Observation: Intestinal gas production and abdominal discomfort can be triggered by the ingestion of carbohydrates such as lactulose. Using plain abdominal radiographs, we studied whether subjective complaints after a lactulose breath test would be quantitatively related to intestinal gas volumes.
Methods: Abdominal symptoms after the breath test were quantified by a written questionnaire and gas volumes were scored in plain abdominal radiographs, in 50 consecutive patients with unexplained, irritable bowel syndrome-like symptoms. Breath excretion of hydrogen and methane was determined in all patients.
Results: Forty-two (84%) of the patients claimed that their post-breath test symptoms were a true replicate of their customary discomfort. Total symptom scores (sum of scores for pain/discomfort, borborygmi, bloating, diarrhea, constipation) or any specific symptom score were not significantly correlated to gas volume scores (r=-0.04; P=0.8 for total symptom score). The 13 (26%) methane producers had significantly higher mean gas volume scores compared with nonproducers (0.38 vs. 0.24; P=0.0008), but fewer symptoms (total symptom score 11.9 vs. 18.2; P=0.17).
Conclusion: Intestinal gas volume, as scored in plain abdominal radiographs, is not correlated with abdominal discomfort after lactulose challenge. Intestinal gas may not be the major cause of abdominal discomfort following carbohydrate ingestion in patients with functional gut disorders.
Larvae from the petroleum oil fly, Helaeomyia petrolei, live in the asphaltene and polyaromatic hydrocarbon rich asphalt seeps of Rancho La Brea, Los Angeles, California. These larvae pass high amounts of viscous asphalt through their digestive system, and their gut microbiota is exposed to these extreme conditions. Environmental stress response mechanisms can co-select for antibiotic resistance, and in the current study we used 16S rRNA and genomic sequencing along with the Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database (CARD) tools to characterize antibiotic resistance profiles from six bacteria previously isolated from the oil fly larval intestinal tract, linking phenotypic and genotypic resistance profiles.
Objective: Study of 2.6-di(propan-2-yl)phenol (2.6-di(P-2-yl)F) distribution nature in warm-blooded in case of fatal poisoning due to intragastric administration of the substance.
Ensuring prompt and precise identification of bacterial pathogens is essential for initiating appropriate antibiotic therapy and combating severe bacterial infections effectively. Traditional microbiological diagnostics, involving initial culturing and subsequent pathogen detection, are often laborious and time-consuming. Even though modern techniques such as Raman spectroscopy, MALDI-TOF, and 16S rRNA PCR have significantly expedited this process, new methods are required for the accurate and fast detection of bacterial pathogens.
Anastomotic leak occurrence is a severe complication after colorectal surgery. Considering the difficulty of treating these leaks and their impact on patient care, there is a strong need for an efficient prevention strategy. We evaluated a combination of extracellular vesicles (EVs) from rat adipose-derived stromal cells with a thermoresponsive gel, Pluronic® F127 (PF-127) to prevent anastomotic leaks.
Necrotising fasciitis (NF) is a rare surgical emergency characterised by soft tissue necrosis and systemic compromise. Typically it originates following adjacent skin and soft tissue insult; however, our unusual case required a high index of clinical suspicion to avert potential mortality. A man in his 60s with diabetes mellitus presented with 2 weeks of knee pain, swelling and necrotic skin on the posterior calf.
