Preparation of quality control materials for the determination of mercury in rice.

This study was performed to determine the feasibility of using Hg-spiked rice as a quality control material for Hg content analyses. Rice was coated with halogen compounds prior to the addition of Hg to increase the homogeneity and stability, both of which are important factors in the development of reference materials (RMs), relative to currently available RMs. The coating materials CCl4, CH2CHCH2Br, and CH3I were used to generate Hg-spiked rice RMs at the desired Hg concentrations.

The early onset of disease may be a risk factor for decreased bone mineral density in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Background/aims: The pathogenesis of bone loss in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is complex, multifactorial, and only partly understood. We aimed to examine the extent and risk factors of bone mass reduction and to analyze the impact of early onset of a disease before attaining peak bone mass in IBD patients.

Methods: We compared the risk factors for osteoporosis and BMD at the lumbar spine and the hip bone in IBD patients.

Prophylactic temporary 3F pancreatic duct stent to prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis in patients with a difficult biliary cannulation: a multicenter, prospective, randomized study.

Background: Post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) is the most common and serious complication of ERCP. Difficult biliary cannulation can be a procedure-related risk factor for PEP. Recent studies reported that a prophylactic pancreatic stent (PS) can reduce the frequency and severity of PEP.

Correlation of narrow band imaging with magnifying colonoscopy and histology in colorectal tumors.

Background/aims: Narrow band imaging (NBI) is a new technique that uses optical filters for imaging of mucosal morphology. The aim of this study was to correlate findings of NBI with magnifying colonoscopy and histology for prediction of neoplastic colorectal lesion.

Methods: Between September 2005 and December 2007, 107 colon polyps from 68 patients were detected by conventional colonoscopy and subsequently evaluated by NBI with magnifying colonoscopy and analyzed for a pit pattern and a capillary pattern.

[Transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation and the related esophageal motor activities].

Transient lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation (TLESR) is defined as LES relaxation without a swallow. TLESRs are observed in both of the normal individuals and the patients with gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD). However, TLESR is widely considered as the major mechanism of the GERD.

Feasibility of placing a modified fully covered self-expandable metal stent above the papilla to minimize stent-induced bile duct injury in patients with refractory benign biliary strictures (with videos).

Background: Endoscopic placement of fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMS) has been attempted to manage benign biliary strictures, but currently available FCSEMSs may be associated with unintended complications, including de novo strictures, in patients with normal life expectancy.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of an intraductally placed modified FCSEMS to minimize stent-induced bile duct injury in patients with benign biliary strictures.

Design: Prospective observational clinical feasibility study.

The role of intraductal US in the management of idiopathic recurrent pancreatitis without a definite cause on ERCP.

Background: The cause of pancreatitis is unknown in as many as 30% of cases of recurrent acute pancreatitis, even after ERCP.

Objective: To investigate the role of intraductal US (IDUS) for managing idiopathic recurrent pancreatitis (IRP).

Design: Prospective study.

Successful eradication of relapsed primary effusion lymphoma with high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation in a patient seronegative for human immunodeficiency virus.

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a recently recognized disease that occurs most often in immunosuppressed patients, either with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or in the posttransplantation setting, and it occasionally occurs in nonimmunosuppressed patients. Patients present with lymphomatous effusions in serous cavities--pleura, pericardium, or peritoneum--without any identifiable tumor mass. PEL rarely responds to systemic chemotherapy, and the prognosis is poor, with a median survival time of less than 6 months for most cohorts.