European Guideline on Chronic Nausea and Vomiting-A UEG and ESNM Consensus for Clinical Management.

Introduction: Chronic nausea and vomiting are symptoms of a wide range of gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal conditions. Diagnosis can be challenging and requires a systematic and well-structured approach. If the initial investigation for structural, toxic and metabolic disorders is negative, digestive motility and gut-brain interaction disorders should be assessed.

Work productivity and activity impairment in disorders of gut-brain interaction: Data from the Rome Foundation Global Epidemiology Study.

Background: Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI) are highly prevalent worldwide, but their effect on work productivity has not gained much attention.

Aims And Methods: We aimed to compare work productivity and activity impairment (WPAI) in persons with and without DGBI in a large population-based cohort and identify factors independently associated with WPAI in subjects with DGBI. Data were collected from Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and Sweden via Internet surveys as part of the Rome Foundation Global Epidemiology Study.

Face-to-face interviews versus Internet surveys: Comparison of two data collection methods in the Rome foundation global epidemiology study: Implications for population-based research.

Background And Aims: The Rome Foundation Global Epidemiology Study (RFGES) assessed the prevalence, burden, and associated factors of Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI) in 33 countries around the world. Achieving worldwide sampling necessitated use of two different surveying methods: In-person household interviews (9 countries) and Internet surveys (26 countries). Two countries, China and Turkey, were surveyed with both methods.

A comparative study of disorders of gut-brain interaction in Western Europe and Asia based on the Rome foundation global epidemiology study.

Objective: Many studies have been published on disorders of the gut-brain interaction (DGBI) in Asia and Western Europe, but no previous study has directly assessed the difference between the two regions. The aim was to compare the prevalence of DGBI in Asia and Western Europe.

Methods: We used data collected in a population-based Internet survey, the Rome Foundation Global Epidemiology Study, from countries in Western Europe (Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom) and Asia (China, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore).

Influence of COVID-19 Pandemic on Colorectal Cancer Presentation, Management and Outcome during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The aim of the study was to investigate whether the COVID-19 pandemic and related measures had an influence on colorectal cancer (CRC) presentation, management, and outcomes; it was a retrospective monocentric study. CRC patients undergoing surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic (1 March 2020-28 February 2022) (group B) were compared with patients operated on in the previous two years (1 March 2018-29 February 2020) in the same unit (group A). The primary outcome was to investigate whether there were differences in concern regarding the stage at presentation, as a whole and after dividing groups based on cancer location (right colon cancer, left colon cancer, rectal cancer).

The Management of Dry Eye Disease: Proceedings of Italian Dry Eye Consensus Group Using the Delphi Method.

Dry eye disease (DED) is a highly prevalent, chronic and progressive condition that affects 5-33% of the world's adult population [...

Persistence of gastrointestinal symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis: study protocol for a three-arm randomised controlled trial (SOMA.GUT-RCT).

Introduction: Ulcerative colitis (UC) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are distressing chronic diseases associated with abdominal pain and altered bowel habits of unknown aetiology. Results from previous studies indicate that, across both diseases, increased levels of illness-related anxiety and dysfunctional symptom expectations contribute to symptom persistence. Thus, comparing both disorders with regard to common and disease-specific factors in the persistence and modification of gastrointestinal symptoms seems justified.

Equal Efficacy and Safety Profile in Elderly Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Receiving Palliative Treatment.

Palliative treatment of elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is often challenging due to comorbidities or frailty, and data about the outcome and overall survival (OS) in these patients are limited. This was a retrospective single centre study. Patients were grouped according to their age as young (<60 years; YP), intermediate (60-70 years; IP) or elderly (>70 years; EP).

Persistent SOMAtic symptoms ACROSS diseases - from risk factors to modification: scientific framework and overarching protocol of the interdisciplinary SOMACROSS research unit (RU 5211).

Introduction: Persistent somatic symptoms (PSS) are highly prevalent in all areas of medicine; they are disabling for patients and costly for society. The subjective symptom burden often correlates poorly with the underlying disease severity, and patients' needs for effective treatment are far from being met. Initial evidence indicates that, in addition to disease-specific pathophysiological processes, psychological factors such as expectations, somatosensory amplification and prior illness experiences contribute to symptom persistence in functional as well as in somatic diseases.

Low incidence of COVID-19 in a prospective cohort of patients with liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma treated at a tertiary medical center during the 2020 pandemic.

Background And Aims: Patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) are considered to be at increased risk for mortality when acquiring SARS-CoV-2 infection and subsequently developing Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). During the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals are regarded as sites with increased risk of infection. Therefore, patient contacts are often limited to urgent indications, which could negatively affect disease monitoring.

European guideline on indications, performance, and clinical impact of hydrogen and methane breath tests in adult and pediatric patients: European Association for Gastroenterology, Endoscopy and Nutrition, European Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, and European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition consensus.

Introduction: Measurement of breath hydrogen (H ) and methane (CH ) excretion after ingestion of test-carbohydrates is used for different diagnostic purposes. There is a lack of standardization among centers performing these tests and this, together with recent technical developments and evidence from clinical studies, highlight the need for a European guideline.

