bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of the Elipse Intragastric Balloon on Obesity and Metabolic Profile
Authors: Ramai Daryl , Singh Jameel , Mohan Babu P. , Madedor Ogenetega , Brooks Olivia W. , Barakat Mohamed , Ofosu Andrew , Khan Shahab R. , Chandan Saurabh , Dhindsa Banreet , Dhaliwal Amaninder , Facciorusso Antonio , McDonough Stephanie , Adler Douglas G. 
Published: December 2020

Background:
Intragastric balloons (IGBs) have been used to bridge the obesity treatment gap with the benefits of being minimally invasive but still required endoscopy. The Elipse IGB is a swallowable balloon that is spontaneously excreted at ∼16 weeks. However, studies are limited by small sample sizes. The authors aim to assess clinically relevant endpoints, namely weight loss outcomes, metabolic profile, balloon tolerability, and adverse events.

Methods:
A literature search was performed from several databases from inception to July 2020. The pooled means and proportions of our data were analyzed using a random effects model.

Results:
Seven studies involving 2152 patients met our eligibility criteria and were included. The mean baseline body mass index ranged from 32.1 to 38.6. The pooled mean difference (MD) in body mass index was 0.88 [confidence interval (CI): 0.58-1.18, I
2=98%]. Total body weight loss was 12% (CI: 10.1-14.3, I
2=94%) and excess body weight loss was 49.1% (CI: 30.6-67.5, I
2=97%). The MD in waist circumference was 0.89 (CI: 0.72-1.05, I
2=53%). MD in triglyceride level was 0.66 (CI: 0.21-1.1, I
2=96%). Pooled early deflation rate was 1.8% (CI: 0.6-5.1, I
2=74%). Our study also showed that the Elipse balloon was associated with less adverse events when compared with other IGBs.

Conclusions:
This meta-analysis demonstrates that the Elipse intragastric balloon is a safe, effective, and tolerable device for weight loss and obesity with a minimal side effect profile.
How might endotyping guide chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatment? Current understanding, knowledge gaps and future research needs
Authors: Burkes Robert M. , Panos Ralph J. , Borchers Michael T. 
Published: December 2020

Purpose of review
This review discusses emerging therapies directed at chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) endotypes and pathobiological processes that manifest as the disease.

Recent findings
Specific endotypes have been targeted in COPD. These include eosinophilic inflammation, overproduction of interleukin-17, chronic bronchitis and altered nature of mucous, and chronic infection. Therapies exactly directed at the cause of these endotypes or their resultant clinical findings have been assessed. Although some intermediate outcomes have seemed promising, there have been no findings that shift the paradigm of COPD therapy.

Summary
Basic and clinical scientists continue to define endotypes that may be directly addressed with therapeutics. As of the time of this up-to-date review, there is yet to be an endotype-directed therapy to demonstrate great clinical effect.
Impact of obesity on pulmonary function: current understanding and knowledge gaps
Authors: Hegewald Matthew J. 
Published: December 2020

Purpose of review
Obesity is an increasing world-wide public health concern. Obesity both causes respiratory symptoms and contributes to many cardiorespiratory diseases. The effects of obesity on commonly used lung function tests are reviewed.

Recent findings
The effects of obesity on lung function are attributed both to mechanical factors and to complex metabolic effects that contribute to a pro-inflammatory state. The effects of obesity on lung function correlate with BMI and correlate even better when the distribution of excess adipose tissue is taken into account, with central obesity associated with more prominent abnormalities. Obesity is associated with marked decreases in expiratory reserve volume and functional residual capacity. Total lung capacity, residual volume, and spirometry are less affected by obesity and are generally within the normal range except with severe obesity. Obesity decreases total respiratory system compliance primarily because of decreased lung compliance, with only mild effects on chest wall compliance. Obesity is associated with impaired gas transfer with decreases in oxygenation and varied but usually mild effects on diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide, while the carbon monoxide transfer coefficient is often increased.

