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Background: High-resolution Manometry (HRM) is the most sensitive and specific test available for clinical assessment of hiatal hernia (HH), a common condition defined as the separation between the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) and crural diaphragm (CD). While the link between HH and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is established, the potential association of HH with esophageal dysmotility, independently from GERD, is uncertain. This study aimed to analyze if HH, with or without GERD, can associate with esophageal motility disorders., Methods: Consecutive patients without previous esophageal surgery who underwent HRM between 2018 and 2022 were enrolled. All patients with symptoms suggestive of GERD underwent impedance-pH testing off-therapy. HH was defined as a separation >1 cm between LES and CD, and esophagogastric junction (EGJ) morphology was classified as: Type I, when there was no separation between LES and CD; Type II, in case of minimal separation (>1 and <3 cm); Type III, when ≥3 cm of separation was present. Demographic and clinical characteristics were collected at baseline, including Age, Gender, Alcohol-, Coffee- and Smoke-habits, GERD diagnosis and symptoms' duration. Two cohorts of patients, with and without HH, were retrospectively individuated, and their association with Ineffective Peristalsis, Hypercontractile Esophagus and Outflow Obstruction was analyzed with univariate and multivariate Logistic regressions using the statistical software R., Key Results: 848 consecutive patients were enrolled, and 295 cases of HH (34.8%), subdivided into 199 (23.5%) Type II- and 96 (11.3%) Type III-EGJ patients, were identified. Ineffective peristalsis was diagnosed in 162 (19.1%) subjects, Hypercontractile esophagus in 32 (3.8%), and Outflow Obstruction in 91 (10.7%), while GERD was present in 375 (44.2%) patients. HH was significantly associated with Ineffective Peristalsis (p < 0.001) and GERD (p < 0.001). Furthermore, HH resulted to be a risk factor for Ineffective peristalsis (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.4-2.8, p < 0.001) both when the analysis was conducted in all the 848 subjects, independently from GERD, and when it was carried out in patients without GERD (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.02-5.3, p = 0.04). The risk for Ineffective Peristalsis increased 1.3 times for every centimeter of HH. No statistically significant association was found between HH and Outflow obstruction or Hypercontractile Esophagus., Conclusions & Inferences: An increasing separation between the LES and CD may lead to a gradual and significant elevation in the risk of Ineffective Peristalsis. Interestingly, this association with HH is true in patients with and in those without GERD, suggesting that the anatomical alteration seems to play a major role in motility change., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune disease of the connective tissue that can affect multiple organs. The esophagus is the most affected gastrointestinal tract, while interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a main feature associated with SSc. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association and prognostic implication between motor esophageal disorders and pulmonary involvement in SSc patients. We retrospectively assessed patients with SSc who underwent both the HRM with the new Chicago Classification 4.0 and pulmonary evaluation comprehensive of function tests and high-resolution computer tomography (HrCT) with the use of Warrick score. A total score ≥ 7 was considered predictive of ILD, while a score ≥ 10 in a HrCT acquired prospectively from baseline evaluation was considered to establish significant interstitial involvement. Forty-two patients were included. We found a score ≥ 7 in 11 patients with aperistalsis, in 6 subjects with IEM and in 6 patients with a normal manometry. Otherwise, a score < 7 was observed in 3 patients with aperistalsis, and in 2 and 14 patients with IEM and with a normal contractility, respectively. Higher scores were observed in subjects with absent contractility or ineffective esophageal motility than subjects with normal motility, indeed DCI and HrCT score were inversely correlated in linear and logarithmic regression analysis. Prospectively, lower baseline LESP and greater HrCT scores at follow-up evaluation were significantly correlated. This study shows an association between motor esophageal disorder and pulmonary involvement in SSc patients: more severe is the esophageal involvement, more critical is the pulmonary disease., Competing Interests: Declarations. Conflict of interest: The authors have no conflict of interests to declare., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Background : Ustekinumab and vedolizumab represent both valid therapeutic options in patients with Crohn's Disease. Data comparing the safety and efficacy of these drugs are indirect, with conflicting results reported. We aim to conduct a systematic review and metanalysis to assess the safety and effectiveness profile of ustekinumab and vedolizumab in patients with Crohn's Disease, including only studies that applied propensity scores to reduce confounding bias. Methods : We identified 59 reports that compared ustekinumab and vedolizumab after a propensity score match analysis, of which 16 were assessed for eligibility, and finally, ten retrospective studies were included. The main outcomes considered were clinical steroid-free remission at 14 ± 4, 24 ± 4, and 52 ± 4 weeks, drug discontinuation rate, adverse events, serious infections, and hospitalization during the first year of treatment. Results : A total of 4398 patients were treated with ustekinumab (n = 2774, 63.1%) or vedolizumab (1624, 36.9%). Steroid-free clinical remission was not significantly different between ustekinumab and vedolizumab at 12 ± 4 weeks (OR 1.31, 95%CI 0.88-1.94, p = 0.180), at 24 ± 4 weeks (OR 1.18, 95%CI 0.79-1.75, p = 0.420), and at 52 ± 4 weeks (1.35, 95%CI 0.91-2.01, p = 0.140). In patients receiving ustekinumab, the rate of adverse events (OR 0.54, 95%CI 0.35-0.83, p = 0.005), infection (OR 0.61, 95%CI 0.47-0.80, p < 0.001) and the need of hospitalization at 1-year (OR 0.68, 95%CI 0.58-0.80, p < 0.001) appeared to be lower. Conclusion : Ustekinumab and vedolizumab do not significantly differ in inducing and maintaining clinical steroid-free remission, while ustekinumab was associated with a lower risk of serious infections and hospitalization during the first year of treatment.

