Boosting Wnt activity during colorectal cancer progression through selective hypermethylation of Wnt signaling antagonists.

Background: There is emerging evidence that Wnt pathway activity may increase during the progression from colorectal adenoma to carcinoma and that this increase is potentially an important step towards the invasive stage. Here, we investigated whether epigenetic silencing of Wnt antagonists is the biological driver for this increased Wnt activity in human tissues and how these methylation changes correlate with MSI (Microsatelite Instability) and CIMP (CpG Island Methylator Phenotype) statuses as well as known mutations in genes driving colorectal neoplasia.

Methods: We conducted a systematic analysis by pyrosequencing, to determine the promoter methylation of CpG islands associated with 17 Wnt signaling component genes.

Oral gel choline salicylate induced refractory gastric ulceration.

Common over the counter oral ulcer soothing gel can be an unexpected source of salicylate and cause refractory gastrointestinal ulcers if not identified.

Safety of the colonoscope magnetic imaging device (ScopeGuide) in patients with implantable cardiac devices.

Background And Study Aims: Use of the colonoscope magnetic imaging device (ScopeGuide, Olympus Medical Systems, Tokyo, Japan) is currently contraindicated by the manufacturer for patients with implantable cardiac devices, a group of patients that is increasing annually along with the number of colonoscopies performed in the era of colorectal cancer screening. This is the first study to examine the safety of ScopeGuide in patients with permanent pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, and cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Patients And Methods: Nonimplanted cardiac devices were exposed to the electromagnetic field of ScopeGuide ex vivo and assessed for evidence of interference or change in device settings.

Sir James Young Simpson and religion: myths and controversies.

This paper analyses two key aspects of the life and work of Sir James Young Simpson: his evangelical Christianity and his reaction to criticism following his use of anaesthesia in obstetrics. Simpson's personal religious struggle is placed in the context of the devastating events surrounding the Disruption of the established Church of Scotland in 1843. Whatever his involvement in the events of that year, the development of his faith demonstrates his simple evangelical conviction in the atonement of Christ, very much in keeping with that of many believers in Victorian Britain.

Comparison of Pentax HiLine and Olympus Lucera systems at screening colonoscopy.

Aim: To compare the performance characteristics of Pentax HiLine (PHL) (with i-scan) and Olympus Lucera (OL) systems in a screening population.

Methods: Screening colonoscopies in asymptomatic guaiac faecal occult blood test-positive patients with PHL (n = 58) and OL (n = 425) colonoscopes were analysed. All procedures were performed by a single colonoscopist.

Three-year prospective validation of a pre-endoscopic risk stratification in patients with acute upper-gastrointestinal haemorrhage.

Objective: To assess the accuracy of a risk stratification that is used at initial assessment to identify groups with increased risk of mortality and requirement for urgent treatment intervention.

Design: Prospective assessment of risk stratification in consecutive patients with acute upper-gastrointestinal haemorrhage.

Methods: Over a 3-year period, 1349 consecutive patients with acute upper-gastrointestinal haemorrhage presenting to a single teaching hospital were prospectively risk stratified before endoscopy and followed up for outcome.