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Le cancer de la prostate est le plus fréquent chez l'homme et, au stade localisé, les schémas d'hypofractionnement de la radiothérapie sont devenus des standards, mais l'absence de risque aggravé de toxicité aiguë et tardive génito-urinaire et gastro-intestinale de l'escalade de dose reste à prouver. La population étudiée comprenait tous les patients pris en charge à l'institut Curie de février 2016 à mars 2018 pour un adénocarcinome prostatique localisé traité par irradiation externe délivrée par un accélérateur linéaire en technique conformationnelle avec modulation d'intensité guidée par l'image à la dose totale de 75 Gy en 30 fractions de 2,5 Gy dans le volume cible prévisionnel comprenant la prostate et les vésicules séminales proximales, et pouvait associer une radiothérapie prophylactique ganglionnaire de 46 Gy en 23 fractions avec la technique de boost intégré. En tout, 166 patients ont été inclus, dont 114 étaient atteints de cancer de risque au moins intermédiaire défavorable (soit 68,7 %). L'âge et le suivi médians étaient de 71,4 ans et 3,96 ans. Cent quarante-neuf patients ont reçu une radiothérapie ganglionnaire (soit 89,8 %). Cent trente et un patients ont reçu une hormonothérapie (soit 78,9 %). Une toxicité génito-urinaire de grade 2 ou plus a été notée en cours de radiothérapie, à 6 mois, 1 an et 5 ans respectivement dans 36,7 %, 8,8 %, 3,1 % et 4,7 % des cas. Deux patients ont souffert à 5 ans d'une toxicité de grade 4 (soit 1,6 %). Une toxicité gastro-intestinale de grade 2 ou plus a été notée en cours de radiothérapie, à 6 mois, 1 an et 5 ans dans respectivement 15,1 %, 1,9 %, 14,6 % et 9,3 % des cas. Parmi ces derniers, huit patients ont souffert d'une toxicité de grade 3 (soit 6,2 %). Il n'y a eu aucune toxicité de grade 4. Les analyses n'ont pas mis en évidence de facteur prédictif de toxicité. Les taux de survie globale, sans progression et spécifique à 5 ans étaient respectivement de 82,4 %, 85,7 % et 93,3 %. La concentration sérique d'antigène spécifique de la prostate et les facteurs de risque cardiovasculaires ont été retrouvés comme facteurs prédictifs d'une dégradation de la survie globale (p = 0,0028 pour les deux). La radiothérapie externe pour un cancer prostatique localisé avec notre schéma modérément hypofractionné avec escalade de dose est bien tolérée. En l'absence de toxicité tardive majorée, l'analyse des modes de rechutes à long terme sera intéressante pour déterminer l'intérêt de cette escalade de dose sur les rechutes locales et à distance. Prostate cancer is the most frequent cancer among men and radiotherapy hypofractionation regimens have become standard treatments for the localized stages, but the absence of increased risk of acute and late genitourinary or gastrointestinal toxicity of the dose escalation still must be demonstrated. The study population included all patients with localized prostatic adenocarcinoma treated at the institut Curie from February 2016 to March 2018 by external radiation delivered by a linear accelerator using an image-guided conformal intensity modulation technique at a total dose of 75 Gy in 30 fractions of 2.5 Gy in the planning target volume that included the prostate and the proximal seminal vesicles, and could be paired with a prophylactic lymph node radiotherapy at 46 Gy in 23 fractions with simultaneous integrated boost. A total of 166 patients were included. Among them, 68.6% were unfavourable intermediate or (very) high risk. The median age and follow-up were 71.4 years and 3.96 years. One hundred and forty-nine patients received prophylactic lymph node radiotherapy (89.8%). One hundred and thirty-one patients received hormonotherapy (78.9%). Genito-urinary toxicity events of grades 2 or above during radiotherapy, at 6 months, 1 year and 5 years were respectively 36.7%, 8.8%, 3.1% and 4.7%. Two patients had late grade 4 toxicity at 5 years (1.6%). Grade 2 gastrointestinal toxicity events during radiotherapy, 6 months, 1 year and 5 years were respectively 15.1%, 1.9%, 14.6% and 9.3%. Of these, eight patients had grade 3 toxicity (6.2%). There was no grade 4 toxicity. Analyses did not reveal any predictive factor for toxicity. The 5-year overall, progression-free, and specific survival rates were respectively 82.4%, 85.7%, and 93.3%. Serum prostate specific antigen concentration and cardiovascular risk factors were found to be predictive factors of deterioration in overall survival (P = 0.0028 for both). External radiotherapy for localized prostatic cancer with our moderately hypofractionated dose escalation regimen is well tolerated. In the absence of increased late toxicity, the analysis of the modes of long-term relapses will be interesting to determine the benefit of this dose escalation on local and distant relapses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bowel mucormycosis is common among high-risk surgical neonates and has high fatality. This study was done to study the clinical profile and outcome of pediatric surgical patients operated at our center who had bowel mucormycosis on histology. Methods: It was a retrospective observational study. The data was collected from the medical records department. The files of surgical patients with tissue diagnosis of bowel mucormycosis operated at Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalaya from June 2018 to May 2021 were retrieved. The data was tabulated on Microsoft Excel sheet®. Results: A total of 11 surgical patients with bowel mucormycosis on histology were traced. The study had male preponderance. The majority were neonates and had low platelet counts with raised CRP levels. All but one expired, with severe sepsis and septic shock as major causes of death. Conclusion: The invasive mucormycosis is more common among neonates (but older children are not immune) with male preponderance. It may affect any part of GIT and the counts and sepsis screen may be normal. It has a high fatality rate.

Enteritis is one of the rare systemic manifestations in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus and its diagnosis is very challenging. This is a rare case of an adolescent girl with recurrent non-specific gastro-intestinal symptoms which were later diagnosed to be owing to lupus enteritis, the only presenting manifestation of an active flare. A 15-year-old girl was admitted with recurrent episodes of abdominal pain, vomiting and loose stools. She had diffuse abdominal tenderness. Abdominal ultrasonography demonstrated moderate ascites. A contrast-enhanced abdominal computerised tomography scan revealed thickening of the small bowel wall. On colonoscopy, there were rectal erosions, and microscopic examination of the biopsy specimens demonstrated mild inflammation. Non-specific enteritis was diagnosed and she was given antibiotics and supportive care. She was re-admitted 6months later with abdominal pain. An abdominal contrast-enhanced computerised tomography scan revealed thickening of the bowel wall and the target sign and comb sign in the small intestine. The anti-nuclear antibody was positive. Renal biopsy demonstrated grade 2 lupus nephritis. Lupus enteritis was diagnosed and the case satisfied the 2019 EULAR-ACR criteria and SLICC criteria. She was treated with methylprednisolone, cyclophosphamide and hydroxychloroquine. She improved with treatment and has remained asymptomatic during follow-up. This case emphasises the need for healthcare providers to be alert to the possibility of lupus enteritis. It also highlights the importance of close follow-up of cases who have non-specific gastro-intestinal symptoms. Lupus enteritis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of recurrent non-specific gastro-intestinal symptoms in children, especially adolescents, to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment. Abbreviations: ACR American College of Rheumatology; ANA anti-nuclear antibody; CRP: C-reactive protein; CT: computerised tomography; CECT: contrast-enhanced computerised tomography; EULAR: European League Against Rheumatism; GI: gastro-intestinal; LE: lupus enteritis; SLE systemic lupus erythematosis; SLICC: Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics; SLEDAI: SLE disease activity index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionA model has been developed for in silico simulation of digestion and its physiological feedback mechanisms.MethodsThe model is based on known physiology described in the literature and is able to describe the complexity of many simultaneous processes related to food digestion.ResultsDespite the early stage of development of the model, it already encompasses a large number of processes that occur simultaneously, enabling the prediction of a large number of post-prandial physiological markers, which can be highly functional in combination with in vitro, organ-on-a-chip and digital twin models purposed to measure the physiological properties of organs and to predict the effect of adjusted food composition in normal and diseased states.DiscussionInput from and collaboration between science fileds is needed to further develop and refine the model and to connect with in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo (organ-on-a-chip) models.

