Establishing an integrated gastroenterology service between a medical center and the community

AIM:To combine community and hospital services inorder to enable improvements in patient management,an integrated gastroenterology service(IGS)was established.METHODS:Referral patterns to specialist clinics were optimized;open access route for endoscopic procedures(including esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy,sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy)was established;family physicians’knowledge and confidence were enhanced;direct communication lines between experts and primary care physicians were opened.Continuing education,guidelines and agreed instructions for referral were promoted by the IGS.Six quality indicators were developed by the Delphi method,rigorously designed and regularly monitored.Improvement was assessed by comparing 2010,2011 and 2012 indicators.RESULTS:An integrated delivery system in a specific medical field may provide a solution to a fragmented healthcare system impaired by a lack of coordination.In this paper we describe a new integrated gastroenterology service established in April 2010.Waiting time for procedures decreased:3 mo in April 30th 2010 to 3 wk in April 30th 2011and stayed between 1-3 wk till December 30th 2012.Average cost for patient’s visit decreased from 691 to638 NIS(a decrease of 7.6%).Six health indicators were improved significantly comparing 2010 to 2012,2.5%to 67.5%:Bone densitometry for patients with inflammatory bowel disease,preventive medications for high risk patients on aspirin/NSAIDs,colonoscopy following positive fecal occult blood test,gastroscopy in Barrett’s esophagus,documentation of family history of colorectal cancer,and colonoscopy in patients with a family history of colorectal cancer.CONCLUSION:Establishment of an IGS was found to effectively improve quality of care,while being costeffective.

Days of “Zero” level geomagnetic activity accompanied by the high neutron activity and dynamics of some medical events—Antipodes to geomagnetic storms

The links of many medical-biological events with high levels of geomagnetic activity (GMA) are widely discussed. In recent years, several medical phenomena were described in inverse distribution by time with GMA. Also a concurrent to GMA and solar activity force-cosmic ray activity (CRA) and closely related high energy neutron and proton fluxes are studied as a forces dominating at low GMA and solar activity in relation to considered medical events. The aim of this study was to explore the distribution of some important medical events on days with “Zero” GMA levels, accompanied by high CRA (neutron activity). Medical event data of the Grand Baku region (more than 3 mln inhabitants), Azerbaijan, with daily distribution on the time 1 Dec. 2002-31 Dec. 2007 was compared to daily GMA Kp indices in general (Kp > 0, 1837 days) and 34 days daily GMA indices Kp = 0. Daily CRA data was also compared using neutron monitoring data from two stations. Daily averaged data and their standard deviations on the mentioned GMA levels were compared and statistical significance was established. Results revealed a significant rise in the number of emergencies (n = 1,567,576) and total deaths number (n = 46,360) at the days of “Zero” GMA level. These days were accompanied by significant rise of CRA (neutron activity). For Sudden Cardiac Deaths (SCD, n = 1615) and cerebral stroke (CVA, n =10,054) the increase achieved strong trend to significance level. Acute Myocardial Infarction occurrence (morbidity) and trauma were also absolutely more registered at days with “Zero” GMA level, despite the small number of such days. The average Infection numbers show an inverse relationship with absolutely high registry at the “Zero” GMA level days. Study linking environmental physical activity levels and the human medical data shows that geomagnetic field variations accompanied by the increased level of cosmic ray activity, can have either direct or indirect adverse effects on human health and physiology, even when the magnitude of the geomagnetic field disturbance is extremely small or even is equal to zero. On days of “Zero” daily Kp indices describing Geomagnetic Activity, accompanied by high Cosmic Ray Activity (neutron activity), more medical emergencies and total death number (daily) occurred. Sudden Cardiac Deaths and Cerebral Stroke numbers show a strong trend to significant rise. Absolute increase of number of Acute Myocardial Infarction and less Infections, not achieving statistical significance, was also observed. These results are additional data for considering Cosmic Ray Activity (neutron activity) as an additional factor involved in time distribution of human medical events.

