Endoscopic ultrasound- versus ERCP-guided primary drainage of inoperable malignant distal biliary obstruction: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: We assessed efficacy and safety of endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) vs. endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) as first-line intervention in malignant distal biliary obstruction (MDBO). METHODS: PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched until 01 /12 /2023 for randomized controlled trials of EUS-BD vs. ERCP for primary biliary drainage in patients with inoperable MDBO. The primary outcome was technical success. Secondary outcomes were clinical success, adverse events, mean procedure time, 1-year stent patency, and overall survival. Relative risk (RR) with 95 %CI were calculated using a random effects model. RESULTS: Five studies (519 patients) were included. RR (95 %CI) for EUS-BD was 1.06 (0.96 to 1.17; P = 0.27) for pooled technical success and 1.02 (0.97 to 1.08; P = 0.45) for clinical success. 1-year stent patency was similar between the groups (RR 1.15, 0.94 to 1.42; P = 0.17), with lower reintervention with EUS-BD (RR 0.58, 0.37 to 0.9; P = 0.01). The RR was 0.85 (0.49 to 1.46; P = 0.55) for adverse events and 0.97 (0.10 to 0.17; P = 0.98) for severe adverse events. On subgroup analysis, EUS-guided placement of lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) outperformed ERCP in terms of technical success (RR 1.17, 1.01 to 1.35; P = 0.03). Procedure time was lower with EUS-BD (standardized mean difference -2.36 minutes [-2.68 to -2.05; P < 0.001]). CONCLUSIONS: EUS-BD showed a statistically significant lower reintervention rate than ERCP, but with similar technical success, stent patency, clinical success, and safety. Technical success of EUS-BD with LAMS was better than ERCP.

Value of immunonutrition in patients undergoing pancreatic resection: a trial sequential meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The benefits of immunonutrition (IM) in patients who underwent pancreatic surgery are unclear. METHODS: A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing IM with standard nutrition (SN) in pancreatic surgery was carried out. A random-effects trial sequential meta-analysis was made, reporting Risk Ratio (RR), mean difference (MD), and required information size (RIS). If RIS was reached, false negative (type II error) and positive results (type I error) could be excluded. The endpoints were morbidity, mortality, infectious complication, postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) rates, and length of stay (LOS). RESULTS: The meta-analysis includes 6 RCTs and 477 patients. Morbidity (RR 0.77; 0.26 to 2.25), mortality (RR 0.90; 0.76 to 1.07), and POPF rates were similar. The RISs were 17,316, 7,417, and 464,006, suggesting a type II error. Infectious complications were lower in the IM group, with a RR of 0.54 (0.36-0.79; 95 CI). The LOS was shorter in IM (MD -0.3 days; -0.6 to -0.1). For both, the RISs were reached, excluding type I error. CONCLUSION: The IM can reduce infectious complications and LOS The small differences in mortality, morbidity, and POPF make it impossible to exclude type II error due to large RISs.

Effect of gastro-esophageal reflux symptoms on the risk of Barrett's esophagus: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Gastro-esophageal reflux (GER) is the main predisposing factor for Barrett's esophagus (BE). A more precise estimate of the association of GER symptoms with the risk of BE would be important to prioritize endoscopic screening. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine this issue. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and EMBASE Classic were searched to identify cross-sectional studies that reported the prevalence of BE based on presence of GER symptoms. The prevalence of BE was compared according to presence or absence of GER symptoms using an odds ratio (OR), with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Specificity and sensitivity of GER symptoms for predicting BE was calculated. RESULTS: Of 10,463 citations evaluated, 19 studies reported the prevalence of BE in 43,017 subjects. The pooled OR among individuals with weekly GER symptoms compared with those without was 1.67 (95% CI 1.30-2.15) for endoscopically suspected BE, and 2.42 (95% CI 1.59-3.68) for histologically confirmed BE. No significant association was found between weekly GER symptoms and the presence of short segment BE (OR 1.30; 95% CI 0.86-1.97), whereas a strong association was present with long segment BE, with an OR of 6.30 (95% CI 2.26-17.61). CONCLUSIONS: Gastro-esophageal reflux symptoms are associated with an increased odds of BE, with a further increase when weekly symptoms are present. Overall, GER symptoms showed low sensitivity and specificity for predicting BE; however, a strong association was found between weekly GER symptoms and long segment BE, but not short segment BE, suggesting that it may be worth considering screening individuals with weekly GER symptoms to rule out long segment BE.

