A shape memory alloy implant can be an effective surgical treatment in the atlantoaxial joint stabilization using rabbits as substitutes for toy-breed dogs.

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of using shape memory alloy (SMA) implants for atlantoaxial joint stabilization using a rabbit model as a substitute for canines.

Animals: 20 rabbit cadavers.

Methods: We prepared rabbit cadavers from the middle of the skull to the third cervical vertebra.

Association Between Gastric Emptying Time and Incidence of Cardiovascular Diseases in Subjects With Diabetes.

Background/aims: Delayed gastric emptying (GE) is associated with high morbidity and mortality in subjects with diabetes. The aim of this study is to investigate associations between GE time and the major cardiovascular events (coronary heart diseases and ischemic stroke) in diabetic subjects with upper gastrointestinal (UGI) symptoms.

Methods: Among 259 subjects with chronic UGI symptoms who underwent gastric emptying study (GES) over 13 years, 122 diabetic subjects without gastric surgery and/or rapid GE were enrolled in this study.

Lower expression of endogenous intestinal alkaline phosphatase may predict worse prognosis in patients with Crohn's disease.

Backgrounds: Intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) plays important role in gut homeostasis. We aimed to evaluate the expression of endogenous IAP and to assess the clinical course according to the expression of endogenous IAP in patients with Crohn's disease (CD).

Methods: A total of 32 consecutive patients (14 males) with CD were included in the study.

Chronic Hepatitis B Infection Is Significantly Associated with Chronic Kidney Disease: a Population-based, Matched Case-control Study.

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection leads to hepatic and extrahepatic manifestations including chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the association between HBV and CKD is not clear. This study investigated the association between chronic HBV infection and CKD in a nationwide multicenter study.

Key lime () inhibits the growth of triple drug resistant .

Background: Eradication rate for () has decreased due to antibiotic resistance. Therefore, new strategies are needed to enhance eradication, especially for with high antibiotic resistance. The objective of this study was to evaluate anti- activities of constituents from key lime () and their possible inhibitory effects on urease activity of

Methods: strain ATCC 43526 and triple drug resistant (TDR) strains were used in this study.

Methyllucidone inhibits STAT3 activity by regulating the expression of the protein tyrosine phosphatase MEG2 in DU145 prostate carcinoma cells.

During the search for signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) inhibitors from natural products, methyllucidone, isolated from Lindera species (Lauraceae), was identified as a STAT3 inhibitor. Methyllucidone inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation at tyrosine 705 in a dose- and time dependent manner in DU145 prostate cancer cells and suppressed IL-6-induced STAT3 phosphorylation at Tyr-705 in LNCaP cells. Methyllucidone decreased the expression levels of STAT3 target genes, such as cyclin D1, cyclin A, Bcl-2, Mcl-1, and survivin.

Subjective taste to polyethylene glycol is associated with efficacy of right colon preparation.

Aim: A prospective observational trial with preparations using polyethylene glycol (PEG) to compare patient compliance and adverse events according to individual subjective taste.

Methods: A total of 299 outpatients (mean ± standard deviation [SD] 56.5 ± 13.

Expression of early growth response gene-1 in precancerous lesions of gastric cancer.

Several studies have demonstrated a correlation between the expression of early growth response gene-1 (EGR-1) and the progression of gastric cancers at advanced stages. However, the effects of EGR-1 expression on human gastric cancer progression, particularly on precancerous lesions, have not been investigated. In this study, we evaluate EGR-1 expression levels in target mucosa from patients with early gastric cancer and precancerous lesions, and assess whether EGR-1 expression affects the oncogenic phenotypes of human gastric cancer cells.

Comparison of intraductal ultrasonography-directed and cholangiography-directed endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage in patients with a biliary obstruction.

Background/aims: Endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage (ERBD) has become a standard procedure in patients with a biliary obstruction. Intraductal ultrasonography (IDUS) has emerged as a new tool for managing extrahepatic biliary diseases. IDUS-directed ERBD can be performed without conventional cholangiography (CC).

Predictors of Rebleeding in Upper Gastrointestinal Dieulafoy Lesions.

Background/aims: Dieulafoy lesions (DLs) are a rare but significant cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. We aimed to define the clinical significance of rebleeding and identify the predictors of rebleeding and mortality in upper gastrointestinal Dieulafoy lesions (UGIDLs).

Methods: Patients diagnosed with UGIDLs between January 2004 and June 2013 were retrospectively evaluated.

Intraductal US-directed management of bile duct stones without radiocontrast cholangiography.

Background/aims: Intraductal US (IDUS) is an examination of the bile duct by using a thin-caliber ultrasonic probe, yielding real-time, high-quality cross-sectional images. We prospectively evaluated the feasibility and safety of IDUS-directed stone removal without radiocontrast cholangiography (RC) in naïve patients with common bile duct (CBD) stones.

