bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
P584 Mucosal Eosinophilia is an Independent Predictor of Vedolizumab Effectiveness in Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Gremida A , Huang K , Ciorba M , Deyali C , Deepak P 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Background
Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is characterized by intestinal inflammation with chronic inflammatory features. Along with the typical neutrophil-predominant inflammation, there has been growing understanding of the role of eosinophils in UC and the potential therapeutic benefit of Vedolizumab (VDZ) in those cases. VDZ blocks gastrointestinal homing of T lymphocytes and eosinophil recruitment to the intestinal mucosa via blocking α4β7 which plays a major role in eosinophils localization to the intestinal mucosa. We aimed to assess whether mucosal eosinophilia can predict response to VDZ.

Methods
A retrospective study in a single IBD center. Active UC patients who were initiated on VDZ were identified. All patients had at least one documented encounter of VDZ infusion, colonoscopy prior to initiation of VDZ and afterwards with mucosal biopsies at both time points. The endoscopic activity was scored using Mayo endoscopic subscore (MES) with remission as MES 0 or 1. Clinical response was assessed using Physician’s Global Assessment (PGA) as no response, partial or complete clinical response and clinical remission. Histology was reported by an expert GI pathologist and the response was assessed as none, partial or complete. Mucosal eosinophilia was graded at initial and follow-up biopsies as not conspicuous vs. conspicuous with predominance of eosinophils (&gt;100 eosinophils in at least 2 hpf). Eosinophil activity defined as presence of at least 1 of the 3 histologic features: eosinophilic microabscesses, eosinophilic cryptitis, or degranulated eosinophils

Results
107 UC patients were included in the study with a mean age of 44.9 years, majority were males (N = 61, 55.5%), Caucasians (N = 96, 87.3%) and with pancolonic location (N = 100, 90.9%). Mean disease duration was 11.3 yrs (SD, 8.6). 55.5% of patients had prior aTNF exposure. Clinical remission was observed in (N = 63, 57.3%) and endoscopic remission (N = 73, 66.4%) after initiating VDZ. Complete histological response was observed in (N=50, 46.7%). Baseline characteristics based on endoscopic remission is shown where male sex, disease location and the proportion of patients with conspicuous eosinophils with abnormal activity in mucosal biopsies as well as no improvement in eosinophil activity compared to pre-treatment biopsies is greater among those not in endoscopic remission. In a stepwise backward logistic regression model including sex and disease location, improvement in abnormal eosinophilic activity was independently associated with increased odds of endoscopic remission after initiating vedolizumab (OR 4.3; CI, 1.1 - 16.4, p = 0.03).

Conclusion
In ulcerative colitis, change in mucosal eosinophilia after initiating VDZ was an independent predictor of endoscopic remission with VDZ.
P593 Ustekinumab for the treatment of perianal Crohn’s disease. A real-world experience in a Spanish hospital
Authors: Algara San Nicolas M , Masedo Gonzalez A , Gomez Gomez G J , Yela San Bernardino C , Casis Herce B , Martinez Montiel M P 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Background
Perianal Crohn’s disease (pCD) is difficult to treat. Although anti-TNF, are the medical mainstay in fistula treatment, many patients become refractory. Recent data suggested that ustekinumab (UST) might be effective in pCD.
This study aims to assess the effectiveness of UST in refractory pCD in the real-world practice.

Methods
This is a retrospective cohort of patients with pCD treated with UST in our IBD Unit between march 2015 and october 2020. We analyze demographics, disease charactersistics, surgical for pCD and prior exposure including inmunomodulators and biologic agents. The success of UST was defined on the physician judgment (improvement or absence of drainage). In patients with inactive pCD we analyzed rate of relapse. To analyze predictive factors of treatment success we performed a univariate and multivariable analysis.

