Digestive diseases and sciences
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Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a common complication of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In clinical practice, many patients receive initial treatment with iron tablets although intravenous (i.v.) iron supplementation is often preferable. ⋯ Patients with high baseline CRP achieved a lower Hb response with oral iron therapy. Our results suggest that CRP may be useful to identify IBD patients who can benefit from first-line treatment with i.v. iron to improve their IDA.
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An association between fibromyalgia and hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been previously described. However, the relationship between nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibromyalgia symptoms has not been assessed, though they share several risk factors. ⋯ Fibromyalgia symptoms were significantly associated with HCV and NASH cirrhosis and with psychiatric symptoms. Future work should focus on the underlying pathophysiology and management of widespread pain in patients with cirrhosis.
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Genetic signatures may differ by histopathologic and anatomic subtypes of gastric cancer (GC). B-cell translocation gene 1 (BTG1) was identified as one of genes downregulated in GC tissues from our microarray data. ⋯ Altered expression of BTG1 is a potential biomarker for carcinogenesis and progression of GC, particularly for proximal nondiffuse and diffuse GC.
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The onset of acute pancreatitis (AP) is characterized by early protease activation followed by inflammation and organ damage, but the mechanisms are poorly understood. ⋯ Our findings show that HDAC regulates trypsin activation, inflammation, and tissue damage in AP. Thus, targeting HDAC could serve as novel therapeutic approach in the management of severe AP.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effect of Gum Chewing on the Volume and pH of Gastric Contents: A Prospective Randomized Study.
Insufficient fasting prior to endoscopic procedures performed under sedation may result in potential aspiration of gastric contents. Fasting as per ASA guidelines is recommended prior to these procedures. However, the effect of chewing gum on fasting status has been a subject of debate and often leads to procedural delays. ⋯ Although our results show gastric volume in patients chewing gum was statistically higher, clinical relevance of such a small difference is questionable. Thus patients who chewed gum inadvertently prior to procedure should not be denied or delayed administration of sedative and anesthetic medications.