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Broodstock rearing is fundamental to produce high-quality offspring for aquaculture. However, reproduction requires large amounts of energy and nutrients, and physiological activities of digestive enzymes determine the absorption of energy and nutrients. However, the interaction between reproduction and digestive physiology is still unclear in sea cucumbers. In this study, we used laboratory experiments and field investigations to assess the variations of digestive physiology and digestive function in the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus during reproduction. Unexpectedly, activities of both amylase and trypsin were depressed in adult sea cucumbers during reproduction under both laboratory and field conditions. As a physiological consequence, digestive efficiencies of energy and organic matter decreased significantly during reproduction. Although reproductive output of sea cucumbers varied greatly between laboratory and wild conditions, reproductive effort had no effect on the activities of numerous digestive enzymes. Together, these data indicated that reproductive status induced digestive function decline in A. japonicus. Our study provided very important information about the reproductive biology of sea cucumbers that could be applied to broodstock rearing and conservation of this commercially important species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Clinical Nursing in Practice is the property of Journal of Clinical Nursing in Practice (Editorial Board, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Press) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Simple Summary: Surgery is the backbone of curative treatment strategies, but it is associated with a high risk of reduced alimentary function and impaired health-related quality of life (HRQL). This study addresses the impact of Ivor Lewis esophagectomy on patients' digestive function and seeks to identify independent factors associated with poor functional outcomes by assessing multiple dimensions of digestive performance (dysphagia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, delayed gastric conduit emptying, and dumping syndrome) and HRQL. Our research provides clinicians, patients, and surgeons with new insights into treatment approaches and postoperative care that may impact the management of esophageal cancer. Transthoracic esophagectomy results in a radical change in foregut anatomy with multiple consequences for digestive physiology. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with poor functional outcomes by assessing multiple dimensions of digestive performance and health-related quality of life (HRQL). Patients with cancer-free survival after Ivor Lewis esophagectomy were included. Four functional syndromes (dysphagia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), delayed gastric conduit emptying (DGCE), and dumping syndrome (DS)) and HRQL were assessed using specifically designed questionnaires. Patient outcomes were compared with healthy controls. Independent factors associated with poor digestive performance were identified through multivariable analysis. Sixty-five postoperative patients and 50 healthy volunteers participated in this study. Compared with controls, patients had worse outcomes for dysphagia, GERD, DS, and HRQL, but not for DGCE. A multivariate analysis showed a significant correlation of reduced digestive performance with ASA score, squamous cell carcinoma, open or hybrid surgical approach, and (neo)adjuvant therapy. In contrast, no individual patient factor was found to be associated with dumping syndrome. Digestive function and HRQL are substantially impaired after Ivor Lewis esophagectomy for cancer. Comorbid patients undergoing multimodal treatment and open access surgery for squamous cell carcinoma have the highest risk of poor functional outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the impact of dietary inclusion of olive cakes (OC) with or without Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) and citric acid (CA) on growth, digestive function, thyroid activity, antioxidant status, immunity, and intestinal architecture of growing rabbits. One hundred forty 35-day-old male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly assigned into seven experimental groups with five replicates each, as follows: control (CN), fed the basal diet; OC20 and OC25, fed diets with 20 and 25% OC; OS20 and OS25, fed diets containing 20 and 25% OC with S. cerevisiae at 5 g/kg diet; OA20 and OA25, fed diets supplemented with 20 and 25% OC with 1.0% citric acid. No differences in live body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and carcass traits were noticed among experimental groups, while body weight gain and carcass (%) were increased (P < 0.05) in OS20 compared to the control. Digestibility coefficients of all nutrients and activities of amylase, cellulose, and trypsin did not differ in treated groups compared to the control except for OS20, which recorded enhancement in nutrient digestibility. Plasma triiodothyronine and thyroxine were elevated (P < 0.05), while triglycerides and cholesterol were reduced (P < 0.05) in OS20 compared to CN. Plasma concentrations of immunoglobulin M and G and superoxide dismutase were increased in treated groups compared to the control. Dietary inclusion of SC and CA improved rabbits’ intestinal health, as the cecal Lactobacillus count was increased, E. coli count was decreased, and villus height was elevated in SC- and CA-treated groups. In conclusion, dietary incorporation of SC or CA enhanced the nutritional value of OC and improved growth performance, nutrient digestibility, thyroid activity, antioxidative status, and gut health of growing rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: N‐acetylglutamate (NAG) is the initial and essectial substrate in the process of de novo arginine synthesis, plays an important role in intestinal development. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of in ovo feeding of NAG, 1.5 mg/egg at 17.5 days of incubation (DOI) via amnion, on hatching performance, early intestinal histomorphometry, jejunal barrier, digestive function, and growth performance of broiler chickens between 1 and 14 days of age. RESULTS: Amniotic injection of NAG had no significant effect on hatching characteristics compared with the non‐injected control group (NC group). Birds in the NAG solution‐injected group (NAG group) exhibited lower average daily feed intake and better feed efficiency during a period of 1–14 days. In comparison with the NC group, the NAG group had decreased crypt depth (CD) in the ileum and increased villus height (VH) / CD in the jejunum at 7 days, and decreased CD in duodenum and significantly increased VH in the jejunum at 14 days. However, the effects of in ovo supplementation with NAG on the density of goblet cells, and gene expression of mucin 2 and alkaline phosphatase were not significant. Chicks in the NAG group had a significantly higher mRNA expression level of trypsin and maltase in jejunum at 7 days than the NC group but not at 14 days. CONCLUSION: Amniotic injections of NAG (1.5 mg/egg) at 17.5 DOI could improve early growth performance of broilers during 1–14 days after hatching by accelerating the development of the intestine and enhancing jejunal digestive function. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The advantages and disadvantages of production performance in pig production, such as growth performance and digestive ability, are always affected by genetic and exogenous factors; in particular, diets are the top consideration, while genetic effects play an important role. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the differences between pig breeds (Taoyuan black, Xiangcun black, and Duroc pigs) in the small intestinal digestive functions and feed efficiency. Our results show that the different pig breeds have significantly different growth performance, metabolic levels, and apparent total tract digestibility, mainly resulting from the differences in small intestinal digestive functions, and the changes might be related to age. These findings provide promising guidance for further feed preparation and breed selection for the pig industry. Small intestinal growth and health affect its digestion and absorption ability, while little information exists about the small intestinal morphology and function differences among the different pig breeds. Therefore, 90 healthy 35 days of age Taoyuan black (TB), Xiangcun black (XB), and Duroc (DR) pigs (30 pigs per breed) with similar body weight (BW) of the same breed were reared to 185 days of age to evaluate the potential relationship between feed efficiency and small intestinal morphology and function at 80, 125, and 185 days of age. The results show that the TB and XB pigs had lower initial and final BW, ADG, and ADFI and plasma CHO and LDL-C levels, whereas they had higher plasma LIP levels and jejunal trypsin, invertase, lactase, and maltase activities and higher DM, ADF, Tyr, Arg, and His digestibility at 80 days of age compared with the DR pigs. At 125 days of age, TB and XB pigs had lower apparent total tract digestibility and plasma CHO, HDL-C, LDL-C, and NH3 levels; XB pigs had lower DM and NDF digestibility, and TB pigs had higher jejunal lactase and maltase activities. At 185 days of age, TB and XB pigs had lower DM, EE, ADF, and GE digestibility, while having higher plasma ALT and UN levels; TB pigs had higher plasma AST level and jejunal chymase activity. Furthermore, the plasma free amino acid contents, small intestinal VH, and nutrient transporter expression levels differed at different ages. Therefore, the different pig breeds exhibited significantly different growth performance and small intestinal growth, mainly resulting from the differences in digestive enzymes and nutrient transporters in the small intestine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) is considered a serious agricultural pest worldwide. We explored the effects of artificial diets containing ten legumes, including broad beans (Shadan, Feyz, Saraziri, Barekat, and Mahta cultivars), white kidney beans (Dehghan cultivar), red kidney beans (Goli cultivar), common beans (Khomein cultivar), cowpeas (Mashhad and Arabi cultivars) on the feeding responses of H. armigera by quantifying specific primary and secondary metabolites in the studied legumes and determining larval nutritional indices and digestive enzyme activities. The results showed that the highest efficiency of conversion of digested food (ECD) and relative growth rate values (RGR) of whole larval instars were obtained in the Dehghan and Goli cultivars. However, the lowest values of ECD and RGR were observed in the larvae fed on the Khomein and Mahta cultivars. The highest proteolytic and amylolytic activities of larvae were found on the Dehghan and Mashhad cultivars. The highest and lowest values of standardized insect-growth index and index of plant quality were observed in larvae feeding on the Dehghan and Khomein cultivars, respectively. Additionally, significant variations in phytochemical metabolites were recorded among the studied legume cultivars. Significant negative or positive correlations were also found between feeding characteristics and enzymatic activities of H. armigera with the biochemical composition of the studied legumes. The cluster analysis results revealed that artificial diets containing Mahta and Khomein cultivars were unsuitable for H. armigera , and can be used as candidates for integrated pest management programs or for screening insect inhibitors to produce genetically modified pest-resistant plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The small intestine is the main site for digestion and absorption of nutrients, and the development of the small intestine can be affected by several factors, such as diet composition, age, and genotype. Thus, this study aimed to compare the small intestinal morphology and digestive function differences at different ages of three pig breeds. Thirty litters of newborn Taoyuan black (TB), Xiangcun black (XB), and Duroc (DR) piglets (ten litters per breed) were selected for this study. Ten piglets from each breed were selected and sampled at 1, 10, 21, and 24 days old. The results showed that the TB and XB piglets had lower growth but had higher lactase and maltase activities in the jejunum compared with the DR piglets, while most of the digestive enzyme activities in the ileum were higher in the DR piglets at different ages. The expression levels of nutrient transporters, mainly including amino acids, glucose, and fatty acids transporters, differed in the jejunum at different ages among three pig breeds and were higher in the DR piglets at 1 day old and XB piglets at 24 days old. Collectively, these findings suggest that the phenotypic differences in the growth, intestinal morphology, and digestive function among the three pig breeds mainly resulted from the differences in digestive enzymes and nutrient transporters in the intestine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Processed animal proteins, such as poultry by-product meal (PBM) and insect meal from black soldier fly (BSFM), are receiving growing interest as alternative or complementary protein sources for carnivorous farmed fish diets, due to their high nutritional value and low environmental footprint. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of PBM and BSFM as partial substitutes for vegetable protein in fishmeal-free diets on growth, whole-body composition, nutrient-energy mass balance and retention, digestive functions, stress, metabolic status, innate immunity, and liver health in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The overall results showed that fishmeal-free diets, including high levels of both PBM and BSFM, either singly or in combination, improved growth, dietary nutrient and energy utilization, and gut function relative to a plant-protein control diet or a fishmeal-based one, with no detrimental effects on fish welfare. This study compared the nutrient-energy retention, digestive function, growth performance, and welfare of rainbow trout (ibw 54 g) fed isoproteic (42%), isolipidic (24%), fishmeal-free diets (CV) over 13 weeks. The diets consisted of plant-protein replacement with graded levels (10, 30, 60%) of protein from poultry by-product (PBM) and black soldier fly H. illucens pupae (BSFM) meals, either singly or in combination. A fishmeal-based diet was also tested (CF). Nitrogen retention improved with moderate or high levels of dietary PBM and BSFM relative to CV (p < 0.05). Gut brush border enzyme activity was poorly affected by the diets. Gastric chitinase was up-regulated after high BSFM feeding (p < 0.05). The gut peptide and amino acid transport genes were differently regulated by protein source and level. Serum cortisol was unaffected, and the changes in metabolites stayed within the physiological range. High PBM and high BSFM lowered the leukocyte respiratory burst activity and increased the lysozyme activity compared to CV (p < 0.05). The BSFM and PBM both significantly changed the relative percentage of lymphocytes and monocytes (p < 0.05). In conclusion, moderate to high PBM and BSFM inclusions in fishmeal-free diets, either singly or in combination, improved gut function and nutrient retention, resulting in better growth performance and the good welfare of the rainbow trout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the effect of Ludangshen oral liquid for treatment of convalescent patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter method. Methods: 200 convalescent COVID-19 patients who had symptoms related to decreased digestive and respiratory function were randomly divided to either receive Ludangshen oral liquid or placebo for 2 weeks. The severity of clinical symptoms including fatigue, anorexia, abdominal distension, loose stools, and shortness of breath were assessed by visual analogue scale and observed at before and after treatment. The improvement and resolution rates of clinical symptoms were evaluated. Full analysis set (FAS) and per-protocol set (PPS) were used for statistical analyses. Adverse events were recorded during the study. Results: 8 patients did not complete the study. After 2 weeks of treatment, both FAS and PPS results showed that patients in Ludangshen group had significantly lower score of fatigue, anorexia, loose stools, and shortness of breath than placebo group (P < 0.05), while there was no significant difference in distention (P > 0.05). The improvement rate of fatigue, anorexia, distension, loose stools and shortness of breath were significantly higher in Ludangshen group (P < 0.05), as well as the resolution rates (P < 0.05) except for shortness of breath (P > 0.05). There were two cases of adverse events, with one nose bleeding in Ludangshen group and one headache in placebo group. Conclusion: The study suggested that two weeks of Ludangshen oral liquid treatment may have certain effects for convalescent COVID-19 patients on improving digestive and respiratory symptoms including fatigue, anorexia, loose stools and shortness of breath, which may be one of the choices for management of convalescent COVID-19 patients with digestive and respiratory symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Evaluate the effect of repeated doses of topical 1% cyclopentolate hydrochloride alone and in combination with topical 2.5% phenylephrine on pupil diameter (PD), tear production (STT‐1), intraocular pressure (IOP), digestive function (gut motility and feces production), and heart rate (HR). Animal studied: Six healthy mares. Procedures: In a prospective, randomized, controlled, and crossover design study, the left eye of six healthy mares was administered 0.2 mL of cyclopentolate alone and in combination with 0.2 mL of phenylephrine. The drugs were administered 3 times a day for 1 day, twice a day for 1 day, and then once a day for 2 days, as commonly used in practice. Daily and two days after the last topical drug administration, HR, digestive auscultation, feces production, STT‐1, IOP, and PD were recorded. Results: The cyclopentolate alone significantly increased the horizontal and vertical PD of the treated eye from day 2 to day 6 (p <.0001) compared with the baseline value. The combination with topical phenylephrine did not have any additional effect on mydriasis compare with the cyclopentolate alone. The other ocular and digestive parameters were not affected by repeated doses of cyclopentolate alone or combined. Conclusions: Repeated administration of cyclopentolate alone or combined with phenylephrine induce a significant mydriasis for at least 48 h after the last administration in normal horses' eyes, and do not affect STT‐1, IOP, digestive function, and HR. The phenylephrine combined with the cyclopentolate did not potentiate the pupil dilation when compared with cyclopentolate alone