Results
Fifty three patients were included (54.72 % female). Twenty four of them were smokers. The median age was 54 years (45–62). The mean duration of CD was 19 years and 50.94% had an intestinal resection. Fifty one patients (96,22%) had been treated with at least 1 anti-TNF and 38 (71.7%) with at least 2 anti-TNF. Sixteen had failed to vedolizumab.
The median follow-up was 26 months (15–36). Twenty two (22/53) had active pCD. Eleven (50%) had intensified UST out of technical sheet (8 with 90 mg sc every 4 to 6 w, and 3 had 130 mg iv every 4 w). Fifteen patients (68.18 %; p&lt;0.001) had clinical improvement after started UST, 10/22 (45.45%; p &lt;0.001) radiological improvement and no one of them require other treatment (p &lt; 0.006). In multivariable analysis, no factors were associated with clinical or radiological improvement.
Two of 32 patients (6.45%) with inactive pCD relapsed during the follow-up.
Eleven patients (20.75%) discontinued UST: 6/53 (11.3%) due to adverse events (infections and arthralgia), 4/53 (7,54) patient′s choice or physician judment. One patient who had been treated with four biologics before UST developed a pleomorphic cutaneous sarcoma

Conclusion
Ustekinumab might by an effective treatment in refractory pCD. More studies are needed to confirm our data
P640 Characteristics of elderly onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease in a cohort of Hispanics
Authors: Ramos L , Anca M , Feliciano K , Amaya C , Perez A , Torres E A 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Background
The incidence and prevalence of elderly-onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease (EO-IBD), defined as diagnosed &gt;60 y/o, is increasing. The natural history of this cohort is unclear. Disease behavior in elderly patients may differ between adult onset IBD (AO-IBD) and EO-IBD. Comorbidities, age-related frailty and side effects of medications are challenges. We compare a cohort of Hispanic EO-IBD and elderly AO-IBD patients in the IBD Registry, a database collecting demographic and medical data of patients since 1995.

Methods
Of 1345 subjects,122 were ≥60 y/o at recruitment, including AO and EO subjects. Variables included age at diagnosis, gender, IBD type, family history of ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), disease extent, extraintestinal manifestations (EIM), surgery, and medications. Descriptive statistics were calculated for interval and ratio variables. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for nominal variables cross-tabulated by age of diagnosis. The study is approved by the IRB.

Results
Of the 122 subjects, 59 (48.4%) had AO-IBD and 63 (51.6%) EO-IBD. Mean age of diagnosis was 49.6 y/o for the AO group and 66.4 y/o for the EO group, disease duration was 15.37 yr for AO and 3.73 yr for EO (P&lt;.001). Female gender was more frequent (52.5%: AO, 55.6%: EO-IBD). Most were non-smokers (AO: 57.6%, EO:54%). UC was more common (AO: 62.7%, EO: 60.3%). Family history of CD was low (AO: 6.8%, EO: 6.4%), while family history of UC was more frequent in AO-IBD (18.6% vs 12.7 % in EO-IBD). Small bowel CD was the most frequent (48%) in both groups. UC extension was most commonly pancolitis (AO:58%, EO: 41%. Corticosteroid and biologic use were higher in AO-IBD (see table). EIMs were reported by 41% of AO and 27% of EO, the most frequent was joint involvement (17% AO and 16% EO). Cancer was reported in 3.4% of AO-IBD and 1.6% of EO-IBD. Osteoporosis was reported on 14% of AO-IBD and only 2% in EO-IBD. Surgery was more frequent in the AO group, 41% (n = 24) vs 24% (n = 15) in EO.

Conclusion
Baseline characteristics, disease location and behavior were similar in AO and EO IBD groups. Use of corticosteroids, biologics and surgery were less frequent in the EO-IBD group (not significant). Whether these findings are related to a shorter disease duration, less severe disease or a more conservative management dictated by age and co-morbidities needs to be explored. Selecting the appropriate treatment option for elderly individuals is an important clinical issue.
P685 Gut microbiota in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease during remission
Authors: Pisani A , Rausch P , Ellul S , Bang C , Tabone T , Marantidis Cordina C , Zahra G , Ellul P , Franke A 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Background
Dysbiosis in patients with active IBD has been described in many studies and populations. There is, however, minimal data on whether dysbiosis persists during remission and the extent to which it does. The aim of this study was to assess the gut microbiota in Maltese IBD patients who are in remission as compared to a healthy control population.

