A combination of clinical risk stratification and fecal immunochemical test is useful for identifying persons with high priority of early colonoscopy

BACKGROUND

We aimed to develop a combination screening strategy for advanced colorectal neoplasia based on the Asia-Pacific Colorectal Screening score and fecal immunochemical test results.

METHODS

We reviewed the records of participants who had undergone a colonoscopy and fecal immunochemical test as part of a comprehensive health screening program. The prevalence of advanced colorectal neoplasia in participants 40-49 years old was analyzed according to Asia-Pacific Colorectal Screening scores and fecal immunochemical test results.

RESULTS

We analyzed the data of 9205 participants 40-49 years old and 3215 participants ≥50 years old. The prevalence of advanced colorectal neoplasia in participants 40-49 years old was 1.0%, 2.1%, 7.1%, and 13.4% in the "fecal immunochemical test (-) & Asia-Pacific Colorectal Screening<2," "fecal immunochemical test (-) & Asia-Pacific Colorectal Screening≥2," "fecal immunochemical test (+) & Asia-Pacific Colorectal Screening<2," and "fecal immunochemical test (+) & Asia-Pacific Colorectal Screening≥2" subgroups, respectively. The prevalence of advanced colorectal neoplasia in "fecal immunochemical test (+) & Asia-Pacific Colorectal Screening≥2" subgroup was higher than in participants ≥50 years old with Asia-Pacific Colorectal Screening≥4 (13.4% vs. 5.8%, P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Fecal immunochemical test-positive individuals 40-49 years old with an Asia-Pacific Colorectal Screening≥2 have a higher risk of advanced colorectal neoplasia than individuals ≥50 years old with an Asia-Pacific Colorectal Screening≥4.

Attachment insecurity as a mediator of the relationship between childhood trauma and adult dissociation

This study aimed to investigate whether attachment insecurity mediates the relationship between childhood trauma and adult dissociation, specifically with regard to individual forms of childhood maltreatment. Psychiatric outpatients who visited a specialized trauma clinic (n = 115) participated in the study. Data were collected via the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, Revised Adult Attachment Scale, and Dissociative Experience Scale. Structural equation modeling and path analysis were performed to analyze the mediating effects of attachment insecurity on the relationship between childhood trauma and adult dissociation. Greater childhood trauma was associated with higher dissociation, and the relationship between them was fully mediated by attachment anxiety. In path analysis of trauma subtypes, the effects of emotional abuse, physical abuse, and physical neglect as a child on adult dissociation were found to be fully mediated by attachment anxiety. The effect of sexual abuse on dissociation was mediated by a synergistic effect from both attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance. Regarding emotional neglect, a countervailing interaction was discovered between the direct and indirect effects thereof on dissociation; the indirect effect of emotional neglect on dissociation was partially mediated by attachment insecurity. Specific aspects of attachment insecurity may help explain the relationships between individual forms of childhood trauma and adult dissociative symptoms. Tailored treatments based on affected areas of attachment insecurity may improve outcomes among patients with dissociative symptoms and a history of childhood trauma.

Optical Coherence Tomography versus Visual Evoked Potentials for Detecting Visual Pathway Abnormalities in Patients with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder

Background and Purpose

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and visual evoked potentials (VEPs) can be used to detect optic neuritis (ON). However, the comparative sensitivities of OCT and VEPs for detecting ON in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) are unclear, and so we assessed these sensitivities.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 73 patients with aquaporin-4 antibody-seropositive NMOSD, and 101 eyes with ON. The clinical characteristics, visual acuity (VA), Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores, OCT peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, and VEPs of the patients were evaluated.

Results

OCT and VEPs were abnormal in 68% and 73% of eyes with a history of ON, respectively, and in 2% and 9% of eyes without ON. Test sensitivities were influenced by the number of ON episodes: the OCT RNFL thickness and VEPs were abnormal in 50% and 67% of the eyes with first-ever ON episode, respectively (p=0.041), with the combination of both tests detecting abnormalities in up to 75% of the eyes. The sensitivities of the OCT RNFL thickness and VEPs increased to 95% and 83%, respectively, after the second or subsequent ON episode (p=0.06), with the combination of both tests detecting abnormalities in 95% of cases. The OCT RNFL thickness and VEP latency/amplitude were correlated with EDSS scores and VA.