Trans-anal endoscopic microsurgery for non- adenomatous rectal lesions

BACKGROUND Trans-anal endoscopic microsurgery(TEM)enables a good visualization of the surgical field and is considered the method of choice for excision of adenomas and early T1 rectal cancer.The rectum and retro-rectal space might be the origin of uncommon neoplasms,benign and aggressive,certain require radical trans-abdominal surgery,while others can be treated by a less aggressive approach.In this study we report outcomes in patients undergoing TEM for rare and non-adenomatous rectal and retro-rectal lesions over a period of 11 years.METHODS Between January 2008 to December 2019 a retrospective analysis was completed for all patients who underwent TEM for non-adenomatous rectal lesion or retro-rectal mass in our institution.Patients were discharged once diet was well tolerated and no complications were identified.They were evaluated at 3 wk post operatively,then at 3-mo intervals for the first 2 years and every 6 mo depending on the nature of the final pathology.Clinical examination and rectoscopy were performed during each of the follow-up visits.RESULTS Out of 198 patients who underwent TEM during the study period,18 had non-adenomatous rectal or retro-rectal lesions.Mean age was 47 years.The mean size of the lesions was 2.9 mm,with a mean distance from the anal margin of 7.9 cm.Mean surgical time was 97.8 min.There were no intra-operative neither late post-operative complications.Mean length of stay was 2.5 d.Mean patient follow-up duration was 42 mo.CONCLUSION TEM allows for reduced morbidity given its minimally invasive nature.Surgeons should be familiar with the technique but careful patient selection should be considered.It can be used safely for uncommon rectal and selected retro-rectal lesions without compromising outcomes.We believe that it should be reasonably considered as one of the surgical methods when treating rare lesions.

Excision of malignant and pre-malignant rectal lesions by transanal endoscopic microsurgery in patients under 50 years of age

BACKGROUND The most common technique for treating benign and early malignant rectal lesions is transanal endoscopic microsurgery(TEM).Local excision is an acceptable technique for high-risk and elderly patients,but there are hardly any data regarding young patients.AIM To describe TEM outcomes in patients under 50 years of age.METHODS We collected demographic,clinical,and pathological data from all patients under the age of 50 years who underwent the TEM procedure at Hasharon Rabin Medical Center from January 2005 to December 2018.RESULTS During the study period,a total of 26 patients under the age of 50 years underwent TEM procedures.Their mean age was 43.3 years.Eleven(42.0%)were male.The mean operative time was 67 min,and the mean tumor size was 2.39 cm,with a mean anal verge distance of 8.50 cm.No major intraoperative or postoperative complications were recorded.The median length of stay was 2 d.Seven(26.9%)lesions were adenomas with low-grade dysplasia,four(15.4%)were high-grade dysplasia adenomas,two were T1 carcinomas(7.8%),and three were T2 carcinomas(11.5%).No residual disease was found following endoscopic polypectomy in two patients(7.8%),but four(15.4%)had other pathologies.Surgical margins were negative in all cases.Local recurrence was detected in one patient 33 mo following surgery.CONCLUSION Among young adult patients,TEM for benign rectal lesions has excellent outcomes.It may also offer a balance between the efficacy of complete oncologic resection and postoperative quality of life in the treatment of rectal cancer.In some cases,it may be considered an alternative to radical surgery.

