Gut
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To investigate the "gut origin of sepsis" hypothesis. ⋯ Proximal gut colonisation is associated with both increased bacterial translocation and septic morbidity. The commonality of organisms identified supports the gut origin of sepsis hypothesis.
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Following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) histological examination of explant livers from patients with alcoholic liver disease (ALD) sometimes shows extensive iron deposits in a distribution suggestive of homozygous haemochromatosis. ⋯ The HFE mutation was not present in these patients with advanced ALD and heavy iron loading. Spur cell haemolytic anaemia provides an alternative potential mechanism for the heavy iron loading.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
A double blind, randomised, controlled trial of glutamine supplementation in parenteral nutrition.
To determine whether the inclusion of 20 g free glutamine as part of the nitrogen source of parenteral feeds reduces length of hospital stay or mortality. ⋯ The benefit from glutamine supplementation of parenteral feeds as used in this trial has not been proved. Supplementation may have advantages in surgical patients and in haematological malignancy. Further trials are required.
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Gut mucosal blood flow measurement is used to study a variety of disorders and possibly extrinsic neural function. ⋯ Measurement of gut mucosal blood flow by laser Doppler flowmetry is highly reproducible. Eating, smoking, body size, sex, ovulatory status, and menstrual phase influence blood flow. Changes in mucosal blood flow induced by autonomically active drugs and nerve stimulation confirm the role of the mucosal microcirculation as a measure of extrinsic nerve activity.