Background: Achalasia is a rare disorder characterized by impaired esophageal motility and symptoms like dysphagia, regurgitation, chest pain, and weight loss. A timely diagnosis is crucial to adequately manage this condition., Aims: This study aimed to assess the diagnostic delay from symptom onset to a definite diagnosis of achalasia, and to identify associated factors., Methods: This retrospective, single-center study included patients diagnosed with achalasia between January 2013 and September 2023. Demographic data, symptoms, manometric, endoscopic, and radiological findings were collected. We also considered socio-economic deprivation. Early diagnosis was defined as occurring within 12 months of symptom onset, while late diagnosis was defined as occurring more than 12 months., Results: We included 278 patients (142 males, median age 58 years). Dysphagia was the most common symptom (96 %), followed by regurgitation (70.1 %). The median diagnostic delay was 24 months (IQR 12-72, range 0-720), with 213 patients (76.6 %) experiencing late diagnosis. Early diagnosis was more common in patients with weight loss (63.1% vs. 42.0 %, p = 0.003). Lower material deprivation correlated with shorter diagnostic delay (24 months, IQR 10-60 vs. 60 months, IQR 18-300, p = 0.001)., Conclusions: Achalasia diagnosis is often delayed. Weight loss along with socio-economic factors, influence the timeliness of diagnosis. Improving awareness of disease and relevance of initial symptoms may facilitate earlier diagnosis and treatment., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Background: Age-related changes in the gastrointestinal system are common and may be influenced by physiological aging processes. To date, a comprehensive analysis of esophageal motor disorders in patients belonging to various age groups has not been adequately reported., Methods: We conducted a retrospective assessment of high-resolution manometry (HRM) studies in a multicenter setting. HRM parameters were evaluated according to the Chicago Classification version 4.0. Epidemiological, demographic, clinical data, and main manometric parameters, were collected at the time of the examination. Age groups were categorized as early adulthood (<35 years), early middle-age (35-49 years), late middle-age (50-64 years), and late adulthood (≥65 years)., Results: Overall, 1341 patients (632, 47.0% male) were included with a median age of 55 years. Late adulthood patients reported more frequently dysphagia (35.2%) than early adulthood patients (24.0%, p = 0.035), early middle-age patients (21.0%, p < 0.0001), and late middle-aged patients (22.7%, p < 0.0001). Esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction was more prevalent in late adulthood (16.7%) than in early adulthood (6.1%, p = 0.003), and in early middle-age (8.1%, p = 0.001). Patients with normal esophageal motility were significantly younger (52.0 years) than patients with hypercontractile esophagus (61.5 years), type III achalasia (59.6 years), esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (59.4 years), absent contractility (57.2 years), and distal esophageal spasm (57.0 years), in multivariate model (p < 0.0001)., Conclusion: The rate of esophageal motor disorders is higher in older patients, in particular esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction and hypercontractile esophagus. Future prospective studies are necessary to confirm our results and to find tailored strategies to improve clinical outcomes., (© 2024 The American Geriatrics Society.)

