possible research topics in gastroenterology

• Search by keyword
• Search by citation

Page 1 of 85

Latent profiles of fatigue in inflammatory bowel disease

Fatigue is prevalent in people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and has been associated with IBD activity, sleep quality, depression, and anxiety. This study aimed to identify fatigue profiles or clusters...

• View Full Text

Prediction of neoplastic gallbladder polyps in patients with different age level based on preoperative ultrasound: a multi-center retrospective real-world study

The prevalence of neoplastic polyps in gallbladder polyps (GPs) increases sharply with age and is associated with gallbladder carcinoma (GBC). This study aims to predict neoplastic polyps and provide appropria...

Imaging-based diagnosis of sarcopenia for transplant-free survival in primary sclerosing cholangitis

Imaging-based assessment of sarcopenia is a well-validated prognostic tool for patients with chronic liver disease. However, little is known about its value in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC...

Waistline to thigh circumference ratio as a predictor of MAFLD: a health care worker study with 2-year follow-up

This study aimed to determine whether the waist-to-thigh ratio (WTTR) is associated with the incidence of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in health care workers.

Fructose malabsorption and fructan malabsorption are associated in patients with irritable bowel syndrome

Food malabsorption and intolerance is implicated in gastrointestinal symptoms among patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Key triggers include fructose and fructan. Prior studies examined fructose and ...

Prognostic analysis of hepatocellular carcinoma based on cuproptosis -associated lncRNAs

Cuproptosis represents an innovative type of cell death, distinct from apoptosis, driven by copper dependency, yet the involvement of copper apoptosis-associated long non-coding RNAs (CRLncRNAs) in hepatocellu...

Identifying novel acute pancreatitis sub-phenotypes using total serum calcium trajectories

Acute pancreatitis (AP) has heterogeneous clinical features, and identifying clinically relevant sub-phenotypes is useful. We aimed to identify novel sub-phenotypes in hospitalized AP patients using longitudin...

Endoscopic manifestation of intestinal transplant-associated microangiopathy after stem cell transplantation

Endoscopic features of intestinal transplant-associated microangiopathy (iTAM) have not been comprehensively investigated. This study aimed to examine the endoscopic characteristics of patients diagnosed with ...

Clinicopathologic and endoscopic characteristics of ten patients with gastric hamartomatous inverted polyp: a single center case series

Gastric hamartomatous inverted polyps (GHIPs) are not well characterized and remain diagnostically challenging due to rarity. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the clinicopathologic and endoscopic char...

MAFLD with central obesity is associated with increased risk of colorectal adenoma and high-risk adenoma

To analyze the risk factors associated with colorectal adenoma and to investigate the associations of metabolism-related fatty liver disease (MAFLD) with obesity, colorectal adenoma and high-risk adenoma.

Interpretable machine learning-based clinical prediction model for predicting lymph node metastasis in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

Prediction of lymph node metastasis (LNM) for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is critical for the treatment regimen and prognosis. We aim to develop and validate machine learning (ML)-based predictive mo...

Downregulation of lncRNA EPB41L4A-AS1 promotes gastric cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion

The incidence of gastric cancer ranks the first among digestive tract tumors in China. However, there are no specific symptoms in the early stage of the tumor and the diagnosis process is complex, so more effe...

Level of interleukin 17 in inflammatory bowel disease and its relation with disease activity

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT).It results in progressive intestinal epithelium structural and functional damage that necessita...

Inflammatory bowel disease patients’ perspectives of non-medical needs

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) imposes a huge burden on the healthcare systems and greatly declines the patient’s quality of life. However, there is a paucity of detailed data regarding information and suppo...

Successful therapy with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) does not guarantee amelioration of liver damage assessing by transient elastography. A retrospective - prospective multicenter study

Preventing disease progression and viral suppression are the main goals of antiviral therapy in chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by transient elastography is a reliable non-invasive...

Prospective, randomized study comparing two different regimens of split-dose polyethylene glycol and their effect on endoscopic outcomes

Different split regimens of polyethylene glycol are routinely used and no guidelines are available to select an optimal protocol of ingestion. This study aims to compare the efficacy and side effect profile of...

Comparison of vonoprazan dual therapy, quadruple therapy and standard quadruple therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection in Hainan: a single-center, open-label, non-inferiority, randomized controlled trial

To compare the potential efficacy and safety of dual therapy and quadruple therapy with vonoprazan (VPZ) as well as the standard quadruple therapy of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for the eradication of Helicobacte...

Correction: The association between hemoglobin level and sarcopenia in Chinese patients with Crohn’s disease

The original article was published in BMC Gastroenterology 2024 24 :95

Evaluation of models to predict prognosis in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma treated with TACE combined with apatinib

The HAP, Six-and-Twelve, Up to Seven, and ALBI scores have been substantiated as reliable prognostic markers in patients presenting with intermediate and advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing tran...

Dietary inflammatory index in relation to the progression of hepatic steatosis and liver fibrosis: evaluation by elastography/Fibroscan

One of the proposed mechanisms by which nutrition influences the progression of hepatic steatosis to fibrosis is inflammation. The study investigated how the inflammatory potential of the diet affects the risk...

London Protocol under water-perfused HRM in a healthy population, towards novel 3D manometric parameters in an evaluation of anorectal functional disorders

London Protocol (LP) and Classification allied to high-resolution manometry (HRM) technological evolution has updated and enhanced the diagnostic armamentarium in anorectal disorders. This study aims to evalua...

Influential factors on disease activity in Crohn’s disease and their Roc curve evaluation: a cross-sectional study

This study aims to investigate the factors influencing disease activity in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) and provide insights and references for the management and prevention of CD.

Impact of severe postoperative complications on the prognosis of older patients with colorectal cancer: a two-center retrospective study

The occurrence of postoperative complications may affect short-term outcomes and prognosis of patients with various malignancies. However, the prognostic impact of these complications in older patients with co...

