Cap-assisted endoscopy for esophageal foreign bodies: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Esophageal foreign bodies are common around the world. Newer approaches, such as cap-assisted endoscopy, have been introduced as an alternative to conventional methods. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis ono cap-assisted endoscopy versus conventional endoscopy for removal of esophageal foreign bodies.

AIM

To investigated the effectiveness of cap-assisted endoscopy with conventional endoscopy.

METHODS

An extensive literature search was performed (December 2021). For esophageal foreign body removal, cap-assisted endoscopy was compared to conventional endoscopy for procedure time, technical success of the procedure, time of foreign body retrieval, en bloc removal, and adverse event rate using odds ratio and mean difference.

RESULTS

Six studies met the inclusion criteria (n = 1305). Higher odds of technical success (P = 0.002) and en bloc removal (P < 0.01) and lower odds of adverse events (P = 0.02) and foreign body removal time (P < 0.01) were observed with cap-assisted endoscopy as compared to conventional techniques.

CONCLUSION

For esophageal foreign bodies, the technique of cap-assisted endoscopy demonstrated increased en bloc removal and technical success with decreased time and adverse events as compared to conventional techniques.

Post-COVID-19 cholangiopathy: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

The recent and still ongoing pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) entailed various long-term complications, including post-infectious cholangiopathy.

AIM

To identify the available studies concerning post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cholangiopathy.

METHODS

An extensive bibliographical search was carried out in PubMed and in Cochrane Library to identify the articles (retrospective and prospective studies, cohort studies, case series and case reports) published between January 1, 2020 and August 22, 2022, using both MeSH terms and free-language keywords: cholangiopathy; COVID-19; post-COVID-19 cholangiopathy; SARS-CoV-2.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria, which included 64 patients suffering from this condition. The patients were male in 82.8% of cases. Liver transplant was executed in 6 patients and scheduled in 7 patients, while 2 patients refused the surgical approach. Therefore in 23.4% of the cases, performing this procedure appeared to be necessary.

CONCLUSION

This review has revealed that generally the involvement of the liver in the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection is mild and transient, inducing cholestasis of cholangiocytes but can also be severe enough to cause organ failure in some cases.

Challenges to associate early onset epilepsy with COVID-19 autoimmune encephalitis: A case report

BACKGROUND

Diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related neurological events in the pediatric population is challenging. Overlapping clinical picture of children with altered neurological state and inborn errors of metabolism, in addition to the frequency of asymptomatic COVID-19 cases, pose the main challenges for diagnosis. Diagnostic approaches to the onset post-COVID 19 subacute encephalopathy are still troublesome as seronegative autoimmune encephalitis (AIE) is reported.

CASE SUMMARY

A 27-mo-old boy was admitted for stormy refractory seizure of polymorphic semiology and altered mental status followed by various neuropsychiatric features that were suggestive of AIE. Brain magnetic resonance imaging and cerebrospinal fluid analysis were normal. Neither the immunological assessment, including viral serologies, antinuclear antibodies, autoimmune antibodies (NMDA, AMPA, CASPR2, LG11, GABARB, Hu, Yo, Ri, CV2, PNMA2, SOX1, Titin, amphiphysin, Recoverin), nor the metabolic assessment for lactate and pyruvate showed significant anomaly. Both positive history of COVID-19 infection and the findings of characteristic repetitive extreme delta brush played a key role in the diagnosis of COVID-19-related AIE. A remarkable improvement in the state of the child was noted after two pulse doses of intravenous Veino-globulin and high dose of intravenous Corticosteroid.

CONCLUSION

Diagnostic biomarkers for AIE might aid effective treatment.

Steroid-induced psychosis related to pituitary adenoma status post trans-sphenoid excision and a history of psychiatric illness: A case report

BACKGROUND

Steroid-induced psychosis is a common adverse effect of steroid exposure. Reported cases were mostly related to rheumatologic disease. Despite its high incidence, there is only one case reported related to perioperative steroid replacement for pituitary adenoma surgery. This manuscript presents the second case of such and compared the two with the latest literature review of steroid-induced psychosis.

CASE SUMMARY

This is a case of an adult male with a chief complaint of auditory hallucinations and was referred by Neurosurgery to Psychiatry Out-patient department. He was diagnosed with pituitary adenoma who underwent trans-sphenoid excision of the mass from which steroid exposure led to steroid-induced psychosis. Also, patient had a history of psychiatric illness of severe depressive episode. At the out-patient department, patient was started on antipsychotic, Risperidone, which led to eventual improvement of his symptoms.

