Effects of the Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation System on Heartburn, Regurgitation and Esophageal Acid Exposure in GERD Patients-An Uncontrolled Feasibility Study.

Background: Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are associated with a high failure rate. Our uncontrolled feasibility study aimed determining the effect of a transcutaneous electrical stimulation system (TESS) on GERD symptoms and acid exposure time (AET).

Methods: Recruited patients with heartburn and regurgitation.

[EOSINOPHILIC ESOPHAGITIS: MUCH MORE IS UNKNOWN YET THAN DISCOVERED].

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the esophagus, which is mediated by Th2 cells that could start at any age, from early childhood to adulthood. The pathogenesis of the disease is not fully understood, but apparently it consists of a combined interaction between hereditary and environmental factors. Over the years, EoE has become an increasingly diagnosed disease in the context of esophageal symptoms.

EPSTEIN-BARR virus pneumonitis in a immunocompetent young adult.

Background: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a common human Herpesvirus with worldwide distribution. Primary EBV infection usually occurs early in life and typically presents as infectious mononucleosis consisting of fever, pharyngitis, hepatosplenomegaly, and lymphadenopathy. Usually, the disease course is benign and most patients recover uneventfully without any consequent sequel.

Factors Predicting Type I Gastric Neuroendocrine Neoplasia Recurrence: A Single-Center Study.

Type I gastric neuroendocrine neoplasms (gNENs) are associated with atrophic gastritis and have a high recurrence rate, which means frequent endoscopies are required. The objective of this study was to identify factors predicting the local recurrence of type I gNENs. The clinical course and the pathological and biochemical data of patients with type I gNENs treated at Bnai Zion Medical Center between 2006 and 2022 were analyzed retrospectively.

CMV-Related Gastric Ulcer and Gastroduodenitis in an Immunocompetent Patient: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV)- related gastroduodenal infection is rare in immunocompetent hosts, and although it is considered a self-limiting condition in most cases, there is scarce literature to assert its management. . We report a case of a 66-year-old immunocompetent male patient diagnosed with a giant gastric ulcer caused by CMV infection.

Digital recording and documentation of endoscopic procedures: physicians' practice and perspectives.

Background: In recent years, it has become increasingly prevalent internationally to record and archive digital recordings of endoscopic procedures. This emerging documentation tool raises weighty educational, ethical and legal issues - which are viewed as both deterrents and incentives to its adoption. We conducted a survey study aimed at evaluating the use of DRD in endoscopic procedures, to examine physicians' support of this practice and to map the considerations weighed by physicians when deciding whether or not to support a more extensive use of DRD.

Revisional Bariatric Surgery in Israel: Findings from the Israeli Bariatric Surgery Registry.

Background: Bariatric surgery (BS) is a proven sustainable approach for obesity, and its frequency is increasing worldwide. However, the frequency of revision surgery (RS) is also increasing. This study aimed to evaluate the RS rate in Israel and compare RS to primary surgery (PS).

Increased killer B cells in chronic HCV infection may lead to autoimmunity and increased viral load.

Regulatory B (B ) cells are characterized by various membrane markers and the secretion of different inhibitory cytokines. A new subset of B cells was identified as CD5 Fas-ligand (FasL) . Their main reported role is to suppress anti-viral and anti-tumour immune responses, and, hence they have been dubbed 'killer' B cells.

Intragastric Balloons for Overweight Populations-1 Year Post Removal.

Background: Endoscopic balloons have been used for years to treat obese seeking weight loss. This study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of our lifestyle modification program.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from patients who underwent End-ball® (Endalis) intragastric balloon insertion with a multidisciplinary follow-up program.

Diagnosis and Classification of 17 Diseases from 1404 Subjects via Pattern Analysis of Exhaled Molecules.

We report on an artificially intelligent nanoarray based on molecularly modified gold nanoparticles and a random network of single-walled carbon nanotubes for noninvasive diagnosis and classification of a number of diseases from exhaled breath. The performance of this artificially intelligent nanoarray was clinically assessed on breath samples collected from 1404 subjects having one of 17 different disease conditions included in the study or having no evidence of any disease (healthy controls). Blind experiments showed that 86% accuracy could be achieved with the artificially intelligent nanoarray, allowing both detection and discrimination between the different disease conditions examined.

Digital Recording and Documentation of Endoscopic Procedures: Do Patients and Doctors Think Alike?

Conducting a survey study of a large number of patients and gastroenterologists aimed at identifying relevant predictors of interest in digital recording and documentation (DRD) of endoscopic procedures. Outpatients presenting to the endoscopy unit at our institution for an endoscopy examination were anonymously surveyed, regarding their views and opinions of a possible recording of the procedure. A parallel survey for gastroenterologists was conducted.

Feasibility and Importance of Enteroscopy after Gastric Bypass.

Background: Bariatric surgery has increased in popularity, with Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) being one of the most frequently performed. This leads to many cases in which the stomach is removed from routine gastroscopy access, sometimes being a major source of concern. Performing enteroscopy in these patients is technically difficult.

