Perforation-free removal of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors: Endoscopic inversion and strangulation of muscle layer and resection (EISMR).

Endoscopic resection for GIST has become more widespread in recent years because it is less invasive than surgery. However, when endoscopic resection is performed, a full-layer resection of the gastric wall is often necessary, and extensive suturing is required if perforation occurs, which is a technically challenging procedure. Recently, we reported a new method called endoscopic inversion and strangulation of the muscle layer and resection (EISMR), which consists of endoscopically inverting the muscle layer into the gastric lumen and strangulating the muscle layer with a detachable snare, followed by resection. The study comprised five consecutive patients with gastric GIST ≤50 mm in diameter who underwent EISMR procedures. The main outcomes of the study were en bloc resection rate, R0 resection rate, procedure time, and complications. The results showed that all five patients successfully underwent complete resection without perforation, and the en bloc resection and R0 resection rates were 100%. The median procedure time was 93 min (range, 58-120 min), and there were no major complications. We concluded that EISMR would be a safe and effective technique for endoscopic resection of gastric GISTs and may be an alternative to surgery or endoscopic submucosal dissection.

Viral Infection in Esophageal, Gastric, and Colorectal Cancer.

The human gastrointestinal tract, which constitutes the digestive system, contains a large number of virus particles that maintain organizational homeostasis and health. Conversely, viral pathogens have also attracted attention for their involvement in the pathogenesis of certain cancers, including gastrointestinal cancers. To aid prevention and treatment of these cancers, the relevance of gastrointestinal viral factors as potential risk factors needs to be carefully investigated. This review summarizes and discusses the available literature on the relationship between the development of esophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancers and their corresponding viruses. This review reveals that research on the association between colorectal cancer and viruses, in particular, is still in its infancy compared to the association between HPV and esophageal cancer and between EBV and gastric cancer.

Gel Immersion Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) for Superficial Nonampullary Duodenal Epithelial Tumors May Reduce Procedure Time Compared with Underwater EMR (with Video).

Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted in two municipal hospitals. We identified 24 patients with SNADETs of 3-18 mm in diameter who underwent UEMR or GIEMR. One lesion was excluded from the analysis because it was found to be in the stomach after surgery. The primary outcome was procedure time. Results: GIEMR significantly reduced the procedure time compared with UEMR (5 min vs. 10 min, P = 0.016). There was no significant difference between the UEMR and GIEMR groups for en bloc resection rate (93% vs. 100%, P = 1.0) and R0 resection rate (57% vs. 80%, P = 0.39). No serious complications were observed in either group. Conclusions: GIEMR of SNADET has the potential to reduce procedure time compared with UEMR and may be particularly effective in areas where immersion in water is difficult.

Diagnostic accuracy of [¹8F]-fluoro-L-dihydroxyphenylalanine positron emission tomography scan for persistent congenital hyperinsulinism in Japan.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to elucidate the accuracy and limitations of [(18)F]-fluoro-L-dihydroxyphenylalanine ([(18) F]DOPA) positron emission tomography (PET) for Japanese patients with congenital hyperinsulinism. Although [(18)F]DOPA PET is reported to be useful for precisely localizing the focal form of congenital hyperinsulinism, previous reports are mostly from European and North American centres. PATIENTS: Seventeen Japanese infants with congenital hyperinsulinism. MEASUREMENTS: [(18)F]DOPA PET studies were carried out, and the results were assessed by simple inspection or by a quantitative measurement termed the 'Pancreas Percentage', which expresses the uptake of the head, body or tail of the pancreas as a percentage of the total maximum standardized uptake value of the whole pancreas. The results were compared with those of other studies, including genetic analysis and histology. RESULTS: By simple inspection, when a single focal uptake was obtained, the localization and histology were correct in all cases that underwent pancreatectomy. However, the overall results were consistent with the molecular diagnosis and histology in only 7/17 and 6/12 patients, respectively. The inaccuracy of PET studies by inspection was because of elevated background uptake that mimicked a diffuse or multifocal appearance. The accuracy improved substantially using the Pancreas Percentage; it was consistent with the molecular diagnosis and histology in 10/17 and 9/12 patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to the results of previous reports, [(18)F]DOPA PET appears to be less efficient for diagnosing Japanese patients with congenital hyperinsulinism. However, the diagnostic accuracy is substantially improved when this technique is combined with the Pancreas Percentage.

