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Gastrointestinal Disorders: Diagnosis, Treatments and Clinical Features
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Gastrointestinal Disorders: Diagnosis, Treatments and Clinical Features

A special issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383). This special issue belongs to the section "Gastroenterology & Hepatopancreatobiliary Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2020) | Viewed by 70271

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Chang Seok Bang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Hallym Universtiy College of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
Interests: gastroenterology; Helicobacter pylori; gastric cancer; colon cancer; endoscopy; deep learning; machine learning; meta-analysis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Medical practice is moving toward precision medicine. Advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of various gastrointestinal disorders have enabled the identification of implications in clinical features, the development of precise diagnostic method or targeted therapy, and the accurate prediction of prognosis. Gut microbiome research has revealed the pathophysiology of various gastrointestinal disorders. Gut microbiome itself has become a biomarker or a treatment target and is also being used as a therapeutic agent in the form of probiotics or fecal microbial transplantation. Artificial Intelligence is rapidly being applied to our medical practice in the context of identification, classification, and prediction of the important features of gastrointestinal disorders and is expected to have an impact on our clinical practice. Cutting-edge molecular biological techniques have enabled the development of ‘omics-based biomarkers’, and calculating genetic risk scores or performing a Mendelian randomization study or genome-wide interaction study have offered control for reverse causation and confounding factors. All of these efforts have improved the clinician’s approach to diagnosis, treatment, and the prediction of prognosis for various gastrointestinal disorders. The aim of this Special Issue is to highlight recent advances in the context of diagnosis, treatment, and the prediction of prognosis for various gastrointestinal disorders.

Dr. Chang Seok Bang
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • Gastrointestinal disorders
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment
  • Prognosis
  • Biomarkers
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Gut microbiome

Published Papers (20 papers)

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10 pages, 547 KiB  
Article
Prognostic Significance of Tumor Location in T2 Gallbladder Cancer: A Korea Tumor Registry System Biliary Pancreas (KOTUS-BP) Database Analysis
by Seung Eun Lee, Yoo Shin Choi, Yong Hoon Kim, Jin Seok Heo, Chi-Young Jeong, Woo Jung Lee, Hyung Il Seo, Yoo-Seok Yoon and Jin-Young Jang
J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(10), 3268; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9103268 - 12 Oct 2020
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2098
Abstract
Background: T2 gallbladder cancer (GBC) is subdivided into T2a and T2b by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 8th edition. However; there is a lack of evidence for the prognostic significance of tumor location and validation with large-scale studies is needed. The [...] Read more.
Background: T2 gallbladder cancer (GBC) is subdivided into T2a and T2b by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 8th edition. However; there is a lack of evidence for the prognostic significance of tumor location and validation with large-scale studies is needed. The aims of this study were to investigate the clinical features and clinical outcomes of T2 GBC according to tumor location and determine the prognostic significance of tumor location and an appropriate surgical strategy. Methods: Between 2000 and 2014 the Korea Tumor Registry System Biliary Pancreas (KOTUS-BP) database was used to identify and enroll a total 707 patients with pathologically diagnosed T2 GBC who underwent curative resection. Clinicopathological findings and long-term follow-up results were analyzed. Results: The incidence of lymph node metastasis in T2b was significantly higher than that of T2a tumors (37.9% vs. 29.5%, p = 0.032). The 5-year disease-specific survival of T2a was better than that of T2b tumors (74.8% vs. 65.4%, p = 0.019). There was no significant survival difference in T2a between extended cholecystectomy and simple cholecystectomy with lymph node dissection (81.8% vs. 73.7%, p = 0.361). However; there was a better survival trend for T2b tumor after extended cholecystectomy (71.7% vs. 59.3%, p = 0.057). Adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with improved survival for patients with lymph node metastasis in T2a (72.1% vs. 56.9; p = 0.022) and in T2b (68.2 vs. 48.5; p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that lymph node metastasis was the only significant poor prognostic factor (Hazard ratio 3.222; 95% confidential interval 1.960–4.489; p < 0.001). Conclusions: For T2 GBC; tumor location was not an independent prognostic factor. Lymph node metastasis was a significant poor prognostic factor and adjuvant chemotherapy should be considered for the patients with lymph node metastasis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gastrointestinal Disorders: Diagnosis, Treatments and Clinical Features)
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16 pages, 1573 KiB  
Article
Comprehensive Lifestyle-Modification in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis–A Randomized Controlled Trial
by Jost Langhorst, Margarita Schöls, Zehra Cinar, Ronja Eilert, Kerstin Kofink, Anna Paul, Christina Zempel, Sigrid Elsenbruch, Romy Lauche, Mohamed Ahmed, Dirk Haller, Holger Cramer, Gustav Dobos and Anna K. Koch
J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(10), 3087; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9103087 - 24 Sep 2020
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2947
Abstract
Patients with ulcerative colitis suffer from impaired health-related quality of life (HrQoL). Comprehensive lifestyle-modification might increase HrQoL and decrease disease activity. Ninety-seven patients in clinical remission with impaired HrQoL were randomly assigned to a 10 week comprehensive lifestyle-modification program (LSM; n = 47; [...] Read more.
