The heterotrimeric kinesin-2 family member KIF3A directly binds to disabled-1 (Dab1).

The heterotrimeric molecular motor kinesin-2 is involved in the microtubule-dependent transport of intracellular cargo. It consists of two distinct motor subunits (KIF3A, and KIF3B) and a non-motor subunit, kinesin-associated protein 3 (KAP3). The cargo-binding domain (CBD) at the carboxyl (C)-terminus of KIF3s plays an important role in the interaction with several different binding proteins. To identify the binding proteins for heterotrimeric kinesin-2, we performed a yeast two-hybrid screen and found a new interaction with Disables-1 (Dab1), the intracellular adaptor protein of reelin receptors. Dab1 bound to the CBD of KIF3A, but did not interact with the C-terminal domain of KIF3B, KIF5B, KIF17 or KAP3. The phosphotyrosine binding (PTB) domain-containing region of Dab1 is essential for the interaction with KIF3A. KIF3A interacted with GST-Dab1, and GST-CaMKIIα, but did not interact with GST-apolipoprotein E receptor 2 (ApoER2)-C or with GST alone. When co-expressed in HEK-293T cells, KIF3A co-precipitated with Dab1, but not with KIF5B. Dab1 and KIF3A were co-localized in cultured cells. We also identified deduced cell surface expression of ApoER2 in KIF3A dominant-negative cells. These results suggest that the KIF3A plays a role in the intracellular trafficking of ApoER2 to the cell surface.

Intraperitoneal administration of adipose tissue-derived stem cells for the rescue of retinal degeneration in a mouse model via indigenous CNTF up-regulation by IL-6.

As the world's population begins to age, retinal degeneration is an increasing problem, and various treatment modalities are being developed. However, there have been no therapies for degenerative retinal conditions that are not characterized by neovascularization. We investigated whether transplantation of mouse adipose tissue-derived stem cells (mADSC) into the intraperitoneal space has a rescue effect on NaIO3 -induced retinal degeneration in mice. In this study, mADSC transplantation recovered visual function and preserved the retinal outer layer structure compared to the control group without any integration of mADSC into the retina. Moreover, endogenous ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) was elevated in the retinas of mADSC-treated mice. We found that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or LPS-stimulated monocyte supernatant induced the secretion of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (GCSF), CD54, CXCL10, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and CCL5 from the mADSC by cytokine array. Network inference was conducted to investigate signaling networks related to CNTF regulation. Based on bioinformatics data, the expression of IL-6 was related to the expression of CNTF. Additionally, intravitreal injection of IL-6 in rats produced up-regulation of endogenous CNTF in the retina. mADSC had a rescue effect on retinal degeneration through the up-regulation of endogenous CNTF by IL-6. Thus, transplantation of mADSC could be a potential treatment option for retinal degeneration.

Evaluation of the Cobas u 701 microscopy analyser compared with urine culture in screening for urinary tract infection.

Purpose. A new automated Cobas u 701 microscopy analyser for urine sediment examination was introduced. The aim of this study was to evaluate the analyser in comparison with urine culture in screening for urinary tract infection (UTI).Methodology. A total of 852 urine specimens submitted for culture were included in this study. Urine sediment examination was performed using the Cobas u 701 microscopy analyser. The results of the bacteria (BAC) and yeast (YEA) analyses were compared with the results from urine culture as a method for UTI screening. In addition, we compared the BAC results with white blood cells (WBCs) and leukocyte and nitrite measurement in the Cobas u 601 system.Results. Of the 852 urine specimens, 16.1 % (N=137) were positive by urine culture, yielding 130 bacteria from 124 specimens and 14 yeasts from 14 specimens. The Cobas u 701 microscopy analyser provided no result for 52 specimens because of their high turbidity. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 85.8, 69.4, 33.1 and 96.5 %, respectively. For YEA, these figures were 100, 91.9, 15.8 and 100 %, respectively. The areas under the curve for BAC and WBCs were 0.827 [95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.799, 0.852] and 0.727 (95 % CI 0.695, 0.757), respectively. The sensitivity of the leukocyte and nitrite was 63.5 and 54.6 %, respectively.Conclusion. The Cobas u 701 microscopy analyser showed good diagnostic performance. It can be used for rapid screening for UTI and can reduce the number of cultures required.