Background: Gallbladder agenesis is a biliary tract related congenital malformation with an incidence of 10-65 per 100,000 and associated with other congenital abnormalities. GA is usually asymptomatic, but sometimes patients become symptomatic. The most usual symptoms are jaundice, abdominal pain in the right upper quadrant, nausea and vomiting. We reported a case of GA and choledochogastric fistula in a patient with history of cholangitis. Case Presentation: A 70-year-old man presented to Emergency Department of Modarres Hospital with jaundice, fever, right upper quadrant abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Clinical examination and lab test demonstrated cholangitis. He underwent ultrasonography, abdominopelvic CT scan and ERCP. ERCP revealed a CBD fistula. Due to recurrent symptoms, he underwent operation and hepaticojejunostomy was done. Conclusion: In our knowledge, the case of GA and choledochogastric fistula is rare. Furthermore, this type of abnormalities rarely presented with cholangitis, so probable anatomical malformation of the biliary tract should always be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients with biliary disease signs and symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pregnant women are affected by gastrointestinal and liver disorders. These may or may not be related to pregnancy. Unrelated conditions are pre-existent or coincidental during pregnancy. Pregnancy may promote symptoms/alter course of new or pre-existing disease resulting in complications only during pregnancy. This in turn can have adverse effect on clinical course affecting mother and fetus. The management remains same but its effect on mother and fetus needs to be kept in mind with pro-active treatment. Severe liver diseases though rare during pregnancy can occasionally be life threatening. Pregnancy after bariatric surgery/liver transplant is possible but with thorough counseling and needs multidisciplinary approach. Endoscopy for GI problems, if required can be carried out by gastroenterologist with special attention. Hence, this article, for quick reference to tackle GI and liver disorders in pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The detection of where an organ starts and where it ends is achievable and, since this information can be delivered in real time, it could be quite important for several reasons. For one, by having the practical knowledge of the Wireless Endoscopic Capsule (WEC) transition through an organ's domain, we are able to align and control the endoscopic operation with any other possible protocol, i.e., delivering some form of treatment on the spot. Another is having greater anatomical topography information per session, therefore treating the individual in detail (not "in general"). Even the fact that by gathering more accurate information for a patient by merely implementing clever software procedures is a task worth exploiting, since the problems we have to overcome in real-time processing of the capsule findings (i.e., wireless transfer of images to another unit that will apply the necessary real time computations) are still challenging. This study proposes a computer-aided detection (CAD) tool, a CNN algorithm deployed to run on field programmable gate array (FPGA), able to automatically track the capsule transitions through the entrance (gate) of esophagus, stomach, small intestine and colon, in real time. The input data are the wireless transmitted image shots of the capsule's camera (while the endoscopy capsule is operating). Methods: We developed and evaluated three distinct multiclass classification CNNs, trained on the same dataset of total 5520 images extracted by 99 capsule videos (total 1380 frames from each organ of interest). The proposed CNNs differ in size and number of convolution filters. The confusion matrix is obtained by training each classifier and evaluating the trained model on an independent test dataset comprising 496 images extracted by 39 capsule videos, 124 from each GI organ. The test dataset was further evaluated by one endoscopist, and his findings were compared with CNN-based results. The statistically significant of predictions between the four classes of each model and the comparison between the three distinct models is evaluated by calculating the p-values and chi-square test for multi class. The comparison between the three models is carried out by calculating the macro average F1 score and Mattheus correlation coefficient (MCC). The quality of the best CNN model is estimated by calculations of sensitivity and specificity. Results: Our experimental results of independent validation demonstrate that the best of our developed models addressed this topological problem by exhibiting an overall sensitivity (96.55%) and specificity of (94.73%) in the esophagus, (81.08% sensitivity and 96.55% specificity) in the stomach, (89.65% sensitivity and 97.89% specificity) in the small intestine and (100% sensitivity and 98.94% specificity) in the colon. The average macro accuracy is 95.56%, the average macro sensitivity is 91.82%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Up-to-date and hospital-specific knowledge of prognoses for horses with various forms of colic is essential for helping to guide owners’ decisions on costly treatments, and for assessing the continuous development of standards of care in the hospital. This study aimed to determine the short-term survival rates of horses admitted with colic to the University Hospital for Large Animals (UHLA), University of Copenhagen, Denmark, from 2010 to 2018, and to compare these to a previous local study as well as recent, comparable international studies. Short-term survival rates were calculated for horses grouped by treatment (surgical, medical) and diseases. Results were compared to the selected studies using Chi-square tests. Results A total of 1752 horses were admitted with colic during the period, of which 355 were excluded for reasons such as economic restrictions or immediate euthanasia. Short-term survival of the remaining 1397 cases was significantly higher (83.0% (95% CI 81.1–85.0%)) than a previous local study (76%) and a recent Dutch study (80%). Medical treatment was carried out in 77.1% of cases, and surgery in 22.9% of the cases. Short-term survival for medically (89.7%) and surgically (60.6%) treated horses was significantly higher in the present study compared to the previous study (87% and 42%, respectively), but was similar to that found in the Dutch study. Significantly fewer horses were euthanised during surgery than in the previous study (17.2 vs. 40%), and significantly more horses recovered from surgery (79.1 vs. 56%). Short-term survival rate of surgically treated horses (60.6%) did not differ from other European studies (55–62%). Conclusions Short-term survival rates have increased since the previous study at UHLA, mainly due to a decrease in intraoperative euthanasia. Survival rates in this study are similar to those found in recent comparable colic studies.

