Hispanic/Latina women following PC with the greatest increase among women with pre-existing conditions. These findings suggest close monitoring of US Hispanic/Latina women with PC is warranted to prevent future CVD.
Abstract P227: Elevated Plasma Activin A Levels Impairs Global Longitudinal Strain In The Heart During Pregnancy
Authors: Bakrania Bhavisha A , Shahul Sajid , Hall Michael E , Granger Joey P
Published: September 2020

Preeclampsia (PE) is a disorder prevalent in 3-8% of pregnancies, characterized by maternal hypertension, endothelial dysfunction and impaired cardiac function. PE develops in response to impaired spiral artery remodeling, leading to poor perfusion of the placenta. The ischemic placenta releases anti-angiogenic and pro-inflammatory factors into the maternal circulation leading to widespread endothelial activation. Studies have also shown that PE women exhibit decreased cardiac global longitudinal strain (GLS), a sensitive measure of systolic function that indicates fibrosis and tissue injury. Importantly, GLS remains impaired postpartum, when blood pressure has returned to normal, suggesting that placental factors could play a role in the development of cardiac dysfunction in PE. A recent study showed Activin A, a pro-fibrotic factor that is released by the placenta, is increased during PE and is predictive of impaired GLS one year postpartum. PE is a multifaceted disease, and whether increased circulating Activin A alone induces cardiac dysfunction is not known. We hypothesized that chronic excess levels of Activin A during pregnancy induces cardiac dysfunction. To address this, rats were administered vehicle (
n
=6) or Activin A (
n
=6/group; A2, 1.9μg/day, A3, 3 μg/day, A4, 6μg/day) via osmotic pump on gestational day (GD) 14. All animals had an indwelling carotid catheter placed on GD 18, followed by a comprehensive echocardiography assessment and blood pressure measurement on GD19. Activin A infusion resulted in significant increases in circulating Activin A in all treated groups (Vehicle, 585±47 pg/mL, A2, 2022±695 pg/mL, A3, 2511±409 pg/mL, A4, 2801±410 pg/mL, P<0.01). At higher doses, Activin A infusion was associated with significantly impaired GLS (Vehicle, -22.1±0.8 %, A3, -16.7±1.87 %, P<0.01, A4, -14.7±1.14 %, P<0.01). Mean arterial pressure was not significantly different between groups. These findings suggest that Activin A causes cardiac dysfunction in a dose dependent manner and may induce impaired GLS during pregnancy, independent of increases in blood pressure. This model could be useful in understanding the mechanisms of Activin A and whether blockade of this factor could improve outcomes.
Abstract P233: Inhibition Of Aldosterone Synthesis In Non-human Primates By PB6440, The Novel Highly Selective And Potent CYP11B2 Inhibitor
Authors: Pitt Bertram , Bhatt Deepak L , Morris Karen , Becherer J. David , Hoekstra William , Shotzinger Robert , Sparks Steven , Lee John S
Published: September 2020

Aldosterone is an important mineralocorticoid responsible for fluid and electrolyte homeostasis produced by aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2). An aldosterone synthase inhibitor (ASI) may be a therapeutic option for primary aldosteronism-related conditions such as resistant hypertension. An ASI with sufficient selectivity for CYP11B2 versus the similar cortisol-producing enzyme CYP11B1 has remained elusive. PB6440 is a novel ASI that is potent and highly selective for CYP11B2.
In vitro
studies demonstrated 200-300-fold selectivity of PB6440 for human CYP11B2 compared to human CYP11B1. In single and multiple dose cynomolgus monkey studies of orally administered PB6440, dose-and concentration-dependent reduction of plasma aldosterone after ACTH challenge was observed with >90% reduction at higher doses. Consistent with its high selectivity, PB6440 had little effect on the CYP11B1 cortisol pathway. Plasma levels of cortisol, 11-deoxycortisol, and deoxycorticosterone, remained unchanged even at high doses of PB6440. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure was reduced in a dose-dependent manner. Circulating half-life of PB6440 was approximately 17 hours with high oral bioavailability. In summary, PB6440 is a highly selective ASI that demonstrated sustained aldosterone suppression for 14 days with no effect on the CYP11B1 pathway in non-human primates. In single and multiple dose studies, PB6440 appeared well tolerated, demonstrating good oral bioavailability, and a PK profile supportive of once daily dosing. These results suggest that PB6440 may be useful in humans as a novel therapeutic for treating hypertension or other conditions caused by excess aldosterone.
Abstract P234: Pre- And Post-treatment Analysis Of Pendrin In The Urinary Exosome In Primary Aldosteronism
Authors: Ochiai Fumika , Ishizawa Kenichi , Tsurutani Yuya , Nishikawa Tetsuo , Shibata Shigeru
Published: September 2020

