An extremely energetic cosmic ray observed by a surface detector array

Cosmic rays are energetic charged particles from extraterrestrial sources, with the highest-energy events thought to come from extragalactic sources. Their arrival is infrequent, so detection requires instruments with large collecting areas. In this work, we report the detection of an extremely energetic particle recorded by the surface detector array of the Telescope Array experiment. We calculate the particle's energy as [Formula: see text] (~40 joules). Its arrival direction points back to a void in the large-scale structure of the Universe. Possible explanations include a large deflection by the foreground magnetic field, an unidentified source in the local extragalactic neighborhood, or an incomplete knowledge of particle physics.

Dataset of night-time emissions of the Earth in the near UV range (290-430 nm), with 6.3 km resolution in the latitude range -51.6<L<+51.6 degrees, acquired on board the International Space Station with the Mini-EUSO detector

The data presented in this article are related to the research paper entitled "Observation of night-time emissions of the Earth in the near UV range from the International Space Station with the Mini-EUSO detector" (Remote Sensing of Environment, Volume 284, January 2023, 113336, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2022.113336). The data have been acquired with the Mini-EUSO detector, an UV telescope operating in the range 290-430 nm and located inside the International Space Station. The detector was launched in August 2019, and it has started operations from the nadir-facing UV-transparent window in the Russian Zvezda module in October 2019. The data presented here refer to 32 sessions acquired between 2019-11-19 and 2021-05-06. The instrument consists of a Fresnel-lens optical system and a focal surface composed of 36 multi-anode photomultiplier tubes, each with 64 channels, for a total of 2304 channels with single photon counting sensitivity. The telescope, with a square field-of-view of 44°, has a spatial resolution on the Earth surface of 6.3 km and saves triggered transient phenomena with a temporal resolution of 2.5 µs and 320 µs. The telescope also operates in continuous acquisition at a 40.96 ms scale. In this article, large-area night-time UV maps obtained processing the 40.96 ms data, taking averages over regions of some specific geographical areas (e.g., Europe, North America) and over the entire globe, are presented. Data are binned into 0.1° × 0.1° or 0.05° × 0.05° cells (depending on the scale of the map) over the Earth's surface. Raw data are made available in the form of tables (latitude, longitude, counts) and .kmz files (containing the .png images). These are - to the best of our knowledge - the highest sensitivity data in this wavelength range and can be of use to various disciplines.

A Review of the EUSO-Balloon Pathfinder for the JEM-EUSO Program

EUSO-Balloon is a pathfinder for JEM-EUSO, the mission concept of a spaceborne observatory which is designed to observe Ultra-High Energy Cosmic Ray (UHECR)-induced Extensive Air Showers (EAS) by detecting their UltraViolet (UV) light tracks "from above." On August 25, 2014, EUSO-Balloon was launched from Timmins Stratospheric Balloon Base (Ontario, Canada) by the balloon division of the French Space Agency CNES. After reaching a floating altitude of 38 km, EUSO-Balloon imaged the UV light in the wavelength range ∼290-500 nm for more than 5 hours using the key technologies of JEM-EUSO. The flight allowed a good understanding of the performance of the detector to be developed, giving insights into possible improvements to be applied to future missions. A detailed measurement of the photoelectron counts in different atmospheric and ground conditions was achieved. By means of the simulation of the instrument response and by assuming atmospheric models, the absolute intensity of diffuse light was estimated. The instrument detected hundreds of laser tracks with similar characteristics to EASs shot by a helicopter flying underneath. These are the first recorded laser tracks measured from a fluorescence detector looking down on the atmosphere. The reconstruction of the direction of the laser tracks was performed. In this work, a review of the main results obtained by EUSO-Balloon is presented as well as implications for future space-based observations of UHECRs.

The Detection of UHECRs with the EUSO-TA Telescope

EUSO-TA is a cosmic ray detector developed by the JEM-EUSO (Joint Experiment Missions for Extreme Universe Space Observatory) Collaboration, observing during nighttime the fluorescence light emitted along the path of extensive air showers in the atmosphere. It is installed at the Telescope Array site in Utah, USA, in front of the fluorescence detector station at Black Rock Mesa. It serves as a ground-based pathfinder experiment for future space-based missions. EUSO-TA has an optical system with two Fresnel lenses and a focal surface with 6 × 6 multi-anode photomultiplier tubes with 64 channels each, for a total of 2304 channels. The overall field of view is ∼10.6°× 10.6°. This detector technology allows the detection of cosmic ray events with high spatial resolution, having each channel a field of view of about ∼0.2° × 0.2° and a temporal resolution of 2.5 µs. First observations of ultra-high energy cosmic rays revealed the cosmic ray detection capability of EUSO-TA. The foreseen upgrade of EUSO-TA will improve the efficiency of the detector and will increase the statistics of detected events. In this work we present recent results of the detection capability of EUSO-TA and its limits. Moreover, other results about the analysis of laser pulses, stars and meteors will be discussed.

Randomised clinical trial: efficacy and safety of vonoprazan vs. lansoprazole in patients with gastric or duodenal ulcers - results from two phase 3, non-inferiority randomised controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Vonoprazan is a new potassium-competitive acid blocker for treatment of acid-related diseases.