Conclusions

VEPs were superior for detecting subclinical or first-ever ON, while OCT was better for detecting eyes with multiple ON episodes. The correlations of OCT and VEPs with clinical disability measures indicate that these tests are potential markers of the disease burden in NMOSD.

Etiology of Invasive Bacterial Infections in Immunocompetent Children in Korea (2006-2010): a Retrospective Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND

Invasive bacterial infections in apparently immunocompetent children were retrospectively analyzed to figure causative bacterial organisms in Korea.

METHODS

A total of 947 cases from 25 university hospitals were identified from 2006 to 2010 as a continuance of a previous 10-year period study from 1996 to 2005.

RESULTS

Escherichia coli (41.3%), Streptococcus agalactiae (27.7%), and Staphylococcus aureus (27.1%) were the most common pathogens in infants < 3 months of age. S. agalactiae was the most prevalent cause of meningitis and pneumonia and E. coli was the major cause of bacteremia without localizing signs in this group. In children 3 to 59 months of age, Streptococcus pneumoniae (54.2%), S. aureus (20.5%), and Salmonella spp. (14.4%) were the most common pathogens. S. pneumoniae was the leading cause of pneumonia (86.0%), meningitis (65.0%), and bacteremia without localizing signs (49.0%) in this group. In children ≥ 5 years of age, S. aureus (62.8%) was the predominant pathogen, followed by Salmonella species (12.4%) and S. pneumoniae (11.5%). Salmonella species (43.0%) was the most common cause of bacteremia without localizing signs in this group. The relative proportion of S. aureus increased significantly over the 15-year period (1996-2010) in children ≥ 3 months of age (P < 0.001), while that of Haemophilus influenzae decreased significantly in both < 3 months of age group (P = 0.036) and ≥ 3 months of age groups (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

S. agalactiae, E. coli, S. pneumoniae, and S. aureus are common etiologic agents of invasive bacterial infections in Korean children.

The risk of colorectal neoplasia can be different according to the types of family members affected by colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND AND AIM

A family history of colorectal cancer (CRC) is an important risk factor for CRC, but more detailed data are needed to prepare effective screening guidelines. We aimed to evaluate the risk of colorectal neoplasia (CRN) among individuals with different relatives affected by CRC (the first-degree relatives [FDRs] or the second-degree relatives or the first cousins) and to assess the effects of family histories according to age groups (30-39, 40-49, and ≥ 50 years).

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed on 98 562 asymptomatic examinees aged ≥ 30 years who underwent colonoscopy as part of a health checkup.

RESULTS

Mean age of the study population was 41.4 years, and the prevalence of CRN was 15.7%. Participants with ≥ 1 FDRs and ≥ 2 FDRs affected by CRC had a higher risk of CRN than those with no family history of CRC, while those with ≥ 1 second-degree relatives or first cousins affected did not. In the 30-39 and 40-49 years age groups, a family history of CRC in parents was a risk factor for CRN and advanced CRN, but not in siblings. By contrast, in the ≥ 50 age group, participants with affected siblings (reference group) had a significantly higher risk for advanced CRN than those with affected parents (adjusted odds ratio; 95% confidence interval: 0.39; 0.16-0.94 in father and 0.43; 0.18-0.995 in mother).

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of CRN can be different according to the types of family members affected, and the impact of such family histories can be different according to age.

Clinical risk stratification model for advanced colorectal neoplasia in persons with negative fecal immunochemical test results

OBJECTIVES

The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) has low sensitivity for detecting advanced colorectal neoplasia (ACRN); thus, a considerable portion of FIT-negative persons may have ACRN. We aimed to develop a risk-scoring model for predicting ACRN in FIT-negative persons.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed the records of participants aged ≥40 years who underwent a colonoscopy and FIT during a health check-up. We developed a risk-scoring model for predicting ACRN in FIT-negative persons.