Background and Aim:
Pendrin is a Cl/HCO3 exchanger that is selectively present at the apical membrane in non-α intercalated cells of the renal tubules in the kidney. Besides its role in acid/base homeostasis, accumulating studies provided evidence that pendrin regulates extracellular fluid volume and electrolyte balance. Experimental studies using animal models also indicate that pendrin is upregulated in a high aldosterone state, along with the induction of NaCl cotransporter and epithelial Na channel. However, the regulation of pendrin in human is unclear. The present study was conducted to examine the levels of pendrin in subjects with primary aldosteronism.

Methods:
Sixteen patients who were diagnosed as primary aldosteronism at Teikyo University Hospital and Yokohama Rosai Hospital were enrolled in this study. We isolated exosomes from pre- and post-treatment urine samples by the ultracentrifugation method, and the levels of pendrin was evaluated by Western blotting. The loading amount was adjusted by creatinine concentration. Purification of exosomal fraction was confirmed by electron microscopy and also by the presence of alix, a marker of exosome.

Results and Discussion:
Among 16 patients, six received unilateral adrenalectomy and 10 received MR antagonist as the treatment. Mean aldosterone-to renin ratio was 1085. We excluded two subjects because alix was not detected in the pre-treatment samples, and the analysis was done in 14 subjects. In human urine, pendrin was detected at ~110kDa and ~220kDa, the latter likely representing a dimer. We found that pendrin abundance was significantly reduced by 49.8% (P<0.01) in post-treatment samples compared with pre-treatment samples. Therefore, pendrin is altered in primary aldosteronism, likely contributing to the pathophysiology of aldosterone excess in humans.
Abstract P237: Ileal Content Cross Transplantation Between Ovlt Lesioned (ovltx) And Sham Rats Alters The Hypertensive Response In The Doca Salt Model
Authors: Oliveira Nayara P , nahey david , Hartson Rochelle , Weber Bonnie , Johnson Timothy , Collister John P
Published: September 2020

Limited studies suggest a relationship between gut microbiome changes and specific types of hypertension. Using the deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) salt model in rats, our lab previously demonstrated that the hypertensive response in DOCA-treated rats requires an intact organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis (OVLT), and that this nucleus is capable of mediating changes in the gut microbiome concomitant with increased blood pressure during DOCA-salt treatment. These changes were mitigated and offset by lesion of the OVLT, and bacterial populations in OVLT lesioned rats with attenuated hypertension resembled those in normal control rats. Therefore, our current hypothesis is that cross transplanted ileal content between OVLT lesion (OVLTx) and SHAM animals will decrease hypertension during DOCA salt treatment. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly selected for OVLTx (n=3) or SHAM (n=3) operation. After 1 week of recovery, rats underwent uninephrectomy as well as implantation of telemetric blood pressure transducers and indwelling ileal catheters. After a 14-day recovery period, all rats were given a 2.0% NaCl diet and
ad libitum
0.9% NaCl drinking solution. After 5 control days, each rat received a 100 mg SQ DOCA pellet implant. Exactly ten days after initiating DOCA treatment, rats underwent daily ileal content transplantation for 6 days. Approximately 2 ml of ileal content was withdrawn from the catheter in all rats and cross transplanted (between OVLTx and SHAM rats) on days 10-16 of DOCA treatment. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was measured during 5 control days and 16 days of DOCA treatment. On days 3-6 and 9-10 of DOCA treatment, the chronic pressor response to DOCA was attenuated in OVLTx rats such that by day 10, MAP increased to 125±2 mmHg in SHAM rats compared to 112±3 mmHg in OVLTx rats. After 6 days of transplantation, MAP had decreased to 114±1 mmHg in SHAM rats, whereas MAP in OVLTx increased to 120±2 mmHg. Ileal content cross transplantation from OVLTx rats produced a strong reversal of the chronic hypertensive response to DOCA in SHAM rats, and therefore these results support a prominent role of an OVLT-sympathetic-gut microbiome axis in the development of hypertension.
Abstract P238: Bile Acid Metabolites Modulate Hypertension
Authors: CHAKRABORTY Saroj , Lulla Anju , Cheng Xi , McCarthy Cam , Yeo Ji-Youn , Mandal Juthika , Alimadadi Ahmad , Saha Piu , Yeoh Beng San , Mell Blair , Jia Wei , Putluri Vasanta , Putluri Nagireddy , Sreekumar Arun , Wenceslau Camilla F , Kumar Matam Vijay , Meyer Katie A , Joe Bina
Published: September 2020

