bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gráficos, cartas, mapas: traçando a história global da arte moderna
Authors: Joyeux-Prunel Béatrice
Published: September 2017

Diversas novas tendências filosóficas nos estimulam a rever as metodologias em história da arte no sentido de descolonizar a mais poderosa de suas narrativas: o cânone modernista. Com este fim, o presente artigo explora como as abordagens quantitativas, cartográficas e estatísticas, combinadas com a utilização de outras abordagens mais tradicionais, podem nos ajudar a reconsiderar as hierarquias existentes no campo da história da arte. Utilizado geralmente para analisar grandes corpos de fontes similares, especialmente catálogos de exposições e periódicos, em longos períodos de tempo e em escalas globais, “o olhar distante” é útil para a construção de uma narrativa coerente e global, presente nas geopolíticas modernistas em suas dimensões sociais, quando a complexidade é restaurada e a agência das circulações artísticas encontra seu lugar.
Interleukin-18 Enhances Vascular Calcification and Osteogenic Differentiation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Through TRPM7 Activation
Authors: Zhang Kun , Zhang Yinyin , Feng Weijing , Chen Renhua , Chen Jie , Touyz Rhian M. , Wang Jingfeng , Huang Hui
Published: September 2017

Objective—

Vascular calcification (VC) is an important predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Osteogenic differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is a key mechanism of VC. Recent studies show that IL-18 (interleukin-18) favors VC while TRPM7 (transient receptor potential melastatin 7) channel upregulation inhibits VC. However, the relationship between IL-18 and TRPM7 is unclear. We questioned whether IL-18 enhances VC and osteogenic differentiation of VSMCs through TRPM7 channel activation.

Approach and Results—

Coronary artery calcification and serum IL-18 were measured in patients by computed tomographic scanning and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Primary rat VSMCs calcification were induced by high inorganic phosphate and exposed to IL-18. VSMCs were also treated with TRPM7 antagonist 2-aminoethoxy-diphenylborate or TRPM7 small interfering RNA to block TRPM7 channel activity and expression. TRPM7 currents were recorded by patch-clamp. Human studies showed that serum IL-18 levels were positively associated with coronary artery calcium scores (
r
=0.91;
P
<0.001). In VSMCs, IL-18 significantly decreased expression of contractile markers α-smooth muscle actin, smooth muscle 22 α, and increased calcium deposition, alkaline phosphatase activity, and expression of osteogenic differentiation markers bone morphogenetic protein-2, Runx2 (runt-related transcription factor 2), and osteocalcin (
P
<0.05). IL-18 increased TRPM7 expression through ERK1/2 (extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2) signaling activation, and TRPM7 currents were augmented by IL-18 treatment. Inhibition of TRPM7 channel by 2-aminoethoxy-diphenylborate or TRPM7 small interfering RNA prevented IL-18–enhanced osteogenic differentiation and VSMCs calcification.

Conclusions—

These findings suggest that coronary artery calcification is associated with increased IL-18 levels. IL-18 enhances VSMCs osteogenic differentiation and subsequent VC induced by β-glycerophosphate via TRPM7 channel activation. Accordingly, IL-18 may contribute to VC in proinflammatory conditions.
Socioeconomic Status and Incidence of Hospitalization With Lower‐Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease: Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study
Authors: Vart Priya , Coresh Josef , Kwak Lucia , Ballew Shoshana H. , Heiss Gerardo , Matsushita Kunihiro
Published: September 2017

Background

Compared to coronary heart disease, heart failure, and stroke, the relationship between low socioeconomic status (
SES
) and peripheral artery disease (
PAD
) is less well established. We examined the association between
SES
and incidence of hospitalization with
PAD
and explored whether this association can be explained by traditional cardiovascular risk factors and healthcare access.

Methods and Results

A total of 12 517 participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study (1987‐1989) with no prior
PAD
were examined. Individual‐level
SES
was assessed from household income (low <$12 000/year, medium $12 000 to $24 999/year, and high ≥$25 000/year [double to approximate to values in 2016]) and educational attainment (high school), and area‐level
SES
from area deprivation index (quintiles). During a median follow‐up of 23.6 (Interquartile range 19.6‐24.5) years, 433 participants had a hospitalization with
PAD
. In Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, the demographically adjusted hazard ratio was 2.42 (1.81‐3.23) for low household income, 2.08 (1.60‐2.69) for low educational attainment, and 2.18 (1.35‐3.53) for most deprived neighborhoods, compared to their high‐
SES
counterparts. After adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors and heath care access, the associations were attenuated but remained significant, particularly for income and education. Results were consistent when stratified by race (
P
‐values for interaction >0.2 for all
SES
parameters).