RESULTS

Of 11,873 FIT-negative participants, 255 (2.1%) had ACRN. On the basis of the multivariable logistic regression model, point scores were assigned as follows among FIT-negative persons: age (per year from 40 years old), 1 point; current smoker, 10 points; overweight, 5 points; obese, 7 points; hypertension, 6 points; old cerebrovascular attack (CVA), 15 points. Although the proportion of ACRN in FIT-negative persons increased as risk scores increased (from 0.6% in the group with 0-4 points to 8.1% in the group with 35-39 points), it was significantly lower than that in FIT-positive persons (14.9%). However, there was no statistical difference between the proportion of ACRN in FIT-negative persons with ≥40 points and in FIT-positive persons (10.5% vs. 14.9%, P = 0.321).

CONCLUSIONS

FIT-negative persons may need to undergo screening colonoscopy if they clinically have a high risk of ACRN. The scoring model based on age, smoking habits, overweight or obesity, hypertension, and old CVA may be useful in selecting and prioritizing FIT-negative persons for screening colonoscopy.

Microbiological criteria and ecology of commercially available processed cheeses according to the product specification and physicochemical characteristics

Although global cheese manufacturers release a variety of products onto the market, research on the microbiological quality and safety of cheese has focused mainly on conventional cheeses made from milk. Here, this study aimed to investigate commercially processed cheese products produced by mixing conventional cheeses after melting. Two approaches were used: a summary and comparison of legal definitions and standards/regulations regarding the microbiological criteria used by major cheese traders in the global market (Australia/New Zealand, China, European Union, Japan, Mexico, Republic of Korea, and the United States) and a comprehensive microbiological analysis of commercial products (n = 800), along with an assessment of salinity, pH, water activity, and heating conditions. The results of the literature search showed that major importing countries (China, Japan, Mexico, and the Republic of Korea) have stricter microbiological criteria for commercially available cheese products than major exporters (Australia/New Zealand, EU, and the USA). The former set limits with respect to the number of total coliforms in the product. Microbiological analyses were designed according to global standards and recommendations. No test sample contained detectable levels of Clostridium perfringens, enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, or Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, no coliform bacteria (including E. coli) were detected. Overall, 79.9% of the samples contained detectable aerobic plate counts (1.0-7.8 log CFU/g); these levels varied significantly according to product type (grated cheese > chunks; cream cheese > portions or sliced) (p < .05). There was no significant association between microbe levels and salinity, water activity, pH, and heating conditions. The results can be used to develop a comprehensive database about commercially processed cheese products available in the global market and, as such, may be helpful for both national authorities and cheese manufacturers when considering novel strategic management plans for microbiological quality and safety.

The Pentose Phosphate Pathway as a Potential Target for Cancer Therapy

During cancer progression, cancer cells are repeatedly exposed to metabolic stress conditions in a resource-limited environment which they must escape. Increasing evidence indicates the importance of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) homeostasis in the survival of cancer cells under metabolic stress conditions, such as metabolic resource limitation and therapeutic intervention. NADPH is essential for scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS) mainly derived from oxidative phosphorylation required for ATP generation. Thus, metabolic reprogramming of NADPH homeostasis is an important step in cancer progression as well as in combinational therapeutic approaches. In mammalian, the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) and one-carbon metabolism are major sources of NADPH production. In this review, we focus on the importance of glucose flux control towards PPP regulated by oncogenic pathways and the potential therein for metabolic targeting as a cancer therapy. We also summarize the role of Snail (Snai1), an important regulator of the epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), in controlling glucose flux towards PPP and thus potentiating cancer cell survival under oxidative and metabolic stress.

Characteristics of South Korean Patients with Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloidosis

Background and Purpose

This retrospective cross-sectional study included 18 patients from unrelated families harboring mutations of the transthyretin gene (TTR), and analyzed their characteristics and geographical distribution in South Korea.

Methods

The included patients had a diagnosis of systemic amyloidosis, clinical symptoms, such as amyloid neuropathy or cardiomyopathy, and confirmation of a TTR gene mutation using genetic analysis recorded between April 1995 and November 2014.

Results

The mean age at disease onset was 49.6 years, and the mean disease duration from symptom onset to diagnosis was 3.67 years. Fifteen of the 18 patients were classified as mixed phenotype, 2 as the neurological phenotype, and only 1 patient as the cardiac phenotype. The most-common mutation pattern in South Korea was Asp38Ala, which was detected in eight patients. Thirteen patients reported their family hometowns, and five of the eight harboring the Asp38Ala mutation were from the Gyeongsang province in southeast Korea. The other eight patients exhibited a widespread geographical distribution. A particularly noteworthy finding was that the valine at position 30 (Val30Met) mutation, which was previously reported as the most-common TTR mutation worldwide and also the most common in the Japanese population, was not detected in the present South Korean patients.