CONCLUSION

The two cases of pituitary adenoma surgery with steroid-induced psychosis had almost similar clinical profile with the latest literature review of steroid-induced psychosis. However, the present case highlights the association of psychiatric illness in predisposing an individual in developing it. Also, this manuscript emphasizes that early recognition of steroid-induced psychosis leads to better prognosis. Multispecialty treatment is vital in the holistic management of the patient with timely referral and close coordination.

Alcohol intolerance and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome

BACKGROUND

The literature is mixed about the occurrence of alcohol intolerance among patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Surveys that asked respondents with ME/CFS whether they experienced alcohol intolerance within a recent time frame might produce inaccurate results because respondents may indicate that the symptom was not present if they avoid alcohol due to alcohol intolerance.

AIM

To overcome this methodologic problem, participants in the current study were asked whether they have avoided alcohol in the past 6 mo, and if they had, how severe their alcohol intolerance would be if they were to drink alcohol.

METHODS

The instrument used was a validated scale called the DePaul symptom questionnaire. Independent t-tests were performed among the alcohol intolerant or not alcohol intolerant group. The alcohol intolerant group had 208 participants, and the not alcohol intolerant group had 96 participants.

RESULTS

Using specially designed questions to properly identify those with alcohol intolerance, those who experienced alcohol intolerance vs those who did not experience alcohol intolerance experienced more frequent/severe symptoms and domains. In addition, using a multiple regression analysis, the orthostatic intolerance symptom domain was related to alcohol intolerance.

CONCLUSION

The findings from the current study indicated that those with ME/CFS are more likely to experience alcohol intolerance. In addition, those with this symptom have more overall symptoms than those without alcohol intolerance.

Emerging leishmaniasis in southern Himalayas: A mini-review

Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne parasitic disease affecting millions of people worldwide. However, in the last decade, the number of cases has been reduced from well-documented endemic parts, but sporadic cases have been reported widely from various non-endemic areas, especially from the southern Himalayan zone. This raises concerns about the emergence of new ecological niches. This warrants a critical evaluation of key factors causing this rapid spread and possibly indigenous transmission. This mini-review article is aimed to briefly address the parasite, the vector, and the environmental aspects in the transmission of leishmaniasis in these new foci against a background of worldwide endemic leishmaniasis with a special focus on the southern Himalayan zone. As the lack of knowledge about the causative parasites, vectors, reservoir hosts, atypical presentations, and their management make the problem serious and may lead to the emergence of public health issues. The present works also reviewed the existing information regarding clinical variations, diagnostic methods, treatment, its outcome, and ignite for further research in these aspects of the disease.

Metronomic capecitabine inhibits liver transplant rejection in rats by triggering recipients’ T cell ferroptosis

BACKGROUND

Capecitabine (CAP) is a classic antimetabolic drug and has shown potential antirejection effects after liver transplantation (LT) in clinical studies. Our previous study showed that metronomic CAP can cause the programmed death of T cells by inducing oxidative stress in healthy mice. Ferroptosis, a newly defined non-apoptotic cell death that occurs in response to iron overload and lethal levels of lipid peroxidation, is an important mechanism by which CAP induces cell death. Therefore, ferroptosis may also play an important role in CAP-induced T cell death and play an immunosuppressive role in acute rejection after trans-plantation.

AIM

To investigate the functions and underlying mechanisms of antirejection effects of metronomic CAP.

METHODS

A rat LT model of acute rejection was established, and the effect of metronomic CAP on splenic hematopoietic function and acute graft rejection was evaluated 7 d after LT. In vitro, primary CD3⁺ T cells were sorted from rat spleens and human peripheral blood, and co-cultured with or without 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) (active agent of CAP). The levels of ferroptosis-related proteins, ferrous ion concentration, and oxidative stress-related indicators were observed. The changes in mito-chondrial structure were observed using electron microscopy.