AIM

To conduct two randomised-controlled trials, to evaluate the non-inferiority of vonoprazan vs. lansoprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, for treatment of gastric ulcer (GU) or duodenal ulcer (DU).

METHODS

Patients aged ≥20 years with ≥1 endoscopically-confirmed GU or DU (≥5 mm white coating) were randomised 1:1 using double-dummy blinding to receive lansoprazole (30 mg) or vonoprazan (20 mg) for 8 (GU study) or 6 (DU study) weeks. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with endoscopically confirmed healed GU or DU.

RESULTS

For GU, 93.5% (216/231) of vonoprazan-treated patients and 93.8% (211/225) of lansoprazole-treated patients achieved healed GU; non-inferiority of vonoprazan to lansoprazole was confirmed [difference = -0.3% (95% CI -4.750, 4.208); P = 0.0011]. For DU, 95.5% (170/178) of vonoprazan-treated patients and 98.3% (177/180) of lansoprazole-treated patients achieved healed DU; non-inferiority to lansoprazole was not confirmed [difference = -2.8% (95% CI -6.400, 0.745); P = 0.0654]. The incidences of treatment-emergent adverse events were slightly lower for GU and slightly higher for DU with vonoprazan than with lansoprazole. There was one death (subarachnoid haemorrhage) in the vonoprazan group (DU). The possibility of a relationship between this unexpected patient death and the study drug could not be ruled out. In both studies, increases in serum gastrin levels were greater in vonoprazan-treated vs. lansoprazole-treated patients; levels returned to baseline after treatment in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Vonoprazan 20 mg has a similar tolerability profile to lansoprazole 30 mg and is non-inferior with respect to GU healing and has similar efficacy for DU healing.

Sensitivity of biopsy site in evaluating regression of gastric atrophy after Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment

BACKGROUND

Helicobacter pylori infection is a major cause of the progress of gastric glandular atrophy, a high-risk background factor in the development of gastric cancer. Regression of gastric atrophy is critical to prevention of cancer by H. pylori eradication treatment. However, it is controversial whether gastric atrophy regresses after H. pylori eradication.

AIM

To determine the most sensitive and appropriate biopsy site for evaluation of regression of atrophy after treatment.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Thirty-eight patients who showed regression of gastric atrophy in histology after treatment were investigated. Four biopsy specimens from the lesser and greater curvatures in the antrum and corpus were evaluated before and after treatment according to the Updated Sydney System.

RESULTS

Regression of atrophy after treatment was seen in 30 of 38 biopsy specimens from the lesser curvature of the corpus (79%), and this site was most sensitive. Odds ratio of this site to the others was 8.28. Regression of atrophy in this site was observed at 12.2 months in the younger patients and 15.9 months in the elder patients.

CONCLUSION

Biopsy sampling from the lesser curvature of the corpus is the most sensitive and appropriate for evaluation of regression of gastric atrophy after H. pylori eradication treatment.

Ten-year prospective follow-up study on the relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and progression of atrophic gastritis, particularly assessed by endoscopic findings

AIM

To ascertain the progression of atrophic gastritis due to Helicobacter pylori infection, we conducted a 10-year prospective follow-up study with annual endoscopy of the stomach.

METHODS

Prospective endoscopic observation was started in 53 subjects in 1989 and 1990 after informed consent was obtained. The progression of atrophic gastritis was evaluated mainly by the endoscopic pattern of atrophy. Histological assessment was performed on biopsy specimens taken from the lesser curvature of the lower corpus. By 2000, 43 patients (20 males, 23 females, mean age 56.7 years at entry) had completed at least 10 years of endoscopic follow-up.

RESULTS

Eight H. pylori-negative patients with normal fundic mucosa showed no change endoscopically or histologically. In 35 H. pylori-positive patients, the progression of histological atrophy was observed in 46% and intestinal metaplasia was observed in 49%. Fifteen of 35 H. pylori-positive cases exhibited a cephaloid shift of the endoscopic atrophic border. The cephaloid shift of the atrophic area occured suddenly. The cumulative progression rate of atrophic patterns was 6% after 2 years, 22% after 4 years, 34% after 6 years and 43% after 10 years. These atrophic changes were related to neutrophil infiltration.

CONCLUSION

The progression of atrophic gastritis is a result of chronic active gastritis caused by H. pylori infection.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis complicated with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

We present a 66-year-old woman with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) complicated with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Both PSC and ITP are considered to reflect an immunological disturbance. However, their coexistence is very rare and to the best of our knowledge this is only the second reported case. In Japan, PSC patients are rarely treated with liver transplantation. Fortunately, the present patient underwent successful hepatic transplantation from a brain-dead donor and simultaneous splenectomy. This case emphasizes the importance of liver transplantation as an effective treatment for primary sclerosing cholangitis.

Winter seasonality and rotavirus diarrhoea in adults

We investigated the aetiological role of group A rotavirus in adults with acute diarrhoea in a 4-year prospective study. Of 683 patients with acute diarrhoea, 97 (14%) shed rotavirus as a sole agent, whereas six (5%) of 115 patients without diarrhoea shed rotavirus. Half of patients with rotavirus diarrhoea required admission to hospital. Unlike rotavirus diarrhoea in children, the occurrence of rotavirus-positive cases did not show a significant winter seasonality. Rotavirus infection should be included in the differential diagnosis of diarrhoeal diseases in adults.

