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World Journal of Gastroenterology Mar 2024In 2000, the small bowel capsule revolutionized the management of patients with small bowel disorders. Currently, the technological development achieved by the new...
In 2000, the small bowel capsule revolutionized the management of patients with small bowel disorders. Currently, the technological development achieved by the new models of double-headed endoscopic capsules, as miniaturized devices to evaluate the small bowel and colon [pan-intestinal capsule endoscopy (PCE)], makes this non-invasive procedure a disruptive concept for the management of patients with digestive disorders. This technology is expected to identify which patients will require conventional invasive endoscopic procedures (colonoscopy or balloon-assisted enteroscopy), based on the lesions detected by the capsule, those with an indication for biopsies or endoscopic treatment. The use of PCE in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases, namely Crohn's disease, as well as in patients with iron deficiency anaemia and/or overt gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, after a non-diagnostic upper endoscopy (esophagogastroduodenoscopy), enables an effective, safe and comfortable way to identify patients with relevant lesions, who should undergo subsequent invasive endoscopic procedures. The recent development of magnetically controlled capsule endoscopy to evaluate the upper GI tract, is a further step towards the possibility of an entirely non-invasive assessment of all the segments of the digestive tract, from mouth-to-anus, meeting the expectations of the early developers of capsule endoscopy.
Topics: Humans; Capsule Endoscopy; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal; Intestinal Diseases; Crohn Disease; Intestine, Small; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage
PubMed: 38596501
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i10.1270 -
World Journal of Stem Cells Mar 2024Stem cell transplantation is a promising therapeutic option for curing perianal fistula in Crohn's disease (CD). Anti-tumor necrotic factor (TNF) therapy combined with...
BACKGROUND
Stem cell transplantation is a promising therapeutic option for curing perianal fistula in Crohn's disease (CD). Anti-tumor necrotic factor (TNF) therapy combined with drainage procedure is effective as well. However, previous studies are limited to proving whether the combination treatment of biologics and stem cell transplantation improves the effect of fistula closure.
AIM
This study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of stem cell transplantation and compare Crohn's perianal fistula (CPF) closure rates after stem cell transplantation with and without anti-TNF therapy, and to identify the factors affecting CPF closure and recurrence.
METHODS
The patients with CD who underwent stem cell transplantation for treating perianal fistula in our institution between Jun 2014 and December 2022 were enrolled. Clinical data were compared according to anti-TNF therapy and CPF closure.
RESULTS
A total of 65 patients were included. The median age of females was 26 years (range: 21-31) and that of males was 29 (44.6%). The mean follow-up duration was 65.88 ± 32.65 months, and complete closure was observed in 50 (76.9%) patients. The closure rates were similar after stem cell transplantation with and without anti-TNF therapy (66.7% 81.6% at 3 year, = 0.098). The patients with fistula closure had short fistulous tract and infrequent proctitis and anorectal stricture ( = 0.027, 0.002, and 0.008, respectively). Clinical factors such as complexity, number of fistulas, presence of concurrent abscess, and medication were not significant for closure. The cumulative 1-, 2-, and 3-year closure rates were 66.2%, 73.8%, and 75.4%, respectively.
CONCLUSION
Anti-TNF therapy does not increase CPF closure rates in patients with stem cell transplantation. However, both refractory and non-refractory CPF have similar closure rates after additional anti-TNF therapy. Fistulous tract length, proctitis, and anal stricture are risk factors for non-closure in patients with CPF after stem cell transplantation.
PubMed: 38577230
DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v16.i3.257 -
Case Reports in Dermatology 2024A peculiar spongy appearance of the perianal skin was observed in a patient who underwent wide excision surgery for inguinal and gluteal hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).
INTRODUCTION
A peculiar spongy appearance of the perianal skin was observed in a patient who underwent wide excision surgery for inguinal and gluteal hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).
CASE PRESENTATION
This peculiar appearance was observed in a 62-year-old male patient. It included multiple orifices and cavities forming the spongy aspect of the perianal skin with multiple cysts and giant comedones. The perianal lesions were asymptomatic and the patient had never received any perianal treatment for the comedones or cysts. Histopathology was performed and demonstrated dilated hair follicles with flaky keratin and loose hair shafts in the center. The spongy appearance was most likely the result of spontaneous shedding of the cystic contents.
