The influence of type of tube and experience of the operator on performance of small bowel enema

A lasting symbiosis: how the Hawaiian bobtail squid finds and keeps its bioluminescent bacterial partner

For more than 30 years, the association between the Hawaiian bobtail squid, Euprymna scolopes, and the bioluminescent bacterium Vibrio fischeri has been studied as a model system for understanding the colonization of animal epithelia by symbiotic bacteria. The squid-vibrio light-organ system provides the exquisite resolution only possible with the study of a binary partnership. The impact of this relationship on the partners' biology has been broadly characterized, including their ecology and evolutionary biology as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms of symbiotic dynamics. Much has been learned about the factors that foster initial light-organ colonization, and more recently about the maturation and long-term maintenance of the association. This Review synthesizes the results of recent research on the light-organ association and also describes the development of new horizons for E. scolopes as a model organism that promises to inform biology and biomedicine about the basic nature of host-microorganism interactions.

A lasting symbiosis: how Vibrio fischeri finds a squid partner and persists within its natural host

As our understanding of the human microbiome progresses, so does the need for natural experimental animal models that promote a mechanistic understanding of beneficial microorganism-host interactions. Years of research into the exclusive symbiosis between the Hawaiian bobtail squid, Euprymna scolopes, and the bioluminescent bacterium Vibrio fischeri have permitted a detailed understanding of those bacterial genes underlying signal exchange and rhythmic activities that result in a persistent, beneficial association, as well as glimpses into the evolution of symbiotic competence. Migrating from the ambient seawater to regions deep inside the light-emitting organ of the squid, V. fischeri experiences, recognizes and adjusts to the changing environmental conditions. Here, we review key advances over the past 15 years that are deepening our understanding of these events.

Technical report: intubation fluoroscopy times using a new enteroclysis tube

Initial experience with a new 10 F gauge version of the Nolan enteroclysis tube is reported. The mean intubation fluoroscopy time in 80 patients was 1.53 min. The more flexible smaller gauge tube is ideal for rapid duodenal intubation via the nasal route.

Enteroclysis--the influence of tube design

The performance of three 10F enteroclysis tubes with different tip designs (E. Merck Ltd) was assessed using double-contrast, gravity infusion enteroclysis, with methylcellulose solution as negative contrast. Intubation times, screening times, patient tolerability and examination quality were compared. The results show that a streamlined tip design facilitated passage through the nose. None of the tubes provided consistently reliable results due to inadequate flow rates. The Corsafe tube transmits a higher flow rate of methylcellulose and produced satisfactory examinations more frequently. Mechanically assisted infusion of methylcellulose is recommended when using 10F enteroclysis tubes.

The use of effervescent agents in the small bowel meal examination

Some perceived disadvantages of the small bowel meal examination are failure of adequate distension, lack of a double contrast effect and the duration of the procedure. A new use for effervescent granules during the small bowel meal is described which reduces the examination time by 70% and reduces the radiation dose to the patient.

Technical report: a 'new' tube providing rapid insertion for the small bowel enema

Small bowel enteroclysis (SBE) is considered to be diagnostically superior to the conventional barium follow through examination (Sanders and Ho 1976; Maglinte et al., 1982; Herlinger, 1982) and would be more generally acceptable if jejunal intubation could be undertaken rapidly with minimum fluoroscopy and patient discomfort. Using a modified Merck 'Coresafe' tube 75 out of 80 patients referred for SBE were intubated, with considerably reduced fluoroscopic and intubation times. No tube related difficulty was encountered and patient tolerance was good.