Conclusions

Low individual‐ and area‐level
SES
are strong predictors of hospitalization with
PAD
, in part due to increased prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and poor access to care in these groups. Additional risk factors may also need to be identified and acted on to eliminate
SES
disparities in
PAD
hospitalization.
Selection of Stent Type in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Presenting With Acute Myocardial Infarction: An Analysis From the ACTION (Acute Coronary Treatment and Intervention Outcomes Network) Registry—Get With the Guidelines
Authors: Vora Amit N. , Wang Tracy Y. , Li Shuang , Chiswell Karen , Hess Connie , Lopes Renato D. , Rao Sunil V. , Peterson Eric D.
Published: September 2017

Background

Patients receiving oral anticoagulation in addition to dual‐antiplatelet therapy are known to be at high risk for bleeding events; thus, the selection of a drug‐eluting stent (DES) versus a bare metal stent (BMS) can have important implications for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) presenting with acute myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods and Results

From the National Cardiovascular Data Registry ACTION (Acute Coronary Treatment and Intervention Outcomes Network) Registry—Get With the Guidelines, we identified 14 427 AF patients presenting with acute MI undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention from 2008 to 2014. Temporal trends and hospital variation in DES use were examined, as were patterns of use by stroke risk (CHA
2
DS
2
‐VASc) and bleeding risk ATRIA (Anticoagulation and Risk Factors in Atrial Fibrillation). Among patients with linked Medicare data (n=2844), multivariable Cox regression modeling was used to compare risks for a composite outcome (all‐cause mortality, readmission for stroke, or MI), readmission for stroke, revascularization, and major bleeding at 1 year. A DES was used in 8414 (58.9%) MI patients with AF, increasing from 47.1% in 2008 to 67.9% in 2014, with wide variation among hospitals. DES placement was more common than BMS placement among patients at high stroke risk (CHA
2
DS
2
‐VASc ≥2) and high bleeding risk (ATRIA ≥4). Although aspirin and a P2Y
12
inhibitor were prescribed for >95% of all patients regardless of stent type at discharge, warfarin was prescribed less frequently among patients receiving a DES than a BMS (31% versus 39%,
P
<0.001). The composite outcome was similar between patients with a DES or BMS at 1 year (22% versus 26%; adjusted hazard ratio: 0.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.76–1.03).

Conclusions

Use of DESs among MI patients with AF has increased over time, but substantial hospital‐level variation was observed. Patients with AF meeting indications for anticoagulation are more likely to receive a DES than a BMS, even among those at high predicted risk of both stroke and bleeding.
Cardiac Adaptations to High‐Intensity Aerobic Training in Premenopausal and Recent Postmenopausal Women: The Copenhagen Women Study
Authors: Egelund Jon , Jørgensen Peter G. , Mandrup Camilla M. , Fritz‐Hansen Thomas , Stallknecht Bente , Bangsbo Jens , Nyberg Michael , Hellsten Ylva
Published: September 2017

Background

We examined the role of menopause on cardiac dimensions and function and assessed the efficacy of exercise training before and after menopause.

Methods and Results

Two groups of healthy premenopausal (n=36, 49.4±0.3 years) and postmenopausal (n=37, 53.5±0.5 years) women with no history of cardiovascular disease and with a mean age difference between groups of only 4 years were studied. Cardiac dimensions and systolic and diastolic function were determined by transthoracic echocardiography with tissue Doppler imaging and 2‐dimensional speckle tracking. Measurements were performed at baseline and after a 12‐week period of high‐intensity aerobic cycle training. LV internal diastolic diameter and LV mass were similar in the 2 groups at baseline and increased by ≈2% to 8% (
P
=0.04–0.0007) with training in both groups. Left atrial end‐diastolic and end‐systolic volumes were similar for both groups and increased by 23% to 36% (
P=
0.0006–0.0001) with training. Systolic function assessed by mean global strain was similar in both groups at baseline and increased by ≈8% (
P
=0.0004) with training in the postmenopausal group. LV displacement increased by ≈3% (
P
=0.04) in the premenopausal women only. Diastolic function assessed by E/A ratio was similar at baseline and increased by ≈7% (
P
=0.01) in the premenopausal group and 11% (
P
=0.0001) in the postmenopausal group with training.

Conclusions

These results suggest that training‐induced cardiac adaptations are preserved in the early postmenopausal phase. Furthermore, the hormonal changes associated with the menopausal transition do not appear to affect cardiac dimensions and function.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02135575.
Socioeconomic Position Is Associated With Carotid Intima–Media Thickness in Mid‐Childhood: The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children
Authors: Liu Richard S. , Mensah Fiona K. , Carlin John , Edwards Ben , Ranganathan Sarath , Cheung Michael , Dwyer Terence , Saffery Richard , Magnussen Costan G. , Juonala Markus , Wake Melissa , Burgner David P. , Olds Tim , Baur Louise , Gold Lisa , Lycett Kate , Kerr Jessica A. , Davies Sarah
Published: September 2017

Background

Lower socioeconomic position (
SEP
) predicts higher cardiovascular risk in adults. Few studies differentiate between neighborhood and family
SEP
or have repeated measures through childhood, which would inform understanding of potential mechanisms and the timing of interventions. We investigated whether neighborhood and family
SEP
, measured biennially from ages 0 to 1 year onward, was associated with carotid intima–media thickness (
IMT
) at ages 11 to 12 years.

Methods and Results

Data were obtained from 1477 families participating in the Child Health CheckPoint study, nested within the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. Disadvantaged family and neighborhood
SEP
was cross‐sectionally associated with thicker maximum carotid
IMT
in separate univariable linear regression models. Associations with family
SEP
were not attenuated in multivariable analyses, and associations with neighborhood
SEP
were attenuated only in models adjusted for family
SEP
. The difference in maximum carotid
IMT
between the highest and lowest family
SEP
quartile measured at ages 10 to 11 years was 10.7 μm (95%
CI
, 3.4–18.0;
P
=0.004), adjusted for age, sex, pubertal status, passive smoking exposure, body mass index, blood pressure, and arterial lumen diameter. In longitudinal analyses, family
SEP
measured as early as age 2 to 3 years was associated with maximum carotid
IMT
at ages 11 to 12 years (difference between highest and lowest quartile: 8.5 μm; 95%
CI
, 1.3–15.8;
P
=0.02). No associations were observed between
SEP
and mean carotid
IMT
.