Summary
Obesity has significant effects on lung function. The relative contribution of the mechanical effects of obesity and the production of inflammatory cytokines by adipose tissue on lung function needs further study.
Obstructive lung diseases and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: Muthu Valliappan , Prasad Kuruswamy T. , Sehgal Inderpaul S. , Dhooria Sahajal , Aggarwal Ashutosh N. , Agarwal Ritesh 
Published: December 2020

Purpose of review
Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a disease frequently complicating asthma and cystic fibrosis. ABPA is increasingly recognized in other obstructive lung diseases (OLDs), including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. Herein, we summarize the recent developments in ABPA complicating OLDs.

Recent findings
Recent research has described the clinical features and natural history of ABPA complicating asthma in children and the elderly. We have gained insights into the pathophysiology of ABPA, especially the role of eosinophil extracellular trap cell death and mucus plugs. The utility of recombinant fungal antigens in the diagnosis of ABPA has been established. Newer, more sensitive criteria for the diagnosis of ABPA have been proposed. Although ABPA is uncommon in COPD and noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, aspergillus sensitization is more common and is associated with a higher exacerbation rate.

Summary
Several advances have occurred in the diagnosis and treatment of ABPA in recent years. However, there is an unmet need for research into the genetic predisposition, pathophysiology, and treatment of ABPA. Apart from asthma and cystic fibrosis, patients with other OLDs also require evaluation for Aspergillus sensitization and ABPA.
Recent advances in the biology of bombesin-like peptides and their receptors
Authors: Qin Xiaoqun , Qu Xiangping 
Published: December 2020

Purpose of review
The current review aims to update the important findings about molecular and cellular biology of mammalian bombesin-like peptides (BLPs) and their receptors.

Recent findings
Recent identification of synaptic communication between gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) neurons and GRP receptor (GRPR) neurons in spinal itch relay provides us novel insights into physiology of itch sensation. Neuromedin B (NMB) neurons were found to form connections with subcortical areas associated with arousal, hippocampal theta oscillation, and premotor processing and project to multiple downstream stations to regulate locomotion and hippocampal theta power. In addition to researches regarding the roles of BLPs and their receptors in central nervous system, recent findings reveal that NMB receptor is expressed on helminth-induced type 2 innate lymphoid cells and is regulated by basophils, suggesting an important function of NMB in helminth-induced immune responses. Bombesin transactivates epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), and HER3 receptors on human nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and elicits downstream signaling cascades and induces formation of both human epidermal growthfactor receptor 3 (HER3)/EGFR and HER3/HER2 heterodimers. Several high-affinity ligands for bombesin receptors were characterized, providing useful tools in investigation of biological roles of those peptides and their receptors.

Summary
The most exciting findings of BLPs and their receptors in the past year come from studies in central nervous system. In addition, more researches are still underway to probe the molecular mechanisms of those peptides in peripheral tissues and characterize novel synthetic ligands with high affinity for mammalian bombesin receptors.
Gut–brain–bone marrow axis in hypertension
Authors: Li Jing , Raizada Mohan K. , Richards Elaine M. 
Published: December 2020

Purpose of review
Rapidly emerging evidence implicates an important role of gut–brain–bone marrow (BM) axis involving gut microbiota (GM), gut epithelial wall permeability, increased production of pro-inflammatory BM cells and neuroinflammation in hypertension (HTN). However, the precise sequence of events involving these organs remains to be established. Furthermore, whether an impaired gut–brain–BM axis is a cause or consequence of HTN is actively under investigation. This will be extremely important for translation of this fundamental knowledge to novel, innovative approaches for the control and management of HTN. Therefore, our objectives are to summarize the latest hypothesis, provide evidence for and against the impaired gut, BM and brain interactions in HTN and discuss perspectives and future directions.