Global prevalence of, and risk factors for, gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms are common in the community, but there has been no definitive systematic review and meta-analysis of data from all studies to estimate their global prevalence, or potential risk factors for them. DESIGN: Medline, Embase and Embase Classic were searched (until September 2016) to identify population-based studies that reported the prevalence of gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms in adults (≥15 years); gastro-oesophageal reflux was defined using symptom-based criteria or questionnaires. The prevalence was extracted for all studies, and according to the criteria used to define it. Pooled prevalence, according to study location and certain other characteristics, OR and 95% CIs were calculated. RESULTS: Of the 14 132 citations evaluated, 102 reported the prevalence of gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms in 108 separate study populations, containing 460 984 subjects. Prevalence varied according to country (from 2.5% in China to 51.2% in Greece) and criteria used to define gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms. When only studies using a weekly frequency of heart burn or regurgitation to define presence were considered, pooled prevalence was 13.3% (95% CI 12.0% to 14.6%). Prevalence was higher in subjects ≥50 years (OR 1.32; 95% CI 1.12 to 1.54), smokers (OR 1.26; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.52), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)/aspirin users (OR 1.44; 95% CI 1.10 to 1.88) and obese individuals (OR 1.73; 95% CI 1.46 to 2.06). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms varied strikingly among countries, even when similar definitions were used to define their presence. Prevalence was significantly higher in subjects ≥50 years, smokers, NSAID users and obese individuals, although these associations were modest.

Prevalence of Dyspepsia in Individuals With Gastroesophageal Reflux-Type Symptoms in the Community: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Dyspepsia and gastroesophageal reflux are highly prevalent in the general population, but they are believed to be separate entities. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the prevalence of dyspepsia in individuals with gastroesophageal reflux symptoms (GERS), and to quantify overlap between the disorders. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and EMBASE Classic databases to identify population-based studies reporting the prevalence of dyspepsia and GERS in adults, defined using specific symptom-based criteria or based on answers to questionnaires. We calculated pooled prevalence values, according to study location and criteria used to define weekly GERS or dyspepsia, as well as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs. The degree of overlap between dyspepsia and GERS was examined. RESULTS: Of 14,132 papers evaluated, 79 reported prevalence of weekly GERS. Nineteen of these study populations, comprising 111,459 participants, also reported the proportion of individuals with dyspepsia. The prevalence of dyspepsia in individuals with weekly GERS was 43.9% (95% CI, 35.1%-52.9%). The pooled OR for dyspepsia in individuals with weekly GERS, compared with those without, was 6.94 (95% CI, 4.33%-11.1%). The OR for dyspepsia in individuals with weekly GERS was significantly higher in all geographical regions studied and for all diagnostic criteria. The pooled degree of overlap between dyspepsia and GERS was 25.9% (95% CI, 19.9%-32.4%). CONCLUSIONS: The odds of dyspepsia in individuals with weekly GERS is almost 7-fold that of individuals without GERS; dyspepsia and GERS overlap in more than 25% of individuals. Reasons for this remain speculative, but might include shared pathophysiological mechanisms or residual confounding factors. However, patients with GERS should be questioned about coexistent dyspepsia, to optimize treatment approaches.

Mechanisms of obesity-induced gastrointestinal neoplasia.

