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The Argonautoidea is a monophyletic superfamily of pelagic incirrate octopods primarily distinguished by an unusual means of copulation where a sexually modified arm, or hectocotylus, is detached and transferred from dwarf males to the female. Males of the seven-arm octopus Haliphron atlanticus are scarcely observed and little is known about their reproductive strategy. A detailed description of H. atlanticus digestive system, hectocotylus morphology, histology and functioning was carried out with fresh and preserved material from two males captured in the Bay of Biscay (North Atlantic). It is the first time that a hydrostatic sac/swimbladder in the anterior region of the intestine is described in an argonautoid male. Investing in reproductive rather than somatic growth is evident in the dwarf males of H. atlanticus , which lack the Needham sac and the terminal organ. Functionally, these organs have been replaced by two external modifications at the distal end of the detachable hectocotylus: a spermatophore reservoir with a single long spermatophore and a muscular penis, both essential to ensure fertilization once the hectocotylus is detached from the dwarf males. Haliphron has been considered a monospecific genus, with a single species distributed around the world. However, mitochondrial genetic analysis (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and 16S ribosomal RNA) supports the existence of at least two species of Haliphron , one in the northern Atlantic and another in the southern Atlantic/Pacific. Further genetic and morphological studies are needed to unravel the diversity of this oceanic octopod family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background One major barrier to HIV cure is the persistence of virus, possibly linked to an insufficient antiretroviral drug (ARV) distribution into tissues. Objectives To draw the whole-body distribution of three antiretroviral drugs—tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, emtricitabine and dolutegravir—in non-human primates (NHPs). Methods Eight uninfected NHPs received a single injection of a solution containing the three ARVs. Forty-five different tissues were sampled 24 h after injection. Results Median tissue penetration factors (TPFs) were 45.4, 5.8 and 0.5 for tenofovir, emtricitabine and dolutegravir, respectively, and were statistically different between the three ARVs. Tissues were grouped by system, because TPFs were consistent according to these groups, and ranked in order of decreasing TPFs. The digestive system was the system with the highest tissue concentrations. Next came the two main sites of elimination, the liver and the kidney, as well as the tissues of the cardiopulmonary and urinary systems. Then, it was the whole lymphatic system. The next group included the reproductive system, the adipose tissue and the skin. The last two systems were the muscle and the CNS. The intra-tissue variability was rather low with a median coefficient of variation of the concentrations around 15% and no value greater than 80%. Conclusions Overall, this study determines the first whole-body distribution in a validated NHP model. These data have important implications for future preclinical and clinical studies for the development of novel HIV therapies towards an HIV cure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of circulating microRNA-29 (miR-29) in digestive system malignant neoplasms by meta-analysis. Methods We searched the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to collect studies, published through September 2022, on the diagnostic value of miR-29 in digestive system tumors. Results We included 7 studies in this meta-analysis, including colorectal cancer, esophageal squamous cell carcinomas, and cholangiocarcinoma. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratio were 0.64 (95% CI, 0.53–0.74), 0.83 (0.60–0.94), 3.75 (1.42–9.91), 0.44 (0.31–0.61), and 8.63 (2.54–29.26), respectively. The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.75. The sensitivity of miR-29 derived from serum was higher than that of miR-29 derived from plasma for malignant digestive system tumors (0.71 vs 0.54; P =.04). Conclusion This meta-analysis suggests that the circulating miR-29 family has good diagnostic performance for digestive system malignant tumors, with moderate sensitivity and good specificity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tardigrades in their natural environment are exposed to various environmental toxicants, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or antipyretics such as paracetamol. This drug can enter the animal's body through the body wall or the digestive system with food and can affect the biology of organisms. In this paper, we report for the first time the effects of paracetamol on tardigrade storage cells. We analyzed the effects of short-term (7 days) and long-term (28 days) exposure of Hypsibius exemplaris storage cells to three paracetamol concentrations (0.2 µgxL−1, 230 µgxL−1, 1 mgxL−1). Our results showed that increasing paracetamol concentration and incubation time increases the number of damaged mitochondria in storage cells, and autophagy is activated and intensified. Moreover, the relocation of some organelles and cell deformation may indicate cytoskeleton damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional traits are phenotypic characteristics that contribute to fitness of individuals in dynamic and changing environments. In mammals, both categorical and continuous (e.g. quantitative) functional traits have been extensively utilized as proxies for diet, locomotion, and other aspects of species ecology, but there has been less focus on form and function of soft tissues. This is particularly true for the digestive system, which varies in size and complexity across Class Mammalia and plays a major role in the energetics of species. To guide more effective utilization of gastrointestinal (GI) morphology as a functional proxy in small mammal ecology, we examined how GI tracts (lengths and masses of four GI sections) varied within a population of deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina, United States. We collected samples of adult P. maniculatus monthly for 1 year and measured GI tracts to quantify variation with respect to seasonality and trophic level, providing insight into plasticity in this soft tissue trait over time. We found that season had a significant effect on the total length and wet mass of the GI tract, with January mice having the longest GI tracts and lengths being shortest in the summer. The relative shortening of the GI tract in summer corresponded with a partial trophic increase detected by stable isotope signatures. GI length and wet mass also were affected by reproduction, but males and females responded in sex-specific ways to demands of reproduction, with reproductively active males having shorter and lighter GI tracts than nonreproductively active males. Our study provides proof-of-concept for understanding population-level plasticity in a rarely collected soft tissue trait, which may also be complementary to standard craniodental measurements as a functional dietary proxy to understand mammalian ecology and community assembly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background This study provides a nationwide representative quantification of the impact of educational inequalities on cancer mortality in Italy. Methods The study is based on prevalence data and mortality rate ratios according to levels of education obtained from the Italian 2011 census cohort, including >35 million individuals aged 30–74. We estimated the population attributable fraction (PAF) and the number of cancer deaths associated with low education (below university degree) in Italy by sex. Results PAFs for low levels of education were 29.1% among men and 13.3% among women, corresponding to 22,271 cancer deaths associated with low education in men and 7456 in women in 2019. PAFs by cancer site in men were: 53.0% for upper aerodigestive tract (UADT), 44.6% for liver, 41.3% for stomach, 41.3% for lung, 37.0% for bladder, 18.5% for colorectal, 9.8% for prostate and 9.1% for pancreatic cancers. PAFs in women were: 44.5% for cervical, 36.1% for UADT, 34.9% for stomach and 13.9% for colorectal cancers. The cancer sites with the highest number of deaths associated with low education were lung among men (7902/22,271, 35.5%) and colorectum among women (780/7456, 10.5%). Conclusions About a quarter of cancer deaths in 2019 in Italy may be prevented by reducing the socioeconomic determinants that contribute to educational disparities in cancer mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The gut microbiome has been recognized as a significant contributor to primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with mounting evidence indicating associations between bacterial components and cancers of the digestive system. Methods and results: Here, to characterize gut bacterial signature in patients with primary HCC and to assess the diagnostic potential of bacterial taxa for primary HCC, 21 HCC patients and 21 healthy first-degree relatives (control group) were enrolled in this study. Bacterial DNA in the fecal samples was quantified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We found that 743 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were shared between patients with primary HCC and healthy controls. Of these, 197 OTUs were unique to patients with primary HCC, while 95 OTUs were unique to healthy subjects. Additionally, we observed significant differences in the abundance of Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014 and Romboutsia between patients with primary HCC and their