Genetic basis of woven nest size in subsocial spider mites.

The variation in nest size of social spider mites of the genus Stigmaeopsis is assumed to correspond to their anti-predator strategy and to be a key aspect of their social organization and speciation. It is known that the length of the dorsal setae (sc1, 2nd propodosomal setae) correlates with the nest size. We conducted interspecies cross experiments to determine the heredity of sc1 length and nest size using two closely related species that build different sized nests, Stigmaeopsis saharai Saito et Mori and Stigmaeopsis takahashii Saito et Mori.

An efficient algorithm for de novo predictions of biochemical pathways between chemical compounds.

Background: Prediction of biochemical (metabolic) pathways has a wide range of applications, including the optimization of drug candidates, and the elucidation of toxicity mechanisms. Recently, several methods have been developed for pathway prediction to derive a goal compound from a start compound. However, these methods require high computational costs, and cannot perform comprehensive prediction of novel metabolic pathways.

Life history differences between two forms of the social spider mite, Stigmaeopsis miscanthi.

The two forms of Stigmaeopsis miscanthi (Saito) (called LW and HG) differ in their levels of male-to-male aggression, differ in their diapause attributes, and morphologically in the male leg I armor. Furthermore, a type of reproductive isolation exists between the forms, although some one-way compatibility is maintained. Here we looked for any differences in life history traits between the two forms under experimental conditions.

Long-term outcomes after resection for submucosal invasive colorectal cancers.

Background & Aims: Little is known about the long-term outcomes of patients with submucosal invasive colorectal cancer who undergo endoscopic or surgical resection. We performed a retrospective analysis of long-term outcomes of patients treated for submucosal colon and rectal cancer.

Methods: We collected data on 549 patients with submucosal colon cancer and 209 patients with submucosal rectal cancer who underwent endoscopic or surgical resection at 6 institutions over a median follow-up period of 60.

A novel extra-wide-angle-view colonoscope: a simulated pilot study using anatomic colorectal models.

Background: A major factor that may contribute to a higher adenoma miss rate during colonoscopy is undetected lesions located behind haustral folds, flexures, or rectal valves.

Objective: To assess the efficacy of a prototype, novel, extra-wide-angle-view colonoscope that provides a simultaneous lateral-backward view that complements the forward view lens.

Design: A simulated pilot study of two anatomic colorectal models, each prepared with 8 polyps positioned in obvious locations and 8 polyps placed behind folds.

Comparison of narrowband imaging with autofluorescence imaging for endoscopic visualization of superficial squamous cell carcinoma lesions of the esophagus.

Aim. To compare narrowband imaging (NBI) and autofluorescence imaging (AFI) endoscopic visualization for identifying superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Methods.

How often should we perform surveillance colonoscopy after surgery for colorectal cancer?

Purpose: Surveillance colonoscopy is undertaken after resection of colorectal cancer to detect and treat local recurrence and metachronous lesions, with the aim of improving survival. This study aimed to clarify the current timing of surveillance colonoscopies and evaluate the rates of local recurrence and metachronous tumors.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from 459 patients who underwent surveillance colonoscopy at our institution after curative resection of colorectal cancer.

Risk factors for lymphatic and venous involvement in endoscopically resected gastric cancer.

Background: Lymphatic and venous involvement is a critical factor in the curability assessment of endoscopically resected gastric cancers; however, the risk factors for lymphatic and venous involvement in endoscopically resected gastric cancers remain unknown.

Methods: To identify risk factors for lymphatic and venous involvement in endoscopically resected gastric cancers, we retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of 1229 endoscopically resected gastric cancers in 1083 patients treated between January 2009 and December 2011.

Results: Lymphatic and venous involvement was detected in 57 (4.

Stepwise training in rectal and colonic endoscopic submucosal dissection with differentiated learning curves.

Background: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has revolutionized the resection of GI superficial neoplasms, but adoption in Western countries is significantly delayed.

Objective: To evaluate a stepwise colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) learning and operative training protocol.

Design: Prospective study in the Western setting.

Solitary metastatic colon cancer showing a small depressed configuration.

We herein present a case of IIc-like metastatic lung cancer that was detected early. A 65-year-old man presented with diarrhea and difficulty walking. Colonoscopy demonstrated a depressed lesion in the descending colon.

Dehiscence following successful endoscopic closure of gastric perforation during endoscopic submucosal dissection.

Gastric perforation is one of the most serious complications that can occur during endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). In terms of the treatment of such perforations, we previously reported that perforations immediately observed and successfully closed with endoclips during endoscopic resection could be managed conservatively. We now report the first case in our medical facility of a gastric perforation during ESD that was ineffectively treated conservatively even after successful endoscopic closure.

Risk factors for delayed bleeding after endoscopic resection for large colorectal tumors.

