Search

The pink color sign in iodine unstained areas is useful to differentiate esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) from other lesions. However, some ESCCs have obscure color findings which affect the ability of endoscopists to differentiate these lesions and determine the resection line. Using white light imaging (WLI), linked color imaging (LCI) and blue laser imaging (BLI), 40 early ESCCs were retrospectively evaluated using images before and after iodine staining. Visibility scores for ESCC by expert and non‐expert endoscopists were compared using these three modalities and color differences measured for malignant lesions and surrounding mucosa. BLI had the highest score and color difference without iodine staining. Each determination with iodine was much higher than without iodine regardless of the modality. With iodine, ESCC mainly appeared pink, purple and green using WLI, LCI and BLI, respectively and visibility scores determined by non‐experts and experts were significantly higher for LCI (both p< 0.001) and BLI (p= 0.018 and p< 0.001) than for WLI. The score with LCI was significantly higher than with BLI among non‐experts (p= 0.035). With iodine, the color difference using LCI was twice that with WLI and one with BLI was significantly larger than with WLI (p< 0.001). These greater tendencies were found regardless of location, depth of cancer or intensity of pink color using WLI. In conclusion, areas of ESCC unstained by iodine were easily recognized using LCI and BLI. Visibility of these lesions is excellent even by non‐expert endoscopists, suggesting that this method is useful to diagnose ESCC and determine the resection line.

Background and aims: Early gastric cancer (EGC) lesions are often subtle and endoscopically poorly visible. The aim of this study is to evaluate the additive effect of linked color imaging (LCI) next to white-light endoscopy (WLE) for identification of EGC, when assessed by expert and non-expert endoscopists. Methods: Forty EGC cases were visualized in corresponding WLE and LCI images. Endoscopists evaluated the cases in 3 assessment phases: Phase 1: WLE images only; Phase 2: LCI images only; Phase 3: WLE and LCI images side-to-side. First, 3 expert endoscopists delineated all cases. A high level of agreement between the expert delineations corresponded with a high AND/OR ratio. Subsequently, 62 non-experts indicated their preferred biopsy location. Outcomes of the study are as follows: (1) difference in expert AND/OR ratio; (2) accuracy of biopsy placement by non-expert endoscopists; and (3) preference of imaging modality by non-expert endoscopists. Results: Quantitative agreement between experts increased significantly when LCI was available (0.58 vs. 0.46, p= 0.007). This increase was more apparent for the more challenging cases (0.21 vs. 0.47, p&lt; 0.001). Non-experts placed the biopsy mark more accurately with LCI (82.3% vs. 87.2%, p&lt; 0.001). Again this increase was more profound for the more challenging cases (70.4% vs. 83.4%, p&lt; 0.001). Non-experts indicated to prefer LCI over WLE. Conclusion: The addition of LCI next to WLE improves visualization of EGC. Experts reach higher consensus on discrimination between neoplasia and inflammation when using LCI. Non-experts improve their targeted biopsy placement with the use of LCI. LCI therefore appears to be a useful tool for identification of EGC. Graphical abstract:

Vonoprazan‐based regimens have improved the rate of successful Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) eradication, but it has not reached 100%. The aim of this study is to clarify significant predictors of successful H. pylorieradication using a vonoprazan‐based regimen. In this retrospective cohort study, 174 patients who underwent primary H. pylorieradication therapy were included. All patients underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy before treatment. The vonoprazan‐based regimen includes amoxicillin 750 mg, clarithromycin 200 mg and vonoprazan 20 mg twice daily for one week. Pre‐treatment with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) was defined as continued PPI use for more than four weeks prior to eradication therapy. The rates of successful eradication were 83% (145/174) in intention‐to‐treat analysis and 85% (145/171) in per‐protocol analysis. Predictors of successful eradication among 171 patients were evaluated in per‐protocol analysis. In univariate analysis, male gender was a significant positive predictor of successful eradication (odds ratio [OR] 3.813, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.363–10.663, p = 0.010) and pre‐treatment with PPIs was a negative predictor (OR 0.193, 95%CI 0.076–0.485, p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, male gender remained a positive predictor (OR 3.826, 95%CI 1.317–11.116, p = 0.013), and pre‐treatment with PPIs (OR 0.232, 95%CI 0.087–0.615, p = 0.003) remained a negative predictor. In conclusion, pre‐treatment with PPIs before eradication therapy decreases the rate of successful eradication. Therefore, it may be desirable to discontinue pre‐treatment with PPIs prior to eradication therapy, because of the potential to improve the rate of successful eradication.

