Administration Of Capsules Research Articles

Dynamic changes of intestinal flora in patients with irritable bowel syndrome combined with anxiety and depression after oral administration of enterobacteria capsules

ABSTRACT This study investigated the clinical characteristics and dynamic changes of intestinal bacterial community to evaluate the curative effect of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) on irritable bowel syndrome with predominant diarrhea (IBS-D) comorbid with anxiety and depression. Total two treatments were designed in randomize-controlled trial includes oral FMT capsules with 1 week (A1), 8 weeks (A2), and 12 weeks (A3), as well as oral empty capsules with 1 week (B1), 8 weeks (B2), and 12 weeks (B3) as control for comparison. The positive therapeutic effects occurred in FMT colonized patient with IBS-D comorbid psychological disorder, demonstrated at alleviated IBS-D severity (IBS-SSS score from 291.11 reduced to 144.44), altered stool type (from 6 changed to 4), reduced anxiety and depression scores (from 18.33 to 8.39 and from 22.33 to 17.78) after FMT-treated 12 weeks. The FMT therapy improved bacterial alpha diversity and the majority bacterial community predominant by Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, and the relative abundance (RA) was higher after FMT-treated 12 weeks (50.61% and 45.52%) than control (47.62% and 38.96%). In short, FMT therapy has great potential for IBS-D patients combined with anxiety and depression by alleviated clinical symptoms and restore the intestinal micro-ecology.

Evaluation of gastrointestinal transit times and pH in healthy cats using a continuous pH monitoring system.

The aim of this study was to characterize gastrointestinal (GI) transit times and pH in healthy cats. GI transit times and pH were measured in six healthy, colony-housed, purpose-bred spayed female cats using a continuous, non-invasive pH monitoring system in a sequential order design. For the first period ('pre-feeding'), food was withheld for 20 h, followed by oral administration of a pH capsule. Five hours post-capsule administration, cats were meal-fed by offering them their daily allowance of food for 1 h. For the second period ('post-feeding'), food was withheld for 24 h and cats were fed for 1 h, after which a pH capsule was orally administered. Studies in both periods were repeated three times. GI transit times and pH were compared between the two periods. The median transit times for the pre- and post-feeding periods, respectively, were: gastric - 94 mins (range 1-4101) and 1068 mins (range 484-5521); intestinal - 1350 mins (range 929-2961) and 1534 mins (range 442-2538); and GI - 1732 mins (range 1105-5451) and 2795 mins (range 926-6563). The median GI pH values for the first and second periods, respectively, were: esophageal - 7.0 (range 3.5-7.8) and 4.5 (range 2.9-6.4); gastric - 2.7 (range 1.7-6.2) and 2.0 (range 1.1-3.3); intestinal - 8.2 (range 7.6-8.7) and 7.8 (range 6.7-8.5); first-hour small intestinal - 8.2 (range 7.4-8.7) and 8.3 (range 7.9-8.6); and last-hour large intestinal - 8.5 (range 7.0-8.9) and 7.8 (range 6.3-8.7). Gastric (P <0.0020) and intestinal pH (P <0.0059) were significantly increased in the pre-feeding period compared with the post-feeding period. Gastric and intestinal pH differed significantly when the capsule was administered 5 h prior to feeding compared with 1 h after feeding. Transit times for both periods showed high degrees of intra- and inter-individual variability.

Clinical evaluation of the effects of a single oral dose of gabapentin on fear-based aggressive behaviors in cats during veterinary examinations.

To investigate the effects of a single oral dose of gabapentin on fear-based aggressive behaviors (FABs) in cats during veterinary examinations. 55 healthy pet cats (26 with and 29 without a history of FAB during veterinary visits [FAB and untreated control groups, respectively]). A standardized 9-step clinical examination protocol (with patient compliance scored from 0 to 9 according to the highest completed step) was tested on untreated control group cats. The protocol was then used in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover-design trial in which FAB-group cats received owner-administered gabapentin (100 or 200 mg/cat) or placebo capsules 2 hours before the first of 2 veterinary visits and received the alternate treatment before the second visit ≥ 1 day later. Ease of administration (scored from 1 [very difficult] to 4 [very easy]) and adverse effects were recorded. Compliance scores were compared between treatments for the FAB group and between FAB and untreated control groups. Changes in scores between treatments for the FAB group were used to investigate associations between selected variables and the outcome of interest. FAB group compliance scores after gabapentin administration (median, 9; range, 0 to 9) were significantly higher than scores after placebo administration (median 0.5; range, 0 to 7) and did not differ from scores for the untreated control group. Owner scores indicated capsule administration was easy. Adverse effects (most commonly drowsiness, myorelaxation, and ataxia) resolved ≤ 10 hours after detection. Results suggested oral administration of gabapentin to cats 2 hours before a veterinary visit can reduce FAB during physical examination, enabling more complete evaluation.