Patients with ulcerative colitis suffer from impaired health-related quality of life (HrQoL). Comprehensive lifestyle-modification might increase HrQoL and decrease disease activity. Ninety-seven patients in clinical remission with impaired HrQoL were randomly assigned to a 10 week comprehensive lifestyle-modification program (LSM; n = 47; 50.28 ± 11.90 years) or control (n = 50; 45.54 ± 12.49 years) that received a single workshop of intense training in naturopathic self-help strategies. Primary outcome was HrQoL (Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire; IBDQ) at week 12. Secondary outcomes included IBDQ subscales; generic HrQoL; disease activity and microbiome. Both groups showed improvement in HrQoL from baseline to post-treatment at week 12. The IBDQ sum score showed no significant group difference (p = 0.251). If patients attended more than 50% of the training sessions, a significant group effect (p = 0.034) was evident in favor of LSM. In addition, the SF-36 mental component summary (p = 0.002) was significantly different between the groups in favor of LSM. Disease activity microbiome and adverse events did not differ. Both a single workshop and a 10-week comprehensive lifestyle-modification program can improve HrQoL in patients with ulcerative colitis in remission with no apparent effects on clinical disease activity. A treatment difference was observed when examining a subsample of patients who attended ≥ 50% of sessions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gastrointestinal Disorders: Diagnosis, Treatments and Clinical Features)
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7 pages, 459 KiB  
Article
Correlation between Three-Dimensional Volume and Malignant Potential of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs)
by Jin Hwa Park, Bo-kyeong Kang, Hang Lak Lee, Jai Hoon Yoon, Kang Nyeong Lee, Dae Won Jun, Oh Young Lee, Dong Soo Han, Byung Chul Yoon and Ho Soon Choi
J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(9), 2763; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9092763 - 26 Aug 2020
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1613
Abstract
Background and purpose: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare diseases of the gastrointestinal tract but they are the most common gastrointestinal tumors of mesenchymal origin. Since most GISTs have malignant potential, their probability of malignant progression must be evaluated. This study was conducted [...] Read more.
Background and purpose: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare diseases of the gastrointestinal tract but they are the most common gastrointestinal tumors of mesenchymal origin. Since most GISTs have malignant potential, their probability of malignant progression must be evaluated. This study was conducted to examine the correlation between three-dimensional GIST volume measured by CT and malignant potential. Materials and methods: A retrospective study was performed on 70 patients diagnosed with GIST after surgical resection in Hanyang University Seoul Hospital from 2012 to 2017. Linear regression analysis was used to establish which between the length of the long axis of GISTs, originally considered a predictor of malignancy, and their volume was a more accurate predictor of malignancy. Tumor dimensions were measured by CT. Results: Data were analyzed using the chi-square test or Student’s t-test and logistic regression. Of the GISTs, 53 (75.71%) were in the stomach, 3 (4.29%) in the small intestine, and 14 (20.0%) in the large intestine. The mean age of the malignant GIST group was significantly higher than that of the benign GIST group (p = 0.032), their tumor long axes were significantly greater (p = 0.073), their tumor volumes were significantly larger (p = 0.001), and the frequency of tumor necrosis was higher (p = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, malignant GIST was associated with location in organs other than the stomach (OR 7.846, 95% CI 1.293–47.624, p = 0.025), longer axis (OR 1.037, 95% CI 1.011–1.065, p = 0.006), larger volume (OR 1.003, 95% CI 1.000–1.006, p = 0.029), and necrosis (OR 12.222, 95% CI 1.945–76.794, p = 0.008). The mean age of the recurrent GIST group was higher than that of the non-recurrent group (p = 0.045), their tumor long axes were significantly longer (p = 0.005), and their volumes were greater, but this last difference was not significant (p = 0.072). Conclusions: Tumor volume can be considered an additional risk factor in assessing the malignant potential of GISTs and tends to increase in recurrent GISTs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gastrointestinal Disorders: Diagnosis, Treatments and Clinical Features)
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14 pages, 850 KiB  
Article
Long-Term Outcomes of T1 Colorectal Cancer after Endoscopic Resection
by Eun Young Park, Dong Hoon Baek, Moon Won Lee, Gwang Ha Kim, Do Youn Park and Geun Am Song
J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(8), 2451; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9082451 - 31 Jul 2020
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2685
Abstract
Background and Aims: Endoscopic resection (ER) for submucosal invasive colorectal cancer (T1 CRC) can be grouped as curative ER (C-ER) and non-curative ER (NC-ER). Little is known about the long-term outcomes of patients in these two groups. Therefore, we have evaluated the long-term [...] Read more.