Conclusions

South Korean patients with hereditary TTR amyloidosis exhibited heterogeneous TTR genotypes and clinical phenotypes. The findings of this study suggest that the distribution of TTR amyloidosis in South Korea is due to de novo mutations and/or related to the other countries in East Asia.

Clevudine Induced Mitochondrial Myopathy

Clevudine was approved as an antiviral agent for hepatitis B virus, which showed marked, rapid inhibition of virus replication without significant toxicity. However, several studies have reported myopathy associated with clevudine therapy. Also, we experienced seven patients who suffered from myopathy during clevudine therapy. To characterize clevudine-induced myopathy, we collected previously reported cases of clevudine myopathy and analyzed all the cases including our cases. We searched electronic databases that were published in English or Korean using PubMed and KoreaMed. Ninety-five cases with clevudine myopathy, including our seven cases, were selected and analyzed for the demographic data, clinical features, and pathologic findings. The 95 patients with clevudine-induced myopathy comprised 52 women and 43 men aged 48.9 years (27-76 years). The patients received clevudine therapy for about 14.2 months (5-24 months) before the development of symptoms. Weakness mainly involved proximal extremities, especially in the lower extremities, and bulbar and neck weakness were observed in some cases (13.7%). Creatine kinase was elevated in the majority of patients (97.9%). Myopathic patterns on electromyography were observed in most patients examined (98.1%). Muscle biopsy presented patterns compatible with mitochondrial myopathy in the majority (90.2%). The weakness usually improved within about 3 months after the discontinuation of clevudine. Though clevudine has been known to be safe in a 6-month clinical trial, longer clevudine therapy for about 14 months may cause reversible mitochondrial myopathy. Careful clinical attention should be paid to patients with long-term clevudine therapy.

Colorectal cancer screening with the fecal immunochemical test in persons aged 30 to 49 years: focusing on the age for commencing screening

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) can be an alternative screening method for colorectal cancer in individuals aged <50 years. However, debate continues concerning the age at which commencing FIT is beneficial.

METHODS

We reviewed the records of participants who had undergone a colonoscopy and FIT as part of a comprehensive health screening program. To determine the age for commencing screening via FIT, participants aged <50 years were classified into 4 age subgroups as follows: 30 to 34, 35 to 39, 40 to 44, and 45 to 49 years. Average-risk participants aged 50 to 59 years comprised the control group.

RESULTS

We analyzed the data of 19,808 participants aged 30 to 49 years and 2233 average-risk participants aged 50 to 59 years. The advanced colorectal neoplasia (ACRN) prevalence in average-risk participants aged 50 to 59 years was 3.8%. In the subgroups of FIT-positive participants, the proportion of participants with ACRN was 2.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1%-7.4%), 9.7% (95% CI, 5.8%-15.6%), 7.7% (95% CI, 4.5%-12.8%), and 14.6% (95% CI, 8.7%-23.5%) in groups 30 to 34, 35 to 39, 40 to 44, and 45 to 49 years, respectively. The proportion of FIT-positive participants with ACRN in the groups aged 35 to 39, 40 to 44, and 45 to 49 years was higher than that in average-risk participants aged 50 to 59 years (P = .001, P = .014, and P < .001, respectively), whereas that in FIT-positive participants aged 30 to 34 years was not (P = .566).

CONCLUSION

FIT-positive individuals aged 35 to 49 years had a higher risk of ACRN compared with average-risk individuals aged 50 to 59 years. FIT-positive individuals aged 35 to 49 years may benefit from screening colonoscopy, thus justifying the possibility of commencing FIT from age 35 years.

The Effect of Deoxycholic Acid on Secretion and Motility in the Rat and Guinea Pig Large Intestine

Background/Aims

Bile acid is an important luminal factor that affects gastrointestinal motility and secretion. We investigated the effect of bile acid on secretion in the proximal and distal rat colon and coordination of bowel movements in the guinea pig colon.

