bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cantharellus macrocarpus (Cantharellaceae, Cantharellales), a new species from tropical China
Authors: ZHANG YU-ZHUO , LIANG ZHI-QUN , XIE HUI-JING , WU LU-LING , XUE ROU , ZENG NIAN-KAI
Published: February 2021

Cantharellus macrocarpus, a member of Cantharellus subgenus Cantharellus, is described as a new species from Hainan Province, China. It is characterized by large basidioma with a bright yellow-orange pileus and a well-developed, rugulose hymenophore, cream to pale yellowish stipe, noticeably thickened hyphal walls in the pileipellis, presence of clamp connections in all parts of the basidiomata, and a distribution in tropical Asia. A phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequences from part of the 28S gene and the translation elongation factor 1-a gene (TEF1) confirmed that it forms an independent lineage within subgenus Cantharellus. A detailed description, color photos of fresh basidiomata and line drawings of micromorphological features are presented.
New species and records of Orbiniidae (Annelida, Polychaeta) from continental shelf and slope depths of the Western North Atlantic Ocean
Authors: BLAKE JAMES A.
Published: February 2021

Twenty-four species of Orbiniidae, 12 new to science, are reported from continental shelf and slope (deep-sea) habitats of the western North Atlantic. The majority of new material was collected during reconnaissance and monitoring surveys along the entire U.S. Atlantic coast from New England to the Carolinas that were intended to understand the potential impacts of oil and gas exploration in poorly known offshore environments. Additional materials from shallow water and shelf habitats off New England and New York as part of other projects are also included. New collections of Califia schmitti (Pettibone, 1957), Leitoscoloplos acutus (Verrill, 1873), L. fragilis (Verrill, 1873), L. obovatus Mackie, 1987, L. robustus (Verrill, 1873), Scoloplos intermedius (Hartman, 1965), Orbinia swani (Pettibone, 1957), Phylo felix (Kinberg, 1866), P. norvegicus (Sars, 1872), P. ornatus (Verrill, 1873), and Questa trifurcata (Hobson, 1970) provide additional morphological details, variability, and extended geographic and bathymetric distributions of previously known species. New species include Leitoscoloplos pustulus n. sp., Scoloplos papillatus n. sp., S. pettiboneae n. sp., S. pseudoarmiger n. sp., S. verrilli n. sp., Leodamas cuneatus n. sp., L. mucronatus n. sp., L. notoaciculatus n. sp., Phylo paraornatus n. sp., Orbiniella acsara n. sp., O. armata n. sp., and O. mimica n. sp. Juveniles of some species of Leitoscoloplos and Scoloplos were found to resemble known species of the meiofaunal orbiniid genus Schroederella Laubier, 1962. As such, S. berkeleyi Laubier, 1971 is referred to synonymy with Leitoscoloplos acutus. More importantly, the genus Schroederella was found to be pre-occupied by Schroederella Enderlein, 1921 in the Insecta, Diptera, family Helomyzidae. Gesaschroederella nomen nov. is therefore proposed as a replacement name for the polychaete homonym.
Two-Year Dynamical Predictions of ENSO Event Duration during 1954–2015
Authors: Wu Xian , Okumura Yuko M. , Deser Clara , DiNezio Pedro N.
Published: February 2021

El Niño and La Niña events show a wide range of durations over the historical record. The predictability of event duration has remained largely unknown, although multiyear events could prolong their climate impacts. To explore the predictability of El Niño and La Niña event duration, multiyear ensemble forecasts are conducted with the Community Earth System Model, version 1 (CESM1). The 10–40-member forecasts are initialized with observed oceanic conditions on 1 March, 1 June, and 1 November of each year during 1954–2015; ensemble spread is created through slight perturbations to the atmospheric initial conditions. The CESM1 predicts the duration of individual El Niño and La Niña events with lead times ranging from 6 to 25 months. In particular, forecasts initialized in November, near the first peak of El Niño or La Niña, can skillfully predict whether the event continues through the second year with 1-yr lead time. The occurrence of multiyear La Niña events can be predicted even earlier with lead times up to 25 months, especially when they are preceded by strong El Niño. The predictability of event duration arises from initial thermocline depth anomalies in the equatorial Pacific, as well as sea surface temperature anomalies within and outside the tropical Pacific. The forecast error growth, on the other hand, originates mainly from atmospheric variability over the North Pacific in boreal winter. The high predictability of event duration indicates the potential for extending 12-month operational forecasts of El Niño and La Niña events by one additional year.
Heavy Rain-producing Terrestrial Low-Pressure Systems Over East Asian Summer Monsoon Region: Evolution, Energetics, and Trend
Authors: You Yujia , Ting Mingfang , Camargo Suzana J.
Published: February 2021

