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Vol.17 No.3
May, 2023
Frequency : Bimonthly
pISSN 1976-2283
eISSN 2005-1212 
Gut and Liver is an international journal of gastroenterology, focusing on the gastrointestinal tract, liver, biliary tree, pancreas, motility, and neurogastroenterology. Gut atnd Liver delivers up-to-date, authoritative papers on both clinical and research-based topics in gastroenterology. The Journal publishes original articles, case reports, brief communications, letters to the editor and invited review articles in the field of gastroenterology. The Journal is operated by internationally renowned editorial boards and designed to provide a global opportunity to promote academic developments in the field of gastroenterology and hepatology. +MORE
| Yong Chan Lee |
Professor of Medicine Director, Gastrointestinal Research Laboratory Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Univ. California San Francisco San Francisco, USA |
| Jong Pil Im | Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea |
| Robert S. Bresalier | University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA |
| Steven H. Itzkowitz | Mount Sinai Medical Center, NY, USA |
All papers submitted to Gut and Liver are reviewed by the editorial team before being sent out for an external peer review to rule out papers that have low priority, insufficient originality, scientific flaws, or the absence of a message of importance to the readers of the Journal. A decision about these papers will usually be made within two or three weeks.
The remaining articles are usually sent to two reviewers. It would be very helpful if you could suggest a selection of reviewers and include their contact details. We may not always use the reviewers you recommend, but suggesting reviewers will make our reviewer database much richer; in the end, everyone will benefit. We reserve the right to return manuscripts in which no reviewers are suggested.
The final responsibility for the decision to accept or reject lies with the editors. In many cases, papers may be rejected despite favorable reviews because of editorial policy or a lack of space. The editor retains the right to determine publication priorities, the style of the paper, and to request, if necessary, that the material submitted be shortened for publication.
Editorial ㅣ 2023-05-15
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141
66
Yoon Jin Choi 
Editorial ㅣ 2023-05-15
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117
58
Jae Yong Park
Editorial ㅣ 2023-05-15
0
137
57
Jaihwan Kim
Review Article ㅣ 2023-05-15
0
367
808
Clement Chun Ho Wu1,2 , Elizabeth Brindise3 , Rami El Abiad3 , Mouen A. Khashab4
Abstract : Afferent loop syndrome (ALS) is a morbid complication that may occur after gastrectomy and gastrojejunostomy reconstruction. The aim of this article is to review the different endoscopic treatment options of ALS. We describe the evolution of the endoscopic treatment of ALS and its limitations despite the overall propitious profile. We analyze the advantages of endoscopic ultrasound-guided entero-enterostomy (EUS EE) over enteroscopy-guided intervention, and the clinical outcomes of EUS EE. We expound on pre-procedural considerations, intra-procedural techniques and post-procedural care following EUS EE. We conclude that given the simplification of the technique and the ability to place a stent away from the tumor, EUS EE is a promising technique that will likely be established as the treatment of choice for ALS.
Review Article ㅣ 2023-05-15
0
601
698
Xiaomin Wu , Xiaoxuan Lin , Jinyu Tan , Zishan Liu , Jinshen He , Fan Hu , Yu Wang , Minhu Chen , Fen Liu , Ren Mao
Abstract : Intestinal fibrosis associated stricture is a common complication of inflammatory bowel disease usually requiring endoscopic or surgical intervention. Effective anti-fibrotic agents aiming to control or reverse intestinal fibrosis are still unavailable. Thus, clarifying the mechanism underpinning intestinal fibrosis is imperative. Fibrosis is characterized by an excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins at the injured sites. Multiple cellular types are implicated in fibrosis development. Among these cells, mesenchymal cells are major compartments that are activated and then enhance the production of ECM. Additionally, immune cells contribute to the persistent activation of mesenchymal cells and perpetuation of inflammation. Molecules are messengers of crosstalk between these cellular compartments. Although inflammation is necessary for fibrosis development, purely controlling intestinal inflammation cannot halt the development of fibrosis, suggesting that chronic inflammation is not the unique contributor to fibrogenesis. Several inflammation-independent mechanisms including gut microbiota, creeping fat, ECM interaction, and metabolic reprogramming are involved in the pathogenesis of fibrosis. In the past decades, substantial progress has been made in elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms of intestinal fibrosis. Here, we summarized new discoveries and advances of cellular components and major molecular mediators that are associated with intestinal fibrosis, aiming to provide a basis for exploring effective anti-fibrotic therapies in this field.
