Efficacy and safety of a novel multisegmented fully covered self-expanding metal stent for malignant esophageal obstruction: a prospective pilot study with historical control.

Background And Aims: Self-expanding metal stents (SEMSs) are effective for symptom palliation in patients with esophageal obstruction. However, their placement can lead to adverse events such as stent migration and restenosis. A novel fully covered SEMS (FCSEMS) with antimigration properties has been developed to address these issues.

Effect of Macrolide Exposure on Tailored Helicobacter pylori Eradication Therapy and Antibiotic Resistance Profiles: A Prospective Study Using the Drug Utilization Review System.

Background/aims: Determining antibiotic use history accurately is challenging due to its reliance on patient recall. By determining macrolide exposure using the Korean drug utilization review (DUR) system, we analyzed the impact of previous macrolide use on antibiotic resistance profiles and compared the eradication rate between tailored therapy based on macrolide exposure history and empirical therapy.

Methods: Patients with confirmed Helicobacter pylori (H.

Additional Diagnostic Yield of the Rapid Drink Challenge in Chicago Classification Version 4.0 Compared With Version 3.0.

Background/aims: Chicago classification version 4.0 enhances the diagnosis of esophageal motility disorders using position change and provocative tests such as multiple rapid swallows and a rapid drink challenge. This study investigates the diagnostic role of the rapid drink challenge based on Chicago classification 4.

Repeated photodynamic therapy using a chlorin e6-embedded device to prolong the therapeutic effects on obesity.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of repeated photodynamic therapy (PDT) with a chlorin e6 (Ce6)-embedded intragastric satiety-inducing device (ISD) to maintain therapeutic effects of obesity in a juvenile pig.

Methods: The Ce6-embedded ISD was fabricated with a dipping method. Twelve pigs were divided into four groups of three and were administered control, single, biweekly, or weekly PDT, respectively.

Preparation and Properties of Mechanically Robust, Colorless, and Transparent Aramid Films.

In this study, various diamine monomers were used to synthesize aramid polymer films via a low-temperature solution condensation reaction with diacid chloride. For diamines with relatively high basicity, the reaction system became opaque because amine salt formation inhibited polymer synthesis. Meanwhile, low-basicity diamines with strong electron-withdrawing groups, such as CF and sulfone, were smoothly polymerized without amine salt formation to provide highly viscous solutions.

Localized Photodynamic Therapy Using a Chlorin e6-Embedded Silicone-Covered Self-Expandable Metallic Stent as a Palliative Treatment for Malignant Esophageal Strictures.

Localized photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses a polymeric-photosensitizer (PS)-embedded, covered self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS). PDT is minimally invasive and a noteworthy potential alternative for treating esophageal strictures, where surgery is not a viable option. However, preclinical evidence is insufficient, and optimized irradiation energy dose ranges for localized PDT are unclear.

Clinical outcomes of argon plasma coagulation for the treatment of gastric low-grade dysplasia.

Background And Aims: Argon plasma coagulation (APC) could be considered a treatment modality for small gastric low-grade dysplasia (LGD) instead of endoscopic resection. Our study investigated the clinical outcomes of APC for treating gastric LGD and associated variables with local recurrence.

Methods: This study included 911 patients who underwent APC for gastric neoplasms at the tertiary hospital from July 2007 to March 2022 with a minimal follow-up of 12 months.

Roll-to-Roll Gravure Coating of PVDF on a Battery Separator for the Enhancement of Thermal Stability.

The polyethylene lithium-ion battery separator is coated with a polymer by means of a roll-to-roll (R2R) gravure coating scheme to enhance the thermal stability. The polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) or polyvinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene (PVDF-HFP) is gravure-coated, and the pores are fabricated based on online nonsolvent-induced phase separation (NIPS). N-methylpyrrolidone is used as a solvent, and deionized water or a methanol mixture thereof is exploited as a nonsolvent in NIPS.

Comparison of Diagnosis of Esophageal Motility Disorders by Chicago Classification Versions 3.0 and 4.0.

Background/aims: We aim to investigate the diagnostic accuracy and differences between Chicago classification version 3.0 (CC v3.0) and 4.

Photoactive intragastric satiety-inducing device using polymeric photosensitizers for minimally invasive weight loss treatment.

An intragastric satiety-inducing device (ISD) located in the stomach induce satiety and fullness in the absence of food by continuously pressing on the distal esophagus and cardia of the stomach. To improve the therapeutic function of ISD, Chlorin e6 (Ce6) was embedded in a disk portion of ISD, generating reactive oxygen species and stimulating endocrine cells under the laser irradiation. Since Ce6 has remarkable light efficiency but poor solubility in various solvents, it is essential to use a polymeric photosensitizer and optimize a suitable coating solution composition.

Clinical outcomes of Dieulafoy's lesion compared with peptic ulcer in upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Background And Aim: Although Dieulafoy's lesion (DL) is an important cause of nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, few studies have investigated the clinico-epidemiological outcomes due to its rarity. Here, we investigated clinical features of upper GI bleeding caused by peptic ulcer (PU) or DL and compared endoscopic treatment outcomes.

Methods: Patients with upper GI bleeding resulting from PU or DL who visited emergency room between January 2013 and December 2017 were eligible.

Conventional endoscopic mucosal resection versus modified endoscopic mucosal resection for duodenal neuroendocrine tumor.