Methods
Stool samples of patients with IBD in remission and healthy controls were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing. High quality Amplicon sequence variants (ASV) were derived and classified via DADA2.

Results
Ninety-eight patients with IBD (UC: 67.3%; CD: 32.7%) and 97 controls were recruited. Patients with IBD had a decrease in alpha diversity compared to healthy controls (Figure 1) with significant differences in beta diversity (Bray-Curtis dissimilarity, Jaccard distance and Generalized UniFrac distance: all p=0.0001). At the phylum level, abundances differed significantly with respect to health condition (Figure 2). Twenty-five ASVs that were differentially abundant between the different cohorts were identified (Table 1); 13 being over abundant in healthy individuals, while 6 being least abundant among controls. In both CD and UC, 3 different ASVs were found to be more abundant.

Conclusion
Despite remission, the faecal gut microbiota in IBD is dysbiotic. Future studies could be directed at assessing whether species identified as being more abundant in controls can be used as probiotics to either reduce or be able to stop the standard medications.
The Political Economy of Preferential Trade Agreements: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Facchini Giovanni , Silva Peri , Willmann Gerald 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWe develop a political economy model to study the decision of representative democracies to join a preferential trading agreement, distinguishing between free trade areas and customs unions. Our theoretical analysis shows that bilateral trade imbalances and income inequality are important factors determining the formation of preferential trading agreements, whereas the patterns of geographic specialisation explain whether a customs union or a free trade area will emerge. Our empirical analysis—using a comprehensive panel dataset spanning 187 countries over the period 1960–2015—provides strong support for these predictions.
Copy number evolution in simple and complex tandem repeats across the C57BL/6 and C57BL/10 inbred mouse lines
Authors: Flynn Jullien M , Brown Emily J , Clark Andrew G 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Simple sequence tandem repeats are among the most rapidly evolving compartments of the genome. Some repeat expansions are associated with mammalian disease or meiotic segregation distortion, yet the rates of copy number change across generations are not well known. Here, we use 14 distinct sublineages of the C57BL/6 and C57BL/10 inbred mouse strains, which have been evolving independently over about 300 generations, to estimate the rates of copy number changes in genome-wide tandem repeats. Rates of change varied across repeats and across lines. Notably, CAG, whose expansions in coding regions are associated with many neurological and genetic disorders, was highly stable in copy number, likely indicating stabilizing selection. Rates of change were positively correlated with copy number, but the direction and magnitude of changes varied across lines. Some mouse lines experienced consistent losses or gains across most simple repeats, but this did not correlate with copy number changes in complex repeats. Rates of copy number change were similar between simple repeats and the more abundant complex repeats after normalization by copy number. Finally, the Y-specific centromeric repeat had a fourfold higher rate of change than the homologous centromeric repeat on other chromosomes. Structural differences in satellite complexity, or restriction to the Y chromosome and elevated mutation rates of the male germline, may explain the higher rate of change. Overall, our work underscores the mutational fluidity of long tandem arrays of repeats, and the correlations and constraints between genome-wide tandem repeats, which suggest that turnover is not a completely neutral process.
Metachronal Motion across Scales: Current Challenges and Future Directions
Authors: Byron Margaret L , Murphy David W , Katija Kakani , Hoover Alexander P , Daniels Joost , Garayev Kuvvat , Takagi Daisuke , Kanso Eva , Gemmell Bradford J , Ruszczyk Melissa , Santhanakrishnan Arvind 
Published: May 2021