Aim: Pyloromyotomy, the treatment for infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS), is a procedure with a low risk of short-term complications and quick recovery. However, at a later age, some children report gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and recently we described a fatal case of adhesive small bowel obstruction years after pyloromyotomy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate long-term gastrointestinal sequelae of pyloromyotomy., Methods: All children who underwent open or laparoscopic pyloromyotomy between 2007 and 2017 (n = 450), were invited to complete a questionnaire, which included the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ Gastrointestinal symptoms module (PedsQL™ GI Module). Outcomes were compared to published healthy controls (n = 587) and between surgical approach by using an unpaired t-test., Results: In total, 199 respondents completed the questionnaire. The majority (n = 172, 86.4 %) was male with a mean age of 11.4 (±3.1) years. Laparoscopic pyloromyotomy was performed in 104 children (52.3 %) and open pyloromyotomy in 95 (47.7 %). The PedsQL™ GI Module mean total score of all children who underwent pyloromyotomy was 88.6 (±11.0), which is comparable to healthy controls (88.6 (±12.9)). All subtopics were similar for children who underwent pyloromyotomy compared to healthy controls. There were no differences in scores of the PedsQL™ GI module between the open and laparoscopic subgroup., Conclusions: The scores of the PedsQL™ GI module do not differ between children who underwent pyloromyotomy during infancy and healthy controls. Therefore long-term gastrointestinal sequelae of pyloromyotomy appear to be an exception. This evidence can be used during parental counseling. It also suggests that there is no need for long-term follow-up., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest The authors have no conflicts of interest relevant to this article to disclose., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

In Belgium, the use of IHC testing has grown in the last decade. However, there is a lack of information on the specific indications for which it is reimbursed. The aim of the study is to offer an overview on the use of diagnostic inmunohistochemistry (IHC) testing and its recent trends. Our analysis is limited to reimbursed use, which in Belgium is restricted to a maximum of 4 different IHC stains per sampling session for diagnostic IHC. Consulted sources included data from the compulsory health insurance, and data extracted from a sample of pathology reports gathered from Belgian laboratories for the year 2019. Over the last 10 years, the use of IHC in Belgium grew from 729 030 stains in 2012 to 1,194,331 in 2019, an increase of 63.8 % while the increase in the number of histological or cytological examinations was 13.3 %. The main stains used in 2019 were H. pylori , Ki-67 and broad spectrum CK, which were used in multiple body sites, reflecting the difficulties to identify specific indications. The gastro-intestinal tract is the body site with the highest number of IHC stains (38.2 % of all stains performed), and the most frequently used stain in gastro intestinal biopsies were H. pylori (43.1 %), and CD3 (6.8 %). This study offers an overview of the most frequent indications for which diagnostic IHC staining is used in Belgium, and reflects the evolving nature of this field, highlighting the importance to increase clarity and improve data collection. • The use of IHC in Belgium increased by 63.8% from 2012 to 2019. • The main stain used in 2019 was Helicobacter Pylori. • The highest number of IHC stains are performed on samples from the gastro-intestinal tract. • This study highlights the importance to increase clarity and improve data collection in the use of IHC staining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Up-to-date and hospital-specific knowledge of prognoses for horses with various forms of colic is essential for helping to guide owners' decisions on costly treatments, and for assessing the continuous development of standards of care in the hospital. This study aimed to determine the short-term survival rates of horses admitted with colic to the University Hospital for Large Animals (UHLA), University of Copenhagen, Denmark, from 2010 to 2018, and to compare these to a previous local study as well as recent, comparable international studies. Short-term survival rates were calculated for horses grouped by treatment (surgical, medical) and diseases. Results were compared to the selected studies using Chi-square tests. Results: A total of 1752 horses were admitted with colic during the period, of which 355 were excluded for reasons such as economic restrictions or immediate euthanasia. Short-term survival of the remaining 1397 cases was significantly higher (83.0% (95% CI 81.1–85.0%)) than a previous local study (76%) and a recent Dutch study (80%). Medical treatment was carried out in 77.1% of cases, and surgery in 22.9% of the cases. Short-term survival for medically (89.7%) and surgically (60.6%) treated horses was significantly higher in the present study compared to the previous study (87% and 42%, respectively), but was similar to that found in the Dutch study. Significantly fewer horses were euthanised during surgery than in the previous study (17.2 vs. 40%), and significantly more horses recovered from surgery (79.1 vs. 56%). Short-term survival rate of surgically treated horses (60.6%) did not differ from other European studies (55–62%). Conclusions: Short-term survival rates have increased since the previous study at UHLA, mainly due to a decrease in intraoperative euthanasia. Survival rates in this study are similar to those found in recent comparable colic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• What is the key question? Which are the most common cancers in the UK cystic fibrosis population and what factors are associated with the incidence of all cancers and in particular gastrointestinal malignancies? • What is the bottom line? The types of cancer in people with CF are varied but reflect those found in the general population. Any cancer and particularly GI cancer appear to be peaking at a younger age, while CFRD is confirmed as a risk factor alongside transplantation. • Why read on? This is the largest study conducted in the UK CF population exploring patterns of cancer incidence and factors associated with it. We observed a high incidence of GI cancers, skin and breast cancers compared to other cancer types. Screening for gastrointestinal cancers could benefit patients at higher risk. To assess cancer incidence in the UK cystic fibrosis (CF) population and determine the associated risk factors, we undertook a nested case-control study of patients with CF, registered with the UK CF Registry. Each case with a first reported cancer between 1999 and 2017 was matched with up to 4 controls: by age (±2-years) and year of cancer diagnosis. Conditional logistic regressions were adjusted for sex, lung function (FEV 1 %), CF related diabetes (CFRD), F508del status, transplant status, DIOS, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, meconium ileus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection, pancreatic insufficiency, proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use, IV antibiotic days and BMI. Results : From 12,886 registered patients, 146 (1.1%) cases of malignancy were identified with 14.3% of cases occurring post solid organ transplant. Site of primary cancer was available for 98 patients: 22% were gastro-intestinal in origin (77% lower, 23% upper GI), 13% skin, 13% breast and 11% lymphomas/leukaemia. In univariable analysis, transplantation increased the odds of reporting any cancer by 2.46 times (95%CI: 1.3-4.6). CFRD also increased the odds of reporting any cancer (OR 2.35; CI: 1.37-4.0) and PPI use (OR 2.0; CI 1.28-3.19). In the multivariable models significant associations with CFRD and transplant remained, while PA infection, PPI use and being overweight showed increased, but statistically insignificant risks. The incidence of GI cancer was strongly associated with CFRD (OR=4.04; 1.47-11.1). Conclusions : We observed a high incidence of lower GI cancers in our cohort which was significantly affected by the presence of CFRD. Screening for gastrointestinal cancers could benefit patients at higher risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The detection of where an organ starts and where it ends is achievable and, since this information can be delivered in real time, it could be quite important for several reasons. For one, by having the practical knowledge of the Wireless Endoscopic Capsule (WEC) transition through an organ’s domain, we are able to align and control the endoscopic operation with any other possible protocol, i.e., delivering some form of treatment on the spot. Another is having greater anatomical topography information per session, therefore treating the individual in detail (not “in general”). Even the fact that by gathering more accurate information for a patient by merely implementing clever software procedures is a task worth exploiting, since the problems we have to overcome in real-time processing of the capsule findings (i.e., wireless transfer of images to another unit that will apply the necessary real time computations) are still challenging. This study proposes a computer-aided detection (CAD) tool, a CNN algorithm deployed to run on field programmable gate array (FPGA), able to automatically track the capsule transitions through the entrance (gate) of esophagus, stomach, small intestine and colon, in real time. The input data are the wireless transmitted image shots of the capsule’s camera (while the endoscopy capsule is operating). Methods: We developed and evaluated three distinct multiclass classification CNNs, trained on the same dataset of total 5520 images extracted by 99 capsule videos (total 1380 frames from each organ of interest). The proposed CNNs differ in size and number of convolution filters. The confusion matrix is obtained by training each classifier and evaluating the trained model on an independent test dataset comprising 496 images extracted by 39 capsule videos, 124 from each GI organ. The test dataset was further evaluated by one endoscopist, and his findings were compared with CNN-based results. The statistically significant of predictions between the four classes of each model and the comparison between the three distinct models is evaluated by calculating the p-values and chi-square test for multi class. The comparison between the three models is carried out by calculating the macro average F1 score and Mattheus correlation coefficient (MCC). The quality of the best CNN model is estimated by calculations of sensitivity and specificity. Results: Our experimental results of independent validation demonstrate that the best of our developed models addressed this topological problem by exhibiting an overall sensitivity (96.55%) and specificity of (94.73%) in the esophagus, (81.08% sensitivity and 96.55% specificity) in the stomach, (89.65% sensitivity and 97.89% specificity) in the small intestine and (100% sensitivity and 98.94% specificity) in the colon. The average macro accuracy is 95.56%, the average macro sensitivity is 91.82%.