Original Article ㅣ 2023-05-15
0
760
1710
Jin Hee Noh1 , Ji Yong Ahn1 , Jene Choi2 , Young Soo Park2 , Hee Kyong Na1 , Jeong Hoon Lee1 , Kee Wook Jung1 , Do Hoon Kim1 , Kee Don Choi1 , Ho June Song1 , Gin Hyug Lee1 , Hwoon-Yong Jung1 , Jung Mogg Kim3
Abstract : Background/Aims: Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is a fast and simple method for the simultaneous detection of clarithromycin (CLR) resistance and Helicobacter pylori. We evaluated the effectiveness of RT-PCR compared to that of the rapid urease test (RUT) and assessed its value in verifying CLR resistance.Methods: A total of 70 specimens with confirmed H. pylori infection in culture were enrolled and analyzed in this prospective study. All specimens were subjected to RT-PCR assay using fluorescence melting peak signals to detect H. pylori infection and CLR resistances caused by either A2142G or A2143G mutations in the 23S ribosomal RNA gene (23S rRNA). The results were compared to those of RUT and antimicrobial susceptibility culturing tests to investigate the efficacy of RT-PCR.Results: Among the 70 specimens analyzed, the positivity rate was 97.1% (68/70) with RT-PCR and 82.9% (58/70) with RUT. CLR resistance (minimum inhibitory concentration >1.0 μg/mL) was confirmed in 18.6% (13/70), and fluorescence melting curve analysis showed that 84.6% (11/13) had point mutations in 23S rRNA. Ten specimens had only A2143G mutation, and one specimen contained both A2142G and A2143G mutations.Conclusions: RT-PCR assay was found to be more efficient than RUT in detecting H. pylori infection and could effectively verify CLR resistance compared to the antimicrobial susceptibility culturing test. Considering the high sensitivity and accessibility of RT-PCR method, it could be used to easily detect CLR-resistant H. pylori, thus helping clinicians select suitable treatment regimen and improve the eradication rate.
Original Article ㅣ 2023-05-15
0
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Meng-Xi Cai1,2 , Ye Gao1,2 , Li Li3 , Wen Feng3 , Yi-Lin Wang4 , Zhao-Shen Li1,2 , Lei Xin1,2 , Luo-Wei Wang1,2
Abstract : Background/Aims: We aimed to investigate the comfort, safety, and endoscopic visibility during esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) afforded by a modified 4-hour semifluid and 2-hour water (“4+2”) fasting protocol.Methods: In this parallel group, endoscopist-blinded, randomized controlled trial, outpatients undergoing unsedated diagnostic EGD from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM were randomly assigned to either a “4+2” protocol group or a conventional fasting group. The participants’ comfort during the fasting period and procedure was measured using the visual analog scale, and mucosal visibility was measured by endoscopists using the total visibility score. Satisfaction was defined as a visual analog scale score of ≤3. The primary outcome was the participants’ comfort during fasting.Results: One hundred and six and 108 participants were randomized to the “4+2” protocol and control groups, respectively. Participants’ comfort before EGD was significantly higher in the “4+2” protocol group measured by both the proportion of satisfaction (86.8% vs 63.9%, p=0.002) and the visual analog scale score (median [interquartile range]: 1.0 [1.0–2.0] vs 3.0 [1.0–4.0], p<0.001). The proportion of satisfaction during EGD also significantly improved (59.4% vs 45.4%, p=0.039) in the “4+2” protocol group. The total visibility score was unaffected by the fasting protocol (5.0 [4.0–5.0] vs 4.0 [4.0–5.0], p=0.266). No adverse events were observed during the study.Conclusions: The “4+2” protocol was more comfortable and provided equal mucosal visibility and safety compared with conventional fasting for unsedated EGD.