The efficacy of acupuncture combined with Bailemian capsule in the treatment of cervical spondylosis accompanied by headache, anxiety, and depression

ObjectiveThe present study aimed to investigate the efficacy of using acupuncture combined with Bailemian capsule to treat cervical spondylosis by observing the improvement in the degree of headache, anxiety, and depression suffered by patients. MethodsA total of 100 patients with cervical spondylosis of the cervical type were equally divided into a combination group and a control group using the random number table method. The patients in the combination group were treated with acupuncture combined with the oral administration of Bailemian capsule, while those in the control group were only treated with acupuncture. Patient self-assessment was conducted, comprising the visual analogue scale, the self-assessment scale for anxiety, and the self-assessment scale for depression. Before treatment and on the14th and 28th days of treatment, the therapeutic effects of the two treatment modalities on the cervical spondylosis and accompanying headache, anxiety, and depression were analyzed using the Hamilton anxiety scale, the Hamilton depression scale, the Pittsburgh sleep quality inventory, and the Neck Disability Index (%). ResultsThere were statistically significant differences between the two groups in all seven indicators at the different treatment time points (p < 0.01). The seven indicators were significantly reduced in both groups on the 14th and 28th days of treatment compared with before the treatment. Moreover, except for the Neck Disability Index results at 14 days, which did not differ between the groups (p = 0.37), all the other indicators were significantly lower in the combination group than in the control group on the 14th and 28th days of treatment (p < 0.01), and at the end of the treatment, the therapeutic effect was significantly better in the combination group than in the control group (p = 0.006). ConclusionBoth acupuncture combined with Bailemian Capsule and acupuncture alone were effective in the treatment of cervical spondylosis, but the combination therapy was better than the acupuncture alone in improving the accompanying negative symptoms of headache, anxiety, and depression.

New Acalabrutinib Formulation Enables Co-Administration with Proton Pump Inhibitors and Dosing in Patients Unable to Swallow Capsules (ELEVATE-PLUS)

New Acalabrutinib Formulation Enables Co-Administration with Proton Pump Inhibitors and Dosing in Patients Unable to Swallow Capsules (ELEVATE-PLUS)

Inhibition test of mangosteen peel extract (Garcinia mangostana L.) against bacterial diseases of tiger grouper (Epinephellus fuscoguttatus)

Cultivation of tiger grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus) in Floating Net Cages in several locations in Bireuen Regency has developed. The potential disease issue can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of mangosteen peel extract capsules (Garcinia mangostana L) against bacterial disease in tiger grouper. This research was carried out in April 2019 at the MIPA Laboratory of Al Muslim University and the laboratory of PT. Centra Proteina Prima, Bireuen Regency. The design used was a completely randomized design with four treatments (0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% mangosteen peel extract capsules) with three replications. The parameters studied in this study including the diameter of the inhibition and the observation of MBC (Minimum Bacterial Concentration). The result showed that the administration of mangosteen peel extract capsules with doses of 10%, 20%, and 30% has no significant effect on reducing disease-causing bacteria in grouper grown on TSA media. Positive results were obtained on positive (+) MBC observations, presumably due to the small dose of mangosteen peel extract capsules given so that it could not kill bacteria grown in dishes with an inhibition range of 0 mm.Introduction

Study on the Administration of Glucosamine Hydrochloride Capsule in Traumatic Arthritis of Elbow Joint

Study on the Administration of Glucosamine Hydrochloride Capsule in Traumatic Arthritis of Elbow Joint

