bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical characteristics of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: Zhang Cuiping , Jiang Zhilong , Shao Changzhou
Published: January 2020

Background

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is an allergic pulmonary disease caused by a hypersensitivity reaction to Aspergillus colony in the airways. Due to the diversity of disease manifestations and physicians’ incomplete knowledge of ABPA, patients with ABPA are often misdiagnosed and given poor prognosis.

Objectives

To investigate the clinical characteristics, treatment and prognosis status among patients with ABPA.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 75 patients diagnosed as ABPA in Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University between October 2008 and June 2018.

Results

Among 75 patients, 28% had asthma as the predisposing condition and 69% suffered from misdiagnosis before ABPA diagnosis was made, among which 21% were misdiagnosed as tuberculosis. About 34% of patients had eosinophil count below 500 cells/μL and 25% had total serum IgE level <1000 IU/mL. Nearly half of patients did not meet the diagnostic criteria of ABPA and all the patients who overlapped with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) did not meet the diagnostic criteria of standard ABPA. Patients who did not fully meet the diagnostic criteria were more likely treated with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and antibiotics, but more difficult to attain response and remission and easier to develop advanced ABPA.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates an unsatisfactory situation of diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of ABPA, including a high misdiagnosis rate, uncertainty in the diagnosis of ABPA, lack of standardization in treatment and relatively poor prognosis.
Diabetes in the UK: 2019
Authors: Whicher C. A. , O’Neill S. , Holt R. I. G
Published: January 2020

Aim

Diabetes impairs the quality of life of people living with the condition and is a major public health concern. The aim of this paper is to create a state of the nation report of diabetes in the UK.

Methods

Diabetes UK collates information about diabetes from diverse sources. This paper synthesizes these data to create a national report.

Results

Some 7% of the UK population are now living with diabetes; approximately one million people have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes, 40 000 children have diabetes and more than 3000 children are diagnosed every year. Forty‐nine per cent of people with type 1 diabetes were offered structured education, but only 7.6% attended; the corresponding figures for type 2 diabetes were 90% and 10.4%, respectively. Among people with diabetes, 28% reported having issues obtaining medication or equipment for self‐management. Fifty‐seven per cent of people with type 1 diabetes and 42% with type 2 diabetes do not receive all eight annual health checks. Around 40% of people with diabetes have diminished psychological well‐being. One‐third of people have a microvascular complication at the time of diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is responsible for 530 myocardial infarctions and 175 amputations every week. The National Health Service spends at least £10 billion a year on diabetes, equivalent to 10% of its budget; 80% is spent treating complications. One in six hospital inpatients has diabetes.

Conclusion

Diabetes continues to place a significant burden on the individual with diabetes and wider UK society. This report will be updated annually to understand how diabetes is changing across the UK.
Changes in admission laboratory tests in patients with maxillofacial fractures and the influence of dento‐alveolar trauma
Authors: Rodrigues Lucimar , Leite‐de‐Lima Nayara Stefany , Landes Constantin , Luz João Gualberto C.
Published: January 2020

Background/Aim

There are few studies in the literature evaluating possible alterations in laboratory tests in patients with maxillofacial fractures. The aim of this study was to analyze the changes in admission laboratory tests of patients with maxillofacial fractures with indications for surgical treatment, including the influence of dento‐alveolar trauma.

Material and Methods

Data from complete blood counts, blood coagulation tests, blood chemistries, and urinalysis results were obtained. The occurrence of concomitant dento‐alveolar trauma was noted. The medical records were also re‐evaluated later to verify the treatment outcome and the occurrence of complications. Statistical analyses were performed using the likelihood‐ratio test to verify significant changes in the evaluated parameters (P ≤ .050).

Results

There was a prevalence of males (78%) with a mean age of 35.9 years. Lower erythrocyte counts, hemoglobin levels, and/or hematocrit were observed in males with associated fractures and with simultaneous dento‐alveolar fractures. Higher mean neutrophil, segmented neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts were observed in patients with simultaneous dento‐alveolar trauma. A higher mean activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) ratio was also observed. Lower potassium levels were observed for patients in the fourth decade of life. Higher leukocyte counts not associated with trauma were observed in the urinalysis results of females and in the group of patients aged 20 or younger. Verification of treatment outcome showed two cases of infections and two cases that needed re‐operation after mandible fractures. These four cases showed no significant changes in laboratory tests regarding the predisposition for complications.

Conclusion

Patients with maxillofacial fractures had neutrophilia, increased aPTT, and non‐traumatic leukocyturia. There was an influence of associated fractures and dento‐alveolar trauma on the decrease in red blood cell parameters, neutrophilia, and lymphocytosis and of age on hypokalemia.
Activation of parvalbumin‐expressing neurons reconfigures neuronal ensembles in murine striatal microcircuits
Authors: Duhne Mariana , Lara‐González Esther , Laville Antonio , Padilla‐Orozco Montserrat , Ávila‐Cascajares Fatima , Arias‐García Mario , Galarraga Elvira , Bargas José
Published: January 2020