Conclusions

We report a robust association between lower
SEP
in early childhood and carotid
IMT
in mid‐childhood. Further investigation of mechanisms may inform pediatric cardiovascular risk assessment and prevention strategies.
Delayed Care and Mortality Among Women and Men With Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Bugiardini Raffaele , Ricci Beatrice , Cenko Edina , Vasiljevic Zorana , Kedev Sasko , Davidovic Goran , Zdravkovic Marija , Miličić Davor , Dilic Mirza , Manfrini Olivia , Koller Akos , Badimon Lina
Published: September 2017

Background

Women with
ST
‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction (
STEMI
) have higher mortality rates than men. We investigated whether sex‐related differences in timely access to care among
STEMI
patients may be a factor associated with excess risk of early mortality in women.

Methods and Results

We identified 6022
STEMI
patients who had information on time of symptom onset to time of hospital presentation at 41 hospitals participating in the
ISACS
‐TC (International Survey of Acute Coronary Syndromes in Transitional Countries) registry (
NCT
01218776) from October 2010 through April 2016. Patients were stratified into time‐delay cohorts. We estimated the 30‐day risk of all‐cause mortality in each cohort. Despite similar delays in seeking care, the overall time from symptom onset to hospital presentation was longer for women than men (median: 270 minutes [range: 130–776] versus 240 minutes [range: 120–600]). After adjustment for baseline variables, female sex was independently associated with greater risk of 30‐day mortality (odds ratio: 1.58; 95% confidence interval, 1.27–1.97). Sex differences in mortality following STEMI were no longer observed for patients having delays from symptom onset to hospital presentation of ≤1 hour (odds ratio: 0.77; 95% confidence interval, 0.29–2.02).

Conclusions

Sex difference in mortality following
STEMI
persists and appears to be driven by prehospital delays in hospital presentation. Women appear to be more vulnerable to prolonged untreated ischemia.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/
. Unique identifier: NCT01218776.
Quality of Care of the Initial Patient Cohort of the Diabetes Collaborative Registry
®
Authors: Arnold Suzanne V. , Goyal Abhinav , Inzucchi Silvio E. , McGuire Darren K. , Tang Fengming , Mehta Sanjeev N. , Sperling Laurence S. , Maddox Thomas M. , Einhorn Daniel , Wong Nathan D. , Hammar Niklas , Fenici Peter , Khunti Kamlesh , Lam Carolyn S. P. , Kosiborod Mikhail
Published: September 2017

Background

Although guidelines and performance measures exist for patients with diabetes mellitus, achievement of these metrics is not well known. The Diabetes Collaborative Registry
®
(DCR) was formed to understand the quality of diabetes mellitus care across the primary and specialty care continuum in the United States.

Methods and Results

We assessed the frequency of achievement of 7 diabetes mellitus–related quality metrics and variability across the Diabetes Collaborative Registry
®
sites. Among 574 972 patients with diabetes mellitus from 259 US practices, median (interquartile range) achievement of the quality metrics across the practices was the following: (1) glycemic control: 19% (5–47); (2) blood pressure control: 80% (67–88); (3) angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers in patients with coronary artery disease: 62% (51–69); (4) nephropathy screening: 62% (53–71); (5) eye examination: 0.7% (0.0–79); (6) foot examination: 0.0% (0.0–2.3); and (7) tobacco screening/cessation counseling: 86% (80–94). In hierarchical, modified Poisson regression models, there was substantial variability in meeting these metrics across sites, particularly with documentation of glycemic control and eye and foot examinations. There was also notable variation across specialties, with endocrinology practices performing better on glycemic control and diabetes mellitus foot examinations and cardiology practices succeeding more in blood pressure control and use of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers.

Conclusions

The Diabetes Collaborative Registry
®
was established to document and improve the quality of outpatient diabetes mellitus care. While target achievement of some metrics of cardiovascular risk modification was high, achievement of others was suboptimal and highly variable. This may be attributable to fragmentation of care, lack of ownership among various specialists concerning certain domains of care, incomplete documentation, true gaps in care, or a combination of these factors.
Self‐Reported Health and Outcomes in Patients With Stable Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Stewart Ralph A. H. , Hagström Emil , Held Claes , Wang Tom Kai Ming , Armstrong Paul W. , Aylward Philip E. , Cannon Christopher P. , Koenig Wolfgang , López‐Sendón José Luis , Mohler Emile R. , Hadziosmanovic Nermin , Krug‐Gourley Susan , Ramos Corrales Marco Antonio , Siddique Saulat , Steg Philippe Gabriel , White Harvey D. , Wallentin Lars ,   on behalf of the STABILITY Investigators
Published: September 2017

Background

The major determinants and prognostic importance of self‐reported health in patients with stable coronary heart disease are uncertain.

