Prognostic value of T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 expression in upper gastrointestinal tract tumors:A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND There is a lack of robust prognostic markers for upper gastrointestinal(GI)tract cancers,including esophageal,gastric,and esophagogastric junction cancers.T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3(TIM3)plays a key immunomodulatory role and is linked to the prognosis of various cancers.However,the significance of TIM3 in upper GI tract tumors is still uncertain.AIM To investigate the prognostic value of TIM3 expression in upper GI tract tumors.METHODS A literature search was conducted on the PubMed,Embase,and Web of Science databases for relevant studies published until June 2023.After screening and quality assessment,studies that met the criteria were included in the metaanalysis.Statistical methods were used for the pooled analysis to assess the association of TIM3 expression in upper GI tract tumors with the prognosis and clinicopathological parameters.The results were reported with the hazard ratio(HR)and 95%confidence interval(CI).RESULTS Nine studies involving 2556 patients with upper GI tract cancer were included.High TIM3 expression was associated with a worse prognosis in upper GI tract cancer(HR:1.17,95%CI:1.01-1.36).Positive expression of TIM3 in gastric cancer was correlated with the T and N stage,but the difference was not statistically significant.However,TIM3 overexpression was significantly correlated with the TNM stage(odds ratio:1.21,95%CI:0.63-2.33;P<0.05).TIM3 expression showed no association with the other clinicopathological parameters.CONCLUSION High expression of TIM3 in the upper GI tract cancer is associated with a worse prognosis and advanced T or N stages,indicating its potential value as a prognostic biomarker.These findings may provide a basis for the personalized treatment of upper GI tract cancers.

Association of plant-based diets with the risk of upper gastrointestinal tract cancers:A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:Diets rich in red or processed meat have been linked to an increased risk of cancers within the digestive system.It has been suggested that a plant-based diet may have protective effects against digestive system cancers.This study aimed to determine the association between plant-based diets and upper gastrointestinal tract cancers(UGTC).Methods:We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.We searched the PubMed,Medline,Embase,and Web of Science databases for articles published up to September 30,2023.We pooled the risk ratios(RR)with the corresponding 95%confi-dence intervals(CI)using fixed or random-effects models.Results:Our meta-analysis included 16 studies(30 results).The data revealed a strong inverse association between a high intake of plant-based diets and UGTC(RR=0.60,95%CI=0.49-0.72),specifically gastric cancer(GC,RR=0.53,95%CI=0.42-0.67)and esophageal can-cer(EC,RR=0.63,95%CI=0.42-0.96).This relationship was not significant for gastric cardia cancer(GCA)or esophagogastric junctional cancer(EGJC,RR=0.76,95%CI=0.47-1.22).A subgroup analysis showed the association was significant in studies from Asia and Europe,as well as in studies utilizing indices such as a vegetarian diet,Mediterranean diet,the plant-based diet index,and principal component analy-sis(PCA)dietary patterns.There was no indication of publication bias among the analyzed studies.Conclusions:This meta-analysis highlights the potential health benefits of plant-based diets in preventing UGTC,particularly regarding esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)and GC.Nevertheless,additional research is required to validate these results and explore the un-derlying mechanisms.

Multiple primary malignant tumors of upper gastrointestinal tract:A novel role of ^(18)F-FDG PET/CT

AIM: To evaluate the capacity of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) for detecting multiple primary cancer of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) tract. METHODS: Fifteen patients (12 without cancer histories and 3 with histories of upper GI tract cancer) were investigated due to the suspicion of primary cancer of UGI tract on X-ray barium meal and CT scan. Subsequent whole body 18F-FDG PET/CT scan was carried out for initial staging or restaging. All the patients were fi nally confi rmed by endoscopic biopsy or surgery. The detection rate of multiple primary malignant cancers was calculated based on 18F-FDG PET/CT and endoscopic examinations.RESULTS: 18F-FDG PET/CT scan was positive in 32 suspicious lesions, 30/32 were true positive primary lesions, and 2/32 were false positive. In 15 suspicious lesions with negative 18F-FDG PET/CT scan, 12/15 were true negative and 3/15 were false negative. Among the 15 patients, 12 patients had 29 primary synchronous tumors confirmed by pathology, including 8 cases of esophageal cancers accompanied with gastric cancer and 4 of hypopharynx cancers with esophageal cancer. The other 3 patients had 4 new primary metachronous tumors, which were multiple primary esophageal cancers. PET/CT imaging detected local lymph node metastases in 11 patients. Both local lymph node metastases and distant metastases were detected in 4 patients. On a per-primary lesion basis, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, negative predictive value and positive predictive value of 18F-FDG PET/CT for detecting multiple primary cancer of UGI tract were 90.9%, 85.7%, 89.4%, 80% and 93.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The whole body 18F-FDG PET/CT may play an important role in evaluating the multiple primary malignant tumors of UGI tract cancer.

