Cooled feline intestine and fresh intestine did not differ in enterotomy leak pressure testing or in gross wall thickness measurement.

OBJECTIVE: To report gross anatomical gastrointestinal measurements and compare enterotomy leak pressures between fresh and cooled feline cadavers. STUDY DESIGN: Ex vivo, randomized study. ANIMALS: Fresh feline cadavers (n = 20). METHODS: Jejunal segments (8 cm) were harvested on the same day as euthanasia. From each cadaver, one segment was randomly assigned to control (C), fresh enterotomy (FE), and cooled enterotomy (CE) groups. Enterotomy construction and leak testing were performed within 12 h of euthanasia for the C and FE groups and after 17-29 h of cooling for the CE group. Initial leak pressure (ILP) and maximum intraluminal pressure (MIP) were compared. Gastrointestinal wall thickness and intraluminal diameter were measured on harvested applicable gastrointestinal divisions at up to three time points: day 1 fresh, day 2 cooled, and day 3 cooled. RESULTS: The mean (± SD) ILPs for the C, FE, and CE constructs were 600 (± 0.0), 200.3 (± 114.7), and 131.3 (± 92.6) mmHg, respectively. The C ILP was higher (p < .001) than the FE and CE ILP. The ILP (p = .11) and the MIP (p = .21) did not differ between the FE and CE constructs. Wall thickness (measured in mm) did not differ between duodenum day 1 fresh and day 2 cooled groups (p = .18) or between any jejunum day groups (p = .86). The intraluminal diameters (mean ± SD) for the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were 5.7 (± 0.7), 5.8 (± 0.8), and 7.2 (± 2.2) mm, respectively. CONCLUSION: No difference was appreciated between FE and CE ILP and MIP. Wall thickness measurements did not differ between days for duodenum or jejunum. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Cadaveric feline intestine cooled for up to 29 h may be used for determining intestinal leak pressures.

Effects of embryo injected with ochratoxin A on growth performance, jejunal morphology and barrier of ducklings.

1. This trial investigated the effect on embryo injected with ochratoxin A (OTA) and the growth performance, jejunal morphology and barrier of ducklings to 21 d old.2. Two hundred forty, fertilised eggs were individually weighed and randomly assigned to two groups, a control (CON) and the OTA treatment, according to average egg weight. On d 13 of embryonic development, the treatment group was injected with 8 ng OTA/g egg and the CON group was injected with NaHCO3 solution as a placebo. All newly hatched ducklings were assigned to the CON or OTA group based on the different treatments. Each treatment consisted of six replicates and each included 10 ducklings and the experiment lasted until 21 d of age.3. The results showed that embryos injected with OTA affected the 21 d body weight (BW) and average daily gain (ADG) of ducklings (p < 0.05). OTA exposure increased the relative weights of the liver, pancreas, gizzard, proventriculus and jejunum (p < 0.05); and decreased the relative length of the jejunum of ducklings (p < 0.05). Moreover, jejunal crypt depth increased (p < 0.05) and the villus height-to-crypt depth ratio (Vh/Cd) decreased in the OTA-injected group (p < 0.05). Compared with those in the CON group, the mRNA expression of Zonula Occludens-1; (ZO-1) (p = 0.0582) and Occludin; (p = 0.0687) in the OTA treatment group was downregulated.4. The findings demonstrated that a single low-dose injection of OTA increased body weight and daily gain in ducklings. Moreover, embryo exposure to OTA had negative effects with increased relative weight of organs and the jejunal crypt depth, decreased relative length of the intestine and mRNA expression of tight junctions (ZO-1, Occludin).

Stimbiotic and wheat bran inclusion in maize or wheat-based diets for broiler chickens; effects on jejunal histomorphology, digesta oligosaccharides and caecal short-chain fatty-acids profiles.

