In this study, we present a new quantitative method to measure iris colour based on high-resolution photographs. We applied this method to analyse iris colour variation in a sample of individuals of East Asian, European and South Asian ancestry. We show that measuring iris colour using the coordinates of the CIELAB colour space uncovers a significant amount of variation that is not captured using conventional categorical classifications, such as 'brown', 'blue' or 'green'. We tested the association of a selected panel of polymorphisms with iris colour in each population group. Six markers showed significant associations with iris colour in the European sample, three in the South Asian sample and two in the East Asian sample. We also observed that the marker HERC2 rs12913832, which is the main determinant of 'blue' versus 'brown' iris colour in European populations, is also significantly associated with central heterochromia in the European sample.

Ludwig’s angina is a diffuse cellulitis in the submandibular, sublingual, and submental spaces, characterized by its propensity to spread rapidly to the surrounding tissues. Early recognition and treatment for Ludwig’s angina are of paramount importance due to the myriad of complications that can occur in association with Ludwig’s angina. Known complications of Ludwig’s angina include carotid arterial rupture or sheath abscess, thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein, mediastinitis, empyema, pericardial effusion, osteomyelitis of the mandible, subphrenic abscess, aspiration pneumonia, and pleural effusion. By reporting a case of Ludwig’s angina, we hope to raise the awareness in our medical community for this rare clinical entity.This case describes a 54-year-old woman with Ludwig’s angina that evolved from a chronic odontogenic infection. She presented with perioral swelling with the involvement of bilateral submandibular and sublingual areas, accompanied by excruciating pain, chills, fever, and vomiting. She was treated with clindamycin and cefoxitin for infection and vigorously hydrated.This case is exemplary for the successful management of this potentially lethal clinical condition. Our early recognition and aggressive treatment helped to prevent complications from Ludwig’s angina.

Background/Aims: Ghrelin affects gastric motility. However, little is known about the role of ghrelin in the pathophysiology of functional dyspepsia (FD). We investigated plasma ghrelin levels and their relationship with gastric emptying time in dysmotility-like FD patients. Methods: 42 patients with dysmotility-like FD and 14 healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study. Gastric half-emptying time was measured using a radiolabeled meal. Plasma total ghrelin levels before and after the meal were determined using a radioimmunoassay kit. Results: Preprandial ghrelin levels were significantly lower in FD patients than in controls. Postprandial ghrelin levels were similar between the two groups. Abnormally low preprandial ghrelin levels were observed in 7 out of 42 patients, in whom significant postprandial decrease of ghrelin levels was absent. Delayed gastric emptying was observed in 5 out of 7 patients with abnormally low ghrelin levels. Pre- or postprandial ghrelin levels were not significantly correlated with gastric half-emptying time, both in the patient group and in the control group. Conclusions: Abnormally low preprandial ghrelin levels and absence of significant postprandial decrease of ghrelin levels are present in a subset of dysmotility-like FD patients. Further investigation on the pathogenetic implication of these alterations in FD is required.

Tanycytes are radial glial cells located in the mediobasal hypothalamus. Recent studies have proposed that tanycytes play an important role in hypothalamic control of energy homeostasis, although this has not been directly tested. Here, we report the phenotype of mice in which tanycytes of the arcuate nucleus and median eminence were conditionally ablated in adult mice. Although the cerebrospinal fluid‐hypothalamic barrier was rendered more permeable following tanycyte ablation, neither the blood‐hypothalamic barrier nor leptin‐induced pSTAT3 activation in hypothalamic parenchyma were affected. We observed a significant increase in visceral fat distribution accompanying insulin insensitivity in male mice, without significant effect on either body weight or food intake. A high‐fat diet tended to accelerate overall body weight gain in tanycyte‐ablated mice, but the development of visceral adiposity and insulin insensitivity was comparable to wildtype. Thermoneutral housing exacerbated fat accumulation and produced a shift away from fat oxidation in tanycyte‐ablated mice. These results clarify the extent to which tanycytes regulate energy balance, and demonstrate a role for tanycytes in regulating fat metabolism.