Mucosal lesions of the upper gastrointestinal tract in patients with ulcerative colitis:A review

Ulcerative colitis(UC)is a chronic,nonspecific,relapsing inflammatory bowel disease.The colorectum is considered the chief target organ of UC,whereas upper gastrointestinal(UGI)tract manifestations are infrequent.Recently,emerging evidence has suggested that UC presents complications in esophageal,stomachic,and duodenal mucosal injuries.However,UC-related UGI tract manifestations are varied and frequently silenced or concealed.Moreover,the endoscopic and microscopic characteristics of UGI tract complicated with UC are nonspecific.Therefore,UGI involvement may be ignored by many clinicians.In addition,no standard criteria have been established for patients with UC who should undergo fibrogastroduodenoscopy.Furthermore,specific treatment recommendations may be needed for patients with UC-associated UGI lesions.Herein,we review the esophageal,gastric,and duodenal mucosal lesions of the UC-associated UGI tract,as well as the potential pathogenesis and therapy.

Endoscopic Management of Foreign Bodies in the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract in Yaoundé(Cameroon)

Background/Aims: Foreign body (FB) ingestion is a common clinical situation. In some cases, it could be life-threatening, requiring interventional digestive endoscopy. Knowing the main FBs observed could help to prevent their ingestion or to improve management. The aim of this study is to report the results of upper digestive endoscopies performed for ingestion of FBs in Yaoundé (Cameroon). Methods: We recorded all patients who did a gastroscopy for FB ingestion from January 2000 to April 2020 in three medical centers of Yaoundé. We collected data concerning the socio-demographic characteristics of patients, foreign body type, endoscopic management and outcome. Results: A total of 9380 upper digestive endoscopies were performed, with 51 FBs ingestion (0.54%). Male were 27 (52.9%). The mean age was 25.8 ± 22.3 years (8 months to 75 years). Coins were the most frequent FB (23.5%), only observed in children, followed by fishbones (17.6%), only observed in adults. We also observed dental wears (11.8%), metallic objects (11.8%), non-metallic objects (3.9%), batteries (3.9%), toothpick (2%), packet of tablets (2%), and bezoars (2%). The FB was unknown at 21.6%. The most frequent localization was the esophagus in 29/36 patients (80.5%). Endoscopic removal was a success in 35/36 patients (97.2%). A surgery has been performed on one patient. We didn’t register any death. Conclusion: Most common FBs ingested in Yaoundé are coins and fishbones. The upper digestive endoscopy has a high success rate.

Nomogram to predict gas-related complications during transoral endoscopic resection of upper gastrointestinal submucosal lesions:Clinical significance

Transoral endoscopic resections in treating upper gastrointestinal submucosal lesions have the advantages of maintaining the integrity of the gastrointestinal lumen,avoiding perforation and reducing gastrointestinal fistulae.They are becoming more widely used in clinical practice,but,they may also present a variety of complications.Gas-related complications are one of the most common,which can be left untreated if the symptoms are mild,but in severe cases,they can lead to rapid changes in the respiratory and circulatory systems in a short period,which can be life-threatening.Therefore,it is important to predict the occurrence of gas-related complications early and take preventive measures actively.Based on the authors'results in the prepublication of the article“Nomogram to predict gas-related complications during transoral endoscopic resection of upper gastrointestinal submucosal lesions,”and in conjunction with our evaluation and additions to the relevant content,radiographs may help screen patients at high risk for gas-related complications.Controlling blood glucose levels,shortening the duration of surgery,and choosing the most appropriate surgical resection may positively impact the prognosis of patients at high risk for gas-related complications during transoral endoscopic resection of upper gastrointestinal submucosal lesions.

Nomogram to predict gas-related complications during transoral endoscopic resection of upper gastrointestinal submucosal lesions

BACKGROUND Gas-related complications present a potential risk during transoral endoscopic resection of upper gastrointestinal submucosal lesions.Therefore,the identification of risk factors associated with these complications is essential.AIM To develop a nomogram to predict risk of gas-related complications following transoral endoscopic resection of the upper gastrointestinal submucosal lesions.METHODS We collected patient data from the First Affiliated Hospital of the Army Medical University.Patients were randomly allocated to training and validation cohorts.Risk factors for gas-related complications were identified in the training cohort using univariate and multivariate analyses.We then constructed a nomogram and evaluated its predictive performance based on the area under the curve,decision curve analysis,and Hosmer-Lemeshow tests.RESULTS Gas-related complications developed in 39 of 353 patients who underwent transoral endoscopy at our institution.Diabetes,lesion origin,surgical resection method,and surgical duration were incorporated into the final nomogram.The predictive capability of the nomogram was excellent,with area under the curve values of 0.841 and 0.906 for the training and validation cohorts,respectively.CONCLUSION The ability of our four-variable nomogram to efficiently predict gas-related complications during transoral endoscopic resection enhanced postoperative assessments and surgical outcomes.