Background and Aims: Endoscopic resection (ER) for submucosal invasive colorectal cancer (T1 CRC) can be grouped as curative ER (C-ER) and non-curative ER (NC-ER). Little is known about the long-term outcomes of patients in these two groups. Therefore, we have evaluated the long-term outcomes in endoscopically resected T1 CRC patients in C-ER and NC-ER groups. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study on 220 patients with T1 CRC treated with ER from January 2007 to December 2017. First, we investigated the long-term outcomes (5-year overall survival [OS] and recurrence-free survival [RFS]) in the C-ER group (n = 49). In the NC-ER group (n = 171), we compared long-term outcomes between patients who underwent additional surgical resection (ASR) (n = 117) and those who did not (surveillance-only, n = 54). Results: T1 CRC patients in the C-ER and NC-ER groups had a median follow-up of 44 (interquartile range 32–69) months. There was no risk of tumor recurrence and cancer-related deaths in patients with C-ER. In the NC-ER group, the 5-year OS rates were 75.3% and 92.6% in the surveillance-only and ASR subgroups, respectively. The hazard ratio (HR) for ASR in NC-ER vs. surveillance-only in NC-ER was statistically insignificant. However, RFS rates were significantly different between the ASR (97.2%) and surveillance-only (84.0%) subgroups. Multivariate analysis indicated a submucosal invasion depth (SID) of >2500 µm and margin positivity to be associated with recurrence. Conclusions: The surveillance-only approach can be considered as an alternative surgical option for T1 CRCs in selected patients undergoing NC-ER. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gastrointestinal Disorders: Diagnosis, Treatments and Clinical Features)
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12 pages, 797 KiB  
Article
Neurologic Safety of Etomidate-Based Sedation during Upper Endoscopy in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis Compared with Propofol: A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial
by Jang Han Jung, Bomi Hyun, Jin Lee, Dong Hee Koh, Jung Hee Kim and Se Woo Park
J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(8), 2424; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9082424 - 29 Jul 2020
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1915
Abstract
(1) Background: Although etomidate-based sedation is an effective and safe protocol in endoscopic procedures, there is a lack of evidence regarding the safety of etomidate in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC). This study aimed to compare the neurologic safety and efficacy of etomidate [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Although etomidate-based sedation is an effective and safe protocol in endoscopic procedures, there is a lack of evidence regarding the safety of etomidate in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC). This study aimed to compare the neurologic safety and efficacy of etomidate and propofol for endoscopic sedation in patients with LC. (2) Methods: From December 2017 to December 2019, consecutive cirrhotic patients who underwent sedative endoscopy using either etomidate or propofol were randomly recruited. The primary endpoint was the number connection test (NCT), and the secondary endpoints included factors for the safety of sedatives during endoscopy. (3) Results: 63 patients were enrolled in each of the etomidate and propofol groups. The NCT times were significantly lower in the etomidate group than in the propofol group. Furthermore, severe or very severe degree of encephalopathy was higher in the propofol group but was not significantly different. Pharmacological properties and the overall incidence of respiratory and cardiovascular events did not differ significantly between the groups. (4) Conclusion: Etomidate-based sedation exacerbates neither subclinical nor overt hepatic encephalopathy. It guarantees efficacies similar to those of propofol regarding rapid sedation, fast recovery, and early discharge, with no increased risk of adverse respiratory or cardiovascular events in patients with LC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gastrointestinal Disorders: Diagnosis, Treatments and Clinical Features)
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12 pages, 642 KiB  
Article
MicroRNA-199b Deregulation Shows a Strong SET-Independent Prognostic Value in Early-Stage Colorectal Cancer
by Ion Cristóbal, Jaime Rubio, Blanca Torrejón, Andrea Santos, Cristina Caramés, Melani Luque, Marta Sanz-Álvarez, Ruth Alonso, Sandra Zazo, Juan Madoz-Gúrpide, Federico Rojo and Jesús García-Foncillas
J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(8), 2419; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9082419 - 28 Jul 2020
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1533
Abstract
The endogenous PP2A inhibitor SET Nuclear Proto-Oncogene (SET) has been reported to play oncogenic roles and determines poor outcomes in colorectal cancer (CRC). Our group previously showed that miR-199b is deregulated in metastatic CRC, and reduced the cell viability and enhanced the sensitivity [...] Read more.
The endogenous PP2A inhibitor SET Nuclear Proto-Oncogene (SET) has been reported to play oncogenic roles and determines poor outcomes in colorectal cancer (CRC). Our group previously showed that miR-199b is deregulated in metastatic CRC, and reduced the cell viability and enhanced the sensitivity of CRC cells to standard induction chemotherapy drugs, mainly through direct negative SET regulation. Clinically, miR-199b downregulation was identified as the molecular mechanism responsible for SET overexpression in around half of metastatic CRC patients. However, the potential clinical value of miR-199b in early-stage CRC remains totally unknown. Thus, here we explored the expression levels of this microRNA in a cohort of 171 early-stage CRC patients using real-time polymerase chain reactions. MiR-199b downregulation was found in 21.6% of cases (37 out of 171) and was significantly associated with those patients with a worse Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) status (p = 0.045). Moreover, miR-199b downregulation predicted shorter overall (p < 0.001) and progression-free survival (p = 0.015). As expected, we next immunohistochemically analyzed SET, observing that it was significantly associated with miR-199b in our cohort. However, multivariate analyses showed that miR-199b was an independent biomarker of poor outcomes in early-stage CRC with a predictive value stronger than SET. In conclusion, our results highlight the potential clinical usefulness of miR-199b and suggest that it could represent a novel molecular target in this disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gastrointestinal Disorders: Diagnosis, Treatments and Clinical Features)
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14 pages, 1326 KiB  
Article
Usefulness of Machine Learning-Based Gut Microbiome Analysis for Identifying Patients with Irritable Bowels Syndrome
by Hirokazu Fukui, Akifumi Nishida, Satoshi Matsuda, Fumitaka Kira, Satoshi Watanabe, Minoru Kuriyama, Kazuhiko Kawakami, Yoshiko Aikawa, Noritaka Oda, Kenichiro Arai, Atsushi Matsunaga, Masahiko Nonaka, Katsuhiko Nakai, Wahei Shinmura, Masao Matsumoto, Shinji Morishita, Aya K. Takeda and Hiroto Miwa
J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(8), 2403; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9082403 - 27 Jul 2020
Cited by 31 | Viewed by 7549
Abstract