Obesity is among the fastest growing diseases worldwide; treatment is inadequate, and associated disorders, including gastrointestinal cancers, have high morbidity and mortality. An increased understanding of the mechanisms of obesity-induced carcinogenesis is required to develop methods to prevent or treat these cancers. In this report, we review the mechanisms of obesity-associated colorectal, esophageal, gastric, and pancreatic cancers and potential treatment strategies.

Chronic constipation in the elderly: a primer for the gastroenterologist.

Constipation is a frequently reported bowel symptom in the elderly with considerable impact on quality of life and health expenses. Disease-related morbidity and even mortality have been reported in the affected frail elderly. Although constipation is not a physiologic consequence of normal aging, decreased mobility, medications, underlying diseases, and rectal sensory-motor dysfunction may all contribute to its increased prevalence in older adults. In the elderly there is usually more than one etiologic mechanism, requiring a multifactorial treatment approach. The majority of patients would respond to diet and lifestyle modifications reinforced by bowel training measures. In those not responding to conservative treatment, the approach needs to be tailored addressing all comorbid conditions. In the adult population, the management of constipation continues to evolve as well as the understanding of its complex etiology. However, the constipated elderly have been left behind while gastroenterology consultations for this common conditions are at a rise for the worldwide age increment. Aim of this review is to provide an update on epidemiology, quality of life burden, etiology, diagnosis, current approaches and limitations in the management of constipation in the older ones to ease the gastroenterologists' clinic workload.

Epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori infection.

Medline and PubMed databases were searched on epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori for the period of April 2013-March 2014. Several studies have shown that the prevalence of H. pylori is still high in most countries. In north European and North American populations, about one-third of adults are still infected, whereas in south and east Europe, South America, and Asia, the prevalence of H. pylori is often higher than 50%. H. pylori remains highly prevalent in immigrants coming from countries with high prevalence of H. pylori. However, the lower prevalence of infection in the younger generations suggests a further decline of H. pylori prevalence in the coming decades. Low socioeconomic conditions in childhood are confirmed to be the most important risk factors for H. pylori infection. Although the way the infection is transmitted is still unclear, interpersonal transmission appears to be the main route. Finally, H. pylori recurrence after successful eradication can still occur, but seems to be an infrequent event.

Predictors of Jaundice Resolution and Survival After Endoscopic Treatment of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis.

The benefit of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for the treatment of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) remains controversial. To identify predictors of jaundice resolution after ERCP and whether resolution is associated with improved patient outcomes, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of 124 patients with jaundice and PSC. These patients underwent endoscopic biliary balloon dilation and/or stent placement at an American tertiary center, with validation in a separate cohort of 102 patients from European centers. Jaundice resolved after ERCP in 52% of patients. Median follow-up was 4.8 years. Independent predictors of jaundice resolution included older age (P = 0.048; odds ratio [OR], 1.03 for every 1-year increase), shorter duration of jaundice (P = 0.059; OR, 0.59 for every 1-year increase), lower Mayo Risk Score (MRS) (P = 0.025; OR, 0.58 for every 1-point increase), and extrahepatic location of the most advanced biliary stricture (P = 0.011; OR, 3.13). A logistic regression model predicted jaundice resolution with area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of 0.67 (95% confidence interval, 0.5-0.79) in the validation set. Independent predictors of death or transplant during follow-up included higher MRS at the time of ERCP (P < 0.0001; hazard ratio [HR], 2.33 for every 1-point increase), lower total serum bilirubin before ERCP (P = 0.031; HR, 0.91 for every 1 mg/dL increase), and persistence of jaundice after endoscopic therapy (P = 0.003; HR, 2.30). Conclusion: Resolution of jaundice after endoscopic treatment of biliary strictures is associated with longer transplant-free survival of patients with PSC. The likelihood of resolution is affected by demographic, hepatic, and biliary variables and can be predicted using noninvasive data. These findings may refine the use of ERCP in patients with jaundice with PSC.

Cancerization of cutaneous flap reconstruction for oral squamous cell carcinoma: report of three cases studied with the mtDNA D-loop sequence analysis.