Original Article ㅣ 2023-05-15
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Qianping Liang , Feifei Chu , Lei Zhang , Yuanyuan Jiang , Lu Li , Huili Wu
Abstract : Background/Aims: Chemoresistance is a common event after cancer chemotherapy, which is associated with the deregulation of circular RNAs (circRNAs). The objective of this study was to clarify the role of circ-LDLRAD3 in cisplatin (DDP)-resistant gastric cancer (GC). Methods: The expression of circ-LDLRAD3, miR-588, and SRY-box transcription factor 5 (SOX5) mRNA was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Cell viability and the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value were measured by CCK8 assay. Cell proliferation was assessed by colony formation and EdU assays. Cell apoptosis and cell invasion were assessed by flow cytometry assay and transwell assay, respectively. The expression of SOX5 protein was detected by Western blotting. A xenograft model was established to verify the role of circ-LDLRAD3 in vivo. Exosomes were isolated by differential centrifugation and identified by transmission electron microscopy and the expression of exosome-related proteins. Results: circ-LDLRAD3 was overexpressed in DDP-resistant GC tissues and cells. circ-LDLRAD3 knockdown decreased the IC50 of DDP-resistant cells and suppressed cell proliferation, survival and invasion. miR-588 was a target of circ-LDLRAD3, and miR-588 inhibition attenuated the inhibition of DDP resistance, proliferation, survival and invasion in DDP-resistant GC cells caused by circ-LDLRAD3 knockdown. SOX5 was a target of miR-588, and the inhibition of the DDP resistance, proliferation, survival and invasion of DDP-resistant GC cells by miR-588 restoration was largely rescued SOX5 overexpression. circ-LDLRAD3 knockdown inhibited DDP resistance and tumor growth in vivo. circ-LDLRAD3 was overexpressed in exosomes isolated from DDP-resistant GC cells. Conclusions: circ-LDLRAD3 knockdown reduced DDP resistance and blocked the malignant development of DDP-resistant GC by modulating the miR-588/SOX5 pathway.
Original Article ㅣ 2023-05-15
0
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1167
Ryosuke Hirai1 , Seiji Kawano1 , Shoko Inoo1 , Sakiko Kuraoka1 , Shotaro Okanoue1 , Takuya Satomi1 , Kenta Hamada2 , Yoshiyasu Kono1 , Hiromitsu Kanzaki1 , Masaya Iwamuro1 , Yoshiro Kawahara2 , Hiroyuki Okada1
Abstract : Background/Aims: The safety of gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in users of a P2Y12 receptor antagonist (P2Y12RA) under current guidelines has not been verified.Methods: Patients treated by gastric ESD at Okayama University Hospital between January 2013 and December 2020 were registered. The postoperative bleeding rates of patients (group A) who did not receive any antithrombotic drugs; patients (group B) receiving aspirin or cilostazol monotherapy; and P2Y12RA users (group C) those on including monotherapy or dual antiplatelet therapy were compared. The risk factors for post-ESD bleeding were examined in a multivariate analysis of patient background, tumor factors, and antithrombotic drug management.Results: Ultimately, 1,036 lesions (847 patients) were enrolled. The bleeding rates of group B and C were significantly higher than that of group A (p=0.012 and p
Original Article ㅣ 2023-05-15
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Xinqiang Zhu1,2 , Xuetong Jiang2 , Qinglin Zhang3 , Hailong Huang2 , Xiaohong Shi4 , Daorong Hou5 , Chungen Xing1
Abstract : Background/Aims: This study aimed to investigate the biological function and regulatory mechanism of TCN1 in colorectal cancer (CRC).Methods: We studied the biological function of TCN1 by performing gain-of-function and loss-of-function analyses in HCT116 cell lines; examined the effects of TCN1 on the proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion of CRC cells; and determined potential molecular mechanisms using HCT116 and SW480 CRC lines and mouse xenotransplantation models. Tumor xenograft and colonization assays were performed to detect the tumorigenicity and metastatic foci of cells in vivo.Results: TCN1 knockdown attenuated CRC cell proliferation and invasion and promoted cell apoptosis. Overexpression of TCN1 yielded the opposite effects. In addition, TCN1-knockdown HCT116 cells failed to form metastatic foci in the peritoneum after intravenous injection. Molecular mechanism analyses showed that TCN1 interacted with integrin subunit β4 (ITGB4) to positively regulate the expression of ITGB4. TCN1 knockdown promoted the degradation of ITGB4 and increased the instability of ITGB4 and filamin A. Downregulation of ITGB4 at the protein level resulted in the disassociation of the ITGB4/plectin complex, leading to cytoskeletal damage.Conclusions: TCN1 might play an oncogenic role in CRC by regulating the ITGB4 signaling pathway.