Recent findings
Hypertensive stimuli activate autonomic neural pathways resulting in increased sympathetic and decreased parasympathetic cardiovascular modulation. This directly affects the functions of cardiovascular-relevant organs to increase blood pressure. Increases in sympathetic drive to the gut and BM also trigger sequences of signaling events that ultimately contribute to altered GM, increased gut permeability, enhanced gut- and brain-targeted pro-inflammatory cells from the BM in perpetuation and establishment of HTN.

Summary
In this review, we present the mechanisms involving the brain, gut, and BM, whose dysfunctional interactions may be critical in persistent neuroinflammation and key in the development and establishment of HTN.
WNK4 kinase: role of chloride sensing in the distal convoluted tubule
Authors: Chen Jen-Chi , Lin Meng-Xuan , Cheng Chih-Jen 
Published: December 2020

Purpose of review
This review focuses on recent efforts in identifying with-no-lysine kinase 4 (WNK4) as a physiological intracellular chloride sensor and exploring regulators of intracellular chloride concentration ([Cl-]i) in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT).

Recent findings
The discovery of WNK1's chloride-binding site provides the mechanistic details of the chloride-sensing regulation of WNK kinases. The subsequent in-vitro studies reveal that the chloride sensitivities of WNK kinases were variable. Because of its highest chloride sensitivity and dominant expression, WNK4 emerges as the leading candidate of the chloride sensor in DCT. The presentation of hypertension and increased sodium-chloride cotransporter (NCC) activity in chloride-insensitive WNK4 mice proved that WNK4 is inhibitable by physiological [Cl-]i in DCT. The chloride-mediated WNK4 regulation is responsible for hypokalemia-induced NCC activation but unnecessary for hyperkalemia-induced NCC deactivation. This chloride-sensing mechanism requires basolateral potassium and chloride channels or cotransporters, including Kir4.1/5.1, ClC-Kb, and possibly KCCs, to modulate [Cl-]i in response to the changes of plasma potassium.

Summary
WNK4 is both a master NCC stimulator and an in-vivo chloride sensor in DCT. The understanding of chloride-mediated regulation of WNK4 explains the inverse relationship between dietary potassium intake and NCC activity.
Germline mutations in MDS/AML predisposition disorders
Authors: Godley Lucy A. 
Published: December 2020

Purpose of review
Recognition of hereditary hematopoietic malignancies impacts patient management as well as health surveillance strategies for the patient and relatives who share the causative DNA variant. In this review, barriers to the diagnosis and management of patients are outlined.

Recent findings
Increasingly, individuals are being recognized as having germline predisposition to hematopoietic malignancies. Clinical testing for these syndromes is difficult for most clinicians given the need to send true germline samples and the lack of standardization in the field with regard to which genes are covered and the types of DNA changes detected. Additional barriers such as insurance coverage, especially for older individuals, and access to clinical experts need to be overcome in the future.

Summary
New research addressing whether use of hematopoietic stem cells with deleterious variants are permissive to transplantation; effective means of delivering genetic counseling and results disclosure to decrease the psychological impact of these diagnoses; and a comprehensive list of all predisposition genes will advance our ability to provide the best treatment possible for our patients and facilitate strategies to maintain excellent health throughout their lifetimes and for members of younger generations.

Video abstract
Submitted, http://links.lww.com/COH/A22
Maintenance therapy for acute myeloid leukemia: sustaining the pursuit for sustained remission
Authors: Shallis Rory M. , Podoltsev Nikolai A. 
Published: December 2020

Purpose of review
Maintenance therapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has been studied for decades with mixed results. However, the application of modern agents has renewed interest and the recent data from randomized trials has provided evidence for the use of maintenance therapy in certain populations of AML patients.