The synoptic low-pressure systems (LPSs) formed over the downwind side of the Tibetan Plateau explain a substantial portion of summer rainfall extremes along their paths. Recent studies have found that the total extreme rainfall trend over the East Asian landmass, which features the “south flood-north drought” pattern, can be understood to a great extent by the changes in terrestrial LPSs. Yet, the energy sources fueling these storms and the environmental drivers of their long-term trends remain unclear. Utilizing a probabilistic clustering method, three clusters of terrestrial LPS tracks for the period 1979-2018 are identified. Besides the differences in trajectories that distinguish the clusters into northeastward-migrating and quasi-stationary types, prominent inter-cluster differences are found in the LPS evolution, energetics, and trends. The Lorenz energetics suggest that while condensational heating is indispensable for all three clusters, the migratory type, which has greater intensity and faster development, is more closely tied to baroclinicity. Nonetheless, the summer baroclinicity alone is not enough to sustain these LPSs as these storms dissipate quickly after propagating out of the humid monsoon region and into the drier extratropics. Over time, the occurrences of migratory LPSs decreases, and that of quasi-stationary LPSs increases. Using a Poisson model that links the LPS genesis to local environmental conditions, the decreasing occurrence of migratory LPSs is shown to result from the weakened baroclinicity, whereas the increasing occurrence of quasi-stationary LPSs is primarily driven by enhanced relative humidity and reduced steering flow in the mid-to-lower troposphere over East Asia.
Radiative Impacts of Low-Level Clouds on the Summertime Subtropical High in the South Indian Ocean Simulated in a Coupled General Circulation Model
Authors: Miyamoto Ayumu , Nakamura Hisashi , Miyasaka Takafumi , Kosaka Yu
Published: February 2021

Over the south Indian Ocean, the coupled system of the subtropical Mascarene high and low-level clouds exhibits marked seasonality. To investigate this seasonality, the present study assesses radiative impacts of low-level clouds on the summertime Mascarene high with a coupled general circulation model. Comparison between a fully coupled control simulation and a “no-low-cloud simulation,” where the radiative effects of low-level clouds are artificially turned off, demonstrates that they act to reinforce the Mascarene high. Their impacts are so significant that the summertime Mascarene high almost disappears in the no-low-cloud experiment, suggesting their essential role in the existence of the summertime Mascarene high. As the primary mechanism, lowered sea surface temperature by the cloud albedo effect suppresses deep convective precipitation, inducing a Matsuno–Gill type response that reinforces the high, as verified through an atmospheric dynamical model diagnosis. Associated reduction of high-top clouds, as well as increased low-level clouds, augments in-atmosphere radiative cooling, which further reinforces the high. The present study reveals that low-level clouds constitute a tight positive feedback system with the subtropical high via sea surface temperature over the summertime south Indian Ocean.
Adaptive probability hypothesis density filter for multi-target tracking with unknown measurement noise statistics
Authors: Xu Weijun
Published: February 2021

Under the Gaussian noise assumption, the probability hypothesis density (PHD) filter represents a promising tool for tracking a group of moving targets with a time-varying number. However, inaccurate prior statistics of the random noise will degrade the performance of the PHD filter in many practical applications. This paper presents an adaptive Gaussian mixture PHD (AGM-PHD) filter for the multi-target tracking (MTT) problem in the scenario where both the mean and covariance of measurement noise sequences are unknown. The conventional PHD filters are extended to jointly estimate both the multi-target state and the aforementioned measurement noise statistics. In particular, the Normal-inverse-Wishart and Gaussian distributions are first integrated to represent the joint posterior intensity by transforming the measurement model into a new formulation. Then, the updating rule for the hyperparameters of the model is derived in closed form based on variational Bayesian (VB) approximation and Bayesian conjugate prior heuristics. Finally, the dynamic system state and the noise statistics are updated sequentially in an iterative manner. Simulations results with both constant velocity and constant turn model demonstrate that the AGM-PHD filter achieves comparable performance as the ideal PHD filter with true measurement noise statistics.
Shoulder Joint Position Sense Can Be Reduced by Sensory Reference Frame Transformations
Authors: Phillips David , Zahariev Albena , Karduna Andrew
Published: February 2021

Joint position sense (JPS) is commonly evaluated using an angle replication protocol with vision occluded. However, multiple sources of sensory information are integrated when moving limbs accurately, not just proprioception. The purpose of this study was to examine different availability of vision during an active JPS protocol at the shoulder. Specifically, the effects of four conditions of vision availability were examined for three target shoulder elevation angles (50°, 70° & 90°): vision occluded continuously (P-P); vision available continuously (VP-VP); vision occluded only during target memorization (P-VP); and vision occluded only during target position replication (VP-P). There were 18 participants ( M age = 21, SD = 1 years). We used separate repeated ANOVAs to examine the effect of condition and target angle on participants’ absolute error (AE, a measure of accuracy) and constant error (CE, a measure of directional bias). We found a significant main effect for condition and angle for both dependent variables ( p < 0.01), and follow-up analysis indicated that participants were most accurate in the VP-VP condition and least accurate in the P-VP condition. Further follow-up analysis showed that accuracy improved with higher target elevation angles, consistent with previous research findings. Constant error results were similar, as there was a prominent tendency to overshoot the target. Unsurprisingly, participants performed best at the angle replication protocol with their eyes open. However, while accuracy was reduced when vision was occluded during target memorization, it was restored during target replication. This finding may have indicated an accuracy cost due to introduced noise when transforming sensory information from a proprioceptive reference frame into a visual reference frame.
Britain’s authoritarian turn
Authors: Webber Frances
Published: February 2021

