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In the present study, were determined antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli isolated from intestinal tract of fishes (Cyprinus carpio), which were intended for human consumption. The 110 samples of E. coli were collected from swabs of fish (Cyprinus carpio). Cultivation of Enterobacteriaceae genera was done at 37 °C during 24 hours. Identification of E. coli strains were used MALDI-TOF MS Biotyper. The sensitivity of all E. coli strains were tested against: ampicillin 10 μg.disc-1, chloramphenicol 30 μg.disc-1, meropenem 10 μg.disc-1, ceftriaxone 30 μg.disc-1, ofloxacin 5 μg.disc-1 and oxytetracycline 30 μg.disc-1. For antibiotic susceptibility testing was used disc diffusion method according by CLSI. In this study was determined that E. coli isolated from rectal swab of fish (Cyprinus carpio) was resistant to ampicillin (10.90 %) and to chloramphenicol (3.63 %) from 110 E. coli isolates. In the cases of meropenem, ceftriaxone and ofloxacin resistance of E. coli were not detected. In spite of using oxytetracycline in fish farming was not detected resistance to oxytetracycline. From this work is shown that Escherichia coli isolated from freshwater fish (Cyprinus carpio) is a resistant to ampicillin and chloramphenicol and it is possible impact of using antibiotics in a last or watercourses pollution of antibiotics is from human activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gut microbiota is a complex ecosystem that is essential for the metabolism, immunity and health of the host. The gut microbiota also plays a critical role in nutrient absorption and metabolism, and nutrients can influence the growth and composition of the gut microbiota. To gain a better understanding of the relationship between the gut microbial composition and nutrient metabolism, we used a pig model by collecting the contents of the different intestinal locations from six pigs to investigate microbial composition in different intestinal locations based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing and the concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), amino acids, fat, and crude ash in different intestinal locations using gas chromatography and chemical analysis. The results showed that the richness and diversity of intestinal microbial communities gradually increased from the small intestine to the large intestine. The relative abundance of Proteobacteria was higher in the jejunum and ileum, whereas the proportion of Firmicutes was higher in the cecum and colon. The concentrations of SCFAs were higher in the cecum and colon ( P < 0.05). The concentrations of amino acids were higher in the small intestine than in the large intestine, while the amino acid content was significantly higher in the ascending colon than in the transverse colon and descending colon. The correlation analysis revealed that Ruminococcaceae UCG-005, Coriobacteriaceae&#95;uncultured, [Eubacterium] hallii group, Mogibacterium and Lachnospiraceae AC2044 group had a higher positive correlation with SCFAs, crude ash and fat but had a negative correlation with amino acids in different gut locations of pigs. These findings may serve as fundamental data for using nutrient metabolism to regulate human and animal gut microbes and health and provide guidance for exploring host-microbe bidirectional interaction mechanisms and driving pathways., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Song, Chen, Lv, Xiang, Du, Zhang, Zhao and Xiao.)

The intestinal tract is composed of different cell lineages with distinct functions and gene expression profiles, providing uptake of nutrients and protection against insults to the gut lumen. Changes in or damage to the cellulosity or local environment of the intestinal tract can cause various diseases. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) is a powerful tool for profiling and analyzing individual cell data, making it possible to resolve rare and intermediate cell states that are hardly observed at the bulk level. In this review, we discuss the application of intestinal tract scRNA-seq in identifying novel cell subtypes and states, targets, and explaining the molecular mechanisms involved in intestinal diseases. Finally, we provide future perspectives on using single-cell techniques to discover molecular and cellular targets and biomarkers as a new approach for developing novel therapeutics for intestinal diseases., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Yan, Ye, Zhao, Zuo and Li.)

In the marine fish intestine luminal, HCO can remove divalent ions (calcium and magnesium) by precipitation in the form of carbonate aggregates. The process of epithelial HCO secretion is under endocrine control, therefore, in this study we aimed to characterize the involvement of transmembrane (tmACs) and soluble (sACs) adenylyl cyclases on the regulation of bicarbonate secretion (BCS) and water absorption in the intestine of the sea bream ( Sparus aurata). We observed that all sections of sea bream intestine are able to secrete bicarbonate as measured by pH-Stat in Ussing chambers. In addition, gut sac preparations reveal net water absorption in all segments of the intestine, with significantly higher absorption rates in the anterior intestine that in the rectum. BCS and water absorption are positively correlated in all regions of the sea bream intestinal tract. Furthermore, stimulation of tmACs (10 μM FK + 500 μM IBMX) causes a significant decrease in BCS, bulk water absorption and short circuit current (Isc) in a region dependent manner. In turn, stimulation of sACs with elevated HCO results in a significant increase in BCS, and bulk water absorption in the anterior intestine, an action completely reversed by the sAC inhibitor KH7 (200 μM). Overall, the results reveal a functional relationship between BCS and water absorption in marine fish intestine and modulation by tmACs and sAC. In light of the present observations, it is hypothesized that the endocrine effects on intestinal BCS and water absorption mediated by tmACs are locally and reciprocally modulated by the action of sACs in the fish enterocyte, thus fine-tuning the process of carbonate aggregate production in the intestinal lumen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Der Gastroenterologe is the property of Springer Nature 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.)

