The long-term natural history of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Introduction: Long-term gastric acid suppression has been suggested as a means to prevent complications of reflux esophagitis. We report on the 20-year follow-up of 2,306 patients with at least two endoscopic examinations who were taking no antisecretory medication before baseline endoscopy and whose long-term treatment was determined by reflux symptoms.

Methods: From 1979 through 1998, endoscopy and biopsy were performed in the Hines Veterans Affairs Hospital endoscopy clinic by three endoscopists.

Inactivation of White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) by normal rabbit serum: implications for the role of the envelope protein VP28 in WSSV infection of shrimp.

White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) is a highly pathogenic and prevalent virus affecting crustacea. A number of WSSV envelope proteins, including vp28, have been proposed to be involved in viral infectivity based on the ability of specific antibodies to attenuate WSSV-induced mortality in vivo. In the present study, a series of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies targeting vp28 were tested for their ability to neutralize WSSV infectivity, with the purpose of identifying epitopes potentially involved in vp28-mediated infection of shrimp.

Induction of antiviral immunity by double-stranded RNA in a marine invertebrate.

Vertebrates mount a strong innate immune response against viruses, largely by activating the interferon system. Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), a common intermediate formed during the life cycle of many viruses, is a potent trigger of this response. In contrast, no general inducible antiviral defense mechanism has been reported in any invertebrate.

Hiatal hernia size, Barrett's length, and severity of acid reflux are all risk factors for esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Objective: The reasons for the development of dysplasia and adenocarcinoma in Barrett's mucosa are not well understood. The aims of this study were to characterize risk factors for the transition from Barrett's esophagus without dysplasia to Barrett's esophagus with high-grade dysplasia or esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Methods: A group of 131 patients with high-grade dysplasia or esophageal adenocarcinoma were selected as case subjects.

New occurrence and recurrence of neoplasms within 5 years of a screening colonoscopy.

Objective: The fear that colorectal adenomas were missed on initial colonoscopy or that new adenomas have developed is often a rationale for repeating a colonoscopic examination. The aim of this study was to delineate risk factors associated with recurrence of colorectal adenomas after an initial baseline screening colonoscopy.

Methods: The study population comprised 875 subjects who underwent a baseline screening colonoscopy followed by a second examination 1-5 yr later.