The striatum is the largest entrance to the basal ganglia. Diverse neuron classes make up striatal microcircuit activity, consisting in the sequential activation of neuronal ensembles. How different neuron classes participate in generating ensemble sequences is unknown. In control mus musculus brain slices in vitro, providing excitatory drive generates ensemble sequences. In Parkinsonian microcircuits captured by a highly recurrent ensemble, a cortical stimulus causes a transitory reconfiguration of neuronal groups alleviating Parkinsonism. Alternation between neuronal ensembles needs interconnectivity, in part due to interneurons, preferentially innervated by incoming afferents. One main class of interneuron expresses parvalbumin (PV+ neurons) and mediates feed‐forward inhibition. However, its more global actions within the microcircuit are unknown. Using calcium imaging in ex vivo brain slices simultaneously recording dozens of neurons, we aimed to observe the actions of PV+ neurons within the striatal microcircuit. PV+ neurons in active microcircuits are 5%–11% of the active neurons even if, anatomically, they are <1% of the total neuronal population. In resting microcircuits, optogenetic activation of PV+ neurons turns on circuit activity by activating or disinhibiting, more neurons than those actually inhibited, showing that feed‐forward inhibition is not their only function. Optostimulation of PV+ neurons in active microcircuits inhibits and activates different neuron sets, resulting in the reconfiguration of neuronal ensembles by changing their functional connections and ensemble membership, showing that neurons may belong to different ensembles at different situations. Our results show that PV+ neurons participate in the mechanisms that generate alternation of neuronal ensembles, therefore provoking ensemble sequences.
Sex differences in the effect of maternal immune activation on cognitive and psychosis‐like behaviour in Long Evans rats
Authors: Gogos Andrea , Sbisa Alyssa , Witkamp Diede , van den Buuse Maarten
Published: January 2020

Maternal immune activation during pregnancy is associated with increased risk of development of schizophrenia in later life. There are sex differences in schizophrenia, particularly in terms of age of onset, course of illness and severity of symptoms. However, there is limited and inconsistent literature on sex differences in the effects of maternal immune activation on behaviour with relevance to schizophrenia. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate sex differences in the effects of maternal immune activation by treating Long Evans rats with poly(I:C) on gestational day 15. We compared adult male and female offspring on spatial working memory in the touchscreen trial‐unique nonmatching‐to‐location task, pairwise discrimination and reversal learning, as well as on prepulse inhibition and psychotropic drug‐induced locomotor hyperactivity. Male, but not female poly(I:C) offspring displayed a deficit in spatial working memory, particularly at the longer delay. Neither pairwise discrimination nor reversal learning showed an effect of poly(I:C), but female controls outperformed male controls in the reversal learning task. Significant reduction of prepulse inhibition and enhancement of acute methamphetamine‐induced locomotor hyperactivity was found similarly in male and female poly(I:C) offspring. These results show that maternal immune activation induces a range of behavioural effects in the offspring, with sex specificity in the effects of maternal immune activation on some aspects of cognition, but not psychosis‐like behaviour.
Impaired vigilance networks in temporal lobe epilepsy: Mechanisms and clinical implications
Authors: Englot Dario J. , Morgan Victoria L. , Chang Catie
Published: January 2020

Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE) is a neurological disorder in which patients suffer from frequent consciousness‐impairing seizures, broad neurocognitive deficits, and diminished quality of life. Although seizures in mTLE originate focally in the hippocampus or amygdala, mTLE patients demonstrate cognitive deficits that extend beyond temporal lobe function—such as decline in executive function, cognitive processing speed, and attention—as well as diffuse decreases in neocortical metabolism and functional connectivity. Given prior observations that mTLE patients exhibit impairments in vigilance, and that seizures may disrupt the activity and long‐range connectivity of subcortical brain structures involved in vigilance regulation, we propose that subcortical activating networks underlying vigilance play a critical role in mediating the widespread neural and cognitive effects of focal mTLE. Here, we review evidence for impaired vigilance in mTLE, examine clinical implications and potential network underpinnings, and suggest neuroimaging strategies for determining the relationship between vigilance, brain connectivity, and neurocognition in patients and healthy controls.
Regulation of endo‐lysosomal pathway and autophagic flux by broad‐spectrum antipathogen inhibitor ABMA
Authors: Wu Yu , Boulogne Claire , Carle Stefan , Podinovskaia Maria , Barth Holger , Spang Anne , Cintrat Jean‐Christophe , Gillet Daniel , Barbier Julien
Published: January 2020

The endo‐lysosome system is involved in endocytosis, protein sorting, and degradation as well as autophagy. Numerous toxins and pathogens exploit this system to enter host cells and exert their deleterious effects. Modulation of host endo‐lysosome pathway may restrict multiple toxins intoxication as well as pathogen infection. ABMA, selected from a high‐throughput screening against the cytotoxicity of ricin toxin, exhibits a broad‐spectrum antitoxin and antipathogen activity. Here, we show that ABMA selectively retains endocytosed protein and toxin to late endosomes and thus delaying their intracellular trafficking. It also impairs the autophagic flux by excessive fusion of late endosomes and autophagosomes. Its exclusive action on late endosomes and corresponding consequences on the endo‐lysosomal pathway and autophagic flux are distinct from known inhibitors such as bafilomycin A1, EGA, or chloroquine. Hence, besides being a broad‐spectrum inhibitor of endocytosed toxins and pathogens, ABMA may serve as a molecular tool to dissect endo‐lysosome system‐related cellular physiology and mechanisms of pathogenesis.
Plant responses to nutrient addition and predictive ability of vegetation N:P ratio in an austral fen
Authors: Burge Olivia Rata , Clarkson Beverley R. , Bodmin Kerry A. , Bartlam Scott , Robertson Hugh A. , Sukias James P. S. , Tanner Chris C.
Published: January 2020

Previous studies of the N:P ratio in wetland plants have been carried out in northern hemisphere wetlands where atmospheric nitrogen deposition is higher. There is little research on foliar N:P ratio as a potential indicator of nutrient limitation in vegetation communities in southern hemisphere wetlands. This study aimed to redress this knowledge gap and answer the following questions: how well does the plant tissue nitrogen to phosphorus (N:P) ratio predict wetland plant community nutrient limitation, as indicated by vegetation standing stocks and below‐ground biomass, in southern hemisphere fens? Secondly, what are the impacts of realistic upper levels of farm nutrient run‐off on natural montane fen vegetation?

