Cardiopulmonary prognosis of prophylactic endotracheal intubation in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding undergoing endoscopy

BACKGROUND:It is controversial whether prophylactic endotracheal intubation(PEI)protects the airway before endoscopy in critically ill patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding(UGIB).The study aimed to explore the predictive value of PEI for cardiopulmonary outcomes and identify high-risk patients with UGIB undergoing endoscopy.METHODS:Patients undergoing endoscopy for UGIB were retrospectively enrolled in the eICU Collaborative Research Database(eICU-CRD).The composite cardiopulmonary outcomes included aspiration,pneumonia,pulmonary edema,shock or hypotension,cardiac arrest,myocardial infarction,and arrhythmia.The incidence of cardiopulmonary outcomes within 48 h after endoscopy was compared between the PEI and non-PEI groups.Logistic regression analyses and propensity score matching analyses were performed to estimate effects of PEI on cardiopulmonary outcomes.Moreover,restricted cubic spline plots were used to assess for any threshold effects in the association between baseline variables and risk of cardiopulmonary outcomes(yes/no)in the PEI group.RESULTS:A total of 946 patients were divided into the PEI group(108/946,11.4%)and the non-PEI group(838/946,88.6%).After propensity score matching,the PEI group(n=50)had a higher incidence of cardiopulmonary outcomes(58.0%vs.30.3%,P=0.001).PEI was a risk factor for cardiopulmonary outcomes after adjusting for confounders(odds ratio[OR]3.176,95%confidence interval[95%CI]1.567-6.438,P=0.001).The subgroup analysis indicated the similar results.A shock index>0.77 was a predictor for cardiopulmonary outcomes in patients undergoing PEI(P=0.015).The probability of cardiopulmonary outcomes in the PEI group depended on the Charlson Comorbidity Index(OR 1.465,95%CI 1.079-1.989,P=0.014)and shock index>0.77(compared with shock index≤0.77[OR 2.981,95%CI 1.186-7.492,P=0.020,AUC=0.764]).CONCLUSION:PEI may be associated with cardiopulmonary outcomes in elderly and critically ill patients with UGIB undergoing endoscopy.Furthermore,a shock index greater than 0.77 could be used as a predictor of a worse prognosis in patients undergoing PEI.

Endotracheal intubation in patients with COVID-19 using an ultrathin flexible gastrointestinal endoscope

Pneumonia caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 occasionally becomes severe and requires endotracheal intubation.Endotracheal intubation is usually performed using a laryngoscope;however,the operator needs to be in close proximity to the patient’s face during the procedure,which increases the risk of droplet exposure.Therefore,we simulated fiberoptic endotracheal intubation on a mannequin representing the patient,using an ultrathin flexible gastrointestinal endoscope as an alternative to the bronchoscope,in order to maintain distance from the patient during the procedure.We performed this procedure 10 times and measured the time required;the median procedure time was 6.4 s(interquartile range,5.7-8.1 s).The advantage of this method is the short procedure time and distance maintained from the patients.The flexible tip-steerable control and length of the gastrointestinal endoscope contributed to shortening the procedure time and maintaining distance from the patients.In addition,this method can handle difficult airways without risk of misplacement of the endotracheal tube.However,it is necessary to consider the risk of aerosol generation associated with this procedure.In the pandemic setting of coronavirus disease 2019,this approach may be useful when a gastrointestinal endoscopist is in charge of endotracheal intubation of patients with coronavirus disease 2019.

Clinical issues and challenges in imaging of gastrointestinal diseases:A minireview and our experience

Imaging techniques play a crucial role in the modern era of medicine,particularly in gastroenterology.Nowadays,various non-invasive and invasive imaging modalities are being routinely employed to evaluate different gastrointestinal(GI)diseases.However,many instrumental as well as clinical issues are arising in the area of modern GI imaging.This minireview article aims to briefly overview the clinical issues and challenges encountered in imaging GI diseases while highlighting our experience in the field.We also summarize the advances in clinically available diagnostic methods for evaluating different diseases of the GI tract and demonstrate our experience in the area.In conclusion,almost all imaging techniques used in imaging GI diseases can also raise many challenges that necessitate careful consideration and profound expertise in this field.

