Rhythmic behaviors are a fundamental feature of all organisms. Pharyngeal pumping, the defecation cycle, and gonadal-sheath-cell contractions are three well-characterized rhythmic behaviors in the nematode C. elegans. The periodicities of the rhythms range from subsecond (pharynx) to seconds (gonadal sheath) to minutes (defecation). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these rhythmic be...

Among the vectors of Chagas disease, Triatoma patagonica is a species in the process of adaptation to the human environment. However, its vector competence is not well known. This study had the aim of evaluating and comparing feeding and defecation patterns among fifth-instar nymphs of Triatoma patagonica and Triatoma infestans that were fed ad libitum. The results showed that nymphs of Triatom...

Objective: To develop three models in order to estimate the defecation rate ofwhite-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) according season of year,content neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid (ADF) feces.Design / methodology approach: Nine captive adult were assigned tothree levels dietary fiber. Fecal groups (defecation rate) counted, forageconsumption was estimated, feces analyzed for NDF A...

OBJECTIVE Injection of botulinum toxin into the anal sphincter is a novel and safe new treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation and anal fissure in children. The purpose of this study was to determine the utility of intra sphincteric injection of botox in the treatment of children with refractory constipation. METHODS All children who suffered from chronic constipation for more than three...

Defecation in the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans is a highly rhythmic behavior that is regulated by a Ca(2+) wave generated in the 20 epithelial cells of the intestine, in part through activation of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor. Execution of the defecation motor program (DMP) can be modified by external cues such as nutrient availability or mechanical stimulation. To address ...

BACKGROUND Nutrilon Omneo (new formula; NF) contains high concentration of sn-2 palmitic acid, a mixture of prebiotic oligosaccharides and partially hydrolyzed whey protein. It is hypothesized that NF positively affects stool characteristics in constipated infants. METHODS Thirty-eight constipated infants, aged 3-20 weeks, were included and randomized to NF (n = 20) or a standard formula (SF;...

BACKGROUND This study assesses the potential effect of Lactobacillus reuteri as a single strain probiotic preparation (Biogaia®) on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). METHODS Patients diagnosed with IBS who fulfilled Rome III criteria and consented to participate in this study were randomized to receive either the probiotic or an identical placebo once daily for four weeks. Patients used a quest...

BACKGROUND The relapse rate of ulcerative colitis (UC) is high. The efficacy of combined diosmectite and mesalazine treatment for active mild-to-moderate UC was investigated. MATERIAL/METHODS A total of 120 patients with UC were enrolled in this randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled study. Sixty patients were assigned to the Diosmectite group (diosmectite and mesalazine) and 60 were as...

This study characterizes dynamic ammonia (NH3) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions associated with feeding and defecation activities of laying hens. Manure handling scheme used was reflective of commercial manure-belt house operation. Four dynamic emission chambers and measurement system was developed, featuring continuous measurement of the following variables for each chamber: (a) NH3 concentr...

The second part of the Consensus Statement of the Italian Association of Hospital Gastroenterologists and Italian Society of Colo-Rectal Surgery reports on the treatment of chronic constipation and obstructed defecation. There is no evidence that increasing fluid intake and physical activity can relieve the symptoms of chronic constipation. Patients with normal-transit constipation should incre...