Background/Objectives : Different analgesic techniques have been used in the clinical management of chronic post-hernioplasty pain (CPHP), with variable results. This study aimed to investigate clinical factors associated with long-term outcome of the transversus abdominal plane (TAP) block for CPHP. Methods : We retrospectively analyzed 26 patients with CPHP who were treated with single or multiple TAP blocks with local anesthetic and steroid. Patients were evaluated for pain and neuropathic pain intensity by a Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and the painDETECT questionnaire (PDQ), for anxiety and depression by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and for quality of life by the 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF12). Results : At 6 months post-treatment, 20 patients (77%) presented substantial (>50%) or moderate (30-50%) CPHP relief and were considered responders. In responders, the 24-h average and maximum NRS pain significantly declined ( p < 0.01) from 7.3 ± 1.3 to 2.6 ± 2.1 and from 8.8 ± 1.5 to 5.1 ± 2.0, and the neuropathic PDQ score from 9.1 ± 3.2 to 6.1 ± 1.3; the physical SF12 score improved from 36.5 ± 5.8 to 44.3 ± 7.5 ( p < 0.01). Six patients failed to achieve a significant CPHP improvement and were considered non-responders. Non-responders presented a significantly ( p < 0.05) longer CPHP, higher body mass index and neuropathic symptoms, and more frequent anxiety, depression, diabetes, and fibromyalgia. Conclusions : The TAP block with local anesthetic and steroid should be considered as a therapeutic option for CPHP. However, medical and psychiatric comorbidities negatively impact the TAP block effectiveness for CPHP.

The present document constitutes Part 2 of the EoETALY Consensus Statements guideline on the diagnosis and management of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) developed by experts in the field of EoE across Italy (i.e., EoETALY Consensus Group). Part 1 was published as a different document, and included three chapters discussing 1) definition, epidemiology, and pathogenesis; 2) clinical presentation and natural history and 3) diagnosis of EoE. The present work provides guidelines on the management of EoE in two final chapters: 4) treatment and 5) monitoring and follow-up, and also includes considerations on knowledge gaps and a proposed research agenda for the coming years. The guideline was developed through a Delphi process, with grading of the strength and quality of the evidence of the recommendations performed according to accepted GRADE criteria.This document has received the endorsement of three Italian national societies including the Italian Society of Gastroenterology (SIGE), the Italian Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (SINGEM), and the Italian Society of Allergology, Asthma, and Clinical Immunology (SIAAIC). The guidelines also involved the contribution of members of ESEO Italia, the Italian Association of Families Against EoE., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic type 2-mediated inflammatory disease of the esophagus that represents the most common eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease. Experts in the field of EoE across Italy (i.e., EoETALY Consensus Group) including gastroenterologists, endoscopists, allergologists/immunologists, and paediatricians conducted a Delphi process to develop updated consensus statements for the management of patients with EoE and update the previous position paper of the Italian Society of Gastroenterology (SIGE) in light of recent evidence. Grading of the strength and quality of the evidence of the recommendations was performed using accepted GRADE criteria. The guideline is divided in two documents: Part 1 includes three chapters, namely 1) definition, epidemiology, and pathogenesis; 2) clinical presentation and natural history, and 3) diagnosis, while Part 2 includes two chapters: 4) treatment and 5) monitoring and follow-up. This document has received the endorsement of three Italian national societies including the SIGE, the Italian Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (SINGEM), and the Italian Society of Allergology, Asthma, and Clinical Immunology (SIAAIC). With regards to patients' involvement, these guidelines involved the contribution of members of ESEO Italia, the Italian Association of Families Against EoE., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest Nicola de Bortoli: Advisory board member for: AlfaSigma, Sanofi Genzyme, Dr