Recent advances in nanotechnology offer new hope for disease detection, prevention, and treatment. Nanomedicine is a rapidly evolving field wherein targeted therapeutic approaches using nanotechnology based on the pathophysiology of gastrointestinal diseases are being developed. Nanoparticle vectors capable of delivering drugs specifically and exclusively to regions of the gastrointestinal tract affected by disease for a prolonged period of time are likely to significantly reduce the side effects of existing otherwise effective treatments. This review aims at integrating various applications of the most recently developed nanomaterials that have tremendous potential for the detection and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Der Radiologe is the property of Springer Nature 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.)

Summary: Background & aims: We reviewed the literature that has specifically investigated the effects of nutritional support on the preservation of small bowel mucosal mass in humans or large mammals. Methods: We searched various databases (up to March 2009) for experimental studies which addressed intestinal protein metabolism of living organisms (humans or large mammals). Results: In adults, luminal proteins are of central importance for maintaining the intestinal protein content most likely by stimulating protein synthesis. With exclusive total parenteral nutrition, the small intestinal protein content can be largely preserved in humans over prolonged periods of time (1–2 months). To do so, amino acids are of central importance. Carbohydrates are presumably less important for the preservation of gut protein and may be even detrimental. Preponderant carbohydrate feeding may cause a relative intestinal protein deficit in the presence of insufficient luminal protein or parenteral amino acid supply. Conclusion: These findings may explain why a selective inadequate protein intake impairs intestinal function more than a balanced insufficient calorie supply. However, most of the substrate–gut interactions have been examined in healthy or mostly healthy organisms. Corresponding regulatory mechanisms in severely ill or malnourished individuals require further studies to test the hypotheses described above. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In many pharmacological and toxicological studies knowledge about the intestinal absorption, which is dependent upon the surface area of absorptive epithelia, is indispensible. Although mice are often used in such preclinical studies, very few quantitative data about their intestinal surface area are available. Especially for locally acting candidate drugs in development, this information is crucial for dose translation towards humans. Therefore, the surface area of the intestinal tract of CD-1TM IGS mice was assessed in the present study. The intestinal tracts of 12 mice were collected after euthanasia. From six animals, histological sections from the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, caecum and colon-rectum were made according to common stereological principles. Using these sections, the volumes and surface areas of each intestinal segment were estimated applying stereological counting procedures. In the other six animals, the density and surface area of the microvilli present in each intestinal segment were determined by means of scanning and transmission electron microscopy to assess the increase of the intestinal surface area attributable to the presence of microvilli. The mean total volume and surface area of the intestinal tract were 1.34 cm3 and 1.41 m2, respectively. The relative intestinal surface area (intestinal surface area divided by the body surface area) was 119. The relative intestinal surface area of mice is very similar to that of humans. The results of this study are important for the appropriate dose translation of candidate therapeutic compounds in drug development from mouse to humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the recovery of the gastrointestinal tract in lethally irradiated mice treated with human cord blood and antibiotics. Materials and methods: A/J mice were randomly assigned to seven study groups, including groups exposed to acute 9 Gy from 137Cs γ-rays to the whole body. Four hours after irradiation, exposed mice were treated with either cord blood nucleated cells, Levaquin, or a combination of both. Weight gain/loss and survival were monitored for 2 months. Upon death or euthanasia, the organs were prepared for molecular and histological analyses. Results: Whereas irradiated mice ( n = 9) lived 6–15 days, ∼ 60% of irradiated mice that received the combined treatment ( n = 7) survived more than 50 days. None of the treated animals developed Graft versus Host disease. All animals lost weight after irradiation; however, the 50+ days-survivors ( n = 4) gained on average ∼1.8 g over their initial weight. Whereas hemorrhagic bone marrow and large areas of transmural necrosis were observed in the bowel of the irradiated mice, the 50+ days-survivors showed recovery of the bone marrow. They behaved normally and had significant but incomplete recovery of the intestinal and colonic mucosa. Human DNA was detected in their organs, particularly in the large intestine. Conclusion: Red cell-depleted cord blood transfusions combined with antibiotic treatment contribute to bone marrow and gastrointestinal recovery in high dose-irradiated mice, and may be an available therapy for mass casualties during radiological emergencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In order to test the harmlessness of potentially beneficial bacterial strains when raising young calves, their safety level should be verified before they are included into a probiotic formulation. In the present study, an inoculum composed of three lactic acid bacteria of bovine origin, Lactobacillus casei DSPV 318T, Lactobacillus salivarius DSPV 315T and Pediococcus acidilactici DSPV 006T, was evaluated to define its acute oral toxicity and capacity to colonize, remain in the gastrointestinal tract and translocate to the organs in the internal medium. The inoculum was orally administered to a group of experimental calves in doses of 109 CFU/kg/day suspended in a NaCl 0.15M solution. A control group received only a NaCl solution as placebo. The results showed that the bacteria of the used probiotic inoculum did not translocate to the internal medium and that there were no adverse effects on the general health state, weight gain and feed consumption in the animals treated with the inoculum. This situation suggests that the strains used are not pathogenic and will be probably safe if used as a food additive in calf diets. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents a case study which examines two rare cases of children with diffuse lymphoid polyposis of the colon and ileum who died due to intestinal ischemia complications brought by the occurrence of intestinal loop torsion. The first case involves a 10-year-old Caucasian boy with a history of abdominal pain for 2 days and vomiting with 38.5°Celsius fever. The second case involves a 4-year-old black boy with a history of abdominal pain and diarrhea for 5 days.

