bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Young Adults and the (Non‐)Formation of Voting Habits – Evidence from Norwegian First‐time Eligible Citizens
Authors: Hernæs Øystein M.
Published: June 2019

This article exploits variation in age among first‐time eligible citizens in Norwegian elections that arises through voting eligibility rules and two‐year election cycles to investigate voting habits. I find that obtaining the right to vote at a lower age is associated with substantially higher turnout among first‐time eligible citizens, however, this difference in political participation does not persist for subsequent elections. Building on the established literature on the habitual nature of voting, the results show that getting young citizens to vote once is not sufficient to create a habit of voting, and suggest that how the voting decision is made matter for the habit formation process.
Effectiveness of spontaneous ovulation as monitored by urinary luteinising hormone versus induced ovulation by administration of human chorionic gonadotrophin in couples undergoing gonadotrophin‐stimulated intrauterine insemination: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Thomas S , Sebastian T , Karthikeyan M , Mangalaraj AM , Aleyamma TK , Kamath MS
Published: June 2019

Objective

To compare effectiveness of spontaneous ovulation monitored by urinary luteinising hormone (LH) versus induced ovulation by administration of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) in couples undergoing gonadotrophin‐stimulated intrauterine insemination (IUI).

Design

Randomised controlled trial.

Setting

University‐level infertility unit.

Population

Couples with unexplained infertility, mild endometriosis, mild male factor infertility and polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Methods

Couples were randomised to an LH group (Group A), in which urinary LH was measured daily to detect spontaneous ovulation, or an hCG group (Group B), in which urinary hCG was administered as a trigger.

Main outcome measures

Clinical pregnancy rate. Secondary outcomes – ongoing pregnancy, live birth, multiple pregnancy and miscarriage rates.

Results

A total of 392 couples were randomised with 196 in each arm. The clinical pregnancy rate per woman randomised was 14/196 (7.1%) in the LH arm versus 15/196 (7.6%) in the hCG arm (P = 0.847, which was not statistically significant). Similarly, the ongoing pregnancy rates [13/196 (6.6%) versus 14/196 (7.1%); P = 0.84] and the live birth rates [13/196 (6.6%) versus 14/196 (7.1%); P = 0.84] between the two groups did not show any significant difference. The duration of stimulation and gonadotrophin dosage also did not differ significantly between the two methods.

Conclusion

There was no significant difference in clinical pregnancy rates when urinary LH and hCG trigger were compared as methods to time insemination in women undergoing gonadotropin‐stimulated IUI.

Tweetable abstract

A randomised controlled study showing similar effectiveness between two different methods of timing IUI.
Gaseous pollutant exposure affects semen quality in central China: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Wang X. , Tian X. , Ye B. , Zhang Y. , Li C. , Liao J. , Zou Y. , Zhang S. , Zhu Y. , Yang J. , Ma L.
Published: June 2019

Background

Limited studies have explored the association between gaseous pollutant exposures and male reproductive outcomes, and findings remained inconsistent.

Objectives

To evaluate the potential association  between gaseous pollutants and semen quality within different exposure windows.

Materials and Methods

We adopted semen quality data of 1852 subjects who attended the Reproductive Medicine Center of Renmin Hospital at Wuhan University during January 1st, 2013, to August 3rd, 2015. A generalized linear model was employed to assess the relationship between each exposure variable and sperm parameters in different exposure windows.

Results

SO2 exposure with lag 0–90 days was significantly associated with decreased sperm concentration (β: −1.362; 95% CI: −1.844, −0.879), sperm count (β: −2.979; 95% CI: −4.267, −1.691), and PR (β: −0.551; 95% CI: −0.710, −0.393). Similar trends were observed for SO2 exposure with three other key periods (lag 0–9, 10–14, and 70–90 days). NO2 exposure with lag 0–90 days was also associated with decreased sperm concentration (β: −0.517; 95% CI: −1.006, −0.027), sperm count (β: −1.914; 95% CI: −3.214, −0.615), and PR (β: −0.264; 95% CI: −0.425, −0.102). No relationship between gaseous pollutant exposure and ejaculate volume was observed in any exposure window.

Discussion and Conclusion

Our study indicated a strong adverse effect of gaseous pollutants on semen quality outcomes during the sperm development. Gaseous pollution exposure appeared to be more detrimental in the initial phase of spermatogenesis.
Rapid decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate is common in adults with sickle cell disease and associated with increased mortality
Authors: Derebail Vimal K. , Zhou Qingning , Ciccone Emily J. , Cai Jianwen , Ataga Kenneth I.
Published: June 2019

We evaluated the prevalence of rapid decline in kidney function, its potential risk factors and influence upon mortality in sickle cell disease (SCD) in a retrospective single‐center study. Rapid decline of kidney function was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) loss of >3·0 ml/min/1·73 m2 per year. A multivariable logistic regression model for rapid eGFR decline was constructed after evaluating individual covariates. We constructed multivariate Cox‐regression models for rapid eGFR decline and mortality. Among 331 SCD patients (median age 29 years [interquartile range, IQR: 20, 41]; 187 [56·5%] female) followed for median 4·01 years (IQR: 1·66, 7·19), rapid eGFR decline was noted in 103 (31·1%). History of stroke (odds ratio [OR]: 2·91, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1·25–6·77) and use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (OR: 3·17, 95% CI: 1·28–7·84) were associated with rapid eGFR decline. The rate of eGFR change over time was associated with mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 0·99, 95% CI: 0·984–0·995, P = 0·0002). In Cox‐regression, rapid eGFR decline associated with mortality (HR: 2·07, 95% CI: 1·039–4·138, P = 0·04) adjusting for age, sex and history of stroke. Rapid eGFR decline is common in SCD and associated with increased mortality. Long‐term studies are needed to determine whether attenuating loss of kidney function may decrease mortality in SCD.
The hidden costs of employee drinking: A quantitative analysis
Authors: Sullivan Trudy , Edgar Fiona , McAndrew Ian
Published: June 2019

Introduction and Aims

Alcohol use impacts workplace productivity in terms of absence and reduced performance by employees. This study's aims were to estimate the cost of lost productivity associated with alcohol use in New Zealand and to describe and quantify its impact on employers.