Falk; Lecture grants from Reckitt-Benkiser, Malesci, Dr. Flak, Sofar, Alfa-Sigma, Pharma-Line. Pierfrancesco Visaggi: Has served as speaker for Dr Falk, JB Pharmaceuticals, Malesci. Roberto Penagini: Has served as speaker for Dr Falk, Sanofi. Edda Battaglia: has served as consultant for NZP, GUNA Gaia Pellegatta has served as speaker for Dr Falk, Sanofi Genzyme, Malesci. Paola Iovino: Has served as consultant for Dr Falk Giovanni Marasco: Served as an advisory board member for AlfaSigma, EG Pharma, Monteresearch srl, Recordati, Cineca. Received lecture grants from Agave, AlfaSigma, Bromatech, Clorofilla, Echosens, Ferring, Mayoly Spindler, Menarini and Schwabe Pharma. Salvatore Oliva: Has served as speaker for Sanofi, Medtronic; Has served as consultant for: Sanofi, Medtronic, Brystol; Has received research support from Alfa Sigma, Medtronic. Francesca Racca: has served as speaker for Sanofi; has served as consultant for Dr Falk, Sanofi, GSK Erminia Ridolo: has served as consultant for Dr Falk Edoardo Vincenzo Savarino: has served as speaker for Abbvie, Agave, AGPharma, Alfasigma, Aurora Pharma, CaDiGroup, Celltrion, Dr Falk, EG Stada Group, Fenix Pharma, Fresenius Kabi, Galapagos, Janssen, JB Pharmaceuticals, Innovamedica/Adacyte, Malesci, Mayoly Biohealth, Omega Pharma, Pfizer, Reckitt Benckiser, Sandoz, SILA, Sofar, Takeda, Tillots, Unifarco; has served as consultant for Abbvie, Agave, Alfasigma, Biogen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celltrion, Diadema Farmaceutici, Dr. Falk, Fenix Pharma, Fresenius Kabi, Janssen, JB Pharmaceuticals, Merck & Co, Nestlè, Reckitt Benckiser, Regeneron, Sanofi, SILA, Sofar, Synformulas GmbH, Tssakeda, Unifarco; he received research support from Pfizer, Reckitt Benckiser, SILA, Sofar, Unifarco, Zeta Farmaceutici. Bruno Annibale, Federica Baiano Svizzero, Giovanni Barbara, Brigida Barberio, Ottavia Bartolo, Antonio Di Sabatino, Ludovico Docimo, Marzio Frazzoni, Manuele Furnari, Matteo Ghisa, Andrea Iori, Marco Vincenzo Lenti, Elisa Marabotto, Aurelio Mauro, Marcella Pesce, Antonino Carlo Privitera, Ilaria Puxeddu, Mentore Ribolsi, Salvatore Russo, Giovanni Sarnelli, Salvatore Tolone, Patrizia Zentilin, Fabiana Zingone: None., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Background and Aims: Endocuff Vision (Olympus Europe, Hamburg, Germany) has been designed to enhance mucosal visualization, thereby improving detection of (pre-)malignant colorectal lesions. This multicenter, international, back-to-back, randomized colonoscopy trial compared the adenoma detection rate (ADR) and adenoma miss rate (AMR) between Endocuff Vision-assisted colonoscopy (EVC) and conventional colonoscopy (CC)., Methods: Patients aged 40 to 75 years referred for non-immunochemical fecal occult blood test-based screening, surveillance, or diagnostic colonoscopy were included at 10 hospitals and randomized into 4 groups: group 1, 2 × CC; group 2, CC followed by EVC; group 3, EVC followed by CC; and group 4, 2 × EVC. Primary outcomes included ADR and AMR., Results: A total of 717 patients were randomized, of whom 661 patients (92.2%) had 1 and 646 (90.1%) patients had 2 completed back-to-back colonoscopies. EVC did not significantly improve ADR compared to CC (41.1%; [95% confidence interval (CI), 36.1-46.3] vs 35.5% [95% CI, 30.7-40.6], respectively; P = .125), but EVC did reduce AMR by 11.7% (29.6% [95% CI, 23.6-36.5] vs 17.9% [95% CI, 12.5-23.5], respectively; P = .049). AMR of 2 × CC compared to 2 × EVC was also not significantly different (25.9% [95% CI, 19.3-33.9] vs 18.8% [95% CI, 13.9-24.8], respectively; P = .172). Only 3.7% of the polyps missed during the first procedures had advanced pathologic features. Factors affecting risk of missing adenomas were age (P = .002), Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (P = .008), and region where colonoscopy was performed (P < .001)., Conclusions: Our trial shows that EVC reduces the risk of missing adenomas but does not lead to a significantly improved ADR. Remarkably, 25% of adenomas are still missed during conventional colonoscopies, which is not different from miss rates reported 25 years ago; reassuringly, advanced features were only found in 3.7% of these missed lesions. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT03418948.)