1. A stimbiotic (STB) is any feed additive that stimulates caeca fibre fermentation, although the additive itself contributes little to the caeca short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production. A 42 d experiment investigated the interactive effects of STB and wheat bran (WB) in broiler chickens receiving maize or wheat-based diets.2. The treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial (eight replicates each), the dietary factors being diet (maize-SBM or wheat-SBM), STB (with or without) and WB (0 or 50 g/kg). Jejunal tissue, gizzard, jejunal and ileal digesta and caecal contents were collected on d 18 and 42.3. Gizzard pH tended to decrease with STB (p = 0.06) supplementation and was lower in birds fed wheat- compared to maize-based diets on d 18 (p < 0.05). Birds receiving diets with WB had higher jejunum pH on d 18 (p < 0.05).4. Total short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in the caeca on d 18 and isobutyrate on d 42 were higher (p < 0.05) for maize compared with wheat-based diets. However, on d 42, acetate, butyrate and total SCFA were higher (p < 0.05) for wheat-based compared with maize-based diets.5. On d 18, STB and WB inclusion increased villi height (VH; p < 0.05) and VH to crypt depth ratio (VH/CD), respectively (p < 0.05). On d 42, VH (p < 0.05) and VH/CD were higher in wheat-based diets (p < 0.05). The VH/CD ratio was lower with STB supplementation (p < 0.05). Marker-corrected pentose oligosaccharides (Pent)4 and (Pent)5 concentrations in the ileal digesta were reduced (p < 0.05) with STB supplementation. In addition, STB decreased (Pent)3 concentration in maize-, but not wheat-based diets (p < 0.05).6. In conclusion, both WB and STB influenced gastrointestinal pH and jejunum histomorphology of broilers without increasing oligosaccharide concentration in the ileum and SCFA in the caeca.

Effect of enterocin M and durancin ED26E/7 supplementation on blood parameters, immune response and jejunal morphometry in rabbits.

Natural feed additives application in rabbit nutrition can help to control and prevent digestive disturbances and improve gut health and immunity around the critical weaning period. While probiotics are frequently used in rabbits, in vivo administration of bacteriocins is often limited. Therefore, the present study evaluates the effect of enterocin EntM, durancin EntED26E/7 and their combination on serum biochemistry, phagocytic activity and jejunal morphometry of rabbits. Eighty rabbits (aged 35 days, meat line M91, both sexes) were divided into experimental groups E (EntM; dose 50 µl/animal/day, activity 25,600 AU/ml), D (EntED26E/7; 50 µl/animal/day, 12,800 AU/ml), E + D (50 µl EntM + 50 µl EntED26E/7 /animal/day) and control group (C). Additives were administrated in drinking water for 21 days. Both enterocins positively influenced tested serum parameters, with emphasis on durancin EntED26E/7 administration, alone and/or in combination with EntM. Increased total proteins (E, D: p < 0.001), urea (D: p < 0.001), albumin (D: p < 0.05) and triglycerids (E, D, E+D: p < 0.001) were found. Hypocholesterolaemic effect of both additives was recorded (p < 0.001), with the lowest HDL concentration in E + D. The most of tested hepatic enzymes were positively influenced by enterocins combination (E + D; p < 0.001). The lowest AST was noted in group D (p < 0.001). Mineral profile was also improved (p < 0.001), with the highest values in D. Oxidative stress, was not evoked during enterocins application. Both additives showed a tendency to improve phagocytic activity (prolonged effect of EntED26D/7; D, E+D: p < 0.05) and jejunal morphometry parameters (increased villus cut surface; E, D, E+D; p < 0.001). Diet supplementation with EntM and mostly with EntED26E/7 can improve serum biochemistry, phagocytic activity and jejunal morphometry.

Enterococcus faecium PNC01 isolated from the intestinal mucosa of chicken as an alternative for antibiotics to reduce feed conversion rate in broiler chickens.

BACKGROUND: The development and utilization of probiotics had many environmental benefits for replacing antibiotics in animal production. Bacteria in the intestinal mucosa have better adhesion to the host intestinal epithelial cells compared to bacteria in the intestinal contents. In this study, lactic acid bacteria were isolated from the intestinal mucosa of broiler chickens and investigated as the substitution to antibiotic in broiler production. RESULTS: In addition to acid resistance, high temperature resistance, antimicrobial sensitivity tests, and intestinal epithelial cell adhesion, Enterococcus faecium PNC01 (E. faecium PNC01) was showed to be non-cytotoxic to epithelial cells. Draft genome sequence of E. faecium PNC01 predicted that it synthesized bacteriocin to perform probiotic functions and bacteriocin activity assay showed it inhibited Salmonella typhimurium from invading intestinal epithelial cells. Diet supplemented with E. faecium PNC01 increased the ileal villus height and crypt depth in broiler chickens, reduced the relative length of the cecum at day 21, and reduced the relative length of jejunum and ileum at day 42. Diet supplemented with E. faecium PNC01 increased the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Lactobacillus, decreased the relative abundance of Bacteroides in the cecal microbiota. CONCLUSION: E. faecium PNC01 replaced antibiotics to reduce the feed conversion rate. Furthermore, E. faecium PNC01 improved intestinal morphology and altered the composition of microbiota in the cecum to reduce feed conversion rate. Thus, it can be used as an alternative for antibiotics in broiler production to avoid the adverse impact of antibiotics by altering the gut microbiota.