Ischemic colitis is the most common type of intestinal ischemia, and it represents the consequences of acute or, more commonly, chronic blockage of blood flow through arteries that supply the large intestine. Ischemic colitis is manifested through a continuum of injury and considered as an illness of the elderly. The incidence of ischemic colitis has been underestimated, because many mild cases may go unreported. Patients experience abdominal pain, usually, localized to the left side of the abdomen, along with tenderness and bloody diarrhea. Severe ischemia may lead to bowel necrosis and perforation, which results in an acute abdomen and shock, frequently, being accompanied by lactic acidosis. Although computed tomography may have indicative findings, colonoscopy is the golden standard of diagnosis. Supportive care with intravenous fluids, optimization of hemodynamic status, avoidance of vasoconstrictive drugs, bowel rest, and empiric antibiotics will produce clinical improvement within 1 to 2 days in most patients. The condition resolves completely with conservative treatment, in most cases, but late diagnosis or severe ischemia can be associated with high rates of complications and death. However, when the interruption to the blood supply is more severe or more prolonged, the affected portion of the large intestine may have to be surgically removed. The present paper aims at bringing ischemic colitis up to date, by reviewing the current medical literature and extracting the contemporary data, about its presentation, diagnosis and treatment, which is of benefit to the readership, who may encounter this potentially fatal entity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To study the ability of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis spores to germinate and subsequently transfer a conjugative plasmid in the intestinal tract of gnotobiotic rats. Methods and Results: Germination was studied by feeding germ-free rats with spores of a B. thuringiensis strain harbouring a plasmid encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP), which enabled quantification of germinated bacteria by flow cytometry. To study in vivo conjugation, germ-free rats were first associated with a B. thuringiensis recipient strain and after 1 week an isogenic donor strain harbouring the conjugative plasmid pXO16 was introduced. Both strains were given as spores and transfer of pXO16 was observed from the donor to the recipient strain. Conclusions: Bacillus thuringiensis is able to have a full life cycle in the intestine of gnotobiotic rats including germination of spores, several cycles of growth and sporulation of vegetative cells. For the first time conjugative plasmid transfer in a mammalian intestinal tract was shown between two B. thuringiensis strains. Significance and Impact of the Study: Strains of B. thuringiensis are used worldwide to combat insect pests, and this study brings new insights into the nature of B. thuringiensis showing the potential of the bacteria to germinate and transfer DNA in the mammalian intestinal tract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents an estimation the effect of zinc (0.13 mg/l, 0.5 mg/l, 2 mg/l and 8 mg/l in water) on the abundance of bacteria in the intestinal tract of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) larvae. Populations of total aerobic heterotrophic bacteria present in the intestinal tract of rainbow trout larvae, estimated using the dilution plate technique, were reduced significantly in comparison with control after exposure to 0.5 mg/l, 2 mg/l and 8 mg/l of zinc. The abundance of total heterotrophic bacteria decreased most significantly after exposure of larvae to 2 mg/l of zinc and was one order of magnitude lower in comparison with control. The same trend was observed for the abundance of proteolytic and total coliform bacteria in the intestinal tract of rainbow trout larvae after exposure of larvae to 2 mg/l of zinc. Zinc is toxic to bacteria in the intestinal tract of rainbow trout larvae, but at significantly higher concentrations in comparison with copper ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examined whether the early life-history temperature experience of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss embryos affects subsequent growth and expression of growth-related genes in the growing-up juveniles in response to variations in ration levels. Embryos were reared in a Heath incubator at either 8·5° C (E8·5) or 6·0° C (E6·0) until hatching, at which time they were transferred to grow-up tanks supplied with water at 8·5° C. At swim-up, the late stage embryos were subsequently fed a salmonid starter diet at levels of 5, 2 or 0·5% of live body mass per day. The body mass and proximate composition of the juveniles was examined when yolk absorbance was complete (21 days after the fish commenced feeding). Quantitative RT-PCR was used to examine the expression of mRNA encoding for growth hormone receptors 1 and 2 (GHR1 and GHR2) in the liver, and the two isoforms of thyroid hormone receptor (TRα and TRβ) in the liver and intestinal tract. Final body mass and total length, liver and intestinal masses, and total lipid content of the E8·5 treatment group were directly related to increased ration size. These variables in the E6·0 treatment group fed the 5% ration were significantly lower than for the comparable E8·5 treatment group, suggesting an effect of embryo rearing temperature on the subsequent growth of these late stage embryos as they undergo the transition from embryo to early juvenile. Intestinal TRα and TRβ mRNA abundance was directly related to ration size in the E8·5 treatment group, but not in the E6·0 treatment group. Conversely, hepatic TRα and TRβ mRNA abundance was significantly affected by ration size only in the E6·0 group, with TRβ and TRα abundance showing direct and inverse relationships with ration size, respectively. Hepatic GHR1 mRNA abundance was significantly and directly related to ration size in both the E8·5 and E6·0 treatment groups, but there were no differences in the abundance of hepatic GHR2 mRNA among any treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives: To investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of l-arginine (l-Arg) on shock in severely burned patients. Methods: This was a prospective, randomized, single blind, controlled study. Forty-seven severely burned patients due to various causes with a total burn surface area (TBSA) more than 50% each admitted in early postburn phase (within 10h postburn) were included in this study. All patients were treated by the traditional resuscitation program of our institute. After the nasogastric feeding tube was placed, they were randomly divided into three groups—(1) group A400 (n =16): giving gastrointestinal feeding with 500ml 5% GNS, containing l-Arg (400mg/kgday) at equal pace with fluid resuscitation; (2) group A200 (n =16): giving gastrointestinal feeding with 500ml 5% GNS containing l-Arg (200mg/kgday); (3) group C (n =15): giving gastrointestinal feeding with 500ml 5% GNS without any supplementation. The feeding started within 12h after burn and lasted for 72h, the feeding rate was controlled by an enteral feeding pump. The following parameters were observed on days (PBD) 1–4: serum nitric oxide content (NO), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), oxygenation index (PO2/FiO2), and arterial blood content of lactic acid (LA). Gastric mucosal blood flow was measured by laser Doppler flow-metry on PBD1 and PBD2. Results: (1) Enteral feeding of l-Arg did not change MAP of severely burned patients, with no difference in MAP between the l-Arg supplemented and control groups. (2) There were significant changes of the l-Arg supplemented groups (A400 and A200), with an increased gastric mucosa blood flow, oxygenation index, and a decreased LA content in arterial blood, compared with the control group. (3) The serous NO content was significantly decreased in the A400 group on PBD2–4 (P <0.01), and in the A200 group on PBD4 (P <0.05) compared with the control group. Conclusions: Enteral feeding with l-arginine supplementation on early stage of burn decreases NO production to a relatively normal level and exerts beneficial effects on the resuscitation of burned shock. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Since vanadyl sulphate has demonstrated insulin-like effects on glucose metabolism in animal and human trials, and organic vanadium complexes are better absorbed by the intestinal tract than vanadyl species, in this work the complexation of oxovanadium(IV) with 2-acetyl-1,3-cyclopentanedione is studied. Kinetic and equilibria in aqueous 1:1 chelation are investigated spectrophotometrically in aqueous solution at 25°C. The mechanism proposed to account for the kinetic data involves a reversible pathway where VO+2 reacts with the enolate ion of the ligand. From calculated kinetic and thermodynamic parameters, it can be expected that the rates between final and initial monocharged complex concentration could help a better control of the absorption through the lipophilic membranes in the intestinal tract. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study presents the application of a rapid, simple and inexpensive thin-layer chromatography (TLC) for the analysis of fructooligosaccharides (FOSs) as feed additives (prebiotics) in complicated biological samples with minimal pre-treatment. Prebiotics have been monitored in different parts of the intestinal tract (jejunum, ileum and colon) of monogastric animals to which commercially available dietetic products containing fructooligosaccharides Raftifeed IPX, Raftilose and polysaccharide maltodextrin have been added into the feed. Thereby it contributes to a clarification of fructooligosaccharides and polysaccharides transformation in the digestive system. Chromatographic separation has been studied on different chromatographic systems (stationary and mobile phases). Optimal separation of fructooligosaccharides in dietetic products as well as in the samples from intestinal tract of monogastric animals has been achieved on glass-backed precoated silica gel layers impregnated with sodium acetate. The layers were developed with butanol–ethanol–water (5:3:2, v/v) in a vertical trough glass chamber with mobile phase vapour saturation. The visualisation of FOSs on chromatograms was performed with mixture of diphenylamine–aniline–phosphoric acid in acetone as primary detection reagent. Coloured spots of FOSs (blue–pink spots) on chromatograms have also been detected by reflectance densitometry at wavelength λ =370nm. Simultaneously, the concentration of acetic acid, which is one of FOSs fermentation product, was monitored in the intestinal contents from jejunum, ileum and colon by capillary isotachophoresis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Our purpose was to identify Nav1.2-expressing myenteric neurons of the small and large intestine of the guinea pig by using antibodies directed against Nav1.2 and selected neurochemical markers. Nav1.2-like immunoreactivity (-li) co-localized with immunoreactivity for choline acetyltransferase in all regions, representing 45%–67% of Nav1.2-positive neurons. Nav1.2-li co-localized with immunoreactivity for the neural form of nitric oxide synthase more frequently in the colon (20% of neurons exhibiting Nav1.2-li) than in the ileum (8%). Co-localization of Nav1.2-li with immunoreactivity for a form of neurofilament (NF145) was infrequently observed in the ileum and colon. Enkephalin-immunoreactive cell bodies co-localized with Nav1.2-li in all regions. Few myenteric cell bodies immunoreactive for neuropeptide Y were observed in the ileum, but all co-localized with Nav1.2-li. This and our previous data suggest that Nav1.2 is widely expressed within the guinea pig enteric nervous system, including the three main classes of myenteric neurons (sensory, motor, and interneurons), and is involved in both excitatory and inhibitory pathways. Notable exceptions include the excitatory motor neurons to the longitudinal smooth muscle, the ascending interneurons of the ileum, and the myenteric neurons immunoreactive for NF145, few of which are immunoreactive for Nav1.2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of addition of bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD) or virginiamycin (VM) to a corn-soybean meal diet on broiler performance and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) growth parameters and morphology were studied at various ages during growth and finishing. Male and female birds were killed at 1, 3, 5, or 7 wk of age for gross and histologic examination of the duodenum and ileum. Feeding either antibiotic increased BW and decreased intestinal length and weight at all times compared with control birds. However, intestinal length and weight decreases were greater in birds fed VM than BMD at 1 and 3 wk of age. The only change found in the duodenum resulting from dietary treatment was an increase in the number of villi per unit length in birds given VM but not BMD or control. In the ileum, the muscularis mucosa was thinner in birds given VM than in those fed the control diet. Chicks supplemented with VM had a smaller total villus area and shorter villus height and crypt depth in the ileum than birds fed the control diet or BMD. Physical changes in the intestine of birds given either antibiotic growth promoter, although not the same, resulted in improved performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A