Objective: Endoscopic resection techniques for treating colorectal tumors have advanced recently so that large colorectal tumors can now be treated endoscopically, although some patients experience delayed bleeding after endoscopic resection. Our aim was to clarify the risk factors for delayed bleeding after endoscopic resection for colorectal tumors≥20 mm in diameter. Endoscopic submucosal dissection cases were excluded because of the low incidence of delayed bleeding after such procedures.

Assessment of the validity of the clinical pathway for colon endoscopic submucosal dissection.

Aim: To determine the effective hospitalization period as the clinical pathway to prepare patients for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD).

Methods: This is a retrospective observational study which included 189 patients consecutively treated by ESD at the National Cancer Center Hospital from May 2007 to March 2009. Patients were divided into 2 groups; patients in group A were discharged in 5 d and patients in group B included those who stayed longer than 5 d.

What are the latest developments in colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection?

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) enables direct submucosal dissection so that even large early-stage gastrointestinal tumors can be resected en bloc. ESD has recently been applied to the colorectum since it was originally developed for use in the stomach. However, colorectal ESD is technically more difficult with an increased risk of perforation compared with gastric ESD.

Endoscopic ultrasound using ultrasound probes for the diagnosis of early esophageal and gastric cancers.

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) devices were first designed and manufactured more than 30 years ago, and since then investigators have reported EUS is effective for determining both the staging and the depth of invasion of esophageal and gastric cancers. We review the present status, the methods, and the findings of EUS when used to diagnose and stage early esophageal and gastric cancer. EUS using high-frequency ultrasound probes is more accurate than conventional EUS for the evaluation of the depth of invasion of superficial esophageal carcinoma.

Controlled production of subradiant states of a diatomic molecule in an optical lattice.

We report the successful production of subradiant states of a two-atom system in a three-dimensional optical lattice starting from doubly occupied sites in a Mott insulator phase of a quantum gas of atomic ytterbium. We can selectively produce either a subradiant 1(g) state or a superradiant 0(u) state by choosing the excitation laser frequency. The inherent weak excitation rate for the subradiant 1(g) state is overcome by the increased atomic density due to the tight confinement in a three-dimensional optical lattice.

Safety and efficacy of colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection in elders: clinical and follow-up outcomes.

Purpose: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has recently been applied to treatment of colorectal neoplasia; however, its safety and efficacy in terms of follow-up outcomes in elders have not been thoroughly examined. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical outcomes of colorectal ESD in elderly patients.

Methods: Two groups of patients, elderly (≥ 75 years of age) and non-elderly (< 75 years of age), who underwent colorectal ESD at the National Cancer Center Hospital from February 1998 to December 2010 were retrospectively compared on the following measures: tumor size, procedure time, complication rates, en bloc resection rates, and curative resection rates.

Current status of colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection in Japan and other Asian countries: progressing towards technical standardization.

Aim: The primary purpose of this questionnaire survey study was to determine the current status of colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in specialized Japanese referral centers before and after introduction of a government-approved advanced medical treatment system; and, secondly, to determine the current status of colorectal ESD in other Asian specialized referral centers.

Methods: A total of 1321 colorectal ESDs were performed in 11 institutions including two Asian centers outside Japan.

Results: Overall en-bloc resection, curative resection, R0 resection, perforation, delayed bleeding and emergency surgery rates were 95.

New reduced volume preparation regimen in colon capsule endoscopy.

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of our proposed bowel preparation method for colon capsule endoscopy.

Methods: A pilot, multicenter, randomized controlled trial compared our proposed "reduced volume method" (group A) with the "conventional volume method" (group B) preparation regimens. Group A did not drink polyethylene glycol electrolyte lavage solution (PEG-ELS) the day before the capsule procedure, while group B drank 2 L.

Progress and challenges in colorectal cancer screening.

Although faecal and endoscopic tests appear to be effective in reducing colorectal cancer incidence and mortality, further technological and organizational advances are expected to improve the performance and acceptability of these tests. Several attempts to improve endoscopic technology have been made in order to improve the detection rate of neoplasia, especially in the proximal colon. Based on the latest evidence on the long-term efficacy of screening tests, new strategies including endoscopic and faecal modalities have also been proposed in order to improve participation and the diagnostic yield of programmatic screening.

Current opinions for endoscopic submucosal dissection for colorectal tumors from our experiences: indications, technical aspects and complications.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) was first applied in the resection of large colorectal tumors 10 years ago. Frequent complications and technical difficulties were serious problems at first, but were gradually improved with experience. Here, we describe the indications, technical aspects and management of complications of ESD for colorectal tumors.

Detectability of colon polyp using computed virtual chromoendoscopy with flexible spectral imaging color enhancement.

The aim of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility of using computed virtual chromoendoscopy with the flexible spectral imaging color enhancement (FICE) for colon neoplasia screening. A modified back-to-back colonoscopy using FICE and white light in the right-sided colon was conducted prospectively for the consecutive patients attending for the postoperative (sigmoidectomy or anterior resection) follow-up colonoscopy. Histopathology of detected lesions was confirmed by evaluation of endoscopic resection or biopsy specimens.