Topic Review
MRI-Based Assessment of Rectal Cancer Post-Neoadjuvant Therapy
Rectal cancer presents significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, with neoadjuvant therapy playing a pivotal role in improving resectability and patient outcomes. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) serves as a critical tool in assessing treatment response.
  • 356
  • 12 Jan 2024
Topic Review
COVID-19 in Patients with Chronic Liver Disease
The liver is a secondary and often collateral target of COVID-19 disease but can lead to important consequences. COVID-19 might directly cause a high number of complications in patients with pre-existing chronic liver disease, increasing their risk of hepatic decompensation. Moreover, it also determines indirect consequences in the management of patients with liver disease, especially in those suffering from decompensated cirrhosis and HCC, as well as in the execution of their follow-up and the availability of all therapeutic possibilities. Liver imaging in COVID-19 patients proved to be highly nonspecific, but it can still be useful for identifying the complications that derive from the infection.
  • 355
  • 27 Mar 2023
Topic Review
Surgical Options for PSM from Colorectal Carcinoma
Peritoneal dissemination is proven to worsen the prognosis of these patients. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS), along with systemic chemotherapy, have been shown to constitute a survival benefit in selected patients with PSM. Furthermore, the association of CRS with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) seems to significantly improve the prognosis of patients with certain types of digestive malignancies associated with PSM. 
  • 355
  • 17 May 2023
Topic Review
Future Modulation of Gut Microbiota
The human gut is inhabited by a multitude of bacteria, yeasts, and viruses. A dynamic balance among these microorganisms is associated with the well-being of the human being, and a large body of evidence supports a role of dysbiosis in the pathogenesis of several diseases. Given the importance of the gut microbiota in the preservation of human health, probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics have been classically used as strategies to modulate the gut microbiota and achieve beneficial effects for the host. Besides, several molecules not typically included in these categories have demonstrated a role in restoring the equilibrium among the components of the gut microbiota.
  • 355
  • 22 May 2023
Topic Review
Sleep among Patients with Chronic Liver Disease
Sleep disturbances are commonly encountered among patients with CLDs and are associated with impaired HRQOL. The present study demonstrated that the more severe the liver disease, the poorer that sleep and QOL are. 
  • 352
  • 09 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Clostridioides difficile Mouse Model
Clostridioides difficile is an anaerobic, spore-forming bacterium associated with intestinal infection, manifesting a broad spectrum of gastrointestinal symptoms, ranging from mild diarrhea to severe colitis. A primary risk factor for the development of C. difficile infection (CDI) is antibiotic exposure. Elderly and immunocompromised individuals are particularly vulnerable to CDI. A pivotal aspect for comprehending the complexities of this infection relies on the utilization of experimental models that mimic human CDI transmission, pathogenesis, and progression. These models offer invaluable insights into host–pathogen interactions and disease dynamics, and serve as essential tools for testing potential therapeutic approaches.
  • 352
  • 23 Feb 2024
Topic Review
TGF-β, Activin and Follistatin in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an immune-mediated inflammatory condition predominantly affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. An increasing prevalence of IBD has been observed globally. The pathogenesis of IBD includes a complex interplay between the intestinal microbiome, diet, genetic factors and immune responses. The consequent imbalance of inflammatory mediators ultimately leads to intestinal mucosal damage and defective repair. Growth factors, given their specific roles in maintaining the homeostasis and integrity of the intestinal epithelium, are of particular interest in the setting of IBD. Furthermore, direct targeting of growth factor signalling pathways involved in the regeneration of the damaged epithelium and the regulation of inflammation could be considered as therapeutic options for individuals with IBD. Several members of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β superfamily, particularly TGF-β, activin and follistatin, are key candidates as they exhibit various roles in inflammatory processes and contribute to maintenance and homeostasis in the GI tract. 
  • 351
  • 05 May 2023
Topic Review
Effects of Probiotics in Fetal Growth Restriction
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a pathological state that represents a fetus’s inability to achieve adequate growth during pregnancy. Several maternal, placental, and fetal factors are likely associated with FGR etiology. FGR is linked to severe fetal and neonatal complications, as well as adverse health consequences in adulthood. Numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated improved growth in FGR fetuses with promising treatment strategies such as maternal micronutrient, amino acid, and nitric oxide supplementation. Elevated inflammation in pregnant women diagnosed with FGR has been associated with an imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Gut microbiota dysbiosis may result in increased FGR-related inflammation. Probiotic treatment may relieve FGR-induced inflammation and improve fetal growth. 
  • 351
  • 30 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Endosonography—Elastography
Ultrasonographic elastography is a modality used to visualize the elastic properties of tissues. Technological advances in ultrasound equipment have supported the evaluation of elastography (EG) in endosonography (EUS). Currently, the usefulness of not only EUS-strain elastography (EUS-SE) but also EUS-shear wave elastography (EUS-SWE) has been reported.
  • 350
  • 29 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Intestinal Ultrasound in Luminal Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic autoimmune disease with increasing worldwide prevalence. Small bowel involvement, either in isolation or with colonic disease, occurs in approximately 90% of patients with typical findings including ulceration, inflammation, and strictures. The current gold standard for CD activity assessment is ileocolonoscopy, however, resource constraints and the invasive nature of this assessment make this difficult to perform frequently. The recent selecting therapeutic targets in inflammatory bowel disease two (STRIDE-2) guidelines have highlighted the increasing importance of using noninvasive modalities to evaluate CD activity. Several imaging techniques can accurately assess the small bowel, including computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasound. Cross-sectional imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) and computed tomography enterography (CTE).