Design and Methods

An online survey was completed by 800 New Zealand employees and 227 employers across a range of industries. The costs of lost productivity directly attributable to alcohol use were estimated using days off work (absenteeism), lost hours of productive time while at work (presenteeism) and hours spent by employers dealing with alcohol‐related issues. Ordinal logistic regression was used to explore the association between employee characteristics and reduced workplace productivity associated with alcohol consumption.

Results

The estimated annual average cost of lost productivity per employee was NZ$1097.71 (NZ$209.62 absenteeism, NZ$888.09 presenteeism) and NZ$134.62 per employer. At a population level this equates to approximately NZ$1.65 billion per year. The significant predictors of reduced workplace performance were being younger (less than 25 years), male, having a stressful job and drinking more than the recommended standard number of drinks per session.

Discussion and Conclusions

Considering absenteeism costs alone will substantially underestimate the total productivity loss associated with alcohol use. Designing and effectively targeting a set of multifaceted policies to engineer change at both the workplace and societal levels will assist in reducing the costs of lost productivity.
Left ventricular vortex formation in preterm infants assessed by blood speckle imaging
Authors: de Waal Koert , Crendal Edward , Boyle Andrew
Published: June 2019

Background

A vortex is a rotational fluid structure formed by shearing of fluid layers. It forms during diastole in the left ventricle (LV) and helps redirect flow to the LV outflow tract for ejection, optimizing energy conservation. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of detecting and analyzing LV vortices using a new ultrasound technique known as blood speckle imaging (BSI).

Methods

Conventional and BSI parameters were acquired in preterm infants referred for echocardiography. BSI feasibility and reliability were explored using highest frequency settings and optimized Nyquist limits. Vortex area was determined by tracing the outer vortex ring at maximum area. Peak vortex formation time (PVFT) was determined at time of maximum vortex area relative to the R‐wave, and vortex duration from frame‐by‐frame analysis of first appearance to vortex degradation.

Results

Left ventricle vortices were detected in 49 of the 50 preterm infants (weight 500–2020 g) with excellent intra‐ and inter‐observer reliability. Mean vortex area indexed to LV area was 0.19 (0.08). Peak vortex formation time was at 87 (7)% of the cardiac cycle, and vortex duration lasted 13 (4)% of the cardiac cycle. Vortex area correlated positively with LV length, end‐diastolic dimension, end‐diastolic volume, mitral annular (R +0.42, +0.50, +0.47, +0.50, all P < 0.01), and transmitral Vti (R +0.37, P < 0.01). PVFT correlated negatively with E, EA, and Ee’ (R −0.42, −0.47, −0.47, all P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Left ventricle vortex formation can be analyzed with two‐dimensional BSI and has the potential to complement existing parameters of cardiac health.
A case of prosthetic aortic valve dehiscence due to infective endocarditis without paravalvular regurgitation
Authors: Buggey Jonathan , Hoit Brian D.
Published: June 2019

Aortic prosthetic valve endocarditis is often a challenging disease process that carries high morbidity and mortality. Echocardiography is widely used to identify infected valves and associated complications. One major complication of an infection involving the aortic annulus is dehiscence of the prosthetic valve from the aortic root and is usually associated with paravalvular regurgitation. Here, we present a rare case of complete prosthetic valve dehiscence without paravalvular regurgitation on transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography.
The dilemma to diagnose Wilson disease by genetic testing alone
Authors: Stättermayer Albert Friedrich , Entenmann Andreas , Gschwantler Michael , Zoller Heinz , Hofer Harald , Ferenci Peter
Published: June 2019

Background

Wilson disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive disorder of hepatic copper excretion. About sixty per cent of patients present with liver disease. WD is considered a fatal disease if undiagnosed and/or untreated but recent data indicate that disease penetrance may not be 100%.

Materials and Methods

All patients underwent liver biopsy as part of the diagnostic workup. Genetic testing for ATP7B was performed by Sanger sequencing.

Results

We report on a large family with multiple affected siblings. The first patient (male, 31 years) underwent orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) because of fulminant WD. He was homozygous for p.G710A. One asymptomatic brother (37 years) had the same mutation. He is doing well on chelation therapy. Fifteen years later, a second‐degree sibling (female, 16 years) presented with fulminant WD and underwent OLT. She was compound heterozygote (p.G710A/p.G710S). Further family screening revealed a third mutation (p.V536A) in a female (21 years) and male (16 years) compound‐heterozygote sibling (p.G710A/p.V536A). In both, serum ceruloplasmin and 24‐hour urinary copper excretion were normal. Liver biopsy showed normal histology and a quantitative hepatic copper content within the normal range or only slightly elevated (19 and 75 μg/g dry weight, respectively). No decoppering treatment was initiated so far.