A giant Brunner gland hamartoma successfully treated by endoscopic excision followed by transanal retrieval: A case report.

RATIONALE: Brunner gland hamartoma (BGH) is a rare tumor of the duodenum. Although BGH is a benign tumor, larger lesion with gastrointestinal symptoms requires tumor removal. We report a giant BGH, successfully treated by endoscopic excision followed by transanal retrieval. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 38-year-old woman complained of severe anemia, tarry stool, and vomiting. DIAGNOSES: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) showed a pedunculated giant submucosal mass at the duodenal bulb. INTERVENTIONS: We attempted to remove it because the lesion seemed to be responsible for patient's anemia and vomiting. The lesion had clear but bulky stalk. We carefully cut the stalk using needle-knife and IT knife2. We tried to retrieve specimen, but the mass could not pass through the pyloric ring because of its size. Then we tried to obtain the specimen from anus. Polyethylene glycol solution was administered to accelerate rapid excretion. OUTCOMES: The mass was successfully removed and was histologically confirmed as a giant BGH, measuring 55 mm in size. LESSONS: Reports about endoscopic resection of giant BGH are rare. Moreover, our case is the first report of transanal retrieval of resected specimen using polyethylene glycol solution. Endoscopic resection of BGH is less-invasive but can be more challenging if the mass is large. Our case provides useful option for endoscopic treatment of giant BGH.

Making Strides Together against Tobacco Use.

In the Western Pacific Region, more than 3 million people die each year as a result of tobacco use - a problem for health and a threat to social and economic development. Countries around the world made a commitment by adopting the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control of which implementation was then further facilitated by WHO's MPOWER package. Recognizing the importance of data as a powerful tool for tobacco control, this special supplement presents papers showcasing efforts by a number of Western Pacific countries and areas and data around these efforts to combat tobacco use and further advance progress in the battle against it. Despite the substantial progress that countries and areas have made in tobacco control, there is still much to be done in order to sustain the momentum to fight against this preventable killer and the industry which promotes it in our continued fight against the world's deadliest epidemic.

Influenza activity in Cambodia during 2006-2008.

BACKGROUND: There is little information about influenza disease among the Cambodian population. To better understand the dynamics of influenza in Cambodia, the Cambodian National Influenza Center (NIC) was established in August 2006. To continuously monitor influenza activity, a hospital based sentinel surveillance system for ILI (influenza like illness) with a weekly reporting and sampling scheme was established in five sites in 2006. In addition, hospital based surveillance of acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) cases was established in 2 sites. METHODS: The sentinel sites collect weekly epidemiological data on ILI patients fulfilling the case definition, and take naso-pharyngeal specimens from a defined number of cases per week. The samples are tested in the Virology Unit at the Institut Pasteur in Phnom Penh. From each sample viral RNA was extracted and amplified by a multiplex RT-PCR detecting simultaneously influenza A and influenza B virus. Influenza A viruses were then subtyped and analyzed by hemagglutination inhibition assay. Samples collected by the ALRI system were tested with the same approach. RESULTS: From 2006 to 2008, influenza circulation was observed mainly from June to December, with a clear seasonal peak in October shown in the data from 2008. CONCLUSION: Influenza activity in Cambodia occurred during the rainy season, from June to December, and ended before the cool season (extending usually from December to February). Although Cambodia is a tropical country geographically located in the northern hemisphere, influenza activity has a southern hemisphere transmission pattern. Together with the antigenic analysis of the circulating strains, it is now possible to give better influenza vaccination recommendation for Cambodia.

Leptospirosis in the Asia Pacific region.