Interaction of FUN14 domain containing 1, a mitochondrial outer membrane protein, with kinesin light chain 1 via the tetratricopeptide repeat domain.

Kinesin 1 is a member of the kinesin superfamily proteins (KIFs) of microtubule-dependent molecular motor proteins that transport organelles and protein complexes in cells. Kinesin 1 consists of a homo- or hetero-dimer of kinesin heavy chains (KHCs), often, although not always, associated with two kinesin light chains (KLCs). KLCs are non-motor proteins that associate with many different binding proteins and cargoes, but their binding partners have not yet been fully identified. In the present study, a yeast two-hybrid system was used to identify proteins that interact with the tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) domain of KLC1. The results of the current study revealed an interaction between the TPR domain of KLC1 and FUN14 domain-containing protein 1 (FUNDC1), which is a mitochondrial outer membrane protein mediating hypoxia-induced mitophagy. FUNDC1 bound to the six TPR motif-containing regions of KLC1 and did not interact with KIF5B (a motor subunit of kinesin 1) and KIF3A (a motor subunit of kinesin 2) in the yeast two-hybrid assay. The cytoplasmic amino N-terminal domain of FUNDC1 is essential for interaction with KLC1. When co-expressed in HEK-293T cells, FUNDC1 co-localized with KLC1 and co-immunoprecipitated with KLC1, but not KIF5B. Collectively, these results indicate that KLC1 may potentially compete with LC3, a key component for autophagosome formation, to interact with FUNDC1.

Serotype Distribution and Antimicrobial Resistance of Streptococcus pneumoniae Isolates Causing Invasive and Noninvasive Pneumococcal Diseases in Korea from 2008 to 2014.

Introduction. Streptococcus pneumoniae is an important pathogen with high morbidity and mortality rates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of common serotypes and antimicrobial susceptibility of S. pneumoniae in Korea. Methods. A total of 378 pneumococcal isolates were collected from 2008 through 2014. We analyzed the serotype and antimicrobial susceptibility for both invasive and noninvasive isolates. Results. Over the 7 years, 3 (13.5%), 35 (10.8%), 19A (9.0%), 19F (6.6%), 6A (6.1%), and 34 (5.6%) were common serotypes/serogroups. The vaccine coverage rates of PCV7, PCV10, PCV13, and PPSV23 were 21.4%, 23.3%, 51.9%, and 62.4% in all periods. The proportions of serotypes 19A and 19F decreased and nonvaccine serotypes increased between 2008 and 2010 and 2011 and 2014. Of 378 S. pneumoniae isolates, 131 (34.7%) were multidrug resistant (MDR) and serotypes 19A and 19F were predominant. The resistance rate to levofloxacin was significantly increased (7.2%). Conclusion. We found changes of pneumococcal serotype and antimicrobial susceptibility during the 7 years after introduction of the first pneumococcal vaccine. It is important to continuously monitor pneumococcal serotypes and their susceptibilities.