Conclusion

Genetic testing alone is not always sufficient to diagnose WD in asymptomatic patients, and human mutation databases should be used with caution. Even patients carrying two disease‐causing mutations do not necessarily have demonstrable alteration of copper metabolism. Asymptomatic siblings diagnosed by genetic screening require further testing before initiating treatment.
Not berry hungry? Discovering the hidden food sources of a small fruit specialist, Drosophila suzukii
Authors: Stockton Dara G. , Brown Rachael , Loeb Gregory M.
Published: June 2019

1. Although polyphagy is widespread among Drosophila, some specialist species have evolved in response to resource competition and other selection factors favouring niche separation. The small fruit specialist Drosophila suzukii Matsumura has evolved a unique serrated ovipositor that allows it to access ripening fruit, a niche unavailable to most Drosophila. However, it is unclear whether ancestral traits (the use of non‐fruit resources) are maintained in this specialist species.

2. In this study, maternal preferences and offspring fitness in response to novel apple, mushroom, and bird manure‐based diets were investigated by comparing oviposition and offspring survival and development on various diets. The effect of those diets on survival at cool temperatures and the effect of natal environment/previous exposure on adult preferences were evaluated.

3. Female D. suzukii accepted non‐fruit diets such as mushroom and bird manure, and offspring completed their larval development on all diets tested. However, D. suzukii did not perform well on diets that included bird manure. By contrast, combinational apple/mushroom diets were associated with greater oviposition, lower mortality, faster development, and larger offspring than other diets. These diets were also associated with increased resistance to cold stress, and preference for these diets was positively affected by previous feeding experience.

4. These data suggest that D. suzukii may use non‐fruit resources when preferred resources are scarce. Given that this pest is adapted to temperate climates, alternative resources might provide seasonal nutritional support when fruit resources are not temporally available, although field data are needed to support this hypothesis.
Integrative analysis of rare copy number variants and gene expression data in alopecia areata implicates an aetiological role for autophagy
Authors: Petukhova Lynn , Patel Aakash V. , Rigo Rachel K. , Bian Li , Verbitsky Miguel , Sanna‐Cherchi Simone , Erjavec Stephanie O. , Abdelaziz Alexa R. , Cerise Jane E. , Jabbari Ali , Christiano Angela M.
Published: June 2019

Alopecia areata (AA) is a highly prevalent autoimmune disease that attacks the hair follicle and leads to hair loss that can range from small patches to complete loss of scalp and body hair. Our previous linkage and genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) generated strong evidence for aetiological contributions from inherited genetic variants at different population frequencies, including both rare mutations and common polymorphisms. Additionally, we conducted gene expression (GE) studies on scalp biopsies of 96 patients and controls to establish signatures of active disease. In this study, we performed an integrative analysis on these two datasets to test the hypothesis that rare CNVs in patients with AA could be leveraged to identify drivers of disease in our AA GE signatures. We analysed copy number variants (CNVs) in a case‐control cohort of 673 patients with AA and 16 311 controls independent of the case‐control cohort of 96 research participants used in our GE study. Using an integrative computational analysis, we identified 14 genes whose expression levels were altered by CNVs in a consistent direction of effect, corresponding to gene expression changes in lesional skin of patients. Four of these genes were affected by CNVs in three or more unrelated patients with AA, including ATG4B and SMARCA2, which are involved in autophagy and chromatin remodelling, respectively. Our findings identified new classes of genes with potential contributions to AA pathogenesis.
Enhancing instructor candidate oral proficiency through interdepartmental collaboration
Authors: Kissau Scott , J. Davin Kristin , Wang Chuang
Published: June 2019

National trends indicate that approximately half of world language instructor candidates in the United States struggle to meet the benchmark oral proficiency standard established by ACTFL (Kissau, 2014; Swender, 2003) and measured by the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI). Given the critical instructor shortage, more needs to be done to help aspiring world language instructors to successfully complete this gatekeeper assessment. To help world language instructors develop the strong oral communication skills they need to successfully complete the OPI, an online, proficiency‐based interdepartmental course was designed to enhance the oral communication skills of nonnative speakers of Spanish, many of whom were aspiring K–12 Spanish instructors. Interview and OPI data suggested that the course succeeded in enhancing students’ oral proficiency when communicating in Spanish. The study presents a collaborative model demonstrating how education and language and literature faculty can work together to better prepare the next generation of world language instructors.
Cumulative selectivity benefits of increasing mesh size and using escape gaps in Australian Portunus armatus traps
Authors: Broadhurst Matt K. , Smith Timothy M. , Millar Russell B. , Hughes Brian , Raoult Vincent , Gaston Troy F.
Published: June 2019

The individual and cumulative effects of increasing mesh size (from 56‐ to 75‐mm stretched mesh opening) and installing three escape gaps (36 × 120 mm) in collapsible‐netted round traps were assessed to address concerns associated with excessive discarding in an Australian portunid fishery. Compared to conventional traps comprising 56‐mm mesh throughout, those with the same mesh size and escape gaps caught significantly fewer (by 54%) undersized blue swimmer crabs, Portunus armatus Milne‐Edwards and yellowfin bream, Acanthopagrus australis Günther (by 64%). Irrespective of escape gaps, simply increasing the mesh size to 75 mm did not significantly affect catches of undersized P. armatus, although 87% fewer A. australis were retained. Traps with both 75‐mm mesh and escape gaps maintained reductions of A. australis, but had a clear cumulative effect on P. armatus selection, retaining 84% fewer undersized individuals across a larger size at retention. The results support using escape gaps in existing conventional traps, but illustrate the need to configure the minimum legal mesh size to approach the desired target size of P. armatus as a precursor to maximising trap selectivity. Larger‐meshed traps also require less material (i.e. plastic), which benefits their manufacture and, equally importantly, reduces environmental costs when lost.
A historiography of black feminist activism
Authors: Chapman Erin D.
Published: June 2019