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE) is a rare digestive disorder that affects individuals of all ages, characterized by eosinophilic infiltration in the stomach and intestines. Various risk factors contribute to EGE, and its pathogenesis remains poorly understood. The definitive diagnosis relies on histological examination of the involved gastrointestinal (GI) tract, revealing evidence of eosinophilic infiltration. We present two case reports of young males diagnosed with EGE who achieved good outcomes with early management, including steroids and mepolizumab. The use of a biologic agent, anti-IL5, helped reduce the use of steroids and both patients were in complete remission based on GI symptom assessments. The clinical presentation of EGE is non-specific, which can make diagnosis challenging. Currently, there is no definitive consensus on the optimal treatment for EGE, and management remains primarily empirical. Limited data are available on EGE, and these cases may help provide additional insights into the diagnosis and management of this rare disease., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Kiblawi et al.)

Pullulan was used as the wall material for microencapsulation of L. plantarum CRD7 by spray drying, while isomalto-oligosaccharides (IMO) was used as prebiotic. Also, the effect of different thermal protectants on survival rate during microencapsulation was evaluated. Taguchi orthogonal array design showed that pullulan at 14 % concentration, IMO at 30 % concentration and whey protein isolate at 20 % rate were the optimized wall material, prebiotic and thermal protectant, respectively for microencapsulation of L. plantarum. FESEM images revealed that the spray-dried encapsulates were fibrous similar to those produce by electrospinning, while fluorescence microscopy ascertained that most of the probiotic cells were alive and intact after microencapsulation. The adsorption-desorption isotherm was of Type II and the encapsulate had specific surface area of 1.92 m2/g and mean pore diameter of 15.12 nm. The typical amide II and III bands of the bacterial proteins were absent in the FTIR spectra, suggestive of adequate encapsulation. DSC thermogram showed shifting of melting peaks to wider temperature range due to interactions between the probiotic and wall materials. IMO at 30 % (w /w) along with WPI at 20 % concentration provided the highest storage stability and the lowest rate of cell death of L. plantarum after microencapsulation. Acid and bile salt tolerance results confirmed that microencapsulated L. plantarum could sustain the harsh GI conditions with >7.5 log CFU/g viability. After microencapsulation, L. plantarum also possessed the ability to ferment milk into curd with pH of 4.62. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Currently, radiation-oncologists generally evaluate a single treatment plan for each patient that is possibly adapted by the planner prior to final approval. There is no systematic exploration of patient-specific trade-offs between planning aims, using a set of treatment plans with a-priori defined (slightly) different balances. To this purpose, we developed an automated workflow and explored its use for prostate cancer.Materials and Methods: For each of the 50 study patients, seven plans were generated, including the so-called clinical plan, with currently clinically desired ≥99% dose coverage for the low-dose planning target volume (PTVLow). The six other plans were generated with different, reduced levels of PTVLow coverage, aiming at reductions in rectum dose and consequently in predicted grade≥2 late gastro-intestinal (GI) normal tissue complication probabilities (NTCPs), while keeping other dosimetric differences small. The applied NTCP model included diabetes as a non-dosimetric predictor. All plans were generated with a clinically applied, in-house developed algorithm for automated multi-criterial plan generation.Results: With diabetes, the average NTCP reduced from 24.9 ± 4.5% for ≥99% PTVLow coverage to 17.3 ± 2.6% for 90%, approaching the NTCP (15.4 ± 3.0%) without diabetes and full PTVLow coverage. Apart from intended differences in PTVLow coverage and rectum dose, other differences between the clinical plan and the six alternatives were indeed minor. Obtained NTCP reductions were highly patient-specific (ranging from 14.4 to 0.1%), depending on patient anatomy. Even for patients with equal NTCPs in the clinical plan, large differences were found in NTCP reductions.Conclusions: A clinically feasible workflow has been proposed for systematic exploration of patient-specific trade-offs between various treatment aims. For each patient, automated planning is used to generate a limited set of treatment plans with well-defined variations in the balances between the aims. For prostate cancer, trade-offs between PTVLow coverage and predicted GI NTCP were explored. With relatively small coverage reductions, significant NTCP reductions could be obtained, strongly depending on patient anatomy. Coverage reductions could also make up for enhanced NTCPs related to diabetes as co-morbidity, again dependent on the patient. The proposed system can play an important role in further personalization of patient care.