in healthy horses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rabbit cecum has the digestive function the same, which can absorb fiber and has the immune function, but it is affected by activity of microorganism in cecum, volatile fatty acid (VFA), total dehydrogenase activity (TDHE) and different nutrition content of feed. In the paper, the cecal digestion process of rabbits was reviewed, and the related influencing factors were extended and analyzed, so as to improve the digestion efficiency of rabbits and carry out meaningful nutritional regulation of the cecal of rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is an emerging tissue ablation technique with widespread potential, especially for cancer treatment. Although the safety and efficacy of IRE for gastric tissue ablation have been demonstrated, there is a gap of knowledge regarding the effect of electroporation pulse (EP) on the physiology and histopathology of the stomach. This study applied EP to the stomach of healthy rats and investigated the digestive function, serum marker levels, and gastric tissue structure of EP-treated rats.Methods: Ninety male rats were divided into nine groups and examined up to 28 days post-treatment. A single burst of electroporation pulse (500 V, 99 pluses, 1 Hz, 100 µs) was delivered to the stomachs of rats using a tweezer-style round electrode. Gastric emptying, small intestinal transit, and gastric secretion were measured to evaluate the digestive function. Serum marker levels were determined using ELISA. Haematoxylin-eosin, Masson trichrome, and immunofluorescence were performed for histopathological analysis.Results: No  significant effect on gastric emptying or secretion was found post-EP, whereas the small intestinal transit decreased at 4 h and rapidly recovered to normal on 1-day post-EP. Further, serum TNF-α and IL-1β levels temporarily changed during the acute phase but returned to baseline within 28 days. Moreover, histopathological analysis revealed that cell death occurred immediately post-EP in the ablation area, whereas the gastric wall scaffold in the ablation region remained intact post-EP.Conclusions: This study demonstrates the safety and efficacy of EP on the physiology and histopathology of the stomach and lays a foundation for more comprehensive applications of this technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The goal of this research was to report the efficacy and morbidity of anterior resection for rectosigmoid bowel endometriosis and to compare outcomes between women who underwent hysterectomy and those who did not. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of women who underwent anterior resection for endometriosis at an Australian tertiary center within 5 years, from January 2013 to December 2017. Results: During the study period, 33 women underwent anterior resection. Of these patients, 17 underwent hysterectomy and 16 retained their fertility. There were 32 laparoscopic cases, 3 of which were converted to laparotomy, and 1 case was intended to be managed with a laparotomy. The length of stays (LOS) ranged from 4 to 32 days (mean: 8 days). Postoperative complications included voiding dysfunction requiring temporary self-catheterization (9.1%), anastomotic leaks (6.1%), ileus managed conservatively (6.1%), readmission for conservative management of gastrointestinal symptoms (6.1%), and pancreatitis (3%). All women with or without hysterectomy reported either complete resolution of or reduced pain symptoms at follow-up appointments, 8 women (24.2%) reported altered bowel habits, for which 2 women underwent colonoscopy with normal findings. All women with altered bowel habits were managed conservatively. Retaining the uterus did not affect the postoperative complication rate. Conclusions: Anterior resection for bowel endometriosis was effective for addressing endometriosis-related pain. However, 24.2% of women developed altered bowel habits and 6.1% of cases were complicated with anastomotic leaks associated with extended LOS. The incidence of surgical morbidity for bowel procedures poses a therapeutic dilemma. A rationale behind the management plan for each patient and careful preoperative counseling is essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the changes of organic acid content in mangoes of different maturity and their effects on the digestive function of mice and rats. The acid-base titration method was used to determine the organic acid content in the fruit, and the effects of mango fruits of different maturity or compatibility on the digestive function of animals were evaluated through the mouse small intestine exercise experiment, the rat feeding experiment and the determination of digestive enzymes. The results showed that the organic acid content (calculated as citric acid) in raw fruit, green ripe fruit and ripe fruit were 1.02%, 1.63% and 0.12%, respectively. Ripe fruit has no effect on the digestive function of experimental animals. Both raw fruit and green ripe fruit can promote the digestive function of experimental animals, and green ripe fruit is the best. The addition of gardenia and mango leaf powder to the green ripe fruit can not only significantly improve the gastrointestinal motility, gastric juice volume, pepsin activity and excretion of experimental animals, but also significantly increase its total weight gain and food utilization rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of enzymatically treated Artemisia annua L. (EA) on intestinal digestive function and immune capacity in weaned pigs. Firstly, a total of 300 21-day-old piglets were randomly allotted to five groups, including CON, EA1, EA2, EA3, and EA4 groups (basal diet supplemented with 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 g/kg EA, respectively). At 50 days of age, the results showed that pigs in the EA3 group presented significant improvements (p <.05) of growth performance and health status when compared with those of the CON group. According to the results above, we considered 2 g/kg EA as the optimal dose for pig diets. Therefore, we selected 12 pigs from the CON and EA3 groups (n = 6) at 51 days of age for further investigation in vivo. Compared with the CON group, EA3 group significantly increased (p <.05) small intestinal length of pigs, enhanced (p <.05) the activities of