Exploring impedance spectrum for lithium-ion batteries diagnosis and prognosis:A comprehensive review

Lithium-ion batteries have extensive usage in various energy storage needs,owing to their notable benefits of high energy density and long lifespan.The monitoring of battery states and failure identification are indispensable for guaranteeing the secure and optimal functionality of the batteries.The impedance spectrum has garnered growing interest due to its ability to provide a valuable understanding of material characteristics and electrochemical processes.To inspire further progress in the investigation and application of the battery impedance spectrum,this paper provides a comprehensive review of the determination and utilization of the impedance spectrum.The sources of impedance inaccuracies are systematically analyzed in terms of frequency response characteristics.The applicability of utilizing diverse impedance features for the diagnosis and prognosis of batteries is further elaborated.Finally,challenges and prospects for future research are discussed.

Marker Ki-67 is a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of prostate cancer based on two cohorts

BACKGROUND Prostate cancer(PCa)is a widespread malignancy,predominantly affecting elderly males,and current methods for diagnosis and treatment of this disease continue to fall short.The marker Ki-67(MKI67)has been previously demonstrated to correlate with the proliferation and metastasis of various cancer cells,including those of PCa.Hence,verifying the association between MKI67 and the diagnosis and prognosis of PCa,using bioinformatics databases and clinical data analysis,carries significant clinical implications.AIM To explore the diagnostic and prognostic efficacy of antigens identified by MKI67 expression in PCa.METHODS For cohort 1,the efficacy of MKI67 diagnosis was evaluated using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)and Genotype-Tissue Expression(GTEx)databases.For cohort 2,the diagnostic and prognostic power of MKI67 expression was further validated using data from 271 patients with clinical PCa.RESULTS In cohort 1,MKI67 expression was correlated with prostate-specific antigen(PSA),Gleason Score,T stage,and N stage.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve showed a strong diagnostic ability,and the Kaplan-Meier method demonstrated that MKI67 expression was negatively associated with the progression-free interval(PFI).The time-ROC curve displayed a weak prognostic capability for MKI67 expression in PCa.In cohort 2,MKI67 expression was significantly related to the Gleason Score,T stage,and N stage;however,it was negatively associated with the PFI.The time-ROC curve revealed the stronger prognostic capability of MKI67 in patients with PCa.Multivariate COX regression analysis was performed to select risk factors,including PSA level,N stage,and MKI67 expression.A nomogram was established to predict the 3-year PFI.CONCLUSION MKI67 expression was positively associated with the Gleason Score,T stage,and N stage and showed a strong diagnostic and prognostic ability in PCa.

Presymptomatic Diagnosis and Gene Therapy for Alzheimer’s Disease: Genomic, Therapeutic, and Ethical Aspects—A Systematic Review

Over the past three decades, genomic and epigenetic sciences have identified more than 70 genes involved in the molecular pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). DNA methylation, abnormal histone and chromatin regulation and the action of various miRNAs induce AD. The identification of mutated genes has paved the way for the development of diagnostic kits and the initiation of gene therapy trials. However, despite major advances in neuroscience research, there is yet no suitable treatment for AD. Therefore, the early diagnosis of this neurodegenerative disease raises several ethical questions, including the balance between the principle of non-maleficence and the principle of beneficence. The aims of this research were to present the genomic and ethical aspects of AD, and to highlight the ethical principles involved in its presymptomatic diagnosis and therapy. A systematic review of the literature in PubMed, Google Scholar and Science Direct was carried out to outline the genomic aspects and ethical principles relating not only to the presymptomatic diagnosis of AD, but also to its gene therapy. A total of 16 publications were selected. AD is a multifactorial disease that can be genetically classified into Sporadic Alzheimer’s Disease and Familial Alzheimer’s Disease based on family history. Gene therapy targeting specific disease-causing genes is a promising therapeutic strategy. Advancements in artificial intelligence applications may enable the prediction of AD onset several years in advance. While early diagnosis of AD may empower patients with full decision competence for early decision-making, it also carries implications for the patient’s family members, who are at risk of developing the disease, potentially becoming a source of confusion or anxiety. AD has a significant impact on the life of individuals at risk and their families. Given the absence of disease modifying therapy, genetic screening and early diagnosis for this condition raise ethical issues that must be carefully considered in the context of fundamental bioethical principles, including autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice.