RESULTS

With no significant myelotoxicity, metronomic CAP alleviated graft injury (Banff score 9 vs 7.333, P < 0.001), prolonged the survival time of the recipient rats (11.5 d vs 16 d, P < 0.01), and reduced the infiltration rate of CD3⁺ T cells in peripheral blood (6.859 vs 3.735, P < 0.001), liver graft (7.459 vs 3.432, P < 0.001), and spleen (26.92 vs 12.9, P < 0.001), thereby inhibiting acute rejection after LT. In vitro, 5-FU, an end product of CAP metabolism, induced the degradation of the ferritin heavy chain by upregulating nuclear receptor coactivator 4, which caused the accumulation of ferrous ions. It also inhibited nuclear erythroid 2 p45-related factor 2, heme oxygenase-1, and glutathione peroxidase 4, eventually leading to oxidative damage and ferroptosis of T cells.

CONCLUSION

Metronomic CAP can suppress acute allograft rejection in rats by triggering CD3⁺ T cell ferroptosis, which makes it an effective immunosuppressive agent after LT.

circCLK3 regulates colorectal cancer SW620 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by targeting miR-654-5p

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have investigated the role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) as significant regulatory factors in the progression of multiple cancers, containing colorectal cancer (CRC). Nevertheless, the biological functions of circCLK3 in CRC and the underlying mechanisms by which it regulates CRC progression remain unclear.

AIM

To clarify the mechanism of circCLK3 regulating colorectal cancer SW620 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.

METHODS

CRC tissues and adjacent tissues were collected, and the expression of circCLK3 and miR-654-5p was detected by qRT-PCR. SW620 cells were cultured in vitro and divided into the following groups: si-circCLK3 group, pcDNA-circCLK3 group, miR-654-5p group, si-circCLK3 + anti-miR-654-5p group, and corresponding negative control groups (si-NC group, pcDNA group, miR-NC group, and si-circCLK3 + anti-miR-NC group). CCK8 assay, colony formation test, scratch test, and Transwell test were used to detect cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. The interaction between circCLK3 and miR-654-5p was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. The protein expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 was detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

circCLK3 expression was increased (P < 0.05), while miR-654-5p expression was decreased (P < 0.05) in CRC tissues. Cell viability, scratch healing rate, the protein levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9, the number of cell clones formed, and the number of invasive cells were decreased (P < 0.05) in the si-circCLK3 group. circCLK3 could negatively regulate the expression of miR-654-5p. Cell viability, scratch healing rate, the protein levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9, the number of cell clones formed and the number of invasive cells were decreased (P < 0.05) in the miR-654-5p group. Cell viability, scratch healing rate, the protein levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9, the number of cell clones formed, and the number of invasive cells were increased (P < 0.05) in the si-circCLK3 + anti-miR-654-5p group.

CONCLUSION

circCLK3 promotes CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by targeting miR-654-5p.

Determination of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and gastric adenocarcinoma on raw tissue using Raman spectroscopy

BACKGROUND

Cancer detection is a global research focus, and novel, rapid, and label-free techniques are being developed for routine clinical practice. This has led to the development of new tools and techniques from the bench side to routine clinical practice. In this study, we present a method that uses Raman spectroscopy (RS) to detect cancer in unstained formalin-fixed, resected specimens of the esophagus and stomach. Our method can record a clear Raman-scattered light spectrum in these specimens, confirming that the Raman-scattered light spectrum changes because of the histological differences in the mucosal tissue.

AIM

To evaluate the use of Raman-scattered light spectrum for detecting endoscop-ically resected specimens of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and gastric adenocarcinoma (AC).

METHODS

We created a Raman device that is suitable for observing living tissues, and attempted to acquire Raman-scattered light spectra in endoscopically resected specimens of six esophageal tissues and 12 gastric tissues. We evaluated formalin-fixed tissues using this technique and captured shifts at multiple locations based on feasibility, ranging from six to 19 locations 200 microns apart in the vertical and horizontal directions. Furthermore, a correlation between the obtained Raman scattered light spectra and histopathological diagnosis was performed.

RESULTS

We successfully obtained Raman scattered light spectra from all six esophageal and 12 gastric specimens. After data capture, the tissue specimens were sent for histopathological analysis for further processing because RS is a label-free methodology that does not cause tissue destruction or alterations. Based on data analysis of molecular-level substrates, we established cut-off values for the diagnosis of esophageal SCC and gastric AC. By analyzing specific Raman shifts, we developed an algorithm to identify the range of esophageal SCC and gastric AC with an accuracy close to that of histopathological diagnoses.

