Baseline characteristics of the two groups.

<p>Baseline characteristics of the two groups.</p

Urinary LMRs and lactulose and mannitol excretion rates.

<p>Urinary LMRs and lactulose and mannitol excretion rates.</p

Urinary LMRs and lactulose and mannitol excretion rates.

<p>(A) LMRs, (B) lactulose excretion rate, and (C) mannitol excretion rate. Data are expressed as mean ± standard error. Analysis of covariance (*p<0.05) or Welch test (baseline, or due to significant interaction between grouping variable and covariate; day 14 and day 28 of lactulose excretion rate and day 28 of mannitol excretion rate) were used for statistical analysis. Abbreviations: LMR, lactulose-mannitol ratio.</p

Study protocol.

<p>Study protocol.</p

Blood EAA levels.

<p>Data are expressed as mean ± standard error. Analysis of covariance or Welch test (baseline) were used for statistical analysis. Abbreviations: EAA, endotoxin activity assay.</p

Flow diagram for entry of subjects and implementation of the study.

<p>(A) Study protocol for the first six subjects, (B) Study protocol for the remaining 28 subjects.</p