This article analyzes published histories of black feminist activism. Beginning with the publication of Nell Irvin Painter's historical biography of Sojourner Truth in 1996, the article traces the development of a subfield of history focused specifically on black feminist activists and efforts within the United States. The article focuses on histories that recover black women's engagement in work and organizations that explicitly and simultaneously challenged racism and sexism. The majority of the historiography focuses on the mid‐20th century and follows black women engaged in the civil rights, women's liberation, and/or black power movements. Many of the histories ground black feminism's origins in the Communist Party of the United States of America.
Insomnia and other sleep complaints in inflammatory versus noninflammatory skin disorders: An observational case‐control study
Authors: Mostaghimi Ladan , Hetzel Scott
Published: June 2019

Background

Sleep problems are common in patients with dermatologic disorders. However, it is unknown whether inflammatory skin disorders are associated with more sleep problems than noninflammatory skin disorders.

Purpose

To determine whether sleep problems occur more frequently in people with inflammatory skin disorders compared to noninflammatory skin disorders.

Study design

Observational case‐control study.

Methods

Patients with inflammatory skin disorders (psoriasis [n = 17] and chronic eczema [n = 30]) and noninflammatory skin disorders (nonmelanoma skin cancers [NMSC] [n = 31]) were enrolled. Data collection occurred during a single visit. Statistical analysis of questionnaire results between groups utilized inverse propensity score weighted (IPSW) ANOVA and logistic regression models.

Results

Groups differed in mean (SD) age (P < 0.001) and itch severity (P < 0.001). Based on IPSW ANOVA models, the inflammatory group had significantly higher fatigue scores (mean [95% CI]; 32.0 [28.4–35.5]) than the noninflammatory group (25.5 [21.6–29.3]; P = 0.017). The inflammatory group odds of insomnia were significantly greater based on two definitions of insomnia, ISI ≥ 15 and PSSQ‐I, with odds ratios (95% CI) of 14.4 (2.16–525) and 4.82 (1.45–20.7), respectively. These results were consistent in comparisons between the three groups, with no difference between psoriasis and chronic eczema, but with chronic eczema, significantly more were affected than NMSC.

Conclusions

Patients with inflammatory skin disorders report significantly more fatigue and have higher odds of insomnia compared to patients with noninflammatory skin cancers.
Reactive flash sintering of powders of four constituents into a single phase of a complex oxide in a few seconds below 700°C
Authors: Avila Viviana , Raj Rishi
Published: June 2019

Recent work on reactive flash sintering of powders of two oxides, bismuth and of iron oxide, into pure single phase bismuth ferrite, which was accomplished in a few seconds at low furnace temperatures, is expanded to four constituents, alumina, lithia, zirconia, and lanthana, to produce reasonably dense polycrystals of a predominantly single phase, cubic LLZO(Al). Transformation and sintering occur concurrently at a furnace temperature near 700°C, in ambient atmosphere, in just a few seconds. The process may simplify the preparation of complex ceramics with new chemistries and dopants, which are predicted from ab intio calculations to have special attributes, not only because the powders sinter quickly at low temperatures, but also because the need for stoichiometric powders as starting materials is obviated.
Testing species assemblage predictions from stacked and joint species distribution models
Authors: Zurell Damaris , Zimmermann Niklaus E. , Gross Helge , Baltensweiler Andri , Sattler Thomas , Wüest Rafael O.
Published: June 2019

Aim

Predicting the spatial distribution of species assemblages remains an important challenge in biogeography. Recently, it has been proposed to extend correlative species distribution models (SDMs) by taking into account (a) covariance between species occurrences in so‐called joint species distribution models (JSDMs) and (b) ecological assembly rules within the SESAM (spatially explicit species assemblage modelling) framework. Yet, little guidance exists on how these approaches could be combined. We, thus, aim to compare the accuracy of assemblage predictions derived from stacked and from joint SDMs.

Location

Switzerland.

Taxon

Birds, tree species.

Methods

Based on two monitoring schemes (national forest inventory and Swiss breeding bird atlas), we built SDMs and JSDMs for tree species (at 100 m resolution) and forest birds (at 1 km resolution). We tested accuracy of species assemblage and richness predictions on holdout data using different stacking procedures and ecological assembly rules.

Results

Despite minor differences, results were consistent between birds and tree species. Cross‐validated species‐level model performance was generally higher in SDMs than JSDMs. Differences in species richness and assemblage predictions were larger between stacking procedures and ecological assembly rules than between stacked SDMs and JSDMs. On average, predictions were slightly better for stacked SDMs compared to JSDMs, probabilistic stacks outperformed binary stacks, and ecological assembly rules yielded best predictions.