Low (35 kg ha−1 year−1) and high (70 kg ha−1 year−1) levels of nitrate‐N or ammonium‐N with and without P (20 kg ha−1 year−1) were added to 81 vegetation plots over a period of 2.75 years. Species composition, plant nutrient status, and above‐ground live vegetation standing stocks were assessed after 3 years, and below‐ground biomass after 2 years.

Plant tissue analysis suggested the community was N limited or N and P co‐limited; we found greater standing stocks of vegetation in plots treated with 70 kg ha−1 year−1 ammonium‐N, indicating N limitation. No difference between other treatments was found in above‐ground standing stocks or below‐ground biomass. Plant species cover increased in both high N treatments, consistent with N limitation. These changes in plant species cover were accompanied by significant decreases in species richness in both high N treatments. Native species dominated the vegetation and this was unaffected by nutrient addition (90% cover).

This is one of the first studies to test and find support for the N:P ratio in southern hemisphere wetlands. Observed declines in species richness after N fertilisation in an N‐limited fen suggests increased N may pose risks to austral wetlands. Responses by plant communities (changes in composition, biomass) to lower levels of nutrient addition may require longer periods of fertilisation to be apparent in slow growing ecosystems.
Forest soil respiration and exoenzyme activity in western North America following thinning, residue removal for biofuel production, and compensatory soil amendments
Authors: Sherman Lauren , Coleman Mark D.
Published: January 2020

Cellulosic biofuel from forest thinning operations is a potential renewable energy source in regions with overstocked forests such as those in western United States. However, it is possible that biomass removal can deplete nutrients from soil, which can alter soil respiration (Rs) and exoenzyme properties, and potentially impact tree growth. This study evaluates the impact of biomass removal on Rs and exoenzyme properties and the capacity of soil amendments to counteract any potential effects. At two study locations, we created four post‐thinning biomass retention levels: full biomass removal (0×), full biomass retention (1×), double biomass retention (2×), and a no‐thin treatment. Four soil amendment treatments were applied to each biomass retention level: N fertilizer (F), biochar (B), fertilizer plus biochar (FB), and an untreated control (C). We evaluated treatment effects on Rs and activity of four exoenzymes to represent C‐cycling, N‐release, and P‐release processes. Biomass retention levels had no effect on Rs (p = .42) or exoenzyme activities (p > .29). Variation in exoenzyme activity was explained by location, season, soil organic matter, soil moisture content, and temperature. Variation in Rs was explained by the same variables, in addition to C‐cycling exoenzyme activity and soil pH. Soil amendments had no effect on exoenzyme activities (p > .49), and no main effect on Rs (p = .48), though amendments influenced Rs differently at each location (p = .02). Short‐term findings suggest small‐diameter biomass removal for cellulosic biofuel production will not impact Rs and exoenzyme properties, and paired with our tree growth study, provide evidence that biofuel systems are a feasible renewable energy source in the western North America.
Trust and the don't‐want‐to‐complain bias in peer‐to‐peer platform markets
Authors: Berg Lisbet , Slettemeås Dag , Kjørstad Ingrid , Rosenberg Thea Grav
Published: January 2020

This paper addresses peer‐to‐peer (P2P) digital platform markets, often associated with the “sharing economy” or the “collaborative economy”. Such digital platforms, facilitating new purchasing channels for consumers by matching P2P supply and demand, can be considered new market places challenging the conventional markets.How are P2P platform markets evaluated by the consumers?Based on a comprehensive survey‐data material, five different P2P service markets are considered by peer buyers and the results compared to consumers’ evaluations from similar conventional service markets according totrust,comparabilityand consumers’satisfactionwith the transactions.Comparabilityseems to be one advantage for the platform markets, whiletrustcould become a problem. Conditions fortrustin P2P platform markets is particularly interesting to study because contrary to conventional markets P2P transactions cannot rely on governmental laws, regulations and security net. This trust problem has been solved by a trust‐generating rate and review system. Our data material, however, distinguishes a mechanism that we have coined as thedon't‐want‐to‐complain bias.More precisely, people do not like to complain, hence buyers of P2P services often hesitate to give negative ratings when they are discontent with a service or a supplier. Therefore, positive ratings become overestimated. If consumers recognize this bias, ratings and reviews will lose credibility and no longer be considered trustworthy. Eventually, this may threaten the well‐functioning of P2P markets.
Taboo in consumption: Social structure, gender and sustainable menstrual products
Authors: Meenakshi N.
Published: January 2020