Programmed Nanoparticles for Tailoring the Detection of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and Irritable Bowel Syndrome Disease via Breathprint.

Chemical sensors based on programmable molecularly modified gold nanoparticles are tailored for the detection and discrimination between the breathprint of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The sensors are examined in both lab- and real-world clinical conditions. The results reveal a discriminative power accuracy of 81% between IBD and IBS and 75% between Crohn's and Colitis states.

[SPONTANEOUS BACTERIAL EMPYEMA--A RARE BUT IMPORTANT COMPLICATION OF HEPATIC HYDROTHORAX IN CIRRHOTIC PATIENTS].

Spontaneous bacterial empyema, a complication of hepatic hydrothorax in cirrhotic patients, is a rare but nevertheless important medical entity. The diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of spontaneous bacterial empyema differs from the "usual" empyema, and avoiding proper diagnosis or treatment delay may have far reaching consequences. We report on a patient who was diagnosed in our department with spontaneous bacterial empyema, review the main current literature on the subject and elaborate on the specific therapeutic considerations related to the case management.

Dexamethasone-suppressed corticotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test in morbid obese adults.

Purpose: In order to differentiate between Cushing's syndrome (CS) and Pseudo-Cushing's syndrome, it is customary to use a test that is conducted by cortisol suppression with low-dose dexamethasone, followed by the administration of corticotropin releasing hormone (Dex-CRH test). In children with severe obesity, Dex-CRH test has shown a specificity of 55%. The aim of current study was to evaluate the specificity of Dex-CRH test in morbid obese adults.

Sleeve Gastrectomy in Different Age Groups: a Comparative Study of 5-Year Outcomes.

Background: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has been used more frequently over the past 10 years. As the population ages, a larger number of older people will suffer from weight-related comorbidities, resulting in bariatric surgery becoming a dominant solution for improving health and quality of life. We assessed the long-term outcomes of LSG in elderly patients.

The Involvement of Immune Semaphorins in the Pathogenesis of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBDs).

Background And Aims: Immune semaphorins are a large family of proteins involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases through the regulation of immune homeostasis and tissue inflammation. We aim to assess the possible involvement of semaphorin3A (sema3A) and 4A (sema4A) in peripheral immune responses and bowel tissue inflammation of patients suffering from Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC).

Patients And Methods: Twenty-seven CD patients and 10 UC patients were studied and compared to 10 patients followed for acute diverticulitis (disease control) and 12 healthy individuals.

Over-the-Scope Clip (OTSC) System for Sleeve Gastrectomy Leaks.

Background: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is currently being widely accepted for its role in the treatment of morbid obesity. Staple-line leakage is one of the most reported complications found in 0.5-7 % of the population, in which the Over-the-Scope Clip (OTSC) (Ovesco Endoscopy, Tübingen, Germany), a novel device, is employed.

Correlation between incidental FDG PET/CT colorectal observations and endoscopic and histopathological results.

Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) is used in the imaging workup of various malignancies. Incidental gastrointestinal observations on FDG PET/CT may be of clinical significance. The aim of the present study was to evaluate endoscopic and histopathological observations in patients referred for colonoscopy due to incidental FDG colonic uptake on a PET/CT study.

Getting the most from the sleeve: the importance of post-operative follow-up.

Background: Bariatric approach to obesity provides substantial weight loss and comorbidity resolution. Our unique service includes pre- and postoperative visits to the Health and Nutrition Clinic headed by a specialist in gastroenterology and nutrition. We compared patients attending regular clinic routine with those who were lost to follow-up with regard to anthropometry, comorbidity, quality of life, and food tolerance and determined who benefited most from the operation.

Adenosine deaminase activity in patients with Crohn's disease: distinction between active and nonactive disease.

Background: Crohn's disease (CD) is a common chronic inflammatory bowel disease. During the disease a cascade of immunologic events occur including mucosal influx of inflammatory cells like neutrophils. Adenosine deaminase (ADA) is important in inflammatory responses and serves as a marker of activated leukocytes.

A nine-year audit of open-access upper gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures: results and experience of a single centre.

Background: The appropriateness and safety of open-access endoscopy are very important issues as its use continues to increase.

Objective: To present a review of a nine-year experience with open-access upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with respect to indications, diagnostic efficacy, safety and diseases diagnosed.

Methods: A retrospective, observational case series of all patients who underwent open-access endoscopy between January 2000 and December 2008 was conducted.

Colorectal cancer among Arab-Israeli women--possible reasons for increased incidence and mortality.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is effective in reducing its incidence by discovering precancerous polyps and detecting early cancer. Evidence indicates lower participation in screening programs among minority ethnic groups. In addition, the Israel Cancer Registry published an increase in the incidence of CRC among Israeli-Arab women.

Sleeve gastrectomy leads to Helicobacter pylori eradication.

Background: The role of Helicobacter pylori (HP) in patients scheduled and undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has not been previously evaluated.

Methods: Included were obese patients presenting to our institution for LSG over 24 months. All patients had presurgical HP breath test, and the symptomatic ones received triple therapy with symptom follow-up.