Looking back, in December 2020, at the year since Boris Johnson’s Conservatives were swept back into government with a huge majority, the author identifies a raft of new laws, Home Office measures and government proposals in the fields of policing, crime, and immigration and asylum which embody long-held rightwing projects. Coming on top of already discriminatory practices, these include restrictions on the fundamental right of peaceful protest and freedom from invasive and racist policing, the subjection of migrants and asylum seekers to dangerous and inhumane conditions and the removal of legal protections for asylum seekers. Simultaneously, Bills going through parliament restrict or remove altogether the legal accountability of state actors, including soldiers on overseas operations and police informants, for crimes including torture and murder. Citizens’ recourse to the courts to challenge unlawful ministerial decisions is also under threat.
Do Augmented and Virtual Reality Technologies Increase Consumers’ Purchase Intentions? The Role of Cognitive Elaboration and Shopping Goals
Authors: Park Hyejune , Kim Seeun
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of the “virtual try-on” technology (AR) and the “3D virtual store” (VR) incorporated in an apparel retail website on purchase intentions. This study highlights the mediating role of cognitive elaboration in the process through which these technologies influence purchase intentions, and examines the way consumers’ shopping goals (searching vs. browsing) interact with the website technology and influence their responses. The two experiments demonstrated that, for browsers, the website with VR was more effective in increasing purchase intentions than were the website with AR or a regular website with no technology, while for searchers, both the website with AR and the website with VR were more effective than was a regular website. In addition, cognitive elaboration mediated the interaction between a technology and a shopping goal on purchase intentions for browsers, while such a mediating effect was not found in searchers.
Resisting Patriarchal Cultures: The Case of Female Spanish Home-Based Teleworkers
Authors: Gálvez Ana , Tirado Francisco , Alcaraz Jose M
Published: February 2021

This article explores the role of resistance as a micro-political practice carried out by female Spanish teleworkers. Drawing on a qualitative study focused on female workers in different cities in Spain, we conceive telework as a labour logic in which resistance is the cornerstone of meaning and subjectivity creation. Micro-practices of resistance are analysed following de Certeau’s notion of tactics and strategies, honing in on the limitations, restrictions, problems and difficulties faced by female teleworkers as they try to balance the different dimensions of their lives, namely family, work and everyday activities. The accounts given by the participants in our study reveal key tactics which ultimately serve to denounce prevailing work ideologies that uphold the patriarchy and promote false flexibility. These tactics allow teleworkers to define a subjectivity in which motherhood and telework are both absolutely relevant.
A systematic review of the role of heat therapy for patients with intermittent claudication due to peripheral artery disease
Authors: Harwood Amy E , Pugh Christopher JA , Steward Charles J , Menzies Campbell , Thake C Doug , Cullen Tom
Published: February 2021

Intermittent claudication (IC) is associated with impairments in quality of life and walking ability. Heat therapy is an emerging cardiovascular therapy, which may improve walking in patients with IC. We undertook a systematic review to establish current evidence for heat therapy for patients with IC. We searched five databases (Ovid Medline / PubMed, Embase, Scopus / Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Health Technology Assessment Databases). A total of 6751 records were screened with 76 full-text articles assessed for eligibility. We included three randomised control trials and three acute interventions. For chronic interventions, three different heat therapy interventions were used. The 6-minute walk distance significantly improved following whole-body immersion ( p = 0.03; ES 0.94, 95% CI: 0.06–1.82), but not after Waon therapy or a water-perfused garment. Ankle–brachial pressure indices were significantly improved following whole-body immersion ( p = 0.01; ES 1.10, 95% CI: 0.20–1.99) but not after other therapies. No form of heat therapy demonstrated statistical improvements in quality of life or brachial blood pressure. Acute interventions were characterised by large increases in limb blood flow and core temperature, and transient reductions in blood pressure post-heating. At present there are only three randomised controlled trials assessing heat therapy for patients with IC. Moreover, each of those randomised controlled trials utilised different heat therapies. There is also very limited study of the acute physiological responses to different heat therapy interventions in these populations. Future research should establish appropriate heat therapy protocols and implement more randomised trials to understand its effectiveness. PROSPERO: CRD42020187941
Coastal and marine topics and destinations during the COVID-19 pandemic in Twitter's tourism hashtags
Authors: Carvache-Franco Orly , Carvache-Franco Mauricio , Carvache-Franco Wilmer
Published: February 2021

Coastal and marine tourism offer various topics discussed within social media communication during a pandemic. The present study analysed the discussion topics in the popular Twitter's tourism hashtags during the COVID-19 crisis related to coastal and marine tourism. The objectives were to (i) determine the discussion topics, (ii) identify the discussion topics of greater hierarchy, and (iii) determine the tourist destinations discussed. The data were collected from Twitter between March and April 2020. A total of 269,722 tweets were extracted in different languages and globally through the Twitter API of popular tourism hashtags about the COVID-19 pandemic using big data software. The word associations technique was used to process the Twitter data. The discussion topics were ‘travel’, ‘beach’, ‘cruise’, ‘sea’, ‘ocean’, ‘nature’, ‘sun’, ‘coast’, and others. The discussion topics of greatest hierarchy were ‘travel’, ‘beach’, ‘sea’, and ‘cruise’. These topics refer to the motivational dimensions‘ ‘escape’, and ‘sun and beach’. The geographic locations discussed were Spain, Canary, Hawaii, Australia, Caribbean, Bermuda, Florida, California, and others. The findings will contribute to the relationship of the topics with the tourist motivational dimensions, and the destinations discussed about marine and coastal tourism in the time of crisis in the COVID-2019 Pandemic in Twitter's tourism hashtags, and companies will also be able to improve their communication strategies and develop post-pandemic products.
Development and Application of a Scale for Assessing Pre-Service Teachers’ Beliefs about the Nature of Educational Psychology
Authors: Moser Stephanie , Zumbach Joerg , Deibl Ines , Geiger Viola , Martinek Daniela
Published: February 2021