Synopsis
Metachronal motion is used across a wide range of organisms for a diverse set of functions. However, despite its ubiquity, analysis of this behavior has been difficult to generalize across systems. Here we provide an overview of known commonalities and differences between systems that use metachrony to generate fluid flow. We also discuss strategies for standardizing terminology and defining future investigative directions that are analogous to other established subfields of biomechanics. Finally, we outline key challenges that are common to many metachronal systems, opportunities that have arisen due to the advent of new technology (both experimental and computational), and next steps for community development and collaboration across the nascent network of metachronal researchers.
Queen Pregnancy Increases Group Estradiol Levels in Cooperatively Breeding Naked Mole-Rats
Authors: Edwards Phoebe D , Arguelles Daphne A , Mastromonaco Gabriela F , Holmes Melissa M 
Published: May 2021

SynopsisFor cooperative species, there can be great value in the synchronization of physiological states to coordinate group behavioral states. This is evident in naked mole-rats (Heterocephalus glaber), which have the most extreme form of cooperative breeding in mammals. Colonies have a single reproductive female, “the queen,” and 1–3 breeding males. These breeders are supported by adult “subordinates,” which are all socially suppressed into a pre-pubertal state. Subordinates cooperate in colony maintenance, defense, and alloparental care. Prior work has reported that there may be social sharing of hormones among individuals in the colony because when the queen is pregnant, subordinates of both sexes develop enlarged nipples and female subordinates can develop vaginal perforation. We sought to document the hormonal changes and mechanisms behind these observations. We found that subordinate estradiol levels were elevated during the queen’s pregnancy and were correlated with queen levels. To determine if this occurs by direct hormone-sharing, where group members uptake the hormones of conspecifics through excreta or the skin, we then tested whether treating a single subordinate in the colony with estradiol would induce the same effect in other colony members. It did not, which indicates that the influence on group estradiol levels may be specific to cues from the queen. These queen cues may be behavioral in nature, as we found that queens were less aggressive during pregnancy, which prior work has suggested may relax reproductive suppression of subordinates. Yet, levels of queen aggression alone were not associated, or were weakly associated, with their colony’s estradiol levels, though our sample size examining this particular relationship was low. This is suggestive that additional queen cues of reproductive status, beyond just aggression, may be relevant in influencing the subordinate hormonal change, or that the relationship between aggression and colony estradiol levels is more subtle and would need to be elucidated with a larger sample size. These results have implications for how cooperative breeders coordinate reproduction and alloparental care, and how social cues can influence individual and group physiology.
Explicit superposed and forced plane wave generalized Beltrami flows
Authors: Prugger Artur , Rademacher Jens D M 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWe revisit and present new linear spaces of explicit solutions to incompressible Euler and Navier–Stokes equations on ${{{\mathbb{R}}}}^n$, as well as the rotating Boussinesq equations on ${{{\mathbb{R}}}}^3$. We cast these solutions are superpositions of certain linear plane waves of arbitrary amplitudes that also solve the nonlinear equations by constraints on wave vectors and flow directions. For $n\leqslant 3$, these are explicit examples for generalized Beltrami flows. We show that forcing terms of corresponding plane wave type yield explicit solutions by linear variation of constants. We work in Eulerian coordinates and distinguish the two situations of vanishing and of gradient nonlinear terms, where the nonlinear terms modify the pressure. The methods that we introduce to find explicit solutions in nonlinear fluid models can also be used in other equations with material derivative. Our approach offers another view on known explicit solutions of different fluid models from a plane wave perspective and provides transparent nonlinear interactions between different flow components.
Suiting Children for Institutions: The Development, Calibration and Stabilization of the One-piece Snowsuit
Authors: Petersen Trine Brun 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This article presents a study of the design history of the snowsuit as a product type and explores the constitutive factors in its development. To shed light on the snowsuit as a designed object, the study draws on Actor Network Theory (ANT), particularly work linking ANT to design. In order to do this, the study focuses on the Finnish company Reima, which has been a leading producer of children’s wear in the Nordic region since the 1960s. The article traces the development of the one-piece snowsuit from a marginal product type, whose use was advised against because it was seen as hindering children’s freedom of movement, to the ubiquitous position it holds in Nordic pre-school children’s wardrobe today. Innovations in textile technology play a prominent role in this development, as does the emergence of a new configuration of use, characterized by working mothers and institutionalized children, which has increased the demand for garments that are practical, robust and easy-care. The article argues that the snowsuit is essentially a technique for making children more ‘suitable’ for institutions and links the snowsuit to a broader movement towards the rationalisation of family life in the welfare state.
Surgical approach to gastric polyposis in Cowen syndrome—case report
Authors: Correia Teresa Freitas , Mesquita Isabel , Marcos Mário , Nogueira Carlos , Santos Jorge 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Cowden syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant disorder that is characterized by multiple hamartomatous neoplasms in a variety of tissues and is associated with germline mutations in the PTEN gene. Cowden syndrome does not have increased risk of gastric malignancy; however, complications of benign neoplasm can occur. The authors report a case of a patient with Cowden Syndrome and with gastric polyps that caused severe morbidity and a surgical approach was indicated. An antrectomy with troncular vagotomy was performed with a Billroth I reconstruction. In this case, this was of paramount importance so the duodenum can be revisited.
Buried bumper syndrome: a case report of an early PEG gastropexy-associated complication in a patient with gastric volvulus
Authors: Dhannoon Amenah , AlKhattab Maha , Sehgal Rishabh , Collins Chris G 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Buried bumper syndrome (BBS) is a rare complication associated with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tubes. It develops when the internal bumper migrates through the gastric wall, lodging anywhere along the gastrostomy tract leading to overgrowth of gastric mucosa thereby encasing the tube. BBS can lead to bleeding, perforation, peritonitis and intra-abdominal sepsis. Our case is a 71-year-old female presenting with tenderness, erythema and purulent discharge at the PEG tube site 2-weeks post-insertion. Computer tomography scan demonstrated the PEG had dislodged with the internal bumper in the subcutaneous tissue and the distal tip lying within the tract beyond the stomach wall. The PEG was removed by simple external traction. The patient clinically improved and discharged home on day three.
Although BBS usually occurs late post-PEG insertion, it can also occur acutely. Preventative measures should be adopted at ward-level and emphasized with appropriate PEG tube care information provided to patients to avoid and recognize such complication.
Spiritual ambiguity in interfaith humanitarianism: Local faith communities, Syrian refugees, and Muslim–Christian encounters in Lebanon and Jordan
Authors: Gutkowski Stacey , Larkin Craig 
Published: May 2021

