Impact of Cold Snare vs Cold Forceps Resection of Diminutive Adenomas on Segmental Incomplete Resection Rate.

INTRODUCTION: Polypectomy technique, for diminutive lesion resection, is variable among colonoscopists using either cold snare polypectomy (CSP) or cold forceps polypectomy (CFP). While it is well described that CSP is a preferred technique to resect small lesions, there is little data evaluating the impact resection techniques have on metachronous adenoma burden. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of incomplete resection attributable to CSP and CFP of diminutive adenomas. METHODS: This is a 2-center retrospective cohort study evaluating the segmental incomplete resection rate (S-IRR) of diminutive tubular adenomas (TA). S-IRR was calculated by subtracting the segmental metachronous adenoma rate in a specific colonic segment without adenoma from segments with adenoma on index colonoscopy. The primary outcome was the S-IRR of diminutive TA resected by CSP or CFP on index colonoscopy. RESULTS: A total of 1,504 patients were included in the analysis: 1,235 with TA <6 mm and 269 with TA 6-9 mm as the most advanced lesion. The S-IRR in a segment that had a <6-mm TA incompletely resected by CFP on index colonoscopy was 13%. The S-IRR in a segment that had a <6-mm TA incompletely resected by CSP was 0%. Among 12 included colonoscopists, the range of overall S-IRR was 1.1%-24.4% with an average S-IRR of 10.3%. DISCUSSION: S-IRR was 13% higher with CFP resection of diminutive TA than with CSP. A proposed S-IRR metric of <5% is a target goal for all diminutive polyp resection because 3/12 colonoscopists achieved this low rate. S-IRR can be used as a methodology to compare and quantify the difference in segmental metachronous adenoma burden across various polypectomy removal methods.

Risk of total metachronous advanced neoplasia in patients with both small tubular adenomas and serrated polyps.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The impact of concomitant small serrated polyps (SPs) on the risk of subsequent neoplasia when small tubular adenomas (TAs) are found is uncertain. METHODS: Patients who on index colonoscopy had ≤2 TAs of <10 mm in size in isolation were compared with those with concomitant ≤2 small-sized SPs. SP was inclusive of polyps described by pathology as sessile serrated lesions (SSLs) or proximal hyperplastic polyps (HPs) <10 mm in size. The primary endpoint was the rate of total metachronous advanced neoplasia (T-MAN) compared among the TAs in the isolation group and the groups inclusive of SPs (SSLs or proximal HPs). RESULTS: For patients with TAs and small SPs found concomitantly, the rate of T-MAN was 9.6% (24/251), which was significantly higher than the rate of T-MAN in patients with isolated small TAs (5.2% [59/1138], P = .011). Within the concomitant SP cohort, the rate of T-MAN in the proximal HP subgroup remained significantly increased (9% [19/212]) compared with the isolated small TA group (P = .037). CONCLUSIONS: When small TAs are found concomitantly with small SPs, there is an increase in the rate of T-MAN in comparison with isolated TAs. This increase in T-MAN also occurs when small TAs are found in conjunction with small proximal HPs. The presence of concomitant small SPs should be considered in determining surveillance intervals when small TAs are identified in colonoscopy screening programs.