amylase, trypsin and Na+-K+-ATPase and the concentrations of glucose transporter in both jejunum and ileum. EA3 group had lower (p <.05) concentrations of interleukin 1β, interleukin 6 and tumour necrosis factor α in the jejunum and higher (p <.05) concentrations of interleukin 10, secretory immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin G in the ileum of pigs than the CON group. These results demonstrated that EA provided a dietary nutritional means to improve intestinal function of weaned pigs and 2 g/kg was the optimal dose for weaned pigs in the present study. Dietary supplementation with 2 g/kg enzymatically treated Artemisia annua L. increased growth performance and nutrient digestibility, decreased the incidence of diarrhoea in weaned pigs. The optimal dose of enzymatically treated Artemisia annua L. in weaned pigs in the current study was 2 g/kg. Enzymatically treated Artemisia annua L. inclusion increased the digestive function of weaned pigs. Diet supplemented with enzymatically treated Artemisia annua L. reduced the inflammation and enhanced the immunity of weaned pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous studies have shown that probiotic Bacillus could promote growth and enhance anti-disease ability in animal. In present study, the mixture of three Bacillus strains, which were isolated from rex rabbits and showed high cellulose, protease, and amylase activities, was added into the diet for investigating its effects on young and weaning rex rabbits. For experiment 1, 40 young rex rabbits (9 weeks old) were randomly divided into four groups and fed with diets containing 0 (NC), 1.0 × 105 cfu/g (LC), 1.0 × 106 cfu/g (MC), and 1.0 × 107 cfu/g (HC) Bacillus strains for 4 weeks. For experiment 2, 80 weaning rex rabbits (5 weeks old) were randomly divided into four groups and fed with diet containing 0 (control), 1.0 × 105 cfu/g (T-1), 1.0 × 106 cfu/g (T-2), and 1.0 × 107 cfu/g (T-3) Bacillus strains for 8 weeks. The results showed that Bacillus strains at a dose of 1.0 × 106 cfu/g significantly enhanced growth performance, increased immune organ indexes, improved serum biochemical parameters, and heightened antioxidant capacity. It also markedly improved the intestinal microbiota by increasing Lactobacillus spp., Bacillus spp. counts, and decreased Escherichia coli count. In addition, the Bacillus mixture raised the concentrations of acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid as well as protease, amylase, and cellulase activities of young and weaning rex rabbits. Moreover, for weaning rex rabbits, the inclusion of Bacillus strains also upregulated the abundance of cellulolytic bacteria and improved intestinal morphology. Therefore, our results indicated that Bacillus strains could facilitate the growth of young and weaning rex rabbits by improving digestive function and anti-disease ability. Key Points: • Bacillus with high extracellular enzyme activity were isolated from rex rabbits. • Bacillus could improve growth performance of young and weaning rex rabbits. • The digestive function of young and weaning rex rabbits could be improved by Bacillus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. This study was conducted to assess the effects of graded levels of dietary corn resistant starch (RS) on growth performance, carcass traits, nutrient retention, digestive organ index, intestinal morphology, digestive enzyme activities, and mRNA expression of certain nutrient transporters in broiler chickens. 2. A total of 320, 1-d-old Arbor Acres broiler chickens were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments, with eight replicates of eight birds in each. These treatments included one corn-soybean control diet, a corn-soybean based diet containing 20% corn starch, and three diets supplemented with 4%, 8% and 12% RS by replacing corn starch with 6.67%, 13.33% and 20% of Hi-Maize 260® (identified as control, RS1, RS2, RS3 and RS4, respectively). The feeding period lasted 42 days. 3. Performance parameters including feed consumption, feed conversion, body weight gain and percentage of abdominal fat at d 42 of age, nutrient retention (including dry matter, fat, total starch and nitrogen free extract), and apparent metabolisable energy was measured from d 18 to 20 and d 39 to 41 and showed negative linear responses to increasing dietary RS level (P < 0.05). Birds fed the RS3 and RS4 diets showed higher relative weight of duodenum, jejunum and ileum, as well as lower villus height and villus height/crypt depth compared to the control (P < 0.05). The activity of pancreatic trypsin of birds at d 21 and 42 of age decreased linearly in response to the increase of dietary RS level (P < 0.01). There were linear changes in up-regulated mRNA expression of SGLT-1 and down-regulated mRNA expression of GLUT-2 with increasing proportion of RS at d 21 and 42 of age (P < 0.05), respectively. 4. It was concluded that feeding broilers with diets containing higher concentrations of RS impaired the development of small intestine, which resulted in lower apparent total tract retention of nutrients and poorer body weight gain, feed efficiency and carcass traits of broiler chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with different levels of betaine on nutrient utilization and digestive enzyme activity in indigenous yellow-feather broilers during starter phase. A total of 288 male, one-d-old Huaixiang chickens with an average initial body weight (BW) of 44.52 ± 1.07 g were randomly allotted to 4 treatments. Each dietary treatment consisted of 6 replicates, with 12 birds per replicate. The 4 dietary treatments were corn-soybean meal-based diets and supplemented with 0, 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg betaine, respectively. The trial period lasted 28 d. It was found that dietary betaine supplementation improved the calcium (Ca) utilization (cubic, P=0.0187). Meanwhile, dietary supplementation with different levels of betaine increased the trypsin activity (quadratic, P=0.0445) and lipase activity (cubic, P=0.0344) of the jejunum. Taken together, this study revealed that betaine could promote the digestive function in indigenous yellow-feather broilers during starter phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Nanjing Agricultural University / Nanjuing Nongye Daxue Xuebao is the property