Safety and efficacy of a low-dose combination of midazolam, alfentanil, and propofol for deep sedation of elderly patients undergoing ERCP

Proper sedation of patients, particularly elderly individuals, who are more susceptible to sedation-related complications, is of significant importance in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)....

Management of hepatocellular carcinoma, an important cause of death in Japanese autoimmune hepatitis patients

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) was considered rare but is increasing with prolonged prognosis. Its impact on the overall prognosis of AIH is unknown, and treatment has not been es...

Endoscopic diagnosis of gastric and oesophageal cancer in Lusaka, Zambia: a retrospective analysis

There are uncertainties surrounding the spectrum of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. This is mainly due to the limitations of data collection and recording. We previously reported a...

Comparative efficacy and safety of subcutaneous infliximab and vedolizumab in patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis included in randomised controlled trials

While indirect comparison of infliximab (IFX) and vedolizumab (VDZ) in adults with Crohn’s disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) shows that IFX has better effectiveness during induction, and comparable effic...

Patients with chronic hepatitis B who have persistently normal alanine aminotransferase or aged < 30 years may exhibit significant histologic damage

The timing of antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with normal alanine transaminase (ALT) or aged < 30 years is still undetermined. We aimed to elucidate the correlation between liver histo...

Evaluating the efficacy of different volume resuscitation strategies in acute pancreatitis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Acute pancreatitis poses a significant health risk due to the potential for pancreatic necrosis and multi-organ failure. Fluid resuscitation has demonstrated positive effects; however, consensus on the ideal i...

Perioperative outcomes of the surgical management of achalasia in two tertiary Cameroonian hospitals: a cohort study

Achalasia is a rare esophageal disease with potentially lethal complications. Knowledge of the outcomes of the different surgical treatment modalities for achalasia by Heller’s cardiomyotomy (HCM) helps to cho...

Optimizing LI-RADS: ancillary features screened from LR-3/4 categories can improve the diagnosis of HCC on MRI

To determine the high-efficiency ancillary features (AFs) screened from LR-3/4 lesions and the HCC/non-HCC group and the diagnostic performance of LR3/4 observations.

Characterization of primary small intestinal lymphoma: a retrospective study based on double balloon endoscopy

The diagnosis of primary small intestinal lymphoma (PSIL) is difficult. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical, radiological and endoscopic characteristics of PSIL and provide clue for diagnosis.

Feasibility and repeatability of ultrasound-guided surface electroenterography to measure colonic slow wave motility in healthy adults

Surface electroenterography is a potential non-invasive alternative to current diagnostics of colonic motility disorders. However, electrode positioning in electroenterography is often based on general anatomy...

Association of lymphocyte subsets with the efficacy and prognosis of PD‑1 inhibitor therapy in advanced gastric cancer: results from a monocentric retrospective study

This retrospective study aimed to investigate the changes in peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets before and after immunotherapy in patients with advanced gastric cancer and their relationship n with the therap...

Poly-ϵ-caprolactone scaffold as staple-line reinforcement of rectal anastomosis: an experimental piglet study

Rectal anastomoses have a persisting high incidence of anastomotic leakage. This study aimed to assess whether the use of a poly-ϵ-caprolactone (PCL) scaffold as reinforcement of a circular stapled rectal anas...

The relationship between sarcopenia and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease among the young and middle-aged populations

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has been proposed as a new term for diagnosing fatty liver disease, which is considered to be a multi-systemic disease with multiple extrahepatic ma...

Comparison of vonoprazan and proton pump inhibitors for the treatment of gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection-induced ulcer: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Both vonoprazan and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are currently used to treat artificial ulcers after gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection. However, evidence-based medicine proving the efficacy of vonopraz...

Using new indices to predict metabolism dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD): analysis of the national health and nutrition examination survey database

Metabolism dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), is the most common chronic liver disease. Few MAFLD predictions are simple and accurate. We examined the predictive performance of the albumin-to-...

Prognostic factors of pancreatic tumors in children and adolescents: a population study based on the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results database

Pancreatic tumors in children are uncommon, and data is scarce. The purpose of this study is to examine the prognostic factors of pediatric pancreatic tumors in a population-based cohort.

Circulatory resistin levels in inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), is a chronic relapsing-remitting systemic disease of the gastrointestinal tract with rising incidence. Studies have...

Effect and potential mechanism of oncometabolite succinate promotes distant metastasis of colorectal cancer by activating STAT3

To investigate the effect of Oncometabolite succinate on colorectal cancer migration and invasion and to initially explore the underlying mechanism.Succinate acid detection kit detected the succinate content i...

Symptoms, burden, and unmet needs of patients living with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency: a narrative review of the patient experience

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) stems from a deficiency of functional pancreatic enzymes with consequent maldigestion and malnutrition. EPI shares clinical symptoms and manifestations with other disord...

Clinical features of inflammatory bowel disease unclassified: a case-control study

Approximately 10-15% of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients with overlapping features of ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) are termed as inflammatory bowel disease unclassified (IBDU). Thi...

Construction and validation of a nomogram for cancer specific survival of postoperative pancreatic cancer based on the SEER and China database

The recurrence rate and mortality rate among postoperative pancreatic cancer patients remain elevated. This study aims to develop and validate the cancer-specific survival period for individuals who have under...

Hemorrhoidal disease among doctors from grade-A tertiary hospitals in big cities of China: results from web-based doctors as patients survey

Doctors are at high risk of developing hemorrhoidal disease (HD), but it is unclear whether doctors are aware of this risk. The OASIS (dOctors AS patIentS) study was performed to examine the prevalence, awaren...

Gender differences in gastrointestinal, biopsychosocial and healthcare-seeking behaviors in Chinese patients with irritable bowel syndrome predominant with diarrhea

Evidences of comparison of sex difference in Chinese irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients were few. We aim to compare gender difference in the biopsychosocial characteristics of Chinese patients of IBS pred...

Investigating the mortality trend of gastrointestinal cancers in Babol, North Iran (2013–2021)

This study aims to examine the mortality rate and trend of gastrointestinal cancers, particularly gastric cancer, as the leading cause of death among cancers in northern Iran over a 9-year period. In light of ...