AIMS: Tissue defects, resulting from surgical resection of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), are reconstructed routinely with skin grafts. OSCC arising from the grafted skin has been described; however, it is still unclear whether primary and second tumours have a common clonal origin. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clonal relationship between the primary OSCC and secondary neoplastic changes appearing in the skin graft in three patients, by screening the mitochondrial DNA D-loop region (mtDNA). METHODS AND RESULTS: In all three cases, the neoplastic lesions arising in the skin graft showed a clonal relationship with the previous OSCC and, on the basis of the results obtained by mtDNA analysis, could be considered to be a recurrence of the primary OSCC rather than a second primary OSCC. CONCLUSIONS: Starting from a field of genetically altered cells in the oral mucosa, the spread of the clonal cell population to the cutaneous flap might be stimulated by cytokines produced by the grafted skin. More studies are needed to evaluate the molecular relationship between primary and second OSCC to identify patients at higher risk of developing a second tumour in the skin graft.

Water-filled technique for therapeutic pancreato-biliary EUS in patients with surgically altered anatomy.

One of the main challenges encountered by endosonographers is performing diagnostic and interventional pancreato-biliary endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) procedures in the presence of surgically altered upper gastrointestinal anatomy. We describe the water-filled technique (WFT) for EUS examination and treatment of the pancreato-biliary region in patients with surgically altered upper gastrointestinal anatomy. Using the WFT, the scope is advanced up to the gastro-jejunal anastomosis and, after placing the tip of the scope 2 cm beyond it, enlargement of the jejunal lumen is obtained by water instillation of the jejunal loop. An enlargement of more than 1.5 cm allows advancement of the tip of the scope under EUSguidance up to the duodenum, in a retrograde way. The WFT is useful for reaching the ampullary area and performing diagnostic and therapeutic EUS in patients with surgically altered anatomy. The technique is also reproducible and can be easily used by endoscopists who regularly perform EUS.

Systematic review with meta-analysis: association of Helicobacter pylori infection with gastro-oesophageal reflux and its complications.

BACKGROUND: Conflicting results exist on the association between Helicobacter pylori infection and gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR), and its complications, such as erosive oesophagitis (EO) and Barrett's oesophagus (BO). AIMS: To explore the association of H. pylori infection with GOR symptoms and their complications METHODS: We searched Embase, PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases through December 2020 for relevant articles. Regarding the association between H. pylori and GOR symptoms (heartburn, regurgitation or reflux), we included observational studies comparing the prevalence of GOR symptoms between H. pylori-positive and -negative individuals. Concerning the association between H. pylori and complications of GOR, we included studies comparing the prevalence of EO or BO between H. pylori-positive and -negative individuals. RESULTS: In total, 36 papers were eligible. Based on seven cross-sectional surveys, H. pylori infection was associated with a lower odds of GOR symptoms (odds ratio [OR] 0.74, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.61-0.90). However, in four case-control studies, H. pylori infection was not associated with odds of GOR symptoms (OR 1.10, 95% CI 0.85-0.1.43). In 26 cross-sectional studies in patients with GOR symptoms, the OR for EO was 0.70 (95% CI 0.58-0.84) in H. pylori-positive vs -negative cases. Based on nine cross-sectional studies in subjects with GOR complications, no significant association was found between H. pylori infection and either endoscopically-diagnosed (OR 1.84, 95% CI 0.67-5.02) or histologically confirmed (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.60-1.20) BO. CONCLUSIONS: Helicobacter pylori infection appears to be associated with a decreased odds of GOR symptoms and EO. In contrast, H. pylori infection did not seem to affect the odds of BO in patients with GER complications.