Upper gastrointestinal burns by peroxyacetic acid in children:a review of seven cases

Objective： To study the clinical features of upper gastrointestinal burns by peroxyacetic acid （PA） in children and improve its treatment and outcome. Methods： The clinical materials of 7 cases with upper gastrointestinal burns by PA including clinical presentation, treatment and outcomes were reviewed. Results： There were six boys and one girl. The concentration of the swallowed PA was from 10% to 20% and the amount was 3-10 ml. The mainly bums were located in esophagus in one case, stomach in three cases, both esophagus and stomach in three cases. The gastrostomy and operation of dilating esophagus were performed in the cases with esophageal stricture. The pyloroplasty or gastroduodenostomy was performed in the cases with pyloric obstruction. All the cases were followed up for 12-18 months, dysfunction of esophagus or（and） cardia as well as stiffness and hypodynamia of the stomach was showed in most of the patients. Conclusion： The degree of upper gastrointestinal burns by PA varied according to different concentrations of PA which was swallowed. Correct emergent measures in the acute stage of the burns was very important, gastric tube should be inserted and go through esophagus and pylorus and must be retained for 5-8 weeks to prevent the stricture of esophagus and pylortts, otherwise the tube could act as a passage of nutriment. Prophylaxis of upper gastrointestinal bums by PA is very important because the treatment of the burns is difficulty and the outcomes are not always satisfactory.

Gastrointestinal Behcet's disease:A review

Beh?et's disease(BD) is an idiopathic, chronic, relapsing, multi-systemic vasculitis characterized by recurrent oral and genital aphthous ulcers, ocular disease and skin lesions. Prevalence of BD is highest in countries along the ancient silk road from the Mediterranean basin to East Asia. By comparison, the prevalence in North American and Northern European countries is low. Gastrointestinal manifestations of Beh?et's disease are of particular importance as they are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Although ileocecal involvement is most commonly described, BD may involve any segment of the intestinal tract as well as the various organs within the gastrointestinal system. Diagnosis is based on clinical criteria- there are no pathognomonic laboratory tests. Methods for monitoring disease activity on therapy are available but imperfect. Evidence-based treatment strategies are lacking. Different classes of medications have been successfully used for the treatment of intestinal BD which include 5-aminosalicylic acid, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha monoclonal antibody therapy. Like inflammatory bowel disease, surgery is reserved for those who are resistant to medical therapy. A subset of patients have a poor disease course. Accurate methods to detect these patients and the optimal strategy for their treatment are not known at this time.

Conservative management of chronic gastric volvulus:44 cases over 5 years

AIM:To investigate clinical outcomes of patients with chronic gastric volvulus(GV)who were managed conservatively over a 5-year period.METHODS:A total of 44 consecutive patients with chronic GV,as diagnosed by barium study between October 2002 and July 2008 were investigated.All of these patients received conservative management initially without anatomical correction.Their clinical manifestations,diagnostic work-ups,and clinical outcomes were analyzed.We sought to identify independent risk factors for poor outcome by using the Cox proportional hazards model.RESULTS:The enrolled patients were predominantly male(n=37,84%)and of advanced age(median: 71 years old,interquartile range:57.5-78 years).Abdominal pain and fullness were the most common presentations.During the follow-up period(median:16 mo,up to 69 mo),there was no severe complication,but symptomatic recurrence was noted in 28 patients(64%).Only one patient turned to elective surgery for frequent symptoms.Peritoneal adhesion was the only independent risk factor associated with recurrence(hazard ratio:2.58,95%CI:1.08-6.13,P=0.033).CONCLUSION:Symptomatic recurrence of chronic GV is very common although serious complications infrequently occur with conservative management.Peritoneal adhesion is independently associated with recurrence.

Multiple primary malignant neoplasms of three early cancer lesions： a case report

Multiple primary malignant neoplasms （MPMNs） are rarely reported and it is important to give early diagnosis and proper therapy for these patients. Here reported a case of 62-year-old man with concomitant three early stage cancer lesions in upper gastrointestinal tract, all of which were detected by endoscopy. The first one was an llc-type lesion at angular part of stomach under endoscopy, which was histologically confirmed to be a mucosal well-differentiated adenocarcinoma.The patient underwent a standard radical gastrectomy for the lesion after the failure of endoscopic treatment. The other two neoplasms were observed during follow-up and were indicated as early stage lesions by synthesizing information from endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasonography, computed tomography and biopsy. One displayed as a hyperemic patch （3cm×4 cm in size） located at the part of esophagus 27 cm away from the incisor teeth and was proved to be moderately differentiated squamous cancer by histopathological examination. The other was an llc-type lesion （3.0 cm×3.5 cm in size） located at the part of esophagus 36 cm away from the incisor teeth, and the biopsy result showed a poorly differentiated squamous carcinoma. Both the two lesions were treated with radical radiation because the patient refused surgery management. No recurrence of former lesions or occurrence of novel lesions were observed during post-treatment follow-up, suggesting radical radiation might be effective for this patient.