., Competing Interests: Disclosure The following authors disclosed financial relationships: P. Siersema: Research grants from MOTUS GI, Norgine, and Pentax. P. Apostolopoulos: Honoraria for lectures from Medtronic and Elpen Pharmaceutical; advisory board for Amgen and Boston Scientific; and travel grants from Vianex Pharmaceutical, Boston Scientific, and Proton. I. Papanikolaou: Honoraria from Bayer Hellas and Vianex and support for attending from Takeda Hellas S.A. Pharmaceuticals. H. Pohl: Research grant from Steris and Cosmo Pharmaceuticals. D. K. Rex: Research support from EndoAid, Olympus Corporation, Medivators, Erbe USA Inc, and Braintree Laboratories; consulting fees, honoraria and travel grants from Olympus Corporation, Boston Scientific, Aries Pharmaceutical, Braintree Laboratories, Lumendi Ltd, Norgine, Endokey, GI Supply, Medtronic, and Acacia Pharmaceuticals; and president (2021-2022) of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. J. Lau: Research grant from Boston Scientific. All other authors disclosed no financial relationships. This was an investigator-initiated trial funded by Norgine (Harefield, United Kingdom). The funder of the study had no role in study design, data analysis, or study report. The corresponding author had the final decision and responsibility to submit for publication., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: The diagnosis of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) based on otolaryngologist's assessment of laryngoscopic findings remains contentious in terms of sensitivity and specificity., Aims: To evaluate GERD prevalence, applying Lyon 2.0 Consensus criteria, in patients with extra-oesophageal symptoms undergoing laryngoscopic examination and impedance-pH monitoring., Methods: In this retrospective assessment, we included 470 patients with extra-oesophageal symptoms, either isolated or combined with typical symptoms, who had been referred to six tertiary Italian Gastroenterology Units between January and December 2020. Of these, 274 underwent 24-h impedance-pH monitoring and laryngoscopy off PPI therapy. GERD diagnosis followed Lyon Consensus 2.0 criteria, incorporating mean nocturnal baseline impedance when pH-impedance monitoring was inconclusive., Results: Laryngoscopic examination revealed pathological findings (predominantly posterior laryngitis) in 71.2% (195/274). GERD was diagnosed in 29.2% (80/274) via impedance-pH monitoring. The prevalence of GERD in patients with positive or negative laryngoscopy was similar (32.3% vs. 21.5%, p = 0.075). No significant difference in proximal reflux occurrences was noted between positive and negative laryngoscopy groups (33.3% vs. 24.1%, p = 0.133). Laryngoscopy demonstrated sensitivity and specificity of 78.8% and 32.0%, respectively, with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 32.3% and negative predictive value (NPV) of 28.4%. In contrast, a threshold of four concurrent laryngoscopic signs, identified in only eight patients, demonstrated a PPV of 93.8% and a NPV of 73.6% (sensitivity 25.4%, specificity 99.2%)., Conclusion: This study underscores the limited diagnostic accuracy of laryngoscopy, emphasising the necessity of impedance-pH monitoring for confirming GERD diagnoses using Lyon 2.0 criteria in patients with suspected extra-oesophageal symptoms., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objectives. The COVID-19 pandemic imposed unprecedented safety challenges on health care facilities. This study examined whether health care workers who deemed a better safety response to the pandemic by their units or employers experienced lower psychological distress. Methods. Patient care workers at a health care system in the Pacific Northwest were surveyed every 6 to 8 months from May 2020 to May 2022 (n = 3468). Psychological distress was measured with the Well-being Index (range: -2 to 7 points). Safety response was scored on the basis of participants' ratings (on a 1-5 scale) of equipment sufficiency and responsiveness to safety concerns by their health care system and unit. Results. Adjusted multilevel regressions showed an inverse association between safety responsiveness and psychological distress at the individual level (b = -0.54; 95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.67, -0.41) and the unit level (b = -0.73; 95% CI = -1.46, -0.01). The cross-level interaction was also statistically significant (b = -0.46; 95% CI = -0.87, -0.05). Conclusions. Health care workers who deemed a better response to safety challenges reported lower psychological distress. This study highlights the need for continued efforts to ensure adequate safety resources. ( Am J Public Health . 2024;114(S2):S204-S212. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307582).

