Development and Use of a Real-Time Quantitative PCR Method for Detecting and Quantifying Equol-Producing Bacteria in Human Faecal Samples and Slurry Cultures.

This work introduces a novel real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) protocol for detecting and quantifying equol-producing bacteria. To this end, two sets of primers targeting the dihydrodaidzein reductase () and tetrahydrodaidzein reductase () genes, which are involved in the synthesis of equol, were designed. The primers showed high specificity and sensitivity when used to examine DNA from control bacteria, such as , and .

Normal values in ambulatory oesophageal pH monitoring at two levels in Spain.

Aim: Upper oesophageal pH monitoring may play a significant role in the study of extra-oesophageal GERD, but limited normal data are available to date. Our aim was to develop a large series of normal values of proximal oesophageal acidification.

Methods: 155 healthy volunteers (74 male) participated in a multi-centre national study including oesophageal manometry and 24 hours oesophageal pH monitoring using two electrodes individually located 5 cm above the LOS and 3 cm below the UOS.

Non-complicated cholelithiasis associated with GERD. Results of combined laparoscopic surgery in low risk patients.

Background: the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of combined laparoscopic surgery for non-complicated cholelithiasis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in patients with low surgical risk.

Methods: a total of 680 cholecystectomies performed by means of laparoscopic surgery were retrospectively studied from February 1991 to February 2002. A total of 442 patients that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were divided into two groups: group A: non-complicated cholelithiasis (cholecystectomy alone), consisting of a total of 362 patients, and group B: non-complicated cholelithiasis and GERD (cholecystectomy and Toupet's fundoplication in all cases) in 80 patients.

Clinical efficacy of the Toupet technique performed by laparoscopic surgery. Medium-term follow-up in 122 cases.

Background: We present the results obtained in a series of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) who underwent the same type of laparoscopic surgery (Toupet technique).

Methods: A total of 122 patients with symptomatic hiatal hernia and GERD were submitted to laparoscopic surgery between March 1993 and March 1999. In all patients, we performed a preoperative gastroduodenal radiological study, an upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy, esophageal manometry, and 24-h pH monitoring.

Ambulatory liver biopsy: complications and evolution in 264 cases.

Aim: To determine the safety and acceptance of outpatient liver biopsies.

Patients And Methods: Data from all liver biopsies were collected in a prospective way over a period of 18 months. Information was gathered on complications, evolution of patients outside the hospital and opinion relating to the test.

Colonoscopic findings in patients with lower gastrointestinal bleeding send to a hospital for their study. Value of clinical data in predicting normal or pathological findings.

Background: Lower gastrointestinal bleeding is a highly frequent clinical problem that may reflect serious pathology in the colon. Colonoscopy is generally accepted as the diagnostic procedure of choice. Decisions as to whether to carry out colonoscopy or not, are not well defined.

Clinical efficacy of intramuscular human interferon-beta vs interferon-alpha 2b for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.

We have conducted a randomized study to compare the efficacy and tolerance of human interferon (IFN) beta vs recombinant IFN-alpha 2b in patients with chronic active hepatitis C. Forty patients were included: 21 received IFN-alpha (group A) and 19 IFN-beta (group B). IFN was administered intramuscularly at a dose of 6 MU three times a week (tiw) for 2 months (induction phase), followed by 3 MU tiw for 4 months.

[Esophageal carcinosarcoma: morphologic and cytometric study].

Carcinosarcoma of the esophagus is a rare malignant neoplasm composed by both carcinomatous (epithelial) and sarcomatous (mesodermal) elements. We report a case, diagnosed by biopsy an endoscopic brushing. Cytometric analysis was also performed.