of Journal of Nanjing Agricultural University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Herein, the interaction between gliclazide (GCZ) and pepsin (PEP) was explored under simulated physiological conditions by multiple spectroscopy methods and molecular docking. The results showed that a new complex of 1:1 was formed between GCZ and PEP, thereby quenching the endogenous fluorescence of PEP. The addition of GCZ changed the conformation of PEP and increased the α-helix content in PEP from 20.16% to 21.13%. Using the binding constant Ka of the reaction between GCZ and PEP and the number of binding sites n, the binding rate formulas of GCZ and PEP were deduced. It was estimated that when the patient takes 40 mg of GCZ, the PEP in the gastric juice will be reduced by 96.69%. That meant taking GCZ will seriously affect the patient's digestive function. The results of molecular docking indicated that the GCZ binding site was located in the active center of PEP. The interaction of the two was driven by electrostatic attraction and hydrogen bonding forces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The binding mechanism of sunset yellow on pepsin was studied by fluorescence quenching method, synchronous fluorescence method, and molecular docking technique. The results showed that sunset yellow can effectively quench the endogenous fluorescence of pepsin, which was accompanied by non-radiative energy transfer. A 1:1 stable complex with a binding constant of 104 was formed by sunset yellow and pepsin. The binding site of sunset yellow located in the active center of the pepsin and the binding was driven by electrostatic attraction and hydrogen bonding, thereby changed the conformation of pepsin. The binding rate of sunset yellow was 2.45–1.35% at 310 K, and the binding rate model was W(Q) = 5.538 × 10−6R2−5.188 × 10−4R + 0.02494. The binding rate of the pepsin was 2.45–47.11%; the binding rate model was W(B) = 2.271 × 10−4R2 + 0.02103 R + 0.009030. Through estimation, it can be seen that when sunset yellow was set at the maximum intake of 0.0025 g at every time, it would reduce the pepsin in gastric juice by 58.79% and seriously affect the body's digestive function. It was theoretically proved that sunset yellow has serious side effects on human digestive ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This experiment investigated intestinal enteropathy and digestive function of rainbow trout challenged with soybean meal‐based diet (SBM) at optimal or suboptimal environments created by normal or reduced water flow, respectively. Oxygen level remained above 7 mg L‐1 for optimal environment and between 4 and 5 mg L‐1 for suboptimal environment. Triplicate groups of fish (mean body weight 74 g) were fed fishmeal‐based diet (FM) or SBM at optimal environment in period 1 (28 days). In period 2 (42 days), fish were subjected to a change from FM to SBM or remained on the same diet as used in period 1. The fish were also exposed to change from optimal to suboptimal environment or remained under optimal conditions. The fish subjected to change from FM to SBM, regardless of their environment, showed similar degree of enteropathy from day 14. Lipid and starch digestibility was lower in SBM‐fed fish at suboptimal environment compared to fish fed the same diet at optimal environment. Crude protein digestibility, however, was highest in SBM‐fed fish at suboptimal environment throughout period 2. In conclusion, in SBM‐fed rainbow trout, exposure to suboptimal environment did not change the degree of enteropathy; however, lipid and starch digestibility were further reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The risk factors for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) are well known, but the factors involved in the different NEC presentations remain unclear. Objectives: We hypothesized that digestive dysfunction and intestinal inflammation are mainly affected by severe NEC lesions. Methods: In 48 preterm pigs, the association between the macroscopic NEC score (range 1-6) and the expression of 48 genes related to inflammation, morphological, and digestive parameters in the distal small intestine was investigated. Results: Only severe NEC cases (score of 5-6) were associated with the upregulation of genes involved in inflammation (CCL2, CCL3, CD14, CD163, CXCL8, HP, IL1B, IL1RN, IL6, IL10, NFKBIA, PTGS2 and TNFAIP3) compared to pigs that appeared healthy (score of 1-2) or showed mild NEC (score of 3-4). Pigs with a score of 5-6 had higher intestinal tissue IL-1β levels and a lower mucosal mass, villus height, and aminopeptidase N activity compared to pigs with a score of 1-4, and lower crypts and activities of lactase, dipeptidylpeptidase IV, and aminopeptidase A than pigs with a score of 1-2. Conclusions: The expression of a range of inflammation-related genes was increased only in pigs with severe NEC, concomitant with morphological changes and decreased hydrolase activity. A severe inflammatory response and digestive dysfunction are associated mainly with severe NEC. Still, it remains difficult to separate the initial causes of NEC and the later intestinal consequences of NEC in both infants and experimental models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Enteromyxosis caused by the intestinal myxozoan parasite Enteromyxum scophthalmi is a serious threat for turbot (Scophthalmus maximus, L.) aquaculture, causing severe catarrhal enteritis leading to a cachectic syndrome, with no therapeutic options available. There are still many aspects of host-parasite interaction and disease pathogenesis that are yet to be elucidated, and to date, no analysis of the transcriptomic changes induced by E. scophthalmi in turbot organs has been conducted. In this study, RNA-seq technology was applied to head kidney, spleen and pyloric caeca of severely infected turbot with the aim of furthering our understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms and turbot immune response against enteromyxosis. Results and discussion A huge amount of information was generated with more than 23,000 identified genes in the three organs, amongst which 4,762 were differently expressed (DE) between infected and control fish. Associate gene functions were studied based on gene ontology terms and available literature, and the most interesting DE genes