Peptic ulcer recurrence during maintenance therapy with H2-receptor antagonist following first-line therapy with proton pump inhibitor

We investigated the peptic ulcer recurrence rates during maintenance therapy with H2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs) following first-line therapy with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). Patients with gastric ulcer (GU) or duodenal ulcer (DU) were enrolled in this study; 583 eligible patients (GU, 325; DU, 258) were administered lansoprazole (30 mg/day for 8 weeks for GU, and the same dosage for 6 weeks for DU) as first-line therapy, and a half dose of H2RA as maintenance therapy for 12 months. Endoscopic photographs were taken before administration and after 8 (GU) and 6 (DU) weeks of lansoprazole administration. Ulcer stage was evaluated using the classification of Sakita and Miwa. Endoscopic examinations were performed 6 months or 12 months after the start of maintenance therapy or when a recurrence was suspected because of the appearance of subjective symptoms. The healing rates for GU and DU patients after completion of lansoprazole therapy were 79% in both groups, while the S2-stage healing rates were 18% and 31%, respectively. At 1 year after the start of maintenance therapy, the recurrence rates were 25% for GU and 39% for DU patients. In DU patients, the recurrence rates from S1-stage and S2-stage were 49% and 20%, respectively (P = 0.004), but no significant difference was found between these rates in GU patients. The recurrence rates in H. pylori-positive patients before lansoprazole administration were 27% for GU and 43% for DU patients. We concluded that the maintenance therapy with a half-dose of H2RA following PPI therapy was insufficient to prevent recurrences of GU and DU.

[Intestinal metaplasia and Helicobacter pylori infection, their relationship and effects of eradication therapy]

Intestinal metaplasia is characterized by Goblet cells and Peneth cells in histological examination. It is frequently observed in gastric mucosa with atrophic gastritis and easily diagnosed using Methylene blue stain in endoscopy. Intestinal metaplasia is seemed to occur during the progression of atrophic gastritis. From our prospective endoscopic follow-up study over 8 years, progression of intestinal metaplasia in gastric body is observed in 44.4% out of 27 H. pylori positive patients. Progression of atrophy is also observed in 37.0% of cases. Development of intestinal metaplasia is also assured in other clinical investigations and experimental studies using Mongolian Gerbils. However, reversibility of intestinal metaplasia after H. pylori eradication is under discussion still now. In our study, we can not observe the regression of intestinal metaplasia even 2 years after successful H. pylori eradication.

[Clinicopathologic study on chronic pancreatitis with diffuse irregular narrowing of the main pancreatic duct]

We studied the clinicopathologic features of 13 cases of chronic pancreatitis with diffuse irregular narrowing of the main pancreatic duct (MPD). It occurs frequently in relatively elder men. Diffuse irregular narrowing of the MPD and stenosis of the common bile duct on ERCP, and swelling of the pancreas on US/CT were detected in all cases. An autoimmune mechanism might be involved in the etiology at least in 5 patients with hypergammaglobulinemia and positive autoantibodies. Surgical therapy was performed in 8 patients and 3 patients were treated with steroids. No patients showed recurrence of pancreatitis. Histologic findings were characterized by diffuse lymphoplasmacytic infiltration with marked interstitial fibrosis in the pancreas, obliterated phlebitis of the pancreatic veins. Similar inflammatory process involved the bile duct and the gallbladder. These histologic findings were similar to those of multifocal fibrosclerosis. Chronic pancreatitis with diffuse irregular narrowing of the MPD is overlapped with autoimmune pancreatitis in many cases, but may be a variant of multifocal fibrosclerosis involving the pancreas in some cases.

Nontoxic embolic liquids for treatment of arteriovenous malformations

Interventional radiology is becoming one of the standard treatments of arteriovenous malformation (AVM). Cyanoacrylate derivatives and polymer solutions are widely used to occlude the AVM nidus by their injection through a catheter, but they are far from satisfactory embolic liquids. For instance, cyanoacrylate derivatives sometimes glue the catheter to the artery, resulting in serious complications; in addition, the organic solvents used to dissolve polymers cause damage to the surrounding brain tissue of the AVM. Therefore, we attempted to develop embolic liquids by dissolving poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-methyl methacrylate) in Iopamiron with an addition of a small amount of ethyl alcohol. This new embolic liquid is not cytotoxic and is easily injected into the AVM through a thin, long catheter to effectively occlude the AVM.