Inflammatory bowel disease among first generation immigrants in Israel:A nationwide epi-Israeli Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Nucleus study

BACKGROUND Israel has a high rate of Jewish immigration and a high prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).AIM To compare IBD prevalence in first-generation immigrants vs Israel-born Jews.METHODS Patients with a diagnosis of IBD as of June 2020 were included from the validated epi-IIRN(Israeli IBD Research Nucleus)cohort that includes 98%of the Israeli population.We stratified the immigration cohort by IBD risk according to country of origin,time period of immigration,and age group as of June 2020.RESULTS A total of 33544 patients were ascertained,of whom 18524(55%)had Crohn’s disease(CD)and 15020(45%)had ulcerative colitis(UC);28394(85%)were Israel-born and 5150(15%)were immigrants.UC was more prevalent in immigrants(2717;53%)than in non-immigrants(12303,43%,P<0.001),especially in the<1990 immigration period.After adjusting for age,longer duration in Israel was associated with a higher point prevalence rate in June 2020(high-risk origin:Immigration<1990:645.9/100000,≥1990:613.2/100000,P=0.043;intermediate/low-risk origin:<1990:540.5/100000,≥1990:192.0/100000,P<0.001).The prevalence was higher in patients immigrating from countries with high risk for IBD(561.4/100000)than those originating from intermediate-/low-risk countries(514.3/100000;P<0.001);non-immigrant prevalence was 528.9/100000.CONCLUSION Lending support to the environmental effect on IBD etiology,we found that among immigrants to Israel,the prevalence of IBD increased with longer time since immigration,and was related to the risk of IBD in the country of origin.The UC rate was higher than that of CD only in those immigrating in earlier time periods.

MicroRNAs as a potential prognostic factor in gastric cancer

AIM:To compare the microRNA (miR) profiles in the primary tumor of patients with recurrent and non-recurrent gastric cancer.METHODS:The study group included 45 patients who underwent curative gastrectomies from 1995 to 2005 without adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapy and for whom adequate tumor content was available.Total RNA was extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor samples,preserving the small RNA fraction.Initial profiling using miR microarrays was performed to identify potential biomarkers of recurrence after resection.The expression of the differential miRs was later verified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).Findings were compared between patients who had a recurrence within 36 mo of surgery (bad-prognosis group,n=14,31%) and those who did not (good-prognosis group,n=31,69%).RESULTS:Three miRs,miR-451,miR-199a-3p and miR-195 were found to be differentially expressed in tumors from patients with good prognosis vs patients with bad prognosis (P<0.0002,0.0027 and 0.0046 respectively).High expression of each miR was associated with poorer prognosis for both recurrence and survival.Using miR-451,the positive predictive value for non-recurrence was 100% (13/13).The expression of the differential miRs was verified by qRT-PCR,showing high correlation to the microarray data and similar separation into prognosis groups.CONCLUSION:This study identified three miRs,miR-451,miR-199a-3p and miR-195 to be predictive of recurrence of gastric cancer.Of these,miR-451 had the strongest prognostic impact.

H pylori recurrence after successful eradication

Recurrence of H pylori after eradication is rare in developed countries and more frequent in developing countries. Recrudescence (recolonization of the same strain within 12 mo after eradication) rather than reinfection (colonization with a new strain, more than 12 mo after eradication) is considered to be responsible for most of the cases. This observation was confirmed only in developed countries, while in developing countries a recent meta-analysis demonstrated a high rate of reinfection. The proportion of H pylori annual recurrence was 2.67% and 13.00% in developed and developing countries, respectively. Nested meta-analysis (only cases with a longer follow-up and a negative 13CUBT a year after eradication) revealed annual recurrence rate of 1.45% [relative risk (RR), 0.54] and 12.00% (RR, 0.92) in developed and developing countries, respectively. These findings support the notion that in developed countries many cases of recurrence are due to recrudescence within the first year after eradication, with a 46% drop in the recurrence rate after the first year post eradication, while in developing countries reinfection is more pronounced, and continue at the same rate since eradication. A different approach for follow-up after H pylori eradication is probably needed in patients of developing countries, since reinfection is highly prevalent.