Two different mutational types of familial gastrointestinal stromal tumors:Two case reports

BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal stromal tumors(GISTs)are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal(GI)tract,and cases of GISTs tend to be of the disseminated type,with a global incidence of 10 to 15 cases/million each year.The rarer familial GISTs,which often represent a population,differ in screening,diagnosis,and treatment.Familial GISTs include primary familial GISTs with predominantly KIT/PDGFRA mutations and wild-type GISTs.However,whether the same genetic family has different phenotypes has not been reported.CASE SUMMARY We report two cases of rare GISTs in the same family:A male patient with the V561D mutation in exon 12 of the PDGFRA gene,who has been taking the targeted drug imatinib since undergoing surgery,and a female patient diagnosed with wild-type GIST,who has been taking imatinib for 3 years since undergoing surgery.The favorable prognosis of these patients during the 7-year follow-up period validates the accuracy of our treatment strategy,and we have refined the entire process of diagnosis and treatment of familial GISTs in order to better manage this rare familial disease.CONCLUSION Different mutation types of familial GISTs in the same family are very rare,thus it is very important to make the correct diagnosis and treatment strategies according to the results of molecular detection for the management of familial GISTs.

Advancements and challenges in gastrointestinal imaging

A recent review by Gulinac et al,provides an in-depth analysis of current clinical issues and challenges in gastrointestinal imaging.This editorial highlights the advancements in imaging techniques,including the integration of artificial intelligence and functional imaging modalities,and discusses the ongoing relevance of traditional nuclear medicine tests.The future of gastrointestinal imaging looks promising,with continuous improvements in resolution,enhanced ability to analyze color and texture beyond visual diagnosis,faster image processing,and the application of molecular imaging and nanoparticles expected to enhance diagnostic accuracy and clinical outcomes.

Critical considerations for the management of gastrointestinal mixed neuroendocrine non-neuroendocrine neoplasms and pure neuroendocrine carcinomas

Mixed neuroendocrine non-neuroendocrine neoplasms constitute rare tumors that are located mainly in the gastrointestinal(GI)tract and have high degrees of malignancy,and the frequency of these tumors has been increasing.They consist of a neuroendocrine neoplastic component with another component of adenocarcinoma usually and have a dismal prognosis.The rare GI pure neuroendocrine carcinoma is highly aggressive and requires complex and extensive management since a genetic distinction exists between it and GI non-neuroendocrine neoplasms,which are generally slow-growing lesions.The most common GI-mixed neuroendocrine non-neuroendocrine neoplasms are colorectal,followed by gastric,mainly in the gastroesophageal junction.Current imaging modalities of nuclear medicine and radiology play important roles in the accuracy of diagnosis.Liquid biopsy may contribute to early detection and timely diagnosis.Ultrasonography,either endoscopic or abdominal,is a technique that contributes to a diagnosis;additionally,contrast-enhanced ultrasonography is very helpful in followup appointments.Histopathology establishes a definite diagnosis and stage by evaluating the cell differentiation grade and the cell proliferation index Ki67.The genetic profile can be valuable in diagnosis and gene therapy.Surgical resection with wide lymphadenectomy,whenever possible,and adjuvant chemotherapy constitute the main therapeutic management strategies.Targeted therapy and immunotherapy achieve encouraging results.

Importance of risk assessment,endoscopic hemostasis,and recent advancements in the management of acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding(ANVUGIB)is a common medical emergency in clinical practice.While the incidence has significantly reduced,the mortality rates have not undergone a similar reduction in the last few decades,thus presenting a significant challenge.This editorial outlines the key causes and risk factors of ANVUGIB and explores the current standards and recent updates in risk assessment scoring systems for predicting mortality and endoscopic treatments for achieving hemostasis.Since ANUVGIB predominantly affects the elderly population,the impact of comorbidities may be responsible for the poor outcomes.A thorough drug history is important due to the increasing use of antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants in the elderly.Early risk stratification plays a crucial role in deciding the line of management and predicting mortality.Emerging scoring systems such as the ABC(age,blood tests,co-morbidities)score show promise in predicting mortality and guiding clinical decisions.While conventional endoscopic therapies remain cornerstone approaches,novel techniques like hemostatic powders and over-the-scope clips offer promising alternatives,particularly in cases refractory to traditional modalities.By integrating validated scoring systems and leveraging novel therapeutic modalities,clinicians can enhance patient care and mitigate the substantial morbidity and mortality associated with ANVUGIB.