Hypertension is the single prominent risk factor of epidemic proportions leading to cardiovascular disease and stroke, which comprise the top two reasons for mortality of humans in the modern age. Much of the attention for the unknown causes of hypertension was focused on genetics and dietary salt, but in recent years, host-microbiotal interaction is gaining importance. Host-microbiotal partnership is key for the generation of many bioactive molecules including bile acid (BA) metabolites. Primary bile acids are synthesized and conjugated by the host but deconjugated and further modified to secondary BA by gut commensal bacteria. BA metabolites serve as important ligands for host nuclear receptors and/or G-protein-coupled receptors. These receptors have pivotal roles in blood pressure regulation. However, the effect of the host-microorganism biliary network on blood pressure (BP) remains poorly characterized. Here we report that both dietary salt and genetic factors rewire the composition of bile acids and BP. Specific reductions in conjugated bile acids were noted in human hypertensives as well as in rats with hypertension. Conjugation of bile acids by the host alone, devoid of the deconjugation step by microbiota, was sufficient to decrease BP of germ-free rats compared to germ-free conventionalized rats. Nutritional restoration of the conjugation of bile acids with Taurine increased the availability of circulating conjugated bile acids as ligands and ameliorated host susceptibility to hypertension via BA nuclear receptors and G-protein-coupled receptors. Thus, hosts and their bacterial symbionts can control host BP homeostasis via the resulting pool of bile acid metabolites. Sources of funding: National Institutes of Health (R01HL143082).
Abstract P239: Diet Modifies Cardiometabolic Effects Of DOCA-salt In C57BL/6J Mice
Authors: Patil Chetan N , Oliveira Vanessa , Opichka Megan , Ritter McKenzie L , Reho John J , Segar Jeffrey L , Sigmund Curt D , Grobe Justin L
Published: September 2020

The deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt model of hypertension is widely used to investigate the neurohormonal regulation of blood pressure. We investigated the modulatory effect of three common “chow” diets upon cardiometabolic consequences of DOCA-salt treatment in mice. Male C57BL/6J mice (6 wks of age) were randomly assigned to 5L0D (LabDiet 67138, 4.0 g Na/kg), a Soy-free extruded diet (Envigo 2920, 1.5 g Na/kg), or an NIH-31 modified open formula diet (Teklad 7913, 3.1 g Na/kg) and provided with autoclaved deionized water for 3 weeks (n=16/diet). At 9 weeks of age (ie, before DOCA-salt), intake behaviors and energy flux were assessed using metabolic caging and bomb calorimetry. Before DOCA-salt, body mass, digestive efficiency, energy efficiency, total sodium intake, urine volumes, and apparent sodium & potassium retentions (ie, ingested-urine loss) were significantly modified by diet (p<0.05), but calories absorbed per day was not. Mice (n=8/diet) were then implanted with a DOCA pellet (50mg, sc) and provided 0.15 M NaCl as an additional drink option, or underwent sham surgery (n=8/diet). At 12 weeks of age (ie, after DOCA-salt), intake behaviors and energy flux were again assessed before tissue harvest. After DOCA-salt, body mass, energy efficiency, total sodium intake, urine volume, apparent sodium retention, and renal renin mRNA were significantly affected by a diet x DOCA-salt interaction (p<0.05). In contrast, digestive efficiency and apparent potassium retention were modified by diet (p<0.05), and calories absorbed per day, plasma sodium, and plasma potassium were affected by main effects of diet (p<0.05) and DOCA-salt (p<0.05), but these endpoints were not modified by a diet x DOCA-salt interaction. Combined with analyses of tissue masses, expression of various renal electrolyte transporters, blood chemistries, and urinalyses, these many endpoints highlight a multitude of cardiometabolic outcomes of the DOCA-salt model that are sensitive to environmental contexts such as diet. Ongoing work is investigating the modulatory effect of diet upon increases in total body sodium retention and blood pressure induced by DOCA-salt treatment, and roles for varied sodium vs protein contents of the diets in these effects.
Association of Alcohol Intake With Hypertension in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: The ACCORD Trial
Authors: Mayl Jonathan J. , German Charles A. , Bertoni Alain G. , Upadhya Bharathi , Bhave Prashant D. , Yeboah Joseph , Singleton Matthew J.
Published: September 2020