A colonial serrated polyp classification model using white-light ordinary endoscopy images with an artificial intelligence model and TensorFlow chart

In this study, we implemented a combination of data augmentation and artificial intelligence (AI) model—Convolutional Neural Network (CNN)—to help physicians classify colonic polyps into traditional adenoma (T...

Prediction of survival and analysis of prognostic factors for patients with AFP negative hepatocellular carcinoma: a population-based study

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a poor prognosis, and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is widely used to evaluate HCC. However, the proportion of AFP-negative individuals cannot be disregarded. This study aimed to e...

Important information

Editorial board

For authors

For editorial board members

For reviewers

• Manuscript editing services

Annual Journal Metrics

2022 Citation Impact 2.4 - 2-year Impact Factor 3.0 - 5-year Impact Factor 1.037 - SNIP (Source Normalized Impact per Paper) 0.759 - SJR (SCImago Journal Rank)

2023 Speed 40 days submission to first editorial decision for all manuscripts (Median) 166 days submission to accept (Median)

2023 Usage  3,090,113 downloads 2,444 Altmetric mentions 

• More about our metrics

Peer-review Terminology

The following summary describes the peer review process for this journal:

Identity transparency: Single anonymized

Reviewer interacts with: Editor

Review information published: Review reports. Reviewer Identities reviewer opt in. Author/reviewer communication

More information is available here

• Follow us on Twitter

Trending Articles

Click here to view which Articles have been shared the most this year!

BMC Gastroenterology

ISSN: 1471-230X

• Submission enquiries: [email protected]
• General enquiries: [email protected]

Emerging Topics in Gastroenterology

Affiliations.

• 1 Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, 1010 North Kansas, Wichita, KS 67214, USA.
• 2 Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, 1010 North Kansas, Wichita, KS 67214, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].
• PMID: 29132532
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pop.2017.07.008

The bacteria and fungi in the human gut make up a community of microorganisms that lives in symbiosis with humans, engaging in numerous diverse interactions that influence health. This article outlines the current knowledge on emerging topics in gastroenterology, including microbiome and probiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, cyclic vomiting syndrome, eosinophilic esophagitis, and microscopic colitis.

Keywords: Cyclic vomiting; Eosinophilic esophagitis; Fecal transplant; Microbiome; Microscopic colitis; Probiotics.

Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Publication types

• Colitis, Microscopic / physiopathology
• Colitis, Microscopic / therapy
• Eosinophilic Esophagitis / physiopathology
• Eosinophilic Esophagitis / therapy
• Fecal Microbiota Transplantation / methods
• Gastroenterology*
• Gastrointestinal Microbiome / physiology
• Primary Health Care
• Probiotics / pharmacology
• Vomiting / physiopathology
• Vomiting / therapy

Supplementary concepts

• Familial cyclic vomiting syndrome

Learn how UpToDate can help you.

Select the option that best describes you

• Medical Professional
• Resident, Fellow, or Student
• Hospital or Institution
• Group Practice
• Patient or Caregiver
• Find in topic

RELATED TOPICS

Contributor Disclosures

Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.

The following represent additions to UpToDate from the past six months that were considered by the editors and authors to be of particular interest. The most recent What's New entries are at the top of each subsection.

Endoscopic techniques for resection of large nonpedunculated colon polyps (April 2024)

Most large colon polyps are removed endoscopically, but the best endoscopic technique is unclear as data are limited. In a trial comparing endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) with endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) in 360 patients with large (≥25 mm) nonpedunculated colon polyps, ESD reduced polyp recurrence at six months (0.6 versus 5.1 percent) [ 1 ]. However, it also resulted in higher rates of intraprocedural perforation (6 versus 2 percent) and clinically significant postprocedural bleeding (8 versus 6 percent), although the differences from EMR were not statistically significant. We use EMR to remove most large nonpedunculated polyps because they are usually benign and have low risk of recurrence. In addition, ESD requires specialized equipment, advanced training, and longer procedure times. (See "Endoscopic removal of large colon polyps", section on 'Endoscopic submucosal dissection' .)

Antibiotic prophylaxis prior to ERCP for biliary obstruction (February 2024)

For patients with biliary obstruction undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), the benefit of antibiotic prophylaxis in all versus selected patients is uncertain. In a randomized trial including 378 patients with biliary obstruction undergoing ERCP, antibiotic prophylaxis resulted in lower risk of cholangitis compared with no prophylaxis (2 versus 6 percent) [ 2 ]. Based on these and older data, we reserve antibiotic prophylaxis for patients who are at risk for incomplete biliary drainage with ERCP and await further data before administering antibiotic prophylaxis to all patients with biliary obstruction. (See "Antibiotic prophylaxis for gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures", section on 'Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)' .)

Pancreatic stenting for preventing pancreatitis after ERCP (February 2024)

Patients with difficult biliary access are at increased risk for pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), which may be prevented by prophylactic pancreatic stenting. In a trial including 1950 patients at high risk for post-ERCP pancreatitis, individuals assigned to pancreatic stent placement plus indomethacin had lower rates of post-ERCP pancreatitis compared with those assigned to indomethacin alone (11 versus 15 percent) [ 3 ]. Rates of serious adverse events were not significantly different between groups. These data support our approach of prophylactic pancreatic stenting in high-risk patients undergoing ERCP. (See "Management of difficult biliary access during ERCP in adults", section on 'Efficacy' .)

Motorized spiral enteroscopy for evaluating small bowel disorders (October 2023)

Device-assisted enteroscopy facilitates direct access to the small bowel, but studies on motorized spiral enteroscopy are limited. In a trial comparing motorized spiral enteroscopy with single balloon enteroscopy in 110 adults with suspected small bowel disorders, rates of complete small bowel examination were higher with motorized spiral enteroscopy (71 versus 11 percent) [ 4 ]. Motorized spiral enteroscopy also resulted in higher diagnostic yield (80 versus 62 percent) and shorter mean procedure times (58 versus 114 minutes). No major adverse events occurred in either group. These data show promise, but further studies on safety are needed before performing motorized spiral enteroscopy routinely in clinical practice. In addition, its use may be limited by equipment availability and endoscopic expertise. (See "Overview of deep small bowel enteroscopy", section on 'Motorized spiral enteroscopy' .)

