A Modified Combination of Two Methods for Isolation of Polymorphonuclear Granulocytes from Human Blood for Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).

Background: The aim of the study was to determine a rapid and simple method for isolation of polymorphonuclear (PMN) granulocytes from human blood appropriate for PCR of extracted DNA.

Methods: A modification of the combined dextran plus Ficoll-Hypaque methods was the final method used in 41 samples of normal white cells from humans. The changes encompassed a lower dextran-blood ratio (2:1), a shorter centrifugation time of leukocytes, a small volume of Ficoll-Hypaque suspension, and a decreased speed in the last centrifugation.

A controlled pilot study on the efficacy of a low dose antibiotic for the treatment of chronic constipation in patients receiving a high fiber diet.

Background And Aims: In a previous uncontrolled experiment, oral vancomycin improved the symptoms (S) of chronic constipation (CC). The aim of this 21 day controlled pilot study was to determine if a low lincomycin dose improved the S of CC patients unresponsive to a high fiber diet.

Methods: On days 0-to-10, patients were randomized to 500 mg oral lincomycin + high fiber (L + F) or to placebo + high fiber (P + F).