Decreased TFF2 expression in the gastric antrum in patients infected with CagA-positive Helicobacter pylori.

Background: The trefoils factor family is a relatively new family of peptides. Their abundant expression in the epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal tract in the normal physiological state and in various ulcerative conditions suggests an important role in mucosal defense and repair. Infection with Helicobacter pylori interferes with normal mucosal activity.

EUS clarifies the natural history and ideal management of GISTs.

Background/aims: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are mesenchymal gastrointestinal tumors expressing C-kit (CD117). Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) evaluations of GISTs can help determine optimal therapy and follow-up care. The current study assesses the natural history of 100 GISTs evaluated by EUS, and the impact of EUS on their management.

Satisfaction of the referring physician: a quality control study focusing on EUS.

Introduction: Utilization of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is becoming more widespread. Largely in control of use of EUS, as a primary consumer of EUS, are the physicians who refer patients. This quality control study aimed to uncover remedial impediments to ideal utilization of EUS.

The impact of endoscopic ultrasonography on the management of suspected pancreatic cancer--a comprehensive longitudinal continuous evaluation.

Objectives: Between 1997 and 2001, a single-center chart review demonstrated significant impact of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) in evaluating suspected pancreatic cancer (PCA). Repeating and comparing this review with that from 2001 to 2004 was performed to determine whether increased use of EUS results in more patients being accurately chosen for curative versus palliative procedures, and for surgical versus nonsurgical oncotherapy.

Methods: The complete systematic review was made up of electronic files from the gastroenterology, oncology, and pathology departments of patients presenting with suspected PCA.

Failure of Synbiotic 2000 to prevent postoperative recurrence of Crohn's disease.

Complications of Crohn's disease (CD) lead to surgery in about 70-90% of patients. The majority of patients suffer from relapse of the disease. Colonic bacteria are essential to the development of CD.

Pyloric stenosis as a presenting symptom of Crohn's disease.

We report a rare case of pyloric stenosis as a presenting symptom of Crohn's disease. Clinical improvement and long-term relief of pyloric obstruction were obtained following a short course treatment of corticostroids and total parenteral nutrition. In contrast to most of the cases described previously in the literature, surgical treatment was not required.

The effect of erythropoietin therapy and hemoglobin levels on the immune response to Engerix-B vaccination in chronic kidney disease.

Background: Patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis have an increased risk of acquiring hepatitis B infection. Only 43-66% of dialysis patients develop effective anti-HBs titers after vaccination.

Aim: To evaluate the effect of recombinant erythropoietin (rEPO) therapy and basal hemoglobin levels on the outcome of the immune response to four doses of IM 40 microg Engerix-B vaccination in hemodialysis and chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients before starting replacement therapy.