Epistemological beliefs are subjective views about the nature of knowledge and knowing. A large number of research approaches are dedicated to this field. Yet, there is no research investigating the beliefs that pre-service teachers have towards educational psychology, a highly relevant domain for their prospective profession. Based on this theoretical background, two studies have been conducted. In the first study, epistemological beliefs with regard to contemporary educational psychology research and their change during a research-based lecture on educational psychology have been assessed ( N = 82). In a second study, the aim was to examine these epistemological beliefs during different phases of a pre-service teacher programme ( N = 252). Findings indicate that students entering a programme are already partly aware of the nature of educational psychology. Results also reveal that students’ knowledge and beliefs develop during the programme, although the relevance of educational psychology as being a central part future professional practice is not recognized. Findings also imply that especially the trust in scientific quality and the awareness of the importance of this field for teacher training and practice could be enhanced. Possible solutions could include more research-oriented courses and a more reflected integration of educational psychology within the curriculum.
Closing the Diagnostic Gap in Epilepsy: Recognizing More Than Just Motor Seizures
Authors: Steriade Claude
Published: February 2021

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Matrix metalloproteinase-9 -1562 C/T polymorphism is associated with the risk of sepsis in a Chinese population: A retrospective study
Authors: Zheng Cuijuan , Wang Jiayu , Xie Shouxiang
Published: February 2021

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) has been shown to participate in the pathogenesis of sepsis. In this study, we recruited 312 sepsis patients and 413 controls to explore the relationship between sepsis risk and the MMP-9 -1562 C/T polymorphism in Han Chinese. The PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism method was used for genotyping. Our data indicated that the MMP-9 -1562 C/T polymorphism was related with the risk of sepsis (CT vs. CC: P = 0.033, odds ratio (OR) = 1.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–2.05; TT+CT vs. CC: P = 0.019, OR = 1.49, 95% CI 1.07–2.07). Stratified analyses demonstrated that this effect was more evident in smokers, drinkers, females and overweight individuals. Furthermore, cross-over analyses suggested that the combined effect of smoking and CT genotype of -1562 C/T polymorphism contributed to the risk of sepsis. In addition, MMP-9 serum levels were significantly lower in sepsis patients than in controls. The MMP-9 -1562 C/T polymorphism was significantly associated with decreased MMP-9 serum levels. Lastly, we observed that this polymorphism was connected to the mortality of sepsis. In conclusion, the interaction between the MMP-9 -1562 C/T polymorphism and smoking correlated with the risk of sepsis in Han Chinese. This polymorphism may serve as a diagnostic marker for sepsis patients.
Investigation of Normative Value of Commercialized Taiwan Smell Identification Test
Authors: Hsieh Ching-Hung , Chen Philip G. , Zhou Bing , Lin Li-Jung , Lai Jen-Tsung , Shen Ping-Hung
Published: February 2021

Background

The Taiwan Smell Identification Test (TWSIT) was developed and successfully administered in Taiwanese population since 2015. However, for sanitation reason, the original liquid-jar form of this test is not appropriate. The commercialized TWSIT was then re-designed as “scratch-and-sniff” version: the TIBSIT (Top International Biotech, Taipei, Taiwan). This project aims to investigate the normative value of TIBSIT in different age groups and genders.

Methods

Volunteers aged 20 to 80 with no subjective smell loss were recruited in a rhinology clinic. The participants were given full instructions on using the TIBSIT.

Results

Two hundred and nine healthy subjects (female: male =107: 102) were enrolled into this study. The median TIBSIT score in female and male subjects is 47 and 46, respectively. Subjects were further divided into three age groups: (A) 20∼34 years (n = 77), (B) 35∼54 years (n = 77), and (C) 55∼80 years (n = 55). The TIBSIT scores at the tenth percentile value at each age group of male patients are 43, 42 and 37; while the scores at the tenth percentile value at each age group of female patients are 42, 42 and 41. TIBSIT score was significantly and inversely correlated with age (Spearman rho = − 0.20, p = 0.004.).

Conclusion

We established the normative values of the new TIBSIT in different age groups in Taiwan. Future nation-wide screening is needed for more sophisticated norms establishment.
Exchange Rate Crises: Experiences of Latin America, East Asia and India
Authors: Agarwal Manmohan , Vandana T. R.
Published: February 2021

A number of developing countries mainly in Latin America and East Asia suffered exchange rate crises in the 1990s. India also suffered a crisis in 1991 and another earlier in 1966. We examine the run up to the crises in terms of a few macroindicators suggested by various crisis models. We then examine the aftermath of the crisis, which is largely absent in literature. We seek to explain the pre-crisis and post-crisis situations in the light of various crisis models. We find that crises in East Asia cannot be explained in terms of Krugman’s first-generation model (FGM), but those in the other countries can be explained by Krugman’s model, adding to the debates among crises models.