Methods and Results

The STABILITY (Stabilization of Atherosclerotic Plaque by Initiation of Darapladib Therapy) trial randomized 15 828 patients with stable coronary heart disease to treatment with darapladib or placebo. At baseline, 98% of participants completed a questionnaire that included the question, “Overall, how do you feel your general health is now?” Possible responses were
excellent, very good, good, average
, and
poor
. Adjudicated major adverse cardiac events, which included cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke, were evaluated by Cox regression during 3.7 years of follow‐up for participants who reported excellent or very good health (n=2304), good health (n=6863), and average or poor health (n=6361), before and after adjusting for 38 covariates. Self‐reported health was most strongly associated with geographic region, depressive symptoms, and low physical activity (
P
<0.0001 for all). Poor/average compared with very good/excellent self‐reported health was independently associated with major adverse cardiac events (hazard ratio [
HR
]: 2.30 [95% confidence interval (
CI
), 1.92–2.76]; adjusted
HR
: 1.83 [95%
CI
, 1.51–2.22]), cardiovascular mortality (
HR
: 4.36 [95%
CI
, 3.09–6.16]; adjusted
HR
: 2.15 [95%
CI
, 1.45–3.19]), and myocardial infarction (
HR
: 1.87 [95%
CI
, 1.46–2.39]; adjusted
HR
: 1.68 [95%
CI
, 1.25–2.27];
P
<0.0002 for all).

Conclusions

Self‐reported health is strongly associated with geographical region, mood, and physical activity. In a global coronary heart disease population, self‐reported health was independently associated with major cardiovascular events and mortality beyond what is measurable by established risk indicators.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
00799903.
Hospital Practice of Direct‐Home Discharge and 30‐Day Readmission After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons/American College of Cardiology Transcatheter Valve Therapy (STS/ACC TVT) Registry
Authors: Dodson John A. , Williams Mathew R. , Cohen David J. , Manandhar Pratik , Vemulapalli Sreekanth , Blaum Caroline , Zhong Hua , Rumsfeld John S. , Hochman Judith S.
Published: September 2017

Background

Nearly 17% of patients are readmitted within 30 days of discharge after transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Selected patients are discharged to skilled nursing facilities, yet the association between a hospital's practice to discharge home versus to skilled nursing facilities, and readmission remains unclear.

Methods and Results

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons/American College of Cardiology Transcatheter Valve Therapy (STS/ACC TVT) Registry was used to evaluate readmissions among patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (2011‐2015). Hospitals were divided into quartiles (Q1‐Q4) based on the percentage of patients discharged directly home. We assessed patient and hospital level characteristics and used hierarchical logistic regression to analyze the association of discharge disposition with 30‐day readmission. Our cohort included 18 568 transcatheter aortic valve replacement patients at 329 US hospitals, of whom 69% were discharged directly home. Hospitals in the highest quartile of direct home discharge (Q4) compared with hospitals in the lowest (Q1) were more likely to use femoral access (75.2% versus 60.1%,
P
<0.001), had fewer patients receiving transfusion (26.4% versus 40.9%,
P
<0.001), and were more likely to be located in the Southern United States (48.8% versus 18.3%,
P
<0.001). Median 30‐day readmission rate was 17.9%. There was no significant difference in 30‐day readmissions among quartiles (
P
=0.14), even after multivariable adjustment (odds ratio Q4 versus Q1=0.89, 95%
CI
0.76‐1.04;
P
=0.15). Factors most strongly associated with 30‐day readmission were glomerular filtration rate, in‐hospital stroke or transient ischemic attack, and nonfemoral access.

Conclusions

There was no statistically significant association between hospital practice of direct home discharge post–transcatheter aortic valve replacement and 30‐day readmission. Further research is needed to understand regional variations and optimum strategies for postdischarge care.
Inhibition of Mutant αB Crystallin‐Induced Protein Aggregation by a Molecular Tweezer
Authors: Xu Na , Bitan Gal , Schrader Thomas , Klärner Frank‐Gerrit , Osinska Hanna , Robbins Jeffrey
Published: September 2017

Background

Compromised protein quality control causes the accumulation of misfolded proteins and intracellular aggregates, contributing to cardiac disease and heart failure. The development of therapeutics directed at proteotoxicity‐based pathology in heart disease is just beginning. The molecular tweezer
CLR
01 is a broad‐spectrum inhibitor of abnormal self‐assembly of amyloidogenic proteins, including amyloid β‐protein, tau, and α‐synuclein. This small molecule interferes with aggregation by binding selectively to lysine side chains, changing the charge distribution of aggregation‐prone proteins and thereby disrupting aggregate formation. However, the effects of
CLR
01 in cardiomyocytes undergoing proteotoxic stress have not been explored. Here we assess whether
CLR
01 can decrease cardiac protein aggregation catalyzed by cardiomyocyte‐specific expression of mutated αB‐crystallin (Cry

AB
R

120G
).

Methods and Results

A proteotoxic model of desmin‐related cardiomyopathy caused by cardiomyocyte‐specific expression of Cry

AB
R

120G
was used to test the efficacy of
CLR
01 therapy in the heart. Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were infected with adenovirus expressing either wild‐type Cry
AB
or Cry

AB
R

120G
. Subsequently, the cells were treated with different doses of
CLR
01 or a closely related but inactive derivative,
CLR
03.
CLR
01 decreased aggregate accumulation and attenuated cytotoxicity caused by Cry

AB
R

120G
expression in a dose‐dependent manner, whereas
CLR
03 had no effect. Ubiquitin‐proteasome system function was analyzed using a ubiquitin‐proteasome system reporter protein consisting of a short degron,
CL
1, fused to the
COOH
‐terminus of green fluorescent protein.
CLR
01 improved proteasomal function in Cry

AB
R

120G
cardiomyocytes but did not alter autophagic flux. In vivo,
CLR
01 administration also resulted in reduced protein aggregates in Cry

AB
R

120G
transgenic mice.