Fecal calprotectin in pediatric gastrointestinal diseases:Pros and cons

BACKGROUND Fecal calprotectin is a valuable biomarker for assessing intestinal inflammation in pediatric gastrointestinal diseases.However,its role,pros,and cons in various conditions must be comprehensively elucidated.AIM To explore the role of fecal calprotectin in pediatric gastrointestinal diseases,including its advantages and limitations.METHODS A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed,PubMed Central,Google Scholar,and other scientific research engines until February 24,2024.The review included 88 research articles,56 review articles,six metaanalyses,two systematic reviews,two consensus papers,and two letters to the editors.RESULTS Fecal calprotectin is a non-invasive marker for detecting intestinal inflammation and monitoring disease activity in pediatric conditions such as functional gastrointestinal disorders,inflammatory bowel disease,coeliac disease,coronavirus disease 2019-induced gastrointestinal disorders,gastroenteritis,and cystic fibrosis-associated intestinal pathology.However,its lack of specificity and susceptibility to various confounding factors pose challenges in interpretation.Despite these limitations,fecal calprotectin offers significant advantages in diagnosing,monitoring,and managing pediatric gastrointestinal diseases.CONCLUSION Fecal calprotectin holds promise as a valuable tool in pediatric gastroenterology,offering insights into disease activity,treatment response,and prognosis.Standardized protocols and guidelines are needed to optimize its clinical utility and mitigate interpretation challenges.Further research is warranted to address the identified limitations and enhance our understanding of fecal calprotectin in pediatric gastrointestinal diseases.

Extragastrointestinal stromal tumors with diffuse membranous distribution with bleeding:A case report

BACKGROUND Extragastrointestinal stromal tumors(EGIST)and gastrointestinal stromal tumors are of similar pathological type and form.Here we report a rare case of EGIST diffusely distributed in membranous tissue in abdominal cavity,the feature of which included diffuse tumors at membranous tissue in entire abdominal cavity and spontaneous bleeding of the tumors.CASE SUMMARY The patient was a 71-year man and hospitalized due to continuous pain at lower abdomen for more than 10 days.Upon physical examination,the patient had flat and tough abdomen with mild pressing pain at lower abdomen,no obvious abdominal mass was touchable,and shifting dullness was positive.Positron emission tomography-computed tomography(CT)showed that in his peritoneal cavity,there were multiple nodules of various sizes,seroperitoneum,multiple enlarged lymph nodes in abdominal/pelvic cavity and right external ilium as well as pulmonary nodules.Plain CT scanning at epigastrium/hypogastrium/pelvic cavity+enhanced three-dimensional reconstruction revealed multiple soft tissue nodules in abdominal/pelvic cavity,peritoneum and right groin.Tumor marker of carbohydrate antigen 125 was 808 U/mL,diffuse tuberous tumor was seen in abdominal/pelvic cavity during operation with hematocelia,and postoperative pathological examination confirmed EGIST.Imatinib was administered with better therapeutic effect.CONCLUSION Gene testing showed breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 interacting protein C-terminal helicase 1 and KIT genovariation,and the patient was treated with imatinib follow-up visit found that his clinical symptoms disappeared and the tumor load alleviated obviously via imageological examination.