Although consumption taboos are prevalent in everyday life, consumer research interest in the topic remains scant and focuses mostly on taboo products. This research moves by focusing on taboo persons and explores how barriers are presented in consumption choices for such individuals. A qualitative research design was used in the study and in‐depth interviews were conducted with 31 women from middle and upper income classes who showed an inclination to purchase sustainable menstrual products (SMPs). This study analyses how the intimate and private consumption of SMPs gets transformed into a complex socially embedded consumption choice. The study explores how and why a social structure steeped in symbolic violence towards menstruating women constrains the consumption of SMPs. Disillusioned by patriarchal subordination, the women preferred to respect boundaries and maintain stability in their life. Despite their socialization and engagement in several sustainable consumption decisions prior to the consideration of SMPs, these women exhibited a lack of agency as they could not transgress orthodox gender boundaries even as their choice reinforced prevailing social inequalities. They sought to conform to the gendered habitus instead of engaging in an act of defiance. This act of self‐restraint, however, results in tensions as the women try to legitimize a consumption choice which is inconsistent with their attitude towards sustainable consumption. The study discusses the consequences of the new restrictions faced by the women as they reframe concerns about the environment and justify their choice.
Association of cytokine Th2 gene polymorphisms with autoimmune thyroid diseases in Tunisian population
Authors: Mestiri Souhir , Zaaber Ines , Inoubli Oumaima , Abid Nabil , Omrani Abir , Nejehi Hana , Marmouch Hela
Published: January 2020

Autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD) including Graves' disease (GD) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) are complex genetic diseases. Th2 cytokines act on the development of AITD. This study was conducted on Tunisian patients with AITD to investigate the association of Th2 cytokine gene polymorphisms and haplotype combination with GD or HT risk. A total of 156 controls, 160 patients with HT and 88 patients with GD were genotyped for IL‐4 rs2243250, IL‐5 rs2069812, IL‐6 rs1800796 and IL‐13 rs1800925 polymorphisms by PCR‐RFLP. The AITD risk was assessed by a logistic regression analysis using the SNP stats statistical program. False‐positive report probability (FPRP) was estimated to evaluate significant findings. IL‐13 rs1800925 was associated with GD, after adjustment for age and gender, in codominant, dominant and allele genetic models (p = .0072; p = .0018; p = .012, respectively). Significant association of the IL‐6 rs1800796C/G genotype with GD was also detected (p = .025). Furthermore, increased risk of HT was still found for IL‐13 rs1800925T allele (p = .039, OR = 1.39) and for IL‐4 rs2243250T/T genotype both in codominant (p = .033, OR = 2.59) and recessive (p = .011, OR = 2.73) models after adjustment for age and gender. Interestingly, haplotype analysis performed on the IL‐4, IL‐5 and IL‐13 genes revealed a high risk of HT with CTT haplotype (p = .008, OR = 2.12). However, the CCT haplotype is a protective factor (OR = 0.36). Patients carrying the CT haplotype with only one minor allele had a moderate risk of HT (OR = 1.56). The FPRP analysis showed that the association of IL‐13 rs1800925 polymorphism with GD and HT and the association of CTT haplotype with HT were noteworthy. In conclusion, the IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6 and IL‐13 polymorphism may play a role in susceptibility to GD and HT in the Tunisian population. Furthermore, gene–gene interaction between the IL‐4, IL‐5 and IL‐13 significantly increases the risk of AITD. Further studies with larger numbers of individuals are needed to confirm the results.
Determinants of parental report of dental pain and discomfort in preschool children—The Dental Discomfort Questionnaire
Authors: Felipak Patricia Kochany , Menoncin Bruna Leticia Vessoni , Reyes Magdalena Raquel Torres , Costa Luciane Rezende , de Souza Juliana Feltrin , Menezes José Vitor Nogara Borges
Published: January 2020

Background

Pain is a major consequence of caries, which negatively impacts the quality of life of children and their families.

Aim

To analyse the parental report of dental pain and discomfort in preschool children, and to identify clinical and sociodemographic factors associated.

Design

This cross‐sectional study involved 375 four‐ and five‐year‐old preschoolers enrolled in the city of Campo Magro public school system, along with their parents and caregivers. Parents/caregivers answered the Brazilian version of the Dental Discomfort Questionnaire (DDQ‐B) and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Two examiners (kappa > 0.79) performed clinical examinations using dmf‐t and pufa index. The associations were statistically analysed by univariate and multiple Poisson regression with robust variance (α = 0.05).

Results

The prevalence of dental pain and discomfort was 70.3% (66%‐75% 95% CI). Children from non‐nuclear families (PRa 1.33; 95% CI: 1.01‐1.76) and whose parents presented a lower level of education (PRa 2.43; 95% CI 1.66‐3.55) presented a higher prevalence of dental pain or discomfort. Considering the clinical determinants, after adjusting, only the presence of clinical consequences of untreated dental caries (pufa ≥ 1) (PRa 1.37; 95% CI 1.02‐1.84) was significantly associated with higher dental pain or discomfort.