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is diagnosed by subjective clinical symptoms. We aimed to establish an objective IBS prediction model based on gut microbiome analyses employing machine learning. We collected fecal samples and clinical data from 85 adult patients who met the Rome III [...] Read more.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is diagnosed by subjective clinical symptoms. We aimed to establish an objective IBS prediction model based on gut microbiome analyses employing machine learning. We collected fecal samples and clinical data from 85 adult patients who met the Rome III criteria for IBS, as well as from 26 healthy controls. The fecal gut microbiome profiles were analyzed by 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing, and the determination of short-chain fatty acids was performed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The IBS prediction model based on gut microbiome data after machine learning was validated for its consistency for clinical diagnosis. The fecal microbiome alpha-diversity indices were significantly smaller in the IBS group than in the healthy controls. The amount of propionic acid and the difference between butyric acid and valerate were significantly higher in the IBS group than in the healthy controls (p < 0.05). Using LASSO logistic regression, we extracted a featured group of bacteria to distinguish IBS patients from healthy controls. Using the data for these featured bacteria, we established a prediction model for identifying IBS patients by machine learning (sensitivity >80%; specificity >90%). Gut microbiome analysis using machine learning is useful for identifying patients with IBS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gastrointestinal Disorders: Diagnosis, Treatments and Clinical Features)
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18 pages, 2232 KiB  
Article
Distinct Microbiota Dysbiosis in Patients with Non-Erosive Reflux Disease and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma
by Jerry Zhou, Prapti Shrestha, Zhiguang Qiu, David G. Harman, Wun-Chung Teoh, Sam Al-Sohaily, Han Liem, Ian Turner and Vincent Ho
J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(7), 2162; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9072162 - 08 Jul 2020
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3601
Abstract
Non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) are often regarded as bookends in the gastroesophageal reflux disease spectrum. However, there is limited clinical evidence to support this disease paradigm while the underlying mechanisms of disease progression remain unclear. In this study, we [...] Read more.
Non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) are often regarded as bookends in the gastroesophageal reflux disease spectrum. However, there is limited clinical evidence to support this disease paradigm while the underlying mechanisms of disease progression remain unclear. In this study, we used 16S rRNA sequencing and mass-spectrometer-based proteomics to characterize the esophageal microbiota and host mucosa proteome, respectively. A total of 70 participants from four patient groups (NERD, reflux esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, and EAC) and a control group were analyzed. Our results showed a unique NERD microbiota composition, distinct to control and other groups. We speculate that an increase in sulfate-reducing Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes along with hydrogen producer Dorea are associated with a mechanistic role in visceral hypersensitivity. We also observed a distinct EAC microbiota consisting of a high abundance of lactic acid-producing bacteria (Staphylococcus, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus), which may contribute towards carcinogenesis through dysregulated lactate metabolism. This study suggests the close relationship between esophageal mucosal microbiota and the appearance of pathologies of this organ. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gastrointestinal Disorders: Diagnosis, Treatments and Clinical Features)
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15 pages, 2178 KiB  
Article
Clinical and Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Infection in Adult Patients with Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders during the SARS-CoV-2 Outbreak
by Edoardo Vincenzo Savarino, Paola Iovino, Antonella Santonicola, Matteo Ghisa, Giorgio Laserra, Brigida Barberio, Daria Maniero, Greta Lorenzon, Carolina Ciacci, Vincenzo Savarino and Fabiana Zingone
J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(6), 2011; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9062011 - 26 Jun 2020
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3808
Abstract
Eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases (EGIDs) are chronic gastrointestinal conditions requiring corticosteroid and immunosuppressive therapy for disease control. Patients with EGIDs usually report impaired quality of life. We aimed to report the clinical and psychological impact of COVID-19 infection in EGID patients. In this prospective [...] Read more.
Eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases (EGIDs) are chronic gastrointestinal conditions requiring corticosteroid and immunosuppressive therapy for disease control. Patients with EGIDs usually report impaired quality of life. We aimed to report the clinical and psychological impact of COVID-19 infection in EGID patients. In this prospective web-based study we invited all consecutive EGID patients attending the University Hospital of Salerno (Campania) and Padua (Veneto) to fill an ad hoc COVID-19 survey. Moreover, a telemedicine service for direct consultation was organized. Data regarding the occurrence and perception of COVID-19 infection as well as clinical information were recorded. The study population included 102 EGID patients (mean age 36.6 years, 34 females), of whom 89 had eosinophilic esophagitis, nine had gastroenteritis, and four had colitis. No patient was diagnosed with COVID-19 or had recurrence of his/her primary disease. All of them were adherent to therapy and preventive measures adoption. Most patients were worried because of COVID-19 and social preventing measures but did not consider themselves at major risk or susceptible to COVID-19 or other infections due to their chronic condition or therapy. Female gender and low education level were associated to a higher psychological perception of COVID-19 compared to lockdown status or other demographic and clinical factors (p < 0.05). Overall, COVID-19 had a limited clinical impact on patients with EGIDs. The degree of education and sex, but not the fact of living in a lockdown area, influenced the perception of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gastrointestinal Disorders: Diagnosis, Treatments and Clinical Features)
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14 pages, 1139 KiB  
Article
Distinctive Pathophysiology Underlying Constipation in Parkinson’s Disease: Implications for Cognitive Inefficiency
by Rosalind M. Tucker, Suzanne Ryan, Bu’ Hussain Hayee, Ingvar Bjarnason, Aisha D. Augustin, Chianna Umamahesan, David Taylor, Clive Weller, Sylvia M Dobbs, R John Dobbs and André Charlett
J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(6), 1916; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9061916 - 19 Jun 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3204
Abstract
Depression is associated with constipation within and outside Parkinson’s disease (PD). Since inefficient cognitive-processing (bradyphrenia) features in PD and an enterokinetic agent improved cognitive performance in healthy individuals, bradyphrenia may be associated with constipation. We aim to define the archetypical bowel function of [...] Read more.