Rectal Volume and Quality of Life in Prostate Cancer Patients Receiving Pediococcus-Based Probiotics and Radiation Therapy: A Prospective Randomized Trial

Previous research identified Lactobacillus-based probiotic administration significantly reduced median and percent rectal volumes in prostate cancer (PC) patients undergoing daily radiation therapy (RT). However, Lactobacillus is sensitive to the acidic environment in the stomach. Pediococcus-based probiotics are resistant to pH as low as 1.5. We designed a prospective randomized trial to determine if administration of a Pediococcus-based probiotic therapy is feasible in patients undergoing prostate RT. An exploratory aim was to determine if probiotic therapy decreased rectal volumes throughout RT for PC compared to placebo.This was a single-institution prospective randomized study for men with PC undergoing prostate-only RT. Patients were randomized 1:1 to probiotic (2 gelatin capsules containing 4 × 109 colony-forming units of Pediococcus-based probiotics) or placebo. Administration of study agent was initiated 10 days prior to the start of daily RT. Quality of life (QOL) EPIC - Bowel Domain only surveys were completed at baseline, midway during RT, end of RT, and 1-month follow-up. Toxicities were recorded in accordance with CTCAE v5. Rectal volumes were contoured per the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group guidelines on the initial CT simulation, week 2, and week 6 using quality assurance CTs or cone-beam CTs, and compared using an independent samples Mann-Whitney U-test.Thirty patients were enrolled to the study. Two patients withdrew prior to initiating treatment, leaving 28 patients with evaluable data. Seven patients withdrew from the study for a completion rate of 75%. Of the patients that withdrew, 6 of 7 were on the placebo arm. In the placebo arm, one withdrew before starting the pills and five cited inconvenience as the reason for discontinuation. In the probiotic arm, one participant reported "increased blood pressure" which did not resolve with cessation; this was the only protocol-related toxicity. There were no differences in QOL in bowel function or bother scores between the two groups relative to each patient's baseline. The relative rectal volumes at week 2 (RV2) and 6 (RV6) were not significantly different between probiotic and control arms. RV2 averaged across all patients in each of the two trial arms was 9.9% larger in the probiotic arm compared with controls, RV2p/RV2c = 1.099 with 95% significance limits 0.82 and 1.47, P = 0.51. At 6 weeks, RV6p/RV6c = 0.868, 95% CI 0.654 to 1.152, P = 0.31.While feasible and with rare protocol-related toxicity, compliance with daily capsule administration during conventionally fractionated prostate RT proved difficult, with 25% of patients withdrawing before study completion. Within the limitations of this pilot study, Pediococcus-based probiotic administration did not significantly alter QOL metrics or rectal volumes.

The efficacy and safety of Anyu Peibo Capsule in the treatment of patients with major depressive disorder in China: study protocol for a randomized placebo-controlled trial

BackgroundMajor depressive disorder is the second leading cause of years lost to disability worldwide. Anyu Peibo Capsule has been shown to be effective and safe in phase II trials.MethodsThis clinical study is a multi-center, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, phase III trial of Anyu Peibo Capsule in China. The aim is to test whether the administration of Anyu Peibo Capsule compared to placebo improves clinical outcomes in adults (aged 18 to 65 years) with MDD. Patients will receive an 8-week treatment of Anyu Peibo Capsule 1.6 g per day or placebo. The primary outcome will be the change from baseline in the total score for the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale at the end of the 8-week treatment.DiscussionThe trial aims to provide pivotal evidence for the efficacy and safety of Anyu Peibo Capsule in patients with major depressive disorder.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.govNCT04210973. Registered on December 26, 2019

Safety, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Formulation of Liver‐Distributed Farnesoid X‐Receptor Agonist TERN‐101 in Healthy Volunteers