Conclusions

CLR
01 can inhibit Cry

AB
R

120G
aggregate formation and decrease cytotoxicity in cardiomyocytes undergoing proteotoxic stress, presumably through clearance of the misfolded protein via increased proteasomal function.
CLR
01 or related compounds may be therapeutically useful in treating the pathogenic sequelae resulting from proteotoxic heart disease.
Exposure to Violence and Carotid Artery Intima‐Media Thickness in Mexican Women
Authors: Flores‐Torres Mario H. , Lynch Rebekka , Lopez‐Ridaura Ruy , Yunes Elsa , Monge Adriana , Ortiz‐Panozo Eduardo , Cantu‐Brito Carlos , Hauksdóttir Arna , Valdimarsdóttir Unnur , Lajous Martín
Published: September 2017

Background

Violence against women has become a global public health threat. Data on the potential impact of exposure to violence on cardiovascular disease are scarce.

Methods and Results

We evaluated the association between exposure to violence and subclinical cardiovascular disease in 634 disease‐free women from the Mexican Teachers' Cohort who responded to violence‐related items from the Life Stressor Checklist and underwent measures of carotid artery intima‐media thickness in 2012 and 2013. We defined exposure to violence as having ever been exposed to physical and/or sexual violence. Intima‐media thickness was log‐transformed, and subclinical carotid atherosclerosis was defined as intima‐media thickness ≥0.8 mm or plaque. We used multivariable linear and logistic regression models adjusted for several potential confounders. Mean age was 48.9±4.3 years. Close to 40% of women reported past exposure to violence. The lifetime prevalence of sexual violence was 7.1%, and prevalence of physical violence was 23.5% (7.7% reported both sexual and physical violence). Relative to women with no history of violence, exposure to violence was associated with higher intima‐media thickness (adjusted mean percentage difference=2.4%; 95% confidence interval 0.5, 4.3) and subclinical atherosclerosis (adjusted odds ratio=1.60; 95% confidence interval 1.10, 2.32). The association was stronger for exposure to physical violence, especially by mugging or physical assault by a stranger (adjusted mean % difference=4.6%; 95% confidence interval 1.8, 7.5, and odds ratio of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis=2.06; 95% confidence interval 1.22, 3.49).

Conclusions

Exposure to violence, and in particular assault by a stranger, was strongly associated with subclinical cardiovascular disease in Mexican middle‐aged women.
Left Atrial Size and Long‐Term Risk of Recurrent Stroke After Acute Ischemic Stroke in Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Ogata Toshiyasu , Matsuo Ryu , Kiyuna Fumi , Hata Jun , Ago Tetsuro , Tsuboi Yoshio , Kitazono Takanari , Kamouchi Masahiro , Ibayashi Setsuro , Kusuda Kenji , Fujii Kenichiro , Nagao Tetsuhiko , Okada Yasushi , Yasaka Masahiro , Ooboshi Hiroaki , Irie Katsumi , Omae Tsuyoshi , Nakane Hiroshi , Sugimori Hiroshi , Arakawa Shuji , Fukuda Kenji , Kitayama Jiro , Fujimoto Shigeru , Arihiro Shoji , Kuroda Junya , Wakisaka Yoshinobu , Fukushima Yoshihisa , Kumai Yasuhiro , Makihara Noriko , Takada Junichi
Published: September 2017

Background

Among patients with ischemic stroke and atrial fibrillation, which ones are at high risk of recurrent stroke is unclear. This study aimed to determine whether left atrial size was associated with long‐term risk of stroke recurrence in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

Methods and Results

In this multicenter prospective cohort study, nonvalvular atrial fibrillation patients hospitalized for acute ischemic stroke were enrolled and followed up after discharge. Indexed‐left atrial diameter was obtained by dividing left atrial diameter by body surface area. Cause‐specific and subdistribution hazard ratios of recurrent stroke were estimated by Cox proportional hazards and Fine–Gray models, respectively. Risk prediction was evaluated by integrated discrimination improvement and net reclassification improvement. In total, 1611 patients (77.8±10.2 [mean±
SD
] years, 44.5% female) were included. During follow‐up for 2.40±1.63 (mean±
SD
) years, 251 patients had recurrent stroke and 514 patients died. An increased indexed‐left atrial diameter (per 1 cm/m
2
) was significantly associated with elevated risk of stroke recurrence (hazard ratio 1.60, 95%
CI
1.30–1.98). The association was maintained when death was regarded as the competing risk and in 1464 patients who were treated with anticoagulants (hazard ratio 1.59, 95%
CI
1.27–2.00). Risk prediction for recurrent stroke was significantly improved by adding indexed‐left atrial diameter to the baseline model composed of the factors in the
CHADS
2
score or those in the
CHA
2
DS
2
‐
VAS
c score.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that left atrial enlargement is associated with an increased risk of recurrent stroke in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation patients with ischemic stroke.
Impact of Spontaneous Extracranial Bleeding Events on Health State Utility in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: Results from the ENGAGE AF‐TIMI 48 Trial
Authors: Wang Kaijun , Li Haiyan , Kwong Winghan J. , Antman Elliott M. , Ruff Christian T. , Giugliano Robert P. , Cohen David J. , Magnuson Elizabeth A. ,   the ENGAGE AF‐TIMI 48 Trial Investigators
Published: September 2017

Background

The impact of different types of extracranial bleeding events on health‐related quality of life and health‐state utility among patients with atrial fibrillation is not well understood.