Preliminary study on a novel quadruple eradication therapy with a mucoprotective drug, sofalcone, for Helicobacter pylori infection

To assess the effects of the mucoprotective drug sofalcone, which has direct and indirect effects on Helicobacter pylori in vitro, the eradication rate, adverse effects, and the quality of healing peptic ulcers were evaluated. Each study patient was given 500 mg t.i.d. amoxicillin and 200 mg t.i.d. clarithromycin. In addition, three different treatment regimens were compared: a standard dose (20 mg q.d.) of the proton pump inhibitor omeprazole (OAC), a double dose (20 mg b.i.d.) of omeprazole (Ox2AC), and a standard dose of omeprazole and a standard dose (100 mg t.i.d.) of sofalcone (OACS). Thirty-one H. pylori-positive patients were treated with OAC, 37 with Ox2AC, and 41 with OACS therapy. With an intention-to-treat analysis, the eradication rates were 74.2% for OAC, 86.2% for Ox2AC, and 85.0% for OACS therapy. The incidence of side effects was 9.6% for patients given OAC therapy, 86.5% for Ox2AC, and only 7.5% for OACS-treated patients, which was significantly lower than the incidence in the Ox2AC group. High-quality peptic ulcer scars were observed after eradication therapy which included solfacone. Although it is necessary to conduct a randomized double-blind study to obtain definitive conclusions, our results indicate that this novel quadruple eradication therapy with solfacone is an efficacious regimen with a high eradication rate and positive effects on ulcer healing, combined with a low incidence of adverse events.

The role of juxtapapillary duodenal diverticulum in the formation of gallbladder stones

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Juxtapapillary diverticula (JPD) are considered to be associated with choledocholithiasis but not with cholecystolithiasis. However, there have been few comparative studies on the relationship between JPD and cholecystolithiasis under strict matching for sex and age.

METHODOLOGY

Among 4542 consecutive ERCPs at Tokyo Metropolitan Komagome Hospital, 549 patients who were 63 years of age or older were enrolled in this study and were matched for sex and age. They were divided into two groups: with and without JPD. Firstly, the frequency of cholecystolithiasis was compared between the two groups. Next, we recruited 83 patients whose JPD size could be measured by the ERCP films and investigated the relationship between JPD size and gallstones.

RESULTS

We found no correlation between JPD and the overall frequency of cholecystolithiasis. However, an analysis of 83 patients with measurable JPD revealed that the size of JPD was closely linked to the occurrence of cholecystolithiasis. The JPD size was statistically larger in patients with cholecystolithiasis than those without. Moreover, when the mean diameter of JPD was 20 mm or more, the incidence of cholecystolithiasis rose up to 73.3%, which was significantly greater compared to the incidence in patients without JPD (p< 0.05).

CONCLUSION

A larger JPD may play a role in the formation of gallbladder stones.

Preliminary clinical study on gastric ulcer scars and ulcer relapses after Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy

To determine the effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on the healing of gastric ulcers, endoscopic examinations of gastric ulcer scars and ulcer relapse after eradication therapies or antisecretory therapy were carried out in 24 H. pylori-positive patients with recurrent gastric ulcers located in the gastric angle. Sixteen patients were initially treated with 2-week triple eradication therapy. Subsequently, seven of eight noneradicated cases were retreated with triple therapy, which included metronidazole. Eight patients received antisecretory monotherapy. Endoscopic examinations were performed at 4 weeks and 6 months after the treatments. Gastric ulcer scars were classified endoscopically into three types: Sa, a central depression surrounded by a coarse pattern: Sb, a coarse regenerated pattern; and Sc, a fine pattern indicating matured scar of high quality. Transformations of the scar patterns and ulcer relapse were assessed in 19 patients who showed an ulcer scar at 4 weeks after initial therapy. Thirteen cases in which H. pylori was successfully eradicated, either after initial or re-eradication therapies, mainly showed Sc scars and had no ulcer relapse. Sa scar was mainly observed during H. pylori-positive conditions. Transformation from the Sa to the Sc was observed after successful re-eradication. Ulcer relapses occurred in three patients who showed Sa scar after antisecretory therapy. Although a random study would be needed to obtain a definite conclusion, we suspect that the H. pylori-negative condition after eradication therapies may result in good ulcer healing and may subsequently reduce ulcer relapse.

Relationship between progression of gastric mucosal atrophy and Helicobacter pylori infection: retrospective long-term endoscopic follow-up study

A retrospective long-term endoscopic follow-up study was designed to examine atrophic changes in the gastric mucosa over time in Helicobacter pylori-positive patients. Over a period of 8-17 years (mean, 13.4 years) 22 subjects (5 men, 17 women, mean age, 55 years) without localized gastroduodenal lesions underwent serial endoscopic examinations and serological and microbiological assessments of H. pylori infection. The extent of atrophic mucosa in the gastric body was expressed using the Kimura-Takemoto classification of atrophic pattern. Atrophic patterns were unchanged over time in 7 H. pylori-seronegative and culture-negative subjects with normal stomach, and in 1 seropositive and culture-negative subject with severe atrophy. Seven of 10 H. pylori culture-positive subjects not including three with the O-3 pattern, i.e., open type atrophic pattern, exhibited a cephalad shift of atrophic pattern. The cumulative progression rates of atrophy in the culture-positive subjects excluding O-3 subjects, were 10% after 2 years, 20% after 4 years, 50% after 6 years, and 70% after 8 years. The increases in the extent of the atrophic area were discontinuous, in terms of age, in the H. pylori-positive individuals and occasionally advanced rapidly within periods of several years with no relation to age.