healthy first-degree relatives. Besides, the relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014 and Prevotella_9 was positively correlated with physiological indicators including AST, ALT, ALB, or TBIL. Signature bacterial taxa could serve as non-invasive biomarkers, of which Romboutsia and Veillonella were identified as differential taxa in fecal samples from patients with HCC compared to healthy controls. Romboutsia showed a strong association with HCC (AUC = 0.802). Additionally, the combination of Romboutsia and Veillonella (AUC = 0.812) or the grouping of Fusobacterium, Faccalibacterium, and Peptostreptococcacae together (AUC = 0.762) exhibited promising outcomes for the diagnosis of HCC. Conclusions: The composition of gut microbes in patients with HCC was found to be significantly altered. Differential taxa Romboutsia, Veillonella, and Peptostreptococcacae could be tested for identification of HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pancreatic cancer (PaCa) is one of the most fatal malignancies of the digestive system, and most patients are diagnosed at advanced stages due to the lack of specific and effective tumor-related biomarkers for the early detection of PaCa. miR-492 has been found to be upregulated in PaCa tumor tissue and may serve as a potential therapeutic target. However, the molecular mechanisms by which miR-492 promotes PaCa tumor growth and progression are unclear. In this study, we first found that miR-492 in enhancer loci activated neighboring genes (NR2C1/NDUFA12/TMCC3) and promoted PaCa cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro. We also observed that miR-492-activating genes significantly enriched the TGF-β/Smad3 signaling pathway in PaCa to promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) during tumorigenesis and development. Using CRISPR–Cas9 and ChIP assays, we further observed that miR-492 acted as an enhancer trigger, and that antagomiR-492 repressed PaCa tumorigenesis in vivo , decreased the expression levels of serum TGF-β, and suppressed the EMT process by downregulating the expression of NR2C1. Our results demonstrate that miR-492, as an enhancer trigger, facilitates PaCa progression via the NR2C1-TGF-β/Smad3 pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organoids are tridimensional structures cultured in the lab from stem cells. Organoids have been developed for many different organs, particularly those with Lgr5+ stem cells. The organs of the digestive system belong to this group of organs and to date, organoids have been established from all the digestive tract tissues and organs including liver, gall bladder and pancreas. Although most protocols to generate organoids have focused on human and mouse organs, organoids from domestic and production animals like dogs, cats, rabbits, pigs, chickens, turkeys, and horses are actively used in research. In this presentation, the principles of developing intestinal organoids will be covered, along with a summary of how they have been used to address intestinal function and disease in our lab and by others. In our lab, we use swine enteroids (intestinal organoids) to study the intestinal epithelial responses to nutrients and pathogens. We have explored differential responses of the intestinal epithelium to organic and inorganic sources of dietary zinc, and we are currently investigating the mechanism of pathogenesis of Lawsonia intracellularis, the causative agent of porcine intestinal adenopathy. We will also discuss methods for modeling intestinal physiology using enteroids, and the advantages and challenges of working with swine enteroids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detritivorous insects that flourish in decaying environments encounter microorganisms throughout their life cycle. However, it is not clear whether the microbial composition of the decaying environment affects the microbial composition of the insect gut, or whether the opposite is true, with the microorganisms that are adapted to the insect's digestive system being dispersed by the insects to new habitats, thereby becoming more and more common in the environment. To test these questions the fungal composition of the black soldier fly (BSF) (Stratiomyidae; Hermetia illucens Linnaeus) larval gut and its surrounding decaying environment (household compost bins) were analyzed using amplicon sequencing. Constancy in the dominance of the genus Candida (Debaryomycetaceae) in most of the environments and larval guts was found. This finding may suggest a 'core' structure to the fungal community of the BSF. In locations where nutrient composition of the environment had higher fiber content, the Candida was not dominant and the most common fungi were the genus Gibberella (Nectriaceae) and the family Dipodascaceae. The later was dominant also in the larval gut and the former was replaced with Meyerozyma (Debaryomycetaceae), which may suggest a selection process by the insect's gut. Little is known about the ecological interactions of insects with eukaryotic microorganisms, such as yeast-like fungi. As their metabolic complexity and ability is intense, they have the potential to dramatically affect the physiological condition of the insect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Therapeutic peptides act on the skeletal system, digestive system and blood system, have antibacterial properties and help relieve inflammation. In order to reduce the resource consumption of wet experiments for the identification of therapeutic peptides, many computational-based methods have been developed to solve the identification of therapeutic peptides. Due to the insufficiency of traditional machine learning methods in dealing with feature noise. We propose a novel therapeutic peptide identification method called Structured Sparse Regularized Takagi–Sugeno–Kang Fuzzy System on Within-Class Scatter (SSR-TSK-FS-WCS). Our method achieves good performance on multiple therapeutic peptides and UCI datasets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rare syndrome of Blue Rubber Bleb Nevus is known to be causing skin vascular lesions in the form of bluish papules, called blue nevi and the movable rubber-like consistency soft tissue masses. The syndrome frequently involves digestive system besides other visceral organs such as liver, lungs, thyroid gland, spleen and nervous system. We present a case of a 36-year-old female with Blue Rubber Bleb Nevus that involved skin and musculoskeletal system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two PIEZO mechanosensitive cation channels, PIEZO1 and PIEZO2, have been identified in mammals, where they are involved in numerous sensory processes. While structurally similar, PIEZO channels are expressed in distinct tissues and exhibit unique properties. How different PIEZOs transduce force, how their transduction mechanism varies, and how their unique properties match the functional needs of the tissues they are expressed in remain all-important unanswered questions. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has a single PIEZO ortholog (pezo-1) predicted to have 12 isoforms. These isoforms share many transmembrane domains but differ in those that distinguish PIEZO1 and PIEZO2 in mammals. We used transcriptional and translational reporters to show that putative promoter sequences immediately upstream of the start codon of long pezo-1 isoforms predominantly drive green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression in mesodermally derived tissues (such as muscle and glands). In contrast, sequences upstream of shorter pezo-1 isoforms resulted in GFP expression primarily in neurons. Putative promoters upstream of different isoforms drove GFP expression in different cells of the same organs of the digestive system. The observed unique pattern of complementary expression suggests that different isoforms could possess distinct functions within these organs. We used mutant analysis to show that pharyngeal muscles and glands require long pezo-1 isoforms to respond appropriately to the presence of food. The number of pezo-1 isoforms in C. elegans, their putative differential pattern of expression, and roles in experimentally tractable processes make this an attractive system to investigate the molecular basis for functional differences between members of the PIEZO family of mechanoreceptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Levetiracetam (LEV) has a low risk of hepatotoxicity due to low liver metabolism. Knowledge regarding the association between LEV exposure and liver injury is based mainly on case reports. The purpose of this study is to summarize the clinical features of LEV-induced liver injury. Methods: We collected literature on liver injury induced by LEV for retrospective analysis from 1999 to April 2021 in Chinese and English. Key findings: The median age of 21 patients (13 males and 8 females) was 31 years (range 0.13–76). The median time for liver injury was 19 days (range 3–120). The clinical manifestations of patients ranged from asymptomatic elevated liver enzymes in 5 patients (23.8%) to fever, digestive system symptoms and skin rash in 16 patients (76.2%). The median values of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were 773 IU/L (range 60–4800) and 667.5 IU/L (range 53–10 387), respectively. Liver biopsy demonstrated hepatocellular necrosis. The liver function returned to normal at a median time of 9 days (range 2–270) after discontinuation of LEV. Conclusions: LEV-induced liver injury is a rare adverse reaction, ranging from asymptomatic elevated transaminases to fulminant liver failure. Patients receiving long-term treatment with LEV should consider monitoring liver function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens is shaping the current