Efficiency of bowel preparation for capsule endoscopy examination:A meta-analysis

Good preparation before endoscopic procedures is essential for successful visualization. The small bowel is difficult to evaluate because of its length and complex configuration. A meta-analysis was conducted of studies comparing small bowel visualization by capsule endoscopy with and without preparation. Medical data bases were searched for all studies investigating the preparation for capsule endoscopy of the small bowel up to July 31, 2007. Studies that scored bowel cleanness and measured gastric and small bowel transit time and rate of cecum visualization were included. The primary endpoint was the quality of bowel visualization. The secondary endpoints were transit times and proportion of examinations that demonstrated the cecum, with and without preparation. Meta-analysis was performed with StatDirect Statistical software, version 2.6.1 (http:// statsdirect.com). Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Bowel visualization was scored as "good" in 78% of the examinations performed with preparation and 49% performed without (P < 0.0001). There were no significant differences in transit times or in the proportion of examinations that demonstrated the cecum with and without preparation. Capsule endoscopy preparation improves the quality of small bowel visualization, but has no effect on transit times, or demonstration of the cecum.

The association between orthostatic hypertension and all-cause mortality in hospitalized elderly persons

BackgroundLittle 在长期的死亡上对 orthostatic 高血压(OHT ) 和它的效果的流行被知道在老。我们评估了 OHT 的流行，它在 1852 个病人的就医的老 patients.MethodsOut 的死亡上的效果在 31/12/1999 和 31/12/2000 之间承认了到一个尖锐衰老老人病房，有一个平均数的 474 个病人(48% 男性) 81.5 ± 变老；6.8 年在这研究被注册。血压(BP ) 在一个仰卧、站的位置在日子期间被测量三次。有在站之上的收缩或心脏舒张的 BP 层次的至少一增加的病人与 OHT 被诊断。病历，物理考试和实验室参数从医药记录被检索。死亡数据直到 18 th 2014 年 6 月从 Interior.ResultsFour 的部的计算机化的系统被检索 107 个病人(86%) 与 OHT 被诊断。没有 OHT，那些有一个更低的身体团索引并且是更可能的男性，吸烟者，与 OHT 与那些相比有 Parkinsons 疾病和更少的充血的心失败的更高的率。有 OHT 的病人让更好的幸存没有 OHT，比那些评价(P = 0.024 ) 。为有 OHT 的在那些的死亡的危险比率(HR ) 适应了年龄，多重风险因素是：0.67 [95% 信心间隔(CI ) ：0.51 −； 0.87 ] 并且 0.73 (95% CI：0.55 −； 0.97 ) 分别地；一个类似的趋势被有 OHT 的老病人有的 gender.ConclusionHospitalized 在敏感分析注意更好的幸存率比那些没有 OHT。

Microsatellite instability and MLH1 promoter hypermethylation in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is caused by a series of genetic or epigenetic changes, and in the last decade there has been an increased awareness that there are multiple forms of colorectal cancer that develop through different pathways. Microsatellite instability is involved in the genesis of about 15% of sporadic colorectal cancers and most of hereditary nonpolyposis cancers. Tumors with a high frequency of microsatellite instability tend to be diploid, to possess a mucinous histology, and to have a surrounding lymphoid reaction. They are more prevalent in the proximal colon and have a fast pass from polyp to cancer. Nevertheless, they are associated with longer survival than stage-matched tumors with microsatellite stability. Resistance of colorectal cancers with a high frequency of microsatellite instability to 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy is well established. Silencing the MLH1 gene expression by its promoter methylation stops the formation of MLH1 protein, and prevents the normal activation of the DNA repair gene. This is an important cause for genomic instability and cell proliferation to the point of colorectal cancer formation. Better knowledge of this process will have a huge impact on colorectal cancer management, prevention, treatment and prognosis.

