Observational Study on Knowledge and Eating Habits with Respect to Low- and High-FODMAP Foods in Medical Checkup Populations in Japan.

Background: There has been an increasing interest in low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAP) diets for irritable bowel syndrome. The aims of the present study were (1) to survey knowledge and eating habits with respect to low- and high-FODMAP foods in a general population, and (2) to analyze the relationship between lower gastrointestinal problems (LGIP, pain and irregular stool habits) and habits/foods for prevention.

Methods: The present study was carried out with medical examinees ( = 1024) at a clinic in Japan using self-administrated questionnaires.

Efficacy of endoluminal gastroplication in Japanese patients with proton pump inhibitor-resistant, non-erosive esophagitis.

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and long-term outcomes of endoluminal gastroplication (ELGP) in patients with proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-resistant, non-erosive reflux disease (NERD).

Methods: The subjects were NERD patients, diagnosed by upper endoscopy before PPI use, who had symptoms such as heartburn or reflux sensations two or more times a week even after 8 wk of full-dose PPI treatment. Prior to ELGP, while continuing full-dose PPI medication, patients' symptoms and quality of life (QOL) were assessed using the questionnaire for the diagnosis of reflux disease, the frequency scale for symptoms of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (FSSG), gastrointestinal symptoms rating scale, a 36-item short-form.

Inhibition of gastric perception of mild distention by omeprazole in volunteers.

Aim: To evaluate the effects of omeprazole on gastric mechanosensitivity in humans.

Methods: A double lumen polyvinyl tube with a plastic bag was introduced into the stomach of healthy volunteers under fluorography and connected to a barostat device. Subjects were then positioned so they were sitting comfortably, and the minimal distending pressure (MDP) was determined after a 30-min adaptation period.

How to interpret a functional or motility test - slow nutrient drinking test.

The gastric barostat study is the gold standard method for evaluating gastric perception and accommodation. This technique has serious drawbacks, such as expense and invasiveness. Several drinking tests have been developed as noninvasive methods.

Usefulness of a slow nutrient drinking test for evaluating gastric perception and accommodation.

Background/aim: An implication of the drinking test for gastric function is controversial. We evaluated the usefulness of a nutrient drinking test for examining gastric function by comparing it with a gastric barostat study.

Methods: We investigated perceived pressure of an intragastric bag with stepwise distension and postprandial peak gastric volume (accommodation volume) with a consistent pressure after drinking a liquid meal (200 ml, 300 kcal) in 18 volunteers.

Profiling of serum proteins influenced by warm partner contact in healthy couples.

Objectives: Warm physical contact may positively influence our health and well-being; however, it has not been investigated yet whether serum proteins are influenced by warm physical contact in healthy couples. In this study, we focused on psychological and physiological effects of warm partner contact in healthy couples.

Methods: When participants freely kissed and hugged their romantic partners, they were asked to subjectively evaluate their present emotions.

Polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene modulates brain and physiological responses to acute stress in Japanese men.

A short (S) variant, compared to a long (L) variant, of the promoter region of the serotonin transporter gene-linked polymorphic region (5HTTLPR) has been related to emotional hyper-reactivity. We tested whether the 5HTTLPR could modulate acute stress responses in the brain and, the cardiovascular and neuroendocrine systems. Ten Japanese male participants carrying double copies of the S alleles and 10 Japanese males carrying S and L alleles conducted a mental arithmetic task, and their regional cerebral blood flow by (15)O positron emission tomography and cardiovascular and neuroendocrine parameters were measured.

Associations among positive mood, brain, and cardiovascular activities in an affectively positive situation.

It is hypothesized that experiencing positive emotions such as pleasure leads to a perception of the body being in a positive state. This study demonstrated associations among positive mood, brain, and cardiovascular activities by simultaneously recording these activities when positive emotions were evoked in participants watching films revolving around a love story. Heart rate variability analysis revealed increased parasympathetic nervous activity while watching the film.

Associations among central nervous, endocrine, and immune activities when positive emotions are elicited by looking at a favorite person.

Recent studies on psychoneuroimmunology have indicated that positive psychological events are related to immune functions; however, limited information is available regarding associations among the central nervous, endocrine, and immune systems when positive emotions are elicited. In the present study, we demonstrated associations among these systems by simultaneously recording brain, endocrine, and immune activities when positive emotions were evoked in participants as they watched films featuring their favorite persons. Interestingly, the activity of peripheral circulating natural killer cells and the peripheral dopamine level were elevated while participants experienced positive emotions, and these values were positively correlated.

Acute pancreatitis and cholangitis: a complication caused by a migrated gastrostomy tube.

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is generally considered safe with a low rate of serious complications. However, dislocation of the PEG-tube into the duodenum can lead to serious complications. An 86-year old Japanese woman with PEG-tube feeding sometimes vomited after her family doctor replaced the PEG-tube without radiologic confirmation.

[Visceral hypersensitivity].

Colorectal hyperalgesia has been supposed to be one of the key pathophysiological roles in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Recent animal models have demonstrated that neonatal maternal deprivation (stress memory) or repetitive rectal distension (pain memory) in neonatal animal triggers long-term hypersensitivity to rectal distension, indicating that negative events including abuse or maternal separation in childhood may play a crucial role on development of IBS. Several molecules such as corticotropin-releasing factor, serotonin, nerve growth factor, myosin light chain kinase, chemical mediators from mast cell, substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide released from transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1)-positive primary afferent nerves have been proved to induce visceral hyperalgesia.

Successful treatment of severe pouchitis with rebamipide refractory to antibiotics and corticosteroids: a case report.

The antibiotics, metronidazole and ciprofloxacin, are the first-line treatment for pouchitis. Patients who do not respond to antibiotics or conventional medications represent a major challenge to therapy. In this report, we have described a successful treatment of severe refractory pouchitis with a novel agent, rebamipide, known to promote epithelial cell regeneration and angiogenesis.

Enhanced somatostatin secretion into the gastric juice with recovery of basal acid output after Helicobacter pylori eradication in gastric ulcers.

Background And Aim: Antral somatostatin interacts with gastric acid secretion. We aimed to investigate the effect of eradication on gastric acid, somatostatin secretion and mucosal histology in gastric ulcer patients with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection.

Helicobacter pylori and gut hormones.

Helicobacter pylori infection has been found to decrease the expression of antral somatostatin and to increase the release of the acid-stimulating hormone gastrin. The reversal of these changes in gut hormones by the eradication of H. pylori, and in-vivo and in-vitro studies in animals either infected with H.