Systematic review with meta-analysis: risk factors for Barrett's oesophagus in individuals with gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Gastro-oesophageal reflux is considered the main risk factor for Barrett's oesophagus. The role of other potential risk factors for the development of Barrett's oesophagus in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms is controversial. AIMS: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis examining risk factors in development of Barrett's oesophagus. METHODS: Medline, Embase and Embase Classic were searched (until December 2020) to identify cross-sectional studies reporting prevalence of Barrett's oesophagus based on presence of one or more proposed risk factors in individuals with gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms. Prevalence of Barrett's oesophagus was compared according to presence or absence of each risk factor in individuals with gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms. RESULTS: Of 7164 citations evaluated, 13 studies reported prevalence of Barrett's oesophagus in 11 856 subjects. Pooled prevalence of histologically confirmed Barrett's oesophagus in individuals with gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms in all studies was 7.0% (95% CI 4.8% to 9.6%). Prevalence was higher in subjects with hiatal hernia (OR 2.74; 95% CI 1.58 to 4.75) and in those who drank alcohol (OR 1.51; 95% CI 1.17 to 1.95). Other features including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and/or aspirin use (OR 1.19; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.42), smoking (OR 1.14; 95% CI 0.96 to 1.35) or obesity (OR 1.10; 95% CI 0.92 to 1.33) were not significantly associated with Barrett's oesophagus. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of Barrett's oesophagus in individuals with gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms was higher in those who drank alcohol, although this association was modest. The strongest association found was between hiatal hernia and Barrett's oesophagus. Other potential risk factors assessed in this study did not appear to be associated with presence of Barrett's oesophagus among individuals with gastro-oesophageal symptoms.

Lumen-apposing metal stent through the meshes of duodenal metal stents for palliation of malignant jaundice.

Background and study aims Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the gold standard procedure for malignant jaundice palliation; however, it can be challenging when a duodenal self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) is already in place. Patients and methods The primary aim of our study was to evaluate the technical feasibility of the placement of a lumen apposing metal stent (LAMS) through the mesh (TTM) of duodenal stents. The secondary aims were to evaluate clinical outcomes and adverse events (AEs) related to the procedures. Results Data from 23 patients (11 F and 12 M; mean age: 69.5 ±â€Š11 years old) were collected. In 17 patients (73.9 %) TTM LAMS placement was performed as first intention, while in six patients (26.1 %) it was performed after a failed ERCP. Thirteen patients (56.5 %) underwent the procedure due to advanced pancreatic head neoplasia. One technical failure was experienced (4.3 %). The TTM LAMS placement led to a significant decrease in the serum levels of bilirubin, ALP, GGT, WBC and CRP. No cases of duodenal SEMS occlusion occurred and no other AEs were observed during the follow-up. Conclusions Concomitant malignant duodenal and biliary obstruction is a challenging condition. Palliation of jaundice using TTM LAMS in patients already treated with duodenal stent is associated to promising technical and clinical outcomes.

Macroscopic on-site evaluation (MOSE) of specimens from solid lesions acquired during EUS-FNB: multicenter study and comparison between needle gauges.

Background and study aims The standard method for obtaining samples during endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is fine-needle aspiration (FNA), the accuracy of which can be affected by the presence of a cytopathologist in endoscopy room (rapid on-site evaluation [ROSE]). With the introduction of fine-needle biopsy (FNB), macroscopic on-site evaluation (MOSE) of a acquired specimen has been proposed. Only a few studies have evaluated the role of MOSE and in all except one, a 19G needle was used. Our primary aim was to evaluate the diagnostic yield and accuracy of MOSE with different needle sizes and the secondary aim was to identify factors influencing the yield of MOSE. Patients and methods Data from patients who underwent EUS-FNB for solid lesions, with MOSE evaluation of the specimen, were collected in six endoscopic referral centers. Results A total of 378 patients (145 F and 233 M) were enrolled. Needles sizes used during the procedures were 20G (42 %), 22G (45 %), and 25G (13 %). The median number of needle passes was two (IQR 2-3). The overall diagnostic yield of MOSE was of 90 % (confidence interval [CI] 86 %-92 %). On multivariable logistic regression analysis, variables independently associated with the diagnostic yield of MOSE were a larger needle diameter (20G vs. 25G, OR 11.64, 95 %CI 3.5-38.71; 22G vs. 25G, OR 6.20, 95 %CI 2.41-15.90) and three of more needle passes (OR 3.39, 95 %CI 1.38-8.31). Conclusions MOSE showed high diagnostic yield and accuracy. Its yield was further increased if performed with a large size FNB needles and more than two passes.