Background And Aims: As the incidence of duodenal neuroendocrine tumors (DNET) is steadily increasing, the role of endoscopic treatment for appropriate lesions is becoming more significant. We aimed to compare the outcomes according to lesion size and endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) techniques for DNET treatment.

Patients And Methods: Patients who underwent endoscopic treatment for DNET between June 2000 and December 2019 were included.

Clinical outcomes of marginal ulcer bleeding compared with those of peptic ulcer bleeding.

Background: Marginal ulcer bleeding (MUB) is a complication that can occur following several types of surgery. However, few studies exist on it. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of MUB with those of peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB).

Role of Endoscopy in Motility Disorders of Upper Gastrointestinal Tract.

Gastrointestinal motility disorders have a wide range of symptoms and affect patients' quality of life. With the advancement of endoscopy, the diagnostic and therapeutic roles of endoscopy in motility disorders is becoming more significant. Endoscopy is necessary to rule out possible organic diseases in patients with suspected motility disorders and provide significant clues for their diagnosis.

Usefulness of EndoFLIP in Diverticular Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy for Symptomatic Epiphrenic Diverticulum.

Background/aims: Diverticular peroral endoscopic myotomy (D-POEM) is known to be a safe and feasible technique for managing diverticular diseases of the esophagus. In this study, we aim to report our experience with D-POEM and to investigate the usefulness of endoscopic functional luminal imaging probe (EndoFLIP) in determining the need for cardiomyotomy with septotomy for symptomatic epiphrenic diverticulum.

Methods: Consecutive patients who underwent D-POEM for symptomatic epiphrenic diverticulum between September 2019 and September 2021 were eligible for this study.

Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Benign Peptic Ulcer Bleeding After an Emergency Endoscopy Based on Patient Location.

Background And Aims: In the efforts toward reducing bleeding-related mortality, it is crucial to determine the risk factors for rebleeding after endoscopic hemostasis in benign peptic ulcer (BPU).

Methods: Between 2013 and 2017, the medical records of 864 BPU patients were selected from 5076 who had undergone emergency endoscopy for suspected upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Patients who visited the emergency room or were hospitalized for other illnesses were selected.

Scoring systems for predicting clinical outcomes in peptic ulcer bleeding.

Few studies have focused on assessing the usefulness of scoring systems such as the Rockall score (RS), Glasgow-Blatchford score (GBS), and AIMS65 score for risk stratification and prognosis prediction in peptic ulcer bleeding patients. This study aimed to assess scoring systems in predicting clinical outcomes of patients with peptic ulcer bleeding. A total of 682 peptic ulcer bleeding patients who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy between January 2013 and December 2017 were found eligible for this study.

Objective Interpretation of the Rapid Urease Test for Infection Using Colorimetry.

Background: The rapid urease test (RUT) is a major diagnostic tool for detecting infection. This study aimed to establish an objective method for measuring the color changes in the RUT kit to improve the test's diagnostic accuracy.

Methods: A UV-visible spectrophotometer was selected as the colorimeter; experiments were conducted in three stages to objectively identify the color changes in the RUT kit.

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction for the Detection of and Clarithromycin Resistance.

Background/aims: Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is a fast and simple method for the simultaneous detection of clarithromycin (CLR) resistance and . 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 infection in culture were enrolled and analyzed in this prospective study.

Outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection for superficial esophageal neoplasms in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Background/aims: The treatment of superficial esophageal neoplasms (SENs) in cirrhotic patients is challenging and rarely investigated. We evaluated the outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) to determine the efficacy and safety of treating SENs in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Methods: The baseline characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients who underwent ESD for SENs between November 2005 and December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed.

Clinical Significance of Epstein-Barr Virus and Infection in Gastric Carcinoma.

Background/aims: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and (HP) coinfection may synergistically induce severe inflammatory responses in the stomach tissue, increasing the risk of developing gastric cancer. We aimed to analyze the effect of EBV and HP coinfection on the clinicopathologic features and prognosis of gastric cancer, as well as to evaluate the role of EBV infection in non-gastric carcinoma with lymphoid stroma (non-GCLS).

Methods: Overall, 956 patients who underwent surgery for gastric cancer between September 2014 and August 2015 were eligible and divided into groups, according to GCLS morphology, EBV infection, and HP infection.

Scoring Model Based on Nodal Metastasis Prediction Suggesting an Alternative Treatment to Total Gastrectomy in Proximal Early Gastric Cancer.

Purpose: Total gastrectomy (TG) with lymph node (LN) dissection is recommended for early gastric cancer (EGC) but is not indicated for endoscopic resection (ER). We aimed to identify patients who could avoid TG by establishing a scoring system for predicting lymph node metastasis (LNM) in proximal EGCs.

Materials And Methods: Between January 2003 and December 2017, a total of 1,025 proximal EGC patients who underwent TG with LN dissection were enrolled.

Photodynamic Methylene Blue-Embedded Intragastric Satiety-Inducing Device to Treat Obesity.

Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for weight recidivism, and endoscopic bariatric treatment has been developed for a similar effect without anatomical modification. An intragastric satiety-inducing device (ISD) is a minimally invasive approach to induce satiety by continuously pressing the stomach and stimulating ghrelin-producing cells. To enhance the therapeutic effects of ISD, photodynamic therapy (PDT) can be combined by generating singlet oxygen under laser irradiation.