Depression is associated with constipation within and outside Parkinson’s disease (PD). Since inefficient cognitive-processing (bradyphrenia) features in PD and an enterokinetic agent improved cognitive performance in healthy individuals, bradyphrenia may be associated with constipation. We aim to define the archetypical bowel function of PD, and its association with cognition, mood, and motor features within and outside PD. We assessed colonic transit time (oral radio-opaque markers over 6 days), bowel function and psychometric questionnaires and measures of PD facets, including bradyphrenia, in 58 participants with diagnosed PD, and 71 without (controls). The best abdominal X-ray (day 7) predictors of PD status were total retained marker count and transverse colon segmental delay. However, Rome functional constipation status complemented segmental delay better, giving good specificity (85%) but low sensitivity (56%). Transverse colon marker count appeared to be age-associated only in PD. In PD, those correctly classified by bowel dysfunction had higher depression scores (p = 0.02) and longer cognitive-processing times than the misclassified (p = 0.05). Controls misclassified as PD by bowel dysfunction had higher depression and anxiety scores than the correctly classified (p = 0.002 and 0.003, respectively), but not slower cognitive processing. Measures of motor features were independent of sub-classification by bowel function in PD and in controls. In conclusion, constipation in PD has distinct localized pathophysiology, and is associated with bradyphrenia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gastrointestinal Disorders: Diagnosis, Treatments and Clinical Features)
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14 pages, 6690 KiB  
Article
Prediction of Submucosal Invasion for Gastric Neoplasms in Endoscopic Images Using Deep-Learning
by Bum-Joo Cho, Chang Seok Bang, Jae Jun Lee, Chang Won Seo and Ju Han Kim
J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(6), 1858; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9061858 - 15 Jun 2020
Cited by 31 | Viewed by 3259
Abstract
Endoscopic resection is recommended for gastric neoplasms confined to mucosa or superficial submucosa. The determination of invasion depth is based on gross morphology assessed in endoscopic images, or on endoscopic ultrasound. These methods have limited accuracy and pose an inter-observer variability. Several studies [...] Read more.
Endoscopic resection is recommended for gastric neoplasms confined to mucosa or superficial submucosa. The determination of invasion depth is based on gross morphology assessed in endoscopic images, or on endoscopic ultrasound. These methods have limited accuracy and pose an inter-observer variability. Several studies developed deep-learning (DL) algorithms classifying invasion depth of gastric cancers. Nevertheless, these algorithms are intended to be used after definite diagnosis of gastric cancers, which is not always feasible in various gastric neoplasms. This study aimed to establish a DL algorithm for accurately predicting submucosal invasion in endoscopic images of gastric neoplasms. Pre-trained convolutional neural network models were fine-tuned with 2899 white-light endoscopic images. The prediction models were subsequently validated with an external dataset of 206 images. In the internal test, the mean area under the curve discriminating submucosal invasion was 0.887 (95% confidence interval: 0.849–0.924) by DenseNet−161 network. In the external test, the mean area under the curve reached 0.887 (0.863–0.910). Clinical simulation showed that 6.7% of patients who underwent gastrectomy in the external test were accurately qualified by the established algorithm for potential endoscopic resection, avoiding unnecessary operation. The established DL algorithm proves useful for the prediction of submucosal invasion in endoscopic images of gastric neoplasms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gastrointestinal Disorders: Diagnosis, Treatments and Clinical Features)
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13 pages, 744 KiB  
Article
Effect of Body Mass Index on Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting: Propensity Analysis
by Jong Ho Kim, Mingi Hong, Young Joon Kim, Ho Seok Lee, Young Suk Kwon and Jae Jun Lee
J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(6), 1612; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9061612 - 26 May 2020
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3080
Abstract
The impact of body mass index (BMI) on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is controversial, and few studies have focused on their relationship. We investigated the effects of BMI on PONV, taking into account other PONV risk factors. We analyzed adults over the [...] Read more.