JEL Classifications: E420, F310, F320, F410
An end-user evaluation to analyze the effectiveness of cartograms for mapping relative non-motorized accessibility
Authors: Arranz-López Aldo , Soria-Lara Julio A , Ariza-Álvarez Amor
Published: February 2021

Relative accessibility is a widely studied approach that recognizes access to major locations as subjective and shaped by individual circumstances (e.g., individual preferences, habits, and cultural norms). One missing element in the knowledge base is how relative accessibility can be effectively mapped for decision-making. To fill the research gap, this paper evaluates whether cartograms are an appropriate tool for mapping relative accessibility, taking the city of Zaragoza, Spain as a case study. The research design included three phases: (i) elaboration of grid-based maps on relative non-motorized accessibility; (ii) elaboration of cartograms on relative non-motorized accessibility; (iii) an end-user evaluation with 30 local practitioners to analyze the effectiveness of cartograms to map relative accessibility compared to grid-based maps. Participants signaled that diffusion-based cartograms could be complementary to grid-based maps, providing better visualization of spatial dissimilarity patterns of accessibility between population groups. However, participants noted greater difficulty in identifying Dorling cartograms as an effective technique for mapping relative accessibility. The paper closes with a review of the strengths and weaknesses of the potential application of these visualization techniques in the field of accessibility planning.
Correction to: Effects of short-term exposure to ambient airborne pollutants on COPD-related mortality among the elderly residents of Chengdu city in Southwest China
Authors: Chen Jianyu , Shi Chunli , Li Yang , Ni Hongzhen , Zeng Jie , Lu Rong , Zhang Li
Published: February 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Antimicrobial activity of silver-coated hollow poly(methylmethacrylate) microspheres for water decontamination
Authors: Dutta Dhiraj , Goswami Swagata , Dubey Rama , Dwivedi Sanjai K. , Puzari Amrit
Published: February 2021

Background

Growing microbial resistance towards the existing antimicrobial materials appears as the greatest challenge for the scientific community and development of new antimicrobial materials has become an important research objective.

Results

In this work, antimicrobial activity of silver-coated hollow poly(methylmethacrylate) microspheres (PMB) having a diameter of 20–80 µm was evaluated against two bacterial strains, Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis (MTCC 1305) and Gram-negative Escherichia coli (MTCC 443). The polymeric PMMA microspheres were synthesized by solvent evaporation technique and were further coated with silver (Ag) under microwave irradiation on their outer surface using an electroless plating technique. It was observed that Ag was uniformly coated on the surface of microspheres. Characterization of the coated microspheres was performed using optical microscope (OMS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), UV–Vis spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques. We have shown that the silver-coated microspheres were potent bactericidal material for water as they are highly active against the tested microorganisms. The results of the antibacterial tests indicated that APMB particles showed enhanced inhibition rate for both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and also exhibited dose-dependent antibacterial ability. The diameters of zone of inhibition were14.3 ± 0.2 mm against B. subtilis and 15.2 ± 0.9 mm against E. coli at a concentration of 8 mg. At this concentration, total removal of both Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli was observed. The results of shake flask technique for a concentration of 8 mg showed no bacterial presence after 24 h in both the cases. In other words, the material acted efficiently in bringing down the bacterial count to zero level for the tested strains. During the experiments, we have also confirmed that use of this material for water disinfection does not cause leaching of silver ion in to the water solution. The material can be successfully regenerated by backwashing with water.

Conclusions

Considering the cost-effective synthesis, ability to regenerate and very low level of leaching of the material, it can be projected as an advanced material for water disinfection and antimicrobial application.
CD100 modulates cytotoxicity of CD8+ T cells in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Li Yan , Qin Li , Bai Qijun , Zhang Jingjing , Chen Ruixue , Song Kunpeng
Published: February 2021

Background

CD100 is an immune semaphorin family member that highly expressed on T cells, which take part in the development of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are important mediators for membrane-bound CD100 (mCD100) shedding from T cells to generate soluble CD100 (sCD100), which has immunoregulatory effect on T cells. The aim of this study was to investigate modulatory role of CD100 on CD8+ T cell activity in AMI patients.

Methods

Peripheral sCD100 and MMP-2 level, as well as mCD100 level on T cells was assessed in patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP), unstable angina pectoris (UAP), and AMI. The regulatory function of MMP-2 on mCD100 shedding, sCD100 formation, and cytotoxicity of CD8+ T cells was analyzed in direct and indirect contact co-culture system.

Results

AMI patients had higher peripheral sCD100 and lower mCD100 expression on CD8+ T cells in comparison with SAP, UAP, and controls. CD8+ T cells in AMI patients showed elevated direct cytotoxicity, enhanced cytokine production, and increased perforin/granzyme B secretion. Recombinant sCD100 stimulation promoted cytolytic function of CD8+ T cells in controls and AMI patients. Furthermore, AMI patients also had elevated circulating MMP-2 level. Recombinant MMP-2 stimulation induced mCD100 shedding from CD8+ T cells and sCD100 generation, resulting in enhancement of CD8+ T cell cytotoxicity in AMI patients.