Relationships between transporter expression and the status of BRAF V600E mutation and F-18 FDG uptake in papillary thyroid carcinomas.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression of the glucose transporters GLUT1 and GLUT3 in papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs) and to elucidate their relationship with the BRAF V600E mutation and F-18 FDG uptake. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data of 52 PTC patients (41 women and 11 men; mean age, 52.4 ± 14.5 years). F-18 FDG PET/CT was performed preoperatively, and the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) was calculated. GLUT1/GLUT3 expression was determined immunohistochemically, and the BRAF V600E mutation was detected using DNA sequencing. RESULTS: GLUT1 and GLUT3 were expressed in 82.7% (43/52) and 59.6% (31/52) PTCs, respectively. The BRAF V600E mutation was detected in 65.4% (34/52) PTCs. The odds ratio between GLUT1 expression and the BRAF V600E mutation was 5.2 (95% CI, 1.11-24.05; p < 0.05), and that between GLUT3 expression and the BRAF V600E mutation was 3.8 (95% CI, 1.14-12.53; p < 0.05). The SUVmax of PTCs was significantly higher if they carried the BRAF V600E mutation (11.3 ± 2.0, compared with 5.7 ± 1.4 for wild type BRAF tumors, Mann-Whitney test, p = 0.016). Neither GLUT1 nor GLUT3 expression was significantly associated with the SUVmax of F-18 FDG PET/CT in PTCs. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings confirmed that both GLUT1 and GLUT3 are strongly expressed by PTCs, although their expression was not significantly associated with the SUVmax of F-18 FDG PET/CT. However, GLUT1 and GLUT3 expressions were significantly associated with the presence of the BRAF V600E mutation, and the SUVmax of tumors was significantly higher in the presence of the mutated BRAF gene.

Dynamin-1-like protein (Dnm1L) interaction with kinesin light chain 1 (KLC1) through the tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) domains.

Kinesin light chain 1 (KLC1) mediates binding of KIF5 motor to specific cargo. Using the yeast two-hybrid screening, we found that mitochondrial fission protein dynamin-1-like protein (Dnm1L) interacted with KLC1, but not KIF5. Dnm1L and KLC1 were co-localized in cultured cells. These results suggest that KLC1 may play a potential role in post-fission mitochondrial transport.

Secondhand smoke exposure and urine cotinine concentrations by occupation among Korean workers: results from the 2008 Korea National Survey for Environmental Pollutants in the Human Body.

This study aimed to estimate the status of secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure through urine cotinine analysis among nonsmoking workers in Korea and to analyze factors affecting urine cotinine concentrations. Data were based on "The 2008 Korea National Survey for Environmental Pollutants in the Human Body," a cross-sectional study of the National Institute of Environmental Research of Korea. We selected 1448 nonsmoking adult workers from 200 localities to participate in this survey. Urine cotinine concentrations were analyzed using a gas chromatograph-mass selective detector. We calculated separate covariate-adjusted geometric means for socio-demographic variables for males, females, and total subjects by analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 18.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Ill.). The prevalence of self-reported exposure to SHS was 36.9%. The geometric mean (95% confidence interval) of urine cotinine concentrations among all participants was 16.50 (14.48-18.80) µg/L. Gender, living area, education, and SHS exposure showed significant differences in urine cotinine concentrations. The urine cotinine concentrations of farmworkers and blue-collar workers such as skilled agricultural, forestry, and fishery workers, and elementary occupations were higher than those of white-collar workers such as clerical support workers, technicians, and associate professionals. Such a high proportion of the population having high urine cotinine levels indicates widespread exposure to SHS among nonsmoking workers in Korea. Furthermore, the urine cotinine levels among nonsmoking workers exposed to SHS varied by occupation. The measured urine cotinine concentration is suggested to be a valuable indication of SHS exposure in Korea.

Asthma and risk of selective IgA deficiency or common variable immunodeficiency: a population-based case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between a history of asthma and a diagnosis of selective IgA deficiency (sIgAD)/common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This population-based case-control study included residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, who met the Pan-American Group for Immunodeficiency/European Society for Immunodeficiencies diagnostic criteria for sIgAD/CVID between January 1, 1964, through December 31, 2008. Each case had 4 age- and sex-matched controls (2 from the community and 2 from a list of individuals who had undergone an immune work-up). We ascertained asthma status by applying predetermined criteria for asthma. RESULTS: We identified 39 cases: 26 (66.7%) had sIgAD and 13 (33.3%) had CVID. Of the 39 cases, 51.3% were men (n=20) and 97.1% were white (33 of 34 patients). The mean age at the index date (the time when criteria were met) of sIgAD/CVID was 34.2 years. Of the 39 cases, 9 (23.1%) had a history of asthma before the index date of sIgAD/CVID; of the 156 controls, 16 (10.3%) had a history of asthma before the index date (odds ratio, 2.77; 95% CI, 1.09-7.06; P=.03). A history of asthma (before or after the index date of sIgAD/CVID) was more prevalent in sIgAD/CVID cases (30.8%; n=12) than in matched controls (11.5%; n=18) (odds ratio, 3.57; 95% CI, 1.50-8.51; P=.01). CONCLUSION: Asthmatic patients are more likely to have a diagnosis of sIgAD/CVID than nonasthmatic individuals. This association may potentially account for the increased risks of bacterial infections in some individuals with asthma.