Main conclusions

When predicting the composition of species assemblages, the choice of stacking procedure and ecological assembly rule seems more decisive than differences in underlying model type (SDM vs. JSDM). JSDMs do not seem to improve community predictions compared to SDMs or improve predictions for rare species. Still, JSDMs may provide additional insights into community assembly and may help deriving hypotheses about prevailing biotic interactions in the system. We provide simple rules of thumb for choosing appropriate modelling pathways. Future studies should test these preliminary guidelines for other taxa and biogeographical realms as well as for other JSDM algorithms.
Long‐term BP control and vascular health in patients with hyperaldosteronism treated with low‐dose, amiloride‐based therapy
Authors: Izzo Joseph L. , Hong Michael , Hussain Tanveer , Osmond Peter J.
Published: June 2019

Whether aldosterone itself contributes directly to macro‐ or microcirculatory disease in man or to adverse cardiovascular outcomes is not fully known. We report our long‐term single‐practice experience in 5 patients with chronic hyperaldosteronism (HA, including 3 with glucocorticoid remediable aldosteronism, GRA) treated with low‐dose amiloride (a specific epithelial sodium channel [ENaC] blocker) 5‐10 (mean 7) mg daily for 14‐28 (mean 20) years. Except for 1 GRA diagnosed in infancy, all had severe resistant hypertension. In each case, BP was normal or near‐normal within 1‐4 weeks after starting amiloride and office BP’s were well controlled for 20 years thereafter. Vascular studies and 24‐hour ambulatory BP monitoring with pulse wave analysis (cardiac output, vascular resistance, augmentation index, and reflection magnitude) were assessed after a mean of 18 years as were regional pulse wave velocities, pulse stiffening ratio, ankle‐brachial index, serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and spot urinary albumin:creatinine ratio. All indicators were completely normal in all patients after 18 years of amiloride, and none had a cardiovascular event during the 20‐year mean follow‐up. We conclude that long‐term ENaC blockade can normalize BP and protect macro‐ and microvascular function in patients with HA. This suggests that (a) any vasculopathic effects of aldosterone are mediated via ENaC, not MR activation itself, and are fully preventable or reversible with ENaC blockade or (b) aldosterone may not play a major BP‐independent role in human macro‐ and microcirculatory diseases. These and other widely divergent results in the literature underscore the need for additional studies regarding aldosterone, ENaC, and vascular disease.
Determination of optimal on‐treatment diastolic blood pressure range using automated measurements in subjects with cardiovascular disease—Analysis of a SPRINT trial subpopulation
Authors: Sobieraj Piotr , Lewandowski Jacek , Siński Maciej , Gaciong Zbigniew
Published: June 2019

Automated office blood pressure measurement (AOBPM) is recommended for diagnosing hypertension; however, optimal treatment targets using this method are not established. Discrepancies between automated and office measurements of blood pressure have been described, producing uncertainty regarding the use of AOBPM in clinical practice. The Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) results improved our understanding of target AOBPM systolic blood pressure (SBP) levels; however, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) targets remain unknown. Therefore, we sought to determine the optimal on‐treatment DBP range. The analysis was performed on the participants of the SPRINT trial who had hypertension and prior cardiovascular disease. We analyzed the data of 1470 participants (mean age 70.3 ± 9.3 years, 24.1% female) selected from the SPRINT trial database of National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. The mean achieved SBP and DBP were 127.9 ± 10.7 and 68.3 ± 9.4 mm Hg, respectively. Most of the participants (57.4%) had a DBP lower than 70 mm Hg, while only 11.7% had DPB ≥80 mm Hg. Clinical composite endpoint was defined as myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome not resulting in myocardial infarction, stroke, acute decompensated heart failure or death from cardiovascular causes. There were 159 (10.8%) clinical endpoint events. The participants with on‐treatment AOBPM DBP range of 68.6‐78.6 mm Hg showed the lowest hazard risk of a clinical composite endpoint. These results correspond to the office DBP range of 70‐80 mm Hg recommended in ESC guidelines. This is the first attempt to determine the range of optimal DBP values using population‐based AOBPM in patients with prior cardiovascular disease.
Distribution, degree of damage and risk of spread of Trioza erytreae (Hemiptera: Triozidae) in Kenya
Authors: Aidoo Owusu Fordjour , Tanga Chrysantus Mbi , Mohamed Samira Abuelgasim , Rasowo Brenda Amondi , Khamis Fathiya Mbarak , Rwomushana Ivan , Kimani Jackson , Agyakwa Akua Konadu , Daisy Salifu , Sétamou Mamoudou , Ekesi Sunday , Borgemeister Christian
Published: June 2019

The African citrus triozid (ACT), Trioza erytreae Del Guercio, is a destructive pest particularly on citrus, and vectors, “Candidatus” Liberibacter africanus (CLaf), which is the causal agent of the African citrus greening disease. Our study seeks to establish the distribution and host‐plant relationship of ACT across citrus production areas in Kenya. We also modelled the risk of spread using the maximum entropy modelling algorithm with known occurrence data. Our results infer that ACT is widely distributed and causes severe damage to four alternative host plants belonging to the family Rutaceae. The adults, immature stages (eggs and nymphs), galls and the percentage of infested leaves were significantly higher in shaded than unshaded trees. However, adult ACTs preferred Kenyan highlands to Victoria Lake and coastal regions. The average area under the curve of the model predictions was 0.97, indicating an optimal model performance. The environmental variables that most influenced the prediction were the precipitation of wettest quarter, precipitation of wettest month, mean diurnal range, temperature seasonality and mean temperature of the coldest quarter. The current prediction of ACT exceeded its existing range, especially in the Western, Nyanza, Central, Rift valley and Eastern regions of Kenya. The model predicted a contraction of suitable habitats for a potential spread in 2040 with an inland shift to higher altitudes in the cooler regions. The potential for further expansion to climatically suitable areas was more pronounced for the 2080 forecast. These findings provide relevant information to improve monitoring/surveillance and designing IPM strategies to limit its spread and damage.
Electroreception in marine fishes: chondrichthyans
Authors: Newton Kyle C. , Gill Andrew B. , Kajiura Stephen M.
Published: June 2019