There are an estimated 1.5 million pet rabbits in the UK, when compared to cats (11 million) and dogs (9.4 million) this figure may seem small; however, rabbits have been domesticated for a relatively shorter period of time and their population is rapidly increasing in comparison. Rabbits rise in popularity as pets has caused an increase in presentation in veterinary practice. Rabbit owners expect the same high standards of care that dogs and cats receive in veterinary practice, therefore it is essential that veterinary professionals achieve a better understanding about the species to provide efficient care. Rabbits being a prey species often conceal their illness until they are in critical condition, posing a significant challenge to both owners and veterinary professionals in early recognition of clinical signs. Therefore it is essential that registered veterinary nurses (RVN's) and veterinary surgeons (VS) are confident in identifying changes in rabbit behaviour which includes eating habits and faecal output. Recognising symptoms early will aid in implementing treatment and reducing mortality rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gastro-intestinal (GI) tract is a very important part of the human digestive system but remains largely inaccessible for unobtrusive monitoring. Ingestible electronic devices are a very interesting concept to address this need. This paper discusses the current state of ingestible electronic devices and explores the potential they hold to provide unprecedented insight by measuring several aspects of the complex bio-chemical processes that happen in the GI tract in real-time. This will require novel sensor technology capable of measuring relevant markers with adequate specificity and accuracy. In order to be able to scale this functionality down to a form factor of an easily digestible pill, ultra-low-power wireless interface electronics are needed. This poses certain challenges and innovation opportunities related to sensing, wireless communication and powering to enable the next generation of ingestible electronic devices. [2020-0164] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Swine production in Nigeria is encountering several constraints among which are diseases. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of swine with respect to sex, age, location and hygiene practices in the breeding sites in three piggery farms; University of Benin Animal Farm; Osasio Farm Uselu in Egor Local Government Area (LGA), and Ojemai Farm Ekehuanwa Road, Oredo LGA, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 150 pigs were sampled from the 3 piggery farms. Faecal sample (10g each) was aseptically collected from the rectum of each selected pig and processed by concentration method to microscopically identify parasites in both saline and iodine preparations. A designed pre-tested structured questionnaire was intervieweradministered to each piggery owner to collect information on husbandry practices, animal health care issues and potential risk factors associated with parasitosis. Data was analysed using SPPSS version 20 software, while odd ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated on each potential risk factors. Results: Of the 150 pigs examined, 130 (86.6%) were infected with five gastrointestinal parasitic agents. Strongyloides ransomi 81 (54%) was the most frequently identified parasite, followed by Ascaris suum 68 (45.3%), Giardia lamblia 31 (20.6%), Entamoeba polecki 10 (6.6%) and Trichuris suis 10 (6.6%). Single and mixed infections were not significantly associated with the observed prevalence (p>0.05). Similarly, the sex of pig was not significantly associated with the prevalence of parasites (p=0.8824). The prevalence of parasitosis among the grower (87.8%) was not significantly different from the adult swine (87.5%) (p>0.05). Osasio had the highest infection rate (90.0%) but this rate was not significantly different from the two other farms (p>0.05). Conclusion: This study confirms high prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infections in pigs bred in Edo State, Nigeria. It is therefore recommended that farmers improve on their biosecurity and adhere to routine de-worming regimen of pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Currently, radiation-oncologists generally evaluate a single treatment plan for each patient that is possibly adapted by the planner prior to final approval. There is no systematic exploration of patient-specific trade-offs between planning aims, using a set of treatment plans with a-priori defined (slightly) different balances. To this purpose, we developed an automated workflow and explored its use for prostate cancer. Materials and Methods: For each of the 50 study patients, seven plans were generated, including the so-called clinical plan, with currently clinically desired ≥99% dose coverage for the low-dose planning target volume (PTVLow). The six other plans were generated with different, reduced levels of PTVLow coverage, aiming at reductions in rectum dose and consequently in predicted grade≥2 late gastro-intestinal (GI) normal tissue complication probabilities (NTCPs), while keeping other dosimetric differences small. The applied NTCP model included diabetes as a non-dosimetric predictor. All plans were generated with a clinically applied, in-house developed algorithm for automated multi-criterial plan generation. Results: With diabetes, the average NTCP reduced from 24.9 ± 4.5% for ≥99% PTVLow coverage to 17.3 ± 2.6% for 90%, approaching the NTCP (15.4 ± 3.0%) without diabetes and full PTVLow coverage. Apart from intended differences in PTVLow coverage and rectum dose, other differences between the clinical plan and the six alternatives were indeed minor. Obtained NTCP reductions were highly patient-specific (ranging from 14.4 to 0.1%), depending on patient anatomy. Even for patients with equal NTCPs in the clinical plan, large differences were found in NTCP reductions. Conclusions: A clinically feasible workflow has been proposed for systematic exploration of patient-specific trade-offs between various treatment aims. For each patient, automated planning is used to generate a limited set of treatment plans with well-defined variations in the balances between the aims. For prostate cancer, trade-offs between PTVLow coverage and predicted GI NTCP were explored. With relatively small coverage reductions, significant NTCP reductions could be obtained, strongly depending on patient anatomy. Coverage reductions could also make up for enhanced NTCPs related to diabetes as co-morbidity, again dependent on the patient. The proposed system can play an important role in further personalization of patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data are relatively scarce on gastro-intestinal tuberculosis (GITB). Most studies are old and from single centers, or did not include immunosuppressed patients. Thus, we aimed to determine the clinical, radiological, and laboratory profiles of GITB. We included adults with proven GITB treated between 2000 and 2018. Patients were enrolled from 21 referral centers in 8 countries (Belgium, Egypt, France, Italy, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, UK, and Turkey). One hundred four patients were included. Terminal ileum (n = 46, 44.2%), small intestines except terminal ileum (n = 36, 34.6%), colon (n = 29, 27.8%), stomach (n = 6, 5.7%), and perianal (one patient) were the sites of GITB. One-third of all patients were immunosuppressed. Sixteen patients had diabetes, 8 had chronic renal failure, 5 were HIV positive, 4 had liver cirrhosis, and 3 had malignancies. Intestinal biopsy samples were cultured in 75 cases (78.1%) and TB was isolated in 65 patients (86.6%). PCR were performed to 37 (35.6%) biopsy samples and of these, 35 (94.6%) were positive. Ascites samples were cultured in 19 patients and M. tuberculosis was isolated in 11 (57.9%). Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed to 40 patients (38.5%) and colonoscopy in 74 (71.1%). Surgical interventions were frequently the source of diagnostic samples (25 laparoscopy/20 laparotomy, n = 45, 43.3%). Patients were treated with standard and second-line anti-TB medications. Ultimately, 4 (3.8%) patients died and 2 (1.9%) cases relapsed. There was a high incidence of underlying immunosuppression in GITB patients. A high degree of clinical suspicion is necessary to initiate appropriate and timely diagnostic procedures; many patients are first diagnosed at surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Previous studies have shown a potential for cannabis in disorders of the digestive organs. We aimed to investigate whether cannabis use disorders (CUD) would decrease the risk of incident disorders of the digestive organs, in people with schizophrenia and population controls. Methods. We combined nationwide Danish registers to identify 21 066 cases with schizophrenia and 176 935 sex-and-age-matched controls. Two models were analyzed for the associations between CUD and digestive disorders in time-varying Cox regressions: one adjusted for sex, year of birth, and calendar year; and one further adjusted for alcohol and other substance use disorders and parental education. Results. CUD was associated with a decreased risk of developing disorders of gut–brain interaction (e.g. irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia, etc.) among cases with schizophrenia (HR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.74–0.94, p = 0.003). CUD was associated with decreased risk of inflammatory bowel disease (HR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.49–0.99, p = 0.045) in the basically adjusted model, dropping just below statistical significance in the fully adjusted model (HR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.48–1.03, p = 0.07). CUD displayed a tendency toward a decreased risk of serious disorders of the digestive organs among cases with schizophrenia (HR = 0.89, 95% CI 0.77–1.02, p = 0.09) in the fully adjusted model. No associations were observed among controls. Conclusions. In people with schizophrenia, but not in controls, CUD is associated with decreased risk of disorders of gut–brain interaction and inflammatory bowel disease, and possibly other serious disorders of the digestive organs. Our findings could lead to new targets for treatment and prevention of disorders of the digestive organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is an episodic syndrome of cyclic vomiting in the context of the prolonged use of cannabis. The Royal College of Emergency Medicine Toxicology Special Interest Group has produced guidance to support emergency medicine clinicians with the recognition and treatment of people experiencing CHS.Considerations regarding recognition, investigation and communication are discussed, and recommendations regarding treatment options (which include haloperidol and capsaicin) are made. There is a focus on making recommendations on the best available evidence., Competing Interests: Competing interests: CH: unpaid member of Department of Health and Social Care Drug Harms Assessment and Response Team Reimbursed for travel expenses to speak at conferences for Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM), unpaid member of RCEM Toxicology advisory group. MG: unpaid member of RCEM Toxicology advisory group., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Introduction: A model has been developed for in silico simulation of digestion and its physiological feedback mechanisms., Methods: The model is based on known physiology described in the literature and is able to describe the complexity of many simultaneous processes related to food digestion., Results: Despite the early stage of development of the model, it already encompasses a large number of processes that occur simultaneously, enabling the prediction of a large number of post-prandial physiological markers, which can be highly functional in combination with in vitro, organ-on-a-chip and digital twin models purposed to measure the physiological properties of organs and to predict the effect of adjusted food composition in normal and diseased states., Discussion: Input from and collaboration between science fileds is needed to further develop and refine the model and to connect with in vitro , in vivo , and ex vivo (organ-on-a-chip) models., Competing Interests: The author declares that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 van Aken.)

Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared.

The study involved screening of 521 dogs, presented at Veterinary Clinical Complex, PGIVER and State Veterinary Polyclinic, Jaipur for the treatment of various gastro-intestinal disturbances. The overall prevalence of ascites was recorded as 2.87%. The sex wise prevalence was high in male (3.32% n=9,) as compared to female (2.40% n=6). Highest prevalence was recorded in dogs of 3 to 6 years age group followed by 2 months to 3 years and above 6 years age groups. The Labrador breed showed highest prevalence followed by German shepherd, Beagle, non descript and Pug, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peri-operative dexmedetomidine can reduce rates of delirium immediately after surgery. We aimed to assess the effect of dexmedetomidine on cognition up to six postoperative months and its association with changes in serum concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor on the third and seventh postoperative days. We randomly allocated 535 patients aged 65 years or more undergoing scheduled gastro-intestinal laparotomy to: intra-operative dexmedetomidine, 0.5 μg.kg-1 bolus followed by 0.4 μg.kg-1 .hr-1 infusion (n = 269), or placebo (n = 266). Dexmedetomidine reduced the rate of cognitive impairment: on the third postoperative day, 40/269 vs. 65/266, p = 0.006; on the seventh postoperative day, 31/269 vs. 49/266, p = 0.03 and at one postoperative month, 42/250 vs. 61/248, p = 0.04. Cognitive impairment at seven postoperative days was associated with changes in brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentrations on the third and seventh postoperative days; area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.63, p < 0.001 and 0.58, p = 0.016, respectively. Intra-operative dexmedetomidine reduced cognitive decline up to one postoperative month in elderly patients undergoing scheduled laparotomy, which was associated with changes in serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) have enormous global impacts in humans, wildlife and grazing livestock. Within grazing livestock, sheep are of particular global importance and the economics and sustainability of sheep production are greatly constrained by GIN infections. Natural infections are composed of co-infections with multiple species, and while some past work suggests species can interact negatively with one another within the same host, there is wide variation in reported patterns. Here, we undertook a systematic literature search and meta-analysis of experimental GIN co-infections of sheep to determine whether these experimental studies support the hypothesis of antagonistic interactions between different co-infecting GIN, and test whether aspects of parasite biology or experimental design influence the observed effects. A systematic search of the literature yielded 4848 studies, within which, we identified 19 experimental sheep studies comparing post-mortem worm counts across two co-infecting GIN species. Meta-analysis of 67 effects obtained from these studies provides strong evidence for interactions between GIN species. There was wide variation in the strength and direction of these interactions, but the global effect was significantly antagonistic. On average, there was a decrease in the number of worms of one species when a co-infecting species was also present, relative to a mono-infection with that species alone. This effect was dependent on the infectious dose and was rapidly lost after anthelmintic treatment, suggesting that live worms are required for the effect to occur. Individual parasite species varied in the extent to which they both exerted, and were subject to, these interspecies interactions, and these differences are more complex than simply co-localisation within the gastrointestinal tract. Antagonistic interactions between co-infecting GIN may feedback into their epidemiology as well as potentially affecting the clinical impacts of infection. Furthermore, the consequences of these interactions may be heightened when clinical interventions affect only one species within the co-infecting network. Whilst it was not possible to identify the causes of variation between GIN species in the impact of co-infection, these findings point to new avenues for epidemiological, clinical and mechanistic research on GIN co-infections. [Display omitted] • Co-infecting gastrointestinal nematodes interact antagonistically. • This competition between co-infecting helminths is parasite dose dependent. • Interactions are lost after anthelmintics, suggesting live parasites are required. • Parasite species vary in how strongly they influence a concomitant infection. • Parasite species vary in how susceptible they are to co-infecting parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Thirteen episodes of oesophageal food impaction (EFI) per 100 000 people present to a medical setting each year. Several pharmacological interventions meant to relieve such impactions have been explored; none have proven superior.Objectives: Perform a single-arm feasibility study of oral nitroglycerin solution for EFI.Methods: Twenty adult patients presenting to a single urban tertiary medical centre thought to have EFI were given up to three doses of 0.4 mg nitroglycerin solution orally and evaluated for resolution of symptoms, new symptoms and vital signs. Patients with intractable vomiting, haemodynamic instability, airway compromise, oesophageal perforation, coronary ischaemia or presentation delayed greater than 12 hours were excluded.Results: 17 of 20 enrolled subjects received the intervention. The average duration of symptoms prior to intervention was 285 min (SD=187). Four subjects did not tolerate the intervention (inability to swallow or headache). Two of 17 (11.8%) subjects obtained temporally proximal symptom resolution: 11 min after the second dose, and 7 min after the third dose. Seven also received glucagon during their visit, with 0% temporally proximal symptom resolution. Fifteen underwent endoscopy, with food bolus identified in 12. One subject had brief and mild hypotension with spontaneous resolution. Two subjects developed a headache after nitroglycerin administration. The median length of stay for those who found relief without endoscopy was 195 min (range 129-261) vs 374 min (range 122-525) among those with endoscopy.Conclusion: The observed rate of relief after oral nitroglycerin solution for EFI is disappointing but comparable to previous glucagon, benzodiazepines and effervescent beverage studies, and that of placebo. Oral nitroglycerin solution appears to be well tolerated among those able to swallow, although in our sample several subjects were unable to tolerate swallowing entirely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The significant decrease of live bacteria during passage of the upper gastrointestinal system is an important drawback for probiotic functional food. Microencapsulation is frequently reported to increase bacterial survival in simulated gastric juice (SGJ) but confirmatory in vivo studies are lacking. The present study aimed to characterize protective effects of milk-protein-based microcapsules in vitro as well as in mice as model consumer. Sodium caseinate (SC) and newly developed, SGJ-resistant fat SC (FSC) capsules significantly increased survival of two Lactobacillus strains in SGJ. In contrast, neither SC nor FSC microcapsules increased bacterial survival in the murine gastrointestinal system 3 or 24 h after oral uptake. This lack of protection is presumably due to rapid digestion of the microcapsules in the murine stomach. The present work demonstrates that positive results from frequently applied simple in vitro assays cannot be extrapolated to living organisms and highlights the importance of in vivo analyses.