Recent findings
Unselected patients are unlikely to benefit from maintenance therapy as has been previously and consistently demonstrated. The increasing availability of newer and targeted agents like oral hypomethylating agents, protein modifiers, as well as FLT3, IDH1/2 BCL-2 and immune checkpoint inhibitors have restoked interest in maintenance therapy for which randomized, placebo-controlled trials have recently demonstrated benefits, including in the post-transplant setting. Patients with high-risk disease, suboptimal consolidation or remission associated with measurable residual disease (MRD) appear to be beneficiaries of this strategy. The influence of MRD status and the platform by which it is measured are important factors in the current understanding of when maintenance therapy works and how future studies should be designed.

Summary
The recent positive findings in support of maintenance therapy for certain AML patient populations are practice changing and bolster the need for properly designed, randomized studies using unified and standardized MRD techniques.
Recommendations for Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Adolescents and Young Adults With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Schenker Rachel B. , Wilson Erin , Russell Meredith , Cooke Laura C. , Heyman Melvin B. , Verstraete Sofia G. 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACT
Transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) individuals have a different gender identity than the sex they were assigned at birth. Despite an increase in provider awareness of TGNC health over the past decade, no original research or societal guidelines exist on TGNC patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We review TGNC IBD cases in the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Pediatric IBD Program and in the literature. We then provide some recommendations for the provision of high-quality care to the TGNC IBD population, divided into 3 categories: medications, anatomy, and mental health.
Unexpected Death Associated With Clostridial Sepsis
Authors: Olds Kelly L. , Gilbert John D. , Byard Roger W. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
An 85-year-old woman with a history of breast carcinoma presented to hospital after gradual onset of abdominal pain with hypotension, jaundice, and massive intravascular hemolysis. This was caused by Clostridium perfringens septicemia originating from a liver abscess. Clostridium perfringens septicemia is a rare infection that has a high mortality rate, given that it is frequently unable to be diagnosed until postmortem examination. The source of the pathogen is usually intra-abdominal. Hepatic abscesses, although an uncommon source of primary clostridial infection, should be considered in such cases.
Nail Gun Suicide
Authors: Fernando Dinesh Malcolm Gerard , Ekanayake Ekanayake Mudiyanselage Kasun Bandara 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Nail guns are pneumatically driven or powder-actuated tools, which are used to drive nails into wood or concrete. A 42-year-old man, who was a builder by profession and history of antidepressant use, was found dead in his vehicle, holding a “Ramset” nail gun in his right hand. A straight metal nail and a book with a small hole were recovered from the scene.
At autopsy, an irregularly circular puncture wound was seen on the forehead and a cruciate laceration was seen on the posterior aspect of the scalp. No burning, blackening, or tattooing was present around either injury. Both internal and external beveling was present with the latter being relatively larger. Toxicological analysis revealed alcohol and methamphetamine in blood. Psychiatric history and substance abuse must also be considered when individuals in construction industry are given access to tools like nail guns.
Several unique features not previously reported were observed in this case. The deceased had overcome the built-in safety mechanism of the nail gun, by placing a book in between his forehead and muzzle. Another unique feature is that the nail had exited the cranium. Beveling, a feature commonly found in firearm injuries, was also seen in this case.
Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitor Start or Switch Impacts Learning in Women With HIV
Authors: O'Halloran Jane A. , Wang Kunbo , Spence Amanda B. , Williams Dionna W. , Dastgheyb Raha , Fitzgerald Kathryn C. , Kamkwalala Asante R. , Maki Pauline M. , Sharma Anjali , Gustafson Deborah R. , Milam Joel , Weber Kathleen M. , Adimora Adaora A. , Ofotokun Igho , Fischl Margaret A. , Konkle-Parker Deborah , Lahiri Cecile D. , Sheth Anandi N. , Xu Yanxun , Rubin Leah H. 
Published: December 2020

Background:
Integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) are first-line regimens for HIV treatment. We aimed to examine their impact on cognitive performance and depressive symptoms in women with HIV (WWH).

Setting:
Women's Interagency HIV Study, a multisite, prospective, cohort study.