ESOPHAGEAL AND GASTRIC DISEASE

Budesonide oral suspension for eosinophilic esophagitis (March 2024)

In patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), use of topical glucocorticoids has been limited by lack of regulatory approval and potentially inconsistent drug delivery. Budesonide oral suspension is a formulation that was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treating EoE in adults and pediatric patients ages 11 years and older [ 5,6 ]. Approval was informed by clinical trials showing that topical budesonide resulted in higher rates of histologic remission and symptomatic improvement compared with placebo. We anticipate using budesonide oral suspension as the preferred topical glucocorticoid for treating EoE. (See "Treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)", section on 'Topical glucocorticoids' .)

Dupilumab for refractory eosinophilic esophagitis (February 2024)

Few data are available on the use of dupilumab (a monoclonal antibody) for treating refractory eosinophilic esophagitis. In a cohort study of 46 patients with refractory eosinophilic esophagitis, dupilumab therapy was associated with histologic remission (defined as <15 eosinophils/high-power field) in 37 patients (80 percent) and with symptomatic improvement in 42 patients (91 percent) after a median of six months [ 7 ]. These data support our approach of using dupilumab for patients with eosinophilic esophagitis who have not responded to other therapies (eg, topical glucocorticoids). (See "Treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)", section on 'Dupilumab' .)

Rifabutin triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori (October 2023)

Management of patients who have failed multiple antibiotic regimens for Helicobacter pylori is an increasingly frequent challenge. In a randomized trial in which 364 subjects with H. pylori who failed at least two prior treatments were assigned to rifabutin triple therapy or bismuth quadruple therapy for 14 days, H. pylori eradication rates were similar in both groups [ 8 ]. However, the rifabutin group had a higher compliance rate and a lower rate of adverse effects. This trial supports current guidelines and our recommendation to use rifabutin triple therapy as a salvage treatment for H. pylori. (See "Treatment regimens for Helicobacter pylori in adults", section on 'Salvage regimens' .)

New guidelines for protoporphyria (March 2024)

Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) and X-linked protoporphyria (XLP) are rare cutaneous porphyrias that cause severe, nonblistering photosensitivity and liver disease; their rarity makes evidence-based management challenging. Two new guidelines from the Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network are available to help guide diagnosis and management of EPP and XLP:

● Consensus guidelines discuss use of biochemical and genetic testing, use of afamelanotide , avoidance of ineffective therapies, methods of sun protection, and prevention of liver disease [ 9 ].

● Liver-specific guidelines discuss screening, prevention, and treatment of liver disease, including liver and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for advanced disease [ 10 ].

● (See "Erythropoietic protoporphyria and X-linked protoporphyria", section on 'Management' .)

Elafibranor for treating primary biliary cholangitis (March 2024)

Elafibranor, a dual peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-alpha and PPAR-delta agonist, is under investigation for treating primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). In a trial including 161 patients with PBC who had intolerance or inadequate response with ursodeoxycholic acid , elafibranor resulted in higher rates of biochemical response compared with placebo after 52 weeks (51 versus 4 percent) [ 11 ]. Elafibranor also resulted in higher rates of normalized alkaline phosphatase (15 versus 0 percent). Gastrointestinal side effects (eg, abdominal pain) occurred more frequently in the elafibranor group. Further studies and regulatory approval are needed to clarify the role of elafibranor in treating PBC. (See "Overview of the management of primary biliary cholangitis", section on 'Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor [PPAR] agonists' .)

Seladelpar for treating primary biliary cholangitis (March 2024)

Seladelpar, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-delta agonist, is under investigation for treating primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). In a trial including 193 patients with PBC who had intolerance or inadequate response with ursodeoxycholic acid , seladelpar resulted in higher rates of biochemical response compared with placebo after 12 months (62 versus 20 percent) [ 12 ]. In addition, seladelpar resulted in higher rates of normalized alkaline phosphatase (25 versus 0 percent). For patients with moderate to severe pruritus, seladelpar reduced symptom severity. These data show promise, but further studies and regulatory approval are needed before incorporating seladelpar into clinical practice. (See "Overview of the management of primary biliary cholangitis", section on 'Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor [PPAR] agonists' .)

Pyogenic liver abscess and colorectal cancer (February 2024)

Studies from Asia suggest that pyogenic liver abscess is associated with increased incidence of colorectal cancer, but studies outside Asia are scarce. In a 10-year retrospective study from 120 hospitals in the United States, the incidence of colorectal cancer among over 8000 patients with liver abscess was almost fourfold higher during the first six months after diagnosis of liver abscess compared with 23,000 matched controls without liver abscess [ 13 ]. The correlation was not observed among patients whose liver abscess was due to cholangitis or cholecystitis, and the type of organism causing the abscess did not correlate with the incidence of cancer. These findings support prompt screening for colorectal cancer in patients with pyogenic liver abscess, particularly in patients without an underlying hepatobiliary cause. (See "Pyogenic liver abscess", section on 'Association with colorectal cancer' .)

Mortality risk in alcohol-associated liver disease (January 2024)

Few studies have reported the long-term outcomes of patients with alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD). In a national registry study including over 23,000 patients with ALD diagnosed at median age 58 years, 67 percent died during >100,000 person-years of follow-up and liver disease was the primary cause of death in 45 percent [ 14 ]. The 5- and 10-year mortality rates due to liver disease were 26 and 31 percent, respectively. These data emphasize the importance of treating patients with alcohol use disorder and may inform strategies to prevent liver-related mortality in those with ALD. (See "Management of alcohol-associated steatosis and alcohol-associated cirrhosis", section on 'Mortality' .)

Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) 3.0 for liver transplantation (October 2023, Modified December 2023)

The Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score is used to allocate livers for transplantation. Recently, the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network implemented an updated score, MELD 3.0, for prioritizing liver transplantation candidates who are ages 12 and older [ 15 ]. MELD 3.0 includes variables from the original model (ie, serum bilirubin, serum creatinine, and international normalized ratio) in addition to other inputs (ie, serum sodium, patient sex, and serum albumin) and a lower creatinine ceiling. Goals of using MELD 3.0 include reducing overall waitlist mortality and improving access for female liver transplant candidates. (See "Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD)", section on 'MELD 3.0' . and "Liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma", section on 'MELD 3.0' .)

Paracentesis for hospitalized patients with cirrhosis and ascites (November 2023)

Patients with cirrhosis complicated by ascites are at risk for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and other complications. However, the magnitude of risk associated with deferring diagnostic paracentesis in such patients when they are hospitalized is uncertain. In a large database study comparing late (ie, ≥24 hours) or no paracentesis with early paracentesis in hospitalized patients with ascites, late paracentesis or no paracentesis was associated with higher risk of acute kidney injury (odds ratio [OR] 2.2 and 1.3, respectively) and inpatient mortality (OR 1.5 and 1.4, respectively) [ 16 ]. These data support performing diagnostic paracentesis within 24 hours of hospital admission, which is consistent with our practice. (See "Diagnostic and therapeutic abdominal paracentesis", section on 'Indications' .)

PANCREATIC AND BILIARY DISEASE

Risk of pancreatic cancer in stable intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (November 2023)

The optimal duration of pancreatic cancer surveillance in patients with branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (BD-IPMNs) is unclear. In a study of over 3800 such patients without worrisome features (WFs) or high-risk stigmata (HRS), 42 percent had BD-IPMNs that remained stable in size and did not develop WF/HRS for at least five years [ 17 ]. Within this group, patients ≥75 years with cysts <30 mm and those ≥65 years with cysts <15 mm had a standardized incidence ratio for pancreatic cancer comparable to the general population and low disease-specific mortality. These data suggest that this subgroup may be able to discontinue pancreatic cancer surveillance; however, further studies are needed to validate these results. (See "Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas (IPMN): Pathophysiology and clinical manifestations", section on 'Pancreatic malignancy' .)

Microscopic colitis and acute pancreatitis (November 2023)

Microscopic colitis has been associated with several other conditions. In a recent population-based study including >12,000 patients with microscopic colitis, these individuals had a twofold increased risk for acute pancreatitis unrelated to gallstones but no increase in gallstone-related acute pancreatitis compared with matched controls [ 18 ]. The increased risk persisted for more than 10 years after diagnosis. Whether the increase in acute pancreatitis was due to active disease or a side effect of budesonide is unclear. Further studies are needed to evaluate this association. (See "Microscopic (lymphocytic and collagenous) colitis: Clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management", section on 'Associated conditions' .)

Clinical practice update on exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (November 2023)

The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) recently published best practice advice on exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) [ 19 ]. The AGA Clinical Practice Update advises considering a diagnosis of EPI in individuals with moderate-risk clinical conditions (eg, celiac disease, previous intestinal surgery, longstanding diabetes mellitus, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome). It emphasizes the importance of testing for EPI in patients with nonspecific symptoms and cautions against relying on a response to an empiric trial of pancreatic enzymes to diagnose EPI as this may be due to a placebo effect. Our approach is consistent with this guidance. (See "Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency", section on 'Diagnostic approach' .)

SMALL BOWEL AND COLONIC DISEASE

New guidelines on management of pouchitis (March 2024)

Pouchitis is common in patients with ulcerative colitis who have undergone restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) has published new guidelines to address management of pouchitis [ 20 ]. The guidelines endorse several strategies including antibiotic therapy for initial treatment and glucocorticoids or advanced immunosuppressive agents (eg, biologic therapy) for patients who do not respond to antibiotics. For patients who respond to antibiotics but relapse frequently, AGA suggests use of probiotics or long-term antibiotics to prevent recurrence. Our approach to managing pouchitis is generally consistent with these guidelines. (See "Management of acute and chronic pouchitis", section on 'Introduction' .)

De-escalating combination therapy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (March 2024)

In patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the goal of de-escalating combination therapy (anti-tumor necrosis factor [TNF] agent plus an immunomodulator) is preventing relapse while minimizing adverse effects. However, the magnitude of risk for relapse is uncertain. In a meta-analysis of randomized trials of patients with sustained, glucocorticoid-free IBD remission on combination therapy (5 trials, 404 patients), relapse rates at one to two years were more than twofold higher following withdrawal of the anti-TNF agent compared with continuing combination therapy (32 versus 11 percent) [ 21 ]. Relapse rates did not increase following immunomodulator withdrawal. These data support our approach to de-escalating combination therapy by withdrawing the immunomodulator while continuing anti-TNF maintenance therapy. (See "Medical management of moderate to severe Crohn disease in adults", section on 'Remission achieved with anti-TNF-based regimen' .)

Mirikizumab for moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (August 2023, Modified January 2024)

Therapeutic options for adults with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC) are expanding. In an induction trial comparing mirikizumab (a monoclonal antibody that targets the p19 subunit of interleukin-23) with placebo in nearly 1300 patients, mirikizumab (300 mg intravenously every four weeks) resulted in higher rates of clinical remission after 12 weeks (24 versus 13 percent) [ 22 ]. In the maintenance trial including over 500 patients, mirikizumab (200 mg subcutaneously every four weeks) resulted in higher rates of clinical remission after 40 weeks (50 versus 25 percent). Based on these data, the US Food and Drug Administration approved mirikizumab for moderate to severe UC [ 23 ]. We anticipate using mirikizumab as first- or second-line therapy for adults with moderate to severe UC. (See "Management of moderate to severe ulcerative colitis in adults", section on 'Anti-interleukin antibody-based therapy' .)