Original Article ㅣ 2023-05-15
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Jihye Park1 , Jae Hee Cheon1 , Kang-Moon Lee2 , Young-Ho Kim3 , Byong Duk Ye4 , Chang Soo Eun5 , Sung Hyun Kim6 , Sun Hee Lee6 , Joon Ho Lee6 , Stefan Schreiber7
Abstract : Background/Aims: The clinical efficacy and safety of CT-P13 are comparable to originator infliximab for Crohn’s disease in CT-P13 3.4 study (NCT02096861). We performed a multivariate logistic analysis to demonstrate the association between early infliximab trough levels and treatment outcomes of CT-P13 and originator infliximab. Methods: Early serum infliximab trough levels and anti-drug antibody (ADA) levels were compared between CT-P13 (n=100) and originator infliximab (n=98) groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and multivariate logistic analysis were conducted to identify optimal cutoffs of serum infliximab trough levels and predictive factors for clinical outcomes. Results: The median infliximab trough levels were not different between CT-P13 and originator infliximab groups at week 6, week 14, and in median ADA levels at week 14, respectively. ROC analysis found an infliximab concentration threshold of 4.5 μg/mL at week 6 and 4.0 μg/mL at week 14 as the cutoff value with the highest accuracy for the prediction of clinical outcomes. Serum infliximab trough levels at weeks 6 and 14 predicted clinical remission at weeks 30 and 54, and endoscopic remission at week 54. The combinations of clinical remission or C-reactive protein normalization with an early infliximab trough level improved the prediction of long-term clinical or endoscopic remission. Conclusions: A threshold in serum infliximab trough level at week 6 and week 14 was highly predictive for long-term clinical outcomes. There were no statistical differences in serum infliximab trough levels and ADA levels between CT-P13 and originator infliximab.
Original Article ㅣ 2023-05-15
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Ju Young Kim1 , Yu Bin Kim2 , Sujin Choi3 , Yoo Min Lee4 , Hyun Jin Kim5 , Soon Chul Kim6 , Hyo-Jeong Jang7 , So Yoon Choi8 , Dae Yong Yi9 , Yoon Lee10 , You Jin Choi11 , Yunkoo Kang12 , Kyung Jae Lee13 , Suk Jin Hong14 , Jun Hyun Hwang15 , Sanggyu Kwak16 , Byung-Ho Choe3 , Ben Kang3
Abstract : Background/Aims: A full colonoscopy is currently required in children and adolescents with colorectal polyps, because of their potential of neoplastic transformation and complications such as intussusception. We aimed to analyze the associations of polyp characteristics in children and adolescents with colorectal polyps. Based on these findings, we also aimed to reevaluate the necessity of conducting a full colonoscopy.Methods: Pediatric patients
Original Article ㅣ 2023-05-15
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Su Bee Park , Min Seob Kwak , Jin Young Yoon , Jae Myung Cha
Abstract : Background/Aims: Only a few studies have examined perceptions of the incidence and prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) in the general Korean population. The aim of this study was to determine public perceptions of the lifetime incidence rate and survival of CRC.Methods: All adults older than 50 years who visited the Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong were invited to participate in this survey for 5 months in 2021. During the study period, eligible individuals participated in this survey through a link or quick response code on a poster posted in the hospital, which was linked to a web-based questionnaire. The questionnaire used for this survey included demographic and socioeconomic data, perceptions of CRC, and awareness of the CRC incidence and 5-year survival rate.Results: Among 203 respondents, 196 answers were analyzed after the exclusion of seven incomplete answers. In our survey, half of the respondents (49.5%) answered the expected lifetime incidence rate of CRC as 0% to 4.9%. Koreans perceived CRC as a more fatal disease than epidemiological data, as 70.9% of the respondents expected the 5-year survival rate of CRC to be less than 70% for the general population. However, Koreans perceived stage IV CRC as a less fatal disease than epidemiological data, because only 20.9% of the respondents expected the 5-year survival rate of stage IV CRC to be less than 10% for general population.Conclusions: Koreans recognized CRC as a more common and fatal disease than actual epidemiological data of CRC. Therefore, more efforts should be made to provide more correct information on CRC for better decision-making and communication.