Linkage map of Syrian hamster with restriction landmark genomic scanning

We have constructed the linkage map with precise genetic analysis of the Syrian hamster, Mesocricetus auratus, according to the restriction landmark genomic scanning (RLGS) spot mapping method. Although only 3.2-6.6% of the total RLGS spots between the two strains, ACN and BIO 14.6, showed genetic variance, 572 loci were found to be polymorphic. Out of 569 RLGS loci and 3 other loci, 531 were mapped with the backcross (ACN x BIO 14.6) F1 x BIO 14.6. The cumulative map was 1111.6 cM, indicating that the spots/loci are located throughout the genome at 1.94 cM intervals on average. Thus, RLGS provides us with a rapid tool to construct the genetic map of any species, even if it has less genetic variation.

Quantitative analysis of striped coat-color patterns in Large White-->Duroc chimeric pigs with special reference to the genetic control mechanisms of the dominant black-eyed white phenotype

Coat colors of four chimeric pigs produced by the microinjection of dissociated blastomeres of (Landrace x Large White) blastocysts to the blastocyst cavity of Duroc x Duroc) blastocysts (Kashiwazaki et al., 1992) exhibited characteristic horizontal stripe-patterns. We carried out quantitative analysis of those patterns in order to derive information concerning the genetic regulatory mechanisms of the dominant black-eyed white phenotypes in the pig. In the four chimeras, the theoretical mean widths of the single-clone stripe calculated from the estimated widths of minimal recognizable stripe (MRS) (Tachi, 1988) were 2.1 +/- 0.1, 2.23 +/- 0.15, 1.89 +/- 0.06, and 1.93 +/- 0.28 cm respectively. The estimated number of single-clone stripes in the thoracico-lumbar region of those animals were 42.3, 40.7, 46.3, 44.2, and about twice the mean number of vertebrae in the same region (Duroc, 20 or 21; Large White 21 or 22). Furthermore, the mean length of thoracico-lumbar vertebrae in two of the chimeric pigs, as measured on X-ray radiographs, was approximately twice the mean single-clone stripe width. It was concluded that the stripe-patterns of the chimeric pigs probably represented the dermatome patterns of epidermis; and in the pig, a single somite was likely to be derived from the clones of two primordial cells, as originally proposed by Gearhart & Mintz (1972) in the mouse. It was suggested, furthermore, that in the Large White-->Duroc chimeric pigs, melanocytes that migrated into the region of skin formed by a Large White dermatome could not survive, thus creating a clearly demarcated white stripe. Possible involvement of KL or c-kit in the dominant black-eyed white phenotype of the pig is discussed.

[Early esophageal cancer--concept, diagnosis and treatment]

In spite of the conventional definition of early esophageal cancer which includes mucosal and submucosal cancers without lymph node metastasis, esophageal mucosal cancers are now considered as the early cancer in clinical field. The esophageal mucosal cancers are subclassified into m1 (intraepithelial cancer), m2(lamina propria mucosae) and m3(muscularis mucosae) in clinical view points. M1 and m2 esophageal cancers which had no lymph node metastasis could be treated completely by endoscopic mucosal resection. On the other hand, the patients with m3 cancer which showed lymph node metastasis in 10% of the cases should be treated by esophagectomy with lymph node dissection. For the diagnosis of the depth of carcinoma invasion, now, endoscopy with dye iodine stain and toluisine blue stain were most useful. Fundamentally, macroscopic appearance of lesions classified by Japanese Society for Esophageal Diseases are well related to the depth of invasion. Almost all mucosal cancers showed the superficial and flat type (0-IIc type). Subclassification of m1, m2 and m3 were easily differentiated by endoscopic observation of their characteristic appearances. In the evaluation of the methods of treatment for mucosal cancer, endoscopic mucosal resection and esopagostomy showed a complete resectability. While, the former was superior in the quality of life after treatment.

Distribution of inflammation and atrophy in the stomach of Helicobacter pylori-positive and -negative patients with chronic gastritis

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the extent of inflammation and atrophy in the stomach of Helicobacter pylori-positive and -negative patients with chronic gastritis.

METHODS

Endoscopy with biopsies from the lesser curvatures of the antrum, angulus, middle body, and the greater curvature of the middle body of the stomach was performed in 59 patients with histologically confirmed chronic gastritis. The extent of atrophic gastritis was assessed endoscopically as well histologically. H. pylori status was assessed by histology as well as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The histological severity of chronic and acute inflammation, glandular atrophy, and intestinal metaplasia was assessed according to the Sydney system.

RESULTS

In H. pylori-positive patients, H. pylori was evenly distributed throughout the stomach when the extent of atrophic gastritis was limited to the antrum and the lesser curvature of the body, but disappeared from the antrum of patients with more extensive atrophic gastritis. The severity of acute and chronic inflammation at the greater curvature of the body increased with the extension of atrophic gastritis. In H. pylori-negative patients, the severity of chronic inflammation at the greater curvature of the body was significantly higher in patients with extensive atrophic gastritis than in those with a lesser extent of atrophic gastritis.

CONCLUSION

At the greater curvature of the body, the development of atrophy is closely associated with the increase in the severity of inflammation, which is more marked in H. pylori-positive patients.