Comparison of clinical features of patients with or without severe gastrointestinal complications in aggressive gastrointestinal lymphomas

BACKGROUND Aggressive primary gastrointestinal non-Hodgkin lymphoma(PGINHL)is an uncommon and heterogeneous group of lymphoid malignancies,that differs from indolent lymphoma and has a high incidence of severe gastrointestinal complications(GICs).AIM To investigate and compare the clinicopathological characteristics,treatments and outcomes in the GICs and No-GICs group with aggressive PGINHL.METHODS This retrospective analysis was performed on aggressive PGINHL patients between January 2013 and December 2021 at our hospital.The independent influence factors of GICs were obtained by univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analysis,the selected variables significantly related to GICs were selected as the final predictors to construct nomogram.Kaplan-Meier curves further analyzed the survival of patients in GICs and No-GICs groups.Survival analysis of GICs group was performed using Cox regression.RESULTS We focused on 124 aggressive PGINHL cases,which had a relatively high incidence 48.4%(60/124 cases)of GICs,the most common histological type in GICs group was diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL)(n=49,81.7%).In the GICs group,small intestine was the most common anatomic site of lesion(43.3%),followed by large intestine(31.7%),and then stomach and esophagus(25.0%).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the independent risk factors for GICs were the small intestine[odd ratio(OR)=3.33;95%confidence interval(CI):1.47-9.41;P=0.009),aggressive B-cell(OR=0.09;95%CI:0.01-0.83;P=0.033),maximum tumor diameter(OR=1.25;95%CI:1.07-1.47;P=0.005),invaded deep serous layer(OR=3.38;95%CI:1.24-9.19;P=0.017).We developed a nomogram to predict risk of GICs in aggressive PGINHL patients based on independent risk factors.The value of area under curve calculated by receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.815,and calibration curve and decision curve analysis further indicated that the prediction effect was superior.The majority of patients with GICs were given combination therapy(chemotherapy combined with surgery or radiation).Event-free survival and overall survival in GICs group were no worse than those in the No-GICs group.CONCLUSION The complication rate of GICs in patients with aggressive PGINHL was relatively high,particularly in PGI-DLBCL.The independent risk factors for GICs were the small intestine,PGI-TNKL,bulky tumor,and depth of invasion.A combination treatment,involving surgery,improved survival in the GICs group.

Comparing gastrointestinal dysfunction score and acute gastrointestinal injury grade for predicting short-term mortality in critically ill patients

BACKGROUND The prognosis of critically ill patients is closely linked to their gastrointestinal(GI)function.The acute GI injury(AGI)grading system,established in 2012,is extensively utilized to evaluate GI dysfunction and forecast outcomes in clinical settings.In 2021,the GI dysfunction score(GIDS)was developed,building on the AGI grading system,to enhance the accuracy of GI dysfunction severity assessment,improve prognostic predictions,reduce subjectivity,and increase reproducibility.AIM To compare the predictive capabilities of GIDS and the AGI grading system for 28-day mortality in critically ill patients.METHODS A retrospective study was conducted at the general intensive care unit(ICU)of a regional university hospital.All data were collected during the first week of ICU admission.The primary outcome was 28-day mortality.Multivariable logistic regression analyzed whether GIDS and AGI grade were independent risk factors for 28-day mortality.The predictive abilities of GIDS and AGI grade were compared using the receiver operating characteristic curve,with DeLong’s test assessing differences between the curves’areas.RESULTS The incidence of AGI in the first week of ICU admission was 92.13%.There were 85 deaths(47.75%)within 28 days of ICU admission.There was no initial 24-hour difference in GIDS between the non-survival and survival groups.Both GIDS(OR 2.01,95%CI:1.25-3.24;P=0.004)and AGI grade(OR 1.94,95%CI:1.12-3.38;P=0.019)were independent predictors of 28-day mortality.No significant difference was found between the predictive accuracy of GIDS and AGI grade for 28-day mortality during the first week of ICU admission(Z=-0.26,P=0.794).CONCLUSION GIDS within the first 24 hours was an unreliable predictor of 28-day mortality.The predictive accuracy for 28-day mortality from both systems during the first week was comparable.

