Gender and Nationality Trends in Manuscripts Published in Prominent Gastroenterology Journals Between 1997 and 2017

Digestive Diseases and Sciences - Gender disparities remain in the field of gastroenterology (GI) despite the decreasing gender gap in the medical field overall. We sought to examine primary and...     

A randomized trial of polyunsaturated fatty acids for refractory epilepsy

ObjectiveThough polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) reduce seizures in several animal models, results have been inconsistent in humans. The goal of the present study was to assess the effectiveness of a PUFA supplement as adjunctive treatment for intractable focal or generalized epilepsy in humans.MethodsAdults with uncontrolled epilepsy were randomized to either mineral oil placebo or a PUFA supplement (eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) plus docosahexanoic acid (DHA), 2.2 mg/day in a 3:2 ratio). Following a 4-week prospective baseline and 1-week titration, subjects entered a 12-week treatment period, followed by an optional 4-week open-label phase.ResultsOf 21 subjects (12 PUFA and 9 placebo), 0 on PUFA versus 2 on placebo had at least a 50% decrease in seizure frequency from baseline (P = 0.17). Overall, seizure frequency increased 6% on PUFA and decreased 12% on placebo (P = 0.21). During optional open-label administration, however, 15 of 19 subjects had fewer seizures than during baseline (P = 0.02).ConclusionsBased on the randomized, blinded portion of this study, the PUFA preparation used was not superior to placebo as adjunctive treatment for intractable epilepsy. It is not known whether different doses or different EPA:DHA ratios would be effective.     

Evolution of Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of LM25–HEA Composite Processed through Stir Casting with a Bottom Pouring System

Aluminum matrix composites reinforced by CoCrFeMnNi high entropy alloy (HEA) particulates were fabricated using the stir casting process. The as-cast specimens were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results indicated that flake-like silicon particles and HEA particles were distributed uniformly in the aluminum matrix. TEM micrographs revealed the presence of both the matrix and reinforcement phases, and no intermetallic phases were formed at the interface of the matrix and reinforcement phases. The mechanical properties of hardness and tensile strength increased with an increase in the HEA content. The Al 6063–5 wt.% HEA composite had a ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of approximately 197 MPa with a reasonable ductility (around 4.05%). The LM25–5 wt.% HEA composite had a UTS of approximately 195 Mpa. However, the percent elongation decreased to roughly 3.80%. When the reinforcement content increased to 10 wt.% in the LM25 composite, the UTS reached 210 MPpa, and the elongation was confined to roughly 3.40%. The fracture morphology changed from dimple structures to cleavage planes on the fracture surface with HEA weight percentage enhancement. The LM25 alloy reinforced with HEA particles showed enhanced mechanical strength without a significant loss of ductility; this composite may find application in marine and ship building industries.     

Correction to: Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Can Adversely Impact Domains of Sexual Function Such as Satisfaction with Sex Life

Digestive Diseases and Sciences - The original version of the article unfortunately contained an error in Results section of Abstract.     

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Can Adversely Impact Domains of Sexual Function Such as Satisfaction with Sex Life

Digestive Diseases and Sciences - Aspects of sexual health, which can be adversely affected by chronic disease, have been inadequately explored in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We evaluated...