Methods

The short-circuit current from the mucosal strip of the proximal and distal rat colon was compared under control conditions after induction of secretion with deoxycholic acid (DCA) as well as after inhibition of secretion with indomethacin, 1,2-bis (o-aminophenoxy) ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetra-acetic acid (an intracellular calcium chelator; BAPTA), and tetrodotoxin (TTX) using an Ussing chamber. Colonic pressure patterns were also evaluated in the extracted guinea pig colon during resting, DCA stimulation, and inhibition by TTX using a newly developed pressure-sensing artificial stool.

Results

The secretory response in the distal colon was proportionate to the concentration of DCA. Also, indomethacin, BAPTA, and TTX inhibited chloride secretion in response to DCA significantly (P < 0.05). However, these changes were not detected in the proximal colon. When we evaluated motility, we found that DCA induced an increase in luminal pressure at the proximal, middle, and distal sensors of an artificial stool simultaneously during the non-peristaltic period (P < 0.05). In contrast, during peristalsis, DCA induced an increase in luminal pressure at the proximal sensor and a decrease in pressure at the middle and distal sensors of the artificial stool (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

DCA induced a clear segmental difference in electrogenic secretion. Also, DCA induced a more powerful peristaltic contraction only during the peristaltic period.

Natural products used as a chemical library for protein-protein interaction targeted drug discovery

Protein-protein interactions (PPIs), which are essential for cellular processes, have been recognized as attractive therapeutic targets. Therefore, the construction of a PPI-focused chemical library is an inevitable necessity for future drug discovery. Natural products have been used as traditional medicines to treat human diseases for millennia; in addition, their molecular scaffolds have been used in diverse approved drugs and drug candidates. The recent discovery of the ability of natural products to inhibit PPIs led us to use natural products as a chemical library for PPI-targeted drug discovery. In this study, we collected natural products (NPDB) from non-commercial and in-house databases to analyze their similarities to small-molecule PPI inhibitors (iPPIs) and FDA-approved drugs by using eight molecular descriptors. Then, we evaluated the distribution of NPDB and iPPIs in the chemical space, represented by the molecular fingerprint and molecular scaffolds, to identify the promising scaffolds, which could interfere with PPIs. To investigate the ability of natural products to inhibit PPI targets, molecular docking was used. Then, we predicted a set of high-potency natural products by using the iPPI-likeness score based on a docking score-weighted model. These selected natural products showed high binding affinities to the PPI target, namely XIAP, which were validated in an in vitro experiment. In addition, the natural products with novel scaffolds might provide a promising starting point for further medicinal chemistry developments. Overall, our study shows the potency of natural products in targeting PPIs, which might help in the design of a PPI-focused chemical library for future drug discovery.

Sodium Chloride Does Not Ensure Microbiological Safety of Foods: Cases and Solutions

Addition of salt or salt-containing water to food is one of the oldest and most effective preservation methods in history; indeed, salt-cured foods are generally recognized as microbiologically safe due to their high salinity. However, a number of microbiological risks remain. The microbiological hazards and risks associated with salt-cured foods must be addressed more in-depth as they are likely to be underestimated by previous studies. This review examined a number of scientific reports and articles about the microbiological safety of salt-cured foods, which included salted, brined, pickled, and/or marinated vegetables, meat, and seafood. The following subjects are covered in order: (1) clinical cases and outbreaks attributed to salt-cured foods; (2) the prevalence of foodborne pathogens in such foods; (3) the molecular, physiological, and virulent responses of the pathogens to the presence of NaCl in both laboratory media and food matrices; (4) the survival and fate of microorganisms in salt-cured foods (in the presence/absence of additional processes); and (5) the interaction between NaCl and other stressors in food processes (e.g., acidification, antimicrobials, drying, and heating). The review provides a comprehensive overview of potentially hazardous pathogens associated with salt-cured foods and suggests further research into effective intervention techniques that will reduce their levels in the food chain.

Prospective comparison of prophylactic antibiotic use between intravenous moxifloxacin and ceftriaxone for high-risk patients with post-ERCP cholangitis

BACKGROUND

The use of prophylactic antibiotics before endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is recommended by all major international gastroenterological societies, especially in the presence of an obstructed biliary system. This study compared the occurrence rate of post-procedural complications, including cholangitis and septicemia, between prophylactic intravenous moxifloxacin and ceftriaxone in patients with bile duct obstruction scheduled for therapeutic ERCP.