People with non-pathological diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D)-like symptoms are present at a significant level even in healthy populations, but established prophylaxis is lacking. Previously, we have found that co-administration of Lactobacillus brevis KB290 (KB290) and β-carotene (βC) attenuated murine colitis (potential cause of IBS-D-like symptoms) significantly. Here, we investigated the effect of KB290 and βC on minor IBS-D-like symptoms in healthy volunteers. After a 4-week run-in period, subjects received a KB290 + βC or placebo capsule for 12 weeks, followed by a 4-week washout period. The KB290 + βC group showed a significant improvement in intensity of abdominal pain and stool frequency compared with the placebo group. The KB290 + βC group showed a significantly higher serum concentration of anti-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-10, compared with the placebo group. In conclusion, we demonstrated that consumption of KB290 + βC improves minor IBS-D-like symptoms and inflammatory status in healthy volunteers. (UMIN000018002). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zn is essential for growth and development. The bioavailability of Zn is affected by several factors such as other food components. It is therefore of interest, to understand uptake mechanisms of Zn delivering compounds to identify ways to bypass the inhibitory effects of these factors. Here, we studied the effect of Zn amino acid conjugates (ZnAAs) on the bioavailabilty of Zn. We used Caco-2 cells and enterocytes differentiated from human induced pluripotent stem cells from a control and Acrodermatitis enteropathica ( AE) patient, and performed fluorescence based assays, protein biochemistry and atomic absorption spectrometry to characterize cellular uptake and absorption of ZnAAs. The results show that ZnAAs are taken up by AA transporters, leading to an intracellular enrichment of Zn mostly uninhibited by Zn uptake antagonists. Enterocytes from AE patients were unable to gain significant Zn through exposure to ZnCl but did not show differences with respect to ZnAAs. We conclude that ZnAAs may possess an advantage over classical Zn supplements such as Zn salts, as they may be able to increase bioavailability of Zn, and may be more efficient in patients with AE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe characteristics, presentation, time to diagnosis and diagnostic findings of patients with intestinal tuberculosis (ITB) in a low-burden country.Method: Retrospective study of 61 consecutive ITB patients diagnosed between 2008 and 2014 at a large East London hospital.Results: Forty of sixty-one patients were male. Mean age was 34.6 years. 93% of patients were born abroad, mostly from TB-endemic areas (Indian subcontinent: 88%, Africa: 9%). 25% had concomitant pulmonary TB. Median time from symptom onset to ITB diagnosis was 13 weeks (IQR 3-26 weeks). Ten patients were initially treated for IBD, although patients had ITB. The main sites of ITB involvement were the ileocaecum (44%) or small bowel (34%). Five patients had isolated perianal disease. Colonoscopy confirmed a diagnosis of ITB in 77% of those performed. 42 of 61 patients had a diagnosis of ITB confirmed on positive histology and/or microbiology.Conclusion: Diagnosis of ITB is often delayed, which may result in significant morbidity. ITB should be excluded in patients with abdominal complaints who come from TB-endemic areas to establish prompt diagnosis and treatment. Diagnosis is challenging but aided by axial imaging, colonoscopy and tissue biopsy for TB culture and histology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared.

The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is the most commonly involved site of extranodal lymphomas. The close association between chronic inflammation and specific GIT lymphomas not only provide interesting insights into the pathobiology of lymphomas but also poses unique diagnostic challenges. A clear understanding of marginal zone and mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) in health and disease is helpful to place GIT lymphomas in proper context. A wide variety of lymphomas besides MALT lymphomas occur in various parts of the GIT. The characteristic pathological, immunophenotypic, and genetic features of different GIT lymphomas categorized according to World Health Organization (WHO) classification are presented. The epidemiological, clinical, and pathological features of lymphomas occurring in each part of the GIT are summarized and the key points regarding lymphomas at each site are emphasized. A tabular summary of the important differential diagnostic considerations at each site is given and suggestions for a minimal diagnostic work up are provided.

Background and Aim: Coronavirus disease 2019 (CO-VID-19) is known to predominantly present with respiratory symptoms; however, a significant proportion of patients present with digestive symptoms. These symptoms are often non-specific and as such prompt the treating physician to request further imaging evaluation. Understanding the abdominal imaging findings in COVID-19 and their possible associations is thus crucial to direct patient care and prevent misdiagnosis. The aim of this study was to describe abdominal imaging findings on both computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound scans in cases with positive COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests performed at our institution, and also, to evaluate the reason for requesting these imaging studies, and to correlate these findings with patients' demographics., Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted at Salmaniya Medical Complex, Bahrain, between February 2021 and March 2022. We examined the abdominal CT and ultrasound data for PCR-confirmed COVID-19 patients. The demographic data, reason for requesting imaging and imaging findings were gathered by reviewing the hospital's electronic health records and picture archiving and communicating system (PACS)., Results: The study included 97 patients, with the majority being male (57.7%). The most common reason for imaging was abdominal pain, as seen in over half of the patients (60.8%), followed by deranged liver enzymes (18.6%). More than 75% of imaging studies showed positive abdominal findings with the majority (19.6%) showing non-specific inflammatory findings, followed by gallbladder disease (13.4%). The CT studies were more likely to yield positive findings as compared to ultrasound, with only 7 (11.3%) CT scans yielding normal findings (χ 2 = 14.65; P < 0.01)., Conclusion: To our knowledge, the research conducted on the abdominal manifestations of COVID-19 is still limited, especially in our region. Our study showed that there are variable presentations of abdominal organ involvement in COVID-19 cases, and as such more data is required to direct choice of imaging study, protocol, and interpretation of findings to better guide patient management., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Al Taei et al.)

