Implementing the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria in Crohn's disease: Prevalence of malnutrition and association with clinical outcomes.

Background & Aims: Limited data exist regarding the implementation of the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria for diagnosing malnutrition in Crohn's disease (CD), and its association with CD prognosis. In the present study eighteen GLIM combinations and a combined one were implemented to identify differences in the prevalence of malnutrition and to investigate potential associations with clinical outcomes at 6 months.

Methods: Different methodologies to diagnose malnutrition were used at baseline, namely the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA), eighteen different combinations of phenotypic and etiologic GLIM criteria and a combined version based on all GLIM combinations (GLIMcv) to test differences in the estimated prevalence and outcomes' prognosis.

Insights into Therapeutic Response Prediction for Ustekinumab in Ulcerative Colitis Using an Ensemble Bioinformatics Approach.

Introduction: Optimizing treatment with biological agents is an ideal goal for patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Recent data suggest that mucosal inflammation patterns and serum cytokine profiles differ between patients who respond and those who do not. Ustekinumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting the p40 subunit of interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-23, has shown promise, but predicting treatment response remains a challenge.

Effectiveness and safety of vedolizumab and infliximab in biologic-naive patients with Crohn's disease: results from the EVOLVE study.

Objectives: This study compared the real-world effectiveness and safety of α 4 β 7 -integrin inhibitor vedolizumab and anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNFα) inhibitor infliximab in biologic-naive patients with Crohn's disease (CD).

Methods: EVOLVE was a retrospective, multicenter, medical chart review of biologic-naive adults with inflammatory bowel disease receiving vedolizumab or anti-TNFα treatment as first-line biologics in Canada, Greece, and the USA. Twelve-month outcomes were analyzed in vedolizumab- or infliximab-treated patients with moderate-to-severe CD (and subgroups with complicated and noncomplicated CD) including cumulative rates of clinical response, clinical remission, and mucosal healing, and incidence rates of serious adverse events (SAEs) and serious infections (SIs).

Anal defecatory function in ulcerative colitis patients after total proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis: a prospective cohort study.

Background: Total proctocolectomy (TPC) followed by ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) remains the only viable option whenever different treatment modalities fail in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).

Objective: Prospective cohort pre/post study examining the anal defecatory function and competence in UC patients undergoing TPC plus IPAA using high-resolution anorectal manometry (HR-ARM).

Patients: Patients undergoing TPC and IPAA were enrolled in the study and subjected to HR-ARM prior to and 6 months after surgery.

Curcumin-QingDai Combination for Patients With Active Ulcerative Colitis: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Background & Aims: We evaluated the efficacy of herbal combination of curcumin-QingDai (CurQD) in active ulcerative colitis (UC).

Methods: Part I was an open-label trial of CurQD in patients with active UC, defined by a Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index score of 5 or higher and a Mayo endoscopic subscore of 2 or higher. Part II was a placebo-controlled trial conducted in Israel and Greece, randomizing active UC patients at a 2:1 ratio to enteric-coated CurQD 3 g/d or placebo for 8 weeks.

Sedation during endoscopic procedures: a Hellenic Society of Gastroenterology Position Statement.

Administration of sedation by non-anesthesiologists during gastrointestinal endoscopy remains highly controversial in Greece. The aim of this set of 16 position statements prepared by experts in the field on behalf of the Hellenic Society of Gastroenterology is to aid gastroenterologists in their everyday clinical practice and provide evidence for the best use of drugs for the sedation of patients who undergo an endoscopy. The statements address issues such as the level of sedation required, the best drugs used, their mode of action, their side-effects and possible ways to counter their action, and were adopted if at least 80% of all participants agreed upon them.

The natural history of COVID-19 in vaccinated inflammatory bowel disease patients.

Aim: Assess the characteristics of break through COVID-19 in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients, despite complete vaccination.

Methods: Patients who reported a COVID-19 at least 3 weeks after complete vaccination were asked to answer an on-line anonymous questionnaire which included patient and disease characteristics, vaccination history, and the evolution of COVID-19.

Results: Among 3240 IBD patients who reported complete vaccination between 1st May 2021 and 30thJune 2022, 402 (12.

Assessment of Dietary Adequacy and Quality in a Sample of Patients with Crohn's Disease.

Both under-and over-nutrition are prevalent in patients with Crohn's Disease (CD). The aim of the present study was to evaluate dietary intake and compare it with relevant recommendations during active disease and remission, also taking into consideration the adequacy of energy reporting. Dietary quality was assessed through adherence to the Mediterranean diet and to the European dietary guidelines for cardiovascular disease prevention (CVD-score).

The ulcerative colitis narrative Greece survey: patients' and physicians' perspective on quality of life and disease management.

Background: Using data from the ulcerative colitis (UC) narrative Greece survey, part of a global survey of patients and physicians, we aimed to identify the impact of UC on patients' lives and to compare patients' and gastroenterologists' responses to questions relating to communication during the management of UC in our country.

Methods: The survey was conducted online by The Harris Poll, and included 95 patients and 51 gastroenterologists. Eligible were adult UC patients who had seen a gastroenterologist in the past 12 months and had at some time taken a prescription medication (excluding those who had only ever taken 5-aminosalicylates).

Poor performance of predictive equations to estimate resting energy expenditure in patients with Crohn's disease.

Studies exploring the accuracy of equations calculating Resting Energy Expenditure (REE) in patients with Crohn's disease are lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the accuracy of REE predictive equations against indirect calorimetry in Crohn's disease patients. REE was measured using indirect calorimetry (mREE) after an overnight fasting.

IOIBD Recommendations for Clinical Trials in Ulcerative Proctitis: The PROCTRIAL Consensus.