BACKGROUND: Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonotic infection that has been recognized for decades, but the problem of the disease has not been fully addressed, particularly in resource-poor, developing countries, where the major burden of the disease occurs. This paper presents an overview of the current situation of leptospirosis in the region. It describes the current trends in the epidemiology of leptospirosis, the existing surveillance systems, and presents the existing prevention and control programs in the Asia Pacific region. METHODS: Data on leptospirosis in each member country were sought from official national organizations, international public health organizations, online articles and the scientific literature. Papers were reviewed and relevant data were extracted. RESULTS: Leptospirosis is highly prevalent in the Asia Pacific region. Infections in developed countries arise mainly from occupational exposure, travel to endemic areas, recreational activities, or importation of domestic and wild animals, whereas outbreaks in developing countries are most frequently related to normal daily activities, over-crowding, poor sanitation and climatic conditions. CONCLUSION: In the Asia Pacific region, predominantly in developing countries, leptospirosis is largely a water-borne disease. Unless interventions to minimize exposure are aggressively implemented, the current global climate change will further aggravate the extent of the disease problem. Although trends indicate successful control of leptospirosis in some areas, there is no clear evidence that the disease has decreased in the last decade. The efficiency of surveillance systems and data collection varies significantly among the countries and areas within the region, leading to incomplete information in some instances. Thus, an accurate reflection of the true burden of the disease remains unknown.

[Pharmaceutical analysis and clinical efficacy of Kampo medicine, maoto, extract suppository against pediatric febrile symptoms].

A traditional Chinese herbal medicine, Kampo medicine, maoto, has been widely used in the treatment of febrile symptoms caused by viral infection. This herbal extract granule for oral use, however, is not well accepted by infants or young children due to its unpleasant taste and odor. Therefore, we prepared Kampo medicine, maoto, suppository and investigated the pharmaceutical and clinical efficacy of the suppository. Kampo medicine, maoto, granules were micro-pulverized and homogeneously dispersed into Hosco-H15 to prepare suppositories containing 0.25 to 1.0 g herbal extract by the conventional fusion method. Content of l-ephedrine, an index compound of Kampo medicine, maoto, in the extract granules and suppositories was determined by using a high performance liquid chromatographic method. Physicochemical experiments revealed that the suppository containing 0.5 g herbal extract had the most suitable melting point of 34 degrees C. Contents of l-ephedrine in the suppository were constant, 93-96% of those in the same amount of the extract granules in different three lots. Upper and lower portions of the suppository had the same content of l-ephedrine. The suppository maintained more than 95% of l-ephedrine content through 6 months at 4 degrees C, room temperature and 40 degrees C, although maldistribution of the extract constituent was observed after storage at 40 degrees C. The suppository was administered to 21 pediatric febrile patients at a dose of 1/3 to 2 full pieces depending on their body weight and physical status. Significant reduction (p<0.001) of body temperature from 39.5 to 37.5 degrees C without serious adverse effects was observed in 17 patients who were monitored the clinical effects on the febrile symptoms. In conclusion, Kampo medicine, maoto, suppository was found to satisfy the physicochemical quality and quantity standards as well as to be clinically applicable to neonates, infants and children with viral febrile symptoms without any adverse effects.

Cervical spinal cord injury without bony injury: a multicenter retrospective study of emergency and critical care centers in Japan.