Conclusions

Dental pain and discomfort were associated with socioeconomic factors and with the presence of clinical consequences of untreated dental caries.
Identification and functional characterization of mutations in LPL gene causing severe hypertriglyceridaemia and acute pancreatitis
Authors: Han Peng , Wei Guohong , Cai Ke , Xiang Xi , Deng Wang Ping , Li Yan Bing , Kuang Shan , Dong Zhanying , Zheng Tianyu , Luo Yonglun , Liu Junnian , Guan Yuanning , Li Chen , Dey Subrata Kumar , Liao Zhihong , Banerjee Santasree
Published: January 2020

Hypertriglyceridaemia is a very rare disorder caused by the mutations of LPL gene, with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. Here, we identified two unrelated Chinese patients manifested with severe hypertriglyceridaemia and acute pancreatitis. The clinical symptoms of proband 1 are more severe than proband 2. Whole exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were performed. Functional analysis of the identified mutations has been done. Whole exome sequencing identified two pairs of variants in LPL gene in the proband 1 (c.162C>A and c.1322+1G>A) and proband 2 (c.835C>G and c.1322+1G>A). The substitution (c.162C>A) leads to the formation of a truncated (p.Cys54*) LPL protein. The substitution (c.835C>G) leads to the replacement of leucine to valine (p.Leu279Val). The splice donor site mutation (c.1322+1G>A) leads to the formation of alternative transcripts with the loss of 134 bp in exon 8 of the LPL gene. The proband 1 and his younger son also harbouring a heterozygous variant (c.553G>T; p.Gly185Cys) in APOA5 gene. The relative expression level of the mutated LPL mRNA (c.162C>A, c.835C>G and c.1322+1G>A) showed significant differences compared to wild‐type LPL mRNA, suggesting that all these three mutations affect the transcription of LPL mRNA. These three mutations (c.162C>A, c.835C>G and c.1322+1G>A) showed noticeably decreased LPL activity in cell culture medium but not in cell lysates. Here, we identified three mutations in LPL gene which causes severe hypertriglyceridaemia with acute pancreatitis in Chinese patients. We also described the significance of whole exome sequencing for identifying the candidate gene and disease‐causing mutation in patients with severe hypertriglyceridaemia and acute pancreatitis.
Size‐dependent costs of migration: Migrant bird species are subordinate to residents, but only at small body sizes
Authors: Martin Paul R. , Kenyon Haley L. , Hayes Leah
Published: January 2020

Migrant species are commonly thought to be poor competitors in aggressive interactions with resident species. However, no studies have tested whether this relationship is widespread. Here, we compare the behavioural dominance of closely related species of migratory and nonmigratory birds, testing whether migrants are consistently subordinate to resident species in aggressive contests. We compiled published behavioural dominance data involving migrant and resident congeners, gathering additional data on the body mass and migratory distance of each species. Focal species included a diverse array of birds (28 taxonomic families, 12 orders) from around the world. We found that migrant species are usually subordinate to resident species, but that this relationship disappears at larger body sizes. For smaller birds (<500 g), resident species were behaviourally dominant in 83%–88% of comparisons; for larger birds (>500 g), resident species were dominant in only 25%–30% of comparisons. The relative difference in body mass best predicted dominance relationships among species, with larger species dominant in 80%–84% of comparisons. When migrant and resident masses were equal, however, resident species were still more likely to be dominant in smaller birds, suggesting that other factors may also contribute to the subordinate status of migrants. Overall, our results suggest that in smaller species, the evolution of migration is associated with lighter weights and other traits that compromise the competitive abilities of migrants relative to residents. In contrast, larger species appear able to evolve migration without compromising their size or competitive abilities in aggressive contests, suggesting size‐dependent constraints on the evolution of migration.
Early development and occurrence patterns of the Pagrinae seabream Argyrops bleekeri (Perciformes: Sparidae): Does early life history have implications for sparid relationships?
Authors: Uehara Masato , Tachihara Katsunori
Published: January 2020

The early development and occurrence patterns of Argyrops bleekeri are described based on 87 specimens collected from Nakagusuku Bay on Okinawa Island in southwestern Japan. Larvae and juveniles of the genus Argyrops are distinguished from the other seabreams inhabiting the Western Pacific region by the strength and extent of head spination, body depth, dorsal‐fin‐ray counts and melanophore patterns. Argyrops bleekeri is easily distinguished from other members of this genus by the presence of a single rudimentary dorsal‐fin spine on the first dorsal pterygiophore, melanophore patterns and an allopatric distribution. Argyrops bleekeri larvae [3.3–7.1 mm body length (BL)] and juveniles (6.7–13.0 mm BL) were found in the bay from January to May; nonetheless, they were not collected from the outer bay or in extremely shallow inshore areas such as tidal flats. The results suggest that Argyrops is the most derived red seabream because of its spiny morphology, and it may be a member of an expanding nearshore group of red seabreams, which originally inhabited offshore waters.
Induced spawning and embryonic and early larval development of bonefish (Albula vulpes)
Authors: Halstead Williams R. , Mejri Sahar , Cianciotto Anthony C. , Wills Paul S. , Van Leeuwen Travis E. , Adams Aaron J. , Shenker Jonathan M.
Published: January 2020

Bonefish (Albula vulpes L.) are a highly prized sport fish. Despite their economic importance, populations in the Florida Keys and Caribbean are in decline, with the early life history undescribed. Injections of carp pituitary extract into A. vulpes during the advanced stages of ovarian development induced ovulation and spawning. Embryos were sampled hourly until hatching into undeveloped, yolk‐sac leptocephalus larvae. These larvae survived 56 h post‐hatch, when myomeres and eyes were developing but not the mouth. These results inform future research on the reproduction and early life history of A. vulpes.
Psilorhynchus nahlongthai, a new fish species (Teleostei: Psilorhynchidae) from the Brahmaputra drainage, northeast India
Authors: Dey Abhinit , Choudhury Hrishikesh , Mazumder Abhishek , Thaosen Sarbojit , Sarma Dandadhar
Published: January 2020

