Molecular histology of spermatogenesis in the Japanese macaque monkey (Macaca fuscata).

Non-human primates are our closest relatives and therefore offer valuable comparative models for human evolutionary studies and biomedical research. As such, Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) have contributed to the advancement of primatology in both field and laboratory settings. Specifically, Japanese macaques serve as an excellent model for investigating postnatal development and seasonal breeding in primates because of their relatively prolonged juvenile period and distinct seasonal breeding activity in adulthood.

Reprogramming of chimpanzee fibroblasts into a multipotent cancerous but not fully pluripotent state by transducing iPSC factors in 2i/LIF culture.

To induce and maintain naïve pluripotency in mouse embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells (ESCs/iPSCs), chemically defined N2B27 medium with PD0325901, CHIR99021, and leukemia inhibitory factor (2i/LIF) is a classic and simple condition. However, this method cannot be simply extrapolated to human ESCs/iPSCs that are principally stabilized in primed pluripotency and become primitive neuroepithelium-like cells in N2B27+2i/LIF culture. Here, we assessed iPSC reprogramming of fibroblasts from chimpanzee, our closest living relative, in N2B27+2i/LIF culture.

Validation of the GerdQ questionnaire for the management of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in Japan.

Background: The GerdQ scoring system may be a useful tool for managing gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. However, GerdQ has not been fully validated in Asian countries.

Objective: To validate the Japanese version of GerdQ and to compare this version to the Carlsson-Dent questionnaire (CDQ) in both general and hospital-based populations.

Improvement of reflux symptom related quality of life after Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy.

The relationship between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication therapy and the risk of developing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is controversial. We investigated the influence of H.

Biliary findings assist in predicting enlargement of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas.

Background & Aims: There is controversy over the optimal management strategy for patients with branch-duct type intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas (BD-IPMNs), precursors to pancreatic cancer. We aimed to identify factors associated with the presence of BD-IPMNs and changes in their diameter.

Methods: Two separate analyses were conducted in a cohort of patients who underwent magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in a single year (2006).

Role of enhanced visibility in evaluating polyposis syndromes using a newly developed contrast image capsule endoscope.

Background/aims: A flexible spectral imaging color enhancement system was installed in new capsule software for video capsule endoscopy. Contrast image capsule endoscopy (CICE) is a novel technology using light-emitting diodes selected for the main absorption range of hemoglobin. We assessed the feasibility and diagnostic effi cacy for small bowel surveillance in patients with polyposis syndromes.

Efficacy of sitafloxacin-based rescue therapy for Helicobacter pylori after failures of first- and second-line therapies.

Sitafloxacin-based triple therapy achieved 83.6% (per-protocol) and 78.2% (intention-to-treat) success in eradicating Helicobacter pylori among 78 Japanese patients after clarithromycin-based first-line and metronidazole-based second-line triple therapies failed.

Proton-pump inhibitors for the treatment of functional dyspepsia.

In the Rome III classification, functional dyspepsia (FD) has been further subcategorized into two different syndromes, namely, epigastric pain syndrome (EPS) and postprandial distress syndrome (PDS). Acid-related pathophysiology seems to be mainly responsible for EPS, and antisecretory agents such as proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) seem to be effective mainly against EPS. However, recent information as to the relationship between initial duodenal acid sensitization in the early postprandial phase and delayed gastric emptying in the later postprandial phase would suggest the amelioration of PDS by antisecretory agents.