Dysregulated microRNAs as a biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is a malignancy with a high incidence and fatality rate worldwide.Hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection is one of the most important risk factors for its occurrence and development.Early detection of HBV-associated HCC(HBV-HCC)can improve clinical decision-making and patient outcomes.Biomarkers are extremely helpful,not only for early diagnosis,but also for the development of therapeutics.MicroRNAs(miRNAs),a subset of non-coding RNAs approximately 22 nucleotides in length,have increasingly attracted scientists’attention due to their potential utility as biomarkers for cancer detection and therapy.HBV profoundly impacts the expression of miRNAs potentially involved in the development of hepatocarcinogenesis.In this review,we summarize the current progress on the role of miRNAs in the diagnosis and treatment of HBV-HCC.From a molecular standpoint,we discuss the mechanism by which HBV regulates miRNAs and investigate the exact effect of miRNAs on the promotion of HCC.In the near future,miRNA-based diagnostic,prognostic,and therapeutic applications will make their way into the clinical routine.

Small intestinal angiosarcoma on clinical presentation, diagnosis, management and prognosis: A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND Angiosarcoma is a highly malignant soft-tissue sarcoma derived from vascular endothelial cells that mainly occurs in the skin and subcutaneous tissues.Smallintestinal angiosarcomas are rare,and the prognosis is poor.CASE SUMMARY We reported a case of primary multifocal ileal angiosarcoma and analyze previously reported cases to improve our understanding of small intestinal angiosarcoma.Small intestinal angiosarcoma is more common in elderly and male patients.Gastrointestinal bleeding,anemia,abdominal pain,weakness,and weight loss were the common symptoms.CD31,CD34,factor VIII-related antigen,ETS-related gene,friend leukemia integration 1,and von Willebrand factor are valuable immunohistochemical markers for the diagnosis of small-intestinal angiosarcoma.Small-intestinal angiosarcoma most commonly occurs in the jejunum,followed by the ileum and duodenum.Radiation and toxicant exposure are risk factors for angiosarcoma.After a definite diagnosis,the mean and median survival time was 8 mo and 3 mo,respectively.Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that age,infiltration depth,chemotherapy,and the number of small intestinal segments invaded by tumor lesions were prognostic factors for small intestinal angiosarcoma.Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that chemotherapy and surgery significantly improved patient prognosis.CONCLUSION Angiosarcoma should be considered for unexplained melena and abdominal pain,especially in older men and patients with a history of radiation exposure.Prompt treatment,including surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy,is essential to prolonging patient survival.

Advances in early diagnosis and therapy of pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer remains a devastating disease with a 5-year survival rate of less than 5%. Recent advances in diagnostic methods and therapeutic approaches have increased the possibility of improving the existing poor prognosis. DATA SOURCES: English-language articles reporting early diagnosis and therapy of pancreatic cancer were searched from the MEDLINE and PubMed databases, Chinese-language articles were from CHKD (China Hospital Knowledge Database) RESULT: The current literature about pancreatic cancer was reviewed from three aspects: statistics, screening and early detection, and therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Early detection and screening of pancreatic cancer currently should be limited to high risk patients Surgical resection is the only curative approach available, with some recent improvement in outcomes. Gemcitabine has been a standard treatment during the last decade. Gemcitabine based combination treatment, especially combined with newer molecular targeted agents, is promising. The rationale for radiotherapy is controversial, but with the recent development of modern radiation delivery techniques, radiotherapy should be intensified. Patients with borderline pancreatic cancer could benefit from neoadjuvant therapy but more evidence is needed and the best neoadjuvant regimen is still to be determined.

Survivin:Potential role in diagnosis,prognosis and targeted therapy of gastric cancer

Survivin is a protein that is highly expressed in a vast number of malignancies,but is minimally expressed in normal tissues. It plays a role as an inhibitor of cell death in cancer cells,thus facilitating the growth of these cells. In the case of gastric cancer,survivin is over-expressed in tumor cells and plays a role in the carcinogenesis process. Several studies on gastric cancer have indicated that there is a relationship between survivin expression and the ultimate behavior of the carcinoma. Since the expression pattern of survivin is selective to cancer cells,it has been described as an "ideal target" for cancer therapy. Currently,several pre-clinical and clinical trials are on-going to investigate the effects of interfering with survivin function in cancer cells as a biologic therapy. Survivin is a potentially significant protein in the diagnosis,prognosis and treatment of gastric tumors.

Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma:Update on diagnosis and therapy

With an estimated incidence of only 1-2 cases in every 1 million people,hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma(HEHE)is a rare vascular endothelial cell tumor occurring in the liver and consisting of epithelioid and histiocyte-like vascular endothelial cells in mucus or a fibrotic matrix.HEHE is characterized as a low-to-moderate grade malignant tumor and is classified into three types:solitary,multiple,and diffuse.Both the etiology and characteristic clinical manifestations of HEHE are unclear.However,HEHE has a characteristic appearance on imaging including ultrasound,magnetic resonance imaging,and positron emission tomography/computerized tomography.Still,its diagnosis depends mainly on pathological findings,with immunohistochemical detection of endothelial markers cluster of differentiation 31(CD31),CD34,CD10,vimentin,and factor VIII antigen as the basis of diagnosis.Hepatectomy and/or liver transplantation are the first choice for treatment,but various chemotherapeutic drugs are reportedly effective,providing a promising treatment option.In this review,we summarize the literature related to the diagnosis and treatment of HEHE,which provides future perspectives for the clinical management of HEHE.

Recent Progress in Nanoscale Covalent Organic Frameworks for Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy

Covalent organic frameworks(COFs)as a type of porous and crystalline covalent organic polymer are built up from covalently linked and periodically arranged organic molecules.Their precise assembly,welldefined coordination network,and tunable porosity endow COFs with diverse characteristics such as low density,high crystallinity,porous structure,and large specific-surface area,as well as versatile functions and active sites that can be tuned at molecular and atomic level.These unique properties make them excellent candidate materials for biomedical applications,such as drug delivery,diagnostic imaging,and disease therapy.To realize these functions,the components,dimensions,and guest molecule loading into COFs have a great influence on their performance in various applications.In this review,we first introduce the influence of dimensions,building blocks,and synthetic conditions on the chemical stability,pore structure,and chemical interaction with guest molecules of COFs.Next,the applications of COFs in cancer diagnosis and therapy are summarized.Finally,some challenges for COFs in cancer therapy are noted and the problems to be solved in the future are proposed.

Translational research case studies:Development of antibodies for cancer diagnosis and therapy

Antibodies are primary tools in several areas of biomedical sciences, including basic research, diagnostics, and molecular therapeutics. Antibodies are widely used in diagnostic applications for clinical medicine. Analysis of cells and tissues in pathology laboratories includes the use of antibodies on tissue sections. Further, antibodies are making rapid inroads into medical therapeutics, driven by technological evolution from chimeric and humanized to fully human antibodies. The therapeutic antibody market has the potential to reach $30 billion by 2010. Our lab has developed a monoclonal antibody, named Met4 that was raised against the extracellular domain of Met specifically with the goal of measuring Met in FFPE tissues. The Met receptor kinase is expressed on the cell surface of a significant number and variety of human primary solid tumors and in their metastases. The characterization of the Met4 antibody suggests it should possess adequate performance for quantification of Met expression in clinical specimens. We have also generated a fully human Fab fragment against EGFR; conjugated it to taxol as an immuno-chemotherapy agent; and investigated its in vitro antitumor efficacy on EGFR positive A431 epidermoid carcinoma cells.