BACKGROUND: To demonstrate the clinical characteristics of patients with cervical cord injury (CCI) without bony injury in Japan. METHODS: Retrospective review of 127 patients with CCI without bony injury treated between January 2003 and October 2005 at 11 institutions. RESULTS: Prevalence of CCI without bony injury was 32.2% among all CCIs and 0.81% among all blunt traumas. Mean age was 60.4 years (range, 19-90 years), with 104 patients (82%) > or = 46 years old (older group). The major mechanism of injury among younger patients (< 46 years) was traffic injuries (39%), whereas minor falls (44%) predominated in older patients. High-energy mechanisms of injury were significantly more common for younger patients (35% versus 15%, p = 0.041). Mean injury severity score, abbreviated injury score for the head and Glasgow coma scale on admission were 17.2 +/- 4.7, 0.6 +/- 0.9, and 14.2 +/- 2.1, respectively. Incomplete CCI occurred in 88.7%. On plain cervical spine radiography, spinal canal stenosis and spondylosis or ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament were more frequent in older patients than in younger patients (43% vs. 13%, p = 0.008; 54% vs. 17%, p = 0.002, respectively). No abnormal findings were seen in 52% of younger patients. CONCLUSION: CCI without bony injury occurred more frequently in this study population than previously reported. Degenerative changes and spinal canal stenosis represent important risk factors for developing CCI without bony injury and the present results suggest that this injury may occur in younger adults during high-energy injuries in the absence of pre-existing cervical spine disease.

Research and control of parasitic diseases in Japan: current position and future perspectives.

Between 1950 and 1980, Japan eliminated several major parasitic diseases. In 1998, the Japanese Hashimoto Initiative was the first global programme to target parasitic diseases. Thereafter, Japan expanded its international cooperation to cover infectious diseases through integrated development programmes to improve health, to alleviate poverty and to help to achieve the Millennium Development Goals of the United Nations. Parasite control remains a major component of all subsequent operations. Opportunities to build upon past successes in order to improve the situation in the developing world - in addition to tackling emerging national threats - are promising. Substantial challenges remain and Japan has introduced major national reforms to try to overcome them.

[Nationwide surveillance of parenteral antibiotics containing meropenem activities against clinically isolated strains in 2006].

The antibacterial activity of meropenem (MEPM) and other parenteral antibiotics against clinical isolates of 876 strains of Gram-positive bacteria, 1764 strains of Gram-negative bacteria, and 198 strains of anaerobic bacteria obtained from 30 medical institutions during 2006 was measured. The results were as follows; 1. MEPM was more active than the other carbapenem antibiotics tested against Gram-negative bacteria, especially against enterobacteriaceae and Haemophilus influenzae. MEPM was also active against most of the species tested in Gram-positive and anaerobic bacteria, except for multi-drug resistant strains including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. 2. As for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, all of the MEPM-resistant strains were resistant to imipenem (IPM). MEPM showed low cross-resistant rate both againt IPM-resistant P. aeruginosa (41.8%) and ciprofloxacin-resistant P. aeruginosa (33.3%). 3. The proportion of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) strains was 4.3% (6 strains) in Escherichia coli, 1.1% (1 strain) in Citrobacter freundii, 21.7% (5 strains) in Citrobacter koseri, 3.1% (4 strains) in Klebsiella pneumoniae, 3.3% (3 strains) in Enterobacter cloacae, 0.8% (1 strain) in Serratia marcescens, and 4.9% (2 strains) in Providencia spp. The proportion of metallo-beta-lactamase strains was 3.1% (10 strains) in P. aeruginosa. 4. Of all species tested, there were no species, which MIC90 of MEPM was more than 4-fold higher than those in our previous study. Therefore, there is almost no significant decrease in susceptibility of clinical isolates to meropenem. In conclusion, the results from this surveillance study suggest that MEPM retains its potent and broad antibacterial activity and therefore is a clinically useful carbapenem at present, 11 years after available for commercial use.

Immobilization of a Boron Center-Functionalized Scorpionate Ligand on Mesoporous Silica Supports for Heterogeneous Tp-Based Catalysts.

To develop novel immobilized metallocomplex catalysts, allyltris(3-trifluoromethylpyrazol-1-yl)borate (allyl-TpCF3) was synthesized. A boron-attached allyl group reacts with thiol to afford the desired mesoporous silica-immobilized TpCF3. Cobalt(II) is an efficient probe for estimating the structures of the immobilized metallocomplexes. The structures of the formed cobalt(II) complexes and their catalytic activity depended on the density of the organic thiol groups and on the state of the remaining sulfur donors on the supports.

[In-vitro susceptibilites to levofloxacin and various antibacterial agents of 18,639 clinical isolates obtained from 77 centers in 2004].