Clinical practice update on risk stratification for colorectal cancer screening and postpolypectomy surveillance (December 2023)

The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) recently published nine statements of best practice advice on risk stratification for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening and postpolypectomy surveillance [ 24 ]. They advise basing risk stratification on an individual's age, a known or suspected predisposing hereditary CRC syndrome, other CRC predisposing conditions (eg, inflammatory bowel disease), and/or a family history of CRC. They also suggest that the decision to continue postpolypectomy surveillance for individuals older than 75 years should be individualized. Shared decision-making discussions should include an assessment of the risks of incident CRC, procedure-related risks, comorbidities, and life expectancy (>5 years). Our approach is consistent with this guidance. (See "Overview of colon polyps", section on 'Risk assessment for subsequent colorectal cancer' .)

Investigational therapy for irritable bowel syndrome with bile acid diarrhea (November 2023)

Patients with irritable bowel syndrome with predominant diarrhea (IBS-D) frequently have concurrent bile acid malabsorption. In a randomized trial in which 31 patients with IBS and bile acid diarrhea were assigned to aldafermin (an investigational analogue of recombinant human fibroblast growth factor 19) or placebo for 28 days, the aldafermin group had lower bile acid synthesis and improved stool consistency during week 4 of treatment, but abdominal pain and stool frequency were not significantly different for the two groups [ 25 ]. Treatment-related adverse events were significantly higher in patients in the aldafermin group, and four patients on aldafermin had a clinically significant increase in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. More studies are needed to clarify if aldafermin has a role in the treatment of IBS-D. (See "Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome in adults", section on 'Other therapies' .)

Low-dose tricyclic antidepressants in irritable bowel syndrome (October 2023)

The efficacy of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) in the management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has not been well established in the primary care setting. In a pragmatic randomized trial, 463 patients with IBS unresponsive to dietary advice and first-line therapies in primary care practices were assigned to titrated low-dose amitriptyline or placebo as a second-line therapy [ 26 ]. At six months, patients treated with low-dose amitriptyline had lower IBS-symptom severity scores and a higher rate of symptom relief. The most common side effects were related to the anticholinergic effects of amitriptyline, but the majority were mild. These data support current guidelines and our recommendation to use TCAs in the management of patients with IBS. (See "Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome in adults", section on 'Antidepressants' .)

Pozelimab for CD55-deficient protein losing enteropathy (October 2023)

Protein-losing enteropathies (PLE) are characterized by excessive loss of serum proteins into the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in hypoproteinemia, edema, and pleural and pericardial effusions. Pozelimab , a C5 inhibitor, has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat patients with CD55-deficient PLE (CHAPLE syndrome) based on an ongoing single-arm phase II/III clinical trial of 10 patients with CHAPLE syndrome and symptomatic hypoalbuminemia [ 27 ]. All patients achieved normalization of albumin by week 12 of treatment with pozelimab and maintained serum albumin concentrations within the normal range through at least 72 weeks. Improvements were also reported in serum IgG levels and total iron-binding capacity. Although FDA approved, long-term safety data are still needed. (See "Protein-losing gastroenteropathy", section on 'Treatment of the underlying disease' .)

OTHER GASTROENTEROLOGY AND NUTRITION

Clinical practice update on bloating and distention (November 2023)

The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) recently published best practice advice on the evaluation and management of bloating and distention [ 28 ]. The AGA Clinical Practice Update endorses serologic evaluation for celiac disease and exclusion of carbohydrate enzyme deficiencies with dietary restriction and/or breath testing, but emphasizes reserving additional evaluation with abdominal imaging and upper endoscopy for patients with alarm features, recent worsening symptoms, or an abnormal physical examination. Our approach is consistent with this guidance. (See "Overview of intestinal gas and bloating", section on 'Evaluation' .)