Original Article ㅣ 2023-05-15
0
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Eugene Han1 , Mi Kyung Kim1 , Seung-Soon Im2 , Hye Soon Kim1 , Taeg Kyu Kwon3 , Byoung Kuk Jang1
Abstract : Background/Aims: We explored whether high sodium intake, assessed by urinary excretion, determines the risk of sarcopenia and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods: We analyzed 10,036 adult participants with normal kidney function from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2008–2011). NAFLD was identified using the fatty liver index, and the muscle mass was evaluated using dual X-ray absorptiometry. The dietary sodium intake was estimated using Tanaka’s equation. Results: The mean 24-hour urinary sodium excretion was 144.2±36.1 mmol/day (corresponding to 3.3 g/day Na) in the total population. The 24-hour urinary sodium excretion showed moderate accuracy in predicting NAFLD (area under the receiver operating characteristic, 0.702; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.692 to 0.712). A cutoff value of 99.96 mmol/day (corresponding to 2.30 g/day Na) for urinary sodium excretion in predicting NAFLD showed 76.1% sensitivity and 56.1% specificity. The results of multiple adjusted models indicated that the participants with the highest urinary sodium excretion had a significantly higher risk of NAFLD (odds ratio, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.27 to 1.66; p
Original Article ㅣ 2023-05-15
0
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1146
Jaeseung Shin1 , Sunyoung Lee2 , Ja Kyung Yoon2 , Won Jeong Son3 , Yun Ho Roh3 , Yong Eun Chung2 , Jin-Young Choi2 , Mi-Suk Park2
Abstract : Background/Aims: To compare the performance of the Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) v2018 and Korean Liver Cancer Association-National Cancer Center (KLCA-NCC) 2018 criteria for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with hepatobiliary agent (HBA).Methods: We searched the MEDLINE and EMBASE for studies from January 1, 2018, to October 20, 2021, that compared the diagnostic performance of two imaging criteria on HBA-MRI. A bivariate random-effects model was fitted to calculate the per-observation sensitivity and specificity, and the estimates of paired data were compared. Subgroup analysis was performed based on the observation size. Meta-regression analysis was also performed for study heterogeneity.Results: Of the six studies included, the pooled sensitivity of the definite HCC category of the KLCA-NCC criteria (82%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 74% to 90%; I2=84%) was higher than that of LR-5 of LI-RADS v2018 (65%; 95% CI, 52% to 77%; I2=96%) for diagnosing HCC (p
Original Article ㅣ 2023-05-15
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1591
Yoon Suk Lee1 , Tae Joo Jeon2 , Woo Hyun Paik3 , Dong-Won Ahn4 , Kwang Hyun Chung5 , Byoung Kwan Son5 , Tae Jun Song6 , Sung-Hoon Moon7 , Eaum Seok Lee8 , Jae Min Lee9 , Seung Bae Yoon10 , Chang Nyol Paik11 , Yun Nah Lee12 , Jin-Seok Park13 , Dong Wook Lee14 , Sang Wook Park15 , Hyung Ku Chon16 , Kwang Bum Cho17 , Chang Hwan Park18 , on behalf of the Committee of Policy and Quality Management in Korean Pancreatobiliary Association
Abstract : Background/Aims: This study aimed to investigate the patterns of preferred endoscopic procedure types and techniques for managing difficult common bile duct (CBD) stones in South Korea. Methods: The Committee of Policy and Quality Management of Korean Pancreatobiliary Association (KPBA) conducted a survey containing 19 questions. Both paper and online surveys were carried out; with the paper survey being conducted during the 2019 Annual Congress of KPBA and the online survey being conducted through Google Forms from April 2020 to February 2021. Results: The response rate was approximately 41.3% (86/208). Sixty-two (73.0%) worked at tertiary hospitals or academic medical centers, and 60 (69.7%) had more than 5 years of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography experience. The preferred size criteria for large CBD stones were 15 mm (40.6%), 20 mm (31.3%), and 30 mm (4.6%). For managing of large CBD stones, endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation after endoscopic sphincterotomy was the most preferred technique (74.4%). When performing procedures in those with bleeding diathesis, 64 (74.4%) respondents favored endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD) alone or EPBD with small endoscopic sphincterotomy. Fifty-five respondents (63.9%) preferred the doubleguidewire technique when faced with difficult bile duct cannulation in patients with periampullary diverticulum. In surgically altered anatomies, cap-fitted forward viewing endoscopy (76.7%) and percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy (48.8%) were the preferred techniques for Billroth-II anastomosis and total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y anastomosis, respectively. Conclusions: Most respondents showed unifying trends for the management of difficult CBD stones. The current practice patterns could be used as basic data for clinical quality improvements in the management of difficult CBD stones.