A total of 18,639 clinical isolates in 19 species collected from 77 centers during 2004 in Japan were tested for their susceptibility to fluoroquinolones (FQs) and other selected antibiotics. The common respiratory pathogens, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis and Haemophilus influenzae showed a high susceptible rate against FQs. The isolation rate of beta lactamase non-producing ampicillin-resistant H. influenzae was approximately three times as large as those of western countries. Most strains of Enterobacteriaceae were also susceptible to FQs. The resistance rate of Escherichia coli against FQs has however been rapidly increasing so far as we surveyed since 1994. The FQs-resistant rate in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) showed approximately 90% except for 36%. of sitafloxacin while FQs-resistant rate in methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) was around 5%. The FQs-resistant rate of methicillin-resistant coagulase negative Staphylococci (MRCNS) was also higher than that of methicillin-susceptible coagulase negative Staphylococci (MSCNS), however, it was lower than that of MRSA. In Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates, 32-34% from UTI and 15-19% of from RTI was resistant to FQs. Acinetobacter spp. showed a high susceptibility to FQs. Although FQs-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae have not been increased in western countries, it is remarkably high in Japan. In this survey, isolates of approximately 85% was resistant to FQs.

IgG4-related Disease Involving Multiple Organs with Elevated Serum Interleukin-6 Levels.

A 63-year-old woman presented to our hospital with elevated levels of serum IgG4, marked wall thickening of the gallbladder, hepatomegaly, and abdominal lymphadenopathy. She experienced a recurrent fever and leg edema. Her laboratory data demonstrated anemia, hypoalbuminemia, and elevated serum levels of interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein. The patient was eventually diagnosed with IgG4-related disease according to the comprehensive diagnostic criteria, although the patient exhibited common clinical manifestations of multicentric Castleman disease such as a fever, anemia, lymphadenopathy, and elevated levels of serum interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein. This case report highlights the difficulties in differentiating between these two diseases.

[Nationwide surveillance of parenteral antibiotics containing meropenem activities against clinically isolated strains in 2004].

The antibacterial activity of meropenem (MEPM) and other parenteral antibiotics against clinical isolates of 907 strains of Gram-positive bacteria, 1790 strains of Gram-negative bacteria, and 192 strains of anaerobic bacteria obtained from 30 medical institutions during 2004 was measured. The results were as follows; 1. MIC90 of MEPM for almost all of enterobacteriaceae and Haemophilus influenzae were 4-fold to 32-fold lower than those of other carbapenems. MEPM was more active than other carbapenem antibiotics against Gram-negative bacteria, especially against enterobacteriaceae and H. influenzae. MEPM were active against most of the species tested in Gram-positive and anaerobic bacteria, except for multi-drug resistant strains including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. 2. As for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, imipenem (IPM) showed high cross-resistant rate againt meropenem-resistant P. aeruginosa (87.9%). MEPM showed low cross-resistant rate both againt IPM-resistant P. aeruginosa (49.2%) and ciprofloxacin-resistant P. aeruginosa (38.0%). 3. The proportion of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) strains was 3.1% (4 strains) in Escherichia coli, 8.0% (2 strains) in Citrobacter koseri, 2.5% (3 strains) in Klebsiella pneumoniae, 2.5% (2 strains) in Enterobacter cloacae, 0.9% (1 strains) in Serratia marcescens, and 2.2% (2 strains) in Proteus mirabilis. The proportion of metallo-beta-lactamase strains was 1.6% (5 strains) in P. aeruginosa. 4. Of all species tested, Peptostreptococcus spp. was the only species, which MIC90 of MEPM was more than 4-fold higher than that in our previous study using clinical isolates during 2002 (0.25 microg/ml --> 1 microg/ml). Therefore, there is almost no siginificant decrease in susceptibility of clinical isolates to meropenem. In conclusion, the results from this surveillance study suggest that MEPM retains its potent and broad antibacterial activity and therefore is a clinically useful carbapenem at present, 9 years after available for commercial use.