The impact of body mass index (BMI) on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is controversial, and few studies have focused on their relationship. We investigated the effects of BMI on PONV, taking into account other PONV risk factors. We analyzed adults over the age of 18 years who received general anesthesia between 2015 and 2019, using propensity score matching. Before propensity score matching, odds ratios (ORs) for PONV were lower for overweight (OR, 0.91; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.87–0.96; p < 0.0001) or obese patients (OR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.71–0.84; p < 0.0001) than for normal-BMI patients. After matching, the ORs for PONV of overweight (OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.80–0.98; p = 0.016) and obese patients (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.63–0.79; p < 0.0001) were low. However, the ORs of underweight patients did not differ from those of normal-BMI patients, irrespective of matching. Therefore, the incidence of PONV may be lower among adults with a higher-than-normal BMI. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gastrointestinal Disorders: Diagnosis, Treatments and Clinical Features)
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13 pages, 1251 KiB  
Article
Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection of Papillary Gastric Adenocarcinoma; Systematic Review
by Chang Seok Bang, Jae Jun Lee and Gwang Ho Baik
J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(5), 1465; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9051465 - 14 May 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1998
Abstract
This study evaluated the possibility of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancer with papillary adenocarcinoma (EGC-PAC). PAC, an uncommon pathologic type of stomach cancer, is classified into differentiated-type histology. However, aggressive features, including a high rate of submucosal invasion, lymphovascular invasion [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the possibility of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancer with papillary adenocarcinoma (EGC-PAC). PAC, an uncommon pathologic type of stomach cancer, is classified into differentiated-type histology. However, aggressive features, including a high rate of submucosal invasion, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), and lymph node metastasis (LNM), have been reported in studies with surgical specimens. Treatment outcomes of ESD for EGC-PAC have not been precisely demonstrated. Core databases were sought for the following inclusion criteria: studies of endoscopic resection or surgery of EGC-PAC presenting the following therapeutic indicators; en bloc resection, complete resection, curative resection, recurrence, complications associated with procedures, LVI, or LNM that enabled an analysis of ESD possibility. Overall, 15 studies were included for systematic review. Frequent submucosal invasion and high LVI were noted in EGC-PAC. However, PAC was not significantly associated with LNM. Pooled en bloc resection, complete resection, and curative resection rates were 89.7% (95% confidence interval: 55.3%–98.4%), 85.3% (67.7%–94.2%), and 67% (43%–84.5%), respectively. No LNM was observed if EGC-PAC satisfied the curative resection criteria. ESD seems technically feasible, although a high LVI rate results in a lower rate of curative resection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gastrointestinal Disorders: Diagnosis, Treatments and Clinical Features)
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13 pages, 2387 KiB  
Article
Lymphatic Invasion Might Be Considered as an Upstaging Factor in N0 and N1 Gastric Cancer
by Won Hyuk Choi, Min Jeong Kim, Jun Ho Park, Jin Gu Kang, Seung In Seo, Hak Yang Kim and Woon Geon Shin
J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(5), 1275; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9051275 - 28 Apr 2020
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1833
Abstract
(Background) The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic impact of lymphatic invasion in gastric cancer, focusing on survival differences between N stage groups. (Methods) A total of 398 consecutive patients who underwent curative gastrectomy for primary gastric adenocarcinoma from January [...] Read more.
(Background) The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic impact of lymphatic invasion in gastric cancer, focusing on survival differences between N stage groups. (Methods) A total of 398 consecutive patients who underwent curative gastrectomy for primary gastric adenocarcinoma from January 2006 to December 2015 were analyzed retrospectively using data from a prospectively collected registry database. We compared various clinicopathological features and survival differences between lymphatic invasion-positive and -negative groups. (Results) Of the 398 patients, 141 (35.4%) showed lymphatic invasion. The lymphatic invasion-positive subgroup had poorer prognosis than the lymphatic invasion-negative subgroup in N0 (five-year survival rate: 87.8% vs. 73.6%, p = 0.048) and N1 (87.2% vs. 50%, p = 0.007) stage patients. The odds ratio (OR) of lymphatic invasion to five-year survival rate was 2.078 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.103–3.916; p = 0.024). The presence of lymphatic invasion had worse effect on survival than age (OR, 1.807; 95% CI, 1.024–2.242; p = 0.029) or tumor depth (OR, 1.286; 95% CI, 1.078–1.897; p = 0.013) in N0 and N1 stage patients. The overall survival of patients with lymphatic invasion was not different from that of patients at a one-higher N stage without lymphatic invasion at any N stage. (Conclusions) The presence of lymphatic invasion may be the most important independent prognostic factor in N0 and N1 gastric cancer and might be an upstaging factor of N stage at any N stage. Therefore, in addition to the number of metastasized lymph nodes, the presence of lymphatic invasion should be included in N stage determination. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gastrointestinal Disorders: Diagnosis, Treatments and Clinical Features)
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13 pages, 1668 KiB  
Article
Delta Neutrophil Index for the Prediction of Prognosis in Acute Gastrointestinal Diseases; Diagnostic Test Accuracy Meta-Analysis
by Hae Min Jeong, Chang Seok Bang, Jae Jun Lee and Gwang Ho Baik
J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(4), 1133; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9041133 - 15 Apr 2020
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2330
Abstract
Delta neutrophil index (DNI) is a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of various infectious or inflammatory conditions. However, data on optimal measurement time are scarce, and no studies have evaluated the potential role of the DNI as a prognostic biomarker of gastrointestinal diseases [...] Read more.
Delta neutrophil index (DNI) is a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of various infectious or inflammatory conditions. However, data on optimal measurement time are scarce, and no studies have evaluated the potential role of the DNI as a prognostic biomarker of gastrointestinal diseases with diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis. Core databases were searched. The inclusion criteria were as follows: patients who have gastrointestinal diseases and DNI measurements presenting diagnostic indices for predicting the prognosis, including severity, surgical outcomes, and mortality from gastrointestinal diseases. We identified twelve studies for the systematic review and ten studies for the quantitative analysis. Pooled area under the curve, sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio of DNI at the initial admission date were 0.82 (95% confidence interval: 0.78–0.85), 0.75 (0.52–0.89), 0.76 (0.63–0.86), and 10 (3–35), respectively. Meta-regression showed no reasons for heterogeneity and publication bias was not detected. Fagan’s nomogram indicated that the posterior probability of ‘poor prognosis’ was 76% if the test was positive, and ‘no poor prognosis’ was 25% if the test was negative. The DNI can be considered as a reliable initial measurement biomarker for predicting prognosis in patients with gastrointestinal diseases, Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gastrointestinal Disorders: Diagnosis, Treatments and Clinical Features)
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12 pages, 1129 KiB  
Article
Favorable Long-Term Outcomes of Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Differentiated-Type-Predominant Early Gastric Cancer with Histological Heterogeneity
by Tae-Se Kim, Hyeong Chan Shin, Byung-Hoon Min, Kyoung-Mee Kim, Yang Won Min, Hyuk Lee, Jun Haeng Lee, Poong-Lyul Rhee and Jae J. Kim
J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(4), 1064; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9041064 - 09 Apr 2020
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2073
Abstract
It remains unclear whether endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) can be indicated for differentiated-type-predominant early gastric cancer mixed with a minor undifferentiated component (EGC with histological heterogeneity (HH)). Here, we reviewed and compared clinicopathologic characteristics and long-term outcomes of ESD of 257 patients with [...] Read more.
