World journal of gastroenterology : WJG
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World J. Gastroenterol. · Aug 2017
ReviewLiquid biopsy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: Circulating tumor cells and cell-free nucleic acids.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with its high incidence and mortality rate, is one of the most common malignant tumors. Despite recent development of a diagnostic and treatment method, the prognosis of HCC remains poor. Therefore, to provide optimal treatment for each patient with HCC, more precise and effective biomarkers are urgently needed which could facilitate a more detailed individualized decision-making during HCC treatment, including the following; risk assessment, early cancer detection, prediction of treatment or prognostic outcome. ⋯ This concept, so-called "liquid biopsy" is widely known as an alternative approach to cancer tissue biopsy. This method might facilitate a more sensitive diagnosis and better decision-making by obtaining genetic and epigenetic aberrations that are closely associated with cancer initiation and progression. In this article, we review recent developments based on the available literature on both circulating tumor cells and cell-free nucleic acids in cancer patients, especially focusing on Hepatocellular carcinoma.
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World J. Gastroenterol. · Aug 2017
Comparative StudySimple instruments facilitating achievement of transanal total mesorectal excision in male patients.
To assess the efficacy of a modified approach with transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) using simple customized instruments in male patients with low rectal cancer. ⋯ Retrograde taTME with simple customized instruments can achieve high-quality TME, and it might be an effective and economical alternative for male patients with bulky tumors.
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World J. Gastroenterol. · Aug 2017
ReviewInfluence of gut microbiota on neuropsychiatric disorders.
The last decade has witnessed a growing appreciation of the fundamental role played by an early assembly of a diverse and balanced gut microbiota and its subsequent maintenance for future health of the host. Gut microbiota is currently viewed as a key regulator of a fluent bidirectional dialogue between the gut and the brain (gut-brain axis). A number of preclinical studies have suggested that the microbiota and its genome (microbiome) may play a key role in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. ⋯ Such research is expected to contribute to the design of strategies to modulate the gut microbiota and its functions with a view to improving mental health, and thus provide opportunities to improve the management of psychiatric diseases. Here, we review the evidence supporting a role of the gut microbiota in neuropsychiatric disorders and the state of the art regarding the mechanisms underlying its contribution to mental illness and health. We also consider the stages of life where the gut microbiota is more susceptible to the effects of environmental stressors, and the possible microbiota-targeted intervention strategies that could improve health status and prevent psychiatric disorders in the near future.
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World J. Gastroenterol. · Aug 2017
Comparative Study Observational StudyTransition clinic attendance is associated with improved beliefs and attitudes toward medicine in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
To evaluated the differences in knowledge, adherence, attitudes, and beliefs about medicine in adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) attending transition clinics. ⋯ Attendance at dedicated transition clinics was associated with differences in attitudes in adolescents with IBD.
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World J. Gastroenterol. · Jul 2017
Comparative StudyModified B-ultrasound method for measurement of antral section only to assess gastric function and guide enteral nutrition in critically ill patients.
To establish a modified B-ultrasound method of measuring the antral section only to assess gastric motility in healthy people, and evaluate its application in guiding enteral nutrition (EN) in critically ill patients. ⋯ The modified B-ultrasound method can provide a good real-time assessment of gastric function and has a better effect than the traditional method in guiding EN in critically ill patients.