Methods: This consensus-based clinical practice guideline defines the clinical indications, performance, and interpretation of H -CH -breath tests in adult and pediatric patients.

European guideline on indications, performance and clinical impact of C-breath tests in adult and pediatric patients: An EAGEN, ESNM, and ESPGHAN consensus, supported by EPC.

Introduction: C-breath tests are valuable, noninvasive diagnostic tests that can be widely applied for the assessment of gastroenterological symptoms and diseases. Currently, the potential of these tests is compromised by a lack of standardization regarding performance and interpretation among expert centers.

Methods: This consensus-based clinical practice guideline defines the clinical indications, performance, and interpretation of C-breath tests in adult and pediatric patients.

Acute appendicitis in elderly during Covid-19 pandemic.

Purpose: During the past months, the Italian Government has reduced the restrictions and access to hospitals. Since then, up to 40% of non-traumatic abdominal emergencies have had unusual delayed treatment. Given the rapidly evolving situation and the absence of evidence to support recommendations during the pandemic, it is useful to assess how the current situation is influencing the management of elderly with acute appendicitis.

C-gastric emptying breath tests: Clinical use in adults and children.

C-gastric emptying breath tests ( C-GEBT) are validated, reliable, and non-invasive tools for measurement of gastric emptying (GE) velocity of solids and liquids without radiation exposure or risk of toxicity. They are recommended and routinely used for clinical purposes in adult as well as pediatric patients and can be readily performed onsite or even at the patient's home. However, the underlying methodology is rather complex and test results can be influenced by dietary factors, physical activity, concurrent diseases, and medication.

Iatrogenic Dry Eye Disease: Dealing with the Conundrum of Post-Cataract Discomfort. A P.I.C.A.S.S.O. Board Narrative Review.

The incidence and prevalence of dry eye disease (DED) after cataract surgery is greatly underestimated. The severity of dry eye symptoms has been reported to peak 7 days after cataract surgery and may persist for months, significantly affecting patients' quality of life (QoL). The importance of considering surgical outcomes not only in terms of visual acuity, but also in terms of the patients' QoL, necessitates the assessment and evaluation of the ocular surface by the cataract surgeon prior to the procedure.

Mechanical ventilation and mortality among 223 critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019: A multicentric study in Germany.

Background: There are large uncertainties with regard to the outcome of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and mechanical ventilation (MV). High mortality (50-97%) was proposed by some groups, leading to considerable uncertainties with regard to outcomes of critically ill patients with COVID-19.

Objectives: The aim was to investigate the characteristics and outcomes of critically ill patients with COVID-19 requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission and MV.

Advancing Clinical Trials for Inherited Retinal Diseases: Recommendations from the Second Monaciano Symposium.

Major advances in the study of inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) have placed efforts to develop treatments for these blinding conditions at the forefront of the emerging field of precision medicine. As a result, the growth of clinical trials for IRDs has increased rapidly over the past decade and is expected to further accelerate as more therapeutic possibilities emerge and qualified participants are identified. Although guided by established principles, these specialized trials, requiring analysis of novel outcome measures and endpoints in small patient populations, present multiple challenges relative to study design and ethical considerations.

Development of a Multinational Clinical Practice Guideline: A Practical Structured Procedure.

Introduction: The development of a clinical guideline is a challenging process. National and international organizations have established a variety of approaches, grading systems, evaluation scales, and voting modes; however, a practical description which illustrates all steps from starting the initiative to publication and dissemination of the guideline is usually not provided. We describe a structured guideline procedure that can be adjusted to the requirements of other multinational guidelines.

Modern approach to the treatment of dry eye, a complex multifactorial disease: a P.I.C.A.S.S.O. board review.

Dry eye disease (DED) is a growing public health concern affecting quality of life and visual function, with a significant socio-economic impact. It is characterised by the loss of homoeostasis, resulting in tear film instability, hyperosmolarity and inflammation of the ocular surface. If the innate immune response is unable to cope with internal bodily or environmental adverse conditions, the persistent, self-maintaining vicious circle of inflammation leads to the chronic form of the disease.

Worldwide Prevalence and Burden of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, Results of Rome Foundation Global Study.

Background & Aims: Although functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), now called disorders of gut-brain interaction, have major economic effects on health care systems and adversely affect quality of life, little is known about their global prevalence and distribution. We investigated the prevalence of and factors associated with 22 FGIDs, in 33 countries on 6 continents.

Methods: Data were collected via the Internet in 24 countries, personal interviews in 7 countries, and both in 2 countries, using the Rome IV diagnostic questionnaire, Rome III irritable bowel syndrome questions, and 80 items to identify variables associated with FGIDs.

Heat-inactivated Bifidobacterium bifidum MIMBb75 (SYN-HI-001) in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Background: Bifidobacterium bifidum MIMBb75 is one of a few probiotic strains that have been shown to be effective in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and its symptoms. Non-viable strains might have advantages over viable bacteria for product stability and standardisation, as well as for tolerability because safety concerns have been raised for specific patient groups who are susceptible to infection. We aimed to assess the efficacy of non-viable, heat-inactivated (HI) B bifidum MIMBb75 (SYN-HI-001) in the treatment of IBS and its symptoms.