Background

Heavy alcohol consumption has a well‐established association with hypertension. However, doubt persists whether moderate alcohol consumption has a similar link. This relationship is not well‐studied in patients with diabetes mellitus. We aimed to describe the association of alcohol consumption with prevalent hypertension in participants in the ACCORD (Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes) trial.

Methods and Results

Alcohol consumption was categorized as none, light (1–7 drinks/week), moderate (8–14 drinks/week), and heavy (≥15 drinks/week). Blood pressure was categorized using American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines as normal, elevated blood pressure, stage 1 hypertension, and stage 2 hypertension. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore the association between alcohol consumption and prevalent hypertension. A total of 10 200 eligible participants were analyzed. Light alcohol consumption was not associated with elevated blood pressure or any stage hypertension. Moderate alcohol consumption was associated with elevated blood pressure, stage 1, and stage 2 hypertension (odds ratio [OR], 1.79; 95% CI, 1.04–3.11,
P
=0.03; OR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.05–2.60,
P
=0.03; and OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.03–2.54,
P
=0.03, respectively). Heavy alcohol consumption was associated with elevated blood pressure, stage 1, and stage 2 hypertension (OR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.17–3.12,
P
=0.01; OR, 2.49; 95% CI, 1.03–6.17,
P
=0.03; and OR, 3.04; 95% CI, 1.28–7.22,
P
=0.01, respectively).

Conclusions

Despite prior research, our findings show moderate alcohol consumption is associated with hypertension in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and elevated cardiovascular risk. We also note a dose‐risk relationship with the amount of alcohol consumed and the degree of hypertension.
Network Localization of Executive Function Deficits in Patients with Focal Thalamic Lesions
Authors: Hwang Kai , Bruss Joel , Tranel Daniel , Boes Aaron D.
Published: September 2020

The human thalamus has been suggested to be involved in executive function, based on animal studies and correlational evidence from functional neuroimaging in humans. Human lesion studies, examining behavioral deficits associated with focal brain injuries, can directly test the necessity of the human thalamus for executive function. The goal of our study was to determine the specific lesion location within the thalamus as well as the potential disruption of specific thalamocortical functional networks, related to executive dysfunction. We assessed executive function in 15 patients with focal thalamic lesions and 34 comparison patients with lesions that spared the thalamus. We found that patients with mediodorsal thalamic lesions exhibited more severe impairment in executive function when compared to both patients with thalamic lesions that spared the mediodorsal nucleus and to comparison patients with lesions outside the thalamus. Furthermore, we employed a lesion network mapping approach to map cortical regions that show strong functional connectivity with the lesioned thalamic subregions in the normative functional connectome. We found that thalamic lesion sites associated with more severe deficits in executive function showed stronger functional connectivity with ACC, dorsomedial PFC, and frontoparietal network, compared to thalamic lesions not associated with executive dysfunction. These are brain regions and functional networks whose dysfunction could contribute to impaired executive functioning. In aggregate, our findings provide new evidence that delineates a thalamocortical network for executive function.
AMR Similarity Metrics from Principles
Authors: Opitz Juri , Parcalabescu Letitia , Frank Anette
Published: September 2020

Different metrics have been proposed to compare Abstract Meaning Representation (AMR) graphs. The canonical Smatch metric (Cai and Knight, 2013 ) aligns the variables of two graphs and assesses triple matches. The recent SemBleu metric (Song and Gildea, 2019 ) is based on the machine-translation metric Bleu (Papineni et al., 2002 ) and increases computational efficiency by ablating the variable-alignment. In this paper, i) we establish criteria that enable researchers to perform a principled assessment of metrics comparing meaning representations like AMR; ii) we undertake a thorough analysis of Smatch and SemBleu where we show that the latter exhibits some undesirable properties. For example, it does not conform to the identity of indiscernibles rule and introduces biases that are hard to control; and iii) we propose a novel metric S2 match that is more benevolent to only very slight meaning deviations and targets the fulfilment of all established criteria. We assess its suitability and show its advantages over Smatch and SemBleu.
The Verrucaria aethiobola group (lichenised Ascomycota, Verrucariaceae) in North-west Europe