Prognostic factors associated with gastrointestinal dysfunction after gastrointestinal tumor surgery:A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Explore the risk factors of gastrointestinal dysfunction after gastrointestinal tumor surgery and to provide evidence for the prevention and intervention of gastrointestinal dysfunction in patients with gastrointestinal tumor surgery.AIM To investigate the potential risk factors for gastrointestinal dysfunction following gastrointestinal tumor surgery and to present information supporting the prevention and management of gastrointestinal dysfunction in surgery patients.METHODS Systematically searched the relevant literature from PubMed,Web of Science,Cochrane Library,Embase,CNKI,China Biomedical Database,Wanfang Database,and Weipu Chinese Journal Database self-established until October 1,2022.Review Manager 5.3 software was used for meta-analysis after two researchers independently screened literature,extracted data,and evaluated the risk of bias in the included studies.RESULTS A total of 23 pieces of literature were included,the quality of which was medium or above,and the total sample size was 43878.The results of meta-analysis showed that the patients were male(OR=1.58,95%CI:1.25-2.01,P=0.002)and≥60 years old(OR=2.60,95%CI:1.76-2.87,P<0.001),physical index≥25.3 kg/m2(OR=1.6,95%CI:1.00-1.12,P=0.040),smoking history(OR=1.89,95%CI:1.31-2.73,P<0.001),chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(OR=1.49,95%CI:1.22-1.83,P<0.001),enterostomy(OR=1.47,95%CI:1.26-1.70,P<0.001),history of abdominal surgery(OR=2.90,95%CI:1.67-5.03,P<0.001),surgical site(OR=1.2,95%CI:1.40-2.62,P<0.001),operation method(OR=1.68,95%CI:1.08-2.62,P=0.020),operation duration(OR=2.65,95%CI:1.92-3.67,P<0.001),abdominal adhesion grade(OR=2.52,95%CI:1.90-3.56,P<0.001),postoperative opioid history(OR=5.35,95%CI:3.29-8.71,P<0.001),tumor TNM staging(OR=2.58,95%CI:1.84-3.62,P<0.001),postoperative blood transfusion(OR=2.92,95%CI:0.88-9.73,P=0.010)is a risk factor for postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction in patients with gastrointestinal tumors.CONCLUSION There are many factors affecting gastrointestinal dysfunction in gastrointestinal patients after surgery.Clinical staff should identify relevant risk factors early and implement targeted intervention measures on the basis of personalized assessment to improve the clinical prognosis of patients.

Morphological and biochemical characteristics associated with autophagy in gastrointestinal diseases

Autophagy is a cellular catabolic process characterized by the formation of double-membrane autophagosomes.Transmission electron microscopy is the most rigorous method to clearly visualize autophagic engulfment and degradation.A large number of studies have shown that autophagy is closely related to the digestion,secretion,and regeneration of gastrointestinal(GI)cells.However,the role of autophagy in GI diseases remains controversial.This article focuses on the morphological and biochemical characteristics of autophagy in GI diseases,in order to provide new ideas for their diagnosis and treatment.

A Meta-Analysis of the Prognostic and Clinicopathological Significance of circZFR in Human Gastrointestinal Cancers

Background: Studies of gastrointestinal (GIT) cancers have shown that circZFR could be involved in the development and progression of various GIT cancers. However, small sample sizes limit the clinical significance of these studies. Here, a meta-analysis was conducted to ascertain the actual involvement of circZFR in the development and prognosis of GIT cancers. Methods: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched up to December 31, 2023. Hazard ratios (HRs) or odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled to evaluate the association between circZFR expression and overall survival (OS). Publication bias was measured using the funnel plot and Egger’s test. Results: 10 studies having 659 participants were enrolled for meta-analysis. High circZFR expression was associated with poor OS (HR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.20, 1.70). High circZFR expression also predicted larger tumor size (OR = 4.38, 95% CI 2.65, 7.25), advanced clinical stage (OR = 5.33, 95% CI 3.10, 9.16), and tendency for distant metastasis (OR = 2.89, 95% CI: 1.62, 5.11), but was not related to age, gender, and histological grade. Conclusions: In summary, high circZFR expression was associated with poor OS, larger tumor size, advanced stage cancer and tendency for distant metastasis. These findings suggested that circZFR could be a prognostic marker for GIT cancers.