Adults can accidentally swallow foreign bodies (FBs) with food. In rare occasions, these can lodge in the appendix lumen causing inflammation. This is known as foreign body appendicitis. We conducted this study to review different types and management of appendiceal FBs. A comprehensive search on PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar was performed to detect appropriate case reports for this review. Case reports eligible for this review included patients above 18 years of age with all types of FB ingestion causing appendicitis. A total of 64 case reports were deemed to be eligible for inclusion in this systematic review. The patient mean age was 44.3 ± 16.7 years (range, 18-77). Twenty-four foreign bodies were identified in the adult appendix. They were mainly lead shot pellet, fishbone, dental crown or filling, toothpick, and others. Forty-two percent of the included patients presented with classic appendicitis pain, while 17% were asymptomatic. Moreover, the appendix was perforated in 11 patients. Regarding modalities used for diagnosis, computed tomography (CT) scans confirmed the presence of FBs in 59% of cases while X-ray only managed to detect 30%. Almost all of the cases (91%) were treated surgically with appendicectomy and only six were managed conservatively. Overall, lead shot pellets were the most common foreign body found. Fishbone and toothpick accounted for most of the perforated appendix cases. This study concludes that prophylactic appendicectomy is recommended for the management of foreign bodies detected in the appendix, even if the patient is asymptomatic., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Elmansi Abdalla et al.)

Background: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a medical emergency with an approximate mortality of 10%, which results in a high hospitalisation rate. The Glasgow-Blatchford score (GBS) is recommended to identify low-risk patients who can be discharged from the emergency department (ED). A modified GBS (mGBS) and CANUKA score have recently been proposed but have not been well studied. The aim of this study was to assess whether the use of GBS, mGBS or CANUKA score could identify patients at low risk of death or need for intervention., Methods: A single-centre retrospective study was performed including patients with suspected UGIB visiting the ED of Saint-Antoine hospital (Paris, France) from January 2016 to December 2018. Demographic and medical data needed to calculate GBS and CANUKA were collected, as well as outcomes data. Need for intervention was defined as the need for blood transfusion, endoscopic haemostasis or rebleeding within 7 days. In-hospital mortality was also collected. Sensitivity, specificity and predictive values were measured for the score thresholds of interest., Results: A total of 386 patients were included. Median age was 60 years (38-78), 65.3% (n=252) were male and 60% (n=233) were hospitalised. A GBS≤1, mGBS=0 and CANUKA≤2 categorised 24.9%, 18.2% and 18.9% of patients as low risk, respectively. There was a need for intervention in 2.2%, 4.6% and 0% of those patients categorised as low risk by GBS, mGBS and CANUKA, respectively. No deaths occurred in the patients identified as low risk, regardless of the score used. All scores had a high sensitivity and negative predictive value., Conclusions: In patients with UGIB, the use of a GBS≤1 or CANUKA score ≤2 appears to be safe for identifying patients at low risk of death or need for intervention., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2023. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

The latest WHO classification of the female genital tract tumors introduces a new type of carcinoma: the primary gastric-type (or gastro-intestinal type) carcinoma of the endometrium. This type of neoplasm tends to have a poor outcome, making its correct diagnostic important. As little is known about this entity and given its quite challenging diagnosis, we aim to review existing data about it and propose a practical diagnostic approach. There are currently 11 cases published in 8 articles fitting the precise definition of a primary gastric-type carcinoma of the endometrium. Three main differential diagnoses must be excluded before considering this tumor: endometrioid adenocarcinoma with mucinous (Müllerian-type) differentiation, endocervical primary, and gastro-intestinal primary. Morphological aspects of this tumor can be heterogeneous and confusing; in this context, immunochemistry can be helpful to highlight the gastric or intestinal differentiation, but also to eliminate a mucinous endometrioid adenocarcinoma of Müllerian-type, by the constant negativity of estrogen receptors. A metastasis of a primary gastro-intestinal tract carcinoma must also be excluded by clinical, endoscopic and imaging work-up. Finally, an endometrial extension of a primary endocervical gastric-type carcinoma should be ruled out by complete sampling of the cervix. Intestinal type endocervical adenocarcinoma is easier to eliminate since this is an HPV-associated neoplasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dog was presented with history of inappetence, depression, vomiting, excessive salivation, constipation and other abnormalities of defecation including unproductive straining instances of defecation, presence of blood in faeces, reduced volume of faeces and even diarrhoea. Computed radiograph revealed a linear foreign body in small intestine. The dog was administered with 5 percent Normal saline, Inj. Ceftriaxone and Tazobactam and injection Meloxicam. Besides these, laxative was also given orally. Next day, dog vomited out the foreign body causing relief from obstruction. Improvement was noticed in feeding and voiding habits of dog. The dog recovered uneventfully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 12-year-old girl presented with prolonged fever with no obvious focus on either history or clinical examination. High-resolution computerized tomography of the chest revealed the ‘tree-in-bud’ sign in the right lung and necrotic mediastinal lymph nodes. Barium meal showed multiple ileal strictures. The child was treated with anti-tuberculous therapy for six months. At follow-up six months later, the child had gained weight and had no signs of intestinal obstruction. Tuberculosis is a common cause of fever of undetermined origin and should be investigated for especially in countries with a high prevalence.

Recent studies have shown that both Rho kinase signaling and oxidative stress are involved in the pathogenesis of a number of human diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and atherosclerosis. However, very little is known about the effect of oxidative stress on the gastrointestinal (GI) smooth muscle Rho kinase pathway. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of oxidative stress on Rho kinase II and muscle contraction in rat stomach. The peroxynitrite donor 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and peroxynitrite were used to induce oxidative stress. Rho kinase II expression and ACh-induced activity were measured in control and oxidant-treated cells via specifically designed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and activity assay kits, respectively. Single smooth muscle cell contraction was measured via scanning micrometry in the presence or absence of the Rho kinase blocker, Y-27632 dihydrochloride. All oxidant agents significantly increased ACh-induced Rho kinase II activity without affecting its expression level. Most important, oxidative stress induced by all three agents augmented ACh-stimulated muscle cell contraction, which was significantly inhibited by Y-27632. In conclusion, oxidative stress activates Rho kinase II and enhances contraction in rat gastric muscle, suggesting an important role in GI motility disorders associated with oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to provide a narrative review of the literature of studies describing the management of disorders of the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract using 'chiropractic therapy' broadly defined here as spinal manipulation therapy, mobilizations, soft tissue therapy, modalities and stretches. Search limiters include access to full text studies published between 1980 and November 2012 in peer-reviewed journals, English language only involving human subjects. Twenty-one articles were found that met our inclusion criteria. Retrievable articles varied from case reports to clinical trials to review articles of management options. The majority of articles chronicling patient experiences under chiropractic care reported they demonstrated mild to moderate improvements in presenting symptoms. No adverse side effects were reported. This suggests chiropractic care can be considered as an adjunctive therapy for patients with various GI conditions providing there are no co-morbidities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]