Movable genetic elements and antibiotic resistance in enterococci

The enterococci possess genetic elements able to move from one strain to another via conjugation. Certain enterococcal plasmids exhibit a broad host range among gram-positive bacteria, but only when matings are performed on solid surfaces. Other plasmids are more specific to enterococci, transfer efficiently in broth, and encode a response to recipient-produced sex phermones. Transmissible non-plasmid elements, the conjugative transposons, are widespread among the enterococci and determine their own fertility properties. Drug resistance, hemolysin, and bacteriocin determinants are commonly found on the various transmissible enterococcal elements. Examples of the different systems are discussed in this review.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/47900/1/10096_2005_Article_BF01963632.pd

Disappearance of Crohn's Ulcers in the Terminal Ileum after Thalidomide Therapy

A case of intractable Crohn's disease unresponsive to all forms of therapy, including multiple operations and medication, is reported. The patient responded to thalidomide and this has resulted in the disappearance of the disease in the neoterminal ileum. Thalidomide may be a valuable treatment in intractable cases of Crohn's disease. The case is presented in a chronological fashion and endoscopic photographs documenting the disappearance of the disease are presented

Nongastrointestinal Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: An Office-Based Clinical Survey

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most prevalent gastrointestinal problem faced by practicing gastroenterologists. For many years, nongastrointestinal symptoms have been documented in IBS patients, but the medical literature does not emphasize them. The present study explored how IBS and inflammatory bowel disease patients differ in their reporting of nongastrointestinal symptoms. Information from 200 consecutive patients with IBS and a similar number of patients with Crohn's disease (in a single gastroenterology practice) was obtained at the initial visit using a simple questionnaire. Comparison of the data revealed that IBS patients describe certain nongastrointestinal symptoms far more frequently than do those with inflammatory bowel disease. It is recommended that these symptoms be considered along with the generally accepted criteria for making a positive diagnosis of IBS

The Equivalence of Two Open Therapeutic Regimens of Cimetidine in the Treatment of Acute Duodenal Ulcer Disease: A Canadian Multicentre Trial

One hundred and four patients completed a multicentre study comparing the standard cimetidine regimen of 300 mg qid with cimetidine 600 mg bid in the treatment of acute duodenal ulcer. Both dosage regimens were effective in alleviating symptoms. At the two- and four-week assessments a significantly greater decrease in frequency, duration and severity of night time pain was recorded in the 600 mg bid group (P<0.05). The healing rates were equivalent in both treatment groups. After eight weeks of treatment, 96% of the patients had healed in each treatment group. Cimetidine 600 mg bid may represent a useful alternative therapeutic regimen to the standard 300 mg qid dosage in patients with symptomatic acute duodenal ulcer disease

The Equivalence of Two Open Therapeutic Regimens of Cimetidine in the Treatment of Acute Duodenal Ulcer Disease: A Canadian Multicentre Trial

One hundred and four patients completed a multicentre study comparing the standard cimetidine regimen of 300 mg qid with cimetidine 600 mg bid in the treatment of acute duodenal ulcer. Both dosage regimens were effective in alleviating symptoms. At the two- and four-week assessments a significantly greater decrease in frequency, duration and severity of night time pain was recorded in the 600 mg bid group (P<0.05). The healing rates were equivalent in both treatment groups. After eight weeks of treatment, 96% of the patients had healed in each treatment group. Cimetidine 600 mg bid may represent a useful alternative therapeutic regimen to the standard 300 mg qid dosage in patients with symptomatic acute duodenal ulcer disease