Methods and Results

The
ENGAGE AF
‐
TIMI
48 (Effective Anticoagulation With Factor Xa Next Generation in Atrial Fibrillation–Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 48) Trial compared edoxaban with warfarin with respect to the prevention of stroke or systemic embolism in atrial fibrillation. Data from the EuroQol‐5D (
EQ
‐5D‐3L) questionnaire, prospectively collected at 3‐month intervals for up to 48 months, were used to estimate the impact of different categories of bleeding events on health‐state utility over 12 months following the event. Longitudinal mixed‐effect models revealed that major gastrointestinal bleeds and major nongastrointestinal bleeds were associated with significant immediate decreases in utility scores (−0.029 [−0.044 to −0.014;
P
<0.001] and −0.029 [−0.046 to −0.012;
P
=0.001], respectively). These effects decreased in magnitude over time, and were no longer significant for major nongastrointestinal bleeds at 9 months, but remained borderline significant for major gastrointestinal bleeds at 12 months. Clinically relevant nonmajor and minor bleeds were associated with smaller but measurable immediate impacts on utility (−0.010 [−0.016 to −0.005] and −0.016 [−0.024 to −0.008];
P
<0.001 for both), which remained relatively constant and statistically significant over the 12 months following the bleeding event.

Conclusions

All categories of bleeding events were associated with negative impacts on health‐state utility in patients with atrial fibrillation. Major bleeds were associated with relatively large immediate decreases in utility scores that gradually diminished over 12 months; clinically relevant nonmajor and minor bleeds were associated with smaller immediate decreases in utility that persisted over 12 months.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/
. Unique identifier: NCT00781391.
Ultraviolet B Exposure Inhibits Angiotensin II–Induced Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Formation in Mice by Expanding CD4
+
Foxp3
+
Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Hayashi Tomohiro , Sasaki Naoto , Yamashita Tomoya , Mizoguchi Taiji , Emoto Takuo , Amin Hilman Zulkifli , Yodoi Keiko , Matsumoto Takuya , Kasahara Kazuyuki , Yoshida Naofumi , Tabata Tokiko , Kitano Naoki , Fukunaga Atsushi , Nishigori Chikako , Rikitake Yoshiyuki , Hirata Ken‐ichi
Published: September 2017

Background

Pathogenic immune responses are known to play an important role in abdominal aortic aneurysm (
AAA
) development. Ultraviolet B (
UVB
) irradiation has been demonstrated to have therapeutic potential not only for cutaneous diseases but also for systemic inflammatory diseases in mice by suppressing immunoinflammatory responses. We investigated the effect of
UVB
irradiation on experimental
AAA
.

Methods and Results

We used an angiotensin
II
–induced
AAA
model in apolipoprotein E–deficient mice fed a high‐cholesterol diet. Mice aged 10 weeks were irradiated with 5 kJ/m
2
UVB
once weekly for 6 weeks (
UVB
‐irradiated, n=38; nonirradiated, n=42) and were euthanized for evaluation of
AAA
formation at 16 weeks. Overall, 93% of angiotensin
II
–infused mice developed
AAA
, with 60% mortality possibly because of aneurysm rupture.
UVB
irradiation significantly decreased the incidence (66%) and mortality (29%) of
AAA
(
P
=0.004 and
P
=0.006, respectively).
UVB
‐irradiated mice had significantly smaller diameter
AAA
(
P
=0.008) and fewer inflammatory cells in the aortic aneurysm tissue than nonirradiated mice, along with systemic expansion of
CD
4
+
Foxp3
+
regulatory T cells and decreased effector
CD
4
+
CD
44
high
CD
62L
low
T cells in para‐aortic lymph nodes. Genetic depletion of regulatory T cells abrogated these beneficial effects of
UVB
treatment, demonstrating a critical role of regulatory T cells.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that
UVB
‐dependent expansion of regulatory T cells has beneficial effects on experimental
AAA
and may provide a novel strategy for the treatment of
AAA
.
Two new species of Neocosmospora from China
Authors: ZENG ZHAO-QING , ZHUANG WEN-YING
Published: September 2017

Recent collections of nectriaceous fungi from Hunan Province and Tibet Autonomous Region were examined. Using combined analyses of morphology and molecular data, Neocosmospora bomiensis and N. hengyangensis are described and illustrated as new species. Neocosmospora bomiensis can be easily recognized by commonly non-stromatic perithecia that are superficial, solitary, subglobose to globose or pyriform and becoming lateral collapsed when dry; clavate asci with eight ascospores that are ellipsoidal, uniseptate, hyaline, and smooth; sickle-shaped, slightly curved macroconidia with (3–)5–6-septate. Neocosmospora hengyangensis is characterized by non-stromatic perithecia that are solitary to gregarious, subglobose to globose, becoming laterally collapsed upon drying; clavate asci with eight ascospores that are ellipsoidal to subfusiform, uniseptate, and have a smooth surface; sickle-shaped, 4–6-septate macroconidia that are slightly curved; and allantoid to rod-shaped, aseptate microconidia. Their morphological distinctions from and phylogenetic relationships with the close relatives are discussed.
Taxonomy of 'Euconnus complex'. Part XIV. Diarthroconnus is removed from synonymy with Psomophus and placed as a junior synonym of Euconnus s. str. (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Scydmaeninae)
Authors: JAŁOSZYŃSKI PAWEŁ
Published: September 2017