Ligament of Treitz: Anatomy, Relevance of Radiologic Findings, and Radiologic-Pathologic Correlation.

OBJECTIVE. The objective of this article is to discuss the anatomy, embryonic origin, normal variants, and various attachments of the ligament of Treitz. We also describe the pathologic processes that develop along the ligament of Treitz and the role of cross-sectional imaging in identifying these conditions. CONCLUSION. The ligament of Treitz, also known as the suspensory ligament of the duodenum, is an important anatomic landmark in the abdomen. It is essential that radiologists understand the anatomic attachments, normal variants, and various pathologic conditions involving the ligament of Treitz as well as the role of cross-sectional imaging in the assessment of these conditions.

Influence of the effective microorganisms (EM) on performance, intestinal morphology and gene expression in the jejunal mucosa of pigs fed different diets.

The aim of the study was to determine the influence of the effective microorganisms (EM) on performance parameters, intestinal morphology and gene expression in the jejunal mucosa in pigs under different feeding regimes. The study group comprised of 150 piglets divided into three feeding groups: C, E1 and E2. Feeding groups included: C-standard fodder, blend with a full share of post-extracted soy meal, E1-in the phase I of fattening: pea and lupin/soybean 50/50%; in the phase II of fattening: pea and lupin/soybean 75/25%, and E2-in the phase I of fattening: pea and lupin/soybean 50/50%; in the phase II of fattening: pea and lupin 100%. The experimental factor was addition of a probiotic EM Carbon Bokashi to the diets (C + EM, E1 + EM and E2 + EM). After slaughter, histological evaluation and gene expression analysis were performed. The highest intestinal villi were reported in E2 + EM. A higher intestinal absorption area was demonstrated in groups C + EM and E2 + EM. An interaction between feeding and EM Bokashi supplementation was found in villus surface area crypt depth, villus height/crypt depth and number of goblet cells. Mucosa thickness and number of goblet cells was the largest in E2 + EM. Gene expression of FABP4 increased in E1, and GLUT2 decreased in E2. Gene expression of IL10 and FABP4 increased in E2 + EM. The results indicate that the E2 diet is more optimal for EM Bokashi supplementation, because in this group, EM positively influenced the morphological characteristics of the porcine jejunum and caused an increase in the expression of genes related to the metabolism and functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Feeding dihydroquercetin and vitamin E to broiler chickens reared at standard and high ambient temperatures.

The use of natural antioxidants, in particular polyphenols such as dihydroquercetin (DHQ), in animal nutrition has recently increased in popularity. This may partly be due to the risk of increased incidences of heat stress associated with raising livestock in warmer ambient temperatures, facilitated by global warming, reducing antioxidant capacity. The current research demonstrates the effect of dietary DHQ, vitaminEand standard or high ambient temperatures on growth performance, energy and nutrient metabolism, gastrointestinal tract (GIT) development, jejunal villus morphometry and antioxidant status in broiler chickens. Each of the four experimental diets was fed to 16 pens of five birds, which were allocated to four rooms (four pens in each room). The temperature in two rooms was maintained at aconstant 35°C (high temperature; HT), and the temperature in the other two rooms was gradually reduced from 27°C at 7 dof age to 22°C at 20 dof age (standard temperature; ST). Rearing birds at HT reduced feed intake, weight gain, weight of small intestine, total GIT, liver, spleen, heart, villus height, villus surface area and lowered blood glutationperoxidase (GSH-Px). Dietary DHQ increased blood GSH-Px and total antioxidant status, increased heart weight and reduced caecal size. When fed separately, DHQ and vitamin E improved hepatic vitamin E concentration. Feeding vitamin Eincreased spleen and liver weights. When fed together, DHQ and vitamin Ereduced villus height, villus height to crypt depth ratio and villus surface area. Temperature and antioxidants did not affect energy and nutrient metabolism. There were no effects of dietary antioxidants on growth performance of broiler chickens and there were no mortalities. At present, it is unclear if feeding antioxidants (in particular DHQ) at different levels, using different dietary formulations, and rearing birds under arange of environmental conditions may be effective at enhancing production performance and bird health in hot ambient climates.

Conditioning time and sodium bentonite affect pellet quality, growth performance, nutrient retention and intestinal morphology of growing broiler chickens.

1. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of conditioning times and processed sodium bentonite (PSB)-based pellet binder (G. Bind™) on pellet quality, performance, small intestine morphology, and nutrient retention in growing broiler chickens (d 11-24).2. A total of 540, one-day-old male broiler chicks were fed a commercial starter diet (d 1-10). On day 11, birds were assigned to a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement including two conditioning times (2 and 4 min) and three levels of PSB (0, 7.5 and 15 g/kg) with six replicates of 15 chicks each. Feed intake and weight gain were recorded to calculate growth performance. The jejunal segment and excreta samples were collected to determine intestinal morphology and nutrient retention, respectively.3. Diets produced with 2 min conditioning time and containing 15 g/kg PSB increased (P < 0.05) pellet durability index and hardness. Conditioning time and PSB levels had no significant effect on growth performance. The inclusion of PSB to broilers diet increased (P < 0.05) energy usage of the pelleting machine. Chickens fed the diet conditioned for 2 min and containing 15 g/kg PSB had the lowest (P < 0.05) relative jejunal length. Two minutes conditioning of diets containing 15 g/kg PSB increased (P < 0.05) apparent metabolisable energy retention in broilers.4. It was concluded that 2 min conditioning of diet containing 15 g/kg PSB improved pellet quality and nutrient retention of broiler chickens, while the main effects of conditioning time and PSB levels were controversial in most evaluated parameters.

Impact of dietary chitosan oligosaccharide and its effects on coccidia challenge in broiler chickens.

1. Two experiments were conducted, the first to determine the optimum inclusion of chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) in broiler diets to support growth performance, digestive functions, intestinal morphology, and immune organs. The second experiment evaluated the immune-protective properties of COS on broiler chickens during coccidia challenge (CC).2. Experiment 1 investigated the effect of graded dietary concentration of COS in the diets of broiler chickens using eight cage replicates for each of the six diets. A corn-soybean meal-based diet was used as the basal diet and supplemented with 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, or 2.5 g of COS/kg feed to form the six treatments.3. The diet supplemented with 1.0 g COS/kg of feed provided the optimal inclusion level for broiler chickens regarding body weight (BW) gain, jejunal villus height, villus height to crypt depth ratio, and ileal energy digestibility at d 22 of age.4. Experiment 2 investigated the immune-protective properties of COS in broiler chickens during CC. A total of 224 male broiler chicks were randomly assigned to eight replicate cages in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments with two COS concentrations (0 or 1 g of COS/kg of diet), with or without CC.5. On d 18 of age, birds in the CC group received twice the recommended coccidia vaccine dose of 30 doses/kg BW.6. Coccidia challenge reduced (P < 0.05) and dietary COS increased (P < 0.05) BW gain, and feed intake. Dietary COS mitigated (P < 0.05) the CC-induced effects on gain:feed. Dietary COS supplementation attenuated the CC-induced effects (P < 0.05) on the expression of occludin genes.7. In conclusion, dietary COS improved performance, and the immune-related beneficial impact of COS supplementation was associated with reduced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes.

In ovo feeding of nutrients and its impact on post-hatching water and feed deprivation up to 48 hr, energy status and jejunal morphology of chicks using response surface models.

A Box-Behnken design (BBD) in a response surface methodology (RSM) was used to investigate the response of broiler chicks to in ovo feeding (IOF) of beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate (HMB), dextrin and the timing of the first water and feed deprivation. On day 18th of incubation, 1,500 eggs were randomly assigned to 15 experimental runs of BBD, each with 4 replicates, as 3 levels IOF of HMB (0%, 0.5% and 1%) and dextrin (0%, 20% and 40%), and 3 levels of the first water and feed deprivation (6, 27 and 48 hr). Day-old chicks from each replicate were then used to assess the effect of IOF and time first water and feed access on chick's responses. The IOF of dextrin leads to respectively 9.7%-15.5% lower hatchability for 20% and 40% inclusion (p < .05), whereas HMB inclusion appeared with no effect on hatchability (p > .05). Administration of dextrin or HMB into the amnion of embryos elevated length, width and surface area of villus, and increased glycogen content of liver and breast (p < .05). In all parameter models, the linear terms showed highest contribution (R2  = 0.81-0.97) to explain existing variation in chick's responses. The first water and feed deprivation had largest effect on BW2 and glycogen content of liver and breast. It is concluded that if possible, place chicks before 7 hr of hatch to preserve BW loss and have maximum response from IOF. If not possible, use IOF with 40% dextrin + 0.5% HMB to preserve gut integrity and energy status up to 48 hr. This should give advantage to chicks to recover fast after feeding, but that would have to be confirmed by trials growing birds to slaughter age.

