Post COVID-19 irritable bowel syndrome

Objectives: The long-term consequences of COVID-19 infection on the gastrointestinal tract remain unclear. Here, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms and post-COVID-19 disorders of gut-brain interaction after hospitalisation for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Design: GI-COVID-19 is a prospective, multicentre, controlled study. Patients with and without COVID-19 diagnosis were evaluated on hospital admission and after 1, 6 and 12 months post hospitalisation. Gastrointestinal symptoms, anxiety and depression were assessed using validated questionnaires. Results: The study included 2183 hospitalised patients. The primary analysis included a total of 883 patients (614 patients with COVID-19 and 269 controls) due to the exclusion of patients with pre-existing gastrointestinal symptoms and/or surgery. At enrolment, gastrointestinal symptoms were more frequent among patients with COVID-19 than in the control group (59.3% vs 39.7%, p<0.001). At the 12-month follow-up, constipation and hard stools were significantly more prevalent in controls than in patients with COVID-19 (16% vs 9.6%, p=0.019 and 17.7% vs 10.9%, p=0.011, respectively). Compared with controls, patients with COVID-19 reported higher rates of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) according to Rome IV criteria: 0.5% versus 3.2%, p=0.045. Factors significantly associated with IBS diagnosis included history of allergies, chronic intake of proton pump inhibitors and presence of dyspnoea. At the 6-month follow-up, the rate of patients with COVID-19 fulfilling the criteria for depression was higher than among controls. Conclusion: Compared with controls, hospitalised patients with COVID-19 had fewer problems of constipation and hard stools at 12 months after acute infection. Patients with COVID-19 had significantly higher rates of IBS than controls. Trial registration number: NCT04691895

Prediction of bending properties for beech lumber using stress wave method

In this study; bending properties of beech wood (Fagus orientalis) were predicted using stress – wave method and compared with static bending tests. First, lumbers which were different in length and cross section were weighed and dimensions were measured. Then, moisture contents were obtained via moisture meter. By using the density, moisture, and dimensions of the samples in MTG Timber Grader device, dynamic modulus of elasticity values were determined. And then, samples were subjected to 3 point bending test. Modulus of elasticity and bending strengths were calculated using load – deformation curves. Regression models were developed to interpret relationships between dynamic modulus elasticity and bending properties. Results showed that there is a high regression coefficient (0,86) between dynamic modulus of elasticity and static modulus of elasticity. Regression coefficient between dynamic modulus of elasticity and static bending strength was measured as (0,72) and regression coefficient between static modulus of elasticity and static bending strength was measured as (0,74). Results indicate that bending properties of beech wood lumber can be predicted using stress wave method

Epigenetic Alterations from Barrett’s Esophagus to Esophageal Adenocarcinoma

Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is a disease entity that is a sequela of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease that may result in esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) due to columnar epithelial dysplasia. The histological degree of dysplasia is the sole biomarker frequently utilized by clinicians. However, the cost of endoscopy and the fact that the degree of dysplasia does not progress in many patients with BE diminish the effectiveness of histological grading as a perfect biomarker. Multiple or more quantitative biomarkers are required by clinicians since early diagnosis is crucial in esophageal adenocancers, which have a high mortality rate. The presence of epigenetic factors in the early stages of this neoplastic transformation holds promise as a predictive biomarker. In this review, current studies on DNA methylations, histone modifications, and noncoding RNAs (miRNAs) that have been discovered during the progression from BE dysplasia to EAC were collated

Prediction of bending properties for beech lumber using stress wave method

In this study; bending properties of beech wood (Fagus orientalis) were predicted using stress - wave method and compared with static bending tests. First, lumbers which were different in length and cross section were weighed and dimensions were measured. Then, moisture contents were obtained via moisture meter. By using the density, moisture, and dimensions of the samples in MTG Timber Grader device, dynamic modulus of elasticity values were determined. And then, samples were subjected to 3 point bending test. Modulus of elasticity and bending strengths were calculated using load - deformation curves. Regression models were developed to interpret relationships between dynamic modulus elasticity and bending properties. Results showed that there is a high regression coefficient (0,86) between dynamic modulus of elasticity and static modulus of elasticity. Regression coefficient between dynamic modulus of elasticity and static bending strength was measured as (0,72) and regression coefficient between static modulus of elasticity and static bending strength was measured as (0,74). Results indicate that bending properties of beech wood lumber can be predicted using stress wave method

In Vitro and In Vivo Effects of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs and Aspirin on Rabbit Esophageal Epithelium

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease has a high incidence of 23%, with 29% of those with gastroesophageal reflux disease consuming nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. There are insufficient data concerning the effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on the esophageal tissue. We aimed to examine the effects of well-known nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs using electrophysiologic criteria on the rabbit esophageal epithelium. Methods: Esophageal epithelium mounted on Ussing chambers enabled in vitro investigation of the electrophysiological properties. Doses of 1 mg/mL, 2.5 mg/mL, 5 mg/mL ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin were dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide and added to the luminal side. Esophagi were cannulated from both sides for the administration of high-dose ibuprofen in vivo, and the potential difference was monitored. Results: Ibuprofen and aspirin inhibited tissue transport functions in a dose-dependent manner. pH 4 acid and 0.1 mg/mL ibuprofen alone were not harmful; however, the combination of these agents had an additive and significance effect: 78% decrease in the potential difference and 85% decrease in the short-circuited current (Isc). The change in the potential difference in the in vivo experiments (5 mg/mL ibuprofen) was similar (52 +/- 7% decrease) with in vitro experiments in the first 30 minutes. Conclusion: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were harmful to the rabbit esophageal epithelium in both the in vitro and in vivo experiments. Even though aspirin and ibuprofen affected the transport mechanisms of the esophageal epithelium, the dose-dependent decrease of tissue potential difference and Isc with ibuprofen was more pronounced than those with aspirin. The combination of harmless doses of ibuprofen and acid demonstrated that even low acidic conditions can create a disruptive environment