METHODS

From November 2013 to July 2015, 86 consecutive patients with biliary obstruction with one or more factors predicting benefits of antibiotic prophylaxis prior to ERCP were included in the current randomized open-label non-inferiority trial (ClinicalTrial.gov identifier NCT02098486). Intravenous moxifloxacin (400 mg/day) or ceftriaxone (2 g/day) were given 90 minutes before ERCP, and were administered for more than 3 days if the patient developed symptoms and signs of cholangitis or septicemia. Recalcitrant cholangitis was defined as persistence of cholangitis for more than 5 days after ERCP or recurrence of cholangitis within 30 days after ERCP.

RESULTS

Recalcitrant cholangitis occurred in 1 (2.3%) and 2 (4.8%) patients receiving intravenous moxifloxacin and ceftriaxone group, respectively (P=0.612). Septicemia was noted in 1 (2.3%) and 1 (2.4%) patient in intravenous moxifloxacin and ceftriaxone group, respectively (P=1.0). The mean hospital stay was also not significantly different between the moxifloxacin and ceftriaxone groups (8.8±7.2 vs 9.1±9.4 days, P=0.867). Antibiotic resistance of the isolated pathogens by in vitro activity assay was noted in 1 (2.3%) and 2 (4.8%) patients in the moxifloxacin and ceftriaxone group, respectively (P=0.612).

CONCLUSION

Intravenous moxifloxacin is not inferior to intravenous ceftriaxone for the prophylactic treatment of post-ERCP cholangitis and cholangitis-associated morbidity.

Post-Traumatic Cognition Mediates the Relationship between a History of Sexual Abuse and the Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms in Sexual Assault Victims

More than half of all sexual assault victims report experiencing sexual victimization more than once. The aim of this paper was to determine the role post-traumatic cognition plays in the relationship between a history of sexual abuse and post-traumatic stress symptoms in sexual assault victims. The relationship between a history of sexual assault and the severity of post-traumatic stress symptoms was investigated retrospectively using data from a sexual assault crisis center in Korea. Data on psychological symptoms were collected in person at the initial assessment and by telephone 1 month later using the Post-traumatic Cognitions Inventory and the Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Scale: Self-report Version. Of 105 women included in the analysis, 10 (9.5%) reported prior sexual abuse and were classified as sexually revictimized. Revictimized women had more post-traumatic negative cognition at initial assessment (t = -2.98; P = 0.004) and more post-traumatic symptoms at 1 month follow-up (t = -2.39; P = 0.019) than singly victimized women. At 1 month follow-up, the severity of post-traumatic stress symptoms had increased in revictimized women but had decreased slightly in singly victimized women. Negative post-traumatic cognition fully mediated the association between a history of sexual abuse and the severity of post-traumatic stress symptoms. Early detection of sexually revictimized women and tailored service and treatment intervention is needed to better serve this group of victims. Interventions targeted at preventing revictimization or post crime victimization may also help victims recover from the trauma and prevent future abuse.

Frequent oncogenic BRAF V600E mutation in odontogenic keratocyst

OBJECTIVES

Odontogenic keratocyst (OKC), also known as keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KCOT), has clinical significance due to its high incidence as well as high recurrence rate after surgical enucleation. Current clinical management for OCK is entirely dependent on surgical approach. While various genetic alterations, such as PTCH1 mutation and loss of heterozygosity in tumor suppressor genes, have been reported, the molecular background of OKC is not well-understood. Although recent identification of BRAF V600E mutation and subsequent activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in ameloblastoma and odontogenic tumors provide additional options with targeted therapeutics, the molecular background of OKC is not well understood.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, we examined BRAF V600E mutation from paraffin embedded OKC samples by tumor cell enriched microdissection and TA cloning of amplified DNA. We further examined the relationship between BRAF V600E mutation and clinical parameters.

RESULTS

We found frequent BRAF V600E mutation in OKC (24 of 38 samples, 63.2%). However, BRAF V600E mutational status is not related with clinical indexes such as size, location, and recurrence. In orthokeratinized odontogenic cyst, there is one case of BRAF 600E mutation from 11 samples (9.1%).