Behavioral circadian phenotypes are associated with the risk of elevated body mass index.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic dysfunction and obesity rates are on the rise. Although the central modes of circadian disruption has been studied in relation to the risk of obesity, the role of eating time has remained unclear. Here, we aimed to assess circadian behavioral phenotypes and their association with the risk of elevated body mass index (BMI). METHODS: This was a prospective cross-sectional study of individuals presenting for colorectal cancer screening colonoscopy. Participants completed demographic questionnaires, The Munich ChronoType Questionnaire (MCTQ), and Food Timing Screener (FTS). The primary outcome of the study was the association between circadian phenotypes and elevated BMI. RESULTS: A total of 488 individuals completed the survey, with a mean (SD) age of 57.5 (10.8) years. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 28.8 (6.1) kg/m2, with 72.3% of individuals met criteria for elevated BMI. Four circadian behavioral phenotypes were generated: early chronotype with regular food timing (ER) (34.7%), early chronotype with irregular food timing (EI) (11.7%), intermediate/late chronotype with regular food timing (LR) (33.9%), and intermediate/late chronotype with irregular food timing (LI) (19.7%). In a multivariable regression analysis, LI phenotype had 2.9 times higher odds of elevated BMI as compared to ER phenotype (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.3-6.7, P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: The combination of late chronotype and irregular food timing, representative of a behavioral circadian rhythm disruption, is associated with higher rates of elevated BMI. The majority of individuals with this abnormal circadian phenotype were younger than 60 years old. This observation is especially relevant because of the ongoing rise in the obesity rates among young adults. LEVEL III: Evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case-control analytic studies.

Segmental metachronous adenoma rate as a metric for monitoring incomplete resection in a colonoscopy screening program.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Polypectomy technique has been shown to vary among colonoscopists, and interval colorectal cancer may result from incomplete resection of an adenoma. Methods to monitor polypectomy quality and the size of polyps resected to monitor have not been well defined. The aim of this study was to compare the rate of metachronous adenoma attributable to incomplete resection in polyps 6 to 9 mm versus polyps 10 to 20 mm. METHODS: The segmental metachronous adenoma rate attributable to incomplete resection (SMAR-IR) was calculated by subtracting the rate of metachronous neoplasia (MN) in segments without adenoma from segments with adenoma. The primary outcome of the study was the SMAR-IR in polyps 6 to 9 mm and 10 to 20 mm found on index colonoscopy. RESULTS: Of 337 patients included in the analysis, 146 patients had a tubular adenoma (TA) 10 to 20 mm in size and 191 patients a TA 6 to 9 mm in size as the most advanced lesion. For cases in which an index 10- to 20-mm TA was resected, the SMAR in segments with adenoma was 21.0% and in segments without adenoma 9.6%, so the SMAR-IR was 11.4% (95% confidence interval, 4.5-18.3). For cases in which an index 6- to 9-mm TA was resected, the SMAR in segments with adenoma was 22.0% and in segments without adenoma 8.8%, so the SMAR-IR was 13.2% (95% confidence interval, 7.2-19.4). Among 6 colonoscopists, the SMAR-IR ranged between 7.0% and 15.5% for polyps 6 to 20 mm. CONCLUSIONS: MN rates in segments with a TA 10-20 mm and a TA 6-9 mm are higher than the MN rates in segments without index neoplasia. Incomplete resection of neoplasia appears to be a significant risk factor for MN in 6- to 9-mm lesions as well as larger ones.

The Impact of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy on 30-Day Readmission Rate for Acute Cholangitis Patients: A Single-Center Study.

OBJECTIVES: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) following acute gallstone cholangitis reduces the recurrence of biliary symptoms; however, the timing of LC has not been determined yet. The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of performing LC during admission on the 30-day readmission rate. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of acute gallstone cholangitis patients who underwent endoscopic clearance (EC) of the bile duct through endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography between April 2013 and May 2018. Patients were classified into two groups: EC only group and EC followed by LC during admission (EC + LC) group. The primary outcome was the 30-day readmission rate. RESULTS: A total of 95 patients with acute cholangitis were included in the analysis. Of these patients, 35 patients (36.8%) underwent LC during admission. The 30-day readmission rate was significantly lower in the EC + LC group compared to the EC group (2.9% vs. 26.7%, P 0.003). In a multivariate regression analysis, patients who underwent LC during admission had 90% lower odds of readmission within 30 days compared to patients who did not (OR 0.1, 95% CI (0.01-0.9), P 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy during admission for acute gallstone cholangitis patients following endoscopic clearance of the bile duct significantly reduced the 30-day readmission rate without affecting the length of stay.