The effect of cilostazol on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 and type I procollagen in ultraviolet-irradiated human dermal fibroblasts.

AIM: Cilostazol is a selective inhibitor of type III phosphodiesterase that inhibits platelet aggregation. Cilostazol is a useful vasodilator, antithrombotic, and cardiotonic agent. Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation increases the production of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) during skin photoaging. The UVB-induced increase of MMP-1 results in connective tissue damage, and the skin becomes wrinkled and aged. Here, we investigated the capacity of cilostazol to inhibit MMP-1 expression in UVB-irradiated human dermal fibroblasts. MAIN METHODS: Cultured human dermal fibroblasts were irradiated with UVB, followed by the addition of cilostazol to the culture medium. KEY FINDINGS: Post-treatment with cilostazol attenuated UVB-induced production of MMP-1 and prevented the reduction of type I procollagen. Cilostazol inhibited UVB irradiation-induced phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling molecules Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 kinase, as well as activator protein-1 (AP-1) in dermal fibroblasts. SIGNIFICANCE: Overall, these results demonstrate that cilostazol regulates UVB-induced MMP-1 expression and type I procollagen synthesis by inhibiting MAPK signaling and AP-1 activity. Therefore, we suggest that cilostazol may be useful for the prevention and treatment of skin photodamage caused by UVB-irradiation.

[Clinical effects of bile aspiration just before contrast injection during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography].

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study was designed to determine whether bile aspiration before contrast injection cholangiogram prevent of post-ERCP cholangitis, liver function worsening, cholecystitis and pancreatitis. METHODS: One hundred and two patients in the bile aspiration group before contrast injection from December 1, 2008 to December 30, 2009 and 115 patients in the conventional control group from January 1, 2010 to June 30, 2010 were analyzed. The incidence of post-ERCP cholangitis, liver function worsening, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, and hyperamylasemia only were compared between these two groups. RESULTS: In the 102 patients with the bile aspiration group, post-ERCP cholangitis in 3 patients (2.9%), liver function worsening in 4 patients (3.9%), cholecystitis and pancreatitis in none, and hyperamylasemia only in 6 patients (5.8%) occurred. In the 115 patients with control group, post-ERCP cholangitis in 1 patient (0.4%), liver function worsening in 9 patients (7.8%), cholecystitis in none, pancreatitis in 3 patients (2.6%), hyperamylasemia only in 10 patients (8.6%) developed. The two groups did not significantly differ in terms of the incidence of post-ERCP cholangitis, liver function worsening, pancreatitis, and hyperamylasemia only (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Initially bile juice aspiration just before contrast injection into the bile duct rarely prevented post-ERCP cholangitis, liver function worsening, and pancreatitis in patients with the extrahepatic bile duct obstruction.

Sodium bicarbonate therapy for the prevention of contrast-induced acute kidney injury ­ a systematic review and meta-analysis ­.