Authors: ORANGE ALAN
Published: September 2020

Material which has been ascribed to the freshwater species Verrucaria aethiobola or V. latebrosa is shown to comprise three cryptic species, based on ITS and mtSSU sequences. The names V. aethiobola and V. latebrosa are applied to two of these, and epitypes are selected to fix the application of the names. The third cryptic species is described as V. tephromela. In addition, V. anziana is confirmed as a separate species, of which most specimens can be identified by the thick thallus and poorly developed involucrellum. A related non-aquatic species found on calcareous stones is described as V. pallidomurina.
Resurrection and emended description of Sciaphila major (Triuridaceae)

Authors: SUETSUGU KENJI , DANČÁK MARTIN , HRONEŠ MICHAL , NAIKI AKIYO , TAGANE SHUICHIRO , YAHARA TETSUKAZU
Published: September 2020

This paper presents a re-evaluation of the taxonomic identity of Sciaphila major described from Sarawak, Borneo, Malaysia which has been considered conspecific with S. secundiflora. We revealed that S. major is clearly distinguishable from S. secundiflora s.s. by the arrangement of flowers on rachis (spirally and subdensely arranged vs. secundly and laxly arranged), rachis length in a fully developed inflorescence [(2–)3–6(–7) cm vs. 6–19 cm], tepal length of male flowers (2–2.3 mm vs. 3–4 mm) and the number of perianth segments (more than 6 vs. 6). By spirally-arranged and white flowers, S. major is most similar to S. alba, but is distinguishable by plant height (15–25 cm vs. 25–35 cm in S. alba), rachis length in a fully developed inflorescence [(2–)3–6(–7) cm vs. 8–14 cm)], the number of flowers (usually less than 20 vs. usually more than 20), the arrangement of flowers on rachis (subdensely arranged vs. laxly arranged), the number of male perianth segments (usually more than 6 vs. usually 6) and the condition of floral disc (flat vs. bowl-shaped). We also provide an updated key to the species of Sciaphila distributed in Borneo.
A Hybrid Downscaling Approach for Future Temperature and Precipitation Change
Authors: Erlandsen Helene Birkelund , Parding Kajsa M. , Benestad Rasmus , Mezghani Abdelkader , Pontoppidan Marie
Published: September 2020

We used empirical–statistical downscaling in a pseudoreality context, in which both large-scale predictors and small-scale predictands were based on climate model results. The large-scale conditions were taken from a global climate model, and the small-scale conditions were taken from dynamical downscaling of the same global model with a convection-permitting regional climate model covering southern Norway. This hybrid downscaling approach, a “perfect model”–type experiment, provided 120 years of data under the CMIP5 high-emission scenario. Ample calibration samples made rigorous testing possible, enabling us to evaluate the effect of empirical–statistical model configurations and predictor choices and to assess the stationarity of the statistical models by investigating their sensitivity to different calibration intervals. The skill of the statistical models was evaluated in terms of their ability to reproduce the interannual correlation and long-term trends in seasonal 2-m temperature T2m, wet-day frequency fw, and wet-day mean precipitation μ. We found that different 30-yr calibration intervals often resulted in differing statistical models, depending on the specific choice of years. The hybrid downscaling approach allowed us to emulate seasonal mean regional climate model output with a high spatial resolution (0.05° latitude and 0.1° longitude grid) for up to 100 GCM runs while circumventing the issue of short calibration time, and it provides a robust set of empirically downscaled GCM runs.
Modeling the Effects of Lakes in the Tibetan Plateau on Diurnal Variations of Regional Climate and Their Seasonality
Authors: Zhu Lingjing , Jin Jiming , Liu Yimin
Published: September 2020

In this study, we investigated the effects of lakes in the Tibetan Plateau (TP) on diurnal variations of local climate and their seasonal changes by using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model coupled with a one-dimensional physically based lake model. We conducted WRF simulations for the TP over 2000–10, and the model showed excellent performance in simulating near-surface air temperature, precipitation, lake surface temperature, and lake-region precipitation when compared to observations. We carried out additional WRF simulations where all the TP lakes were replaced with the nearest land-use types. The differences between these two sets of simulations were analyzed to quantify the effects of the TP lakes on the local climate. Our results indicate that the strongest lake-induced cooling occurred during the spring daytime, while the most significant warming occurred during the fall nighttime. The cooling and warming effects of the lakes further inhibited precipitation during summer afternoons and evenings and motivated it during fall early mornings, respectively. This study lays a solid foundation for further exploration of the role of TP lakes in climate systems at different time scales.
Welfare, Politics, and Way of Life: Research Orientations in Scandinavia
Authors: Partanen Juha
Published: September 2020