Yield of Colonoscopy After a Positive Result From a Fecal Immunochemical Test OC-Light.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is widely used in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. The OC-Light FIT is 1 of 2 FITs recommended for CRC screening by the Preventive Services Task Force guidelines. However, little is known about its ability to detect CRC in large average-risk populations. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients (50-75 years old) in the San Francisco Health Network who were screened for CRC by OC-Light FIT from August 2010 through June 2015. Patients with a positive result were referred for colonoscopy. We used electronic health records to identify participants with positive FIT results, and collected results from subsequent colonoscopies and pathology analyses. The FIT positive rate was calculated by dividing the number of positive FIT results by the total number of FIT tests completed. The primary outcome was the positive rate from OC-Light FIT and yield of neoplasms at colonoscopy. Secondary outcomes were findings from first vs subsequent rounds of testing, and how these varied by sex and race. RESULTS: We collected result from 35,318 FITs, performed on 20,886 patients; 2930 patients (8.3%) had a positive result, and 1558 patients completed the follow-up colonoscopy. A positive result from the FIT identified patients with CRC with a positive predictive value of 3.0%, and patients with advanced adenoma with a positive predictive value of 20.8%. The FIT positive rate was higher during the first round of testing (9.4%) compared to subsequent rounds (7.4%) (P < .01). The yield of CRC in patients with a positive result from the first round of the FIT was 3.7%, and decreased to 1.8% for subsequent rounds (P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: In a retrospective analysis of patients in a diverse safety-net population who underwent OC-Light FIT for CRC screening, we found that approximately 3% of patients with a positive result from a FIT to have CRC and approximately 21% to have advanced adenoma.

Early-onset Colon Cancer Shows a Distinct Intestinal Microbiome and a Host-Microbe Interaction.

The incidence rate of colorectal cancer in younger adults has been rising in developed countries. This trend may be attributed to environmental exposures as a result of lifestyle changes. Many of the lifestyle factors that promote colorectal cancer can also affect the gut microbiome, which may be associated with colorectal cancer risks. The role of the microbiome in the ongoing rise of early-onset colorectal cancer is unknown. Here, we aimed to investigate age-related differences in the gut microbiome of patients with colorectal cancer and healthy individuals by examining both the fecal and tumor microbiomes. We utilized the publicly accessible data on fecal shotgun metagenomics from CuratedMetagenomeData and TCGA via the GDC Data Portal. Comparison of 701 colorectal cancer and 693 controls revealed that microbial features were age dependent, with a significant difference in species enrichment between early-onset (<50 years) and late-onset (>65 years) patients with colorectal cancer. Analysis of the tumor-associated microbiome in a separate dataset of 85 patients with colorectal cancer verified age-specific differences in taxon abundance between early- and late-onset patients with colorectal cancer. Finally, using host gene expression data, we found a stronger microbe-host interaction in early- vs. late-onset colorectal cancers. Altogether, these findings indicate that microbial features were age-dependent with stronger microbial-host interactions at the tumor site in early-onset colorectal cancers, suggesting a direct role of microbes in tumorigenesis via interaction with cancer-related pathways in this age group. PREVENTION RELEVANCE: Early-onset colorectal cancer is on the rise, presumably because of changes in environmental exposures. Lifestyle changes may contribute to colorectal cancer via alterations in gut microbes. Here, we show that microbial association with colorectal cancer is age-dependent, and microbe interactions with tumor pathways are stronger in young versus older colorectal cancers.

Nasoenteric Tube Placement in Patients with Esophageal Varices: A Review of the Current Evidence and Society Guidelines.

Esophageal varices are a common complication of portal hypertension and variceal bleeding can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Hospitalized patients with cirrhosis might require nasoenteric tube (NET) placement, commonly for nutritional support and/or medication administration. However, the fear of causing massive variceal bleeding among clinicians might lead to hesitancy or complete avoidance of NET placement in patients who either have a known history of esophageal varices or are at risk to have them. Several experts and society guidelines addressed this concern with variable recommendations and degrees of evidence. In this article, we present an extensive review of the literature and latest society guidelines that address the safety of NET placement in patients with esophageal varices.