CONCLUSION
We suspect that the "cystic sponge anus" might be associated with HS, smoking, the male gender, and may yet be another expression of an occlusive follicular disease. Future studies will be needed to clarify the prevalence and comorbidities of the "cystic sponge anus."
PubMed: 38567034
DOI: 10.1159/000536085 -
Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics Dec 2024In 2020, there were approximately 50,865 anal cancer cases and 36,068 penile cancer cases worldwide. HPV is considered the main causal agent for the development of anal... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
In 2020, there were approximately 50,865 anal cancer cases and 36,068 penile cancer cases worldwide. HPV is considered the main causal agent for the development of anal cancer and one of the causal agents responsible for the development of penile cancer. The aim of this epidemiological, descriptive, retrospective study was to describe the burden of hospitalization associated with anal neoplasms in men and women and with penis neoplasms in men in Spain from 2016 to 2020. The National Hospital Data Surveillance System of the Ministry of Health, Conjunto Mínimo Básico de Datos, provided the discharge information used in this observational retrospective analysis. A total of 3,542 hospitalizations due to anal cancer and 4,270 hospitalizations due to penile cancer were found; For anal cancer, 57.4% of the hospitalizations occurred in men, and these hospitalizations were also associated with significantly younger mean age, longer hospital stays and greater costs than those in women. HIV was diagnosed in 11.19% of the patients with anal cancer and 1.74% of the patients with penile cancer. The hospitalization rate was 2.07 for men and 1.45 for women per 100,000 in anal cancer and of 4.38 per 100,000 men in penile cancer. The mortality rate was 0.21 for men and 0.12 for women per 100,000 in anal cancer and 0.31 per 100.000 men in penile cancer and the case-fatality rate was 10.07% in men and 8,26% in women for anal cancer and 7.04% in penile cancer. HIV diagnosis significantly increased the cost of hospitalization. For all the studied diagnoses, the median length of hospital stays and hospitalization cost increased with age. Our study offers relevant data on the burden of hospitalization for anal and penile cancer in Spain. This information can be useful for future assessment on the impact of preventive measures, such as screening or vaccination in Spain.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Penile Neoplasms; Retrospective Studies; Anal Canal; Spain; Hospitalization; Anus Neoplasms; HIV Infections; Papillomavirus Infections
PubMed: 38557433
DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2334001 -
Communications Biology Mar 2024Autophagy is a dynamic self-renovation biological process that maintains cell homeostasis and is responsible for the quality control of proteins, organelles, and energy... (Review)
Review
Autophagy is a dynamic self-renovation biological process that maintains cell homeostasis and is responsible for the quality control of proteins, organelles, and energy metabolism. The E1-like ubiquitin-activating enzyme autophagy-related gene 7 (ATG7) is a critical factor that initiates classic autophagy reactions by promoting the formation and extension of autophagosome membranes. Recent studies have identified the key functions of ATG7 in regulating the cell cycle, apoptosis, and metabolism associated with the occurrence and development of multiple diseases. This review summarizes how ATG7 is precisely programmed by genetic, transcriptional, and epigenetic modifications in cells and the relationship between ATG7 and aging-related diseases.
Topics: Autophagy-Related Protein 7; Autophagosomes; Autophagy; Ubiquitin-Activating Enzymes; Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzymes
PubMed: 38553562
DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06080-1 -
Minerva Surgery Jun 2024Botulinum toxin is an effective therapeutic option for chronic anal fissure. However, there is no evidence about treatment standardization and long-term follow-up. We... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
BACKGROUND
Botulinum toxin is an effective therapeutic option for chronic anal fissure. However, there is no evidence about treatment standardization and long-term follow-up. We aimed to evaluate the short- and long-term efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin compared to close lateral internal sphincterotomy, with a 5-year follow-up.
METHODS
This was a prospective, controlled, single-center study conducted at University Hospital of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy. The primary outcome was fissure healing at 1 month. Secondary outcomes were Quality-of-Life (QoL) at 1 month and after 5 years, and fissure recurrence at 6 months and 5 years.
