Topic Review
Artificial Endoscopy
Artificial intelligence (AI) is defined as any machine that has cognitive functions mimicking humans for problem solving or learning. AI has already been tested in several fields of endoscopy, such as in the detection of Barrett’s esophagus or the evaluation of adenoma detection rate during colonoscopy.
  • 478
  • 23 Feb 2022
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.
  • 475
  • 05 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Susceptibility and disease course of COVID-19 among patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are unclear and epidemiological data on the topic are still limited. There is some concern that patients with immuno-mediated diseases such as IBD, which are frequently treated with immunosuppressive therapies, may have an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection with its related serious adverse outcomes, including intensive care unit (ICU) admission and death. Corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and biologic drugs, which are commonly prescribed to these patients, have been associated with higher rates of severe viral and bacterial infections including influenza and pneumonia. It is not known whether these drugs can be so harmful as to justify their interruption during COVID-19 infection or if, on the contrary, patients with IBD can benefit from them. As shown by recent reports, it cannot be excluded that drugs that suppress the immune system can block the characteristic cytokine storm of severe forms of COVID-19 and consequently reduce mortality. Another cause for concern is the up-regulation of angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) receptors that has been noticed in these patients, which could facilitate the entry and replication of SARS-CoV-2. The aim of this narrative review is to clarify the susceptibility of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with IBD, the clinical characteristics of patients who contract the infection, and the relationship between the severity of COVID-19 and immunosuppressive treatment. 
  • 474
  • 08 Oct 2021
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.
  • 472
  • 13 May 2022
Topic Review
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Nurse
Patients affected by inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are complex patients with various problems from a clinical and psychological point of view. This complexity must be addressed by a multidisciplinary team, and an inflammatory bowel disease nurse can be the ideal professional figure to create a link between doctor and patient. 
  • 471
  • 26 Apr 2021
Topic Review
The Mediterranean Diet and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
The Mediterranean diet is considered one of the healthiest dietary patterns worldwide, thanks to a combination of foods rich mainly in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients. Many studies have demonstrated a strong relationship between the Mediterranean diet and some chronic gastrointestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel diseases.
  • 471
  • 18 Jan 2023
Topic Review
Sarcopenia and Osteosarcopenia in CLD
The liver plays a pivotal role in nutrient/energy metabolism and storage, anabolic hormone regulation, ammonia detoxification, and cytokine production. Impaired liver function can cause malnutrition, hyperammonemia, and chronic inflammation, leading to an imbalance between muscle protein synthesis and proteolysis. Patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) have a high prevalence of sarcopenia, characterized by progressive loss of muscle mass and function, affecting health-related quality of life and prognosis. Recent reports have revealed that osteosarcopenia, defined as the concomitant occurrence of sarcopenia and osteoporosis, is also highly prevalent in patients with CLD. Since the differentiation and growth of muscles and bones are closely interrelated through mechanical and biochemical communication, sarcopenia and osteoporosis often progress concurrently and affect each other. Osteosarcopenia further exacerbates unfavorable health outcomes, such as vertebral fracture and frailty. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment of sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and osteosarcopenia, and an understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms involving the liver, bones, and muscles, are important for prevention and treatment.
  • 470
  • 17 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Biological Treatments
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disease that requires lifelong medication and whose incidence is increasing over the world. There is currently no cure for IBD, and the current therapeutic objective is to control the inflammatory process. Approximately one third of treated patients do not respond to treatment and refractoriness to treatment is common. Therefore, pharmacological treatments, such as monoclonal antibodies, are urgently needed, and new treatment guidelines are regularly published. 
  • 468
  • 03 Sep 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. 
  • 468
  • 09 Nov 2022
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.
  • 466
  • 28 Jun 2021
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