pISSN 1976-2283
eISSN 2005-1212
Hye-Kyung Jung1 , Seung Joo Kang2 , Yong Chan Lee3 , Hyo-Joon Yang4 , Seon-Young Park5 , Cheol Min Shin6 , Sung Eun Kim7 , Hyun Chul Lim8 , Jie-Hyun Kim9 , Su Youn Nam10 , Woon Geon Shin11 , Jae Myung Park12 , Il Ju Choi13 , Jae Gyu Kim14 , Miyoung Choi15 , Korean College of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointestinal Research
Gut Liver 2021;15(2):168-195
Hiroshi Fukui
Gut Liver 2021;15(5):666-676
Hye-Kyung Jung1 , Seung Joo Kang2 , Yong Chan Lee3 , Hyo-Joon Yang4 , Seon-Young Park5 , Cheol Min Shin6 , Sung Eun Kim7 , Hyun Chul Lim8 , Jie-Hyun Kim9 , Su Youn Nam10 , Woon Geon Shin11 , Jae Myung Park12 , Il Ju Choi13 , Jae Gyu Kim14 , Miyoung Choi15 , Korean College of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointestinal Research
Gut Liver 2021;15(2):168-195
Soumya Murag1 , Aijaz Ahmed2 , Donghee Kim2
Gut Liver 2021;15(2):206-216
Takeshi Ogura , Kazuhide Higuchi
Gut Liver 2021;15(2):196-205
Gut and Liver is an international journal of gastroenterology, focusing on the gastrointestinal tract, liver, biliary tree, pancreas, motility, and neurogastroenterology. Gut atnd Liver delivers up-to-date, authoritative papers on both clinical and research-based topics in gastroenterology. The Journal publishes original articles, case reports, brief communications, letters to the editor and invited review articles in the field of gastroenterology. The Journal is operated by internationally renowned editorial boards and designed to provide a global opportunity to promote academic developments in the field of gastroenterology and hepatology. +MORE
| Yong Chan Lee |
Professor of Medicine Director, Gastrointestinal Research Laboratory Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Univ. California San Francisco San Francisco, USA |
| Jong Pil Im | Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea |
| Robert S. Bresalier | University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA |
| Steven H. Itzkowitz | Mount Sinai Medical Center, NY, USA |
All papers submitted to Gut and Liver are reviewed by the editorial team before being sent out for an external peer review to rule out papers that have low priority, insufficient originality, scientific flaws, or the absence of a message of importance to the readers of the Journal. A decision about these papers will usually be made within two or three weeks.
The remaining articles are usually sent to two reviewers. It would be very helpful if you could suggest a selection of reviewers and include their contact details. We may not always use the reviewers you recommend, but suggesting reviewers will make our reviewer database much richer; in the end, everyone will benefit. We reserve the right to return manuscripts in which no reviewers are suggested.
The final responsibility for the decision to accept or reject lies with the editors. In many cases, papers may be rejected despite favorable reviews because of editorial policy or a lack of space. The editor retains the right to determine publication priorities, the style of the paper, and to request, if necessary, that the material submitted be shortened for publication.