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that BRAF V600E mutation occurs in OKCs at a high rate and plays an important role in the pathogenesis of OKCs.

A Combination of Fecal Immunochemical Test Results and Iron Deficiency Anemia for Detection of Advanced Colorectal Neoplasia in Asymptomatic Men

PURPOSE

A substantial proportion of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) present with iron deficiency anemia (IDA), and fecal immunochemical test (FIT) has proven to be an effective method for detecting the majority of CRC cases. A combination strategy of FIT results and IDA may be useful for risk stratification for detecting advanced colorectal neoplasia (ACRN). We compared the prevalence of ACRN among four groups stratified by FIT results and the presence of IDA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed on asymptomatic male participants who underwent both FIT and colonoscopy between 2010 and 2014 as part of a comprehensive health screening program in Korea.

RESULTS

Of 17236 participants, 522 (3.0%) showed positive FIT results and 26 (0.2%) had IDA. The mean age of the study participants was 40.8 years. The participants were classified into four groups: positive FIT result/IDA (G1, n=7), positive FIT result/no IDA (G2, n=515), negative FIT result/IDA (G3, n=19), and negative FIT result/no IDA (G4, n=16695). The prevalences of ACRN in G1, G2, G3, and G4 were 28.6, 13.4, 5.3, and 1.5%, respectively (p<0.001) and those of CRC were 28.6, 1.6, 0.0, and 0.01%, respectively (p<0.001). Subjects with positive FIT results and IDA had an increased risk of ACRN and CRC in both group aged <50 and ≥50 years.

CONCLUSION

Subjects with positive FIT results and IDA had an increased risk of ACRN. Our results suggest that a combination strategy of FIT and IDA may be helpful in selecting and prioritizing asymptomatic men for colonoscopy.

Impact of Age on the Risk of Advanced Colorectal Neoplasia in a Young Population: An Analysis Using the Predicted Probability Model

BACKGROUND

The incidence of colorectal cancer is decreasing in adults aged ≥50 years and increasing in those aged <50 years.

AIMS

We aimed to establish risk stratification model for advanced colorectal neoplasia (ACRN) in persons aged <50 years.

METHODS

We reviewed the records of participants who had undergone a colonoscopy as part of a health examination at two large medical examination centers in Korea. By using logistic regression analysis, we developed predicted probability models for ACRN in a population aged 30-49 years.

RESULTS

Of 96,235 participants, 57,635 and 38,600 were included in the derivation and validation cohorts, respectively. The predicted probability model considered age, sex, body mass index, family history of colorectal cancer, and smoking habits, as follows: Y _ACRN = -8.755 + 0.080·X _age - 0.055·X _male + 0.041·X _BMI + 0.200·X _{family_history_of_CRC} + 0.218·X _{former_smoker} + 0.644·X _{current_smoker}. The optimal cutoff value for the predicted probability of ACRN by Youden index was 1.14%. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUROC) values of our model for ACRN were higher than those of the previously established Asia-Pacific Colorectal Screening (APCS), Korean Colorectal Screening (KCS), and Kaminski's scoring models [AUROC (95% confidence interval): model in the current study, 0.673 (0.648-0.697); vs. APCS, 0.588 (0.564-0.611), P < 0.001; vs. KCS, 0.602 (0.576-0.627), P < 0.001; and vs. Kaminski's model, 0.586 (0.560-0.612), P < 0.001].

CONCLUSION

In a young population, a predicted probability model can assess the risk of ACRN more accurately than existing models, including the APCS, KCS, and Kaminski's scoring models.

Serum CEA and CA 19-9 Levels are Associated with the Presence and Severity of Colorectal Neoplasia

PURPOSE

Limited data are available regarding the association between circulating serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) or carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) concentrations and colorectal adenoma. We aimed to investigate whether elevated serum CEA and CA 19-9 levels are correlated with the presence of colorectal neoplasia (CRN) and whether the levels of these antigens vary according to CRN severity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed on asymptomatic subjects who underwent colonoscopy between 2010 and 2014 as part of a comprehensive health screening program in Korea.