The influence of Helicobacter pylori infection on the progression of gastric mucosal atrophy and occurrence of gastric cancer

AIM

To study the effects of Helicobacter pylori infection on the progression of gastric mucosal atrophy and the development of gastric cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We investigated the extension of the atrophic area as assessed on the basis of the Kimura-Takemoto atrophic patterns and the development of gastric cancer in a selected sample of 64 patients who were endoscopically followed up for more than 3 years, and who showed H. pylori infection by culture at the start of the investigation and at some stages during the follow-up.

RESULTS

No progression of atrophy was observed in 14 patients who were H. pylori-negative at the beginning of the follow-up, whereas various degrees of expansion of the atrophic area were found in 22% of 50 positive cases. Well differentiated mucosal cancer was diagnosed in four patients during the follow-up. These patients displayed moderate to severe atrophy. At the beginning of the follow-up, 50% of patients were H. pylori culture-positive, but all patients had H. pylori antibodies in their blood.

CONCLUSIONS

The results support the view that H. pylori infection influences the development of atrophic gastritis and is related to the pathogenesis of gastric cancer.

[Endoscopic mucosal resection for radical treatment of esophageal cancer]

Clinico-pathological results of patients with superficial esophageal cancer was reviewed to determine the indications of endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for esophageal cancer as a radical treatment and to evaluate clinical results of EMR. The analysis on eighty-seven cases with superficial esophageal cancer who underwent esophagectomy revealed no lymph node metastasis in any 0% of case with cancer confined to the lamina propria mucosae, 10% of cancer reaching the muscularis mucosae and 43% of cancer infiltrating the submucosa. These results suggested that the endoscopic mucosal resection should be indicated for patients with esophageal cancer confined to the lamina propria mucosae. The accuracy rate for estimating depth of invasion of mucosal cancer of the esophagus was 96%. We early established "the double channel technique" for resection of mucosal lesion of the esophagus with a major part of the submucosa, we used it for sixty-nine cases, and all were eventually discharged. Immediate complications of EMR were noted in 12.9% of all cases (mediastinal emphysema: 2.9%, ulcer bleeding: 10%) and the late complication in 7.2% (esophageal stricture due to scar formation: 5.8% and ulcer bleeding 5 days after EMR: 1.4%). All cases who developed stricture had mucosal defect over 3/4 the circumference. The cumulative 5-year survival rate of patients with esophageal mucosal cancer treated by EMR (86%) showed no significant difference from those treated by esophagectomy (83.2%). We to conclude that endoscopic mucosal resection is indicated for the patient with mucosal cancer confined to the lamina propria mucosae. One can expect an excellent prognosis by less invasive treatment than esophagectomy.

An endoscopic study on relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and endoscopic gastric ulcer scars

A two-year endoscopic follow-up study of 45 gastric ulcer patients was conducted in order to ascertain the relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection, the transformation of ulcer scar patterns, and ulcer relapse during maintenance therapy. Endoscopic findings of gastric ulcer scar patterns, which established the quality of ulcer scars, were classified as follows: Sa, with a central depression, Sb, with a coarse regenerating mucosal pattern up to the center, and Sc, with a fine pattern. The proportion of ulcer relapses was 62% among 29 H. pylori-positive patients and 0% among 16 H. pylori-negative patients. In regard to the relationship between H. pylori infection and scar patterns, 94% of the H. pylori-negative patients displayed Sc scar patterns, while all the H. pylori-positive patients showed various scar patterns, ie, Sa in 38%, Sb in 28%, and Sc in 10%. Ulcer relapses in the H. pylori-positive cases were limited to the Sa and Sb groups (100% and 88%, respectively). In conclusion, our results indicate that H. pylori infection plays an important role in the transformation of the ulcer scar patterns which relate to ulcer relapse.

[Importance of Helicobacter pylori infection and pepsinogen titer in hemodialysis and renal transplantation patients in Japan]

Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection is thought to play an important role in for the pathogenesis of atrophic gastritis and even gastric carcinoma. The ratio of Pepsinogen I/II (P I/II) also shows good correlation with atrophic gastritis and gastric ulcer. Since many hemodialysis (HD) and renal transplantation patients suffer from gastrointestinal problems, we investigated the importance of Hp infection and P I/II in these patients. Serum Hp IgG was measured by EIA. Pepsinogen titer was measured with antipepsinogen antibody-bearing beads and anti-pepsinogen antibody. Hp positive HD patients accounted for 50.7% of the subjects. Of the renal transplantation patients, 23.5% were positive with lower values than the HD patients. The value of P I/II in all patients with a high Hp positive titer also was low (under 3). In conclusion, serum IgG antibody to Hp and P I/II exhibit good correlation and both are useful for the diagnosis of atrophic gastritis in chronic renal failure.

The relationship between endoscopic findings of gastric ulcer scar and ulcer relapse

Regenerated mucosal patterns that appeared during the healing of chronic gastric ulcers were observed and assessed in detail by magnifying endoscopes. Three patterns of ulcer scarring were distinguished: Sa with central depression, Sb with a coarse regenerated mucosal pattern, and Sc with a fine mucosal pattern. From a study on the relationship between the depth of ulcer confirmed histologically and the endoscopic findings of the scar, a clear distinction could be made endoscopically between U1-IV scar with a well-demarcated scarring zone, U1-III scar with an unclear boundary, and U1-II scar without a distinct scar area. Scar patterns were also related to ulcer depth. Analysis of the relationship between an ulcer relapse and the scar pattern demonstrated that the ulcer relapse rate over a 2-year follow-up period was 84% in Sa, 33% in Sb, and 0% in Sc.