• Jacques J, Schaefer M, Wallenhorst T, et al. Endoscopic En Bloc Versus Piecemeal Resection of Large Nonpedunculated Colonic Adenomas : A Randomized Comparative Trial. Ann Intern Med 2024; 177:29.
• Leem G, Sung MJ, Park JH, et al. Randomized Trial of Prophylactic Antibiotics for Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Patients With Biliary Obstruction. Am J Gastroenterol 2024; 119:183.
• Elmunzer BJ, Foster LD, Serrano J, et al. Indomethacin with or without prophylactic pancreatic stent placement to prevent pancreatitis after ERCP: a randomised non-inferiority trial. Lancet 2024; 403:450.
• Rughwani H, Singh AP, Ramchandani M, et al. A Randomized, Controlled Trial Comparing the Total Enteroscopy Rate and Diagnostic Efficacy of Novel Motorized Spiral Enteroscopy and Single-Balloon Enteroscopy in Patients With Small-Bowel Disorders: The Motor Trial (NCT 05548140). Am J Gastroenterol 2023; 118:1855.
• Budesonide oral suspension. US Food & Drug Administration, approval letter. February 2024. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/appletter/2024/213976Orig1s000ltr.pdf (Accessed on February 12, 2024).
• Budesonide oral suspension. United States Prescribing Information, February 2024. US Food & Drug Administration. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2024/213976s000lbl.pdf (Accessed on February 13, 2024).
• Lee CJ, Dellon ES. Real-World Efficacy of Dupilumab in Severe, Treatment-Refractory, and Fibrostenotic Patients With Eosinophilic Esophagitis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 22:252.
• Chen J, Guo Y, Huang Y, et al. Rifabutin-Containing Triple Therapy Versus Bismuth Quadruple Therapy for Helicobacter pylori Rescue Treatment: A Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial. J Infect Dis 2023; 228:511.
• Dickey AK, Naik H, Keel SB, et al. Evidence-based consensus guidelines for the diagnosis and management of erythropoietic protoporphyria and X-linked protoporphyria. J Am Acad Dermatol 2023; 89:1227.
• Levy C, Dickey AK, Wang B, et al. Evidence-based consensus guidelines for the diagnosis and management of protoporphyria-related liver dysfunction in erythropoietic protoporphyria and X-linked protoporphyria. Hepatology 2024; 79:731.
• Kowdley KV, Bowlus CL, Levy C, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Elafibranor in Primary Biliary Cholangitis. N Engl J Med 2024; 390:795.
• Hirschfield GM, Bowlus CL, Mayo MJ, et al. A Phase 3 Trial of Seladelpar in Primary Biliary Cholangitis. N Engl J Med 2024; 390:783.
• Suzuki H, Kidder I, Tanaka T, Goto M. Incidence of Colorectal Cancer in Patients Diagnosed With Pyogenic Liver Abscess. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2348218.
• Kann AE, Jepsen P, Madsen LG, et al. Cause-specific mortality in patients with alcohol-related liver disease in Denmark: a population-based study. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 8:1028.
• Improvements to MELD, PELD, Status 1A and Status 1B to take effect July 13. United Network for Organ Sharing, 2023. Available at: https://unos.org/news/improvements-to-meld-and-peld-phase-1-data-entry-in-effect-june-15/ (Accessed on September 04, 2023).
• Patel N, Silvey S, O'Leary JG, et al. Early paracentesis is associated with better prognosis compared with late or no-paracentesis in hospitalized veterans with cirrhosis and ascites. Liver Transpl 2023; 29:919.
• Marchegiani G, Pollini T, Burelli A, et al. Surveillance for Presumed BD-IPMN of the Pancreas: Stability, Size, and Age Identify Targets for Discontinuation. Gastroenterology 2023; 165:1016.
• Bergman D, Roelstraete B, Olén O, et al. Microscopic Colitis and Risk of Incident Acute Pancreatitis: A Nationwide Population-Based Matched Cohort Study. Am J Gastroenterol 2023; 118:2041.
• Whitcomb DC, Buchner AM, Forsmark CE. AGA Clinical Practice Update on the Epidemiology, Evaluation, and Management of Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency: Expert Review. Gastroenterology 2023; 165:1292.
• Barnes EL, Agrawal M, Syal G, et al. AGA Clinical Practice Guideline on the Management of Pouchitis and Inflammatory Pouch Disorders. Gastroenterology 2024; 166:59.
• Katibian DJ, Solitano V, Polk DB, et al. Withdrawal of Immunomodulators or TNF Antagonists in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Diseases in Remission on Combination Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 22:22.
• D'Haens G, Dubinsky M, Kobayashi T, et al. Mirikizumab as Induction and Maintenance Therapy for Ulcerative Colitis. N Engl J Med 2023; 388:2444.
• Mirikizumab. United States Prescribing Information. Revised November, 2023. US Food & Drug Administration. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/761279s000lbl.pdf (Accessed on November 20, 2023).
• Issaka RB, Chan AT, Gupta S. AGA Clinical Practice Update on Risk Stratification for Colorectal Cancer Screening and Post-Polypectomy Surveillance: Expert Review. Gastroenterology 2023; 165:1280.
• BouSaba J, Torres M, Dilmaghani S, et al. Effects of FGF19 Analogue Aldafermin in Patients With Bile Acid Diarrhea: A Randomized, Placebo-Control Trial. Gastroenterology 2023; 165:499.
• Alderson SL, Wright-Hughes A, Ford AC, et al. Amitriptyline at low-dose and titrated for irritable bowel syndrome as second-line treatment (The ATLANTIS trial): protocol for a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial in primary care. Trials 2022; 23:552.
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA approves first treatment for CD55-deficient protein-losing enteropathy (CHAPLE disease). Available at https://www.fda.gov/drugs/news-events-human-drugs/fda-approves-first-treatment-cd55-deficient-protein-losing-enteropathy-chaple-disease (Accessed on October 23, 2023).
• Moshiree B, Drossman D, Shaukat A. AGA Clinical Practice Update on Evaluation and Management of Belching, Abdominal Bloating, and Distention: Expert Review. Gastroenterology 2023; 165:791.

Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles and JavaScript.

• View all journals

Gastrointestinal system articles from across Nature Portfolio

The human gastrointestinal system principally refers to the stomach and intestine, but can encompass the entire gastrointestinal tract, including all structures and organs from the mouth to the anus. The gastrointestinal system has a vital role in digestion, which is under hormonal control, to obtain nutrients for the body and eliminate waste.

Related Subjects

• Biliary tract
• Enteric nervous system
• Large intestine
• Small intestine

Latest Research and Reviews

Glyphosate-induced changes in the expression of galanin and GALR1, GALR2 and GALR3 receptors in the porcine small intestine wall

• Katarzyna Palus
• Małgorzata Chmielewska-Krzesińska
• Jarosław Całka

Bacterial peptidoglycan acts as a digestive signal mediating host adaptation to diverse food resources in C. elegans

Here, by using a food digestion model in C. elegans , the authors identify a mechanism by which bacterial peptidoglycan (PGN) interacts with Bacterial Colonization Factor-1 (BCF-1) triggering C. elegans to expand its ability to consume a wide range of foods in their natural environment.

Integrative analysis reveals associations between oral microbiota dysbiosis and host genetic and epigenetic aberrations in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma

• Liuyang Cai
• Hengyan Zhu

Convergent gene losses and pseudogenizations in multiple lineages of stomachless fishes

Several teleost groups display secondary loss of the stomach. Analyses of genotypic convergence among agastric fishes showed that four genes, slc26a9 , kcne2 , cldn18a , and vsig1 , are co-deleted or pseudogenized in most agastric fishes.

• Supriya Pipil
• Yoshio Takei

Dysregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling contributes to intestinal inflammation through regulation of group 3 innate lymphoid cells

RORγt+ group 3 innate lymphoid cells are intimately involved in intestinal homeostasis, their dysregulation is linked to inflammatory gut diseases. Here the authors show that dysregulated Wnt/β-catenin signalling contributes to disturbed regulation of group 3 innate cells and intestinal inflammation.

• Jiacheng Hao
• Xiaohuan Guo

An immune-competent human gut microphysiological system enables inflammation-modulation by Faecalibacterium prausnitzii

• Jianbo Zhang
• Yu-Ja Huang
• Linda G. Griffith

News and Comment

Role of the gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy

• Ellen F. Carney

Gut bacteria can break down cholesterol

A new study identifies a group of gut bacteria that can metabolize cholesterol and are associated with lower plasma cholesterol levels.