Implementation of gastrointestinal function protection in severe acute pancreatitis

Severe acute pancreatitis(SAP)is a serious systemic disease associated with strong local inflammatory reactions and serious systemic pathophysiological disorders caused by trypsin spillover.Patients with SAP are prone to exhibit gastrointestinal dysfunction.Meanwhile,gastrointestinal dysfunction further aggravates the systemic inflammatory response and metabolic abnormalities,resulting in a more critical condition of SAP.Gastrointestinal dysfunction is considered to be the“trigger”of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome[1].Thus,it is important to maintain gastrointestinal homeostasis in the treatment of SAP.

Clinical characteristics of acute non-varicose upper gastrointestinal bleeding and the effect of endoscopic hemostasis

BACKGROUND Acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding(ANVUGIB)constitutes a prevalent emergency within Gastroenterology,encompassing 80%-90%of all gastrointestinal hemorrhage incidents.This condition is distinguished by its abrupt onset,swift progression,and notably elevated mortality rate.AIM To gather clinical data from patients with ANVUGIB at our hospital in order to elucidate the clinical characteristics specific to our institution and analyze the therapeutic effectiveness of endoscopic hemostasis.METHODS We retrospectively retrieved the records of 532 patients diagnosed with ANVUGIB by endoscopy at our hospital between March 2021 and March 2023,utilizing our medical record system.Data pertaining to general patient information,etiological factors,disease outcomes,and other relevant variables were meticulously collected and analyzed.RESULTS Among the 532 patients diagnosed with ANVUGIB,the male-to-female ratio was 2.91:1,with a higher prevalence among males.Notably,43.6%of patients presented with black stool as their primary complaint,while 27.4%had hematemesis as their initial symptom.Upon admission,17%of patients exhibited both hematemesis and black stool,while most ANVUGIB patients primarily complained of overt gastrointestinal bleeding.Urgent routine blood examinations at admission revealed that 75.8%of patients had anemia,with 63.4%experiencing moderate to severe anemia,and 1.5%having extremely severe anemia(hemoglobin<30 g/L).With regard to etiology,53.2%of patients experienced bleeding without a definitive trigger,24.2%had a history of using gastric mucosa-irritating medications,24.2%developed bleeding after alcohol consumption,2.8%attributed it to improper diet,1.7%to emotional excitement,and 2.3%to fatigue preceding the bleeding episode.Drug-induced ANVUGIB was more prevalent in the elderly than middle-aged and young individuals,while bleeding due to alcohol consumption showed the opposite trend.Additionally,diet-related bleeding was more common among the young age group compared to the middle-aged group.Gastrointestinal endoscopy identified peptic ulcers as the most frequent cause of ANVUGIB(73.3%),followed by gastrointestinal malignancies(10.9%),acute gastric mucous lesions(9.8%),and androgenic upper gastrointestinal bleeding(1.5%)among inpatients with ANVUGIB.Of the 532 patients with gastrointestinal bleeding,68 underwent endoscopic hemostasis,resulting in an endoscopic treatment rate of 12.8%,with a high immediate hemostasis success rate of 94.1%.

Enteric neuropathy in diabetes:Implications for gastrointestinal function

Diabetes,commonly known for its metabolic effects,also critically affects the enteric nervous system(ENS),which is essential in regulating gastrointestinal(GI)motility,secretion,and absorption.The development of diabetes-induced enteric neuropathy can lead to various GI dysfunctions,such as gastroparesis and irregular bowel habits,primarily due to disruptions in the function of neuronal and glial cells within the ENS,as well as oxidative stress and inflammation.This editorial explores the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the development of enteric neuropathy in diabetic patients.Additionally,it discusses the latest advances in diagnostic approaches,emphasizing the need for early detection and intervention to mitigate GI complications in diabetic individuals.The editorial also reviews current and emerging therapeutic strategies,focusing on pharmacological treatments,dietary management,and potential neuromodulatory interventions.Ultimately,this editorial highlights the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach in managing enteric neuropathy in diabetes,aiming to enhance patient quality of life and address a frequently overlooked complication of this widespread disease.