It remains unclear whether endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) can be indicated for differentiated-type-predominant early gastric cancer mixed with a minor undifferentiated component (EGC with histological heterogeneity (HH)). Here, we reviewed and compared clinicopathologic characteristics and long-term outcomes of ESD of 257 patients with EGC-HH and those of 2386 patients with pure differentiated-type EGC (PuD-EGC). After ESD, EGC-HH was managed in the same way as PuD-EGC. EGC-HHs were significantly associated with larger tumor size, more frequent submucosal invasion, and lymphovascular invasion compared to PuD-EGCs. Despite these aggressive features of EGC-HH, no local recurrence or gastric cancer-related death occurred during a median of 58 months of follow up after ESD for EGC-HH, if curative resection was achieved. After curative ESD for EGC-HH, six patients had metachronous recurrence (5.0%) and one patient underwent extragastric recurrence in a regional lymph node (0.8%). All these recurrence cases were curatively treated with ESD or gastrectomy. For patients with EGC-HH, five-year overall survival and recurrence-free survival rates after curative ESD were 97.0% and 94.8%, respectively, which were comparable to those of patients with PuD-EGC. In conclusion, ESD showed favorable long-term outcomes after curative resection and may be an acceptable treatment option for EGC-HH meeting curative endoscopic resection criteria. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gastrointestinal Disorders: Diagnosis, Treatments and Clinical Features)
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9 pages, 1791 KiB  
Article
Effect of a Preoperative Proton Pump Inhibitor and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease on Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting
by Young Suk Kwon, Jun Woo Choi, Ho Seok Lee, Jong Ho Kim, Youngmi Kim and Jae Jun Lee
J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(3), 825; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9030825 - 18 Mar 2020
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3381
Abstract
Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are common complications after anesthesia, but no study has considered the effects of a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) on PONV at the same time. Thus, we investigated the effects of a PPI and [...] Read more.
Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are common complications after anesthesia, but no study has considered the effects of a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) on PONV at the same time. Thus, we investigated the effects of a PPI and GERD on PONV. Patients aged ≥18 years who underwent general anesthesia between 2010 and 2019 were enrolled. In total, 202,439 patients were included and 21,361 In a multivariate analysis, the OR for PONV was higher in subjects with GERD (OR, 1.157; 95% CI, 1.032–1.298; p = 0.012). The OR was lower for subjects with taking a PPI (OR, 0.890; 95% CI, 0.832–0.953; p < 0.0001). In patients without GERD, the incidence of PONV was lower when lansoprazole (OR, 0.801; 95% CI, 0.718–0.894; p < 0.0001), pantoprazole (OR, 0.856; 95% CI, 0.748–0.980; p = 0.025) and ilaprazole (OR, 0.391; 95% CI, 0.158–0.966; p = 0.042) were taken. However, in GERD patients, all PPIs did not show reducing the incidence of PONV. Taken together, the results show that a lansoprazole, pantoprazole, and ilaprazole reduced PONV in patients without GERD, and PPI could not reduce PONV in patients with GERD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gastrointestinal Disorders: Diagnosis, Treatments and Clinical Features)
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9 pages, 620 KiB  
Article
Helicobacter pylori Eradication According to Sequencing-Based 23S Ribosomal RNA Point Mutation Associated with Clarithromycin Resistance
by Seung In Seo, Byoung Joo Do, Jin Gu Kang, Hyoung Su Kim, Myoung Kuk Jang, Hak Yang Kim and Woon Geon Shin
J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(1), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9010054 - 25 Dec 2019
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3204
Abstract
Background/Aims: Clarithromycin resistance in Helicobacter pylori is associated with point mutations in the 23S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene. We investigated the point mutations in the 23S rRNA genes of patients with clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori and compared the H. pylori eradication rates based on [...] Read more.