CONCLUSION

Our technique provides qualitative information for real-time morphological diagnosis. However, further in vivo evaluations require an excitation light source with low human toxicity and large amounts of data for validation.

Gardner syndrome: A case report

BACKGROUND

Gardner syndrome (GS) is a rare autosomal dominant hereditary disorder. Since GS often has multi-system involvement with diverse clinical manifestations, misdiagnosis is common. Herein we report a case of GS.

CASE SUMMARY

A 38 year-old women presented with intermittent abdominal distension, nausea, and vomiting for 15 mo, which was aggravated for 1 wk. Related tests showed gastrointestinal adenoma and multiple desmoid tumors in the abdominal wall and abdominal cavity, and gene sequencing confirmed the diagnosis of GS. The patient underwent endoscopic intestinal polypectomy and symptomatic treatment, and her symptoms were relieved. Later, the patient's symptoms recurred and became worse than before. Gastrointestinal anastomosis was performed, and the patient had no postoperative discomfort. Finally, her condition improved.

CONCLUSION

The clinical manifestations of GS are varied, and the appearance of extraenteral manifestations before intestinal polyps is very important for the early identification of such patients, so as to achieve early treatment and improve the prognosis.

Real-time continuous image guidance for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography based on 3D/2D registration and respiratory compensation

BACKGROUND

It has been confirmed that three-dimensional (3D) imaging allows easier identification of bile duct anatomy and intraoperative guidance of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), which reduces the radiation dose and procedure time with improved safety. However, current 3D biliary imaging does not have good real-time fusion with intraoperative imaging, a process meant to overcome the influence of intraoperative respiratory motion and guide navigation. The present study explored the feasibility of real-time continuous image-guided ERCP.

AIM

To explore the feasibility of real-time continuous image-guided ERCP.

METHODS

We selected 2 3D-printed abdominal biliary tract models with different structures to simulate different patients. The ERCP environment was simulated for the biliary phantom experiment to create a navigation system, which was further tested in patients. In addition, based on the estimation of the patient’s respiratory motion, preoperative 3D biliary imaging from computed tomography of 18 patients with cholelithiasis was registered and fused in real-time with 2D fluoroscopic sequence generated by the C-arm unit during ERCP.

RESULTS

Continuous image-guided ERCP was applied in the biliary phantom with a registration error of 0.46 mm ± 0.13 mm and a tracking error of 0.64 mm ± 0.24 mm. After estimating the respiratory motion, 3D/2D registration accurately transformed preoperative 3D biliary images to each image in the X-ray image sequence in real-time in 18 patients, with an average fusion rate of 88%.

CONCLUSION

Continuous image-guided ERCP may be an effective approach to assist the operator and reduce the use of X-ray and contrast agents.

Global research trends on diet and nutrition in Crohn’s disease

BACKGROUND

Crohn’s disease represents a challenge for patients concerned with the modified diet regimen as well as practitioners who seek the best nutritional therapy. Crohn’s disease can alter the body’s ability to digest food and to absorb nutrients, resulting in severe vitamin deficiencies, malnutrition and sometimes life-threatening complications. However, a comprehensive bibliometric analysis is lacking to map the current links between nutrition and Crohn’s disease in terms of the number of citations, geographic distribution and growth trends of publications.

AIM

To introduce the current state of research as well as hotspots in the field of nutrition and Crohn’s disease from a bibliometric standpoint.

METHODS

We searched the Scopus database and selected the relevant literature on nutrition and Crohn’s disease that met the inclusion criteria. We analyzed the publication trends and research hotspots by using video object segmentation viewer software.

RESULTS

We included 1237 publications. The number of documents published each year has increased steadily. The United States and the University of Otago, Christchurch, have had the highest productivity, with 208 (16.81%) and 29 (2.34%) documents, respectively. The “role of exclusive enteral nutrition for complicated Crohn’s disease” and “manipulation of the gut microbiota as a key target for Crohn’s disease” were the major research areas in 2016-2021, and they could be extensively investigated in the future. Meanwhile, research on “malnutrition in patients with Crohn’s disease” appeared to be an area that attracted more research attention before 2016.

CONCLUSION

This is the first bibliometric analysis to map the knowledge structure and trends regarding nutrition in Crohn’s disease research over the past two decades. The results provide a comprehensive summary and identification of the frontiers of nutrition and Crohn’s disease-related research, which may be used as a resource by researchers in the field.