TERN-101 is a nonsteroidal farnesoid X-receptor agonist being developed for the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). We assessed the safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD) of TERN-101 capsule and tablet formulations in healthy volunteers. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 38 participants were enrolled and randomized to receive placebo or 25-, 75-, or 150-mg TERN-101 capsules orally once daily for 7 days. In a separate open-label PK and formulation-bridging study, 16 participants received single doses of TERN-101 tablets (5 and 25 mg) or capsules (25 mg). TERN-101 was overall well-tolerated in this healthy volunteer population; no pruritus was reported. TERN-101 capsule administration over 7 days resulted in decreases in serum 7α-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one that were sustained for 24 hours after the last dose (maximum suppression 91% from baseline), indicating target engagement in the liver. TERN-101 capsules exhibited less than dose-proportional PK. Relative to capsules, TERN-101 tablets showed increased bioavailability, with 24-hour plasma exposure of the 5-mg tablet similar to that of the 25-mg capsule. There was no significant effect of food on exposure. The overall safety, PK, and PD profiles of TERN-101 support its further evaluation for the treatment of NASH.

Acrylamide-induced Changes of Granulopoiesis in Porcine Bone Marrow.

IntroductionDue to the widely documented and diverse toxic effects of acrylamide, the authors decided to evaluate the impact of high and low doses of this compound on the process of granulopoiesis in porcine bone marrow.Material and MethodsThe experiment was conducted on 15 Danish Landrace pigs at the age of 8 weeks. The animals were randomly assigned into three equal groups (n = 5). Control animals received empty gelatine capsules as placebo. Animals in the first experimental group (the LD group) received a low dose of acrylamide of 0.5 μg/kg b.w./day, and animals in the second experimental group (the HD group) received a tenfold higher dose of acrylamide of 5 μg/kg b.w./day. Placebo and acrylamide capsules were administered with feed every morning for 28 days. Bone marrow was collected into tubes without an anticoagulant twice – before the first capsule administration (day 0) and on the 28th day of the study. After drying and staining, bone marrow smears were subjected to detailed cytological evaluation under a light microscope.ResultsChanges in cell morphology, i.e. degenerative changes in the cellular nuclei, were observed in both experimental groups. Both low and high doses of acrylamide decreased the number of segmented eosinophils, neutrophilic and segmented metamyelocytes, neutrophils, as well as basophils and basophilic metamyelocytes.ConclusionAcrylamide at doses of 0.5 μg/kg b.w./day and 5 μg/kg b.w./day clearly influences porcine granulopoiesis.

Efficacy of vaginal administration of Crinone versus Utrogestan combined with oral dydrogesterone tablets for luteal support in PGT freeze-thaw embryo transfer cycles

To compare the efficacy of two vaginal progesterone formulations, Crinone gel or Utrogestan capsules, combined with dydrogesterone tablets, for luteal phase support in pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) freeze-thaw embryo transfer (FET) cycles. We analyzed 209 FET cycles in patients undergoing PGT-blastocyst transfer in our center between June, 2017 and June, 2020. The patients received vaginal administration of either Crinone gel (n=135) or Utrogestan capsules (n=74) combined with oral dydrogesterone tablets for luteal supplementation, and the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and miscarriage rate (MR) were compared between the two groups. The Crinone gel and Utrogestan capsule groups were comparable for age, duration of infertility, AMH, AFC, BMI, basal FSH, LH, and E2 (P > 0.05). The gonadotrophin dose, duration of stimulation, levels of LH, E2, P and endometrial thickness on hCG day, and the numbers of oocytes retrieved, MII oocytes, 2PN and blastocysts did not differ significantly between two groups (P > 0.05). In FET cycles, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in the duration of endometrial preparation, P and endometrial thickness on endometrial transformation day, biochemical pregnancy rate (69.63% vs 78.38%), CPR (62.96% vs 72.97%), MR (12.94% vs 11.11%), vaginal bleeding rate in early pregnancy (20% vs 27.78%), or MR in patients with vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy (35.29% vs 20%) (P > 0.05). Crinone gel and Utrogestan capsules combined with oral dydrogesterone have similar clinical efficacy for luteal support in PGT FET cycles.