Background & Aims: Clinical trials evaluating biologics and small molecules in patients with ulcerative colitis are predominantly excluding ulcerative proctitis. The objective of the Definition and endpoints for ulcerative PROCtitis in clinical TRIALs initiative was to develop consensus statements for definitions, inclusion criteria, and endpoints for the evaluation of ulcerative proctitis in adults.

Methods: Thirty-five international experts held a consensus meeting to define ulcerative proctitis, and the endpoints to use in clinical trials.

Effect of golimumab on health-related quality of life, other patient-reported outcomes and healthcare resource utilization in patients with moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis: a real-world multicenter, noninterventional, observational study in Greece.

Background And Aims: This real-world study assessed the impact of golimumab on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and other patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in patients with ulcerative colitis over 12 months in Greece.

Methods: GO-LIFE was a noninterventional, prospective, multicenter, 12-month study. Patients who had moderately-to-severely active ulcerative colitis were naïve to antitumor necrosis factor (anti-TNFα) therapy and had failed previous conventional therapy.

Differences between fellows and fellowship program directors in their perception of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gastroenterology training: results from a nationwide survey in Greece.

Background: Lockdown measures applied during the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak caused a significant disturbance to hospital routine. We assessed trainees' and fellowship directors' perceptions regarding the impact of the pandemic on gastroenterology fellowship training.

Methods: A web-based survey was anonymously disseminated to all Greek gastroenterology fellows and fellowship program directors.

An unusual synchronous ileosigmoid and ileoileal knotting: a case report.

Introduction: Ileosigmoid and ileoileal knotting are two rare entities. They usually present as acute abdomen and the diagnosis is established intraoperatively. The treatment is surgical and should be performed as soon as possible to decrease the incidence of perioperative mortality and morbidity.

Influence of protein intake from haem and non-haem animals and plant origin on inflammatory biomarkers among apparently-healthy adults in Greece.

Intake of different types of protein may be associated with differences in biomarkers among various populations. This work investigated the influence of protein intake from haem and non-haem animals as well as protein from plants on haematological and biochemical parameters in inflammation among apparently-healthy adults living in Greece, a Mediterranean country. Four hundred and ninety apparently-healthy subjects (46 +/- 16 years, 40% men), who consecutively visited Polykliniki General Hospital for routine examinations, voluntarily agreed to participate in the study (participation rate 85%).

Neck circumference is correlated with triglycerides and inversely related with HDL cholesterol beyond BMI and waist circumference.

Background: Neck circumference, beyond a measure of obesity, is a unique fat depot with increasing significance. This study aimed to investigate the association between neck circumference and biomarkers, indicators of cardiovascular risk.

Methods: During 2009, 490 volunteers (46 ± 16 years, 40% men) were consecutively enrolled to the study (participation rate 85%).

Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy in patients with previous neck surgery.

Objective: Previous neck surgery (PNS) in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP) is considered as a contraindication for minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP). The purpose of our study was to determine the effectiveness of MIP in such patients.

Design: From January 2003 to June 2011, 380 patients with PHP were treated in our department; 42 had had previous neck surgery.

Association between serum cystatin C, monocytes and other inflammatory markers.

Background: Cystatin C is a marker of renal function that appears to be associated with inflammation. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether there is any relationship between cystatin C, total and differential leukocyte count and other inflammatory markers.

Methods: Cystatin C, creatinine, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), haptoglobin, ferritin, serum albumin, glucose, total cholesterol, HDL and triglycerides together with total and differential leukocyte count were determined in 490 adults (46 ± 16 years, 40% men) who underwent a typical health examination.

The impact of demographic characteristics and lifestyle in the distribution of cystatin C values in a healthy greek adult population.

Background. The aim of the present study was to examine sources of variation for serum cystatin C in a healthy Greek population. Methods.

Associations of acute-phase reactants with metabolic syndrome in middle-aged overweight or obese people.

Background: Metabolic syndrome, i.e. the clustering of visceral obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and hypertension, has become a major public-health challenge worldwide.

Alpha-lipoic Acid and diabetic neuropathy.

Diabetic neuropathy presents a major public health problem. It is defined by the symptoms and signs of peripheral nerve dysfunction in diabetic patients, in whom other causes of neuropathy have been excluded. Pathogenetic mechanisms that have been implicated in diabetic neuropathy are: a) increased flux through the polyol pathway, leading to accumulation of sorbitol, a reduction in myo-inositol, and an associated reduced Na+-K+-ATPase activity, and b) endoneurial microvascular damage and hypoxia due to nitric oxide inactivation by increased oxygen free radical activity.

Moving ahead in diabetics' cancer screening; food for thought from the Hellenic experience.

Although data from literature suggest that diabetic women are frequently under screened for gynaecological cancers little is known about screening implementation for other cancers for both genders. This study investigates comprehensive cancer screening practices of diabetics as compared with non-diabetics; analyses screening patterns both by gender and level of evidence and reveals target subgroups that should be paid more attention for screening implementation. 675 diabetics vs.

An inverse relationship between cumulating components of the metabolic syndrome and serum magnesium levels.

Metabolic syndrome has been defined as the presence of abdominal obesity combined with 2 of the following factors: hypertension, dyslipidemia, and impaired glucose tolerance, or diabetes mellitus. Magnesium is an essential cofactor for more than 300 enzymes involved in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. In this study, we enrolled 117 consecutive overweight and obese patients and we measured serum magnesium levels together with fasting serum glucose, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triacylglycerols.

Vertebral osteomyelitis and native valve endocarditis due to Staphylococcus simulans: a case report.

Background: Staphylococcus simulans is a common animal pathogen that occasionally can colonize human skin. Unlike other coagulase-negative staphylococci, S. simulans tends to cause more severe infections that resemble those caused by S.