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The diverse human gut microbiome is comprised of approximately 40 trillion microorganisms representing up to 1000 different bacterial species. The human microbiome plays a critical role in gut epithelial health and disease susceptibility. While the interaction between gut microbiome and gastrointestinal pathology is increasingly understood, less is known about the interaction between the microbiome and the aerodigestive tract. This review of the microbiome of the aerodigestive tract in health, and alterations in microbiome across esophageal pathologies highlights important findings and areas for future research. First, microbiome profiles are distinct along the aerodigestive tract, spanning the oral cavity to the stomach. In patients with reflux-related disease such as gastro-esophageal reflux disease, Barrett’s esophagus, and esophageal adenocarcinoma, investigators have observed an overall increase in gram negative bacteria in the esophageal microbiome compared to healthy individuals. However, whether differences in microbiome promote disease development, or if these shifts are a consequence of disease remains unknown. Interestingly, use of proton pump inhibitor therapy is also associated with shifts in the microbiome, with distinct shifts and patterns along the aerodigestive tract. The relationship between the human gut microbiome and esophageal pathology is a ripe area for investigation, and further understanding of these pathways may promote development of novel targets in prevention and therapy for esophageal diseases.

To perform a systematic review of modifiable risk factors associated with the incidence of renal cell cancer (RCC). A systematic search of the literature was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases from January 1996 until August 2017. We also extracted articles from the reference lists of identified studies and reviews. We targeted modifiable risk factors for RCC to include exercise, smoking, alcohol, diet, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. We utilized predefined inclusion criteria and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis statement. We identified a total of 464 relevant articles and excluded 209 via title and 130 after abstract review. We thoroughly reviewed a total of 125 manuscripts. Seven supplementary tables describe (a) case controls and (b) prospective cohort studies. We summarize the tables in figures to visualize the overall impact of these studies association (beneficial, harmful, or null) with RCC. Total physical activity if beneficial (10/12 studies), smoking is harmful (13/14 studies), alcohol was protective (i.e., beneficial, 13/16 studies), diet was indeterminate (13 beneficial, 13 harmful, and 9 nulls), obesity and hypertension were overwhelmingly harmful (36/36 studies and 17/18, respectively), and diabetes was detrimental (23/27 studies). Modifiable risk factors play an essential role in the development of RCC, and we should develop targeted RCC prevention strategies in at-risk individuals.

Individuals with acute recurrent and chronic pancreatitis may have an inherited predisposition to the development of the disease. Pancreatitis in the setting of a significant family history of the disease can be classified as hereditary or familial pancreatitis. In this article, the authors closely examine the specific genes implicated in pancreatitis, investigate the role of genetic testing for diagnosis, and describe the impact of genetic testing results on clinical management.

Pancreatic cysts are identified at an increasing frequency. Although mucinous cystic neoplasms represent a pre-malignant condition, the majority of these lesions do not progress to cancer. Over the last 10 years several societies have established guidelines for the diagnosis, initial evaluation and surveillance of these lesions. Here we provide an overview of five commonly used guidelines: 2015 American Gastroenterological Association, 2017 International Association of Pancreatology, American College of Gastroenterology 2018, European Study Group and American College of Radiology. We describe the similarities and differences between the methods used to formulate these guidelines, the population they target and their approaches towards initial evaluation and surveillance of cystic lesions.

Author(s): Liss, Michael; Natarajan, Loki; Hasan, Aws; Noguchi, Jonathan L; White, Martha; Parsons, J Kellogg | Abstract: BackgroundTo investigate associations of kidney cancer mortality with modifiable risk factors of obesity, physical activity, and smoking.MethodsWe evaluate baseline data from US National Health Information Survey from 1998 through 2004 linked to mortality data reporting deaths through 2006. The primary outcome variable was kidney cancer-specific mortality and primary exposure variables were self-reported physical activity and body mass index (BMI). We utilized multivariable adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models, with delayed entry to account for age at survey interview.ResultsAmong 222,163 individuals with complete follow-up data we identified 71 kidney cancer-specific deaths. In multivariate analyses, individuals who reported "any physical activity" were 50% less likely [adjusted hazard ratio (adjusted HR) 0.50, 95% CI 0.27-0.93, p = 0.028] to die of kidney cancer than non-exercisers, while obese individuals (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) were nearly 3 times more likely (adjusted HR 2.84, 95% CI 1.30-6.23, p = 0.009) compared to those of normal weight (BMI l 25 kg/m2). Compared to never smokers, former smokers were twice as likely to die of kidney cancer (adjusted HR 2.00, 95% CI 1.05-3.80, p = 0.034).ConclusionPhysical activity decreases and obesity increases the risk of kidney cancer mortality.