Urinary metabolomics analysis of the protective effects of Daming capsule on hyperlipidemia rats using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

Hyperlipidemia is recognized as one of the most important risk factors for morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular diseases. Daming capsule, a Chinese patent medicine, has shown definitive efficacy in patients with hyperlipidemia. In this study, serum biochemistry and histopathology assessment were used to investigate the lipid-lowering effect of Daming capsule. Furthermore, urinary metabolomics based on ultra high performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry was conducted to identify the urinary biomarkers associated with hyperlipidemia and discover the underlying mechanisms of the antihyperlipidemic action of Daming capsule. After 10weeks of treatment, Daming capsule significantly lowered serum lipid levels and ameliorated hepatic steatosis induced by a high-fat diet. A total of 33 potential biomarkers associated with hyperlipidemia were identified, among which 26 were robustly restored to normal levels after administration of Daming capsule. Pathway analysis revealed that the lipid-lowering effect of Daming capsule is related to the regulation of multiple metabolic pathways including vitamin B and amino acid metabolism, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and pentose phosphate pathway. Notably, the study demonstrates that metabolomics is a powerful tool to elucidate the multitarget mechanism of traditional Chinese medicines, thereby promoting their research and development.

Effects of Hamo NK hard capsule on experimental atherosclerosis model

This study evaluated the effects of Hamo NK hard capsule on athresclerosis using experimental atherosclerosis model. NewZealand White rabbits were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) containing cholesterol and peanut oil. The animals received oral administration of HFD and Hamo NK hard capsule at two doses of 0.126 and 0.378 g/kg bw/day for 8 consecutive weeks. Blood samples were collected for analyis of biochemical parameters at before treatment, week 4 and week 8. Histopathology assessments of the aortic artery and liver were carried out at the end of the experiment. Hamo NK was effective in reducing serum triglyceride level after 8 weeks of the experiment. In addition, Hamo NK at two doses of 0.126 g/kg b.w and 0.378 g/kg b.w for 8 consecutive weeks did not affect the cholesterol, LDL-C and HDL-C concentrations induced by a HFD. Hamo NK at the dose of 0.126 g/kg bw/day was not only able to decrease significant aortic surface lesions but also capable of managing atherosclerosis plaques formation in aorta; whereas theses activities were not notiaceable at the dose of 0.378 g/kg b.w.

Microbiota or placebo after antimicrobial therapy for recurrent Clostridioides difficile at home: A clinical trial with novel home-based enrollment.

Clostridiodes difficile infection is the leading cause of infectious diarrhea in the United States, with substantial morbidity and mortality. Recurrent infection is especially challenging, with each recurrence increasing the likelihood of a successive recurrence, leading to cycles of prolonged symptoms, frequent antimicrobial use, and decreased quality of life. Fecal microbiota transplantation to prevent recurrent infection is a promising intervention with a large effect size in observational studies, but with conflicting results from randomized controlled trials. We are conducting a Veterans Affairs-wide randomized controlled trial utilizing centralized case identification, with enrollment and fecal microbiota transplant administration occurring at the participant's home. This type of trial design significantly improves trial efficiency, greatly decreases trial cost, increases consistency of trial administration, and most importantly makes nationwide clinical trials in less-common diseases possible. This is a randomized comparison of capsule-delivered fecal microbiota transplant for the prevention of recurrent Clostridiodes difficile infection, administered after successful initial treatment of recurrent C. difficile infection with standard therapy. The primary endpoint is the incidence of recurrent C. difficile infection or death. Cases are identified by searching the Veterans Affairs Corporate Data Warehouse, with central study coordinators then reaching out to potential participants. Individuals meeting inclusion criteria and interested in participation are scheduled for in-home consent, randomization, and capsule administration, followed by telephone follow-up for 6 months. To mitigate risks of COVID-19, enrollment via video visits has been implemented. A total of 102 participants have been enrolled through January 2021. Centralized case identification and in-home enrollment has facilitated enrollment from 34 unique states, with 38% being from rural or highly rural areas. Centralized case identification and in-home enrollment is a feasible and innovative method of conducting randomized controlled trials in the Veterans Affairs system, improving access to clinical research for populations who may have difficulty engaging with the traditional model of clinical trials where enrollment is based at large hospitals in major metropolitan areas.

