Characterization of a hyperphosphorylated variant of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 5 expressed in E. coli.

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest family of cell-surface receptors in humans and regulate numerous physiological processes through the activation of heterotrimeric G proteins. GPCR kinases (GRKs) selectively phosphorylate active GPCRs, which promotes arrestin binding, receptor internalization, and initiation of alternative signaling pathways. GRK5 is a representative member of one of three GRK subfamilies that does not need post-translational lipidation or other binding partners to exhibit full activity against GPCRs, rendering it a useful tool for biophysical studies directed at characterizing GRK function.

AGA Clinical Practice Update on Endoscopic Treatment of Barrett's Esophagus With Dysplasia and/or Early Cancer: Expert Review.

Description: The purpose of this best practice advice article is to describe the role of Barrett's endoscopic therapy (BET) in patients with Barrett's esophagus (BE) with dysplasia and/or early cancer and appropriate follow-up of these patients.

Methods: The best practice advice provided in this document is based on evidence and relevant publications reviewed by the committee. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 1: In BE patients with confirmed low-grade dysplasia, a repeat examination with high-definition white-light endoscopy should be performed within 3-6 months to rule out the presence of a visible lesion, which should prompt endoscopic resection.

The Supracondylar Process: A Rare Case of Ulnar Nerve Entrapment and Literature Review.

A fit and well 33-year-old male mechanic was referred to the clinic complaining of locking of right elbow and paraesthesia and pain affecting the forearm and hand. Radiographs demonstrated a right-sided supracondylar process. The patient had locking of his right elbow, which caused shooting pains both distally and proximally.

Development and validation of the international Blue Light Imaging for Barrett's Neoplasia Classification.

Background And Aims: Detecting subtle Barrett's neoplasia during surveillance endoscopy can be challenging. Blue-light imaging (BLI) is a novel advanced endoscopic technology with high-intensity contrast imaging that may improve the identification of Barrett's neoplasia. The aim of this study was to develop and validate the first classification to enable characterization of neoplastic and non-neoplastic Barrett's esophagus using BLI.

Multi-band mucosectomy for neoplasia in patients with Barrett's esophagus: in vivo comparison between two different devices.

Background: Multi-band mucosectomy (MBM) is effective and safe for Barrett's neoplasia. No studies have yet compared the efficacy and safety of the MBM devices commercially available: Duette™ (CookMedical) and Captivator™ (BostonScientific). Our aim is to compare the two devices.

Microstructure and fracture properties of semi-hard cheese: Differentiating the effects of primary proteolysis and calcium solubilization.

The individual roles of hydrolysis of α and β-caseins, and calcium solubilization on the fracture properties of semi-hard cheeses, such as Maasdam and other eye-type cheeses, remain unclear. In this study, the hydrolysis patterns of casein were selectively altered by adding a chymosin inhibitor to the curd/whey mixture during cheese manufacture, by substituting fermentation-produced bovine chymosin (FPBC) with fermentation-produced camel chymosin (FPCC), or by modulating ripening temperature. Moreover, the level of insoluble calcium during ripening was quantified in all cheeses.

Principles and practice to facilitate complete photodocumentation of the upper gastrointestinal tract: World Endoscopy Organization position statement.

Although esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is the most commonly used procedure in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the method of esophageal, gastric and duodenal mucosa photodocumentation varies considerably worldwide. One probable explanation is that for generations, EGD has primarily been taught by GI faculty and instructors based on their perceptions and experience, which has resulted in EGD being a non-standardized procedure. Currently, the procedure is facing a challenging scenario as endoscopy societies are implementing procedure-associated quality indicators aiming for best practice among practitioners and evidence-based care for patients.

Adherence to recommendations of Barrett's esophagus surveillance guidelines: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Guidelines aim to reduce treatment variation and improve quality of care. In the literature there is large variation in the reported rates of adherence to recommendations of surveillance for Barrett's esophagus (BE). The aim of this systematic review was to identify explanatory parameters determining these differences in adherence rates.

The Escherichia coli MarA protein regulates the ycgZ-ymgABC operon to inhibit biofilm formation.

The Escherichia coli marRAB operon is a paradigm for chromosomally encoded antibiotic resistance. The operon exerts its effect via an encoded transcription factor called MarA that modulates efflux pump and porin expression. In this work, we show that MarA is also a regulator of biofilm formation.

Efficacy and safety of over-the-scope clips for gastrointestinal bleeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The over-the-scope clip (OTSC) has been increasingly utilized for the management of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Limited efficacy data are currently available from large-scale studies.

Methods: An electronic database search was conducted for eligible articles using OTSCs for hemostasis in GI bleeding.

Improved high-quality colon cleansing with 1L NER1006 versus 2L polyethylene glycol + ascorbate or oral sulfate solution.