Sarcoidosis of the Bile Duct.

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that affects multiple organs. The lungs are the most commonly involved organs. Although a large proportion of patients with sarcoidosis have liver involvement, bile duct involvement is rare. Here, we present a case of a 56-year-old African American patient presented with painless jaundice because of extrahepatic bile duct sarcoidosis. Our diagnostic approach using endoscopic cholangioscopy with targeted biopsies confirmed the diagnosis. Multiple bile duct stent exchanges were performed to manage the bile duct stricture in addition to medical therapy.

The Impact of Anxiety and Depression on Academic Performance: A Cross-Sectional Study among Medical Students in Syria.

Background The National Medical Unified Examination (NMUE) is a milestone in the life of medical students in Syria. The selection for residency programs depends mainly on the NMUE score, where competitive specialties require higher scores. Therefore, preparation for the NMUE might be a source of anxiety and depression. This study aims at evaluating the impact of anxiety and depression on the NMUE score. A secondary objective is to determine the effect of some factors (i.e., exercise, having breakfast, adequate sleep, and social media) on anxiety and depression. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire and included medical students who were preparing for the October 2019 NMUE exam. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) were used to screen for anxiety and depression, respectively. NMUE scores were obtained from the official score report. Demographics and other potential confounding factors, such as Cumulative Grade Point Average, were obtained through the questionnaire. Results One hundred and thirty ( n = 130) students participated in the study, 83 of them were women (63.8%). The prevalence of anxiety and depression were 59.2 and 58%, respectively, with no difference between men and women. Both anxiety and depression were negatively correlated with the NMUE score. However, this relationship did not persist after controlling for other important predictors through multiple regression. Only exercising was statically significant in reducing PHQ-9 scores. None of the studied factors were significant in reducing GAD-7 scores. Conclusion Although participants with higher anxiety/depression had lower NMUE scores, this association does not imply causation. The high prevalence of anxiety and depression (approximately two-thirds of the participants) is concerning and may pose a great threat to students' well-being and adversely affect the quality of care provided by them as future health care professionals.

Awareness and Knowledge of Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Medical Students at the University of Aleppo: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of malignancy in Syria. The aim of our study was to assess the awareness and knowledge of CRC and its screening methods among medical students at the University of Aleppo. Methods A cross-sectional study of medical students at the University of Aleppo was conducted using a self-administered 12-element questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of demographics, awareness of CRC, knowledge of CRC and its screening methods. Awareness of CRC included three questions asking students if they ever heard of CRC and its screening methods. Knowledge of CRC was evaluated through three sets of questions about CRC risk factors, signs and symptoms, and preventative methods. The students were selected randomly during academic lectures. A χ 2 or Fisher's exact tests for categorical variables were used for statistical analysis, as appropriate. A two-sided p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. We stratified students based on pre-clinical versus clinical years and average academic score. Results A total of 824 students completed the questionnaire. The majority of students were aware of CRC (98.9%) and CRC screening methods (79.8%). Students had poor knowledge of CRC risk factors (16.5% for non-modifiable factors and 11.7% for modifiable factors), signs and symptoms (52.6%), and protective factors (9.9%). Only 31.7% of students were able to identify the appropriate age to initiate screening for average-risk individuals. Clinical students had better awareness and knowledge of CRC and its screening methods. Clinical students with higher academic score showed better awareness and knowledge in some elements. Conclusion Our study reported high awareness and poor knowledge rates of CRC and its screening methods among medical students at the University of Aleppo. Although clinical students had higher awareness and knowledge of CRC compared to pre-clinical students, the impact of academic score revealed variable results.