Gastric mucin expression in Helicobacter pylori-related, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-related and idiopathic ulcers

AIM: To determine the pattern of secreted mucin expression in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-related, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-related and idiopathic gastric ulcers. METHODS: We randomly selected 92 patients with H. pylori-associated (n = 30), NSAID-associated (n = 18), combined H. pylori and NSAID-associated gastric ulcers (n = 24), and patients with idiopathic gastric ulcers (n = 20). Immunohistochemistry for T-cell CD4/CD8, andfor mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) and mucin 6 (MUC6), was performed on sections of the mucosa from the ulcer margin. Inflammation score was assessed according to the Sydney system. RESULTS: MUC5AC was expressed on the surface epithelium (98.9%) and neck glands (98.9%) with minimal expression in the deep glands (6.5%). MUC6 was strongly expressed in the deep glands (97.8%), variable in the neck glands (19.6%) and absent in the surface epithelium (0%). The pattern of mucin expression in idiopathic ulcer margins was not different from the expression in ulcers associated with H. pylori, NSAIDs, or combined H. pylori and NSAIDs. CD4/CD8 ratio was higher in H. pylori-positive patients (P = 0.009). Idiopathic ulcers are associated with hospitalized patients and have higher bleeding and mortality rates. CONCLUSION: Idiopathic ulcers have a unique clinical profile. Gastric mucin expression in idiopathic gastric ulcers is unchanged compared with H. pylori and/or NSAID-associated ulcers.

Modulators affecting the immune dialogue between human immune and colon cancer cells

The link between chronic inflammation and colorectal cancer has been well established. The events proceeding along tumorigenesis are complicated and involve cells activated at the cancer microenvironment, tumor infiltrating polymorphonuclears, immune cells including lymphocyte subtypes and peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMC), as well as tumor-associated macrophages. The immune cells generate inflammatory cytokines, several of them playing a crucial role in tumorigenesis. Additional factors, such as gene expression regulated by cytokines, assembling of tumor growth- and transforming factors, accelerated angiogenesis, delayed apoptosis, contribute all to initiation, development and migration of tumor cells. Oxygen radical species originating from the inflammatory area promote cell mutation and cancer proliferation. Tumor cells may over-express pro-inflammatory mediators that in turn activate immune cells for inflammatory cytokines production. Consequently, an immune dialogue emerges between immune and cancer cells orchestrated through a number of activated molecular pathways. Cytokines, encompassing migration inhibitory factor, transforming growth factor beta 1, tumor necrosisfactor-α, Interleukin(IL)-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-17, IL-23 have been reported to be involved in human cancer development. Some cytokines, namely IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-22 and growth factors promote tumor development and metastasis, and inhibit apoptosis via activation of signal transducer activator transcription-3 transcription factor. Colon cancer environment comprises mesenchymal, endothelial and immune cells. Assessment of the interaction between components in the tumor environment and malignant cells requires a reconsideration of a few topics elucidating the role of chronic inflammation in carcinogenesis, the function of the immune cells expressed by inflammatory cytokine production, the immunomodulation of cancer cells and the existence of a cross-talk between immune and malignant cells leading to a balance in cytokine production. It is conceivable that the prevalence of anti-inflammatory cytokine production by PBMC in the affected colonic mucosa will contribute to the delay, or even to halt down malignant expansion. Targeting the interplay between immune and cancer cells by mediators capable to alter cytokine secretion toward increased anti-inflammatory cytokine release by PBMC and tumor associated macrophages, may serve as an additional strategy for treatment of malignant diseases. This review will focus on the inflammatory events preceding tumorigenesis in general, and on a number of modulators capable to affect colon cancer cell-induced production of inflammatory cytokines by PBMC through alteration of the immune crosstalk between PBMC and cancer cells.