Vonoprazan-based regimens have improved the rate of successful Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) eradication, but it has not reached 100%. The aim of this study is to clarify significant predictors of successful H. pylorieradication using a vonoprazan-based regimen. In this retrospective cohort study, 174 patients who underwent primary H. pylorieradication therapy were included. All patients underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy before treatment. The vonoprazan-based regimen includes amoxicillin 750 mg, clarithromycin 200 mg and vonoprazan 20 mg twice daily for one week. Pre-treatment with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) was defined as continued PPI use for more than four weeks prior to eradication therapy. The rates of successful eradication were 83% (145/174) in intention-to-treat analysis and 85% (145/171) in per-protocol analysis. Predictors of successful eradication among 171 patients were evaluated in per-protocol analysis. In univariate analysis, male gender was a significant positive predictor of successful eradication (odds ratio [OR] 3.813, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.363–10.663, p = 0.010) and pre-treatment with PPIs was a negative predictor (OR 0.193, 95%CI 0.076–0.485, p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, male gender remained a positive predictor (OR 3.826, 95%CI 1.317–11.116, p = 0.013), and pre-treatment with PPIs (OR 0.232, 95%CI 0.087–0.615, p = 0.003) remained a negative predictor. In conclusion, pre-treatment with PPIs before eradication therapy decreases the rate of successful eradication. Therefore, it may be desirable to discontinue pre-treatment with PPIs prior to eradication therapy, because of the potential to improve the rate of successful eradication.

Transnasal endoscopy is widely used in screening for upper gastrointestinal lesions because of less associated pain. Nasal bleeding is the most severe adverse effect, but specific risk factors have not been identified. The aim of this study is to identify risk factors for nasal bleeding during transnasal endoscopy. Nasal bleeding occurred in 160/3035 (5.3%) of patients undergoing transnasal endoscopy as part of health checkups. Patient data were retrospectively evaluated including anthropometric, medical, and life-style parameters with multiple logistic regression analysis. Multiple logistic regression revealed that nasal bleeding was significantly associated with age in decades [odds ratio/10 years 0.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.63–0.97, p = 0.027], female gender (2.15, 95% CI 1.48–3.12, p < 0.001), a history of previous upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (0.55, 95% CI 0.36–0.82, p = 0.004), and chronic/allergic rhinitis (0.60, 95% CI 0.36–0.98, p = 0.043). Other factors including the use of antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant drugs were not significantly associated with nasal bleeding. Female and young patients are significantly associated with an increased risk of bleeding from transnasal endoscopy, but antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant medications and a history of chronic/allergic rhinitis may not be associated.

Transnasal endoscopy is widely used in screening for upper gastrointestinal lesions because of less associated pain. Nasal bleeding is the most severe adverse effect, but specific risk factors have not been identified. The aim of this study is to identify risk factors for nasal bleeding during transnasal endoscopy. Nasal bleeding occurred in 160/3035 (5.3%) of patients undergoing transnasal endoscopy as part of health checkups. Patient data were retrospectively evaluated including anthropometric, medical, and life‐style parameters with multiple logistic regression analysis. Multiple logistic regression revealed that nasal bleeding was significantly associated with age in decades [odds ratio/10 years 0.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.63–0.97, p= 0.027], female gender (2.15, 95% CI 1.48–3.12, p< 0.001), a history of previous upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (0.55, 95% CI 0.36–0.82, p= 0.004), and chronic/allergic rhinitis (0.60, 95% CI 0.36–0.98, p= 0.043). Other factors including the use of antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant drugs were not significantly associated with nasal bleeding. Female and young patients are significantly associated with an increased risk of bleeding from transnasal endoscopy, but antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant medications and a history of chronic/allergic rhinitis may not be associated.

The effects of vonoprazan, a new potassium-competitive acid blocker, on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptom are not fully elucidated. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of vonoprazan on GERD and associated gastrointestinal symptoms. We retrospectively reviewed 88 Helicobacter pylorinegative patients with GERD treated with vonoprazan 10 mg daily. Symptoms were evaluated using the Izumo scale, which reflects quality of life related to various abdominal symptoms. The rates of improvement and resolution of GERD symptoms were 86% (76/88) and 57% (50/88), respectively. Improvement and resolution in patients with erosive esophagitis was higher than in those with non-erosive reflux disease (91% vs 83%, p = 0.260 and 71% vs 47%, p = 0.025, respectively). We attempted to identify factors which predict the effects of vonoprazan. Multivariate analysis identified advanced age (≥60-year-old) (odds ratio [OR] 7.281, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.056–25.776, p = 0.002), obesity (BMI ≥ 24) (OR 3.342, 95%CI 1.124–9.940, p = 0.030) and erosive esophagitis (OR 4.368, 95%CI 1.281–14.895, p = 0.018) as positive predictors of resolution of GERD symptoms. Alcohol use (OR 0.131, 95%CI 0.027–0.632, p = 0.011) and history of H. pylorieradication (OR 0.171, 95%CI 0.041–0.718, p = 0.015) were identified as negative predictors. Vonoprazan also improved epigastric pain (73%), postprandial distress (60%), constipation (58%) and diarrhea (52%) in patients with GERD. In conclusion, vonoprazan 10 mg daily is effective in improving GERD symptoms. Advanced age, obesity, erosive esophagitis, alcohol use and history of H. pylorieradication influence the resolution of GERD symptoms. Treatment with vonoprazan favorably affects gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with GERD.