Effect of monensin on milk fatty acid profile in dairy cows and on the use of fatty acids for early diagnosis of elevated blood plasma concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids and hyperketonemia

This work examined the effects of precalving administration of continuous-release monensin capsule on postcalving milk fatty acid (FA) profile and on the accuracy of FA as a biomarker in the early identification of cows with elevated blood plasma nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations. Approximately 3 wk before expected calving, 203 multiparous Estonian Holstein cows were randomly divided into control (CO; n = 116) and experimental (MO; n = 87) groups, and a continuous-release capsule of monensin was administered to the MO cows. Blood samples were taken daily in the first 4 d postpartum, then on the sixth or seventh day in milk, twice in the second week, and thenceforth once per week until the end of the sixth week. Milk samples were taken once from 4 to 7 d in milk, twice in the second week, and thenceforth once per week. Blood samples were analyzed for NEFA and BHB, and milk was analyzed for FA concentrations. Cows with postpartum BHB concentrations ≥1.2 mmol/L at least once during the 6 wk were classified as hyperketonemic (HYK), and cows with NEFA concentrations ≥1.0 mmol/L as having elevated concentration of NEFA (NEFAH). The ability of FA to predict NEFAH and HYK cows was studied with logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and the identification accuracy was estimated by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. For these analyses, we used FA measured on the ninth day after calving. Monensin administration affected FA mobilization and metabolism of the animals as blood NEFA were lower in the MO group on wk 1 and wk 3, and BHB values were considerably lower from wk 1 to wk 4 compared with the CO group. The FA dynamics were generally similar for MO and CO groups. Monensin administration resulted in higher concentrations of C15:0, C16:0, iso C17:0, anteiso C15:0, anteiso C17:0, total trans monounsaturated FA, and C18:2 cis-9,trans-11, and lower proportions of C18:0, C18:1 cis-9, and most of the iso FA. The identification accuracy of NEFAH and HYK cows was higher in the CO compared with the MO group and for the identification of HYK compared with NEFAH cows (0.75-0.77 vs. 0.78-0.80 in the CO group, and 0.61-0.66 vs. 0.68-0.75 in the MO group for NEFAH vs. HYK, respectively). For all FA, the threshold values to identify NEFAH and HYK cows were different in the CO and MO groups. Results suggest that specific threshold values for the identification of NEFAH and HYK cows could be applicable only within similar feeding conditions and rumen environment.

Status Gizi dan Pemberian Kapsul Vitamin A sebagai Faktor Risiko Pneumonia Balita Usia 18-59 Bulan

Introduction: Pneumonia accounts for 16 % of the causes of death in children under five including in Indonesia. This study aims to determine nutritional status, provide vitamin A capsules, and complete immunization as risk factors for pneumonia in toddlers aged 18-59 months. Methods: This study used a case-control design with 47 cases and 47 control children. The case was a toddler with pneumonia aged 18-59 months who was registered at Puskesmas Paal V Jambi City. Controls were toddlers who did not experience pneumonia with age (range ≤3 months), gender, and came from the same sub-district as the case toddler. Sampling was done by purposive technique by selecting the latest patient medical record data. Data collection was carried out by interview method in October-November 2020. Data analysis was carried out univariate and bivariate using the Chi-Square test. Results: The results showed nutritional status (p=0.023 OR=3.93 95% CI 1.29-11.96), Vitamin A capsules administration (p=0.026 OR=3.12 95% CI 1.23-7.91) is a risk factor for pneumonia in children under-five. Complete immunization is nor a risk factor for pneumonia in children under five. Conclusion: The conclusion of the study was nutritional status and vitamin A administration as risk factors for pneumonia in children aged 18-59 months.

75SeHCAT whole body retention for unexplained chronic diarrhoea based on early first whole body counting.

There are many protocol variations in the whole-body 75SeHCAT retention test [whole-body retention (WBR)] for investigation of bile acid diarrhoea. The time between capsule consumption and first count, however, is widely taken, without debate, to be 3 h. In the Covid-19 era, it is desirable to limit the time patients spend in the department. We, therefore, questioned the need for a 3 h interval between capsule administration and the initial count. Using an uncollimated gamma camera, whole-body counting was performed at 5, 30 and 180 min after capsule ingestion in 24 patients with chronic diarrhoea. Geometric mean was taken of counts acquired from posterior and anterior projections. WBR was expressed as the ratio of 7 day-to-initial whole-body counts (%) to give WBR5, WBR30 and WBR180. A small meal was given at 60 min after capsule ingestion. There was a close correlation between WBR30 and WBR180 (y = 1.0x - 0.29%; r = 0.99). For WBR180 values of <15% (lower limit of normal), there was close agreement between WBR30 and WBR180 (bias 0.03%; precision 0.7%). WBR5 overestimated WBR180. However, cWBR5, obtained by multiplication of WBR5 by 0.75, also correlated closely with WBR180 (y = 1.2x - 4.5%; r = 0.97), and there was close agreement between cWBR5 and WBR180 for WBR180 values <15% (bias 0.08%, precision 1.3%). The first whole-body count in the 75SeHCAT test can be undertaken at 30 min postcapsule without loss of accuracy, or even 5 min if only subnormal values are considered relevant. No food is required after capsule consumption.

