Milk Fat Globule-EGF Factor 8 for Liver Fibrosis Therapy: Creaming Off the Beneficial Effects of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells

Abstract

Conflicts of interest The author has made the following disclosures: SJF has researched cell therapy for liver fibrosis in pre-clinical models. SJF has previously been involved in a study of cell therapy for liver cirrhosis (REALISTIC) and is currently conducting a study of cell therapy for liver cirrhosis.

Adoption of Multi-society Guidelines Facilitates Value-Based Reduction in Screening and Surveillance Colonoscopy Volume During COVID-19 Pandemic

“…There is increasing concern regarding the backlog of endoscopy procedures and the impact that the delay related to COVID-19 will have upon patient health. While providers anticipate adding weekday and weekend hours [ 1 ], this limited resource should be utilized on those patients most in need [ 12 ]. Prior work suggests that cessation of services may result in a significant increase in advanced malignancies such as gastrointestinal disease, due the backlog of procedures delaying necessary screening and surveillance compounded by patients’ dismissing symptoms (including change in bowel habits, fatigue and weight loss) as “trivial” during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic [ 13 ].…”

“…Due to a need to conserve vital healthcare resources including personal protective equipment, protect healthcare personnel and maintain social distancing, gastroenterology societies recommended the delay of elective procedures at the onset of the pandemic. In gastroenterology, nearly all practices adopted this policy which resulted in a rapid and dramatic reduction in gastrointestinal endoscopy clinical volume [ 1 , 2 ]. Similarly, most practices now anticipate a very slow reintroduction of clinical volume as restrictions are lifted.…”