  • 350
  • 20 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Colorectal Cancer
Patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, have an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC). Although advancements in endoscopic imaging techniques, integrated surveillance programs, and improved medical therapies have contributed to a decreased incidence of CRC in patients with IBD, the rate of CRC remains higher in patients with IBD than in individuals without chronic colitis. Patients with IBD-related CRCs exhibit a poorer prognosis than those with sporadic CRCs, owing to their aggressive histological characteristics and lower curative resection rate. 
  • 350
  • 31 Aug 2023
Topic Review
From Infection to Viral Persistence of HBV
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a virus belonging to the Hepadnaviridae family, characterized by an incomplete double-stranded circular DNA included in an enveloped virion. It can be repaired by an endogenous DNA-polymerase, which can incorporate nucleotides into the genome. Transmission occurs parenterally, and we can find the virus in potentially every body fluid, with a higher concentration in the blood and exudates and a lower concentration in saliva, semen, and vaginal secretions.
  • 348
  • 16 May 2023
Topic Review
Lipidomics in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and associated complications, such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is growing worldwide, due to the epidemics of metabolic risk factors, such as obesity and type II diabetes. Among other factors, an aberrant lipid metabolism represents a crucial step in the pathogenesis of NAFLD and the development of HCC in this population.
  • 347
  • 26 Apr 2023
Topic Review
Treatment Strategy for Intermediate-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) has been standard treatment for intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, all intermediate-stage HCC patients did not benefit from TACE treatment because intermediate-stage HCC encompasses a wide variety of HCCs. Owing to remarkable progress in systemic therapy, including molecular-targeted therapy for advanced-stage HCC, the standard treatment of HCC has recently shifted to systemic therapy.
  • 347
  • 19 Jun 2023
Topic Review
Angiogenesis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver malignancy. The hypervascular nature of the majority of HCCs and the peculiar vascular derangement occurring during liver carcinogenesis underscore the importance of angiogenesis in the development and progression of these tumors. Indeed, several angiogenic molecular pathways have been identified as deregulated in HCC. The hypervascular nature and the peculiar vascularization of HCC, as well as deregulated angiogenic pathways, represent major therapeutic targets.
  • 345
  • 26 Jun 2023
Topic Review
Hepatic Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Systemic therapeutic agents, including combination immunotherapy, could promote a change in the treatment strategy in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) is highly effective in patients with vascular invasion compared with sorafenib.
  • 344
  • 02 Jun 2023
Topic Review
Juvenile Autoimmune Hepatitis
Juvenile autoimmune hepatitis (JAIH) is severe immune-mediated necro-inflammatory disease of the liver with spontaneous progression to cirrhosis and liver failure if left untreated. The diagnosis is based on the combination of clinical, laboratory and histological findings. Prothrombin ratio is a useful prognostic factor to identify patients who will most likely require a liver transplant by adolescence or early adulthood. JAIH treatment consists of immune suppression and should be started promptly at diagnosis to halt inflammatory liver damage and ultimately prevent fibrosis and progression to end-stage liver disease. The risk of relapse is high especially in the setting of poor treatment compliance.
  • 344
  • 06 Sep 2023
Topic Review
Role of Exosomes in Immunotherapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal malignancies, having a significantly poor prognosis and no sufficiently efficient treatments. Immunotherapy, especially immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has provided new therapeutic approaches for HCC patients. Nevertheless, most patients with HCC do not benefit from immunotherapy. Exosomes are biologically active lipid bilayer nano-sized vesicles ranging in size from 30 to 150 nm and can be secreted by almost any cell.
  • 342
  • 01 Sep 2022
Topic Review
Relationship between Gut Microbiota and Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death and morbidity worldwide. Identification of possible preventive strategies is of central interest to avoid CVD onset and progression. In this regard, intensive medical and scientific activity is currently employed in the management of traditional risk factors, but despite maximum medical therapy, there is still a residual risk of undetermined etiology. The gut microbiota is gaining increasing interest as one of the potentially modifiable factors that are involved in the pathogenesis of several diseases, including CVD. A multitude of microorganisms lives symbiotically with the human host; 10–100 trillion microbes among bacteria, viruses, fungi, and helminths are located in the gut. They serve a multitude of functions, which include maintenance of intestinal homeostasis and defence against external aggressive agents, modulation of the immune response, and production of metabolites. 
  • 342
  • 01 Jun 2023
Topic Review
Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients
Liver cancer is very frequent, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for the majority of liver cancer cases. Its growing incidence has been greatly affected by the increasing prevalence of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). The latter is a new epidemic in the era. In fact, HCC is often generated from noncirrhotic liver and its treatment benefits from surgical and nonsurgical approaches, potentially bridged by transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) use. TIPS use is an effective treatment for portal hypertension complications, but its application in patients with HCC and clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) remains controversial due to concerns about tumor rupture, dissemination, and increased toxicity. 
  • 342
  • 24 Jul 2023
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