Incidence and management of colonoscopic perforations: 8 years' experience

瞄准：与诊断、治疗学的 colonoscopies 考察一个主要医药教学中心的经验并且估计相关结肠的穿孔的发生和管理。方法：所有 colonoscopies 在 1994 年 1 月之间表现了， 2001 年 12 月被学习。病人， colonoscopic 报告和过程相关的复杂并发症上的数据从部的计算机化的数据库被收集。有柱子的病人的医药记录程序的结肠的穿孔被考察。结果：120067 colonoscopies 的一个总数在学习的 8 年期间被执行。七个 colonoscopic 穿孔(4 女性， 3 男性) 被诊断(0.058%) 。五发生了在期间诊断并且二在治疗学的结肠镜检查期间。六在结肠镜检查以后被怀疑在期间或立即。除了都，一有弥漫的温柔的符号并且经历了立即的操作，主要修理在 4 个病人做。没有死亡被报导。结论：穿孔率在结肠镜检查期间是低的。不过，它是严肃的复杂并发症和它的早识别，治疗是必要的优化结果。在有早起作用的弥漫的腹膜炎的病人，干预使主要修理成为一种安全选择。

Mucin gene expression in bile of patients with and without gallstone disease,collected by endoscopic retrograde cholangiography

AIM:To investigate the pattern of mucin expression and concentration in bile obtained during endoscopic retrograde cholangiography(ERC) in relation to gallstone disease.METHODS:Bile samples obtained at ERC from 29 consecutive patients,17 with and 12 without gallstone disease were evaluated for mucin content by gel filtration on a Sepharose CL-4B column.Dot blot analysis for bile mucin apoproteins was performed with antibodies to Mucin 1(MUC1) ,MUC2,MUC3,MUC5AC,MUC5B and MUC6.Staining intensity score(0-3) was used as a measure of antigen expression.RESULTS:MUC1,MUC2,MUC3,MUC5AC,MUC5B and MUC6 were demonstrated in 34.4%,34.4%,51.7%,51.7%,55.1% and 27.5% of bile samples,respectively.The staining intensity scores were 0.62 ± 0.94,0.58 ± 0.90,0.79 ± 0.97,1.06 ± 1.22,1.20 ± 1.26 and 0.41 ± 0.73,respectively.Mean mucin concentration measured in bile by the Sepharose CL-4B method was 22.8 ± 24.0 mg/mL(range 3.4-89.0 mg/mL) .Mean protein concentration was 8.1 ± 4.8 mg/mL(range 1.7-23.2 mg/mL) .CONCLUSION:High levels of MUC3,MUC5AC and MUC5B are expressed in bile aspirated during ERC examination.A specific pattern of mucin gene expression or change in mucin concentration was not found in gallstone disease.

MUC1 and colorectal cancer pathophysiology considerations

Several lines of evidence point towards a biological role of mucin and particularly MUC1 in colorectal cancer. A positive correlation was described between mucin secretion, proliferation, invasiveness, metastasis and bad prognosis. But, the role of MUC1 in cancer progression is still controversial and somewhat confusing. While Mukherjee and colleagues developed MUC1-specific immune therapy in a CRC model, Lillehoj and coinvestigators showed recently that MUC1 inhibits cell proliferation by a β-catenin-dependent mechanism. In carcinoma cells the polarization of MUC1 is lost and the protein is over expressed at high levels over the entire cell surface. A competitive interaction between MUC1 and E-cadherin, through β-catenin binding, disrupts E-cadherin-mediated cell-cell interactions at sites of MUC1 expression. In addition, the complex of MUC1-β-catenin enters the nucleus and activates T-cell factor/leukocyte enhancing factor 1 transcription factors and activates gene expression. This mechanism may be similar to that just described for DCC and UNC5H, which induced apoptosis when not engaged with their ligand netrin, but mediate signals for proliferation, differentiation or migration when ligand bound.