Psilorhynchus nahlongthai, a new psilorhynchid fish, is described from the Diyung River, a tributary to the Kopili River (itself a southern tributary of the Brahmaputra drainage) in Assam, northeast India. It is placed in thePsilorhynchus balitoraspecies group and can be easily distinguished from all other members of this group by a combination of the following characters: dense and prominent tuberculation on the head region; thick and long pre‐ and post‐epiphyseal fontanelles on the neurocranium; 9 + 8 caudal‐fin rays; and 34 (24 + 10) vertebrae. Genetic divergence betweenP. nahlongthaiand members of theP. balitoraspecies group from the Brahmaputra and neighbouring drainages, with K2P distances ranging 3.7%–14.7% and 7.4%–20.7% in the mitochondrial COI and cytbgene datasets respectively, support its report as a new species.
Incidence and risk factors of colonoscopic post‐polypectomy bleeding and perforation in patients with end‐stage renal disease
Authors: Yang Shih‐Cheng , Wu Cheng‐Kun , Tai Wei‐Chen , Liang Chih‐Ming , Li Yu‐Chi , Yeh Wen‐Shuo , Lee Chen‐Hsiang , Yang Yao‐Hsu , Tsai Tzu‐Hsien , Hsu Chien‐Ning , Chuah Seng‐Kee
Published: January 2020

Background and Aims

Colonoscopic polypectomy in end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients are at risks of post‐polypectomy bleeding and perforation, but evidences are limited. This study aimed to determine the incident polypectomy complications among ESRD patients.

Methods

In the nationwide ESRD cohort, a propensity score matched case–control study design was conducted to assess risk associated with post‐polypectomy bleeding and perforation using the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database from 1997 to 2013 for adults aged 40 years and older; 7011 ESRD and 19 118 non‐ESRD patients met the study criteria. A total of 5302 patients in each group were matched for further analyses. The primary endpoint was post‐polypectomy bleeding or bowel perforation in 30 days. The secondary endpoint was mortality and length of hospital stay for the bleeding complications requiring hospitalization.

Results

Overall incidences of post‐polypectomy bleeding or perforation in patients with ESRD was higher than the non‐ESRD group (5.83% vs 1.78%, P < 0.0001) in the matched cohort. High risk of adverse outcomes was associated with ESRD (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.38, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.85–3.05), female patient (aOR, 1.7, 95% CI, 1.37–2.11), history of acute myocardial infarction (aOR, 1.91, 95% CI, 1.1–3.32), liver disease (aOR, 1.79, 95% CI, 1.37–2.34), diabetes (aOR, 1.45, 95% CI, 1.16–1.82), cancer (aOR, 1.4, 95% CI, 1.09–1.81), inpatient setting (aOR, 13.19, 95% CI, 9.73–17.88), and prior use of clopidogrel (aOR, 1.61, 95% CI, 1.03–2.52) and warfarin (aOR, 2.03, 95% CI, 1.21–3.41).

Conclusions

End‐stage renal disease was associated with approximately twofold higher risk of colonoscopic post‐polypectomy bleeding or perforation and should be cautiously performed in this special population cohort.
Chronic constipation and abdominal pain: Independent or closely interrelated symptoms?
Authors: Wong May Y W , Hebbard Geoffrey , Gibson Peter R , Burgell Rebecca E
Published: January 2020

Constipation is both a symptom and a disorder, seen in both functional constipation and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation predominance (IBS‐C). Despite the Rome IV criteria distinguishing between these conditions, they share many therapeutic approaches. This review aims to explore the relationship between constipation and abdominal pain and assess the evidence surrounding whether laxation improves abdominal pain and whether such a response to laxation differs between IBS‐C and functional constipation. In patients with functional constipation, increasing frequency of bowel motions by laxatives regardless of mechanism of action is associated with reductions in the severity of abdominal pain, supporting the role of constipation as a contributor to abdominal discomfort. In patients with IBS‐C, evidence from systematic reviews indicates that abdominal pain is driven by factors additional to constipation alone and that visceral analgesic modulation is also needed to optimize pain. Changing definitions of IBS‐C and heterogeneity in clinical trial design including endpoints have raised uncertainty about the comparative ability of older laxatives without known neuromodulatory effects to improve chronic abdominal pain compared with new secretagogues and prokinetics for the management of IBS‐C. While it is known that abdominal pain is associated with constipation and laxation contributes to relief of that pain, it remains unproven whether proposed visceral analgesic properties of new laxatives provide greater pain relief than laxation alone. However, it is likely that the response to laxation in IBS‐C is only part of the puzzle.
Anticoagulating Budd–Chiari syndrome patients presenting with variceal bleed: A retrospective study
Authors: Sharma Anand , Goel Ashish , Moses Vinu , Keshava Shyamkumar Nidugala , Zachariah Uday George , Elias Elwyn , Eapen Chundamannil Eapen
Published: January 2020

Background and Aim

This aims to study incidence of re‐bleeding on anticoagulation and survival of Budd–Chiari syndrome (BCS) patients presenting with variceal bleeding.

Methods

Budd–Chiari syndrome patients presenting with variceal bleed between 01/01/2007 and 01/05/2019 were retrospectively studied. Patients underwent endoscopic treatment ± endovascular therapy, followed by anticoagulation. Variceal re‐bleed (on anticoagulation) and survival were studied.