The effects of vonoprazan, a new potassium‐competitive acid blocker, on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptom are not fully elucidated. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of vonoprazan on GERD and associated gastrointestinal symptoms. We retrospectively reviewed 88 Helicobacter pylorinegative patients with GERD treated with vonoprazan 10 mg daily. Symptoms were evaluated using the Izumo scale, which reflects quality of life related to various abdominal symptoms. The rates of improvement and resolution of GERD symptoms were 86% (76/88) and 57% (50/88), respectively. Improvement and resolution in patients with erosive esophagitis was higher than in those with non‐erosive reflux disease (91% vs 83%, p = 0.260 and 71% vs 47%, p = 0.025, respectively). We attempted to identify factors which predict the effects of vonoprazan. Multivariate analysis identified advanced age (≥60‐year‐old) (odds ratio [OR] 7.281, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.056–25.776, p = 0.002), obesity (BMI ≥ 24) (OR 3.342, 95%CI 1.124–9.940, p = 0.030) and erosive esophagitis (OR 4.368, 95%CI 1.281–14.895, p = 0.018) as positive predictors of resolution of GERD symptoms. Alcohol use (OR 0.131, 95%CI 0.027–0.632, p = 0.011) and history of H. pylorieradication (OR 0.171, 95%CI 0.041–0.718, p = 0.015) were identified as negative predictors. Vonoprazan also improved epigastric pain (73%), postprandial distress (60%), constipation (58%) and diarrhea (52%) in patients with GERD. In conclusion, vonoprazan 10 mg daily is effective in improving GERD symptoms. Advanced age, obesity, erosive esophagitis, alcohol use and history of H. pylorieradication influence the resolution of GERD symptoms. Treatment with vonoprazan favorably affects gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with GERD.

Double-balloon endoscopy (DBE) has become a new standard in enteroscopy. However, it may be difficult to make a diagnosis or plan treatment strategy with endoscopic visualization alone. The addition of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) has the potential to improve the ability to establish the diagnosis and develop a treatment strategy. The present study was conducted to assess the feasibility and usefulness of EUS with DBE. EUS with DBE was performed in 31 of 891 patients who underwent DBE from July 2004 to March 2011 at Jichi Medical University Hospital. We analyzed the EUS findings for lesions and evaluated the usefulness of EUS considering the following three factors: qualitative diagnostic value for lesions, depth grading of lesions, and evaluation of the structure of severe strictures prior to endoscopic balloon dilation. EUS was performed for 31/32 lesions (97 %) in 31 patients. EUS findings were informative for 29/32 lesions (91 %). EUS findings were useful for establishing a qualitative diagnosis in 15/25 lesions (60 %). EUS findings for depth grading provided useful information for determining the therapeutic strategy in 11/13 lesions (85 %). EUS with DBE was useful in the evaluation of strictures for all six lesions (100 %). The overall usefulness of EUS with DBE on decision making was 72 % (23/32) in this study. EUS with DBE is feasible and useful. It provides additional information on small-bowel disease and contributes to establishing a precise diagnosis and selection of an appropriate therapeutic strategy.

Image enhanced endoscopy including narrow band imaging, flexible spectral imaging color enhancement and i-scan is useful for detailed examination of upper gastrointestinal lesions. We aimed to clarify the usefulness of blue laser imaging (BLI) method, a new endoscopic system, to image upper gastrointestinal lesions.

Nitrosyl complexes which have both 2,2′-bipyridine and pyridine as co-existing ligands were synthesized and characterized as cis-[Ru(NO)(X)(pby)(py)2]z+ (X=OH, Cl, NO2 for z=2; X=py for z=3). Their characteristics were investigated under the condition of both chemical oxidation and electrochemical reduction. The molecular of cis-[Ru(NO)(OH)(pby)(py)2](PF6)2 was determined: Ru20N5H19O2P2F12,FW=752.40, orthorhombic, a=15.942(2), b=26.541(4), c=12.670(5) A˚, V=5360(1) A˚3, space group Pbca, Z=8, Dcalc=1.864 g cm−3, Dobs=1.857 g cm−3, μ (Mo Kα)=8.18 cm−1, no. of observations (I>3.00σ(I))=2232, R=0.050, Rw=0.042. The related nitro and oxo complexes which were obtained from the nitrosyl complexes are also reported.