Electroreception in marine fishes occurs across a variety of taxa and is best understood in the chondrichthyans (sharks, skates, rays, and chimaeras). Here, we present an up‐to‐date review of what is known about the biology of passive electroreception and we consider how electroreceptive fishes might respond to electric and magnetic stimuli in a changing marine environment. We briefly describe the history and discovery of electroreception in marine Chondrichthyes, the current understanding of the passive mode, the morphological adaptations of receptors across phylogeny and habitat, the physiological function of the peripheral and central nervous system components, and the behaviours mediated by electroreception. Additionally, whole genome sequencing, genetic screening and molecular studies promise to yield new insights into the evolution, distribution, and function of electroreceptors across different environments. This review complements that of electroreception in freshwater fishes in this special issue, which provides a comprehensive state of knowledge regarding the evolution of electroreception. We conclude that despite our improved understanding of passive electroreception, several outstanding gaps remain which limits our full comprehension of this sensory modality. Of particular concern is how electroreceptive fishes will respond and adapt to a marine environment that is being increasingly altered by anthropogenic electric and magnetic fields.
White Matter Hyperintensities and Hippocampal Atrophy in Relation to Cognition: The 90+ Study
Authors: Legdeur Nienke , Visser Pieter Jelle , Woodworth Davis C. , Muller Majon , Fletcher Evan , Maillard Pauline , Scheltens Philip , DeCarli Charles , Kawas Claudia H. , Corrada María M.
Published: June 2019

OBJECTIVES

To study the interactive effect of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) and hippocampal atrophy on cognition in the oldest old.

DESIGN

Ongoing longitudinal study.

SETTING

In Southern California, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were conducted between May 2014 and December 2017.

PARTICIPANTS

Individuals from The 90+ Study with a valid brain MRI scan (N = 141; 94 cognitively normal and 47 with cognitive impairment).

MEASUREMENTS

Cognitive testing was performed every 6 months with a mean follow‐up of 2 years and included these tests: Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), modified MMSE (3MS), California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT) immediate recall over four trials and delayed recall, Digit Span Backward, Animal Fluency, and Trail Making Test (TMT) A, B, and C. We used one linear mixed model for each cognitive test to study the baseline and longitudinal association of WMH and hippocampal volume (HV) with cognition. Models were adjusted for age, sex, and education.

RESULTS

Mean age was 94.3 years (standard deviation [SD] = 3.2 y). At baseline, higher WMH volumes were associated with worse scores on the 3MS, CVLT immediate and delayed recall, and TMT B. Lower HVs were associated with worse baseline scores on all cognitive tests, except for the Digit Span Backward. Longitudinally, higher WMH and lower HVs were associated with faster decline in the 3MS and MMSE, and lower HV was also associated with faster decline in the CVLT immediate recall. No association was observed between WMH and HV and no interaction between WMH and HV in their association with baseline cognition or cognitive decline.

CONCLUSION

We show that WMH and hippocampal atrophy have an independent, negative effect on cognition that make these biomarkers relevant to evaluate in the diagnostic work‐up of the oldest‐old individuals with cognitive complaints. However, the predictive value of WMH for cognitive decline seems to be less evident in the oldest‐old compared with a younger group of older adults. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:1827–1834, 2019
Association of 3‐Year Multidomain Intervention and Omega‐3 Supplementation with Frailty Incidence
Authors: Guerville Florent , de Souto Barreto Philipe , Giudici Kelly Virecoulon , Rolland Yves , Vellas Bruno ,   For the MAPT/DSA Group
Published: June 2019

OBJECTIVES

To assess the associations of long‐term lifestyle multidomain intervention (MI) and omega‐3 supplementation with frailty level evolution and frailty incidence in community‐dwelling older persons.

DESIGN

Secondary analysis of the randomized controlled Multidomain Alzheimer Preventive Trial.

SETTING

Thirteen memory centers in France and Monaco between 2008 and 2011.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 1588 community‐dwelling persons aged 70 years or older with memory complaints (without dementia), slow gait speed, or limitation in one instrumental activity of daily living.

INTERVENTION

A 3‐year MI (43 group sessions including cognitive training, physical activity, and nutrition advice and three preventive consultations) plus daily omega‐3 fatty acids, MI plus placebo, omega‐3 alone, or placebo alone.

MEASUREMENTS

The frailty phenotype (unintentional weight loss, exhaustion, low physical activity, slow gait, low handgrip strength: 0 to 5 score, higher is worse; a score of 3 or higher defines frailty) was assessed at baseline, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months. We used mixed‐effect models for frailty level (0‐5 score as an ordinal variable) and Cox models for frailty incidence.