Bowel preparation in diabetic patients undergoing colonoscopy.

Diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for poor bowel preparation in patients who undergo colonoscopy, because of their decreased intestinal transit and slow gastric emptying. This might lead to neoplastic or preneoplastic lesions being missed, longer procedural time, a higher risk of procedure-related adverse events, significant cost burden, patient dissatisfaction, and the need for a repeat colonoscopy. Multiple strategies have been suggested to improve bowel preparation in these patients. Proposed pharmacologic strategies include adding magnesium citrate, bisacodyl, lubiprostone or pyridostigmine. Non-pharmacologic strategies include preferential procedure scheduling or using a diabetes-specific preparation protocol. In this article, we present a comprehensive review of the literature and provide specific recommendations to general practitioners and gastroenterologists for improving bowel preparation in patients with diabetes.

Large Bowel Obstruction Caused by Metastatic Prostate Cancer: A Case Report.

Bowel obstruction is a frequently encountered condition worldwide that causes numerous admissions to hospitals. Metastatic carcinoma has been identified as one of the infrequently encountered causes of bowel obstruction. Prostate cancer typically metastasizes to lymph nodes, bone, lungs, liver, and brain. In this article, we reported the case of a 75-year-old man who presented with bowel obstruction due to narrowing and stricture of the rectum. Primary rectal mass was initially diagnosed, but upon further investigation, it was found that the mass resembled prostate tissue. The bowel obstruction was managed surgically with a colostomy. The patient was later referred to oncology for chemotherapy and hormonal therapy.

Technology's role in promoting physical activity and healthy eating in working rural women: A cross-sectional quantitative analysis.

AIMS: This exploratory study evaluated sociodemographic predictors of healthy eating and physical activity (PA) in a sample of working rural women and their access to and interest in using technology for health promotion. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This study is a cross-sectional quantitative analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 32-item questionnaire was administered to a convenience sample of N = 60 women, working at a regional healthcare facility in the Pacific Northwest. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Descriptive statistics characterized PA and healthy eating, barriers and support for PA and healthy eating, and perceived role of technology for health promotion. Chi-square tests for categorical variables evaluated relationships between PA and healthy eating support with behavioral engagement. RESULTS: Only 23% and 25% followed recommended PA and fruit and vegetable consumption guidelines. Those likely to engage in preventive care had higher income and education. Fewer respondents reported barriers to PA than for healthy eating (47% vs. 57%), and those reporting barriers were likely to have lower income and less than a high-school education. Sixty percent reported social support for PA and only 52% for healthy eating. A significant relationship was evident between PA support and PA engagement (P = 0.015). Eighty-two percent used mobile phones to look up health information and 29% did so daily. Almost two-thirds (62%) reported likelihood of using online health information boards to support healthy eating and 45% for PA. CONCLUSION: Working rural women benefit from PA and healthy eating guidance. Attention to sociodemographic predictors may support a tailored digital healthcare approach to promote wellness in this community.

Trends in the performance of Syrian physicians in the National Resident Matching Program® between 2017 and 2019.

PURPOSE: International medical graduates (IMGs) make up one-fourth of the physician workforce in the US and a significant proportion of them come from Syria. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of Syrian physicians seeking residency positions in the US and to examine the effects of visa restrictions on their Match outcome. METHODS: An online survey administered to IMGs from Syria was used to probe their residency application characteristics as well as their experiences with visa restrictions. We evaluated the factors that affected their Match outcome and number of interviews offered to applicants. RESULTS: A total of 223 IMGs from Syria completed the survey with an average match rate of 70.4% (76.6% in 2017 vs. 69.9% in 2018 vs. 64.4% in 2019). The proportion of applicants who required visas was 29.2%. In a multivariate analysis, higher USMLE Step 2CK score increased the match rate, whereas requiring a visa and failure in any USMLE exam decreased the match rate. Among those requiring visa, the match rate decreased from 78.6% in the cycle before the travel ban (2017) to 64.9% in the cycles following the travel ban (2018 and 2019) (P = 0.22). Similarly, the total number of interviews offered to these applicants decreased significantly following the travel ban (9.4 [7.5] vs. 6.2 [5.3], P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Syrian IMGs seeking residency positions in the US have a higher match rate than non-US IMGs. Requiring a visa and failing any USMLE exam negatively impacted the match rate and number of interview invitations to Syrian applicants.