Diarthroconnus Ganglbauer, a subgenus of Euconnus Thomson, was proposed 117 years ago to accommodate one bizarre European species, E. birnbacheri Ganglbauer. Nine-segmented antennae with club composed of two terminal antennomeres was the main diagnostic character of the species and subgenus. Later authors interpreted this feature as a teratological abnormality, and E. birnbacheri as a junior synonym or an infraspecific taxon of E. intrusus Schaum. This led to listing Diarthroconnus as a junior synonym of Psomophus Casey in all existing catalogs, the latter being a subgenus of Euconnus to which E. intrusus belongs. However, since Ganglbauer's publication the type series of E. birnbacheri has not been studied and all taxonomic actions were results of interpreting his original description. Two syntypes of E. birnbacheri were recently rediscovered, and it was possible to clarify the status of Diarthroconnus. Euconnus birnbacheri was identified as identical with Euconnus (s. str.) fimetarius (Chaudoir), and consequently Diarthroconnus is removed from synonymy with Psomophus and placed as a junior synonym of Euconnus s. str. A lectotype is designated for Euconnus birnbacheri.
Brazilian Pseudochironomini (Diptera: Chironomidae) Part 1. New Pseudochironomus Malloch from highlands
Authors: SHIMABUKURO ERIKA MAYUMI , PEPINELLI MATEUS , TRIVINHO-STRIXINO SUSANA
Published: September 2017

Four new species of Pseudochironomus Malloch were recorded in Brazilian highlands, three from Atlantic forest and one from Amazon Forest. Adult males and immature stages of Pseudochironomus ruah sp. n., P. jordensis sp. n. and adult males of P. mocidade sp. n., P. surianae sp. n. are described and illustrated. Adult males and females of P. ruah sp. n. were associated using DNA barcodes along with a NJ tree for all Pseudochironomini barcoding sequences publicly available. An emendation to generic diagnoses is provided, once it is the first time that thoracic acrostichals have been described for Pseudochironomus species.
Consistently Estimating Internal Climate Variability from Climate Model Simulations
Authors: Olonscheck Dirk , Notz Dirk
Published: September 2017

This paper introduces and applies a new method to consistently estimate internal climate variability for all models within a multimodel ensemble. The method regresses each model’s estimate of internal variability from the preindustrial control simulation on the variability derived from a model’s ensemble simulations, thus providing practical evidence of the quasi-ergodic assumption. The method allows one to test in a multimodel consensus view how the internal variability of a variable changes for different forcing scenarios. Applying the method to the CMIP5 model ensemble shows that the internal variability of global-mean surface air temperature remains largely unchanged for historical simulations and might decrease for future simulations with a large CO2forcing. Regionally, the projected changes reveal likely increases in temperature variability in the tropics, subtropics, and polar regions, and extremely likely decreases in midlatitudes. Applying the method to sea ice volume and area shows that their respective internal variability likely or extremely likely decreases proportionally to their mean state, except for Arctic sea ice area, which shows no consistent change across models. For the evaluation of CMIP5 simulations of Arctic and Antarctic sea ice, the method confirms that internal variability can explain most of the models’ deviation from observed trends but often not the models’ deviation from the observed mean states. The new method benefits from a large number of models and long preindustrial control simulations, but it requires only a small number of ensemble simulations. The method allows for consistent consideration of internal variability in multimodel studies and thus fosters understanding of the role of internal variability in a changing climate.
Climate- and Environment-Induced Intervillage Migration in Southwestern Burkina Faso, West Africa
Authors: Sanfo Safiétou , Fonta William M. , Diasso Ulrich J. , Nikiéma Michel P. , Lamers John P. A. , Tondoh Jerôme E.
Published: September 2017

This study investigated key environmental factors causing intervillage migration by farmers. Therefore, it used household data from surveys, semistructured interviews, life histories, and focus group discussions in southwestern Burkina Faso, West Africa. The results showed that 1) when referring to the experienced historical weather and climate, farmers were aware of the effects of ongoing climate and environmental change; 2) soil degradation, land tenure insecurity, and lack of rainfall were major drivers of environment-induced migration; and 3) soil fertility, productivity, rainfall, and humidity, as well as land tenure security, were major pull factors. Farmers indirectly identified population pressure as a major driver of intervillage migration since it contributes to land degradation and land tenure insecurity. It is argued that migration implicitly adds to the natural climate and environmental stresses. When aiming to elaborate suitable land-use planning, the findings call for additional research that is needed to understand better the complex interrelationships between environmental drivers and permanent, environment-driven intervillage migration.
Data Processing Algorithm for Diagnostics of Combustion Using Diode Laser Absorption Spectrometry
Authors: Mironenko Vladimir R. , Kuritsyn Yuril A. , Liger Vladimir V. , Bolshov Mikhail A.
Published: September 2017

A new algorithm for the evaluation of the integral line intensity for inferring the correct value for the temperature of a hot zone in the diagnostic of combustion by absorption spectroscopy with diode lasers is proposed. The algorithm is based not on the fitting of the baseline (BL) but on the expansion of the experimental and simulated spectra in a series of orthogonal polynomials, subtracting of the first three components of the expansion from both the experimental and simulated spectra, and fitting the spectra thus modified. The algorithm is tested in the numerical experiment by the simulation of the absorption spectra using a spectroscopic database, the addition of white noise, and the parabolic BL. Such constructed absorption spectra are treated as experimental in further calculations. The theoretical absorption spectra were simulated with the parameters (temperature, total pressure, concentration of water vapor) close to the parameters used for simulation of the experimental data. Then, spectra were expanded in the series of orthogonal polynomials and first components were subtracted from both spectra. The value of the correct integral line intensities and hence the correct temperature evaluation were obtained by fitting of the thus modified experimental and simulated spectra. The dependence of the mean and standard deviation of the evaluation of the integral line intensity on the linewidth and the number of subtracted components (first two or three) were examined. The proposed algorithm provides a correct estimation of temperature with standard deviation better than 60 K (for T = 1000 K) for the line half-width up to 0.6 cm−1. The proposed algorithm allows for obtaining the parameters of a hot zone without the fitting of usually unknown BL.
Mental health risks and stressors faced by urban refugees: Perceived impacts of war and community adversities among Somali refugees in Nairobi
Authors: Im Hyojin , Ferguson Aidan B , Warsame Abdilkadir H , Isse Maimuna M
Published: September 2017