RESULTS

No differences were found between the intervention groups and placebo on the 3‐year evolution of frailty level. Among 1394 non‐frail participants at baseline, frailty incidence occurred in 134 (9.6%) persons: 26 (7.6%) in the MI plus omega‐3 group, 34 (10%) in the omega‐3 alone group, 31 (8.5%) in the MI plus placebo group, and 43 (12.3%) in the placebo‐alone group). No differences regarding frailty incidence were found between intervention groups and placebo. After exclusion of 53 participants with incident frailty during the first year of follow‐up, MI plus omega‐3 was associated with a lower frailty incidence compared with placebo (hazard ratio = .43; 95% confidence interval = .22‐.81).

CONCLUSION

In community‐dwelling older persons, the combination of a long‐term lifestyle MI and omega‐3 supplementation did not reduce frailty level or incidence. The reduction of frailty incidence associated with the combined intervention in a sensitivity analysis needs to be further confirmed.J Am Geriatr Soc 67:1700–1706, 2019
Marital Strain and Psychological Distress in Same‐Sex and Different‐Sex Couples
Authors: Garcia Michael A. , Umberson Debra
Published: June 2019

Objective: This study examines the association of marital strain—as reported by each spouse—with psychological distress and considers whether the associations vary for men and women in gay, lesbian, and heterosexual marriages.

Background: Prior studies show that marital strain is associated with psychological distress. However, most studies rely on only one spouse's perspective and do not consider how appraisals of strain from both spouses may contribute to distress. Moreover, possible gender differences in these associations have been considered only for heterosexual couples.

Method: The analyses are based on 10 days of dyadic diary data from 756 midlife U.S. men and women in 378 gay, lesbian, and heterosexual marriages. Multilevel modeling is used to examine the association of self‐ and spouse‐reported marital strain with psychological distress; actor‐partner interdependence models explore possible gender differences in these associations.

Results: Both self‐reports and spousal reports of marital strain are associated with psychological distress, with notable gender differences. The associations of self‐ and spouse‐reported marital strain with distress are stronger for women in different‐sex marriages when compared with men in same‐sex and different‐sex marriages. The association is also stronger for women in different‐sex marriages when compared with women in same‐sex marriages, but for self‐reported strain only.

Conclusion: Marital appraisals by both spouses are important for psychological well‐being and may be especially important for the well‐being of women in different‐sex marriages.
Interleukin‐13 and interleukin‐33 mRNA are underexpressed in the duodenal mucosa of German Shepherd dogs with chronic enteropathy
Authors: Kathrani Aarti , Lezcano Victor , Hall Edward J. , Jergens Albert E. , Seo Yeon‐Jung , Mochel Jonathan P. , Atherly Todd , Allenspach Karin
Published: June 2019

Background

A recent genome‐wide association study in German Shepherd dogs (GSDs) with chronic enteropathy (CE) has identified polymorphisms in the Th2 cytokine genes.

Hypothesis/objective

To determine if the expression of the Th2 cytokines, interleukin‐13 (IL‐13) and interleukin‐33 (IL‐33), is altered in the duodenal mucosa of GSDs with CE compared to non‐GSDs with CE and healthy dogs.

Animals

Twenty client‐owned dogs diagnosed with CE (10 GSDs and 10 non‐GSDs) at the Bristol Veterinary School and 8 healthy Beagle dogs from the Iowa State University Service Colony.

Methods

Retrospective study using archived paraffin‐embedded duodenal biopsy samples. A novel RNA in situ hybridization technology (RNAscope) was used to hybridize IL‐13 and IL‐33 mRNA probes onto at least 10 sections from duodenal biopsy samples for each dog. RNAscope signals were visualized using a microscope and semi‐quantitative assessment was performed by a single operator.

Results

Based on duodenal villus, subvillus, epithelial, and lamina propria average expression scores, GSDs with CE had significantly lower IL‐13 and IL‐33 mRNA expression compared to non‐GSDs with CE (IL‐13, P < .04; IL‐33, P < .02) and healthy Beagle dogs (IL‐13, P < .02; IL‐33, P < .004).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Similar to human patients with ulcerative colitis, a subtype of human inflammatory bowel disease, these data indicate that Th2 cytokines may be involved in the pathogenesis of CE in GSDs.
Lymphatic endothelial cell immunohistochemical markers for evaluation of the intestinal lymphatic vasculature in dogs with chronic inflammatory enteropathy
Authors: Jablonski Wennogle Sara A. , Priestnall Simon L. , Suárez‐Bonnet Alejandro , Soontararak Sirikul , Webb Craig B.
Published: June 2019

Background

Lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) immunohistochemical markers have identified intestinal lymphatic vasculature abnormalities in humans with inflammatory bowel disease, but have not been used to evaluate intestinal lymphatic vasculature in a group of dogs with chronic inflammatory enteropathy (CIE).

Objectives

To utilize LEC markers to identify and measure intestinal lymphatic vasculature in endoscopic biopsy samples of CIE dogs. To evaluate whether measured lymphatic vasculature variables correlate with serum albumin concentrations.

Animals

Twenty‐four dogs with CIE; n = 13, serum albumin concentration <2.5 g/dL (CIE‐protein‐losing enteropathy [PLE]), n = 11, serum albumin concentration ≥2.5 g/dL (CIE‐N).

Methods

Prospective study. Lymphatic endothelial cell immunolabeling with Prox‐1 and LYVE‐1 performed on endoscopic biopsy samples from 24 dogs with CIE. Duodenal and ileal villous lacteal width (VLW) and proprial mucosal lacteal width (MLW) were determined for each case and analyzed for correlation with serum albumin concentration. Lacteal dilatation scores using routine H&E histopathology were assessed for correlation with immunohistochemistry (IHC)‐calculated VLW and MLW.