Membrane-bound mucins and mucin terminal glycans expression in idiopathic or Helicobacter pylori, NSAID associated peptic ulcers

AIM:To determine the expression of membrane-bound mucins and glycan side chain sialic acids in Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)-associated,non-steroidal inflammatory drug(NSAID)-associated and idiopathic-gastric ulcers.METHODS:We studied a cohort of randomly selected patients with H.pylori(group 1,n=30),NSAID(group 2,n=18),combined H.pylori and NSAID associated gastric ulcers(group 3,n=24),and patients with idiopathic gastric ulcers(group 4,n=20).Immunohistochemistry for MUC1,MUC4,MUC17,and staining for Erythrina cristagalli agglutinin and Sambucus nigra agglutinin(SNA)lectins was performed on sections from the ulcer margins.RESULTS:Staining intensity of MUC17 was higher in H.pylori ulcers(group 1)than in idiopathic ulcers(group4),11.05±3.67 vs 6.93±4.00 for foveola cells,and10.29±4.67 vs 8.00±3.48 for gland cells,respectively(P<0.0001).In contrast,MUC1 expression was higher in group 4 compared group 1,9.89±4.17 vs 2.93±5.13 in foveola cells and 7.63±4.60 vs 2.57±4.50 for glands,respectively(P<0.0001).SNA lectin staining was increased in group 4,in parallel to elevated MUC1expression,indicating more abundantα2-6 sialylation in that group.CONCLUSION:Cytoplasmic MUC17 staining was sig-nificantly decreased in the cases with idiopathic ulcer.The opposite was observed for both MUC1 and SNA lectin.This observation may reflect important pathogenic mechanisms,since different mucins with altered sialylation patterns may differ in their protection efficiency against acid and pepsin.

Co-occurrence of type 1 diabetes mellitus and celiac disease

The co-occurrence of celiac disease(CD) and type 1 diabetes(T1DM) has been reported as 5-7 times more prevalent than CD alone.The clinical presentation and natural history of CD in patients with T1 DM may vary considerably.Less than 10% of patients with T1 DM and CD show gastrointestinal symptoms.Therefore,experts support screening for CD in T1 DM patients,though there is no consensus as to the recommended frequency of screening.When stratified by time since CD diagnosis,longer follow-up and coexistence of CD are associated with significant increased risk of diabetic associated morbidity and mortality.Early CD diagnosis and treatment with a gluten-free diet are essential.

Interval to surgery after neoadjuvant treatment for colorectal cancer

The current standard treatment of low-lying locally advanced rectal cancer consists of chemoradiation followed by radical surgery.The interval between chemoradiation and surgery varied for many years until the1999 Lyon R90-01 trial which compared the effects of a short(2-wk)and long(6-wk)interval.Results showed a better clinical tumor response(71.7%vs 53.1%)and higher rate of positive and pathologic tumor regression(26%vs 10.3%)after the longer interval.Accordingly,a 6-wk interval between chemoradiation and surgery was set to balance the oncological results with the surgical complexity.However,several recent retrospective studies reported that prolonging the interval beyond 8or even 12 wk may lead to significantly higher rates of tumor downstaging and pathologic complete response.This in turn,according to some reports,may improve overall and disease-free survival,without increasing the surgical difficulty or complications.This work reviews the data on the effect of different intervals,derived mostly from retrospective analyses using a wide variation of treatment protocols.Prospective randomized trials are currently ongoing.

Role of illness perception and self-efficacy in lifestyle modification among non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients

