Topic Review
Computer-Aided Polyp Detection
Artificial intelligence (AI) applied to medicine is here to stay. In gastroenterology, AI computer vision applications have been stated as a research priority. The two main AI system categories are computer-aided polyp detection (CADe) and computer-assisted diagnosis (CADx). CADe can detect previously unrecognized lesions and serve as “a second set of eyes” by continuously monitoring mechanisms. Furthermore, these systems may help to reduce in-day variations in ADRs due to operator fatigue.
  • 447
  • 20 Apr 2023
Topic Review
Barrett’s Esophagus
Given that endoscopic findings can be used to predict the potential of neoplastic progression in Barrett’s esophagus (BE) cases, the detection rate of dysplastic Barrett’s lesions may become higher even in laborious endoscopic surveillance because a special attention is consequently paid. However, endoscopic findings for effective detection of the risk of neoplastic progression to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) have not been confirmed, though some typical appearances are suggestive. In the present review, endoscopic findings that can be used predict malignant potential to EAC in BE cases are discussed. Conventional results obtained with white light endoscopy, such as length of BE, presence of esophagitis, ulceration, hiatal hernia and nodularity, are used as indicators of a higher risk of neoplastic progression. However, there are controversies in some of those findings. Absence of palisade vessels may be also a new candidate predictor, as that reveals degree of intense inflammation and of cyclooxygenase-2 protein expression with accelerated cellular proliferation. Furthermore, an open type of mucosal pattern and enriched stromal blood vessels, which can be observed by image-enhanced endoscopy including narrow band imaging, have been confirmed as factors useful for prediction of neoplastic progression of BE because they indicate more frequent cyclooxygenase-2 protein expression along with accelerated cellular proliferation. Should the malignant potential of BE be shown predictable by these endoscopic findings, that would simplify methods used for an effective surveillance, because patients requiring careful monitoring would be more easily identified. Development in the near future of a comprehensive scoring system for BE based on clinical factors, biomarkers and endoscopic predictors is required.
  • 446
  • 05 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Diagnostic Methods in H. pylori Infection
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) develops potentially life-threatening conditions in adults if not appropriately treated. Helicobacter pylori is a common human pathogen that was first described in the stomach many years ago. 
  • 446
  • 11 Jan 2023
Topic Review
Inflammation and Infections in Anal Cancer
The anal canal is a short (3–4 cm) segment located distal to the rectum, commencing at the anorectal ring and extending to the anal verge. The World Health Organization classifies anal canal cancers as epithelial, mesenchymal and secondary tumors. Anal squamous cell cancer (SCC) occurs most frequently, accounting for approximately 80% to 85% of all anal canal cancers.
  • 445
  • 13 May 2022
Topic Review
Role of Melatonin in the Pathogenesis of NAFLD
Endogenous melatonin, an indoleamine hormone synthesized by the pineal gland mainly at night, is a powerful chronobiotic that probably regulates metabolic processes and has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and genomic effects. Extrapineal melatonin has been found in various tissues and organs, including the liver, pancreas, and gastrointestinal tract, where it likely maintains cellular homeostasis. Melatonin exerts its effects on NAFLD at the cellular, subcellular, and molecular levels, affecting numerous signaling pathways.
  • 444
  • 25 Jun 2023
Topic Review
Non-Invasive Biomarkers for Immunotherapy with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Tumor biomarkers are cellular and molecular products linked directly or indirectly to the presence of cancer cells that are an expression of the tumor’s intrinsic characteristics and can be identified, measured, and analyzed by specific tests.  Currently, there is an increasing interest in developing novel techniques to extract information on tumor biology directly from patient’s body fluids in a non-invasive way. Liquid biopsy, a non-invasive approach of tumor biomarkers detection, permits a dynamic picture of HCC’s evolution and response to therapy. 
  • 444
  • 20 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Cytokines and Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a worldwide health matter with a major care burden, high prevalence, and poor prognosis. Its pathogenesis mainly varies depending on the underlying etiological factors, although it develops from liver cirrhosis in the majority of cases. In the premalignant environment, inflammatory cells release a wide range of cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, prostaglandins, and proangiogenic factors, making the liver environment more suitable for hepatocyte tumor progression that starts from acquired genetic mutations. A complex interaction of pro-inflammatory (IL-6, TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (TGF-α and -β), pro-angiogenic molecules (including the Angiopoietins, HGF, PECAM-1, HIF-1α, VEGF), different transcription factors (NF-kB, STAT-3), and their signaling pathways are involved in the development of HCC. Since cytokines are expressed and released during the different stages of HCC progression, their measurement, by different available methods, can provide in-depth information on the identification and management of HCC. 
  • 442
  • 13 Jan 2023
Topic Review
Computer-Aided Detection False Positives
Defining FPs based on the duration of time is an objective way of classifying FPs. However, the threshold required for reporting FPs is unsettled. One report suggested that only FPs > 2 s be reported, and another only reported FPs > 1 s, while the majority of FPs (i.e., more than 90%) lasted <0.5 s. It is unknown whether ignoring the transient FPs (i.e., those lasting for <1 or 2 s) would increase the risk of missing a real polyp.
  • 441
  • 28 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Models for Hirschsprung Disease
Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a complex congenital disorder caused by defects in the development of the enteric nervous system (ENS). It is attributed to failures of the enteric neural crest stem cells (ENCCs) to proliferate, differentiate and/or migrate, leading to the absence of enteric neurons in the distal colon, resulting in colonic motility dysfunction. Due to the oligogenic nature of the disease, some HSCR conditions could not be phenocopied in animal models. Building the patient-based disease model using human induced pluripotent stem cells (hPSC) has opened up a new opportunity to untangle the unknowns of the disease. The expanding armamentarium of hPSC-based therapies provides needed new tools for developing cell-replacement therapy for HSCR. 
  • 437
  • 09 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Elective Early Upper Gastrointestinal Study
Assessment of discomfort as a sign for early postoperative complications in neurologically impaired (NI) children is challenging. The necessity of early routine upper gastrointestinal (UGI) contrast studies following laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication in NI children is unclear.  It aimed to evaluate the role of scheduled UGI contrast studies to identify early postoperative complications following laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication in NI children. Data for laparoscopic Nissen fundoplications performed in NI children between January 2004 and June 2021 were reviewed. A total of 103 patients were included, with 60 of these being boys. Mean age at initial operation was 6.51 (0.11–18.41) years. Mean body weight was 16.22 (3.3–62.5) kg. Mean duration of follow up was 4.15 (0.01–16.65 years) years. Thirteen redo fundoplications (12.5%) were performed during the follow up period; eleven had one redo and two had 2 redos. Elective postoperative UGI contrast studies were performed in 94 patients (91%). Early postoperative UGI contrast studies were able to identify only one complication: an intrathoracal wrap herniation on postoperative day five, necessitating a reoperation on day six. The use of early UGI contrast imaging following pediatric laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is not necessary as it does not identify a significant number of acute postoperative complications requiring re-intervention. 
  • 434
  • 23 Nov 2021
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