This paper deals with theoretical issues related to the political and social determination of individual welfare. From the standard perspective of welfare studies these may seem to be side issues; on the other hand it may be argued the essential aspects of individual welfare can only be discerned through a study of its ‘social dynamics’. Our starting point itself, Sten Johansson's idea of ‘political resources’, intimates this. Consequently, we take note of a Norwegian study of power relationships in society and of studies dealing with mass communications, since it is through these factors that the social experience of the people finds its expression and organization. The basic tenet of this paper, however, is that rather than trying to grasp the dynamics of welfare in terms of general abstract formulations, it is more fruitful research strategy to investigate political processes and their economic basis in concrete terms, that is, historically. The case of Finland is therefore presented in some detail, and a number of general conclusions are drawn proceeding from this. This approach allows us, in particular, to assess the political significance of welfare studies, and to account for recent changes in emphasis, as revealed by such expressions as way, or style, or quality of life.
Corporatism and the Danish Welfare State
Authors: Valentin Finn
Published: September 2020

The starting point is the three structure concepts of societal distribution, interest formation and organization formation. Corporatism is defined as a combination of all three, where (a) the primary distribution structure is still capitalist; (b) interest and organization formation do not take place in relation to the primary oppositions of capitalism, but instead are blocked and transformed to concern other divisions; the primary effect is a disorganization of the classes. The article examines whether such corporatist disorganization was produced by Danish state interventions in the 1960s and 1970s within health and social policy, policies for the redistribution of incomes and the labour market policy. The corporative effects of the interventions are discussed on the basis of the Danish class structure with weight on its interest and strength position.
Limits to Welfare
Authors: Kolberg Jon Eivind
Published: September 2020

Some questions are raised regarding the future of the welfare state. For example: How are fundamental socio-political constellations affected by the pronounced, relative decline of labour force participants and corresponding significant welfare expansion? Changes in the top echelons of social structure, as well as the ‘bottom’ end of it, are discussed. The existence of welfare backlash sentiments in a Scandinavian welfare state (Norway) is indicated. Various counter-strategies to save the welfare state are presented. The final section focuses on the stamina of political systems. The main elements of Wilensky's model, and some of his results, are presented and criticized.
Education and Welfare: Some Findings from the Scandinavian Survey
Authors: Uusitalo Hannu
Published: September 2020

The relationship and impact of a person's educational level on his level of welfare are examined conceptually and empirically. The empirical data were collected in 1972 and allow comparisons between the Nordic countries.

The paper starts with a short description of the approaches utilized in studying welfare in the Nordic countries during the past ten years. The good of man is in two parts: welfare which can be approached objectively, and well-being, which is a subjective concept. The research done in the Nordic countries has focused mainly on welfare and less on well-being, at least when compared with research done on the continent of Europe and in America.

Education is seen to have two roles in welfare. On the one hand it is a resource which people can use in improving their living conditions; on the other, it is a value in itself. Empirical data show that in the socioeconomic achievement process, education has a crucial role. In addition, well-educated people have slightly better living conditions than poorly educated people. Their housing level is better, their physical and mental health is better, etc. These slight advantages of the well-educated people should not be exaggerated, but it does seem likely that education actually functions as a resource which can be used in advancing one's level of welfare.

The relationship between educational level and (subjectively measured) well-being is shown to be very slight and in some cases virtually nonexistent. This result is not characteristic of education alone: it has been found that objective indicators in general are slightly correlated with subjective indicators of well-being.