Inflammatory response in gastrointestinal cancers:Overview of six transmembrane epithelial antigens of the prostate in pathophysiology and clinical implications

Chronic inflammation is known to increase the risk of gastrointestinal cancers(GICs),the common solid tumors worldwide.Precancerous lesions,such as chronic atrophic inflammation and ulcers,are related to inflammatory responses in vivo and likely to occur in hyperplasia and tumorigenesis.Unfortunately,due to the lack of effective therapeutic targets,the prognosis of patients with GICs is still unsatisfactory.Interestingly,it is found that six transmembrane epithelial antigens of the prostate(STEAPs),a group of metal reductases,are significantly associated with the progression of malignancies,playing a crucial role in systemic metabolic homeostasis and inflammatory responses.The structure and functions of STEAPs suggest that they are closely related to intracellular oxidative stress,responding to inflammatory reactions.Under the imbalance status of abnormal oxidative stress,STEAP members are involved in cell transformation and the development of GICs by inhibiting or activating inflammatory process.This review focuses on STEAPs in GICs along with exploring their potential molecular regulatory mechanisms,with an aim to provide a theoretical basis for diagnosis and treatment strategies for patients suffering from these types of cancers.

Early endotracheal intubation is not associated with the rate of return of spontaneous circulation following cardiac arrest at the emergency department:an exploratory analysis

Cardiac arrest poses a significant global public health challenge,manifesting in approximately 550,000 cases annually within the United States.[1]In-hospital cardiac arrest(IHCA)is commonly attributed to airways and respiratory issues.[2]Recommendations emphasize the expertise of responders in airway management.[3]Various options exist,such as chest compression-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR),bag-mask ventilation(BMV),and advanced airways.The BMV and advanced airways are not deemed equivalent or superior based on previous evidence.[4]Achieving consistency in choosing and timing the optimal airway approach during IHCA is crucial.The current American Heart Association guidelines suggest an advanced airway strategy when endotracheal intubation(ETI)success rates are high,but the optimal time for advanced airway management remains unclear.[5]Wong et al[6]revealed that survival improved by less than 5 min with advanced airway management.According to a subgroup analysis of IHCA patients in emergency departments(EDs),early intubation was associated with a 1.5-fold greater rate of return of spontaneous circulation(ROSC)than in other locations.[7]ED patients’constant monitoring and immediate management,with readily available intubation equipment,enhance early intubation and survival rates.[6]Nonetheless,IHCA patients intubated within the first 15 min had a lower ROSC rate.

Gastrointestinal Ulcers Treatment: Plants and Recipes Used by Herbalists of Abomey-Calavi and Cotonou Districts, Southern Benin

This study set out to identify plants and recipes used by herbalists in the municipalities of Abomey-Calavi and Cotonou to treat gastrointestinal ulcers and to characterize the distribution of their knowledge. An ethno-pharmacological survey was carried out in which informants who agreed freely were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. A total of 85 herbalists were surveyed. The data were processed with Microsoft Excel to calculate the relative frequencies of citation of the various species mentioned by the herbalists and various indices including Simpson’s Index were adapted to test the distribution of their knowledge. Multiple regression and correspondence analysis were performed using R studio. Our results revealed that the Dendi, Ifè and Mina, all equitable in their knowledge of anti-ulcer plants, are likely to know more than the other ethnic groups. On the other hand, respondents practicing Islam are more likely to know many antiulcer plants than those practicing Vodoun and Christianity. This constant distribution of knowledge of anti-ulcer plants among the Dendi, Ifè and Mina, three different ethnic groups seems normal and attests to the fusion between these different ethnic groups in view of this knowledge. A total of 70 anti-ulcer recipes, made from 71 species of medicinal plants or non-floristic resources were recorded. Vitellaria paradoxa, Parkia biglobosa and Ocimum gratissimum were the top 03 most frequently cited in descending order of frequency. All the species cited are grouped into 44 botanical families among which the Fabaceae, Lamiaceae and Sapotaceae were strongly represented. Benin’s flora abounds in a diversity of medicinal plant species known to herbalists in Abomey-Calavi and Cotonou for the treatment of gastrointestinal ulcers. The results of this study constitute a good archive for the selection of plant species for in-depth studies with a view to formulating improved traditional medicines for gastrointestinal ulcers.