Background:

There is a gap in understanding of refugee mental health risks unique to urban areas of low-income countries.

Material:

A qualitative rapid appraisal using focus group interviews with community stakeholders explored main stressors pervasive by Somali refugees in Nairobi, Kenya.

Discussion:

This study identified the intersection of war trauma and daily stressors that affect both functional and structural challenges and risk of mental health issues among Somali urban refugees.

Conclusion:

Findings underscore the importance of understanding mental health in the broader context of community adversities, suggesting development of contextually informed interventions responsive to complex needs of urban refugees.
Understanding Student Drinking Patterns
Authors: Winkeljohn Black Stephanie , Pössel Patrick , Dietz Alyssa
Published: September 2017

This study ( N = 202; mean age = 19.52 years, SD = 1.36 years; 66.5% female) analyzed three structural equation models to determine whether ruminative brooding and negative affect, moderated by shame proneness, explained college student drinking behaviors more than a model without shame proneness. Results indicated a model including shame proneness fit the data best; however, the moderated variables were not significantly associated with other variables in the retained model. Results are discussed alongside clinical recommendations within a university counseling center framework.
Group Freedom: A Social Mechanism Account
Authors: Hindriks Frank
Published: September 2017

Many existing defenses of group rights seem to rely on the notion of group freedom. To date, however, no adequate analysis of this notion has been offered. Group freedom is best understood in terms of processes of social categorization that are embedded in social mechanisms. Such processes often give rise to group-specific constraints and enablements. On the proposed social mechanism account, group rights are demands for group freedom. Even so, group rights often serve to eradicate individual unfreedom. Furthermore, generic measures sometimes provide the most appropriate solution to a problem of group unfreedom.
The effects of phonological skills and vocabulary on morphophonological processing
Authors: Boersma Tiffany , Baker Anne , Rispens Judith , Weerman Fred
Published: September 2017

Morphophonological processing involves the phonological analysis of morphemes. Item-specific phonological characteristics have been shown to influence morphophonological skills in children. This study investigates the relative contributions of broad phonological skills and vocabulary to production and judgement accuracies of the Dutch past tense and diminutive, two morphophonological processes. Typically developing children (age 5;0–10;0, N = 114) were asked to produce and judge real and nonce diminutives and regular past tenses. Phonological processing skills were measured using a phonological awareness, digit span and nonword repetition task; vocabulary using the PPVT. Phonological skills and vocabulary contributed significantly to the production and judgement of the past tense and diminutive. The results underline the relation between phonological skills and the lexicon and the processing of morphophonology. These findings go further than showing the importance of the item-specific phonological context of the stem and suffix: they indicate that more general skills in the domain of phonology and vocabulary are involved.
Spatial Optimization for Land-use Allocation
Authors: Yao Jing , Zhang Xiaoxiang , Murray Alan T.
Published: September 2017

Land-use allocation has long been an important area of research in regional science. Land-use patterns are fundamental to the functions of the biosphere, creating interactions that have substantial impacts on the environment. The spatial arrangement of land uses therefore has implications for activity and travel within a region. Balancing development, economic growth, social interaction, and the protection of the natural environment is at the heart of long-term sustainability. Since land-use patterns are spatially explicit in nature, planning and management necessarily must integrate geographical information system and spatial optimization in meaningful ways if efficiency goals and objectives are to be achieved. This article reviews spatial optimization approaches that have been relied upon to support land-use planning. Characteristics of sustainable land use, particularly compactness, contiguity, and compatibility, are discussed and how spatial optimization techniques have addressed these characteristics are detailed. In particular, objectives and constraints in spatial optimization approaches are examined.
Introducing a Fragmentation Perspective on Coordination in Crisis Management
Authors: Wolbers Jeroen , Boersma Kees , Groenewegen Peter
Published: September 2017

Coordination theories are characterized primarily by a focus on integration, in which coordination is aimed at achieving a coherent and unified set of actions. However, in the extreme settings in which fast-response organizations operate, achieving integration is often challenging. In this study we employ a fragmentation perspective to show that dealing with ambiguity and discontinuity is not only inevitable for these organizations, it is a key characteristic of coordinating. We undertook an inductive, qualitative field study on how officers in command from the fire department, medical services, and police coordinate during emergency response operations. Our data are based on a four-year multi-site field study of 40 emergency management exercises in the Netherlands, combined with 56 retrospective interviews. Our inductive analysis of this data shows that officers use three coordination practices to deal with ambiguity and discontinuity: working around procedures, delegating tasks, and demarcating expertise. We theorize our findings by showing how these practices lead to conditions in which fragmentation can become an effective method of coordination. In doing so, we provide a more complete understanding of the process of coordinating in fast-response settings that will benefit both crisis management practice and organizational theory.