Satellite-based indicator of zooplankton distribution for global monitoring.

This study investigates the association between an index of mesozooplankton biomass, derived from the Continuous Plankton Recorder survey and satellite-derived productivity fronts in the North Atlantic. While chlorophyll-a content (CHL) is commonly described as a proxy for phytoplankton biomass, the size of productivity fronts estimated from the horizontal gradient of CHL appears to be directly linked to mesozooplankton biomass. Our results suggest that the lifespan of productivity fronts, which ranges from weeks to months, meets the time requirement of mesozooplankton to develop.

High cecal intubation rates with a new computer-assisted colonoscope: a feasibility study.

Objectives: The acceptability of colonoscopy as a screening test is limited by several factors including patient discomfort. A new self-propelled colonoscope, the Invendo SC20 (Invendo Medical GmbH), may be helpful in reducing sedation. It consists of a sheathed endoscope contained within an "inverted sleeve," and having an instrument channel and an electrohydraulic bendable tip; it is steered using a handheld device and propelled by a motorized drive unit.

Comparison of an established simple office-based immunological FOBT with fecal tumor pyruvate kinase type M2 (M2-PK) for colorectal cancer screening: prospective multicenter study.

Objectives: The immunological fecal occult blood test (IFOBT) has established itself as a more precise marker for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening than traditional guaiac-based FOBT. The simpler, cheaper, and more convenient newer office-based IFOBTs have been validated for diagnosing CRC. Dimeric isoenzyme of pyruvate kinase, M2-PK, expressed by tumor cells, has as well been proposed as a screening tool for CRC.

New introducer PEG gastropexy does not require prophylactic antibiotics: multicenter prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study.

Background: Peristomal infections are the most common complications of PEG, despite prophylactic antibiotics. The "introducer" PEG-placement technique avoids the sojourn of a PEG catheter through the oropharynx, and hence minimizes the chances of infectious complications. Despite the obvious potential advantage, this technique failed to gain popularity, mainly as a result of other associated risks and complications.

A motor-driven single-use colonoscope controlled with a hand-held device: a feasibility study in volunteers.

Background: Several new instruments have been developed in the effort to improve the acceptance of colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening. A new colonoscope, the Invendoscope, is presented here. It consists of an endoscopic sheath with an inverted sleeve, instrument channel, and an electrohydraulic deflecting tip.