Introduction: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) affects the connective tissue and leads to an abnormal fibrotic process in the skin and internal organs. Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) is able to induce cell proliferation and differentiation, and its expression is increased in SSc patients with pulmonary artery hypertension and in skin biopsies in patients with scleroderma. To date, no data on esophageal expression of EGFR are available in SSc patients. We aimed to evaluate whether the pro-fibrogenic pathways of SSc may affect EGFR expression in the esophagus., Methods: A retrospective analysis included patients with SSc and control subjects suffering from gastroesophageal reflux symptoms. Endoscopic assessment and histopathologic analyses were performed in all subjects and the presence of microscopic esophagitis was used to distinguish patients with normal esophageal mucosa and subjects with non-erosive reflux disease. EGFR expression was measured in all subjects., Results: A total of 35 patients with SSc were included, while the control group included 67 non-SSc patients. EGFR expression at the Z-line was higher in SSc patients than non-SSc patients in absence of microscopic esophagitis (median 65 %, IQR 56-71 % vs 42 %, IQR 37-54 %, p < 0.001). Microscopic esophagitis was found in 60 % of patients with SSc and 62.7 % of control patients, and EGFR expression was significantly higher in patients presenting microscopic esophagitis both in SSc and non-SSc patients., Conclusion: The EGFR hyperexpression may be due to SSc and/or reflux-related damage in patients with microscopic esophagitis. Further studies are warranted to answer open questions and provide a possible role of EGFR in terms of diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest AP, FC, N.S., G.M., M.F., EGG, FG, EM, LM, VS, PZ: Nothing to declare. EVS has served as speaker for Abbvie, AGPharma, Alfasigma, Dr Falk, EG Stada Group, Fresenius Kabi, Grifols, Janssen, Innovamedica, Malesci, Pfizer, Reckitt Benckiser, Sandoz, SILA, Sofar, Takeda, Unifarco; EVS has served as consultant for Alfasigma, Amgen, Biogen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celltrion, Diadema Farmaceutici, Dr. Falk, Fresenius Kabi, Janssen, Merck & Co, Reckitt Benckiser, Regeneron, Sanofi, Shire, SILA, Sofar, Synformulas GmbH, Takeda, Unifarco; EVS received research support from Pfizer, Reckitt Benckiser, SILA, Sofar, Unifarco., (Copyright © 2023 European Federation of Immunological Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

This narrative review delves into the intricate relationship between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and food intolerances. IBS, a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder, is characterized by symptoms like abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. The prevalence of IBS has increased globally, especially among young adults. Food and dietary habits play a crucial role in IBS management. About 85-90% of IBS patients report symptom exacerbation linked to specific food consumption, highlighting the strong connection between food intolerances and IBS. Food intolerances often exhibit a dose-dependent pattern, posing a challenge in identifying trigger foods. This issue is further complicated by the complex nature of gastrointestinal physiology and varying food compositions. This review discusses various dietary patterns and their impact on IBS, including the low-FODMAP diet, gluten-free diet, and Mediterranean diet. It highlights the importance of a personalized approach in dietary management, considering individual symptom variability and dietary history. In conclusion, this review emphasizes the need for accurate diagnosis and holistic management of IBS, considering the complex interplay between dietary factors and gastrointestinal pathophysiology. It underlines the importance of patient education and adherence to treatment plans, acknowledging the challenges posed by the variability in dietary triggers and the psychological impact of dietary restrictions.

Aim: Intraventricular glioblastomas (IVGBMs) are rare tumors within the central nervous system characterized by unique challenges in diagnosis and management due to their location within the ventricular system. Despite their rarity, these tumors necessitate comprehensive study to refine diagnostic approaches and optimize therapeutic strategies., Methods: A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases to identify relevant literature published up to January 2024. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies in English focusing on clinical characteristics, radiological features, pathology, and treatment of IVGBM. Data synthesis and analysis followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines., Results: Twenty-four articles met the inclusion criteria, comprising 47 patients with IVGBM. The median age was 47 years, with a male predominance (32 males, 15 females). Common symptoms included increased intracranial pressure and seizures. Tumors predominantly affected the lateral ventricles (body and trigone). Surgical resection (subtotal or gross total) was the primary treatment approach, with adjuvant therapies (radiotherapy, chemotherapy) administered postoperatively., Conclusions: IVGBM present distinct diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to their ventricular location. Current treatments primarily involve surgical resection followed by adjuvant therapies, though outcomes remain guarded. Further research is needed to enhance understanding and management of this rare glioblastoma subset.

The albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score to assess the risk of decompensation in patients with initially compensated cirrhosis may improve their prognostic evaluation. This letter critically evaluates the research, which utilizes the ALBI score to forecast decompensation in cirrhosis patients over a three-year period. This score was initially developed to assess liver function in hepatocellular carcinoma, its prognostic utility for non-malignant liver diseases has now been explored, recognizing decompensation as a pivotal event that significantly affects patient's survival. Some concerns regarding the methodology of this research may be raised, particularly the exclusive use of radiological diagnosis, potentially including patients without definite cirrhosis and thus skewing the decompensation risk assessment. The reported predominance of variceal bleeding as a decompensating event conflicts with established literature, that often reports ascites as the initial decompensation manifestation. The letter highlights the absence of details on esophageal varices and their management, which could introduce bias in evaluating the ALBI score's predictive power. Furthermore, the letter points out the small sample size of patients with high-risk ALBI grades, potentially compromising the score's validity in this context. We suggest prospective future research to investigate the dynamic changes in the ALBI score over time to reinforce the validity of the ALBI score as a predictor of decompensation in non-malignant liver disease., Competing Interests: Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article., (©The Author(s) 2023. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Medical trainees experience significant exam-related stress, such as preparing for the USA Licensing Medical Examination Step 1, which often negatively affects emotional health. Nourish , a novel Step 1 support program, was designed to foster improved self-efficacy and well-being during the process of studying for and taking the exam. Nourish was piloted at Oregon Health & Science University between December 2018 and February 2019., Methods: Program elements were guided by Self-Efficacy Theory and included community building, wellness support, peer tutoring and social persuasion. Program evaluation included pre- and post-program surveys. Participation was optional and included 46 of 154 students (30%) with 40 of the 46 students (87%) completing pre and post evaluations. The pre-survey was given during the Nourish orientation in December prior to the Step 1 study period, and the post-survey was given in early February when most students had taken their exam but none had received their scores., Results: While summary self-efficacy scores increased between baseline and post program (24.9 vs 27.7, p < 0.001), summary emotional health scores worsened (8.15 vs 8.75, p = 0.03). Summary scores for physical health also dropped but this difference was not statistically significant. Summary perceived stress scores increased from 15.5 at baseline to 23.7 post program (p < 0.001). All students who routinely participated in Nourish passed their USMLE Step 1 exam. One student who participated only in the orientation session did not pass., Conclusion: Nourish appeared to improve self-efficacy, even though students reported being stressed with low emotional health. The program appeared to help students align task demands with their own personal resources and set reasonable expectations and strategies to pass the exam. Medical schools should consider similar peer- and faculty mentor-based wellness and tutoring programs to support medical students while they work to achieve academic success.

Background: Chronic encapsulated intracerebral hematoma (CEICH) is a rare type of intracerebral hematoma (ICH) with peculiar radiological features and presenting as subtle slow-growing lesion exerting mass effect. We performed a systematic review of the literature focused on diagnosis and management of patients affected by CEICH., Material and Methods: A literature search according to the PRISMA statement was conducted using PubMed and Scopus databases and pertinent Mesh terms. All papers that reported intraventricular CEICH, or CEICH cases treated conservatively or by CT-guided needle aspiration were not included in this study. A total of 40 papers were included in this review, with 58 patients (38 males and 20 females) and a mean age of 41.44 ± 20.05 years (range 1-80)., Results: Neurological symptoms of onset include those related to an increase in intracranial pressure (ICP) in 28/58 cases (48.2%), seizures in 17/58 cases (29.3%), motor deficits in 14/58 cases (24.1%). The most frequent localization is atypical in 45/58 cases (77.6%). Surgical approach is not specified in 21/58 cases (36.2%), craniotomy was performed in 31/58 cases (53.4%), craniectomy in 5/58 cases (8.6%) and only in one case (1.7%) an endoscopic approach was performed. CEICH are usually located in an atypical site., Conclusions: There is not an association with anticoagulants and antiplatelets intake. Arteriovenous malformation is the most frequent cause. Surgery is suggested, and craniotomy is the most used approach even if further investigation should be directed to analyze the efficacy of endoscopic approach of these lesions, which may show favorable outcome.

Introduction: Heartburn is a frequent symptom occurring in daily clinical practice and is mainly associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, it can be stimulated by various factors and diseases other than GERD can present with heartburn. Therefore, physicians must be very careful in distinguishing GERD from non-GERD conditions in their patients, particularly when heartburn is refractory to anti-reflux medications., Areas Covered: The aim of this narrative review was to analyze the medical literature regarding the prevalence of heartburn and the various clinical disorders which can be present with this symptom. The type of medications usually adopted for treating heartburn and their grade of safety have been reviewed using an extensive computerized (Medline/PubMed) search with particular focus on the last 20 years., Expert Opinion: Many drugs can be used for relieving heartburn in patients with GERD, although PPIs are the pharmacological agents with the greatest efficacy. However, it must be highlighted that many non-GERD conditions may present clinically with this symptom whose intensity does not differ between GERD and functional esophageal disorders, which represent about 50% of all patients with suspected GERD. It is very important to identify these functional conditions because their treatment differs completely from that of GERD.