[Helicobacter pylori and gastric cancer in view of relation to atrophy of background gastric mucosa]

To make clinical assessment regarding the role of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in the occurrence of gastric cancer, we examined serological and microbiological positive rate of H. pylori and histological and endoscopic findings of atrophic gastritis of background mucosa in 149 gastric cancer patients, 136 gastric ulcer patients, 82 chronic gastritis cases and 46 normal control. Serological H. pylori positive rate examined using GAP-IgG in 43 gastric cancer patients was 95%, which was significantly higher than normal control (4%) but the same level as in chronic gastritis cases (87%) and gastric ulcer patients (93%). While, Microbiological H. pylori positive rate by culture was 62% in 149 gastric cancer, 7% in normal control, 74% in chronic gastritis and 80% in gastric ulcer. H. pylori infection and the degree of lymphocyte infiltration were significantly correlated and H. pylori was frequently detected in the cases with mild and moderate atrophic gastritis in all groups. No difference was observed in H. pylori positive rate between the well and poorly differentiated cancer cases; 96% and 94% by GAP-IgG, 57% and 66% by culture, respectively. As a conclusion, it was suspected that the relation between H. pylori infection and gastric cancer was indirect and associated with atrophic process of background mucosa.

[Sequential MTX and 5-FU therapy of gastric cancer with systemic bone metastasis and disseminated intravascular coagulation]

Sequential therapy consisting of methotrexate (MTX) and 5-FU was performed together with the administration of heparin and FOY in 10 cases of gastric cancer with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) causing systemic bone metastasis. The ages of the subjects ranged from 29 to 65 years (median: 49 years) with systemic bone metastasis and bone marrow carcinosis observed in all cases. Histological types consisted of 6 cases of poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, 2 cases of signet-ring cell carcinoma, and one case each of mucocellular and tubular adenocarcinoma. Therapy consisted of intravenous injection of 30 mg-100 mg/m2 (one case, 20 mg) of MTX followed three hours later by intravenous injection of 600 mg/m2 of 5-FU weekly. Determination of DIC was made in accordance with the DIC diagnostic standards of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and determination of tumor effectiveness was based on gastric cancer handling codes.

RESULTS

PR was observed in 3 cases. Diffuse metastasis observed in the entire lung field disappeared in one case, while remarkable improvement was observed in systemic bone metastasis in scintigram findings for the other 2 cases. All 3 cases were able to be discharged. Reduction of DIC score and absence of pain were observed in 8 cases. Based on the above, aggressive implementation of this treatment method is suggested.

[Magnifying endoscopic observation on the effect of a proton pump inhibitor on the healing process of gastric ulcer]

The effect of a proton pump inhibitor on the healing process of gastric ulcer was investigated through magnifying endoscopic observation of the regenerated mucosa. The findings were the same obtained as those by stereoscopic microscopic observation of the effect of conventional drugs. Namely, a structureless red area consisting of one layer of regenerated epithelium was the first to procede forward the ulcer base, and a radially arranged roughly striated pattern of regenerated mucosa, in which gastric glands were formed. The regenerated mucosa changed from a striated to a granular pattern. In a shallow ulcer, the ulcer scar showed a fine gastric mucosal pattern similar to that of the surrounding area. The strong inhibition of gastric acid secretion by a proton pump inhibitor is believed to raise no problems in the healing process of peptic ulcer. The magnifying endoscopic observation also disclosed that the protruding granulation disappeared gradually and changed to concave regenerated epithelium, suggesting that the ulcer base protrusion, which has been considered as an adverse effect of strong acid secretion inhibitors, has no influence on the healing of the ulcer.

Possible involvement of kinins in cardiovascular changes after alcohol intake

Japanese healthy male subjects were divided into two groups, i.e., a normal aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) group with a low Km isozyme of ALDH for acetaldehyde, and a deficient group without it. After intake of 0.4 g/kg alcohol, the deficient group showed high levels of blood acetaldehyde, facial flushing including an increased pulse rate and a fall in diastolic blood pressure, while the normal group did not manifest these changes. In the deficient group, the total kininogen concentration gradually decreased after alcohol intake due to a reduction in low molecular weight kininogen, and plasma prekallikrein remained unchanged. The normal group showed no significant changes in any of these values after alcohol intake. In an in vitro study with pooled plasma, the low concentrations of urinary kallikrein caused a decrease in the low molecular weight kininogen only. These results suggest that kinins released by acetaldehyde-induced activation of glandular kallikreins are associated with the changes in cardiovascular symptoms in deficient group which display flushing after alcohol intake.