Treating the Metabolic Syndrome by Fecal Transplantation-Current Status.

Simple SummaryThe term “gut microbiome” refers to the microbial inhabitants whuch populate the intestine, including their number and diversity. In this review, we elaborate on how the microbiome affects the balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory responses in the gut. This ecosystem also influences systemic immunity. An imbalance of the microbiome is implicated in a number of inflammatory conditions, ranging from diabetes and metabolic disorders to non-alcoholic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. A high dietary intake of animal-based processed foods and sugar is linked to a gut microbiome containing a higher volume of ‘opportunistic’ bacterial species, including the Firmicutes sp. and Ruminococcus sp., which are involved in pro-inflammatory activity. A diet rich in plant- and fish-based foods is linked to gut microbes that have the opposite effect by enhancing species such as the Faecalibacterium sp., which produce short-chain fatty acids that help control inflammation and protect the cells lining the gut. We also discuss fecal microbiome transplant as a modality to modify intestinal inflammatory processes via the changes in the gut microbiome.The intestinal microbiome (IM) is important for normal gastrointestinal (GI) and other organ systems’ functioning. An alteration in the normal IM, dysbiosis, and changes in intestinal motility result in microorganisms’ overgrowth and an alteration in intestinal permeability. The gut–brain axis is also of importance in the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and associated bowel overgrowth. Secondary to the epidemic of obesity, the metabolic syndrome has become a major health problem. Disturbances in the fecal microbiome are associated with the metabolic syndrome. Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is now the current terminology for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. IM alteration by fecal transplantation is an approved treatment method for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection. Initially performed by either duodenal infusion or colonoscopy, it is now easily performed by the administration of capsules containing stools. We discuss the intestinal microbiome—its composition, as well as the qualitative changes of microbiome composition leading to inflammation. In addition, we discuss the evidence of the effect of fecal transplantation on the metabolic syndrome and MAFLD, as well as its clinical indications.

Feasibility, complications, and quality of visualization using video capsule endoscopy in 40 dogs with overt or questionable gastrointestinal bleeding.

BackgroundProspective studies describing video capsule endoscopy (VCE), its feasibility, and complications in dogs are limited.ObjectiveTo assess VCE, quality of visualization, complications, and risk factors for incomplete studies in dogs with overt or questionable gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB).AnimalsForty dogs with overt or questionable GIB.MethodsProspective, multicenter, interventional study. From August 2017 to March 2020, dogs were examined by VCE (ALICAM) because of overt or questionable GIB. Reported outcomes included diagnostic results of VCE study, quality of visualization, and complications. Risk factors for incomplete studies were evaluated using logistic regression.ResultsIn total, 40 dogs (13 overt, 27 questionable GIB) were included. The capsules were administered PO in 29 and endoscopically in 11 dogs (6 duodenum, 5 stomach). One capsule was not retrieved. In 24 of 39 recordings, bleeding lesions were identified (10 overt GIB, 14 questionable GIB). Overall, the quality of visualization was poor to limited in the stomach and colon, and adequate to good in the small intestine. The most common complication was an incomplete study in 15/39 studies, particularly after oral administration (13/28). Risk factors for incomplete study after oral administration included administration of simethicone or opioids, chronic enteropathy, and capsule gastric transit time >6 hours.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceVideo capsule endoscopy can be used to diagnose a variety of lesions causing bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract of dogs with questionable GIB. Incomplete studies are the most common complications in dogs after oral administration of capsules.