Nanomedicine has opened new avenues for cancer diagnosis and therapy

A crucial feature of nanoparticles,such as liposomes,magnetic nanoparticles,quantum dots,metallic nanoparticles,silica nanoparticles,polymersomes and dendrimers etc.,is their higher accumulation in the tumor than in normal tissues1-3.Various nanoparticles have been intensively used as vehicles to deliver

Noninvasive imaging of hepatocellular carcinoma: From diagnosis to prognosis

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and a major public health problem worldwide. Hepatocarcinogenesis is a complex multistep process at molecular, cellular, and histologic levels with key alterations that can be revealed by noninvasive imaging modalities. Therefore, imaging techniques play pivotal roles in the detection, characterization, staging, surveillance, and prognosis evaluation of HCC. Currently, ultrasound is the first-line imaging modality for screening and surveillance purposes. While based on conclusive enhancement patterns comprising arterial phase hyperenhancement and portal venous and/or delayed phase wash-out, contrast enhanced dynamic computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) are the diagnostic tools for HCC without requirements for histopathologic confirmation. Functional MRI techniques, including diffusion-weighted imaging, MRI with hepatobiliary contrast agents, perfusion imaging, and magnetic resonance elastography, show promise in providing further important information regarding tumor biological behaviors. In addition, evaluation of tumor imaging characteristics, including nodule size, margin, number, vascular invasion, and growth patterns, allows preoperative prediction of tumor microvascular invasion and patient prognosis. Therefore, the aim of this article is to review the current state-of-the-art and recent advances in the comprehensive noninvasive imaging evaluation of HCC. We also provide the basic key concepts of HCC development and an overview of the current practice guidelines.

Current biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma: Surveillance, diagnosis and prediction of prognosis

Biomarkers for surveillance, diagnosis and prediction of prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) are currently not ready for introduction into clinical practice because of limited sensitivity and specificity. Especially for the early detection of small HCC novel biomarkers are needed to improve the current effectiveness of screening performed byultrasound. The use of high-throughput technologies in hepatocellular research allows to identify molecules involved in the complex pathways in hepatocarcinogenesis. Several invasive and non-invasive biomarkers have been identified already and have been evaluated in different clinical settings. Gene signatures with prognostic potential have been identified by gene expression profiling from tumor tissue. However, a single "all-in-one" biomarker that fits all-surveillance, diagnosis, prediction of prognosis-has not been found so far. The future of biomarkers most probably lies in a combination of non-invasive biomarkers, imaging and clinical parameters in a surveillance setting. Molecular profiling of tumorous and non-tumorous liver tissue may allow a prediction of prognosis for the individual patient and hopefully clear the way for individual treatment approaches. This article gives an overview on current developments in biomarker research in HCC with a focus on currently available and novel biomarkers, in particular on micro RNA.

FDG-PET in diagnosis, staging and prognosis of pancreatic carcinoma: A meta-analysis

AIM: To investigate the potential role of positron emission tomography (PET) in the diagnosis, staging and prognosis predicting of pancreatic carcinoma (PC). METHODS: A systematic review of relevant literatures in PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library was performed. The sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic and staging studies, and HRs for prognosis predicting studies were pooled. The bivariate model was used for diagnostic studies and the random-effect model for prognostic studies. Heterogeneity between included studies was tested using χ 2 test, and subgroup analysis was performed to explain the heterogeneities. All of the calculations were performed using Stata version 11.0.RESULTS: A total of 39 studies were included. The pooled sensitivity of PET in diagnosing PC (30 studies, 1582 patients), evaluating N stating (4 studies, 101 patients) and liver metastasis (7 studies, 316 patients) were 0.91 (95%CI: 0.88-0.93), 0.64 (95%CI: 0.50-0.76), and 0.67 (95%CI: 0.52-0.79), respectively; and the corresponding specificity was 0.81 (95%CI: 0.75-0.85), 0.81 (95%CI: 0.25-0.85), and 0.96 (95%CI: 0.89-0.98), respectively. In prognosis analysis (6 studies, 198 patients), significant difference of overall survival was observed between high and low standardized uptake value groups (HR = 2.39, 95%CI: 1.57-3.63). Subgroup analysis showed that PET/CT was more sensitive than PET alone in evaluating liver metastasis of PC, 0.82 (95%CI: 0.48-0.98) and 0.67 (95%CI: 0.52-0.79), respectively. CONCLUSION: PET can be used as a valuable diagnostic and predictive tool for PC, but its effect in the staging of PC remains indeterminate.

