Detection of carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacilli in Japan using the fully automated bacterial testing device RAISUS S4.

Objective: We investigated a rapid detection method for carbapenemase-producing gram-negative bacilli (CP-GNR) using meropenem (MEPM) to assess the efficiency of the antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

Methods: We used the function that can monitor the growth curve with the resistant bacteria monitoring function (RAISUS S4). Rapid detection of CP-GNR was performed using RAISUS S4 in two types of antimicrobial susceptibility testing, the RAISUS 18-hour method (18-h method) and RAISUS rapid method (rapid method) for Enterobacterales (F-GNR) and non-fermenting gram-negative bacilli (NF-GNR).

Usefulness of the clip-and-snare method using the pre-looping technique for endoscopic submucosal dissection of gastric neoplasia: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: The clip-and-snare method using the pre-looping technique (CSM-PLT) was developed as a traction method for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) of gastric neoplasia. However, its usefulness has not been clearly established; thus, we aimed to assess the efficacy of CSM-PLT in gastric ESD.

Methods: In this multicenter, randomized controlled trial, patients with gastric adenoma or carcinoma with absolute or expanded indications for ESD were randomized into conventional ESD and CSM-PLT groups, using the minimization method based on operator experience, tumor location, tumor size, and excision device.

Self-study of the non-extension sign in an e-learning program improves diagnostic accuracy of invasion depth of early gastric cancer.

 We developed an e-learning program for endoscopic diagnosis of invasion depth of early gastric cancer (EGC) using a simple diagnostic criterion called non-extension sign, and the contribution of self-study quizzes to improvement of diagnostic accuracy was evaluated.  We conducted a prospective randomized controlled study that recruited endoscopists throughout Japan. After completing a pretest, the participants watched video lectures and undertook post-test 1.

Importance of colonoscopy in patients undergoing endoscopic resection for superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: The aim of the study was to clarify the frequency of colorectal neoplasm (CRN) complicating superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and the need for colonoscopy.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 101 patients who had undergone initial endoscopic resection (ER) for superficial ESCC. Control group participants were age- and sex-matched asymptomatic subjects screened at our hospital over the same period of time.

Effectiveness of clip-and-snare method using pre-looping technique for gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection.

Aim: To evaluate efficacy and safety of clip-and-snare method using pre-looping technique (CSM-PLT) for gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD).

Methods: In the CSM-PLT method, a clip attached to the lesion side was strangulated with a snare, followed by application of an appropriate tension to the lesion independent of an endoscope. Twenty consecutive lesions were resected by ESD using CSM-PLT (CSM-PLT group) and compared with a control group, including 20 lesions that were resected by conventional ESD.

Preoperative endoscopic diagnosis of superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors, including magnifying endoscopy.

Superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumor (SNADET) is defined as a sporadic tumor that is confined to the mucosa or submucosa that does not arise from Vater's papilla, and it includes adenoma and adenocarcinoma. Recent developments in endoscopic technology, such as high-resolution endoscopy and image-enhanced endoscopy, may increase the chances of detecting SNADET lesions. However, because SNADET is rare, little is known about its preoperative endoscopic diagnosis.

White globe appearance is a novel specific endoscopic marker for gastric cancer: A prospective study.

Background And Aim: White globe appearance (WGA) is a small white lesion with a globular shape that can be identified by magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging (M-NBI). WGA was recently reported as a novel endoscopic marker that can differentiate between gastric cancer (GC) and low-grade adenoma. However, the usefulness of WGA for differentiating GC from non-cancerous lesions (NC), including those of gastritis, is unknown.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection of a squamous cell carcinoma in situ in the anal canal diagnosed by magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging.

A 60-year-old female underwent screening colonoscopy. Narrow-band imaging (NBI) without magnification showed a 20-mm, well-demarcated brownish area located close to the dentate line of the anal canal. Conventional white-light imaging revealed an ill-defined, flat lesion with scattered reddish spots at the same site.

The "white globe appearance" (WGA): a novel marker for a correct diagnosis of early gastric cancer by magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging (M-NBI).

Background And Study Aims: Although magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging (M-NBI) is useful for the diagnosis of gastric mucosal lesions, differentiating between early cancer (EC) and low grade adenoma (LGA) remains a challenge. During M-NBI examination, we have noted the presence of a small, white lesion with a globular shape underneath cancerous gastric epithelium, and have termed this endoscopic finding the "white globe appearance" (WGA). The aim of this study was to determine whether or not the WGA could be an endoscopic marker for distinguishing EC from LGA.

[An autopsy case of pulmonary tumor thrombotic microangiopathy that occurred during chemotherapy for gastric cancer].

A man in 60s underwent total gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer with para-aortic lymph node metastases. Although postoperative chemotherapy decreased the metastases, he was subsequently admitted with progressive respiratory distress. Pulmonary hypertension and right-sided heart failure developed, and he died of sudden cardiopulmonary arrest 30 hours after admission.

Endoscopic tissue shielding with polyglycolic acid sheets, fibrin glue and clips to prevent delayed perforation after duodenal endoscopic resection.

The incidence of delayed perforation after endoscopic resection for superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors is extremely high. Endoscopic tissue shielding with polyglycolic acid (PGA) sheets and fibrin glue is a promising method to prevent delayed perforation after endoscopic resection in the duodenum. However, we often encounter difficulty when covering an artificial ulcer with PGA sheets after endoscopic resection.