RESULTS
A total of 59 patients received botulinum toxin injection (Botox), and 32 underwent lateral internal sphincterotomy. At 1 month after treatments, postoperative pain decreased faster and significantly more in the Botox group (30 vs. 60 mm; P<0.001); fissure re-epithelization was observed in 59.4% of the surgical group compared to 25.4% of Botox (P=0.0001). Anal sphincter pressures decreased more in surgical group (P=0.044), although severe anal incontinence was present only in this subset (6.2%; P=0.041). Compared to surgery, patients who received Botox had higher satisfaction rates (P<0.001). Fissure recurrence at 6 months was more common in Botox than surgical group (16.9% vs. 3.2%, respectively; P=0.053). The overall healing rate improved in all patients and persisted at 12 months and 5 years in both groups with overall high patient satisfaction despite mild anal incontinence in 21.8% in the surgery group (P<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Botox, rather than surgery, should be considered the first-line treatment for chronic anal fissure.
Topics: Humans; Fissure in Ano; Prospective Studies; Female; Male; Chronic Disease; Botulinum Toxins, Type A; Middle Aged; Follow-Up Studies; Adult; Treatment Outcome; Quality of Life; Neuromuscular Agents; Recurrence; Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy; Time Factors; Anal Canal
PubMed: 38551598
DOI: 10.23736/S2724-5691.24.10228-6 -
Journal of Primary Care & Community... 2024When examining health literacy and disease specific knowledge levels across ethnicities and communities, ethnic minority groups are known to be at a higher risk of being...
INTRODUCTION
When examining health literacy and disease specific knowledge levels across ethnicities and communities, ethnic minority groups are known to be at a higher risk of being below the average health literacy threshold which is a factor linked to poor health status and higher mortality rates. This study examined disease specific knowledge levels, perceived severity, and perceived susceptibility surrounding anal cancer and HPV-related screening behaviors.
METHODS
The following research questions were explored: (1) "What are the common themes and/or beliefs when asked about anal cancer, HPV, and preventive screening?" and (2) "What are the common themes and beliefs surrounding the severity and susceptibility of contracting anal cancer?". This study utilized a cross-sectional design to survey 26 individuals regarding their knowledge level and perspectives regarding anal cancer and HPV. An 8-question survey was developed de novo based on an application of the Health Belief Model (HBM) elements. This study employed thematic analysis to explore critical themes to construct a model to understand knowledge levels, attitudes, and risk perceptions regarding anal cancer and intention to participate in preventive screenings. The fundamental attitudes and themes related to anal cancer risk and intention to participate in preventative screenings were elicited using a qualitative descriptive technique. Coded data was utilized to analyze themes based on (1) knowledge and (2) perceived risk, both severity and susceptibility.
RESULTS
Overall, the findings indicate very low levels of knowledge regarding screening, anal cancer, and HPV across all genders. The low levels of anal cancer and HPV knowledge were seen in 13 coded segments (50% of surveys) which showed no familiarity with or comprehension of HPV, and 4 coded segments indicated no familiarity with anal cancer. In addition, 15 respondents (57%) had low or no preventive or screening-related knowledge. While some respondents (46%) illustrated high perceived severity for anal cancer, only 23% indicated high perceived susceptibility for anal cancer.