AIM To describe the relationships between non-alcoholic fatty-liver disease(NAFLD) patient's disease consequences and treatment perceptions, self-efficacy, and healthy lifestyle maintenance. METHODS A cross-sectional study among 146 ultrasound diagnosed NAFLD patients who visited the fatty liver clinic at the TelAviv Medical Center. Eighty-seven of these individuals, participated in a clinical trial of physical activity and underwent fasting blood tests, analyzed at the same lab. Exclusion criteria included positivity for serum HBsA g or anti-HCV antibodies; fatty liver suspected to be secondary to hepatotoxic drugs; excessive alcohol consumption(≥ 30 g/d in men or ≥ 20 g/d in women) and positive markers of genetic or immune-mediated liver diseases. Patients were asked to complete a selfreport structured questionnaire, assembled by the Israeli Center for Disease Control. Nutrition habits were measured using six yes/no questions(0 = no, 1 = yes) adopted from the national survey questionnaire. Participants in the clinical trial completed a detailed semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire(FFQ) reporting their habitual nutritional intake during the past year. Self-efficacy was assessed by the Self-Efficacy Scale questionnaire, emotional representation, degree of illness understanding, timeline perception, treatment perception and symptoms were measured by the Brief Illness Perception questionnaire. Illness consequences were measured by the Personal Models of Diabetes Interview questionnaire. A path analysis was performed to describe the interrelationships between the patients' illness perceptions, and assess the extent to which the data fit a prediction of nutritional habits.RESULTS The study sample included 54.1% men, with a mean age of 47.76 ± 11.68 years(range: 20-60) and mean body mass index of 31.56 ± 4.6. The average perceived nutrition habits score was 4.73 ± 1.45 on a scale between 0-6, where 6 represents the healthiest eating habits. Most of the study participants(57.2%) did not feel they fully understood what NAFLD is. Better nutritional habits were positively predicted by the degree of illness understanding(β = 0.26; P = 0.002) and selfefficacy(β = 0.25; P = 0.003). Perceptions of more severe illness consequences were related with higher emotional representation(β = 0.55; P < 0.001), which was related with lower self-efficacy(β =-0.17; P = 0.034). The perception of treatment effectiveness was positively related with self-efficacy(β = 0.32; P < 0.001). In accordance with the correlation between self-efficacy and the perceived nutrition habits score, self-efficacy was also correlated with nutrient intake evaluated by the FFQ; negatively with saturated fat(percent of saturated fat calories from total calories)(r =-0.28, P = 0.010) and positively with fiber(r = 0.22, P = 0.047) and vitamin C intake(r = 0.34, P = 0.002). In a sub analysis of the clinical trial participants, objectively measured compliance to physical activity regimen was positively correlated with the self-efficacy level(r = 0.34, P = 0.046). CONCLUSION Self-efficacy and illness understanding are major determinants of lifestyle-modification among NAFLD patients. This information can assist clinicians in improving compliance with lifestyle changes among these patients.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and gastrointestinal morbidity in a large cohort of young adults

BACKGROUND Although the association of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD)with psychiatric disorders is well known,its association with somatic diseases is unclear.Only few studies have investigated the gastrointestinal(GI)morbidity in adult patients with ADHD.AIM To measure gastrointestinal comorbidity and its burden on healthcare in young adults with ADHD.METHODS The cohort included subjects aged 17-35 years recruited to the Israel Defense Forces in 2007-2013,33380 with ADHD and 355652 without(controls).The groups were compared for functional and inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract and clinic and specialist visits for gastrointestinal symptoms/disease during service(to 2016).Findings were analyzed by generalized linear models adjusted for background variables.RESULTS Compared to controls,the ADHD group had more diagnoses of functional gastrointestinal disorders(referred to as FGID),namely,dyspepsia[odds ratio(OR):1.48,95%confidence interval(CI):1.40-1.57,P<0.001],chronic constipation(OR:1.64,95%CI:1.48-1.81,P<0.001),and irritable bowel syndrome(OR:1.67,95%CI:1.56-1.80,P<0.001)but not of organic disorders(inflammatory bowel disease,celiac disease).They had more frequent primary care visits for gastrointestinal symptoms[rate ratio(RR):1.25,95%CI:1.24-1.26,P<0.001]and referrals to gastrointestinal specialists(RR:1.96,95%CI:1.88-2.03,P<0.001)and more episodes of recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms(RR:1.29,95%CI:1.21-1.38,P<0.001).Methylphenidate use increased the risk of dyspepsia(OR:1.49,95%CI:1.28-1.73,P<0.001)and constipation(OR:1.42,95%CI:1.09-1.84,P=0.009).CONCLUSION ADHD in young adults is associated with an excess of FGID and increased use of related health services.Research is needed to determine if an integrative approach treating both conditions will benefit these patients and cut costs.