Inhibitory effect of ethanol on endothelium-dependent vascular responsiveness

The effect of ethanol was studied on the endothelium-dependent vascular responses in isolated rat aortic strips. Ethanol depressed the endothelium-dependent relaxation induced by acetylcholine and ATP but not that induced by the calcium ionophore, A23187. Endothelium-independent relaxation in response to sodium nitroprusside, a soluble guanylate cyclase activator, was not depressed by ethanol. On the other hand, ethanol significantly enhanced the contractile response to clonidine, an alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist, in endothelium-intact strips and depressed it in endothelium-denuded strips. These results suggest that ethanol can inhibit endothelium-dependent relaxation by acting on endothelial cells but not on smooth muscle cells, and can also suppress an inhibitory effect of the endothelium on alpha 2-adrenoceptor-mediated vasoconstriction.

Clinical usefulness of ranitidine in giant gastric ulcer

We define "giant" gastric ulcer as a chronic gastric ulcer, with a diameter greater than or equal to 3 cm. Treatment of inpatients with several conventional antiulcer agents resulted in significantly lower healing rates in giant gastric ulcer than in "large" (greater than 15 and less than 30 mm diameter) or "medium" (greater than 5 and less than or equal to 15 mm diameter) ulcers. In 48 patients with giant gastric ulcers treated with ranitidine, cumulative endoscopic healing rates were: 0% after 2 weeks, 16.7% after 4 weeks, 50.0% after 6 weeks, 77.1% after 8 weeks, 85.4% after 10 weeks, and 87.5% after 12 weeks of treatment. Corresponding healing rates were determined for the control group, which included patients treated with various conventional antiulcer agents. Comparison of these results revealed that from the fourth week of treatment onward, healing rates of the ranitidine group were significantly higher than those of the control group. There was little difference in the cumulative healing rates in the ranitidine group. From these results, ranitidine is considered to be useful in the treatment of giant gastric ulcer.

Lever press responding as a measure of ethanol preference in rats

Preference for ethanol in rats, overcoming the problem of a position habit, was assessed in a one-lever and two-liquid chamber. Performance in lever pressing for ethanol of different concentrations (2.5%, 5.0%, and 15.0%) and for water, as well as the amount of liquid intake, were recorded. Evidence of ethanol preference was observed by both the lever press and consumption measures when the concentration was 2.5%. Water preference was evident at higher concentrations. The present method proved to be a useful method for studying ethanol preference in rats.

Magnifying endoscopic observation of the gastric mucosa, particularly in patients with atrophic gastritis

The gastric mucosal surface was observed using the magnifying fibergastroscope (FGS-ML), and the fine gastric mucosal patterns, which were even smaller than one unit of gastric area, were examined at a magnification of about 30. For simplicification, we classified these patterns by magnifying endoscopy in the following ways; FP, FIP, FSP, SP and MP, modifying Yoshii's classification under the dissecting microscope. The FIP, which was found to have round and long elliptical gastric pits, is a new addition to our endoscopic classification. The relationship between the FIP and the intermediate zone was evaluated by superficial and histological studies of surgical and biopsy specimens. The width of the band of FIP seems to be related to the severity of atrophic gastritis. Also, the transformation of FP to FIP was assessed by comparing specimens taken from the resected and residual parts of the stomach, respectively. Moreover, it appears that severe gastritis occurs in the gastric mucosa which shows a FIP. Therefore, we consider that the FIP indicates the position of the atrophic border.

Magnifying endoscopic observation of the gastric mucosa, particularly in patients with atrophic gastritis

The gastric mucosal surface was observed using the magnifying fibergastroscope (FGS-ML), and the fine gastric mucosal patterns, which were even smaller than one unit of gastric area, were examined at a magnification of about 30. For simplicification, we classified these patterns by magnifying endoscopy in the following ways; FP, FIP, FSP, SP and MP, modifying Yoshii's classification under the dissecting microscope. The FIP, which was found to have round and long elliptical gastric pits, is a new addition to our endoscopic classification. The relationship between the FIP and the intermediate zone was evaluated by superficial and histological studies of surgical and biopsy specimens. The width of the band of FIP seems to be related to the severity of atrophic gastritis. Also, the transformation of FP to FIP was assessed by comparing specimens taken from the resected and residual parts of the stomach, respectively. Moreover, it appears that severe gastritis occurs in the gastric mucosa which shows a FIP. Therefore, we consider that the FIP indicates the position of the atrophic border.

Magnifying endoscopic observation of the gastric mucosa, particularly in patients with atrophic gastritis

The gastric mucosal surface was observed using the magnifying fibergastroscope (FGS-ML), and the fine gastric mucosal patterns, which were even smaller than one unit of gastric area, were examined at a magnification of about 30. For simplicification, we classified these patterns by magnifying endoscopy in the following ways; FP, FIP, FSP, SP and MP, modifying Yoshii's classification under the dissecting microscope. The FIP, which was found to have round and long elliptical gastric pits, is a new addition to our endoscopic classification. The relationship between the FIP and the intermediate zone was evaluated by superficial and histological studies of surgical and biopsy specimens. The width of the band of FIP seems to be related to the severity of atrophic gastritis. Also, the transformation of FP to FIP was assessed by comparing specimens taken from the resected and residual parts of the stomach, respectively. Moreover, it appears that severe gastritis occurs in the gastric mucosa which shows a FIP. Therefore, we consider that the FIP indicates the position of the atrophic border.