BACKGROUND: Sodium bicarbonate has been postulated to prevent contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) by various mechanisms, although the reports are conflicting. METHODS AND RESULTS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane databases for randomized controlled trials that compared a sodium chloride with a sodium bicarbonate hydration regimen with regard to CI-AKI. Data across 19 clinical trials consisting of 3,609 patients were combined. Preprocedural hydration with sodium bicarbonate was associated with a significant decrease in the rate of CI-AKI (odds ratio [OR] 0.56; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.36-0.86; P=0.008). Stratified analyses by the type of contrast medium suggested lower odds of CI-AKI with sodium bicarbonate in studies using low-osmolar contrast media (OR 0.40; 95% CI 0.23-0.71, P=0.002) compared with those using the iso-osmolar agents (OR 0.76; 95% CI 0.41-1.43; P=0.40). No significant difference in the rates of postprocedural death (OR 0.49; 95% CI 0.23-1.04; P=0.06) and the requirement for renal replacement therapy (OR 0.94; 95% CI 0.46-1.91; P=0.86) was observed. However, we found significant changes in serum bicarbonate and potassium levels after sodium bicarbonate infusion. CONCLUSIONS: This updated meta-analysis demonstrates that sodium bicarbonate-based hydration is superior to sodium chloride in preventing CI-AKI of patients undergoing exposure to iodinated contrast media.

Meta-analysis of three randomized trials and nine observational studies comparing drug-eluting stents versus coronary artery bypass grafting for unprotected left main coronary artery disease.

Clinical outcomes for unprotected left main coronary artery (ULMCA) disease between coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and drug-eluting stents (DESs) remain controversial. We aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using DESs with CABG in patients with ULMCA disease. Databases were searched for clinical studies that reported outcomes after PCI with DESs and CABG for treatment of ULMCA disease. End points of this meta-analysis were mortality; composite of death, myocardial infarction (MI), or stroke; and target vessel revascularization at 1-year follow-up. Pooled effects were calculated using fixed-effects model (Mantel-Haenszel method) or random-effects models (Dersimonian-Laird method). Twelve clinical studies (3 randomized trials and 9 observational studies) with 5,079 patients were involved in this study. At 1-year follow-up, there were trends toward lower risk of death (odds ratio [OR] 0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.45 to 1.02) and the composite end point of death, MI, or stroke (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.49 to 1.00) in the DES group compared to the CABG group. However, target vessel revascularization was significantly higher in the DES group compared to the CABG group (OR 3.52, 95% CI 2.72 to 4.56). In conclusion, PCI with DESs is associated with favorable outcomes for mortality; composite end point of death, MI, or stroke; and a higher risk of target vessel revascularization compared to CABG in patients with ULMCA disease.

Effects of dexamethasone or methotrexate on chitinolytic activity in nasal polyps.

BACKGROUND: Chitin is a recognition element for tissue infiltration by innate cells implicated in allergy and immunity. This process can be negatively regulated by vertebrate chitinases. Chitinolytic activity is significantly increased in nasal polyps (NPs) compared with that in normal turbinate mucosa. Dexamethasone (DEX) or methotrexate (MTX) is an effective treatment for chronic inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of DEX or MTX on chitinolytic activity in organ-cultured NPs. METHODS: NP tissues were cultured using an air-liquid interface culture model. Cultures were maintained for 24 hours in the absence or presence of DEX (10 or 100 micromolar) or MTX (10 or 100 micromolar). Acidic mammalian chitinase (AMCase) and chitotriosidase (ChT) activities in tissue samples were measured at a range of pH values by using the fluorogenic substrate 4-methylumbelliferyl-beta-(D)-N,N',N″-triacetyl-chitotriose. RESULTS: AMCase and ChT chitinolytic activities were significantly lower in NPs treated with 100 micromolar DEX or 100 micromolar MTX than that in fresh or untreated NPs. AMCase chitinolytic activity tended to be lower in DEX-treated polyps than in MTX-treated polyps, although the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: DEX or MTX reduced chitinolytic activity in NPs. We suggest that DEX or MTX may inhibit the growth of NPs via local regulation of NP chitinolytic activity.

[The prevalence of high myopia in 19 year-old men in Busan, Ulsan and Gyeongsangnam-do].