Methods:
WWH who started or switched to INSTI-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) and completed neuropsychological testing and the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale before and after INSTI start/switch were included in the analyses. Primary outcomes were demographically corrected cognitive domain T-scores. Linear mixed-effects models adjusted for relevant covariates were used to examine effects of start/switch of any INSTI and individual INSTI drugs on cognition and CES-D scores.

Results:
Six hundred thirty-nine WWH, median age 49 (interquartile range 12) years, 66% Black non-Hispanic, had neuropsychological and CES-D scale data before and after INSTI start/switch. Although 14% started INSTI-based ART, the remainder switched to INSTI-based ART from another regimen. Overall, any INSTI use was associated with poorer learning post-INSTI. Specifically, use of dolutegravir and elvitegravir, but not raltegravir, was associated with poorer learning. In analyses restricted to INSTI switch, any INSTI use, and dolutegravir use, was associated with poorer learning. Among those switching from a PI-based regimen, INSTIs overall and dolutegravir remained associated with poorer learning; switching from a nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor to dolutegravir was also associated with poorer learning. INSTI start/switch was not related to depressive symptom changes.

Conclusions:
INSTI use was associated with poorer learning among WWH. These changes were mainly observed in elvitegravir and dolutegravir users, indicating that the impact of INSTI on cognition in WWH may not be a class effect.
A New Approach and Old Techniques: Combined Endoscopic Repair of Inguinoscrotal Hernias
Authors: Petrovsky Aleksandr , Lutsevich Oleg E. , Gubish Aleksey , Zamsha Denis , Vagin Ivan , Popov Arsen , Porhanov Vladimir A. 
Published: December 2020

Background:
The treatment of inguinoscrotal hernias (ISH) represents one of the most challenging areas in surgical pathology. Although these hernias could be repaired through a minimally invasive approach, open repair is still considered to be the technique of choice for most surgeons. The purpose of this study is to evaluate our new combined [open+transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP)/total preperitoneal (TEP)] method of ISH repair.

Patients and Methods:
The authors reviewed the charts of 124 patients with ISH who underwent hernia repair in different modifications: open, TAPP, TEP, and new combined method with a minimal follow-up of 3 months.

Results:
New combined (open+TAPP/TEP) method repair was successful in all 38 patients. Average case duration was 68.8 minutes (62 to 106 min). No recurrence was observed for the 13 months follow-up. Two patients had intraoperative serosal bowel injury, 1 patient developed postoperative seroma, and 2 patients developed several pain.

Conclusions:
Combined (open+TAPP/TEP) method for ISH repair allows to minimize surgical trauma and reduce both the procedure time and the postoperative length of stay. Implementation of this method results in statistically significantly fewer wound-related postoperative complications compared with traditional methods.
Nelson Syndrome: Clival Invasion of Corticotroph Pituitary Adenoma Resulting in Alternating Sixth Nerve Palsies
Authors: Douglas Vivian P. , Douglas Konstantinos A. A. , Rapalino Otto , Champion Samantha N. , Chwalisz Bart K. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract:
A 44-year-old woman presented with 2 painful and self-limited episodes of binocular horizontal diplopia within 1 year that at the beginning were thought to be secondary to microvascular insult. Her medical history was significant for Cushing syndrome status post transsphenoidal resection with bilateral adrenalectomy 4 years prior, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. Neuro-ophthalmic evaluation was significant for left abduction deficit and incomitant esotropia consistent with left abducens nerve palsy. Of note, the patient had experienced a similar episode but on the contralateral side a few months prior. Although initially MRI of the brain demonstrated stable residual postoperative finding in the sella, upon review, an heterogenous T-1 hypointense marrow in the clivus was noted. Hypermetabolism of the clivus was also noted on computed tomography positron emission tomography of the skull base. A clival biopsy demonstrated a corticotroph adenoma with elevated proliferation index and scattered mitoses. A corticotroph pituitary adenoma after adrenalectomy, also known as Nelson syndrome, was diagnosed. Radiation therapy was offered to the patient, and resolution of symptoms was gradually observed.