dogma regarding the use of antibiotherapy. Many bacteria have evolved to become resistant to conventional antibiotherapy, representing a health and economic burden for those afflicted. The search for alternative and complementary therapeutic approaches has intensified and revived phage therapy. In recent decades, the exogenous use of lysins, encoded in phage genomes, has shown encouraging effectiveness. These two antimicrobial agents reduce bacterial populations; however, many barriers challenge their prompt delivery at the infection site. Encapsulation in delivery vehicles provides targeted therapy with a controlled compound delivery, surpassing chemical, physical and immunological barriers that can inactivate and eliminate them. This review explores phages and lysins' current use to resolve bacterial infections in the respiratory, digestive and integumentary systems. We also highlight the different challenges they face in each of the three systems and discuss the advances towards a more expansive use of delivery vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we describe a new species of shallow-subtidal nudibranch from south-eastern Africa. The strikingly vivid orange sea slug with white markings belongs to the long-disputed family Facelinidae, and has been photographed and recorded in the region by divers for some time. Tomographic modelling was applied to produce a 3D anatomical reconstruction of the reproductive and digestive organs from serial sections. A molecular phylogeny using multiple markers (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, 16S rRNA and histone H3) recovered three distinct clades within the paraphyletic Facelinidae, in agreement with other recent studies. This topology supported a genus-level clade, including the type species of Sakuraeolis Baba, 1965, S. enosimensis Baba, 1930, the new species described herein,  S. arcana  n. sp. and an undescribed sibling species that shares morphological resemblance to S. arcana n. sp.  Facelina quatrefagesi  Vayssière, 1888 is also recognized as  Caloria quatrefagesi  n. comb. on the basis of molecular and morphology affinity. Field observations provided insight into phenology, with a population decline noted in August. Although the new species does not have the penial structure previously considered diagnostic for  Sakuraeolis , the decision was made on the balance of evidence for phylogenetic affinity to amend the diagnosis of the genus to accommodate  S. arcana  n. sp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the positive effects of kangaroo mother care (KMC) on the digestive system of preterm infants. The study by Çaka et al. found that KMC led to a shorter transition time to full enteral feeding and reduced feeding intolerance in preterm infants. The improved functioning of the digestive system could be attributed to increased blood flow or the release of oxytocin, which improves gut motility. Another study by Sahoo et al. showed that KMC also had a positive effect on neonatal cerebral blood flow. Further research is needed to explore these mechanisms in more detail. [Extracted from the article]

Context: The rate of glucose metabolism changes drastically after partial pancreatectomy.Objective: This work aims to analyze changes in patients' glucose metabolism and endocrine and exocrine function before and after partial pancreatectomy relative to different resection types (Kindai Prospective Study on Metabolism and Endocrinology after Pancreatectomy: KIP-MEP study).Methods: A series of 278 consecutive patients with scheduled pancreatectomy were enrolled into our prospective study. Of them, 109 individuals without diabetes, who underwent partial pancreatectomy, were investigated. Data were compared between patients with pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD, n = 73) and those with distal pancreatectomy (DP, n = 36).Results: Blood glucose levels during the 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (75gOGTT) significantly decreased after pancreatectomy in the PD group (area under the curve [AUC] -9.3%, P < .01), and significantly increased in the DP population (AUC + 16.8%, P < .01). Insulin secretion rate during the 75gOGTT and glucagon stimulation test significantly decreased after pancreatectomy both in the PD and DP groups (P < .001). Both groups showed similar homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) values after pancreatectomy. Decrease in exocrine function quality after pancreatectomy was more marked in association with PD than DP (P < .01). Multiple regression analysis indicated that resection type and preoperative HOMA-IR independently influenced glucose tolerance-related postoperative outcomes.Conclusions: Blood glucose levels after the OGTT differed markedly between PD and DP populations. The observed differences between PD and DP suggest the importance of individualization in the management of metabolism and nutrition after partial pancreatectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Pancreatic beta-cell glucose sensitivity is the slope of the plasma glucose-insulin secretion relationship and is a key predictor of deteriorating glucose tolerance and development of type 2 diabetes. However, there are no large-scale studies looking at the genetic determinants of beta-cell glucose sensitivity.Objective: To understand the genetic determinants of pancreatic beta-cell glucose sensitivity using genome-wide meta-analysis and candidate gene studies.Design: We performed a genome-wide meta-analysis for beta-cell glucose sensitivity in subjects with type 2 diabetes and nondiabetic subjects from 6 independent cohorts (n = 5706). Beta-cell glucose sensitivity was calculated from mixed meal and oral glucose tolerance tests, and its associations between known glycemia-related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and genome-wide association study (GWAS) SNPs were estimated using linear regression models.Results: Beta-cell glucose sensitivity was moderately heritable (h2 ranged from 34% to 55%) using SNP and family-based analyses. GWAS meta-analysis identified multiple correlated SNPs in the CDKAL1 gene and GIPR-QPCTL gene loci that reached genome-wide significance, with SNP rs2238691 in GIPR-QPCTL (P value = 2.64 × 10-9) and rs9368219 in the CDKAL1 (P value = 3.15 × 10-9) showing the strongest association with beta-cell glucose sensitivity. These loci surpassed genome-wide significance when the GWAS meta-analysis was repeated after exclusion of the diabetic subjects. After correction for multiple testing, glycemia-associated SNPs in or near the HHEX and IGF2B2 loci were also associated with beta-cell glucose sensitivity.Conclusion: We show that, variation at the GIPR-QPCTL and CDKAL1 loci are key determinants of pancreatic beta-cell glucose sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcium salts of fatty acids (CSFAs) frequently are fed to ruminants, but their fate in the equine digestive system is unknown. The purpose of this study was to compare Enertia s/f, a proprietary CSFAs, and soybean (SB) oil with respect to impact on apparent total tract nutrient digestion and cecal fermentation parameters in horses. Eight cecally cannulated Quarter Horses were used in a crossover design in which horses consumed a diet for 32 d consisting of 1.5% body weight (BW) (as-fed) smooth bromegrass hay and 0.5% BW (as-fed) pelleted concentrate containing 4.9% CSFAs or 4.1% SB oil. Fecal samples were collected every 4 h from day 30 to 32 of each period and analyzed for apparent total tract digestibilities of dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), crude protein (CP), crude fat (CF), and gross energy (GE) using acid detergent insoluble ash as an internal marker. Cecal digesta was obtained at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 h following the morning meal on day 29 of each period and analyzed for pH and concentrations of volatile fatty acid (VFA) and long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs). Serum was collected on day 33 of each period following a 16-h fast and analyzed for triglycerides and cholesterol. Apparent total tract digestibilities of DM, NDF, ADF, CP, CF, and GE were unaffected by lipid source (P  > 0.10). Serum triglycerides tended to be greater in horses consuming CSFAs compared to SB (P  = 0.10); however, serum cholesterol was not different (P  = 0.45). In horses consuming SB, cecal pH decreased below baseline (hour 0) at hours 2, 4, and 6 (P  < 0.01), whereas cecal pH in horses consuming CSFAs was below baseline at hours 4 and 6 (P  < 0.01). There were no treatment or time effects on cecal pH (P  > 0.10). Cecal concentrations of total VFAs were greater in horses consuming SB compared to CSFAs at hour 2 (P  = 0.01). Cecal concentrations of acetate, propionate, acetate:propionate (A:P), and butyrate were affected by time (P  < 0.01). Propionate was less at hour 2 in horses fed CSFAs compared to horses fed SB (P  = 0.04). A treatment × time interaction was detected for total cecal LCFAs concentration (P  < 0.01); LCFAs concentration was greater at hour 2 for horses consuming CSFAs compared to horses fed SB (P  = 0.02). SB oil and CSFAs have similar effects on the digestion of DM, NDF, ADF, GE, CF, and CP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three species of Macrobiotidae, Macrobiotus polonicus , Macrobiotus diversus and Macrobiotus pallarii , were selected for analysis of the fine structure of the midgut epithelium. They are gonochoric and carnivorous species that live in wet terrestrial and freshwater environments. The ultrastructure of the midgut epithelium of the investigated Macrobiotidae species was analysed in both males and females. Their digestive system is composed of fore- and hindguts that are covered by a cuticle, and the middle region, termed the midgut. It is lined with a simple epithelium that is formed by digestive cells that have a distinct brush border. Crescent-shaped cells that form an anterior ring in the border between the fore- and midgut were detected. The ultrastructure of the intestinal epithelium of the examined species differs slightly depending on sex. The digestive cells of the posterior segment of the intestine contain numerous lipid droplets, which are the reserve material. We concluded that the digestive cells of the Macrobiotidae midgut are responsible for its intracellular digestion owing to endocytosis. They also participate in the extracellular digestion owing to merocrine secretion (exocytosis). However, the midgut is not the main organ that accumulates reserve material. Additionally, the midgut epithelium does not participate in oogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute cholecystitis is an emergency condition. If not promptly diagnosed and properly managed, the complication of gangrenous cholecystitis may develop, which may be a life-threatening complication.Objectives: The study aims to examine various characteristics and physiological parameters in patients diagnosed with acute cholecystitis to evaluate if significant predictive factors exist for the differential diagnosis of gangrenous cholecystitis.Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study included patients with acute cholecystitis diagnosis, who presented to 'blinded for peer review' from 1 January 2010 to 1 January 2017. Parameters evaluated included liver function tests, complete cell count, C reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), amylase and lipase levels, as well as medical history, and presenting clinical signs. Cases were divided according to whether or not there was a histopathological diagnosis of gangrenous cholecystitis.Results: A total of 186 (54.5%) female and 155 (45.5%) male cases were examined. Patients with gangrenous cholecystitis tended to be male, showed a significantly higher white cell count, higher neutrophil percentage, lower lymphocyte percentage and higher ESR compared with patients without gangrenous cholecystitis. However, serum amylase and lipase demonstrated no differential diagnostic utility CONCLUSION: Male patients with a high ESR level, high total leucocyte count with a relative high proportion of neutrophils and a low proportion of lymphocytes were found to be at increased risk of the presence of gangrenous cholecystitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gut microbiota diversity of eight panda cubs was assessed during a dietary switch. Gut microbiota diversity of panda cubs significantly decreased after bamboo consumption. Carnivorous species living on a plant-based diet possess low microbial diversity. Mice were fed a bamboo diet but did not display low gut microbiota diversity. Giant pandas have an exclusive diet of bamboo; however, their gut microbiotas are more similar to carnivores than herbivores in terms of bacterial composition and their functional potential. This is inconsistent with observations that typical herbivores possess highly diverse gut microbiotas. It is unclear why the gut bacterial diversity of giant pandas is so low. Herein, the dynamic variations in the gut microbiota of eight giant panda cubs were measured using 16S rRNA gene paired-end sequencing during a dietary switch. Similar data from red panda (an herbivorous carnivore) and carnivorous species were compared with that of giant pandas. In addition, mice were fed a high-bamboo diet (80% bamboo and 20% rat feed) to determine whether a bamboo diet could lower the gut bacterial diversity in a non-carnivorous digestive tract. The diversity of giant panda gut microbiotas decreased significantly after switching from milk and complementary food to bamboo diet. Carnivorous species living on a plant-based diet, including giant and red pandas, possess a lower microbial diversity than other carnivore species. Mouse gut microbiota diversity significantly increased after adding high-fibre bamboo to their diet. Findings suggest that a very restricted diet (bamboo) within a carnivorous digestive system might be critical for shaping a low gut bacterial diversity in giant pandas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Establishing relationships between parasite infection and physiological condition of the host can be difficult and therefore are often neglected when describing factors causing population declines. Using the parasite–host system between the parasitic nematode Contracaecum osculatum and the Eastern Baltic cod Gadus morhua , we here shed new light on how parasite load may relate to the physiological condition of a transport host. The Eastern Baltic cod is in distress, with declining nutritional conditions, disappearance of the larger fish, high natural mortality and no signs of recovery of the population. During the latest decade, high infection levels with C. osculatum have been observed in fish in the central and southern parts of the Baltic Sea. We investigated the aerobic performance, nutritional condition, organ masses, and plasma and proximate body composition of wild naturally infected G. morhua in relation to infection density with C. osculatum. Fish with high infection densities of C. osculatum had (i) decreased nutritional condition, (ii) depressed energy turnover as evidenced by reduced standard metabolic rate, (iii) reduction in the digestive organ masses, and alongside (iv) changes in the plasma, body and liver composition, and fish energy source. The significantly reduced albumin to globulin ratio in highly infected G. morhua suggests that the fish suffer from a chronic liver disease. Furthermore, fish with high infection loads had the lowest Fulton's condition factor. Yet, it remains unknown whether our results steam from a direct effect of C. osculatum , or because G. morhua in an already compromised nutritional state are more susceptible towards the parasite. Nevertheless, impairment of the physiological condition can lead to reduced swimming performance, compromising foraging success while augmenting the risk of predation, potentially leading to an increase in the natural mortality of the host. We hence argue that fish–parasite interactions must not be neglected when implementing and refining strategies to rebuild deteriorating populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to our previous reports, the intraperiodontal elastic fiber system comprises oxytalan fibers, whereas all types of elastic system fibers are present in the gingiva. Much remains to be elucidated regarding the topographic development of the elastic fiber system that constitutes the walls of the digestive organs. This study aimed to examine the topographic development of the elastic fiber system in the periodontal tissue, oral cavity and digestive tract of rats at light- and electron microscopic levels. At embryonic day 20, in situ hybridization revealed the mRNA expression of tropoelastin in the putative gingival lamina propria but not in the dental follicle. At the postnatal stage, the masticatory mucous membrane of the gingiva and hard palate comprised three different types of elastic system fibers (oxytalan, elaunin and elastic fibers). Conversely, the elastic fiber system comprised elaunin and elastic fibers in other oral mucosae and the lining mucosae of digestive tract organs (the esophagus, stomach and small intestine). The findings of our study suggest that the elastic fiber system is mainly related to tissue resistance in the periodontal ligament and tissue elasticity in the oral mucosae without masticatory mucosae and the overlying mucosa of digestive tracts and both functions in the gingiva and hard palate, respectively. The appearance of elaunin fibers in the periodontium of rats aged 14 weeks suggests the expression of tropoelastin induced by mechanical stressors such as mastication. The intraperiodontal difference in the distribution of elaunin fibers suggests heterogeneity among fibroblasts constituting the periodontium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conoidean family Terebridae is an intriguing lineage of marine gastropods, which are of considerable interest due to their varied anatomy and complex venoms. Terebrids are abundant, easily recognizable and widely distributed in tropical and subtropical waters, but our findings have demonstrated that their systematics requires revision. Here we elaborate the classification of Terebridae based on a recently published molecular phylogeny of 154 species, plus characters of the shell and anterior alimentary system. The 407 living species of the family, including seven species described herein, are assigned to three subfamilies: Pellifroniinae new subfamily, Pervicaciinae and Terebrinae. The Pellifroniinae comprises five deep-water species in two genera, Pellifronia and Bathyterebra n. gen. Pellifroniinae possess a radula of duplex marginal teeth, well-developed proboscis and venom gland, and a very small rhynchodeal introvert. The Pervicaciinae includes c. 50 species in the predominantly Indo-Pacific genera Duplicaria and Partecosta. Pervicaciinae possess salivary glands, a radula of solid recurved marginal teeth and a weakly developed rhynchodeal introvert, but lack proboscis and venom gland. The remaining Terebridae species are classified into 15 genera in the subfamily Terebrinae (including four genera described herein); nine genera are defined on the basis of phylogenetic data and six solely on shell morphology. The Indo-Pacific genera Profunditerebra n. gen., Maculauger n. gen. and Myurellopsis n. gen. each include about a dozen species. The first is restricted to the deep waters of the Indo-West Pacific, while the latter two