Background/Aims: Clarithromycin resistance in Helicobacter pylori is associated with point mutations in the 23S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene. We investigated the point mutations in the 23S rRNA genes of patients with clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori and compared the H. pylori eradication rates based on the point mutations. Methods: A total of 431 adult patients with H. pylori infection were recruited in Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital in 2017 and 2018. Patients who did not have point mutations related to clarithromycin resistance and/or had clinically insignificant point mutations were treated with PAC (proton pump inhibitor, amoxicillin, clarithromycin) for seven days, while patients with clinically significant point mutations were treated with PAM (proton pump inhibitor, amoxicillin, metronidazole) for seven days. H. pylori eradication rates were compared. Results: Sequencing-based detection of point mutations identified four mutations that were considered clinically significant (A2142G, A2142C, A2143G, A2143C). The clarithromycin resistance rate was 21.3% in the overall group of patients. A2143G was the most clinically significant point mutation (84/431, 19.5%), while T2182C was the most clinically insignificant point mutation (283/431, 65.7%). The overall H. pylori eradication rate was 83.7%, and the seven-day PAM-treated clarithromycin-resistance group showed a significantly lower eradication rate than the seven-day PAC-treated nonresistance group (ITT; 55.4% (51/92) vs. 74.3% (252/339), p = 0.001, PP; 66.2% (51/77) vs. 88.4% (252/285), p = 0.0001). Conclusions: There were significantly lower eradication rates in the patients with clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori when treated with PAM for seven days. A future study comparing treatment regimens in clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori-infected patients may be necessary. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gastrointestinal Disorders: Diagnosis, Treatments and Clinical Features)
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11 pages, 280 KiB  
Article
Paraoxonase-1 Serum Concentration and PON1 Gene Polymorphisms: Relationship with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
by Mircea Vasile Milaciu, Ștefan Cristian Vesa, Ioana Corina Bocșan, Lorena Ciumărnean, Dorel Sâmpelean, Vasile Negrean, Raluca Maria Pop, Daniela Maria Matei, Sergiu Pașca, Andreea Liana Răchișan, Anca Dana Buzoianu and Monica Acalovschi
J. Clin. Med. 2019, 8(12), 2200; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm8122200 - 13 Dec 2019
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2889
Abstract
Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an important cause of chronic liver diseases around the world. Paraoxonase-1 (PON1) is an enzyme produced by the liver with an important antioxidant role. The aim of this study was to evaluate PON1 serum concentration and [...] Read more.
Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an important cause of chronic liver diseases around the world. Paraoxonase-1 (PON1) is an enzyme produced by the liver with an important antioxidant role. The aim of this study was to evaluate PON1 serum concentration and PON1 gene polymorphisms in patients with NAFLD. Materials and methods: We studied a group of 81 patients with NAFLD with persistently elevated aminotransferases and a control group of 81 patients without liver diseases. We collected clinical information and performed routine blood tests. We also measured the serum concentration of PON1 and evaluated the PON1 gene polymorphisms L55M, Q192R, and C-108T. Results: There was a significant difference (p < 0.001) in serum PON1 concentrations among the two groups. The heterozygous and the mutated homozygous variants (LM + MM) of the L55M polymorphism were more frequent in the NAFLD group (p < 0.001). These genotypes were found in a multivariate binary logistic regression to be independently linked to NAFLD (Odds ratio = 3.4; p = 0.04). In a multivariate linear regression model, the presence of NAFLD was associated with low PON1 concentration (p < 0.001). Conclusions: PON1 serum concentrations were diminished in patients with NAFLD, and the presence of NAFLD was linked with low PON1 concentration. The LM + MM genotypes of the PON1 L55M polymorphism were an independent predictor for NAFLD with persistently elevated aminotransferases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gastrointestinal Disorders: Diagnosis, Treatments and Clinical Features)

Review

Jump to: Research

37 pages, 4105 KiB  
Review
Frontiers of Robotic Colonoscopy: A Comprehensive Review of Robotic Colonoscopes and Technologies
by Gastone Ciuti, Karolina Skonieczna-Żydecka, Wojciech Marlicz, Veronica Iacovacci, Hongbin Liu, Danail Stoyanov, Alberto Arezzo, Marcello Chiurazzi, Ervin Toth, Henrik Thorlacius, Paolo Dario and Anastasios Koulaouzidis
J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(6), 1648; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9061648 - 31 May 2020
Cited by 59 | Viewed by 14346
Abstract
Flexible colonoscopy remains the prime mean of screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) and the gold standard of all population-based screening pathways around the world. Almost 60% of CRC deaths could be prevented with screening. However, colonoscopy attendance rates are affected by discomfort, fear [...] Read more.
Flexible colonoscopy remains the prime mean of screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) and the gold standard of all population-based screening pathways around the world. Almost 60% of CRC deaths could be prevented with screening. However, colonoscopy attendance rates are affected by discomfort, fear of pain and embarrassment or loss of control during the procedure. Moreover, the emergence and global thread of new communicable diseases might seriously affect the functioning of contemporary centres performing gastrointestinal endoscopy. Innovative solutions are needed: artificial intelligence (AI) and physical robotics will drastically contribute for the future of the healthcare services. The translation of robotic technologies from traditional surgery to minimally invasive endoscopic interventions is an emerging field, mainly challenged by the tough requirements for miniaturization. Pioneering approaches for robotic colonoscopy have been reported in the nineties, with the appearance of inchworm-like devices. Since then, robotic colonoscopes with assistive functionalities have become commercially available. Research prototypes promise enhanced accessibility and flexibility for future therapeutic interventions, even via autonomous or robotic-assisted agents, such as robotic capsules. Furthermore, the pairing of such endoscopic systems with AI-enabled image analysis and recognition methods promises enhanced diagnostic yield. By assembling a multidisciplinary team of engineers and endoscopists, the paper aims to provide a contemporary and highly-pictorial critical review for robotic colonoscopes, hence providing clinicians and researchers with a glimpse of the major changes and challenges that lie ahead. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gastrointestinal Disorders: Diagnosis, Treatments and Clinical Features)
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