• Irene Fernández-Ruiz

Tackling sorbitol intolerance

• Maria Papatriantafyllou

Resisting weight gain with prebiotic fibre

Resistant starch is a prebiotic fibre that is fermented by the gut microbiota and leads to benefits for host physiology. A clinical trial in Nature Metabolism demonstrates weight loss when resistant starch was given to individuals with excess weight.

• Matthew M. Carter
• Sean P. Spencer

A gut–liver axis in intestinal stem cell fitness

• Katrina Ray

Effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on the metabolic environment and uraemic toxins

Quick links.

• Explore articles by subject
• Guide to authors
• Editorial policies

• Frontiers in Medicine
• Gastroenterology
• Research Topics

Rising Stars: Gastroenterology 2021

Total Downloads

Total Views and Downloads

About this Research Topic

We are delighted to present the Rising Stars: Gastroenterology 2021 article collection. This collection showcases the high-quality work of internationally recognized researchers in the early stages of their independent careers. All Rising Star researchers were individually nominated by the Frontiers ...

Keywords : Gastroenterology, gastroenterological disorders, internal medicine, gastrointestinal tract, disease, prevention, treatment

Important Note : All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

Topic Editors

Topic coordinators, recent articles, submission deadlines.

Submission closed.

Participating Journals

Total views.

• Demographics

No records found

total views article views downloads topic views

Top countries

Top referring sites, about frontiers research topics.

With their unique mixes of varied contributions from Original Research to Review Articles, Research Topics unify the most influential researchers, the latest key findings and historical advances in a hot research area! Find out more on how to host your own Frontiers Research Topic or contribute to one as an author.

• Medicine >
• Education & Training >
• Fellowship Programs >
• Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition >
• Research and Scholarship >

Potential Research Project Topics

Learn about the wide variety of research areas you can explore with the guidance of knowledgeable, enthusiastic faculty.

Topics for research projects with specific investigators include:

Andrew Bain, MD

• Advanced endoscopy
• View full profile

Jad Bou-Abdallah, MD

• Gastrointestinal problems in the geriatric population

Thomas Mahl, MD

• Liver disease

Anthony Martinez, MD

• HIV specialist
• Medical Marijuana In Clinical Practice

Andrew Talal, MD, MPH

Our program at a glance.

Positions: 9 total, 3 new fellows accepted per year

Research track: 6 extra research modules

Clinical track: 1 extra elective module, 5 extra modules for advanced procedures

Comprehensive training includes:

• consult service
• outpatient gastroenterology
• continuity care clinical experience
• rotations in specialized cancer institute

Choosing the Right Fellowship

Discover the components of a rewarding gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition fellowship. Find out how to select a program that helps you develop the expertise you need for a successful clinical or academic career. 

Upcoming Events

Calendar suture.

Import medical school events to your personal calendar. Customize by selecting different event categories and receive automatic reminders of the school events that matter most to you.

Scientists harness the wind as a tool to move objects

New approach allows contactless or remote manipulation of objects by machines or robots.

Researchers have developed a technique to move objects around with a jet of wind. The new approach makes it possible to manipulate objects at a distance and could be integrated into robots to give machines ethereal fingers.

'Airflow or wind is everywhere in our living environment, moving around objects like pollen, pathogens, droplets, seeds and leaves. Wind has also been actively used in industry and in our everyday lives -- for example, in leaf blowers to clean leaves. But so far, we can't control the direction the leaves move -- we can only blow them together into a pile,' says Professor Quan Zhou from Aalto University, who led the study.

The first step in manipulating objects with wind is understanding how objects move in the airflow. To that end, a research team at Aalto University recorded thousands of sample movements in an artificially generated airflow and used these to build templates of how objects move on a surface in a jet of air.

The team's analysis showed that even though the airflow is generally chaotic, it's still regular enough to move objects in a controlled way in different directions -- even back towards the nozzle blowing out the air.

'We designed an algorithm that controls the direction of the air nozzle with two motors. The jet of air is blown onto the surface from several meters away and to the side of the object, so the generated airflow field moves the object in the desired direction. The control algorithm repeatedly adjusts the direction of the air nozzle so that the airflow moves the objects along the desired trajectory,' explains Zhou.

'Our observations allowed us to use airflow to move objects along different paths, like circles or even complex letter-like paths. Our method is versatile in terms of the object's shape and material -- we can control the movement of objects of almost any shape,' he continues.

The technology still needs to be refined, but the researchers are optimistic about the untapped potential of their nature-inspired approach. It could be used to collect items that are scattered on a surface, such as pushing debris and waste to collection points. It could also be useful in complex processing tasks where physical contact is impossible, such as handling electrical circuits.

'We believe that this technique could get even better with a deeper understanding of the characteristics of the airflow field, which is what we're working on next,' says Zhou.

• Wind Energy
• Fossil Fuels
• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer Programming
• Mathematics
• Information Technology
• Nanorobotics
• Quantum tunnelling
• Humanoid robot
• Industrial robot
• Circuit design
• Robotic surgery

Story Source:

Materials provided by Aalto University . Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

Journal Reference :

• Shahriar Haeri, Artur Kopitca, Hakan Kandemir, Quan Zhou. Meter‐Scale Distance Manipulation of Diverse Objects with Jet‐Induced Airflow Field . Advanced Intelligent Systems , 2024; DOI: 10.1002/aisy.202400174

Cite This Page :

Explore More

• Genetic Signals Linked to Blood Pressure
• Double-Fangs of Adolescence Saber-Toothed Cats
• Microarray Patches for Vaccinating Children
• Virus to Save Billions of Gallons of Wastewater
• Weather Report On Planet 280 Light-Years Away
• Trotting Robots and Animal Gait Transitions
• Where Have All the Fireflies Gone?
• Cardio-Fitness Cuts Death and Disease by 20%
• Reusable Super-Adhesive from Smart Materials
• Long Snouts Protect Foxes Diving Into Snow

Trending Topics

Strange & offbeat.