Perceptions of colorectal cancer screening in the Arab American community: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Multiple factors such as socioeconomic status (SES), education, race, and ethnicity can affect colorectal cancer screening (CRCS) rates. However, few studies have addressed CRCS disparities among Arab Americans. Our aim was to understand how Arab Americans view CRCS. METHOD: Employing thematic analysis, we collected and analyzed the dialogue of Arab American focus groups and interviews to better understand participants' perceptions of CRCS. Themes were generated and categorized into barriers and facilitators. RESULTS: Eleven Arab American males participated in two focus groups and two interviews. Three barriers included disbelief in modern medicine, concerns about the procedure, and lack of communication with the physician. Three facilitators were also identified: compliance and priority of health, access to healthcare, and awareness. CONCLUSION: Disparities in CRCS cannot solely be explained by SES and access but cultural differences also contribute. Specific interventions accounting for these cultural differences are needed to reduce disparities in CRCS among Arab Americans.

Endoscopic Management of Giant Walled-Off Pancreatic Necrosis With a High Risk of Bleeding.

Walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WOPN) is one of the late complications of acute pancreatitis. We present a 37-year-old man who developed a large WOPN 6 weeks after treatment of severe complicated pancreatitis. Imaging studies revealed a necrotic retroperitoneal fluid collection measuring 27 × 12 × 27 cm with large crossing blood vessels. Cystogastrostomy was performed using a lumen-apposing metal stent. He underwent multiple necrosectomies with significant improvement in the cyst size. Bleeding is a major complication of direct endoscopic necrosectomy; hence, specific imaging and a careful approach should be taken into consideration, especially in WOPN with a high risk of bleeding.

Mobile Health Technology Knowledge and Practices Among Patients of Safety-Net Health Systems in Washington State and Washington, DC.

PURPOSE: Mobile health technology (mHealth) can reduce health disparities, but research on the health behaviors of low-income patients is needed. This study evaluates mHealth knowledge and practices of low-resource safety-net patients. METHODS: We administered a 47-item questionnaire to 164 low-income patients accessing services at community health centers in the state of Washington and Washington, DC. Predictor variables included demographic factors: age, race, ethnicity, income. Outcome variables were smartphone knowledge (smartphones as a wellness tool), medical app knowledge (availability of medical-based apps), smartphone practices (ever used smartphones for wellness), health apps practices (ever used health-based apps), and medical apps practices (ever used medical-based apps). Multivariate logistic regression assessed relationships between predictor and outcome variables. RESULTS: Mean age was 35.2 years (median: 34), and study cohort (N=159) consisted of mostly women (68%), white race (36%), and income of <$20,000/year (63%). Outcomes: 71% and 58% reported knowledge of using smartphones for wellness and knowledge of medical apps, respectively; 76% used smartphones for wellness, with adults 50+ years of age significantly less likely than younger adults (odds ratio [OR]: 0.94, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.88-0.99); 48% used health apps, with adults 50+ years of age less likely than younger adults (OR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.91-0.99) and respondents earning <$20,000/year less likely than higher earners (OR: 3.13, 95% CI: 1.02-9.57); and 58% used medical apps, with Hispanics/Latinos significantly more likely than non-Hispanics/Latinos (OR: 6.38, 95% CI: 1.04-39.02). CONCLUSIONS: Safety-net patients use mobile devices for health promotion. Age and income are important predictive factors, suggesting a more tailored design of the technology is required for broad engagement and health equity.