Results

Lower serum albumin concentrations were correlated with increased VLW (rho = −.4644; P = .02) and MLW (rho = −.6514; P < .001) in the ileum. Lymphatic endothelial cell IHC identified presumptive proprial mucosal lymphangiectasia in some dogs that was not recognized with routine H&E staining. Lacteal dilatation scores were correlated with VLW in duodenum (rho = .4634; P = .02) and ileum (rho = .5292; P = .008), but did not correlate with MLW.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Lymphatic endothelial cell immunolabeling identified presumptive proprial mucosal lymphangiectasia in CIE dogs, particularly in the ileum of hypoalbuminemic dogs. Routine evaluation of villous lacteals likely underestimates abnormalities of the lymphatic vasculature in dogs with CIE.
HCV point‐of‐care screening programme and treatment options for people who use drugs in a metropolitan area of Southern Italy
Authors: Persico Marcello , Masarone Mario , Aglitti Andrea , Armenante Ciro , Giordano Aniello , Guardiola Angela , Raimondi Gabriella , Contaldi Carlo , Nigro Carmine , Marena Giustina , De Luna Antonio
Published: June 2019

Background and aims

People who use drugs (PWUD) represent an active reservoir of HCV infection. The prevalence of chronic HCV infection in PWUD in Italy remains unknown because of the lack of systematic screening. Thanks to direct‐acting antiviral agents (DAAs), hepatitis C can now be cured in most patients. Thus, the next challenge is to provide linkage‐to‐care for these patients.

Methods

In this scenario, we conducted a screening programme in PWUD attending seven Addiction Centers in Southern Italy, as well as a treatment programme in the Liver Unit of the University Hospital of Salerno. We used the OraQuick HCV antibody test to screen the PWUD (from 1 April to 30 September 2018).

Results

593 subjects were consecutively enrolled in the programme; 250 (41.8%) were HCV‐Ab‐positive. 143 (24.1%) were aware of their infection and had been HCV‐RNA‐tested: 83 were positive and 60 negative. The remaining 107 subjects (18.1%) had never previously been tested and were unaware of their infection. A total of 160 (26.9%) HCV RNA‐positive patients were found and offered antiviral therapy with DAAs. The sustained virological response rate was 98.5% and no adverse events were recorded. Two patients voluntarily discontinued treatment. No reinfections have been recorded to date.

Conclusions

The prevalence of HCV‐Ab positivity was high in the PWUDs enrolled in this study, and almost half the patients were unaware of being HCV‐positive. The linkage‐to‐care provided was safe and effective, and no case of reinfection was recorded.
Solving the first‐mile ridesharing problem using autonomous vehicles
Authors: Chen Shukai , Wang Hua , Meng Qiang
Published: June 2019

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are paving a way to reshape the operation and management of urban transportation systems by improving travel mobility. In this study, we propose to use AVs for solving the first‐mile (FM) problem that aims to transport passengers from their homes to metro stations. Passengers submit travel requests in advance and a fleet operator dispatches AVs and arranges ridesharing in a rolling horizon framework. The ridesharing is implemented by assigning one AV to serve several requests subject to the vehicle capacity, the maximum travel time, and the accessibility constraints. A mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model is formulated to determine the AV dispatch and ridesharing schemes for the minimum operational costs. Then, another MILP model with the objective of the maximum user satisfaction is formulated for the purpose of comparison. A cluster‐based solution method is designed to deal with the large‐scale FM problem. Extensive numerical experiments are conducted to demonstrate the application of the proposed method. Results show that ridesharing can reduce both required AV fleet size and vehicle traveled miles. The proposed solution method is able to solve the problem efficiently and fulfil the requirement of online computation.
The expanding functional roles and signaling mechanisms of adhesion G protein–coupled receptors
Authors: Morgan Rory K. , Anderson Garret R. , Araç Demet , Aust Gabriela , Balenga Nariman , Boucard Antony , Bridges James P. , Engel Felix B. , Formstone Caroline J. , Glitsch Maike D. , Gray Ryan S. , Hall Randy A. , Hsiao Cheng‐Chih , Kim Hee‐Yong , Knierim Alexander B. , Kusuluri Deva Krupakar , Leon Katherine , Liebscher Ines , Piao Xianhua , Prömel Simone , Scholz Nicole , Srivastava Swati , Thor Doreen , Tolias Kimberley F. , Ushkaryov Yuri A. , Vallon Mario , Van Meir Erwin G. , Vanhollebeke Benoit , Wolfrum Uwe , Wright Kevin M. , Monk Kelly R. , Mogha Amit
Published: June 2019

The adhesion class of G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) is the second largest family of GPCRs (33 members in humans). Adhesion GPCRs (aGPCRs) are defined by a large extracellular N‐terminal region that is linked to a C‐terminal seven transmembrane (7TM) domain via a GPCR‐autoproteolysis inducing (GAIN) domain containing a GPCR proteolytic site (GPS). Most aGPCRs undergo autoproteolysis at the GPS motif, but the cleaved fragments stay closely associated, with the N‐terminal fragment (NTF) bound to the 7TM of the C‐terminal fragment (CTF). The NTFs of most aGPCRs contain domains known to be involved in cell–cell adhesion, while the CTFs are involved in classical G protein signaling, as well as other intracellular signaling. In this workshop report, we review the most recent findings on the biology, signaling mechanisms, and physiological functions of aGPCRs.