Results

Of 376 BCS patients diagnosed during the study period, 40 (10.7%) patients, presenting with variceal bleed (age 33 [25–40] years; male patients 70%; Rotterdam score 1.13 [0.63–1.22]), Group 1 were compared with 40 randomly selected age‐matched BCS patients presenting with ascites, no bleeds (40 [23–42] years; male patients 42.5%; Rotterdam score 1.11 [1.09–1.16]), Group 2. The commonest site of obstruction was hepatic vein (65%) in Group 1 and combined hepatic veins and inferior vena cava (57.5%) in Group 2 (P < 0.01). Thirty‐six Group 1 patients underwent endoscopic intervention (variceal ligation, 33; sclerotherapy, 2; glue injection, 1). Endovascular intervention was performed in 30 Group 1 patients (angioplasty ± stent, 22; endovascular shunt, 8) and in 34 Group 2 patients (angioplasty ± stent, 26; endovascular shunt, 8). All 80 patients were started on anticoagulation. Variceal bleed on anticoagulation occurred in five patients in Group 1 and three patients in Group 2. One‐year and 5‐year survival were 94.2% and 87.5%, respectively, in Group 1 and 100% and 80%, respectively, in Group 2.

Conclusions

About one‐tenth of BCS patients present with variceal bleed. On management with endoscopic ± endovascular therapy, followed by anticoagulation, variceal re‐bleed in these patients were comparable with those in BCS patients presenting with ascites and survival was excellent at 1 and 5 years.
Efficacy of fully covered self‐expandable metal stents for the management of pancreatic duct strictures in chronic pancreatitis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Ting‐Ting , Song Shuai‐Ling , Xiao Li‐Na , Wang Chun‐Hui
Published: January 2020

Background and Aim

Recently, there has been burgeoning interest in the utilization of fully covered self‐expandable metal stents (FCSEMSs) for managing main pancreatic duct strictures (MPDS) in chronic pancreatitis (CP). The primary aim was to investigate stricture resolution and recurrence rates of FCSEMS placement in patients with symptomatic CP complicated with MPDS.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and ISI Web of Science and Cochrane Library (up to December 2019) were searched to identify eligible studies. A meta‐analysis of stricture resolution and recurrence rates was carried out using R. The crude rate of adverse events related to stent therapy was also calculated.

Results

Ten studies involving 163 patients were included. The weighted pooled rate of MPDS resolution was 93% (95% confidence interval [95%CI] 84–99%) with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 63%). Duration of stent placement more than 3 months did not result in a significantly higher resolution rate than that of 3 months or less (93% vs 93%, P = 0.91). The weighted pooled rate of stricture recurrence was 5% (95%CI: 0–12%). The stricture recurrence rate for patients with duration of stent placement more than 3 months (3%; 95%CI: 0–10%) was lower than that in patients with 3 months or less of stent placement (7%; 95%CI: 0–23%), but not significantly (P = 0.45). The overall rate of adverse events related to stent therapy was 34.9%, and spontaneous stent migration occurred in 14.1% of patients.

Conclusions

The use of FCSEMSs appears to be effective and safe in the management of MPDS caused by symptomatic CP.
Validation of European evidence‐based guidelines and American College of Gastroenterology guidelines as predictors of advanced neoplasia in patients with suspected mucinous pancreatic cystic neoplasms
Authors: Sun Liqi , Wang Wei , Wang Yang , Jiang Fei , Peng Lisi , Jin Gang , Jin Zhendong
Published: January 2020

Background and Aim

The European evidence‐based guidelines (EEG) and American College of Gastroenterology Guidelines (ACGG) have been published to guide the management of pancreatic cystic lesions. We aim to evaluate the value of both guidelines in predicting advanced pancreatic cystic lesions (A‐PCLs) with preoperatively imaging‐suspected cystic mucinous pancreatic neoplasms (cMNs).

Methods

One hundred ninety‐eight patients who underwent resections from 2013 to 2019 for suspected cMNs were retrospectively reviewed. Receiver operating characteristic curves were calculated and compared with measure diagnostic value.

Results

Sixty‐two patients were diagnosed with A‐PCLs pathologically. Cross‐imaging modalities had comparable diagnostic accuracy to endoscopic ultrasound in type classification and A‐PCLs prediction. Receiver operating characteristic curve comparison analyses showed that EEG absolute + MCN (EEGAM) and EEG relative + MCN (EEGRM) having at least one indications criteria were comparable to the ACGG (P = 0.21 and P = 0.45). For the criteria having at least two indications, ACGG was superior to EEGAM (P = 0.001) but comparable to EEGRM(P = 0.12). EEGAM ≥ 1 indication criteria was superior to ≥ 2 indications criteria (P = 0.02). EEGRM ≥ 1 indication criteria had comparable diagnostic performance with ≥ 2 indications criteria (P = 0.86). ACGG ≥ 2 indications criteria was superior to ≥ 1 indication criteria (P = 0.02).

Conclusion

On the basis of cross‐imaging evaluations, both sets of guidelines were found to be helpful in identifying A‐PCLs in suspected cMNs with comparable performance. EEGAM ≥ 1 indication criteria was superior to ≥ 2 indications criteria. ACGG ≥ 2 indications criteria was superior to ≥ 1 indication criteria.
Regorafenib in Chinese patients with metastatic colorectal cancer: Subgroup analysis of the phase 3 CONCUR trial
Authors: Xu Jianming , Xu Rui‐Hua , Qin Shukui , Pan Hongming , Bai Yuxian , Chi Yihebali , Wang Liwei , Bi Feng , Cheng Ying , Liu Tianshu , Ma Dong , Shen Lin , Ba Yi , Liang Jun , Wang Xin , Yau Thomas C C , Ma Brigette B , Yeh Kun‐Huei , Lin Jen‐Kou , Kappeler Christian , Shapiro JoAnn , Kalmus Joachim , Li Jin
Published: January 2020

Background and Aim

In the phase 3 CONCUR trial (NCT01584830), regorafenib improved overall survival (OS) versus placebo in Asian patients with treatment‐refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). We conducted a post hoc subgroup analysis of Chinese patients in CONCUR.

