The use of non-invasive stool tests for verification of Helicobacter pylori eradication and clarithromycin resistance.

Background: Clarithromycin resistance of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) represents a major challenge in eradication therapy. In this study, we assessed if non-invasive stool tests can be used to verify successful H.

Colorectal Cancer Stage Distribution at First and Repeat Fecal Immunochemical Test Screening.

Background & Aims: For colorectal cancer (CRC) screening to be effective, it is important that screen-detected cancers are found at an early stage. Studies on stage distribution of screen-detected CRC at repeat screening of large population-based fecal immunochemical test (FIT)-based screening programs and the impact of FIT cut-off values on staging currently are lacking.

Methods: We obtained data for FIT-positive participants (FIT cut-off, 47 μg hemoglobin/g feces) at their first or second (ie, repeat) screening from the Dutch National Screening Database from 2014 to 2018.

Modelling optimal use of temporarily restricted colonoscopy capacity in a FIT-based CRC screening program: Application during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic forced colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programs to downscale their colonoscopy capacity. In this study, we assessed strategies to deal with temporary restricted colonoscopy capacity in a FIT-based CRC screening program while aiming to retain the maximum possible preventive effect of the screening program.

Design: We simulated the Dutch national CRC screening program inviting individuals between ages 55 and 75 for biennial FIT using the MISCAN-Colon model including the 3-month disruption in the first half of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Colonoscopy-Related Mortality in a Fecal Immunochemical Test-Based Colorectal Cancer Screening Program.

Background & Aims: Many countries have introduced colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programs with fecal immunochemical tests (FITs), and follow-up colonoscopies for individuals with a positive FIT result. In order to make an informed decision to participate, individuals must be informed about the benefits and harms of FIT-based screening and subsequent colonoscopy. Colonoscopy-related fatal complications in FIT-based screening are understudied.

The second round of the Dutch colorectal cancer screening program: Impact of an increased fecal immunochemical test cut-off level on yield of screening.

The Dutch colorectal cancer (CRC) screening program started in 2014, inviting the target population biennially to perform a fecal immunochemical test (FIT). We obtained prospectively collected data from the national screening information-system to present the results of the second round (2016) and evaluate the impact of increasing the FIT cut-off halfway through the first round from 15 to 47 μg Hb/g feces on outcomes in the second round. Second round screening was done with a 47 μg Hb/g feces FIT cut-off.

The predictive value of Golgi protein 73 in differentiating benign from malignant liver tumors.

Introduction: In the work up of primary solid liver lesions it is essential to differentiate correctly between benign and malignant tumors, such as hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) respectively. A promising new marker to detect HCC is Golgi Protein 73 (GP73). Studies comparing patients with HCC and cirrhosis with normal controls suggested that GP73 is specific for patients with HCC; however, patients with other liver tumors were not included.

Thiopurine-methyltransferase and inosine triphosphate pyrophosphatase polymorphism in a liver transplant recipient developing nodular regenerative hyperplasia on low-dose azathioprine.

The enzymes thiopurine-methyltransferase (TPMT) and inosine triphosphate pyrophosphatase (ITPA) are involved in thiopurine metabolism. We describe a liver transplant recipient who presented with liver enzyme abnormalities after 78 months of low-dose azathioprine (AZA) therapy (less than 1 mg/kg). No underlying etiology of these abnormalities was identified after extensive analysis including repeated liver biopsy.

The human Fc receptor for IgA (Fc alpha RI, CD89) on transgenic peritoneal macrophages triggers phagocytosis and tumor cell lysis.

Even though IgA is considered to play an important role in immunity, surprisingly little is known about the presence of IgA Fc receptor (Fc alpha R)-expressing effector cells in tissues. Difficulties in obtaining human tissue macrophages, led us to study peritoneal macrophages in a human Fc alpha RI transgenic (Tg) mouse model. Naive peritoneal macrophages did not express hFc alpha RI.