On the basis of the empirical data used here it seems that education is similarly related to welfare and well-being in all the Nordic countries. Of course slight differences might be observed but the similarity is the major pattern.
Breast Hematoma: An Under-Recognized and Under-Reported Female-Specific Traumatic Injury and Its Clinical Significance
Authors: Hashmi Danielle LaSalle , Ong Adrian W. , Muller Alison , Itzoe MariaLisa , Martin Anthony , Foster Shannon Marie
Published: September 2020

Female-specific traumatic injury patterns have not been well researched and are potentially not well documented. Our aim was to examine the prevalence of breast hematomas (BHs) after blunt chest trauma, and to evaluate if there were risk factors associated with BH requiring intervention. A retrospective review from 2013 to 2018 was performed, identifying female patients ≥18 years sustaining blunt chest trauma. BH was defined as the presence of a collection of blood within the breast parenchyma, and clinically significant breast hematoma (CSBH) as BH requiring blood transfusion, surgical, or interventional radiology intervention. Univariate analysis was performed comparing CSBH with BH in terms of demographics, injury severity, antithrombotic agent use, and body mass index (BMI). Of 871 female patients meeting criteria, 59 (7%) had BH. Of these, 10 (17%) had CSBH (transfusion only, n = 3; angioembolization, n = 4; operation, n = 3). Compared to BH not requiring intervention, CSBH patients were older (mean age, 80 vs 69, P = .006), but had similar rates of motor vehicle crashes (90% vs 78%), seatbelt use (70% vs 71%), antiplatelet use (10% vs 12%), and anticoagulant use (10% vs 6%). Median Injury Severity Scores and median BMI (34 vs 34) were similar between the groups.
Why people comply with COVID-19 social distancing restrictions: Self-interest or duty?
Authors: Murphy Kristina , Williamson Harley , Sargeant Elise , McCarthy Molly
Published: September 2020

On 11 March 2020 the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) a global pandemic. At the time of writing, over 16 million cases of COVID-19 had been confirmed worldwide, and more than 650,000 people had died from the virus. A priority amongst governments globally is limiting the spread of the virus. In Australia, this response included mandatory ‘lockdown’ restrictions which limited citizens’ freedom of movement. This article uses survey data from 1595 Australians to examine compliance with COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in the early stages of the pandemic. Results revealed that a substantial number of Australians did not comply fully with the measures. Further, while self-interest and health concerns motivated compliance, normative concerns regarding duty to support the authorities dominated compliance decisions. The findings’ implications for both compliance research and for authorities wanting to nurture voluntary compliance with public health orders are discussed.
Randomised controlled trial of integrated cognitive behavioural treatment and motivational enhancement for comorbid social anxiety and alcohol use disorders
Authors: Stapinski Lexine A , Sannibale Claudia , Subotic Mirjana , Rapee Ronald M , Teesson Maree , Haber Paul S , Baillie Andrew J
Published: September 2020

Objective:

Alcohol use disorder and social anxiety disorder are interconnected disorders that commonly co-occur. We report the first trial to assess whether integrated treatment for social anxiety and alcohol use disorder comorbidity improves outcomes relative to standard alcohol-focussed treatment.

Method:

Participants were recruited to a randomised controlled trial, and randomly allocated to one of two treatments, Integrated ( n = 61) or Control (alcohol-focussed; n = 56). Assessment and treatment session were conducted at two sites in Sydney, Australia. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) clinical diagnosis of social anxiety disorder and (2) Diagnosis or sub-clinical symptoms of alcohol use disorder. Diagnoses were determined according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.). All participants ( n = 117) received 10 sessions of cognitive behavioural treatment and motivational enhancement. The Integrated treatment simultaneously targeted social anxiety disorder, alcohol use disorder and the connections between these disorders. The Control treatment focussed on alcohol use disorder only. Outcomes were assessed at 6-month follow-up, with interim assessments at post-treatment and 3 months. Primary outcomes were social anxiety disorder severity (composite Social Phobia Scale and Social Interaction Anxiety Scale), alcohol use disorder severity (standard drinks per day and Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire) and quality of life (Short-Form Health survey) was assessed to capture the combined impairment of social anxiety and alcohol use disorder comorbidity.

Results:

At 6-month follow-up, both conditions showed significant reductions in social anxiety and alcohol use disorder symptoms, and improved quality of life. There was no evidence of between-condition differences for alcohol outcomes, with mean consumption reduced by 5.0 (0.8) and 5.8 (1.0) drinks per day following Alcohol and Integrated treatments, respectively. Integrated treatment achieved greater improvements in social anxiety symptoms (mean difference = −14.9, 95% confidence interval = [−28.1, −1.6], d  = 0.60) and quality of life (mean difference = 7.6, 95% confidence interval = [1.2, 14.0], d  = 0.80) relative to alcohol-focused treatment.