range widely in both geographic and bathymetric distribution. Neoterebra n. gen. encompasses about 65 species from a range of localities in the eastern Pacific, Caribbean, and Atlantic, and from varying depths. To characterize the highly diversified genera Terebra , Punctoterebra , Myurella and Duplicaria , each of which comprise several morphological clusters, we propose the use of DNA-based diagnoses. These diagnoses are combined with more informative descriptions to define most of the supraspecific taxa of Terebridae, to provide a comprehensive revision of the group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background We aimed to investigate the contribution of chronic conditions to gender differences in disability-free life expectancy (DFLE) and life expectancy with disability (LED) in Belgium in 2001, 2004 and 2008. Methods Data on disability and chronic conditions from participants of the 2001, 2004 and 2008 Health Interview Surveys in Belgium were used to estimate disability prevalence by cause using the attribution method. Disability prevalence was applied to life tables to estimate DFLE and LED using the Sullivan method. Decomposition techniques were used to assess the contribution of mortality and disability and further of causes of death and disability to gender disparities in DFLE and LED. Results Higher LE, DFLE and LED were observed for women compared with men in all years studied. A decrease in the gender gap in LE (2001: 5.9; 2004: 5.6; 2008: 5.3) was observed in our cross-sectional approach followed by a decrease in gender differences in DFLE (2001: 1.9; 2004: 1.3; 2008: 0.5) and increase in LED (2001: 4.0; 2004: 4.4; 2008: 4.8). The higher LED in women was attributed to their lower mortality due to lung/larynx/trachea cancer, ischaemic heart diseases, and external causes (2001 and 2004) and higher disability prevalence due to musculoskeletal conditions (2008). Higher DFLE was observed in women owing to their lower mortality from lung/larynx/trachea cancer, ischaemic heart diseases, digestive cancer and chronic respiratory diseases. Conclusion To promote healthy ageing of populations, priority should be given to reduce the LED disadvantage in women by targeting non-fatal diseases, such as musculoskeletal conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gastrointestinal tract has recently come to the forefront of multiple research fields. It is now recognized as a major source of signals modulating food intake, insulin secretion and energy balance. It is also a key player in immunity and, through its interaction with microbiota, can shape our physiology and behavior in complex and sometimes unexpected ways. The insect intestine had remained, by comparison, relatively unexplored until the identification of adult somatic stem cells in the Drosophila intestine over a decade ago. Since then, a growing scientific community has exploited the genetic amenability of this insect organ in powerful and creative ways. By doing so, we have shed light on a broad range of biological questions revolving around stem cells and their niches, interorgan signaling and immunity. Despite their relatively recent discovery, some of the mechanisms active in the intestine of flies have already been shown to be more widely applicable to other gastrointestinal systems, and may therefore become relevant in the context of human pathologies such as gastrointestinal cancers, aging, or obesity. This review summarizes our current knowledge of both the formation and function of the Drosophila melanogaster digestive tract, with a major focus on its main digestive/absorptive portion: the strikingly adaptable adult midgut. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Invasive Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a major cause of serious neonatal infection. Current strategies to reduce early-onset GBS disease have no impact on late-onset disease (LOD). Although GBS LOD is viewed as a sporadic event in the community, LOD arising within the neonatal intensive care unit (ICU) raises questions about mode of acquisition. Methods Following a cluster of 4 GBS LOD cases, enhanced surveillance for all GBS LOD was undertaken over 2 years in the neonatal ICU supported by neonatal rectal screening. GBS isolates were serotyped and genome-sequenced. Results Twelve late -onset invasive GBS episodes were identified (incidence 0.6/1000 live births). Genomic analysis revealed that 11/12 GBS isolates (92%) were linked to at least one other LOD isolate. Isolates from the first cluster were serotype V, resistant to macrolides and lincosamides, and sequencing confirmed isolates were indistinguishable, or distinguishable by only one SNP difference, from each other. Rectal carriage was rare. Prospective surveillance identified three further clusters of LOD due to serotypes Ia (3 cases), Ib (2 cases), and III (2 cases), that would not have been identified without surveillance and genome sequencing, leading to a re-evaluation of interventions required to prevent GBS LOD. Conclusion Acquisition routes for LOD GBS in the neonatal ICU are poorly understood; cases may not necessarily be sporadic. Within this neonatal ICU, our data suggest that a single case of LOD GBS sepsis should be considered a potential nosocomial transmission event warranting prompt investigation, heightened infection prevention vigilance and action where required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient digestive system is of pivotal importance for survival as it governs the energy flow from the environment to organisms. Reptiles require relatively little energy, and their digestive system can readily respond to internal and external shifts. Ergo, reptiles can colonize even demanding habitats by improving digestive performance. Although many studies address lizard digestion, few examine geographical variation. Here, we examine how the digestion of a single lizard species (Stellagama stellio) differs along a latitudinal and climatic gradient, comprising mainland and insular populations. Apparent digestive efficiency (ADE, the percentage of ingested energy absorbed through the gut) for lipids, proteins and sugars was used to answer the main question: is digestive performance consistent across populations (one species, one pattern) or is it dependent on habitat features (different populations, different patterns). We expected that climate and insularity would affect ADE. Indeed, the northernmost populations, inhabiting colder, rainier, less seasonal regions, achieved the lower ADEs. Insularity, however, had no effect on digestive efficiency, indicating that insular (or mainland) habitats are not all the same and local particularities may play a role. These findings suggest that each population adjusts its physiological repertoire to the local conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to compare the effect of source (corn DDGS, rice bran, or soybean) or form of oil (extracted or intact) on apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) and true total tract digestibility (TTTD) of acid-hydrolyzed ether extract (AEE) and fatty acids. The study determined and compared the ATTD or TTTD of AEE and fatty acids in extracted corn oil, rice oil, and soybean oil with intact oil in corn DDGS, full-fat rice bran, and full-fat soybean. Seventy-eight barrows (initial BW = 47.2 ± 3.9 kg; Duroc x Landrace x Yorkshire) were allotted to 1 of 13 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design with 6 barrows in each dietary treatment. The 13 experimental diets included 1 cornstarch-soybean meal basal diet (AEE, 0.56%) and 3 diets containing 6% extracted oils (corn oil, rice oil, and soybean oil) and 9 diets supplemented with 3 levels of corn DDGS (17%, 34%, and 51%), full-fat rice bran (14%, 28%, and 42%), and full-fat soybean (12%, 24%, and 36%). These diets provided about 2%, 4%, and 6% intact oil, respectively. The barrows were housed in individual metabolism crates and were fed the assigned test diets at 4% of initial BW per day. A 5-d total collection of feces followed a 7-d diet adaptation period. The ATTD of AEE were calculated for each diet. The endogenous flow of AEE associated with each ingredient and values for TTTD were calculated using regression methods. The ATTD of AEE were greater (P < 0.05) for extracted oil than for intact oil. Compared to extracted oil, intact oil had lower (P < 0.01) ATTD of palmitic acid (C16:0), stearic acid (C18:0), oleic acid (C18:1), linoleic acid (C18:2), and linolenic acid (C18:3). However, a source by form interaction (P < 0.01) was observed for ATTD of C18:0, C18:2, and C18:3. The ATTD of C18:0, C18:2, and C18:3 in extracted corn and rice oil were greater compared with intact corn DDGS and rice oil (P < 0.05), while there was no significant difference for the ATTD of C18:0, C18:2, and C18:3 between extracted soybean oil and intact oil in full-fat soybean. In conclusion, lipids that are extracted have a greater digestibility compared with intact lipids, and this is especially true regarding saturated fatty acids. The ATTD of AEE in 2 forms of rice oil (intact oil and extracted oil) was less than the values in corn oil and soybean oil. The TTTD of AEE in corn DDGS and full-fat soybeans were greater than in full-fat rice bran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of in ovo feeding (IOF) of Arg solution on the hatchability, growth performance, gastrointestinal hormones, serum AA, activities of digestive enzymes, and mRNA expressions of sensing receptors and nutrient transporters in the jejunum of posthatch broilers. One thousand two hundred embryonated eggs with similar weight were randomly allocated to 5 groups consisting of 8 replicates of 40 eggs each. The 5 treatments were arranged as a noninjected control, a