Surgical therapy and prognosis of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the gallbladder

BACKGROUND: Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the gallbladder is rare and its characteristics are poorly understood. This study aimed to understand the behavior and prognosis of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the gallbladder as well as its clinical manifestations and survival rate of patients after radical or palliative surgery, and to review the reported data worldwide and our 10 patients. METHODS: From 2004 to 2009, ten patients were pathologically diagnosed with sarcomatoid carcinoma of the gallbladder and underwent operation at our center. These characteristics, clinical presentations, tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging, surgical modes, and prognosis were reviewed, retrospectively. We collected the data of 46 patients reported in the English-language literature worldwide and analyzed the survival with ours. The survival rate was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and was compared using the log-rank test. RESULTS: The median age of the 10 patients was 67 years (inter-quartile range 59-74 years), and the size of tumor inter-quartile ranged from 3.1 to 7.9 cm. In this series, 9 patients received radical surgery, and one undewent palliative surgery. There was no surgical mortality, and one patient underwent a second operation because of liver metastasis. The median survival time of the patients was 9 months (inter-quartile range 6-12 months), with 3 patients still being alive until follow-up; however, two patients had tumor recurrence. The data from the 56 patients (10 patients in our series and 46 reported elsewhere) statistically indicated that the median age was 66 years (inter-quartile range 61-74.5 years) and the overall median survival was 5.5 months (inter-quartile range 2.5-10 months). The survival time in the patients undergoing radical surgery (n=42) was significantly longer than that in the patients undergoing palliative surgery (n=14) (P=0.031). CONCLUSIONS: The survival of the patients with sarcomatoid carcinoma of the gallbladder is poor. Some patients may die shortly after the surgery because of recurrence or metastasis. However, radical surgery is still necessary if possible. (Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2010; 9: 175-179)

Challenges and Opportunities of AI-Enabled Monitoring, Diagnosis & Prognosis: A Review

Prognostics and Health Management(PHM),including monitoring,diagnosis,prognosis,and health management,occupies an increasingly important position in reducing costly breakdowns and avoiding catastrophic accidents in modern industry.With the development of artificial intelligence(AI),especially deep learning(DL)approaches,the application of AI-enabled methods to monitor,diagnose and predict potential equipment malfunctions has gone through tremendous progress with verified success in both academia and industry.However,there is still a gap to cover monitoring,diagnosis,and prognosis based on AI-enabled methods,simultaneously,and the importance of an open source community,including open source datasets and codes,has not been fully emphasized.To fill this gap,this paper provides a systematic overview of the current development,common technologies,open source datasets,codes,and challenges of AI-enabled PHM methods from three aspects of monitoring,diagnosis,and prognosis.

Discussion of diagnosis and therapy strategy for pineal region tumors

Objective To define optimal diagnosis and theraputic strategy of pineal region tumors. Methods Clinicalmaterials of 154 cases with pineal region tumors were analyzed retrospectively. Results The patients with pineal region tumors often complained of increased intracranial pressure and ocular movement deficiency.

Development of artificial intelligence technology in diagnosis,treatment,and prognosis of colorectal cancer

Artificial intelligence(AI)technology has made leaps and bounds since its invention.AI technology can be subdivided into many technologies such as machine learning and deep learning.The application scope and prospect of different technologies are also totally different.Currently,AI technologies play a pivotal role in the highly complex and wide-ranging medical field,such as medical image recognition,biotechnology,auxiliary diagnosis,drug research and development,and nutrition.Colorectal cancer(CRC)is a common gastrointestinal cancer that has a high mortality,posing a serious threat to human health.Many CRCs are caused by the malignant transformation of colorectal polyps.Therefore,early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to CRC prognosis.The methods of diagnosing CRC are divided into imaging diagnosis,endoscopy,and pathology diagnosis.Treatment methods are divided into endoscopic treatment,surgical treatment,and drug treatment.AI technology is in the weak era and does not have communication capabilities.Therefore,the current AI technology is mainly used for image recognition and auxiliary analysis without in-depth communication with patients.This article reviews the application of AI in the diagnosis,treatment,and prognosis of CRC and provides the prospects for the broader application of AI in CRC.

Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma:Clinical characteristics,diagnosis,treatment,and prognosis

BACKGROUND Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma(HEHE)is a rare hepatic vascular tumor with unpredictable malignant potential.The etiology,characteristics,diagnosis,treatment,and prognosis of HEHE are not well-understood,and largescale retrospective studies are required to understand better this disease.AIM To determine the characteristics of HEHE and identify its optimal treatments and prognostic factors.METHODS The clinical data of two patients diagnosed with HEHE at the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University and 258 previously reported cases retrieved from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure and PubMed databases between 1996 and 2021 were combined and summarized.All cases were pathologically identified as HEHE.Information such as clinical features,laboratory examination findings,imaging findings,pathological characteristics,treatment,and survival periods was reviewed.Kaplan-Meir curves were used for survival analysis.Prognostic factors were identified by Cox regression analysis.RESULTS HEHE primarily affected middle-aged women.The typical manifestations included epigastric pain,hepatosplenomegaly,inappetence,distension,weight loss,and fatigue.Tumor markers were expressed normally.The incidence of extrahepatic metastasis was 34.5% at the time of diagnosis.The most common sites of extrahepatic involvement were the lungs(22.3%),lymph nodes(5.6%),peritoneum(3.6%),bones(6.6%),and spleen(5.1%).Furthermore,“capsular retraction”,“target sign”,and“lollipop sign”were the characteristic features of HEHE on imaging.The immunohistochemical profile for HEHE(expression of vascular markers,such as factor VIII-related antigen,CD31,and CD34;expression levels of D2-40)can facilitate and ensure an accurate diagnosis.The management options for patients with HEHE include liver resection(29.7%),liver transplantation(16.1%),palliative treatments(12.7%),transhepatic arterial chemotherapy and embolization(TACE,10.2%),chemotherapy(11.0%),antiangiogenic therapy(15.3%),and other treatments(5.1%);the mean survival time was 158.6,147.3,4.2,90.8,71.4,83.1,and 55.0 mo,respectively.The survival time of patients who underwent surgical treatment was longer than that of patients who did not.TACE and antiangiogenic therapy tended to prolong survival compared with other nonsurgical treatments.The 1-,5-,and 10-year survival rates were 82%,71%,and 64%,respectively.Multivariate analysis showed that liver function(P=0.045),intrahepatic metastasis(P=0.029),and treatment(P=0.045)were independent prognostic factors.The presence of extrahepatic metastases was not an independent risk factor for poor prognosis(P=0.558).CONCLUSION The clinical course of HEHE is rare and variable,and patients with intrahepatic metastases and liver dysfunction may have a poorer prognosis than those without.Surgical intervention,whether liver resection or transplantation,might be warranted regardless of extrahepatic metastasis.For patients without the option for surgery,clinicians should consider the use of TACE with antiangiogenic drugs in the treatment of HEHE.

Irritable bowel syndrome: a disease still searching for pathogenesis, diagnosis and therapy

Irritable bowel syndrome(IBS) is the most frequently diagnosed functional gastrointestinal disorder in primary and secondary care. It is characterised by abdominal discomfort, pain and changes in bowel habits that can have a serious impact on the patient's quality of life. The pathophysiology of IBS is not yet completely clear. Genetic, immune, environmental, inflammatory, neurological and psychological factors, in addition to visceral hypersensitivity, can all play an important role, one that most likely involves the complex interactions between the gut and the brain(gut-brain axis). The diagnosis of IBS can only be made on the basis of the symptoms of the Rome Ⅲ criteria. Because the probability of organic disease in patients fulfilling the IBS criteria is very low, a careful medical history is critical and should pay particular attention to the possible comorbidities.Nevertheless, the severity of the patient's symptoms or concerns sometimes compels the physician to perform useless and/or expensive diagnostic tests, transforming IBS into a diagnosis of exclusion. The presence of alarming symptoms(fever, weight loss, rectal bleeding, significant changes in blood chemistry), the presence of palpable abdominal masses, any recent onset of symptoms in patient aged over 50 years, the presence of symptoms at night, and a familial history of celiac disease, colorectal cancer and/or inflammatory bowel diseases all warrant investigation. Treatment strategies are based on the nature and severity of the symptoms, the degree of functional impairment of the bowel habits, and the presence of psychosocial disorders. This review examines and discusses the pathophysiological aspects and the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches available for patients with symptoms possibly related to IBS, pointing out controversial issues and the strengths and weaknesses of the current knowledge.