AbstractLiterature on faith-based responses to forced displacement has described, but not fully unpacked or theorized cross-religion humanitarian aid in ‘South–South’ contexts. This article interrogates the various ambiguities, particularly spiritual ambiguities, inherent in faith-based humanitarianism where local providers are the minority religion. In unpacking these, we identify three modes of faith-based aid to Muslim Syrian refugees by local churches and Christian charities in Lebanon and Jordan: hospitality, humanitarian, and spiritual development. These may present successively deeper opportunities for fostering openness to spiritual pluralism. We argue for greater appreciation of what we call spiritual ambiguity in interfaith humanitarianism. While humanitarian space is always shaped by a web of power relations, it is vital to develop new, more nuanced ways of thinking about cross-religious faith-based humanitarianism beyond Western neo-colonialism or refugee strategizing.
High-tech infrastructure and economic growth: The Materials Genome Initiative
Authors: Scott Troy , Walsh Amanda , Anderson Benjamin , O’Connor Alan , Tassey Gregory 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This paper examines the economic impact potential of a major innovative effort by the US Government to systematically coordinate, implement, and manage a technical infrastructure to support innovation and subsequent market penetration of advanced material technologies. Called the Materials Genome Initiative (MGI), this high-tech infrastructure consists of a range of policy instruments that can be used to leverage the efficiency of both research and development and production. To determine and rank the potential economic impacts of various MGI infrastructure targets and thereby provide policy input for portfolio management, surveys were conducted to obtain industry estimates of materials infrastructure needs. From these surveys, the economic benefits of implementing the MGI were calculated. The analysis projects potential economic benefits from an improved materials innovation infrastructure of between $123 billion and $270 billion per year.