diluent-injected (0.75% NaCl solution) group, and Arg solution-injected groups with 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0% Arg, all dissolved in diluent. At 17.5 d of incubation, 0.6 mL of IOF solution was injected into the amniotic fluid of each egg of the injected groups. Results showed the hatchability of the 2% Arg group was lower (linear, P = 0.025) than that of the other groups, and the BW of 21-d-old broilers increased (linear, P = 0.008; quadratic, P = 0.003) with increasing IOF concentration of Arg. The ADFI (linear, P = 0.005; quadratic, P = 0.001) and ADG (linear, P = 0.010; quadratic, P = 0.004) increased during d 1 to 21 with increasing IOF concentration of Arg. For 7- and 21-d-old broilers, the weights of digestive organs increased (linear, P < 0.05) with increasing IOF concentrations of Arg; the greatest values were observed in the 1% Arg group. For 21-d-old broilers, IOF of the 1% Arg solution increased (P < 0.05) the concentrations of ghrelin and glucagon-like peptide 2; the activities of digestive enzymes, alkaline phosphatase, maltase, and sucrase in the jejunum; and the concentrations of serum AA of Val, Met, Ile, Leu, Arg, and Pro compared with those of the noninjected control and diluent-injected group. In ovo feeding of the 1% Arg solution also increased (P < 0.05) the mRNA expressions of jejunal sensing receptors of taste receptor type 1 members 1 and 3; the G protein-coupled receptor, class C, group 6, subtype A; nutrient transporters of solute carrier family 7, members 4, 6, and 7; sodium-glucose transporter 1; and fatty acid-binding protein 1. In conclusion, the 1% Arg solution was the appropriate injection level. In ovo feeding of the 1% Arg solution did not affect the hatchability but facilitated the release of gastrointestinal hormones, increasing the digestive and absorptive capacity and finally improving the growth performance of 21-d-old broilers. Therefore, IOF of the appropriate Arg solution could be an effective technology for regulating early nutrition supply and subsequent growth development in the poultry industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kidney and pancreas transplantation have helped transform the lives of people with end-stage renal failure and individuals with type 1 diabetes who have poor glycaemic control/severe secondary complications, respectively. Despite an improvement in immunosuppressive regimes, operative techniques and decreased initial rejection rates, there has been little improvement in long-termgraft survival rates over the past decade. Whilst limited progress has been made in establishing clinical markers of graft function, several genetic markers of long-termgraft function have been identified. These genetic markers have the potential to (i) assist in selecting marginal donor organs for transplantation, (ii) provide better understanding of the mechanisms behind graft loss enabling identification of new, or repurposing, current treatments to extend graft function and (iii) provide a window of opportunity to identify and treat individuals before graft failure has occurred. This review will discuss the different genetic variants screened for a role in predicting transplant longevity, examine their findings and limitations and introduce where the future of genetic research within the transplantation field lies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The toxicity and accumulation of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs), ZnO microparticles (ZnO-MPs) and Zn ions were evaluated after long-term feeding with zinc-replenished food (1600 mg zinc equivalent per kg food) for 270 consecutive days. It was difficult for ZnO-NPs, ZnO-MPs and Zn ions were difficult to pass through the intestine barrier, and most of them were excreted mainly through feces. The distribution results showed that there was no noticeable difference among the distribution profiles of ZnO-NPs, ZnO-MPs and Zn ions in mice. Zn accumulated only in the digestive tract organs after the exposure to all three samples. However, the biomedical parameters and pathological investigations showed liver lesions induced by ZnO-MPs, but fewer by ZnO-NPs or Zn ions. The reason for the remarkably low in vivo toxicity of ZnO-NPs is discussed. Our findings suggest that ZnO-NPs are relatively biocompatible as the nutritional additive at the commonly used dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a transgenic model of spontaneous experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, autoimmune attack against the CNS requires the presence of an intact commensal gut flora. Extending this observation to human autoimmune disease, such as multiple sclerosis, we postulate that the pathogenic reaction requires the coincidence of at least three factors: a permissive genetic disposition, a pro-inflammatory intestinal microbial profile, and the accumulation of autoreactive T cells in the gut-associated lymphatic tissue. This concept may offer new approaches to diagnostic markers and non-invasive therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the advent of antimicrobial feed additives for growth promotion, a number of feed additives have been made available to the swine industry. Select feed additives (feed enzymes, probiotics, organic acids, pharmacological level of zinc oxide, and copper sulfate) used in swine nutrition are reviewed to identify their principle biological effects and characterize their effects on growth performance, digestive function, and mucosal responses. Feed enzymes are the most researched and used additives to degrade antinutritional factors such as phytic acid or fractions that are not degraded sufficiently or indeed at all by the conditions and the array of digestive enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract. Supplemental phytase is almost ubiquitous in swine diets, and the economic and environmental consequences are well documented. Carbohydrases and proteases often show improvement on digestibility but exhibit inconsistent responses in growth performance. However, feed ingredients are exceedingly structurally complex, and the use of a defined blend of enzymes displaying a range of activities holds tremendous opportunity for extending benefits to gut health and function. In this context, there is increasing evidence feed enzymes can impact gut microbial ecology by reducing undigested substrates and producing oligosaccharides in situ from complex dietary carbohydrates with potential prebiotic effects. Probiotics and pharmacological levels of zinc oxide and copper sulfate are fed to modulate the gut microbial balance which may positively influence animal health. However, responses are dependent on age of the pig, disease level, genetics, environmental factors, and type of diet or feedstuffs. Recent developments in feed probiotic applications have extended responses to nutritional and environmental effects; however, only a few studies have been reported thus far. Organic acids generally reduce the pH of the diet, but effects on the pH of the digestive tract contents as well as effects on gut microbiota are often variable. The ability to find and evolve the next generation of feed additives will be driven by, among other factors, understanding the mechanisms of action and the implications on animal health and performance. Furthermore, most feed additive evaluation and interpretation takes a simplistic view of a single additive, whereas pigs often receive diets containing a mix of distinct additives. It is imperative to consider evaluating combinations of additives to document animal responses and potential synergies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well known that land snails can be dispersed by birds, both by attachment to the body (ectozoochory) and by passing intact and alive through the bird's digestive tract (endozoochory). Endozoochory has, however, only been recorded for very small species. We examined the possibility that larger species (up to c. 17 mm in maximum shell dimension) could survive passage through a bird's digestive system. Live Alinda biplicata, Cochlodina laminata (both Clausiliidae) and Discus rotundatus (Discidae) were fed to 10 bird species (Corvidae, Turdidae, Sturnidae and Columbidae) in 14 experimental trials. Of 720 snails offered, 14 passed intact through the birds, of which nine were alive (eight clausiliids and one D. rotundatus); thus more than 1% of all snails offered survived ingestion. In an additional experiment, some A. biplicata and C. laminata remained attached to birds' legs by pedal adhesion in simulated flight trials where the birds' legs oscillated at the maximum rate achieved during flight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digestive tract cancers (DTCs) are a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Current therapeutic tools for advanced stage DTCs have limitations, and patients with early stage DTCs frequently have a missed diagnosis due to shortage of efficient biomarkers. Consequently, it is necessary to develop novel biomarkers for early diagnosis and novel therapeutic targets for treatment of DTCs. In recent years, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), a class of noncoding RNAs with >200 nucleotides, have been shown to be aberrantly expressed in DTCs and to have an important role in DTC development: the expression profiles of lncRNAs strongly correlated with poor survival of patients with DTCs, and lncRNAs acted as oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes in DTC progression. In this review, we summarized the functional lncRNAs and expounded on their regulatory mechanisms in DTCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neonatal gut microbiota establishment represents a crucial stage for gut