Use of transoral endoscopy for pharyngeal examination: cross-sectional analysis.

Background And Aim: Transoral endoscopy with narrow band imaging (NBI) is useful for identifying early-stage head and neck cancer. However, the screening capability of transoral upper gastrointestinal endoscopy has not yet been systematically evaluated. We evaluated the usefulness of transoral upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for pharyngeal examination.

Detection of pharyngeal cancer in the overall population undergoing upper GI endoscopy by using narrow-band imaging: a single-center experience, 2009-2012.

Background: Nonmagnifying observation by using narrow-band imaging (NBI) is useful for detecting pharyngeal lesions. Magnifying observation by using NBI can distinguish between cancerous and noncancerous lesions and is therefore useful for the early detection of pharyngeal cancer.

Objective: To evaluate the usefulness of observation of the pharynx by using NBI in the overall population undergoing upper GI endoscopy.

Can flat-type brownish microlesions in the orohypopharynx be followed up without biopsy or endoscopic resection?

Background: Narrow-band imaging (NBI) is useful for detecting superficial oropharyngeal lesions. However, the diagnostic and treatment guidelines for NBI are not established. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the treatment strategy for these microlesions.

[A case of disseminated carcinomatosis of bone marrow treated by S-1 and cisplatin after distal gastrectomy for early gastric cancer].

Patients with bone metastasis originating from gastric cancer experience complications from DIC. They are treated with anticoagulation therapy or platelet transfusion, but their prognosis is poor. Our case was a 50-year-old male who had undergone distal gastrectomy for early gastric cancer[pT1a(M)N0M0, pStage I a]ten years previously.

Can magnifying endoscopy with narrow band imaging be useful for low grade adenomas in preoperative biopsy specimens?

Background: In biopsy specimens with low grade adenomas, it is often difficult to identify the presence of high grade adenomas or early carcinomas and low grade adenomas preoperatively, and clear guidelines have not yet been defined for the applicability of endoscopic treatment to low grade adenomas identified in biopsy specimens.

Methods: We aimed to clarify the usefulness of magnifying endoscopy with narrow band imaging (NBI) compared to conventional white light endoscopy for diagnosing actual high grade adenomas or early carcinomas with low grade adenomas, using the VS (microvascular pattern [V] and microsurface pattern [S]) classification for low grade adenomas in biopsy specimens. The study cohort consisted of 135 patients who were diagnosed with low grade adenomas in preoperative biopsy specimens and received endoscopic submucosal dissection.

Evaluation of a novel rapid detection system for yeasts and molds.

A novel system, the NISSUI rapid detection system, has been developed to rapidly detect yeasts and molds in food. This system consists of a liquid medium containing resazurin as a redox indicator, a unique original micro-well dish containing 676 micro-wells, and a fluorescence-monitoring instrument with an incubator. To evaluate this system, orange juice, milk, and physiological saline solutions artificially inoculated with yeasts or molds were used as samples.

[Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma initially manifested by massive ascites and a small gastric lesion, clinically mimicking primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) in the abdominal cavity: a case report and review of the literature on Japanese PEL patients].

A 50-year-old man was admitted because of increasing massive ascites. While lymphoma cells (diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: DLBCL) were detected in the ascites, pleural effusion, cerebrospinal fluid and bone marrow, no tumor masses other than a submucosal lymphoma lesion in the stomach only 1 cm in diameter were identified. The patient was treated with chemotherapy including rituximab (R-CHOP-ESHAP) and injection of methotrexate and dexamethasone into the medullary cavity as well as radiation to the whole brain, and achieved complete remission 4 months later.

SLC39A14, a LZT protein, is induced in adipogenesis and transports zinc.

During adipocyte differentiation, there is an underlying complex series of gene expressions. We have previously isolated many genes whose expression levels are quickly elevated by the addition of inducers to mouse 3T3-L1 preadipocyte cells. Here we report the isolation and characterization of SLC39A14, a member of the LZT proteins, one of the subfamilies of ZIP transporters.

Fad24, a mammalian homolog of Noc3p, is a positive regulator in adipocyte differentiation.

Adipocyte differentiation is controlled by complex actions involving gene expression and signal transduction. From metaphase to anaphase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, the CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein family and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 are known to function as master regulators. However, the mechanism underlying the earliest step, which triggers the initiation of differentiation, remains unknown.

The novel gene fad104, containing a fibronectin type III domain, has a significant role in adipogenesis.

A novel gene named fad104 (factor for adipocyte differentiation-104), whose expression level quickly increased in the early stage of adipogenesis, was isolated and characterized. The deduced amino acid sequence of fad104 revealed the possible presence of a fibronectin type III domain and transmembrane domain. The expression of fad104 was detected in adipocyte differentiable 3T3-L1 cells but not observed in the non-adipogenic cell line NIH-3T3.

The novel gene fad158, having a transmembrane domain and leucine-rich repeat, stimulates adipocyte differentiation.

Adipocyte differentiation is known to be regulated by a complex array of genes known as master regulators. Using a subtraction method, we previously isolated 102 genes that are expressed in the early stage of adipocyte differentiation. One of these genes named fad158 (factor for adipocyte differentiation 158) seems to be a novel gene, since there is no significantly similar gene listed in databases.