Conclusion

Up-regulation of MMP-2 might contribute to elevation of mCD100 shedding and sCD100 formation, leading to increased cytotoxicity CD8+ T cells in AMI patients.
Patient experience with NER1006 as a bowel preparation for colonoscopy: a prospective, multicenter US survey
Authors: Cash Brooks D. , Moncrief Mary Beth C. , Epstein Michael S. , Poppers David M.
Published: February 2021

Background

NER1006 (Plenvu®, Salix Pharmaceuticals, Bridgewater, NJ) is a 1 L polyethylene glycol bowel preparation indicated for colonoscopy in adults. A US online survey assessed real-world ease of use and treatment satisfaction in individuals who received NER1006.

Methods

Adults were recruited from 444 US community gastrointestinal practices and provided a kit number for enrollment into an online survey to be completed within 2 weeks. Survey questions evaluated colonoscopy history and prior bowel preparation(s) prescribed, patient experience during NER1006 administration, and patient satisfaction with the bowel preparation process. A 9-point predefined grading scale was used to evaluate ease of NER1006 preparation and consumption (range, 1 “very difficult” to 9 “very easy”); the perceived importance of volume requirement and clear liquid options (range, 1 “not important at all” to 9 “very important”); and patient satisfaction (range, 1 “not satisfied at all” to 9 “very satisfied”).

Results

1630 patients were enrolled, 1606 underwent colonoscopy, and 1598 completed the survey between September 15, 2018 and February 28, 2019. Among 1606 patients who had a colonoscopy, 62.5% were female, and the mean patient age was 54.4 years (range 18–89 years). Most patients (74.7%) did not report a family history of colon cancer, 62.6% had undergone prior colonoscopy, and 64.8% were undergoing colonoscopy for routine colorectal cancer screening. A majority (76.1%) of patients who completed the survey reported that NER1006 was very easy to prepare and take, and 89.9% were very or moderately satisfied with NER1006 overall. Most (97.6%) patients reported consuming all or most of the bowel preparation. Among 1005 patients with previous bowel preparation use, 84.7% indicated that their experience with NER1006 was much better or better (65.3%) or about the same (19.4%) compared with previously used bowel preparations, while only 15.3% rated NER1006 as worse or much worse.

Conclusions

In this first real-world, US multicenter survey, patient-reported experience with NER1006 as a bowel preparation for colonoscopy was favorable and adherence was high. The majority of patients were very or moderately satisfied with the overall experience and found it much better/better than previously used bowel preparations.

Trial registration: Not applicable
Impact of obesity in colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection: single-center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Tachikawa Jun , Chiba Hideyuki , Okada Naoya , Arimoto Jun , Ashikari Keiichi , Kuwabara Hiroki , Nakaoka Michiko , Higurashi Takuma , Goto Toru , Nakajima Atsushi
Published: February 2021

Background

When performing colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in obese patients, technically difficult cases are sometimes experienced because of difficulty with the insertion of the colonoscope, poor scope maneuverability, or an abundance of fat tissue in the submucosal layer. Since the association between obesity and colorectal ESD has not been investigated, we evaluated the clinical impact of obesity in patients who underwent colorectal ESD.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 535 patients who underwent colorectal ESD between April 2012 and February 2019. Patients were divided into three groups based on their body mass index (BMI): a control group (BMI < 25 kg/m2), an overweight group (25 kg/m2 ≤ BMI < 30 kg/m2), and an obese group (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2), and the short-term clinical outcomes were analyzed to assess the safety and difficulty of colorectal ESD.

Results

No significant difference in the procedure times, en bloc resection rates, pathological diagnoses, or complications were seen among the groups. While the amount of sedative per body weight was significantly lower in the group with a higher BMI (flunitrazepam: 1.75 × 10−2 [1.27 × 10−2–2.34 × 10−2] mg/kg vs. 1.48 × 10−2 [1.08 × 10−2–2.03 × 10−2] mg/kg vs. 1.16 × 10−2 [0.98 × 10−2–1.54 × 10−2] mg/kg, P < 0.001; pethidine: 0.63 [0.55–0.72] mg/kg vs. 0.50 [0.46–0.56] mg/kg vs. 0.39 [0.32–0.45] mg/kg, P < 0.001), a reduction in percutaneous arterial oxygen saturation occurred significantly more frequently in the group with a higher BMI (123 [30.2%] vs. 43 [43.9%] vs. 10 [55.6%], P = 0.005). When the procedures were performed by trainees, the number of cases that required a procedure time of longer than 90 min was significantly larger in the group with a higher BMI (27 [10.8%] vs. 14 [21.9%] vs. 3 [25.0%], P = 0.033).

Conclusions

This study showed that colorectal ESD could be performed safely and effectively in obese patients. However, ESD in obese patients requires attention, particularly to changes in respiratory conditions.
Diagnostic yield of colon capsule endoscopy for Crohn’s disease lesions in the whole gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Yamada Keisaku , Nakamura Masanao , Yamamura Takeshi , Maeda Keiko , Sawada Tsunaki , Mizutani Yasuyuki , Ishikawa Eri , Ishikawa Takuya , Kakushima Naomi , Furukawa Kazuhiro , Ohno Eizaburo , Kawashima Hiroki , Honda Takashi , Ishigami Masatoshi , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro
Published: February 2021

Background

Crohn’s disease (CD) can involve the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract as well as the small and large bowel. PillCam colon capsule endoscopy (PCCE-2) enables observation of the whole GI tract, but its diagnostic yield for CD lesions in the whole GI tract remains unknown.

