Gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection:From animal model to patient

AIM:To assess whether the use of porcine models is useful for learning endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD),thus contributing to its subsequent application in human patients.METHODS:This study/learning process was carried out in 3 phases:PhaseⅠ:Ex vivo animal;PhaseⅡ:In vivo animal;PhaseⅢ:Humans.One endoscopist performed 30 gastric ESDs in porcine models,and later 5gastric ESDs in 5 patients.The ESD was done following the method practiced at the National Cancer Center in Tokyo,Japan.Technical aspects,size,time and speed of ESD,as well as complications were registered.In patients,their clinical,endoscopic and histologic evolution was additionally added.RESULTS:Thirty en bloc ESDs were carried out in animal models.The mean±SD size of the pieces was of28.4±1.2 mm,and the time of ESD was 41.7±2.4min.The time of ESD in the first 15 procedures was 43.0±3.0 min whereas in the next 15 procedures,the time was 40.3±3.9 min,P=0.588.The speed in the first 15ESDs was 1.25±0.11 cm2/min vs 2.12±0.36 cm2/min in the remaining 15,P=0.028.There were no complications.In patients,5 lesions were resected en bloc.The size of the pieces was 25.2±5.1 mm and the time was85.0±25.6 min.Endoscopic and histological controls did not show evidence of residual neoplastic tissue.CONCLUSION:A sequential ESD training program of a unique endoscopist,based on the practice in porcine models,contributed to learning ESD for its subsequent application in humans,yielding good results in efficacy and safety.

Gastroenterology training in Latin America

Latin America is characterized by ethnic, geographical, cultural, and economic diversity; therefore, training in gastroenterology in the region must be considered in this context. The continent’s medical education is characterized by a lack of standards and the volume of research continues to be relatively small. There is a multiplicity of events in general gastroenterology and in sub-disciplines, both at regional and local levels, which ensure that many colleagues have access to information. Medical education programs must be based on a clinical vision and be considered in close contact with the patients. The programs should be properly supervised, appropriately defined, and evaluated on a regular basis. The disparity between the patients’ needs, the scarce resources available, and the pressures exerted by the health systems on doctors are frequent cited by those complaining of poor professionalism. Teaching development can play a critical role in ensuring the quality of teaching and learning in universities. Continuing professional development programs activities must be planned on the basis of the doctors’ needs, with clearly defined objectives and using proper learning methodologies designed for adults. They must be evaluated and accredited by a competent body, so that they may become the basis of a professional regulatory system. The specialty has made progress in the last decades, offering doctors various possibilities for professional development. The world gastroenterology organization has contributed to the speciality through three distinctive, but closely inter-related, programs: Training Centers, Train-the-Trainers, and Global Guidelines, in which Latin America is deeply involved.

Risk perception and knowledge of COVID-19 in patients with celiac disease

BACKGROUND We recently demonstrated that the odds of contracting coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)in patients with celiac disease(CeD)is similar to that of the general population.However,how patients with CeD perceive their COVID-19 risk may differ from their actual risk.AIM To investigate risk perceptions of contracting COVID-19 in patients with CeD and determine the factors that may influence their perception.METHODS We distributed a survey throughout 10 countries between March and June 2020 and collected data on demographics,diet,COVID-19 testing,and risk perceptions of COVID-19 in patients with CeD.Participants were recruited through various celiac associations,clinic visits,and social media.Risk perception was assessed by asking individuals whether they believe patients with CeD are at an increased risk of contracting COVID-19 when compared to the general population.Logistic regression was used to determine the influencing factors associated with COVID-19 risk perception,such as age,sex,adherence to a gluten-free diet(GFD),and comorbidities such as cardiac conditions,respiratory conditions,and diabetes.Data was presented as adjusted odds ratios(aORs)RESULTS A total of 10737 participants with CeD completed the survey.From them,6019(56.1%)patients with CeD perceived they were at a higher risk or were unsure if they were at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 compared to the non-CeD population.A greater proportion of patients with CeD perceived an increased risk of contracting COVID-19 when compared to infections in general due to their CeD(56.1%vs 26.7%,P<0.0001).Consequently,34.8%reported taking extra COVID-19 precautions as a result of their CeD.Members of celiac associations were less likely to perceive an increased risk of COVID-19 when compared to non-members(49.5%vs 57.4%,P<0.0001).Older age(aOR:0.99;95%CI:0.99 to 0.99,P<0.001),male sex(aOR:0.84;95%CI:0.76 to 0.93,P=0.001),and strict adherence to a GFD(aOR:0.89;95%CI:0.82 to 0.96,P=0.007)were associated with a lower perception of COVID-19 risk and the presence of comorbidities was associated with a higher perception of COVID-19 risk(aOR:1.38;95%CI:1.22 to 1.54,P<0.001).CONCLUSION Overall,high levels of risk perceptions,such as those found in patients with CeD,may increase an individual’s pandemic-related stress and contribute to negative mental health consequences.Therefore,it is encouraged that public health officials maintain consistent communication with the public and healthcare providers with the celiac community.Future studies specifically evaluating mental health in CeD could help determine the consequences of increased risk perceptions in this population.