Low power diode laser treatment using indocyanine green for eradication of esophageal varices.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) is an alternative to sclerotherapy for the treatment of esophageal varices, but is associated with higher rates of recurrence and subsequent bleeding than sclerotherapy. To prevent recurrence of varices after EVL, we have developed a low-dose diode laser therapy combined with the injection of indocyanine green, which allows enhanced tissue absorption of the laser beam selectively around varices. In this study we investigated the efficacy and safety of this technique. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eight patients with F2 or F3 esophageal varices were enrolled. At 1 week after EVL, indocyanine green solution (1 mg/ml) was injected submucosally around the remaining varices. A diode laser (power 10 watts) was applied to the surface from the esophagogastric junction to 5 cm above it. The spot size was kept to 5 mm in diameter. RESULTS: Laser irradiation was performed safely, without bleeding from the varices, or perforation. There were no major complications. Endoscopy 1 month later showed F0 forms in seven patients, F1 in one patient, and no red color sign in any patient. No recurrence of varices has been observed in any of the patients during the follow-up period of at least 12 months. CONCLUSION: This technique may provide a simple, safe and effective procedure, as an additional treatment to EVL, for the prevention of recurrence of esophageal varices.

Identification of a functionally important population in phenol-digesting activated sludge with antisera raised against isolated bacterial strains.

Antisera were raised against nine strains which had been isolated from phenol-acclimated oil refinery activated sludge. Although several antisera reacted significantly with the activated sludge during a period of adaptation to phenol, only an antiserum against one of the isolates, Alcaligenes sp. E2, reacted with the activated sludge after the adaptation period. A kinetic pattern of phenol-oxygenating activity of the activated sludge after the adaptation period was similar to that of strain E2. These results suggest that a functionally important population in the phenol-digesting activated sludge was serologically identified.

Immobilization osteoporosis and active vitamin D: effect of active vitamin D analogs on the development of immobilization osteoporosis in rats.

The therapeutic effects of vitamin D analogs, 1,24(R)-dihydroxycholecalciferol [1,24(R)-(OH)2D3], 1,24(S)-dihydroxycholecalciferol [1,24-(S)(OH)2D3], and 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol [1,25(OH)2D3] on immobilization osteoporosis were studied in rats. The right hind limb was immobilized through application of a plaster cast following the section of the sciatic nerve. The left hind limb was intact. Vitamin D analogs were orally administered for 6 weeks at dose levels of 0.02 and 0.10 micrograms/kg/day, respectively. The mean lengths of the immobilized femurs were not significantly different from those of the intact femurs in all the experimental groups. In the immobilized femur of animals treated with 1,24(R)(OH)2D3, 0.10 micrograms/kg, dry and ash weights were heavier and calcium and phosphorus contents greater than those in the nontreated group. Furthermore, the amount of calcified bone mass and the cortical thickness of the femurs of the immobilized limb in 1,24(OH)2D3-treated animals were greater than those in the nontreated animals. Treatment with 1,25(OH)2D3 at 0.10 micrograms/kg caused an increase of the bone mass in both immobilized and intact femurs when compared with those of the control group. It was concluded that the administration of 1,24(R)(OH)2D3 diminished the effect of immobilization in the development of osteoporosis without any side effects.