CONCLUSION
The results from this study may be used to inform practitioners, providers, and policymakers in developing interventions addressing low levels of understanding and disease specific knowledge surrounding anal cancer in support of creating a standardized health screening procedure.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Human Papillomavirus Viruses; Ethnicity; Papillomavirus Infections; Cross-Sectional Studies; Minority Groups; Anus Neoplasms; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
PubMed: 38544374
DOI: 10.1177/21501319241243198 -
International Journal of Molecular... Mar 2024Elevated rates of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) and anal cancer (AC) in populations like men who have sex... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Elevated rates of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) and anal cancer (AC) in populations like men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV underscore the need for effective screening. While high-resolution anoscopy-guided biopsy is the gold standard, limited provider availability poses a challenge. This has spurred interest in identifying biomarkers for improved AC prevention. Antibodies against HPV16 oncoprotein E6, known as markers for cervical and oropharyngeal cancers, are the focus of the current study. The systematic review and meta-analysis included six studies meeting inclusion criteria, assessing HPV16 E6 seroprevalence in individuals with anal HSIL or AC. A two-step meta-analysis estimated pooled odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for HPV16 E6 seroprevalence and HSIL or AC. Pooled prevalence, sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratios were also calculated. This meta-analysis revealed a 3.6-fold increased risk of HSIL for HPV16 E6 seropositive individuals, escalating to a 26.1-fold risk increase for AC. Pooled specificity and sensitivity indicated a high specificity (0.99; 95%CI: 0.99, 0.99) but lower sensitivity (0.19; 95%CI: 0.10, 0.34) for HPV16 E6 serostatus as an AC biomarker. In conclusion, while HPV16 E6 seroprevalence demonstrates specificity as a potential biomarker for HPV-related AC, its utility as a standalone screening tool may be limited. Instead, it could serve effectively as a confirmation test, particularly in high-risk populations, alongside other diagnostic methods. Further research is imperative to explore HPV16 E6 seroconversion dynamics and alternative screening algorithms.
Topics: Male; Humans; Homosexuality, Male; Human papillomavirus 16; Papillomavirus Infections; Early Detection of Cancer; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Sexual and Gender Minorities; Biomarkers, Tumor; Carcinoma in Situ; Anus Neoplasms; Papillomaviridae
PubMed: 38542409
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25063437 -
Seminars in Nephrology Jan 2024Kidney transplantation is the ideal treatment modality for patients with end-stage kidney disease, with excellent outcomes post-transplant compared with dialysis.... (Review)
Review
Kidney transplantation is the ideal treatment modality for patients with end-stage kidney disease, with excellent outcomes post-transplant compared with dialysis. However, kidney transplant recipients are at increased risk of infections and cancer because of the need for immunosuppression. Kidney transplant recipients have approximately two to three times greater risk of developing cancer than the general population, and cancer is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality. Most of the increased risk is driven by viral-mediated cancers such as post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder, anogenital cancers, and Kaposi sarcoma. Nonmelanoma skin cancer is the most frequent type of cancer in kidney transplant recipients, likely due to an interaction between ultraviolet radiation exposure and decreased immune surveillance. Occurrence of the more common types of solid organ cancers seen in the general population, such as breast, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers, is not, or is only mildly, increased post-transplant. Clinical care and future research should focus on prevention and on improving outcomes for important immunosuppression-related malignancies, and treatment options for other cancers occurring in the transplant setting.
Topics: Humans; Kidney Transplantation; Neoplasms; Skin Neoplasms; Sarcoma, Kaposi; Lymphoproliferative Disorders; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Immunosuppression Therapy; Immunosuppressive Agents; Lung Neoplasms; Anus Neoplasms; Prostatic Neoplasms; Colorectal Neoplasms; Risk Factors; Transplant Recipients
PubMed: 38538455
DOI: 10.1016/j.semnephrol.2024.151494 -
Cirugia Y Cirujanos 2024The aim of this study is to describe the effectiveness and safety of a magistral formulation of diltiazem 2% rectal gel as a treatment for chronic anal fissure. (Observational Study)
Observational Study
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to describe the effectiveness and safety of a magistral formulation of diltiazem 2% rectal gel as a treatment for chronic anal fissure.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A retrospective observational study of all patients that began treatment with diltiazem 2% gel during 2019. The primary endpoint of the study was anal fissure healing. We also looked for differences in effectiveness between those initiating treatment and those who had been previously treated, long-term effectiveness through a 2-year follow-up and frequency of adverse effects.
RESULTS
Of the 166 patients included in the study, anal fissure healed in 72.9%. We detected adverse effects in 12 patients, the most common was local irritation. After 2 years of follow-up, 88% of patients did not relapse.
CONCLUSION
In this study, use of topical diltiazem 2% has been shown to be effective and safe in the treatment of anal fissure and should be considered as the first line of therapy.
Topics: Humans; Diltiazem; Fissure in Ano; Administration, Topical; Chronic Disease; Wound Healing; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38537239
DOI: 10.24875/CIRU.22000626