diagnosis of intestinal lymphoma is currently made on the basis of clinical and morphologic criteria. This can prove problematic for many reasons that include inadequate sample size, the coexistence of lymphoma and inflammation, and the inability to assess architectural integrity of all tissue compartments in biopsy specimens obtained endoscopically. The detection of a clonal population of cells in a lymphoproliferative lesion represents an important criterion for the diagnosis of neoplasia, but this has not been assessed in feline intestinal lymphoma. T cell receptor gamma (TCRG) gene rearrangement analysis using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a methodology that can be used to detect clonality in T cell populations. The basis of this assay depends on the assessment of the junctional diversity that results from rearrangement of TCRG V (variable) and J (joining) gene segments. Feline TCRG transcripts from normal small intestine and spleen were obtained using a rapid amplification of cDNA ends (5′RACE) method. Limited diversity of TCRG V and J gene segments was observed. The high degree of sequence homology in the TCRG V and J gene segments was exploited to develop a PCR test for the assessment of TCRG V–J junctional diversity and hence clonality determination of T cell populations in cats. Molecular clonality determination was applied to feline intestinal lymphoplasmacytic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (9 cats), and transmural and mucosal T cell lymphoma (28 cats). Clonal rearrangement of the TCRG V–J junction was detected in 22 of 28 intestinal T cell lymphomas, and oligoclonality was detected in 3 intestinal T cell lymphomas. This contrasted with the detection of polyclonal rearrangement in normal intestinal tissues (3 cats) and in lymphoplasmacytic IBD (9 cats). It is proposed that assessment of TCRG V–J junctional diversity for the detection of clonality represents an important adjunctive tool for the diagnosis of T cell lymphoma in the cat. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Defining conditions that lead to the retention of water: The importance of the arterial sodium concentration.Background.A water diuresis occurs when a large volume of water is ingested rapidly. Nevertheless, water conservation is required to provide a source of water for evaporative heat dissipation throughout the day. Therefore, the objective was to define conditions that permit the retention of ingested water.Methods.Volunteers collected urine q2h plus an overnight specimen; water loading was conducted after overnight food and water restriction; paired arterialized and venous blood samples were analyzed.Results.When 20 mL water/kg was consumed in<15 minutes, the peak urine flow rate was 11± 0.6 mL/min. The volume of water retained after water intake stopped, and when the urine was hyperosmolar, correlated directly with the daily excretion of sodium plus potassium (r2= 0.63). The plasma sodium concentration (PNa) was 4.0± 0.5 mmol/L lower in arterialized than paired venous blood 30 to 40 minutes after water ingestion began (P<0.01). In preliminary studies, the smallest water load consumed in 15 minutes that would reproducibly cause a water diuresis was defined in each subject. This same acute water load was retained, however, if it contained 150-mmol/L fructose, but not glucose, or if it was consumed slowly (sipping). The arterialized PNa was not significantly lower than in paired venous samples when water was sipped.Conclusion.A large fall in arterialized and not venous PNa best reflected the signal to induce a water diuresis. Although averylarge water load can induce a water diuresis, smaller water loads can be retained for future heat dissipation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The characterization of sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in hematophagous arthropod vectors in general has been limited, with the exception of the studies in the triatomine Rhodnius prolixus. Heparan sulfate (HS) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) were previously identified and structurally characterized in extracts of whole bodies of fourth instar larvae of R. prolixus. Recently, we showed the expression of these two sulfated GAGs in specific body tissues of adult males and females and in embryos of R. prolixus. In the present work, we identified and compared the sulfated GAG composition in specific tissues of adult insects and in embryos of another triatomine species, Triatoma brasiliensis. Sulfated GAGs were isolated from the fat body, intestinal tract, and the reproductive tracts of adult insects and from embryos. Only HS and CS were found in the tissues analyzed. The present results extend the initial observations on the sulfated GAG composition in R. prolixus by showing that these molecules are widely distributed among internal organs of triatomines. These observations may be useful for future investigations aiming to evaluate the possible implication of these compounds in physiological events that take place in a specific organ(s) in these insects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In recent years, many complex oral drug delivery systems have been developed using various polymers in order to achieve better drug targeting and drug absorption in the intestinal tract. Superporous hydrogel (SPH) and SPH composite (SPHC)-based drug delivery systems were also developed for the targeted delivery of peptide drugs into the intestinal tract. In the present study, the retention time of SPHC polymer is studied in man using the scintigraphy technique. To that purpose, SPHC polymers were radiolabelled with Tc-99m and administered orally in an enteric-coated gelatin capsule. The location of the radiolabelled polymer was monitored in five healthy volunteers while the subjects were sitting in front of a large field of view gamma camera. The results showed that enteric-coated gelatin capsules remained in the stomach for 75 to 150 min after oral administration to fasted volunteers and that the SPHC polymers thereafter attached to the upper part of the small intestine for at least 45 to 60 min due to their mechanical fixation properties. No discomfort was observed in any of the volunteers after oral administration of these polymers, which indicates that they are safe to be applied for oral drug delivery systems in man. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We have previously characterized heparan sulfate (HS) as the major ovarian sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) in females of Rhodnius prolixus, while chondroitin sulfate (CS) was the minor component. Using histochemical procedures we found that GAGs were concentrated in the ovarian tissue but not found inside the oocytes. Here, we extend our initial observations of GAG expression in R. prolixus by characterizing these molecules in other organs: the fat body, intestinal tract, and the reproductive tracts. Only HS and CS were found in the three organs analyzed, however CS was the major GAG species in these tissues. We also determined the compartmental distribution of GAGs in these organs by histochemical analysis using 1,9-dimethylmethylene blue, and evaluated the specific distribution of CS within both male and female reproductive tracts by immunohistochemistry using an anti-CS antibody. We also determined the GAG composition in eggs at days 0 and 6 of embryonic development. Only HS and CS were found in eggs at day 6, while no sulfated GAGs were detected at day 0. Our results demonstrate that HS and CS are the only sulfated GAG species expressed in the fat body and in the intestinal and reproductive tracts of Rhodnius male and female adults. Both sulfated GAGs were also identified in Rhodnius embryos. Altogether, these results show no qualitative differences in the sulfated GAG composition regarding tissue-specific or development-specific distribution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Salmonella frequently causes human foodborne infections. Contaminated products from poultry infected with Salmonella enteritidis are mainly involved. This serovar is able to colonize the gastrointestinal tract and generally produces a chronic asymptomatic carrier state in poultry, except in very young birds. We have developed a model of S. enteritidis carriage in chicks and found that four chicken lines, B13, L2, PA12 and Y11 differ in their cecal colonization by S. enteritidis, whereas their systemic organs are similarly infected. We have monitored the serum and gut antibody responses of these four lines to S. enteritidis for 9 weeks post inoculation (pi). We confirm that S. enteritidis infected the spleens of the four chicken lines similarly, and that it often colonized the ceca at levels significantly higher in B13 and L2 chicks than those of the PA12 and Y11 chicks. The serum IgM and IgG antibody responses were high and the serum IgA antibody responses low. In contrast, the intestinal secretions contained mostly IgA antibodies. The serum IgM antibody values of the four chicken lines were similar. However, the B13 and L2 chicks often had significantly higher serum IgG and IgA antibody responses than PA12 and Y11 chicks. Only the B13 and L2 chicks showed high, persistent levels of IgA antibody in intestinal secretions. These results suggest that most antibody responses are related to cecal colonization by S. enteritidis. They also indicate that factors other than the antibody levels are involved in the control of this colonization. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) content of the intestinal tract was recently found to be lower in diabetes-prone BioBreeding (BBdp) rats than in the corresponding control animals (BBc rats), a finding compatible with the idea that an inflammatory intestinal state precedes insulitis in these diabetes-prone animals. This study aimed at measuring GLP-1 content of the intestinal tract both in another animal model of type 1 diabetes and in an animal model of type 2 diabetes. GLP-1 content of the jejunum, ileum, colon, and cecum was measured in male and female adult control rats and animals injected with streptozotocin (STZ) either during the neonatal period or 7 d before sacrifice. GLP-1 content of the intestinal tract was higher in type 1 diabetic rats than in control animals. Such was not the case in the type 2 diabetic rats. The findings recorded in the rats injected with STZ either during the neonatal period or later in life indicate that hyperglycemia and/or insulin deficiency do not cause a decrease in GLP-1 content of the intestinal tract. On the contrary, such a content may increase when the glucose intolerance and hypoinsulinemia are sufficiently pronounced, as was the case in the type 1 diabetic rats. These findings are thus compatible with the view that the decreased GLP-1 content of the intestinal tract in BBdp rats may result from intestinal inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pharmacological effect of a novel selective 5-HT[sub 4] receptor agonist, TS-951 (N-[endo-8-(3-hydroxypropyl)-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl]-1-isopropyl-2-oxo-1,2-dihydro-3-quinolinecarboxamide) was investigated in vitro. TS-951 potently inhibited specific [[sup 3] H]GR113808 binding both in guinea-pig striatum and in mouse brain. The affinity of TS-951 for the 5-HT[sub 4] receptor was higher than those of other agonists, 5-HT, cisapride, mosapride and renzapride. On the longitudinal muscle of the guinea-pig ileum, TS-951 caused a concentration-dependent increase in the amplitude of electrically induced submaximal twitch contractions. On the longitudinal muscle of the guinea-pig distal colon, TS-951 also caused concentration-dependent contractions. TS-951 is a high-affinity, selective and potent 5-HT[sub 4] receptor agonist. This compound therefore can be considered as a useful pharmacological tool for investigating 5-HT[sub 4] receptor-mediated events.Copyright © 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bifidobacteria and lactobacilli are purportedly beneficial to human health and are called probiotics. Their survival during passage through the human gut, when administered in fermented milk products, has been investigated intensely in recent years. Well-controlled, small-scale studies on diarrhea in both adults and infants have shown that probiotics are beneficial and that they survive in sufficient numbers to affect gut microbial metabolism. Survival rates have been estimated at 20-40% for selected strains, the main obstacles to survival being gastric acidity and the action of bile salts. Although it is believed that the maximum probiotic effect can be achieved if the organisms adhere to intestinal mucosal cells, there is no evidence that exogenously administered probiotics do adhere to the mucosal cells. Instead, they seem to pass into the feces without having adhered or multiplied. Thus, to obtain a continuous exogenous probiotic effect, the probiotic culture must be ingested continually. Certain exogenously administered substances enhance the action of both exogenous and endogenous probiotics. Human milk contains many substances that stimulate the growth of bifidobacteria in vitro and also in the small intestine of infants; however, it is unlikely that they function in the colon. However, lactulose and certain fructose-containing compounds, called prebiotics, are not digested in the small intestine but pass into the cecum unchanged, where they are selectively utilized by probiotics. Beneficial effects may thus accrue from exogenously administered probiotics, often administered with prebiotics, or by endogenous bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, whose metabolic activity and growth may also be enhanced by the administration of prebiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. In haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) vascular dysfunction has been observed in various organs, but the involvement of the intestine has not yet been reported. This study was performed to evaluate the association of intestinal protein loss in this disease with other clinical parameters reflecting vascular permeability or disease severity. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Simple Summary: The microbial population, diversity and interactions along the intestinal tract (including ileum, cecum and distal colon) were assessed in two producing types of pigs, where castrated Duroc pigs were used as heavy pigs, whereas entire F2 crossbred pigs (Pietrain sires × (F1: Duroc × Landrace) dams) were used as lean ones. Half of the animals belonged to two production phases (growing vs. fattening) and were subjected to a moderate crude protein restriction (2%). The producing type of pig and the production phase were the effects that most affected the parameters studied, where the fattening pigs and the lean ones showed higher alpha diversity indices and microbial network complexity. However, the lower dietary crude protein content had only a slight effect on microbial networks. These findings provide further understanding about how different effects (production phase, producing type, dietary crude protein level and intestinal segment) interact and affect gut microbiome, which could be taken into account for the optimization of pork production efficiency. Characterization of intestinal microbiota is of great interest due to its relevant impact on growth, feed efficiency and pig carcass quality. Microbial composition shifts along the gut, but it also depends on the host (i.e., age, genetic background), diet composition and environmental conditions. To simultaneously study the effects of producing type (PT), production phase (PP) and dietary crude protein (CP) content on microbial populations, 20 Duroc pigs and 16 crossbred pigs (F2), belonging to growing and fattening phases, were used. Half of the pigs of each PT were fed a moderate CP restriction (2%). After sacrifice, contents of ileum, cecum and distal colon were collected for sequencing procedure. Fattening pigs presented higher microbial richness than growing pigs because of higher maturity and stability of the community. The F2 pigs showed higher bacterial alpha diversity and microbial network complexity (cecum and colon), especially in the fattening phase, while Duroc pigs tended to have higher Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio in cecum segment. Lactobacillus was the predominant genus, and along with Streptococcus and Clostridium, their relative abundance decreased throughout the intestine. Although low CP diet did not alter the microbial diversity, it increased interaction network complexity. These results have revealed that the moderate CP restriction had lower impact on intestinal microbiota than PP and PT of pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish gut microbiota were potentially influenced by habitat changes. However, the fish gut has been shown to have a filtering effect on habitat microorganisms. Here, we hypothesized that the filtering of fish gut microbiota could counteract the effect of dam construction on the gut microbiota composition. To test this hypothesis, we collected water and Rhinogobio cylindricus individuals from four sampling sites located upstream of the Three Gorges Dam (TGD) and analyzed the microbiota composition in the water samples (n = 48) and R. cylindricus gut samples (n = 89) by high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. A total of 6,772,720 (49,435.91 ± 3762.80) high-quality sequences were obtained from 137 samples. The microbiota in the water environment was significantly more diverse than that in the gut of R. cylindricus. The β-diversity of microbiota in the water was significantly lower than that in the gut of R. cylindricus. The water microbiota composition varied greatly according to the distribution of the sampling sites upstream of the TGD, but the gut microbiota of R. cylindricus did not show the same pattern. Rather, the gut microbiota of R. cylindricus were not significantly affected by the TGD. This consistency in the internal tract of R. cylindricus is presumedly a result of a filtering effect on the water microorganisms. Our study furthers our understanding of the stabilization mechanism of the gut microbiota composition of fish and the impact of dams on river ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Appendicular tumors are rare, and lymphoma of the appendix is rarer. A 50-year-old female patient presented with vague abdominal discomfort and lump in the right iliac fossa. The diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was made after laparotomy and histopathological examination (HPE) supported by immunohistochemistry study. For appendicular neoplasms diagnosed postoperatively, including lymphoma, a meticulous grossing and HPE cannot be over emphasized. In case of wall thickening of >2.50-3 cm detected by the computed tomogram scan, the possibility of a neoplasm or lymphoma in particular should be included as the differential diagnosis irrespective of the clinical presentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To observe the intestinal time-dependent changes in Parkinson's disease (PD) mouse model constructed by intraperitoneal injection of paraquat (PQ) and to establish the brain-gut axis connection initially. Methods: In October 2019, 48 mice were randomly divided into treated group and control groups: treated 4-week (P-4) group, treated 6-week (P-6) group, treated 8-week (P-8) group, control 4-week (C-4) group, control 6-week (C-6) group, and control 8-week (C-8) group. The treated group was injected with 15 mg/kg PQ solution and the control group was injected with 0.9% saline (0.2 ml/20 g) by intraperitoneal injection twice a week. After the initial state (0 weeks) and the treatment at the end of 4, 6 and 8 weeks, the mood changes and motor functions of mice were assessed by neurobehavioral tests (open field test, pole climbing test, tail suspension test and elevated plus maze test) . And the number of fecal pellets for 1 h and water content were calculated to assess the functional status of the gastrointestinal tract. Western blotting experiments were performed to detect the expression levels of α-synuclein (α-syn) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in the nigrostriatal region of the mouse brain, the tight junction markers zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, the inflammatory markers of integrin αM subunit (CD11b) , inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) , high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) , interleukin-1β (IL-1β) , and the neuronal markers βⅢ-tubulin and α-syn protein in the colon.Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect the expression levels of colonic tight junction proteins ZO-1 and Occludin. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect the expression levels of TH in the substantia nigra region of the midbrain, and the co-localization of colonic intestine neuronal marker (βⅢ-tubulin) and Ser129 α-syn in the colonic. Results: Compared with the initial state (0 weeks) and C-8 group, mice in the P-8 group had significantly higher pole climbing test scores and resting time, and significantly lower total active distance, mean active speed, percentage of open arm entry and 1 h fecal instances ( P <0.05) . After poisoning, the 1 h fecal water content of model mice first increased and then decreased, the P-4 and P-6 groups were significantly higher than the simultaneous point control group, and the P-8 groups were significantly lower than the initial state ( P <0.05) . Compared with control, P-4 and P-6 groups, the expression levels of ZO-1 and Occludin in the P-8 group were significantly decreased ( P <0.05) . Compared with control group, the expression levels of CD11b and IL-1β in the P-4 group were significantly increased ( P <0.05) . Compared with control and P-4 group, the expression levels of CD11b, iNOS, HMGB1 and IL-1β in the P-6 and P-8 groups were significantly increased ( P <0.05) . Compared with the control and P-4 groups, the expression levels of βⅢ-tubulin in the colon of mice in the P-8 group were significantly decreased, and the expression levels of α-syn and Ser129 α-syn were significantly increased ( P <0.05) . The expression level of Ser129 α-syn in the colon of model mice was negatively correlated with the expression level of βⅢ-tubulin ( r (s)=-0.9149, 95% CI : -0.9771--0.7085, P <0.001) . Ser129 α-syn and βⅢ-tubulin co-localization in the colonic intermuscular plexus region increased gradually with the time of exposure. Compared with the control, P-4 and P-6 groups, the expression level of TH in the nigrostriatal region of the brain was significantly decreased, and the expression levels of α-syn and Ser129 α-syn were significantly increased in the P-8 group ( P <0.05) . Correlation analysis showed that the relative expression level of Ser129 α-syn in the nigrostriatal region of the brain was negatively correlated with the expression level of TH in the model mice ( r (s)=-0.9716, 95% CI : -0.9925--0.8953, P <0.001) . Conclusion: The PD mouse model is successfully established by PQ, and the intestinal function of the model mice is reduced in a time-dependent manner. And on this basis, it is preliminary determined that the abnormal aggregation of α-syn may be an important substance connecting the brain-gut axis.

Background/aim: An enriched environment (EE) modifies apoptotic cell death and promotes cell proliferation in the central nervous system (CNS) in mice. However, few studies have examined the effects of an EE on apoptosis in non-CNS organs in model orgamisms. In addition, the intestinal tract is one of organs at high-risk of carcinogenesis after radiation exposure. Herein we evaluated the effects of an EE on spontaneous and radiation-induced apoptosis in intestinal crypt cells of mice., Materials and Methods: Juvenile (3-week-old) and adult (11-week-old) male B6C3F1 mice were housed in a standard environment or EE for 8 weeks and then were whole-body irradiated with 2 Gy X-rays. Apoptosis in the small intestine and colon was analyzed with antibody against cleaved caspase 3., Results: The EE significantly reduced body weight; adipose tissue weight; and serum levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, leptin, and insulin. Although EE did not change the spontaneous apoptotic index without irradiation, it significantly increased the index after irradiation in the colonic crypt. The apoptotic index in the small intestinal crypt showed similar patterns., Conclusion: An EE enhances radiation-induced apoptosis of stem/progenitor cells in the small intestine and colon without affecting spontaneous apoptosis. An EE may thus reduce the risk of cancer in the intestinal tract after radiation exposure such as radiotherapy., (Copyright © 2022, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.)

Aim: The role of intestinal fungi in human health and disease is becoming more evident. The mycobiota composition and diversity of preterm infants is affected by interactions with bacteria and clinical variables. In this study, we aimed to characterize the composition and the diversity of the preterm infant mycobiota and the effect of clinical variables on it in the first six postnatal weeks. Methods: Preterm infants ( n = 50) and full-term infants ( n = 6) admitted to Isala Women and Children's hospital (Zwolle, The Netherlands) who were born during 24-36 or 37-40 weeks of gestation, respectively, were included in this study. Feces were collected during the first six postnatal weeks ( n = 109) and their mycobiota composition and diversity were characterized by ITS2 amplicon sequencing. Results: Composition analyses identified fungi and other eukaryotic kingdoms, of which Viridiplantae was most abundant. Of the fungal kingdom, Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were the first and second most prominent phyla in early life of all infants. Candida was the most abundant genus in the first six weeks of life and increased with gestational and postnatal age. Fungal phylogenetic diversity remained stable in the first six postnatal weeks. The individuality and the mode of delivery were identified as significant predictors for the variation in the mycobiota composition. Vaginally delivered infants were enriched in Candida spp., whereas infants delivered through emergency C-section were characterized by Malassezia spp. Conclusion: These results indicate that fungi and other eukaryotic kingdoms are detected in the intestine of preterm and full-term infants in the first six postnatal weeks. Similar to the microbiota, colonization of the preterm intestine with fungi is determined by clinical variables including individuality and mode of delivery., Competing Interests: The authors Henderickx JGE and Belzer C receive financial support from Danone Nutricia Research. de Weerd H and Knol J are employees of Danone Nutricia Research. Danone Nutricia Research develops and sells nutritional products for full-term and preterm infants., (© The Author(s) 2022.)