Tissue acquisition and pancreatic masses: Which needle and which acquisition technique should be used?

Background and study aims Pancreatic cancer represents the fourth most common cause of cancer-related deaths in Western countries and the need of a low-risk investigation to obtain an accurate histopathological diagnosis has become increasingly pressing. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) with fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is the standard method for obtaining samples from pancreatic masses. In recent years, there has been an increasing need to obtain histological specimens during EUS procedures, rather than cytological ones, to guide oncological treatment options, leading to the so-call "FNB concept." Different needles have been developed for fine-needle biopsy (FNB) in recent years, enabling acquisition of larger specimens on which to perform histological and molecular analyses. The aim of this narrative review was to assess the role of EUS-guided FNA and FNB in patients with pancreatic masses, and to identify which needle and which acquisition technique should be used to improve tissue acquisition.

Can a wire-guided cannulation technique increase bile duct cannulation rate and prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis?: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVES: The most common technique used to achieve primary deep biliary cannulation is the standard contrast-assisted method. To increase the success rate and reduce the risk of complications, a wire-guided cannulation strategy has been proposed. Prospective studies provided conflicting results as to whether the wire-guided cannulation technique increases the cannulation rate and reduces post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (post-ERCP) pancreatitis risk compared with the standard method. The objective of this study was to carry out a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compares primary biliary cannulation and post-ERCP pancreatitis rates with the wire-guided method and the standard cannulation technique. METHODS: Literature searches of electronic databases and online clinical trial registers up to March 2009 were conducted to identify RCTs comparing primary cannulation and post-ERCP pancreatitis rates with the wire-guided method and the standard cannulation technique. A meta-analysis of these clinical trials was performed. RESULTS: Five RCTs were included. Overall, the primary cannulation rates reported with the wire-guided cannulation technique and the standard method were 85.3 and 74.9%, respectively. The pooled analysis of all the selected studies comparing the wire-guided cannulation technique with the standard method yielded an odds ratio (OR) of 2.05 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.27-3.31). The pooled analysis comparing the post-ERCP pancreatitis rates for the wire-guided-cannulation groups with those for the standard-method groups yielded an OR of 0.23 (95% CI: 0.13-0.41). CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis shows that the wire-guided technique increases the primary cannulation rate and reduces the risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis compared with the standard contrast-injection method. Further large, well-performed, randomized controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Effects of probiotics for the prevention and treatment of radiation-induced diarrhea.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Probiotic supplementation seems to provide beneficial effects in the prevention and treatment of radiation-induced diarrhea. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the efficacy of probiotic supplementation for prevention and treatment of radiation-induced diarrhea. METHODS: Two reviewers independently searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar and on-line clinical trials registers (up to January 2009) for randomized controlled trials that evaluated the efficacy of probiotic supplementation for the prevention and treatment of radiation-induced diarrhea. Each clinical trial was separately evaluated for study characteristics, methodologic quality and outcomes. Results of the randomized controlled trials were pooled in a meta-analysis. RESULTS: Four randomized controlled trials were included. Three clinical trials, with a total of 632 subjects, evaluated the preventive effects of probiotic supplementation and 1 study evaluated the therapeutic role. Random effects meta-analysis of the preventive trials did not show significant differences between probiotic supplementation and control groups (odds ratio 0.47; 95% confidence interval: 0.13-1.67). However, the few available trials and the presence of significant clinical and statistical heterogeneity limited the analysis. Similarly, the therapeutic clinical trial did not show significant differences between active and placebo groups. No major adverse events owing to probiotic supplementation were reported in any study. CONCLUSIONS: Probiotic supplementation showed beneficial effect in the prevention and treatment of radiation-induced diarrhea in experimental animal studies. Encouraging results have been observed in humans; however, the few available clinical studies do not allow firm conclusions. More well-performed, randomized placebo-controlled studies are needed.