RESULTS

A total of 124509 participants with measured serum CEA levels and 115833 participants with measured serum CA 19-9 levels were analyzed. Elevated CEA concentrations were associated with a higher rate of any adenoma, advanced adenoma, high-risk adenoma, advanced CRN (ACRN), overall CRN, and colorectal cancer (CRC). Elevated CA 19-9 concentrations were also associated with a higher rate of advanced adenoma, high-risk adenoma, ACRN, and CRC. Both elevated levels of CEA and CA 19-9 were identified as independent predictors of ACRN. Among patients with CRN, the proportions of elevated CEA/CA 19-9 levels were significantly higher in patients with ACRN than in those with non-ACRN, and these levels were correlated with larger lesion size and multiplicity of adenomas.

CONCLUSION

Both elevated serum CEA and CA 19-9 levels were associated with the presence of ACRN, as well as CRC. Elevated CEA levels were also associated with the presence of overall CRN. Moreover, both CEA and CA 19-9 levels were correlated with the severity of CRN.

Is Colonoscopic Screening Necessary for Patients Younger than 50 Years with Gastric Adenoma or Cancer?

Patients, aged ≥ 50 years, with gastric neoplasm are reported to be at increased risk for colorectal neoplasia (CRN), while data regarding the risk of CRN in young patients, aged < 50 years with gastric neoplasm are limited. We aimed to investigate the risk of CRN according to the presence of gastric neoplasm in patients, aged < 50 years, and conducted a cross-sectional study on 131,888 asymptomatic examinees who underwent both esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy as part of a health screening program between 2010 and 2014. The prevalence of overall CRN (8.6% vs. 13.2%, P = 0.251) and advanced colorectal neoplasia (ACRN) (0.0% vs. 1.3%, P = 0.345) did not significantly differ according to the presence of gastric neoplasm in subjects, aged < 50 years. However, among subjects aged ≥ 50 years, patients with gastric neoplasm had a significantly higher proportion of overall CRN (48.2% vs. 31.7%, P < 0.001) and ACRN (12.5% vs. 4.5%, P < 0.001) compared with those without gastric neoplasm. Particularly, gastric neoplasm was an independent risk factor for ACRN after controlling for confounding factors among subjects, aged ≥ 50 years. In conclusion, gastric neoplasm was a risk factor for CRN in patients, aged ≥ 50 years, but not in patients, aged < 50 years. Young patients, aged < 50 years with gastric neoplasm do not need to undergo colonoscopy, whereas patients, aged ≥ 50 years with gastric neoplasm, should be considered a higher priority for colonoscopy.

Miss rate of colorectal neoplastic polyps and risk factors for missed polyps in consecutive colonoscopies

Background/Aims

Colonoscopic polypectomy is the best diagnostic and therapeutic tool to detect and prevent colorectal neoplasms. However, previous studies have reported that 17% to 28% of colorectal polyps are missed during colonoscopy. We investigated the miss rate of neoplastic polyps and the factors associated with missed polyps from quality-adjusted consecutive colonoscopies.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of patients who were found to have colorectal polyps at a medical examination center of the Kangbuk Samsung Hospital between March 2012 and February 2013. Patients who were referred to a single tertiary academic medical center and underwent colonoscopic polypectomy on the same day were enrolled in our study. The odds ratios (ORs) associated with polyp-related and patient-related factors were evaluated using logistic regression analyses.

Results

A total of 463 patients and 1,294 neoplastic polyps were analyzed. The miss rates for adenomas, advanced adenomas, and carcinomas were 24.1% (312/1,294), 1.2% (15/1,294), and 0% (0/1,294), respectively. Flat/sessile-shaped adenomas (adjusted OR, 3.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.40–5.46) and smaller adenomas (adjusted OR, 5.63; 95% CI, 2.84– 11.15 for ≤5 mm; adjusted OR, 3.18; 95% CI, 1.60–6.30 for 6–9 mm, respectively) were more frequently missed than pedunculated/sub-pedunculated adenomas and larger adenomas. In patients with 2 or more polyps compared with only one detected (adjusted OR, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.55–3.61 for 2–4 polyps; adjusted OR, 11.52; 95% CI, 4.61–28.79 for ≥5 polyps, respectively) during the first endoscopy, the risk of missing an additional polyp was significantly higher.

Conclusions

One-quarter of neoplastic polyps was missed during colonoscopy. We encourage endoscopists to detect smaller and flat or sessile polyps by using the optimal withdrawal technique.