Methods: A total of 38 naïve patients with suspected CBD stones (<20 mm) were enrolled in this study.

Measuring Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol: Comparison of Direct Measurement by HiSens Reagents and Friedewald Estimation.

Background: Directly measured low density lipoprotein cholesterol (DLDLC) has been reported to be more accurate than calculated low density lipoprotein cholesterol (CLDLC) using the Friedewald equation. However, some limitations of DLDLC have been reported. In this study, we evaluated differences between CLDLC and DLDLC measured using HiSens reagents.

Utility of baseline impedance level measurement in patients with gastroesophageal reflux symptoms.

Objective: Twenty-four-hour multichannel intraluminal impedance (MII) and pH monitoring is used for detecting reflux episodes in patients with gastroesophageal reflux (GER) disease. However, the clinical significance of baseline impedance levels (BILs) has not been well studied. We aimed to evaluate whether BILs are related to various reflux events or acid-related parameters and to determine whether BILs during specific intervals could be substituted for 24-h BILs.

Risk factors for small bowel bleeding in chronic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug users.

Objective: The incidence of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)-induced enteropathy is currently increasing. However, the predictors of small bowel bleeding (SBB) associated with NSAIDs are unknown. This study aimed to assess the risk factors of SBB in chronic NSAIDs users.

Relevance of Colonic Gas Analysis and Transit Study in Patients With Chronic Constipation.

Background/aims: Colon transit time (CTT) is a useful diagnostic tool in chronic constipation, but requires good patient compliance. We analyzed the correlation between the gas volume score (GVS) and CTT in patients with chronic constipation.

Methods: The study included 145 consecutive patients (65 men) with chronic constipation.

Role of Balloon-Sheathed Intraductal Ultrasonography for Patients with Extensive Pneumobilia.

Intraductal ultrasonography (IDUS) is one of the most useful diagnostic tools for various extrahepatic biliary diseases. However, conventional IDUS has some limitations in providing accurate cross-sectional imaging of the bile duct in patients with extensive pneumobilia. Using a balloon-sheathed catheter, the US system (balloon-sheathed IDUS) can overcome these limitations.

Intraductal Ultrasonography without Radiocontrast Cholangiogramin Patients with Extrahepatic Biliary Disease.

Background/aims: Intraductal ultrasonography (IDUS) has been performed as an adjunct to endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) during radiocontrast cholangiography (RC). Radiation exposure during RC poses a health risk to both patients and examiners. We evaluated the feasibility of IDUS without RC in various extrahepatic biliary diseases.

Clinical Risk Factors for Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Single-Center Study.

Background/aims: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is often performed therapeutically, and antithrombotic treatment is required for at least 12 months after stent implantation. However, the development of post-PCI upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) increases morbidity and mortality. We investigated the incidence and risk factors for UGIB in Korean patients within 1 year after PCI.

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis due to rhus ingestion presenting with gastrointestinal hemorrhage.

Rhus-related illnesses in Korea are mostly caused by ingestion of parts of the Rhus tree. Contact dermatitis occurrence after ingestion of Rhus-related food is very common in Korea. However, Rhus-related gastrointestinal disease is very rare.

Mechanisms and applications of cyclometalated Pt(ii) complexes in photoredox catalytic trifluoromethylation.

The incorporation of a trifluoromethyl group into an existing scaffold can provide an effective strategy for designing new drugs and agrochemicals. Among the numerous approaches to trifluoromethylation, radical trifluoromethylation mediated by visible light-driven photoredox catalysis has gathered significant interest as it offers unique opportunities for circumventing the drawbacks encountered in conventional methods. A limited understanding of the mechanism and molecular parameters that control the catalytic actions has hampered the full utilization of photoredox catalysis reactions.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with previous acute coronary syndrome.

Background/aims: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is considered a high-risk procedure in patients with previous acute coronary syndrome (ACS); however, clinical studies are rare in the literature. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of ERCP in patients with previous ACS.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with previous ACS who underwent ERCP between January 2007 and August 2012.

Hydrotrifluoromethylation and iodotrifluoromethylation of alkenes and alkynes using an inorganic electride as a radical generator.

The trifluoromethyl (CF3) group is a staple synthon that can alter the physical and chemical properties of organic molecules. Despite recent advances in trifluoromethylation methods, the development of a general synthetic methodology for efficient and selective trifluoromethylation remains an ongoing challenge motivated by a steadily increasing demand from the pharmaceutical, agrochemical and materials science industries. In this article, we describe a simple, efficient and environmentally benign strategy for the hydrotrifluoromethylation of unactivated alkenes and alkynes through a radical-mediated reaction using an inorganic electride, [Ca2N](+) · e(-), as the electron source.