Aim

To elucidate the diagnostic yield of PCCE-2 in patients with CD.

Methods

Patients with CD who underwent PCCE-2 and double-balloon endoscopy (DBE) using oral and anal approaches were evaluated for CD lesions in the whole GI tract. We divided the small bowel into three segments (jejunum, ileum, and terminal ileum), and the large bowel into four segments (right colon, transverse colon, left colon, rectum). Detection of ulcer scars, erosion, ulcers, bamboo joint-like appearance, and notch-like appearance was assessed in each segment. The diagnostic yield of PCCE-2 was analyzed based on the DBE results as the gold standard.

Results

Of the total 124 segments, the sensitivities of PCCE-2 for ulcer scars, erosion, and ulcers were 83.3%, 93.8%, and 88.5%, respectively, and the specificities were 76.0%, 78.3%, and 81.6%, respectively. For the 60 small bowel segments, the sensitivities were 84.2%, 95.5%, and 90.0%, respectively, and the specificities were 63.4%, 86.8%, and 87.5%, respectively. For the 64 large bowel segments, the sensitivities were 80.0%, 90.0%, and 83.3%, respectively, and the specificities were 84.7%, 72.2%, and 77.6%, respectively.

Conclusion

PCCE-2 provides a high diagnostic yield for lesions in the whole GI tract of patients with CD. Thus, we recommend its use as a pan-enteric tool in clinical settings.
Extra-esophageal symptoms in individuals with and without erosive esophagitis: a case–control study in Albania
Authors: Sadiku Edite , Hasani Eqerem , Këlliçi Indrit , Mone Iris , Kraja Fatjona , Kraja Bledar , Burazeri Genc
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Erosive reflux esophagitis caused a large clinical spectrum of symptoms. Our aim was to assess the prevalence of extra-esophageal symptoms in individuals with and those without erosive esophagitis in Albania.

Methods

A case–control study was conducted at the Regional Hospital of Durres, the second main district in Albania, a transitional country in South Eastern Europe, including 248 patients with erosive esophagitis (aged 46.5 ± 16.3 years) and 273 controls (aged 46.4 ± 16.0 years; response rate: 70%) enrolled during the period January 2013–June 2014. Both cases and controls underwent upper endoscopy. Information on socio-demographic characteristics and lifestyle factors was also collected. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the association of erosive esophagitis and extra-esophageal symptoms.

Results

Patients with erosive esophagitis had a higher prevalence of excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, sedentarity, non-Mediterranean diet and obesity compared to their control counterparts (9% vs. 5%, 70% vs. 49%, 31% vs. 17%, 61% vs. 49% and 22% vs. 9%, respectively). Upon adjustment for all socio-demographic characteristics and lifestyle/behavioral factors, there was evidence of a strong association of erosive esophagitis with chronic cough (OR = 3.2, 95% CI = 1.7–5.8), and even more so with laryngeal disorders (OR = 4.4, 95% CI = 2.6–7.5). In all models, the association of erosive esophagitis with any extra-esophageal symptoms was strong and mainly consistent with each of the symptoms separately (fully-adjusted model: OR = 4.6, 95% CI = 2.9–7.3).

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that the prevalence of extra-esophageal symptoms is higher among patients with erosive esophagitis in a transitional country characterized conventionally by employment of a Mediterranean diet.
An intersectional gender analysis in kidney transplantation: women who donate a kidney
Authors: Rota-Musoll Laura , Brigidi Serena , Molina-Robles Esmeralda , Oriol-Vila Ester , Perez-Oller Laureano , Subirana-Casacuberta Mireia
Published: February 2021

Background

Living-donor transplantation is the best treatment option in patients with chronic kidney failure. Global data show that women are less likely to be kidney recipients than men but are more likely to become living kidney donors. We explored the experience of women who donate a kidney to relatives with biological and socio-cultural ties and to understand the similarities and differences in their experience.

Methods

A qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological study with an intersectional analysis of gender. Ten women donors accepted in the transplant evaluation period participated, all of whom donated a kidney to a pre-dialysis relative. Two categories were included: women with biological kinship ties (mothers, sisters) and women who have a socio-cultural relationship (wives) with kidney recipient. The data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Women donate their kidneys in a convinced manner, without worrying about their health, with an optimistic and positive attitude, and without believing that they are acting heroically. Women with biological kinship ties see it as a ‘naturalization thing’. In contrast, wives donate conditioned by gender roles, but also as a form of empowerment and as a personal benefit: they donate in order to avoid taking on carer role for their husband and as a way of protecting their children.

Conclusion

The study’s findings expand the conception of kidney donation as solely altruistic and may help professionals to pay attention to the complexity and intersectionality of features present in women who are living kidney donors.
Impact of pre-dialysis nephrology care engagement and decision-making on provider and patient action toward permanent vascular access
Authors: Grubbs Vanessa , Jaar Bernard G. , Cavanaugh Kerri L. , Ephraim Patti L. , Ameling Jessica M. , Cook Courtney , Greer Raquel C. , Boulware L. Ebony
Published: February 2021

Background

While catheters are often thought the result of emergency hemodialysis (HD) initiation among patients with little or no pre-dialysis nephrology care, the role of patient level of engagement in care and modality decision-making have not been fully explored.