Introduction: Pedicle screw placement is a widely accepted surgical procedure for spinal fixation. Despite increases in knowledge about and expertise in pedicle screw insertion techniques, overall reported screw misplacement rates are still high. Spinal neuronavigation and intraoperative computed tomography (CT) imaging improves the accuracy and safety of pedicle screw placement through the continuous monitoring of screw trajectory. The purpose of this study is to compare pedicle screw placement under an O-arm intraoperative imaging system assisted by the StealthStation navigation system with screw placement under conventional fluoroscopy (C-arm)., Methods: For 222 patients, 1288 implanted pedicle screws in total were evaluated between 2018 and 2020. All patients underwent pedicle screw placement in the thoracic and lumbosacral regions through a posterior approach. Moreover, 107 patients (48.2%), 48 men and 59 women, underwent freehand screw placement under conventional fluoroscopy (C-arm group), whereas 115 patients (51.8%), 53 men and 62 women, underwent pedicle screw insertion under O-arm guidance with the help of the StealthStation neuronavigation system (Medtronic Navigation, Louisville, CO, USA) (O-arm group). Data were recorded and retrospectively analyzed. The accuracy of pedicle screw placement was postoperatively examined by using CT imaging and analyzed according to the Gertzbein-Robbins classification., Results: Of the 1288 pedicle screws, 665 (51.6%) were placed with C-arm image-guided assistance with a mean of 6.21 ± 2.1 screws per patient and 643 (48.4%) with O-arm image-guided assistance with a mean of 5.59 ± 1.6 screws. The average time for the screw placement procedure was 3:57 ± 1:07 h in the C-arm group and 4:21 ± 1:41 h in the O-arm group. A correct screw placement was detected in 92.78% of patients in the C-arm group and in 98.13% of patients in the O-arm group. Medial cortical breach was shown in 13 Grade B screws (1.95%), 19 Grade C (2.86%), 14 Grade D (2.11%), and two Grade E (0.3%) in the C-arm group, whereas this was shown in 11 Grade B screws (1.71%) and one Grade C (0.16%) in the O-arm group. Lateral breach occurred in eight screws in both groups. Anterior vertebral body breach was shown in eight screws in the C-arm group, whereas it was shown in four screws in the O-arm group. Reoperation for screw misplacement was mandatory in five patients in the C-arm group and two patients in the O-arm group., Conclusion: Pedicle screw placement under an O-arm intraoperative imaging system assisted by spinal navigation showed greater accuracy compared with placement under conventional fluoroscopic control, thus avoiding the onset of major postoperative complications. Notably, a reduction in medial and anterior breaches has been demonstrated., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Purpose: to determine lactose intolerance (LI) prevalence in women with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) and assess the impact of LI on LT4 replacement dose. Methods. consecutive patients with HT underwent Lactose Breath Test and clinical/laboratory data collection. Unrelated gastrointestinal disorders were carefully ruled out. Lactose-free diet and shift to lactose-free LT4 were proposed to patients with LI. Results: we enrolled 58 females (age range, 23−72 years) with diagnosis of HT. In total, 15 patients were euthyroid without treatment, and 43 (74%) euthyroid under LT4 (30 of them with a LT4 formulation containing lactose). Gastrointestinal symptoms were present in 84.5% of patients, with a greater prevalence in change in bowel habits in lactose-intolerant patients (p < 0.0001). The cumulative LT4 dose required did not differ in patients with or without LI. No significant difference in both TSH values and LT4 dose were observed in patients shifted to lactose-free LT4 and diet at 3 and 6 months compared to baseline. Conclusion: the prevalence of LI in patients with HT was 58.6%, not different from global prevalence of LI. In the absence of other gastrointestinal disorders, LI seems not to be a major cause of LT4 malabsorption and does not affect the LT4 required dose in HT patients.

Introduction: An estimated 11% of medical students experience suicidal ideation during medical school. Many medical schools teach students how to intervene on behalf of patients experiencing suicidal ideation, but no curriculum in MedEdPORTAL teaches students how to intervene on behalf of peers., Methods: The authors designed, implemented, and evaluated a 2-hour workshop to equip medical students with skills and resources to intervene on behalf of a peer in crisis. This workshop comprised a peer-led didactic session and small-group sessions with role-plays and a guided debrief. The resource included a slide deck for the didactic session, a facilitator guide for the small-group session, a student handout with role-plays and self-evaluation questions, and the pre-/postsurvey., Results: This workshop was conducted with cohorts of first- and second-year medical students ( n = 273) in October and November 2019. Pre-/postsurveys showed the greatest improvements in suicide prevention knowledge (self-rated) and the confidence in and likelihood of asking peers about suicide., Discussion: Student feedback indicated that the most valuable parts of the workshop were the peer-led nature of the didactic session, the perspective of a peer's lived experience, and the role-plays. Opportunities for improvement included the scheduling of the session, the potentially triggering nature of the role-play exercises, and the importance of enabling students to opt out discreetly. A version of this workshop is now a permanent part of the first-year curriculum at our institution., (© 2022 Hjelvik et al.)