maturation, metabolic and immunologic programming, and consequently short- and long-term health status. Human milk beneficially influences this process due to its dynamic profile of age-adapted nutrients and bioactive components and by providing commensal maternal bacteria to the neonatal gut. These include Lactobacillus spp., as well as obligate anaerobes such as Bifidobacterium spp., which may originate from the maternal gut via an enteromammary pathway as a novel form of mother-neonate communication. Additionally, human milk harbors a broad range of oligosaccharides that promote the growth and activity of specific bacterial populations, in particular, Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides spp. This review focuses on the diversity and origin of human milk bacteria, as well as on milk oligosaccharides that influence neonatal gut microbiota establishment. This knowledge can be used to develop infant formulae that more closely mimic nature's model and sustain a healthy gut microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The digestive system is one of the most reactive physiological systems to changes in environmental conditions as a result of a trade-off between functional benefits and maintenance costs. Empirical studies indicate that high-fiber diets promote an increase in the rate of food intake, and, thus, an increase in the size of the digestive organs. Here, we investigated variation in the size of digestive organs in 4 populations of Abrothrix olivacea and A. longipilis, both inhabiting 2 contrasting habitats. Based on published data on diet composition, we predicted that individuals from the more-productive forest habitat should show larger digestive organs than individuals from the less-productive steppe habitat. As expected, we found that individuals from the forest had significantly larger small and large intestines (relative to body mass) than individuals from the steppe. In addition, we found that individuals from the forest had a larger body size than individuals from the steppe, suggesting that habitat productivity has an important effect on body size. El sistema digestivo es uno de los sistemas fisiológicos más reactivos frente a cambios en las condiciones ambientales, lo que se relaciona con el compromiso existente entre los beneficios funcionales y el costo energético de su mantenimiento. Diversos trabajos empíricos realizados a distintos niveles de organización biológica, desde individuos hasta especies, han demostrado que las dietas de baja calidad (e.g., con un alto contenido de fibra) promueven un incremento en las tasas de consumo de alimento (para cubrir sus requerimientos diarios de energía y nutrientes), y por tanto, un aumento en el tamaño de los órganos digestivos. En el presente trabajo investigamos la variación en el tamaño de los órganos digestivos al nivel interpoblacional, evaluando la variación existente entre 4 poblaciones de 2 especies del género Abrothrix ( A. olivacea and A. longipilis) que habitan 2 ambientes contrastantes (el bosque templado Valdiviano y Magallánico y la estepa Patagónica). Basados en información existente sobre la dieta de estas especies, predecimos que los individuos provenientes de los ambientes más productivos (bosque)-los cuales tienen una dieta más herbívora-deberían presentar órganos digestivos más grandes que los individuos provenientes de ambientes menos productivos (estepa)-los cuales presentan una dieta más insectívora u omnívora. En efecto, los resultados obtenidos indican que los individuos que habitan el bosque Valdiviano y Magallánico tienen intestinos delgado y grueso significativamente mayores (respecto al tamaño corporal) que los individuos que habitan la estepa Patagónica. Además, se encontró que los individuos que provienen del bosque tienen un mayor tamaño corporal que los individuos que proviene de la estepa, sugiriendo que-al menos para nuestro sistema-la productividad primaria del hábitat tiene un efecto importante sobre el tamaño. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Derived polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as nitro-PAHs are present in the environment and are known to be much more toxic than PAHs compounds. However, very few studies have analysed their effects on the aquatic environment and none have investigated the freshwater environment. In the present study, we determined whether 1-nitropyrene (1-NP), a model of nitro-PAHs, can induce DNA adducts in gills and digestive glands of the freshwater mussel Dreissena polymorpha. Two concentrations of 1-NP (50 and 500 μM) were tested. In addition, in order to understand the metabolic pathways involved in 1-NP genotoxicity, mRNA expression of genes implicated in biotransformation mechanisms was assessed by quantitative reverse transcription–PCR. Results showed the presence of DNA adducts in both gills and digestive glands, with highest levels obtained after 5 days of exposure to 500 μM. Metallothionein mRNA levels were enhanced in digestive glands exposed to 50 μM. Surprisingly, at the higher concentration (500 μM), aryl hydrocarbon receptor and HSP70 genes were only up-regulated in digestive glands while PgP mRNA levels were increased in both tissues. Results suggested a cytotoxic and genotoxic effect of 1-NP. Mussels seemed to be able to partially detoxify this compound, in view of the low amount of DNA adducts observed after 5 days exposure to 50 μM. For the first time, 1-NP biotransformation and detoxification systems have been characterised in D. polymorpha. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article examines the result of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) on immunoglobulin A (IgA) and mucin secretion in the rat cecum following its prolonged ingestion periods. It the beneficial effects of FOS and galacto-oligosaccharides prebiotics on gut health in animals and humans through the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). It also emphasizes the IgA promotes immune exclusion and serves as the key component of the mucus and physical functions.

On the basis of macroscopic aspects (body and eye colour, lipid droplets), it was possible to sort specimens of Gammarus pulex (Linnaeus, 1758) into five categories that correspond to moult periods and stages (A, B, C, D1 and D2) based on integument features (tergite cuticle stiffness, layers and thickness). These stages also correspond to changes in digestive tract histology (gut content, cell ultrastructure, and lipid storage). With reference to the pereion tergite integument, this makes it possible to standardize moulting stage terminology and criteria with those applied to decapods while validating a quick, simple, moult-staging method that avoids injury and informs us about the physiology of the whole organism. The moult cycle was very short (about 12-15 days), with a "virtual," practically non-existent, anecdysis or "integument resting period" between post-ecdysis and pre-ecdysis. The pore canals previously known to be "open to the outside" appeared closed at early post-ecdysis by a lipid-rich filling material that could be responsible for the cuticular waterproofing barrier allowing mineral deposition. In the digestive tract, the main structural changes were late post-ecdysial loss of midgut cells and digestive gland B-cells (probably by extrusion) when restarting the feeding cycle. Pre-ecdysial increase and post-ecdysial decrease in storage lipids are also obvious. We present a quick moult-staging method to sort a great number of G. pulex for physiological or toxicological assays investigating how animals at specific periods of their moult cycle respond to both natural and anthropogenic environmental changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gallstones and cholecystectomy may be related to digestive system cancer through inflammation, altered bile flux, and changes in metabolic hormone levels. Although gallstones are recognized causes of gallbladder cancer, associations with other cancers of the digestive system are poorly established. We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare linked database (1992–2005), which includes 17 cancer registries that cover approximately 26% of the US population, to identify first primary cancers (n = 236,850) occurring in persons aged ≥66 years and 100,000 cancer-free population-based controls frequency-matched by calendar year, age, and gender. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using logistic regression analysis, adjusting for the matching factors. Gallstones and cholecystectomy were associated with increased risk of noncardia gastric cancer (odds ratio (OR) = 1.21 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11, 1.32) and OR = 1.26 (95% CI: 1.13, 1.40), respectively), small-intestine carcinoid (OR = 1.27 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.60) and OR = 1.78 (95% CI: 1.41, 2.25)), liver cancer (OR = 2.35 (95% CI: 2.18, 2.54) and OR = 1.26 (95% CI: 1.12, 1.41)), and pancreatic cancer (OR = 1.24 (95% CI: 1.16, 1.31) and OR = 1.23 (95% CI: 1.15, 1.33)). Colorectal cancer risk associated with gallstones and cholecystectomy decreased with increasing distance from the common bile duct (P-trend < 0.001). Hence, gallstones and cholecystectomy are associated with the risk of cancers occurring throughout the digestive tract. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article discusses the case of a 72-year-old woman who suffered from digestive vasculitis as a rare and serious complication of anti-nuclear matrix protein 2 antibody dermatomyositis. Topics mentioned include the patient's symptoms including myalgia and muscle weakness, the detection of pancolonic lymphocytic vasculitis as a digestive symptom, and the effectiveness of intravenous steroid for treating the symptoms.