Immunohistochemical expression of the human sodium/iodide symporter distinguishes malignant from benign gastric lesions.

AIM: Sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) is a transmembrane protein that mediates the transport of I(-). The aim was to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of the human homolog of NIS (hNIS) in a wide spectrum of gastric lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-seven samples were stained immunohistochemically with a monoclonal antibody for hNIS, including 14 with normal gastric mucosa, 14 with chronic atrophic gastritis with foveolar hyperplasia, 15 with chronic atrophic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia, 6 with chronic atrophic gastritis with atypical regenerative hyperplasia, 8 with chronic atrophic gastritis with dysplasia, 15 with invasive adenocarcinoma, 3 with well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor, and 2 with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). RESULTS: hNIS stained the basolateral cytoplasmic portion of foveolae in normal mucosa, in 13 cases of chronic atrophic gastritis with foveolar hyperplasia, and in only 1 case of regenerative atypical hyperplasia. hNIS was consistently absent in intestinal metaplasia, in dysplastic glands, and in the cells constituting invasive carcinoma, well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors, and GIST. CONCLUSION: It seems that lack of hNIS can be useful in distinguishing foveolar hyperplasia from dysplastic glands.

Effectiveness of management strategies for uninvestigated dyspepsia: systematic review and network meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of management strategies for uninvestigated dyspepsia. DESIGN: Systematic review and network meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: Medline, Embase, Embase Classic, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and clinicaltrials.gov from inception to September 2019, with no language restrictions. Conference proceedings between 2001 and 2019. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES: Randomised controlled trials that assessed the effectiveness of management strategies for uninvestigated dyspepsia in adult participants (age ≥18 years). Strategies of interest were prompt endoscopy; test for Helicobacter pylori and perform endoscopy in participants who test positive; test for H pylori and eradication treatment in those who test positive ("test and treat"); empirical acid suppression; or symptom based management. Trials reported dichotomous assessment of symptom status at final follow-up (≥12 months). RESULTS: The review identified 15 eligible randomised controlled trials that comprised 6162 adult participants. Data were pooled using a random effects model. Strategies were ranked according to P score, which is the mean extent of certainty that one management strategy is better than another, averaged over all competing strategies. "Test and treat" ranked first (relative risk of remaining symptomatic 0.89, 95% confidence interval 0.78 to 1.02, P score 0.79) and prompt endoscopy ranked second, but performed similarly (0.90, 0.80 to 1.02, P score 0.71). However, no strategy was significantly less effective than "test and treat." Participants assigned to "test and treat" were significantly less likely to receive endoscopy (relative risk v prompt endoscopy 0.23, 95% confidence interval 0.17 to 0.31, P score 0.98) than all other strategies, except symptom based management (relative risk v symptom based management 0.60, 0.30 to 1.18). Dissatisfaction with management was significantly lower with prompt endoscopy (P score 0.95) than with "test and treat" (relative risk v "test and treat" 0.67, 0.46 to 0.98), and empirical acid suppression (relative risk v empirical acid suppression 0.58, 0.37 to 0.91). Upper gastrointestinal cancer rates were low in all trials. Results remained stable in sensitivity analyses, with minimal inconsistencies between direct and indirect results. Risk of bias of individual trials was high; blinding was not possible because of the pragmatic trial design. CONCLUSIONS: "Test and treat" was ranked first, although it performed similarly to prompt endoscopy and was not superior to any of the other strategies. "Test and treat" led to fewer endoscopies than all other approaches, except symptom based management. However, participants showed a preference for prompt endoscopy as a management strategy for their symptoms. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration number CRD42019132528.