Methods

This is a retrospective medical record review of adults (age 18–89 years) who received care in academically affiliated private practice, public hospital, or Veterans Administration settings prior to initiating HD with a catheter between 10/1/2011 and 9/30/2012. Primary predictors were level of patient engagement in nephrology care within 6 months of HD initiation and timing of modality decision-making. Primary outcomes were provider action (referral) and any patient action (evaluation by a vascular surgeon, vein mapping or vascular surgery) toward [arteriovenous fistula or graft, (AVF/AVG)] creation.

Results

Among 92 incident HD patients, 66% (n = 61) initiated HD via catheter, of whom 34% (n = 21) had ideal engagement in care but 42% (n = 25) had no documented decision. Providers referred 48% (n = 29) of patients for AVF/AVG, of whom 72% (n = 21) took any action. Ideal engagement in care predicted provider action (adjusted OR 13.7 [95% CI 1.08, 175.1], p = 0.04), but no level of engagement in care predicted patient action (p > 0.3). Compared to patients with no documented decision, those with documented decisions within 3, 3–12, or more than 12 months before initiating dialysis were more likely to have provider action toward AVF/AVG (adjusted OR [95% CI]: 9.0 [1.4,55.6], p = 0.2, 37.6 [3.3423.4] p = 0.003, and 4.8 [0.8, 30.6], p = 0.1, respectively); and patient action (adjusted OR [95% CI]: 18.7 [2.3, 149.0], p = 0.006, 20.4 [2.6, 160.0], p = 0.004, and 6.2 [0.9, 44.0], p = 0.07, respectively).

Conclusions

Timing of patient modality decision-making, but not level of engagement in pre-dialysis nephrology care, was predictive of patient and provider action toward AVF/AVG Interventions addressing patients’ psychological preparation for dialysis are needed.
Impact of statin pretreatment on the complications of carotid stenting in asymptomatic patients: observational study
Authors: Jang Seong Hwa , Kwon Doo Hyuk , Han Moon-Ku , Park Hyungjong , Sohn Sung-Il , Choi Huimahn , Hong Jeong-Ho
Published: February 2021

Background

Carotid stenosis is a known risk factor for ischemic stroke, and carotid artery stenting is an effective preventive procedure. However, the stroke risk reduction for asymptomatic patients is small. Therefore, it is important to reduce the risk of complications, particularly in asymptomatic carotid stenosis. Statins are known to reduce the overall risk of periprocedural complications, although there is a lack of data focusing on asymptomatic patients. We aimed to investigate whether different doses of statin pretreatment can reduce periprocedural complications of carotid artery stenting (CAS) in patients with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis.

Methods

Between July 2003 and June 2013, 276 consecutive patients received CAS for asymptomatic carotid stenosis. Periprocedural complications included the outcome of stroke, myocardial infarction, or death within 30 days of CAS. Statin pretreatment was categorized as no-statin (n = 87, 31.5%), standard-dose (< 40 mg, n = 139, 50.4%), and high-dose statin (≥40 mg, n = 50, 18.1%) according to the atorvastatin equivalent dose. The Cochran-Armitage (CA) trend test was performed to investigate the association of periprocedural complications with statin dose.

Results

The overall periprocedural complication rate was 3.3%. There was no significant difference in the risk of periprocedural complications between the three groups (no statin: n = 3 [3.4%]; standard-dose: n = 4 [2.9%]; high-dose n = 2 [4.0%] p = 0.923). The CA trend test did not demonstrate a trend in the proportion of periprocedural complications across increasing statin equivalent doses (p = 0.919).

Conclusions

Statin pretreatment before CAS showed neither absolute nor dose-dependent effects against periprocedural complications in asymptomatic patients undergoing CAS.
Correction to: The possible causes for tomography suspect Keratoconus in a Chinese cohort
Authors: Feng Kang , Zhang Yu , Chen Yue-guo
Published: February 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
An analysis of predictors for heavy alcohol drinking using nationally representative survey data in Japan
Authors: Okui Tasuku
Published: February 2021

Background

Predictors of heavy or moderate alcohol drinking behavior have not been investigated using recent nationally representative survey data in Japan. This study investigated the effects of the predictors of heavy and moderate alcohol drinking in Japan using nationally representative survey data.

Methods

Anonymous data from the 2013 Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions in Japan were used to compare the predictors of heavy and moderate drinkers with those who abstain. Anonymized data that are resampled from all the survey data from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare were obtained. Age group, marital status, living arrangements, educational level, household income, smoking status, and employment type were used as the explanatory variables. In addition, the drinking status (i.e., heavy drinker, moderate drinker, or abstainer) was used as the outcome variable. A multinomial logistic regression model was used, and an analysis comparing heavy drinkers and abstainers, as well as moderate drinkers and abstainers, was conducted.

Results

Moderate drinking was positively associated with high educational level or high household income for men and women, as well as married status for men. In addition, unemployment was found to be negatively associated with heavy drinking for men and women, and an unmarried status was also found to be negatively associated with heavy drinking for men. Moreover, lower educational levels and smoking prevalence were found to be associated with heavy drinking for men and women. Furthermore, living alone for men and working in a large-scale company for women were also found to be predictors of heavy drinking.

Conclusions

The preventive measures for heavy drinking were suggested to be particularly needed for those with lower educational levels and smokers. A call for attention among men living alone and among female employees in large-scale workplaces is also needed.