In the literature, frost hardiness (FH) studies in trees have often been restricted to one organ (buds, leaves, needles or twigs). To extend our knowledge and gain a unified view, FH differences between organs and tissues or throughout the life of the tree have to be characterized in relation to physiological changes. In this study, different organs and tissues of young potted and mature orchard walnut trees (Juglans regia L.) were compared for seasonal changes in FH during different years. FH was assessed using the electrolyte leakage method. Physiological parameters were concomitantly monitored focusing on two significant traits: water content (WC) and carbohydrate content (glucose + fructose + sucrose, GFS). No seasonal variation in FH was observed in the root system, but acclimation and deacclimation were observed aboveground. Among organs and tissues, cold sensitivity levels were different in deep winter, with buds most sensitive and bark most resistant, but acclimation/deacclimation dynamics followed similar patterns. Physiological variation was also similar among organs: FH increased when WC decreased and/or soluble carbohydrates increased. Based on these results, relations between soluble carbohydrate content, WC and FH were calculated independently or in interaction. The key results were that: (i) the relationship between FH and physiological parameters (GFS and WC), which had previously been shown for branches only, could be generalized to all aboveground organs; (ii) lower WC increased the cryoprotective effect of GFS, showing a synergic effect of the two factors; (iii) the best fit was a non-linear function of WC and GFS, yielding a predictive model with an root mean square error of 5.07 °C on an independent dataset and 2.59 °C for the most sensitive stages; and (iv) the same parameters used for all organs yielded a unified model of FH depending on physiology, although the variability of GFS or WC was wide. The model should be of value for predicting FH in walnut independently of previous growing conditions (i.e., after sublethal stress accumulation). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary specialization is known to be important for the evolution of Cephalaspidea gastropods, but still little is known about the overall trophic interactions of the group and the putative role of trophic ecology on diversification. The genus Scaphander is a group of predominantly deep-sea, infaunal cephalaspids with about 40% of its species (eight) occurring on the Atlantic Ocean. They are carnivorous and have a unique digestive system with a large, strongly muscularized gizzard containing three sizable and heavily calcified plates. This work aims to describe the diet of Scaphander, to evaluate if there is a functional relation between the anatomy of the digestive tract and exploitation of novel food resources, and to assess if dietary specialization may have played a role in the diversification of the Atlantic species of Scaphander. Gut contents were studied from 31 specimens representing seven of the Atlantic species using scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy. The chemical composition of the gizzard plates was analysed by X-ray microanalysis and X-ray powder diffraction. Foraminiferans, including agglutinating forms, were shown to be the most important food item for Scaphander; bivalves, gastropods, scaphopods, and polychaetes with calcareous tubes were also found to form part of the diet. The gizzard plates were shown to consist of a phosphate-rich amorphous component and a crystalline component identified as fluorite (hardness 4; Moh's scale). It is suggested that the ability of Scaphander gastropods to prey upon organisms with hard tests, particularly agglutinating foraminiferans, is not only due to the hardness of the gizzard plates but to the cumulative effect of shape and hardness of the gizzard plates and relative size of the gizzard and associated musculature. No interspecific differences were found in the diet and morphology of the digestive tract, indicating that dietary specialization probably has not played a significant role in the diversification of Atlantic species of Scaphander. © 2013 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2013, 109, 512-525. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the results of a study that examined the morphology of the digestive system of adults and mature larvae of two Monomorium ant species. The ant species found in urban habitats are known as tramp species because they cause problems in the households, businesses and hospitals. The study showed the existence of spinules in adults and Malpighian tubules and rectal pads among different castes, ages and species.

Fossilized remnants of parts of the digestive system of wood-boring pholadoidean bivalves are reported from late Oligocene–early Miocene deep-water sediments in western Washington State, USA. They are reconstructed using serial grinding tomography and computer-based 3D visualizations. Two types are distinguished: (1) a U-shaped structure with a groove on its inner side, interpreted as the caecum of xylophagaines; (2) an elongate structure with a central groove and thin tubes running parallel to it on its dorsal and ventral side, interpreted as the caecum and the intestine, respectively, of teredinids. Petrological thin-section observations show that these structures are filled by a mass of fine woody material, suggesting that being filled with woody material facilitated their fossilization. Screening the fossil record for similar structures in Mesozoic pholadoidean fossils can potentially help to clarify feeding strategies, phylogenetic relationships and the evolution of feeding strategies among early pholadoidean bivalves. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objectives To determine the epidemiology of bacteraemia due to biliary tract infection (BTI) and to identify independent predictors of mortality. Methods This study was part of a bloodstream infection surveillance study that prospectively collected data on consecutive patients with bacteraemia in our institution from 1991 to 2010. BTI was the confirmed source of 1373 patients with bacteraemia, and the independent prognostic factors of 30 day mortality were determined. Results The mean age of patients with biliary sepsis was 71 years (±14 years). The most frequent comorbidities were biliary lithiasis and solid-organ cancer [484 cases (35%) and 362 cases (26%), respectively]. The BTI was healthcare-associated in 33% of patients. Shock and mortality accounted for 209 and 126 cases, respectively (15% and 9%). The most frequent microorganisms isolated were Escherichia coli (749, 55%), Klebsiella spp. (240, 17%), Enterococcus spp. (171, 12%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (86, 6%) and Enterobacter spp. (63, 5%). There were 47 (3%) cefotaxime-resistant (CTX-R) E. coli or Klebsiella spp. Inappropriate empirical antibiotic treatment was an independent factor associated with mortality (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1–1.7). Inappropriate empirical treatment was more frequent in P. aeruginosa and CTX-R Enterobacteriaceae bacteraemia. These microorganisms were significantly more common in patients with previous antibiotic therapy, solid-organ cancer or transplantation and in healthcare-associated bacteraemia. Conclusions In patients with bacteraemic BTI, inappropriate empirical therapy was more frequent in P. aeruginosa and CTX-R Enterobacteriaceae infection and was associated with a higher mortality rate. In patients with bacteraemia due to BTI and solid-organ cancer or transplantation, healthcare-associated infection or previous antibiotic treatment, initial therapy with piperacillin/tazobactam or a carbapenem would be advisable. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]