Background & Aims: Colonoscopy requires bowel cleansing for gut mucosa visualization; high-quality cleansing facilitates lesion detection. NER1006 is a 1L polyethylene glycol (PEG) bowel preparation. This post hoc analysis of two randomized trials investigated cleansing efficacy assessed, as in clinical practice, by site endoscopists.

Imaging for Barrett's esophagus: state of the art.

Purpose Of Review: Barrett's esophagus is the premalignant condition for esophageal cancer and the diagnosis of esophageal adenocarcinoma on index endoscopy is increasing. Many advanced endoscopic techniques are available and aim to identify Barrett's esophagus-associated neoplasia earlier, thereby preventing progression into malignancy.

Recent Findings: It is well established adherence to Seattle protocol increases dysplasia detection but leaves large portions of mucosa unsampled.

What Quality Metrics Should We Apply in Barrett's Esophagus?

A GI Quality improvement consortium registry study published in this issue of The American Journal of Gastroenterology confirms the lack of adherence to surveillance intervals and guidelines in patients with Barrett's esophagus (BE). Given the widespread use of upper endoscopy for evaluation of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease and surveillance of BE, the lack of well-defined standard criteria for performing a high quality upper endoscopy calls for the establishment of valid quality indicators in BE endoscopy. These quality metrics should be able to help define and rate endoscopist performance for screening, surveillance, and management of patients with BE.

Improving serrated adenoma detection rate in the colon by electronic chromoendoscopy and distal attachment: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background And Aims: The evidence for modification of conventional colonoscopy using either "distal attachments" (DAs; endocap, endocuff, and endoring) or "electronic chromoendoscopy" (EC; narrow-band imaging [NBI], iScan, blue-light imaging, autofluorescence imaging, and linked-color imaging) to improve the detection of serrated adenomas during colonoscopy has shown conflicting results.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed using Medline, Google Scholar, Embase, and Cochrane Library based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing any DA or EC with high-definition white-light colonoscopy for detection of serrated adenomas (sessile serrated adenoma/polyp and traditional serrated adenoma) were included.

Esthesioneuroblastoma on 68Ga DOTANOC PET/CT.

Esthesioneuroblastoma is a rare neoplasm arising from the neural crest cells of olfactory epithelium mostly in the nasal vault. We describe the Ga DOTANOC PET/CT findings of a 44-year-old woman who was operated for right nasal mass diagnosed as paraganglioma in the past and then develop a mass in the right nasal cavity after 2 years which upon surgery diagnosed to be esthesioneuroblastoma on histopathology.

Impact of Electronic Chromoendoscopy on Adenoma Miss Rates During Colonoscopy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: The impact of virtual chromoendoscopy such as narrow-band imaging, Fujinon intelligent chromoendoscopy, blue-light imaging, linked-color imaging, and i-SCAN on adenoma detection rate has been variable. However, adenoma miss rate (another measure suggested as a quality indicator) of electronic chromoendoscopy modalities has not been systematically evaluated.

Objectives: This study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the adenoma miss rate of white-light endoscopy compared with electronic chromoendoscopy.

Hot snare vs. cold snare polypectomy for endoscopic removal of 4 - 10 mm colorectal polyps during colonoscopy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies.

 In recent years, cold snare polypectomy (CSP) has increasingly been used over hot snare polypectomy (HSP) for the removal of colorectal polyps (4 - 10 mm in size). However, the optimal technique (CSP vs. HSP), in terms of complete polyp resection and complications, is uncertain.

Significantly lower annual rates of neoplastic progression in short- compared to long-segment non-dysplastic Barrett's esophagus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Although shorter lengths of Barrett's esophagus (BE) have been associated with a lower risk of neoplastic progression, precise estimates have varied, especially for non-dysplastic BE (NDBE) only. Therefore, current US guidelines do not provide specific recommendations on surveillance intervals based on BE length. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the published literature to examine neoplastic progression rates of NDBE based on BE length.

Surotomycin (A Novel Cyclic Lipopeptide) vs. Vancomycin for the Treatment of Clostridioides difficile Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: Current guidelines recommend the use of vancomycin for the initial treatment of moderate to severe Clostridioides difficile Infection (CDI). Surotomycin, a novel antibiotic, has been utilized for the management of CDI with variable results.

Methods: A systematic literature search was performed using the following electronic databases [Medline, Embase, google scholar and Cochrane] for eligible studies.

Challenges to diagnostic standardization of Barrett's esophagus in Asia.

Barrett's esophagus (BE), a premalignant condition of the lower esophagus, is increasingly prevalent in Asia. However, endoscopic and histopathological criteria vary widely between studies across Asia, making it challenging to assess comparability between geographical regions. Furthermore, guidelines from various societies worldwide provide differing viewpoints and definitions, leading to diagnostic challenges that affect prognostication of the condition.