Methods

Adults with mCRC progressing despite at least two prior treatment regimens and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0–1 were randomized 2:1 to regorafenib 160 mg once daily or placebo for the first 3 weeks of each 4‐week cycle. Dose modifications were permitted. The primary endpoint was OS. Secondary endpoints included progression‐free survival, objective overall response, disease control rate, and safety.

Results

A total of 172 Chinese patients were randomized and treated (regorafenib n = 112, placebo n = 60). OS was significantly improved with regorafenib versus placebo (8.4 vs 6.2 months, respectively; hazard ratio [HR] 0.56, 95% CI 0.39–0.80; one‐sided P = 0.000632), as was progression‐free survival (HR 0.32, 95% CI 0.22–0.47; one‐sided P < 0.000001). The most common drug‐related grade ≥ 3 treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs; regorafenib, placebo) were hand–foot skin reaction (19%, 0%), hypertension (13%, 3%), hypophosphatemia (7%, 0%), increased alanine aminotransferase (6%, 0%), and increased aspartate aminotransferase (5%, 0%). In patients receiving regorafenib and placebo, respectively, TEAEs led to treatment discontinuation in 14% and 7%, dose reduction in 39% and 0%, and dose interruption in 64% and 20%.

Conclusions

This retrospective analysis showed that regorafenib provided an OS benefit over placebo for Chinese patients with previously treated mCRC. TEAEs were consistent with the regorafenib safety profile and manageable with treatment modifications.
Amperometric measurements of cocaine cue and novel context‐evoked glutamate and nitric oxide release in the nucleus accumbens core
Authors: Siemsen Benjamin M. , McFaddin John A. , Haigh Keiana , Brock Ashley G. , Nan Leath Mary , Hooker Kaylee N. , McGonegal Lilly K. , Scofield Michael D.
Published: January 2020

Cue‐induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking after self‐administration (SA) and extinction relies on glutamate release in the nucleus accumbens core (NAcore), which activates neuronal nitric oxide synthase interneurons. Nitric oxide (NO) is required for structural plasticity in NAcore medium spiny neurons, as well as cued cocaine seeking. However, NO release in the NAcore during reinstatement has yet to be directly measured. Furthermore, the temporal relationship between glutamate release and the induction of an NO response also remains unknown. Using wireless amperometric recordings in awake behaving rats, we quantified the magnitude and temporal dynamics of novel context‐ and cue‐induced reinstatement‐evoked glutamate and NO release in the NAcore. We found that re‐exposure to cocaine‐conditioned stimuli following SA and extinction increased extracellular glutamate, leading to release of NO in the NAcore. In contrast, exposing drug‐naïve rats to a novel context led to a lower magnitude rise in glutamate in the NAcore relative to cue‐induced reinstatement. Interestingly, novel context exposure evoked a higher magnitude NO response relative to cue‐induced reinstatement. Despite differences in magnitude, novel context evoked‐NO release in the NAcore was also temporally delayed when compared to glutamate. These results demonstrate a dissociation between the magnitude of cocaine cue‐ and novel context‐evoked glutamate and NO release in the NAcore, yet similarity in the temporal dynamics of their release. Together, these data contribute to a greater understanding of the relationship between glutamate and NO, two neurotransmitters implicated in encoding the valence of distinct contextual stimuli.

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Novel technique for infraorbital groove correction using multiple twisted polydioxanone thread
Authors: Lee Won , Oh Wook , Kim Hyoung‐Moon , Chan Ben‐Li , Yang Eun‐Jung
Published: January 2020

Background

The infraorbital groove can be corrected by lower blepharoplasty, microfat grafting, and soft tissue filler injection. Recently, multiple twisted polydioxanone threads were developed for facial rejuvenation.

Objective

This study aimed to examine the efficacy and associated risks of the use of new synthetic threads for infraorbital groove correction.

Methods

From March 2018 to June 2019, 40 patients (mean age: 43.4 years; range: 25‐56 years) underwent transcutaneous multiple twisted thread insertion to correct the infraorbital groove. Three threads were inserted along the infraorbital groove on each side. The outcomes were assessed based on a comparison between preprocedure and postprocedure findings. Barton's grading and Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale scores were assessed by two physicians. Patient satisfaction with the aesthetic outcome of the procedure was evaluated at the end of the procedure and after 3 months. Ultrasonographic evaluation was performed to confirm that the threads had been properly placed. The anatomical layer in which the threads were placed was evaluated in a cadaveric study.

Results

The mean Barton grade improved significantly (P < .001) without decline throughout the 12‐week period. Improvement was found in all patients who were designated with a score >2 (“improved”). More than 77.5% of the patients were satisfied with the outcomes, and the rest of the patients reported some extent of correction with little satisfaction.

Conclusions

The findings indicate the benefits of the multiple twisted polydioxanone thread insertion in the treatment of patients with infraorbital groove without septal protrusion. This evaluation raised no major safety concerns.