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence and correlated factors of high myopia in 19 year-old men in Southeast Korea. METHODS: This retrospective study was based on the medical checkup data of conscription during 2005. The study subjects were 19 years old men in Busan, Ulsan and Gyeongsangnam-do. The health checkup data of the conscripts consisted of noncycloplegic autorefraction test, the biometric data and social factors. To analyze the social and biometric effects, we classified the biometric factors into 4 or 5 groups and the social factors into 3 groups. High myopia was defined as a spherical equivalent of under -6.0 diopter. Data analysis was performed using the chi square test for trends and multiple logistic regression analysis. The SAS (version 9.1) program was used for all the analyses. RESULTS: The prevalence of high myopia was 12.39% (6256 /50,508). The factors correlated with high myopia were the residence area (OR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.77 to 2.4 for small city; OR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.72 to 2.34 for metropolis; the reference group was rural area), academic achievement (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.34 to 1.53 for students of 4-and 6-year-course university; the reference group was high school graduates & under) and blood pressure (OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.10 to 2.16 for hypertension; OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.17 for prehypertension; OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.20 for hypotension; the reference group was normal blood pressure). CONCLUSIONS: More than one tenth of the young men were high myopia as one of the risk factor for visual loss. Further studies on high myopia and its complications are needed to improve eye health in Southeast Korea.

Inflammatory bowel disease and asthma: a population-based, case-control study.

BACKGROUND: A few cross-sectional studies reported an increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) among asthmatics. We conducted a population-based, case-control study that applied predetermined criteria for asthma and IBD to determine whether asthma, as a T-helper 2 (Th2) condition, reduces the risk of IBD, a Th1 condition. METHODS: This was a population-based, case-control study using criteria-based ascertainment for IBD and asthma. Subjects were all Rochester, Minnesota, residents who had developed IBD between 1964 and 1983 and their age- and gender-matched controls, using 1:1 matching. Controls were randomly selected from the community using the Rochester Epidemiology Project database and confirmed not to have IBD. All cases and controls were merged with the database comprising all Rochester residents with or without asthma between 1964 and 1983. RESULTS: Of the 231 IBD cases, 55% had ulcerative colitis and the remainder had Crohn's disease. Of these, 50.4% were male and 98.1% were Caucasians. The mean age at the time of IBD diagnosis was 33.8 years. Four cases (1.7%) had asthma prior to the index date of IBD, whereas two controls (0.9%) had asthma (unadjusted odds ratio [OR]: 3.0, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.31-28.84, P = 0.34). Similarly, 16 IBD cases (6.9%) had asthma ever while 12 controls (5.2%) had asthma ever (unadjusted OR: 1.4, 95% CI: 0.62-3.38, P = 0.40). CONCLUSIONS: Asthma as a Th2 condition does not reduce the risk of IBD as a Th1 condition. Because of the limitations of our study and others, the association between asthma and IBD needs to be further studied.

[A randomized, comparative study of rabeprazole vs. ranitidine maintenance therapies for reflux esophagitis--multicenter study].

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Reflux esophagitis is a recurring condition for which many patients require maintenance therapy. This comparative, randomized multicenter study was designed to evaluate the effect of long-term maintenance treatment comparing proton pump inhibitor, rabeprazole and H2 receptor antagonist, ranitidine. METHODS: Eighty four patients with healed reflux esophagitis confirmed by endoscopy were randomly allocated to receive maintenance treatment with either rabeprazole 10 mg once daily or ranitidine 300 mg once daily for 32 weeks. Patients were seen every 8 weeks or at symptomatic relapse. RESULTS: Of 84 initially treated patients, 73 entered the maintenance study. The percentage of asymptomatic patients after 90-day and 210-day treatment were 97% and 81.5%, for rabeprazole and 74.3% and 62.3%, for ranitidine, respectively. After 32 weeks, the relapse rates of esophagitis were 21.3% in the rabeprazole group and 62.9% in the ranitidine group (RR: 0.405, 95% CI: 0.215-0.766). CONCLUSIONS: Maintenance treatment with rabeprazole (10 mg once daily) is superior to ranitidine (300 mg once daily) in keeping the patients with reflux esophagitis in remission over a 32 week period.