Conclusion:

These results suggest that integrated social anxiety and alcohol use disorder treatment enhances quality of life and social anxiety disorder symptom improvement, but not alcohol outcomes, compared to treatment focussed on alcohol use disorder alone.
Effectiveness of N-acetylcysteine in autism spectrum disorders: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Lee Tsung-Min , Lee Kuan-Min , Lee Chuan-Ya , Lee Hsin-Chien , Tam Ka-Wai , Loh El-Wui
Published: September 2020

Objective:

Currently, pharmaceutical treatment options for autism spectrum disorder are limited. Brain glutaminergic dysregulation is observed in autism spectrum disorder. N-acetylcysteine, which can be converted to glutathione and subsequently release glutamate into the extracellular space, and thus reduce glutamatergic neurotransmission at synapses, is considered a potential drug for autism spectrum disorder treatment. Here, we analyzed the treatment effects of N-acetylcysteine on autism spectrum disorder in randomized controlled trials.

Study design:

Updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources:

By systematically searching the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library, we obtained five randomized controlled trials.

Study selection:

Meta-analyses were performed to examine the improvement in autistic behaviors as measured by the Aberrant Behavior Checklist, Social Responsiveness Scale and Repetitive Behavior Scale–Revised, using mean difference with a 95% confidence interval and a random-effects model.

Data Synthesis:

After 8–12 weeks of N-acetylcysteine supplementation, the pooled result of four trials revealed an improvement in Aberrant Behavior Checklist total score (mean difference = 1.31, 95% confidence interval = [0.42, 2.20]). When one trial was excluded, the sensitivity test result was stronger (mean difference = 1.88, 95% confidence interval = [0.92, 2.83]). The pooled results of three trials revealed significant improvements in hyperactivity (mean difference = 4.80, 95% confidence interval = [1.20, 8.40]) and irritability (mean difference = 4.07, 95% confidence interval = [1.13, 7.04]). Regarding Social Responsiveness Scale, the pooled result of two trials showed significant improvement in social awareness after 8–12 weeks of N-acetylcysteine supplementation (mean difference = 1.34, 95% confidence interval = [0.09, 2.59]). No differences were observed in the pooled results of two trials using Repetitive Behavior Scale, either in the total or the subscales.

Conclusion:

We concluded that N-acetylcysteine is safe and tolerable, reduces hyperactivity and irritability and enhances social awareness in children with autism spectrum disorder. However, further evidence should be sought before a general recommendation.
Influence of an adjuvant antidepressant on the efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Pluijms Esther M , Kamperman Astrid M , Hoogendijk Witte JG , Birkenhäger Tom K , van den Broek Walter W
Published: September 2020

Objective:

The primary indication for electroconvulsive therapy is medication-resistant major depression. There is some evidence that combining electroconvulsive therapy with an antidepressant, instead of electroconvulsive therapy monotherapy, might improve remission rates. However, data on this topic have not been systematically studied. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the effectiveness of an adjuvant antidepressant during electroconvulsive therapy for major depression.

Methods:

Embase, Medline Ovid, Web of Science, Cochrane Central, PsychINFO Ovid and Google Scholar were searched up to January 2019. Randomized controlled trials and cohort studies reporting on the influence of an adjuvant antidepressant on the efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy for major depression were included. Authors independently screened records, extracted data and assessed study quality. We reported this systematic review and meta-analysis following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

Results:

Nine studies were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis revealed a significant advantage of adjuvant antidepressants versus placebo. The overall effect size per category of antidepressant was as follows: tricyclic antidepressants: Hedges’ g 0.32 (95% confidence interval: [0.14, 0.51]) ( k = 6) with low heterogeneity ( I2: 4%, p = 0.39); selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors/serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors: Hedges’ g 0.27 (95% confidence interval: [0.03, 0.52]) ( k = 2) with a lack of heterogeneity ( I2: 0%, p = 0.89); and monoamine oxidase inhibitors: Hedges’ g 0.35 (95% confidence interval: [−0.07, 0.77]) with moderate heterogeneity ( I2: 43%, p = 0.17) ( k = 3).

Conclusion:

An adjuvant antidepressant enhances the efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy for major depression. Tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors/serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors and monoamine oxidase inhibitors showed the same effect size. However, the effect sizes of tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors are most likely underestimated, due to insufficient doses in most of the included studies. We recommend the routine use of an adequately dosed antidepressant during electroconvulsive therapy for major depression.