were classified into five categories: 1) immune and defence response; 2) apoptosis and cell proliferation; 3) iron metabolism and erythropoiesis; 4) cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix and 5) metabolism and digestive function. The analysis of down-regulated genes of the first category revealed evidences of a connexion failure between innate and adaptive immune response, especially represented by a high number of DE interferon-related genes in the three organs. Furthermore, we found an intense activation of local immune response at intestinal level that appeared exacerbated, whereas in kidney and spleen genes involved in adaptive immune response were mainly down-regulated. The apoptotic machinery was only clearly activated in pyloric caeca, while kidney and spleen showed a marked depression of genes related to erythropoiesis, probably related to disorders in iron homeostasis. The genetic signature of the causes and consequences of cachexia was also demonstrated by the down-regulation of the genes encoding structural proteins and those involved in the digestive metabolism. Conclusions This transcriptomic study has enabled us to gain a better understanding of the pathogenesis of enteromyxosis and identify a large number of DE target genes that bring us closer to the development of strategies designed to effectively combat this pathogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] To explore the effects of codonopsis polysaccharide on mice and rats' digestive functions. [Methods] Male rats were randomly divided into blank group, positive control group (sijunzi decoction concentrated solution, 1.5 g/kg), low-dosage group (50 mg/kg), medium-dosage group (100 mg/kg) and high-dosage group (200 mg/kg), and were fed according to dose of 0. 01 mL/kg. Everyday fed rats with drugs by intagastric administration for one time, last for 30 days and then observed body weight, weight gain, food intake dose and food utilization rate and measured pepsin activity and amount of pepsin secretion; Female mice were randomly divided into blank group, positive control group (sijunzi decoction concentated solution, 3 g/kg), low-dosage group (100 mg/kg), middle-dosage group (200 mg/kg) and high-dosage group (400 mg/kg), and were fed according to dose of 0. 01 mL/kg. Everyday fed mice with drugs by intragastric administration for one time, last for 20 days and conducted small intestine motion testing, measured propulsive rate of active carbon powder in mice's small intestnes and observed the pathological section of gastrointestinal tract in rat. [Results] Codonopsis pilosula (200, 400 mg/kg) can improve small intestine propulsion decrease induced by compound diphenoxlte and reduce gastric secretion in rats. Codonopsis pilosula (400 mg/kg) can significantly increase the amount of pepsin secretion. Low, medium and high dosage can significandy enhance animal appetite and food intake and increase the animal body weight. The observation of the pathologcal section of gastrointestinal tract in rats confirmed that codonopsis pilosula could improve gastrointestinal physiology, increase the thickness of gastric mucosal and gastric wall, promote the growth of micro intestinal villus in duodenum and jejunum. [Conclusions] Codonopsis pilosula has healthcare function of improving digestion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two surgical approaches are usually employed in the treatment of deep infiltrating endometriosis of the rectum (DIER): colorectal resection removing the rectal segment affected by the disease, and nodule excision either without opening the rectum (shaving) or by removing the nodule along with the surrounding rectal wall (full thickness or disc excision). Although the present available data are from retrospective series reported by surgeons who generally perform only one technique, there is no evidence to support the risk of recurrences as a valid argument in favour of colorectal resection over rectal nodule excision. The advantage of a lower morbidity associated with nodule excision is not necessarily at the cost of an increased rate of pain recurrences, especially in women benefiting from post-operative medical treatment. The symptom-guided surgical approach in DIER primarily focuses on the relief of digestive symptoms and pelvic pains, rather than on mandatory ‘carcinologic’ resection of lesions. In addition, the risk of new post-operative unpleasant symptoms as a result of a compulsory and systematic excision of all endometriotic foci may be avoided. In a majority of cases, pelvic anatomy and digestive function can be restored by shaving or disc excision, as well as by colorectal resection; thus digestive complaints can be resolved even when the rectum is conserved. The most accurate evaluation of the results of DIER surgery should be provided by post-operative evolution in digestive function. Even though qualityoflife is improved for the majority of patients managed by colorectal resection, the question is whether or not a greater health improvement can be achieved by performing nodule excision, which avoids various post-operative and functional digestive complications. In addition, continuous medical treatment leads to a decrease in endometriotic nodules and prevents post-operative pain recurrences. Instead of choosing between medical and surgical management in the treatment of DIER, it is most likely that the two therapies should be associated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From a structural study of the midgut of Centropages typicus, three main zones presenting different cellular associations may be defined. The ultrastructural study carried out allows us to distinguish several cell types. The four principal cell categories (E, R, F and B) show a more or less marked resemblance with those identified in the Malacostraceans, especially in the hepatopancreas of Decapods. The three types R, F and B, which are subdivided according to their localization (R and R′) or their developing stages (F1, F2; B1 to B5), are recognized by the following characteristics: R-cells with smooth endoplasmic reticulum and high microvilli (zones I and III); F-cells with rough endoplasmic reticulum and short or spherical microvilli (zones I and II); B-cells with a large vacuolar apparatus made up of lysosome-like dense bodies associated with vacuoles originating from pinocytosis (zone II). From the comparisons of morphological, ultrastructural and histochemical results concerning Centropages typicus with author's data, we propose and discuss these functions for the three principal cell types: synthesis and secretion of pre-digestive enzymes (F1 and F2-cells); enzyme synthesis, intracellular digestion and extrusion (B1 to B5-cells); absorption (R and R′-cells). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Thick-lipped grey mullet (Chelon labrosus) feeds on the lowest trophic levels during adult stages, for which it is considered a viable candidate for an economically and environmentally sustainable aquaculture. Similar to most of marine fish species, C. labrosus produce a large number of eggs, leading to morphologically and anatomically larvae that are not completely mature and have to pass through substantial differentiation and development in their functional systems to acquire adult features. Therefore, the study of the development of digestive tract and of the growth regulation can provide useful information to adapt the feeding protocols and rearing conditions to the physiological requirements at each stage. This work aimed to evaluate the early ontogeny of key digestive enzymes and somatotropic factors at biochemical and/or transcriptional levels. Our results evidenced that maturation of the digestive system and acquisition of the adult mode of digestion occurs around 60 to 70 days post hatch (dph), when starch or other low-cost carbohydrate-based compounds could be used in formulated diets at increasing levels. Furthermore, our results implied an independent expression of the studied somatotropic genes during the first 40 dph and establishment of a functional growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor 1 axis from 50 dph onward. Thick-lipped grey mullet (Chelon labrosus) is a candidate for sustainable aquaculture due to its omnivorous/detritivorous feeding habit. This work aimed to evaluate its digestive and growth potentials from larval to early juvenile stages. To attain these objectives the activity of key digestive enzymes was measured from three until 90 days post hatch (dph). Expression of genes involved in digestion of proteins (try2, ctr, pga2, and atp4a), carbohydrates (amy2a), and lipids (cel and pla2g1b), together with two somatotropic factors (gh and igf1) were also quantified. No chymotrypsin or pepsin activities were detected. While specific activity of trypsin and lipase were high during the first 30 dph and declined afterward, amylase activity was low until 57 dph and increased significantly beyond that point. Expression of try2, ctr, amy2a, and cel increased continuously along development, and showed a peak at the end of metamorphosis. Expression of pla2g1b, pga2 and atp4a increased until the middle of metamorphosis and decreased afterwars. Most of these trends contrast the usual patterns in carnivorous species and highlight the transition from larvae, with high protein requirements, to post-larvae/juvenile stages, with omnivorous/detritivorous feeding preferences. Somatotropic genes, gh and igf1, showed approximately inverse expression patterns, suggesting the establishment of the Gh/Igf1 axis from 50 dph. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Heat stress, one of the major problems in tropical and subtropical regions, adversely affects poultry production. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of dietary betaine on growth performance, digestive function, carcass traits, and meat quality in indigenous yellow-feathered broilers subjected to long-term heat stress. The results demonstrated that long-term heat exposure reduced the growth performance, digestive function, and carcass yield, and dietary betaine supplementation partially alleviated the adverse effects of heat stress on these parameters. These findings are useful for development of anti-heat stress feed additives in indigenous yellow-feathered broilers. Heat stress has a profound effect on poultry health and productivity. The present study evaluated whether feeding betaine could ameliorate long-term heat stress-induced impairment of productive performance in indigenous yellow-feathered broilers. A total of 240 five-week-old male broilers were randomly allocated to five treatments with six replicates of eight broilers each. The five treatments included a thermoneutral zone control group (TN, fed basal diet), a heat stress control group (HS, fed basal diet), and an HS control group supplemented 500, 1000, 2000 mg/kg betaine, respectively. The TN group was raised at 26 ± 1 °C during the whole study, HS groups exposed to 32 ± 1 °C for 8 h/day from 9:00 am to 17:00 pm. The results showed that heat stress decreased the body weight gain (BWG) and feed intake of broilers during 1–5, 6–10, and 1–10 weeks (p < 0.05). Dietary betaine tended to improve the BWG and feed intake of broilers under 5 weeks of heat stress (linear, p < 0.10), and betaine supplementation linearly increased the BWG and feed intake during 6–10 and 1–10 weeks (p < 0.05). Additionally, nitrogen retention was reduced by 5 weeks and 10 weeks of heat stress (p < 0.05), whereas dietary betaine could improve nitrogen retention in heat stressed broilers after both 5 and 10 weeks of heat stress (linear, p < 0.05). Moreover, this study observed that the trypsin activity of jejunum was decreased by 5 weeks of heat stress (p < 0.05), whereas betaine supplementation had quadratic effects on trypsin activity of jejunum in heat stressed broilers (p < 0.05). Furthermore, 10 weeks of heat stress induced a reduction of villus height of the duodenum and jejunum (p < 0.05), and decreased the villus height to crypt depth ratio of the jejunum (p < 0.05). Supplementation with betaine ameliorated the adverse effects of heat stress on these parameters (p < 0.05). Compared with the TN group, 10 weeks of heat stress reduced carcass and breast yield (p < 0.05) and betaine supplementation improved carcass and breast yield of heat stressed broilers (linear, p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of betaine could reduce the detrimental effects of long-term heat stress on growth performance, digestive function, and carcass traits in indigenous yellow-feathered broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]