Effects of milk thistle meal on performance, ileal bacterial enumeration, jejunal morphology and blood lipid peroxidation in laying hens fed diets with different levels of metabolizable energy.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different levels of milk thistle meal on performance, blood biochemical indices, ileal bacterial counts and intestinal histology in laying hens fed diets containing different levels of metabolizable energy. A total number of 200 Leghorn laying hens (Hy-Line W-36) were randomly assigned to eight experimental treatments with five cage replicates of five birds each. Dietary treatments consisted of four levels of milk thistle meal (0%, 15%, 30% and 60%) and two levels of AMEn (11.09 and 12.34 MJ/kg) fed over a period of 80 days. In vitro studies revealed that the total phenolic component of milk thistle meal was 470.64 mg gallic acid equivalent/g of the sample, and its antioxidant activity for inhibiting the 2-2-diphenyl-1-picrichydrazyl free radical and reducing ferric ions was about 21% higher than that of butylated hydroxyltoluene (p < .05). Diets containing high level of AMEn led to improved egg production (p < .05), egg weight (p < .05), egg mass (p < .01) and feed conversion ratio (p < .01). In addition, offering diets containing high energy significantly enhanced (p < .01) serum triglyceride and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations as well as jejunal villus height. Dietary supplementation of 3% milk thistle meal resulted in the best feed conversion ratio (p < .05), reduction of ileal Escherichia coli enumeration (p < .01) and an enhancement in the villus height-to-crypt depth ratio (p < .05). Furthermore, feeding incremental levels of this meal led to remarkable decrease in serum cholesterol, triglyceride and MDA (p < .01) concentrations while significant increase in blood high-density lipoprotein content and goblet cell numbers (p < .05). The present findings indicate that milk thistle meal with high antioxidant and antibacterial properties in laying hen diets may improve health indices and productive performance.

The comparative anatomy of the folds, fossae, and adhesions around the duodenojejunal flexure in mammals.

BACKGROUND: Anatomical knowledge of the duodenojejunal flexure is necessary for abdominal surgeries, and also important for physiologic studies about the duodenum. But little is known about the anatomy of this region in mammals. Here, we examined comparative anatomy to understand the anatomical formation of the duodenojejunal flexure in mammals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The areas around the duonenojejunal flexure were ob-served in mouse, rat, dog, pig, and human, and the anatomical structures around the duodenojejunal junction in the animals were compared with those in human. RESULTS: The superior and inferior duodenal folds, and the superior and inferior duodenal fossae were identified in all examined humans. In pig, the structures were not clearly identified because the duodenum strongly adhered to the retroperitoneum and to the mesocolon. In mouse, rat, and dog, only the plica duodenocolica, which is regarded as the animal counterpart of the superior duo-denal fold in human, was identified, and other folds or fossae were not observed, probably because the duodenum was not fixed to the parietal peritoneum in those animals. Transection of the plica duodenocolica could return the normally rotated intestine back to the state of non-rotation in rat. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed the anatomical similarities and dissimilarities of the duodenojejunal flexure among the mammals. Anatomical knowledge of the area is useful for duodenal and pancreatic surgeries, and for animal studies about the duodenum. (Folia Morphol 2018; 77, 2: 286-292).

Redefining the projectional and clinical anatomy of the duodenojejunal flexure in children.

The duodenojejunal flexure (DJF) is an important surgical landmark that enables the pediatric surgeon to establish whether normal intestinal rotation has occurred. The degree of variation in the position of the DJF has not been studied in the pediatric population, and there have been only limited studies on adults. The aim of the present study was to determine the position and relationships of the DJF in infants and children utilizing cross-sectional imaging. Computer tomography scans of 120 children were divided into three age groups and systematically analyzed. The DJF position was measured in relation to the vertebral body level, midline, anterior-posterior distance from the vertebral body, transpyloric plane, and mesenteric vessels. The position of the third part of the duodenum and the length of the mesenteric root were also determined. There was considerable variation in the DJF position with respect to the above landmarks in all three age groups. The vertebral body level of the DJF was centered on L1, but ranged between T11 and L3. In 3% of children with normal rotation the SMA/SMV relationship was abnormal. The third part of the duodenum was consistently found to be retromesenteric. The length of the mesenteric root ranged from 7 to 22 cm, and generally lengthened with increasing age. Owing to its variable position in infants and children, the DJF on its own may not be a reliable landmark for establishing normal intestinal rotation. Assessing for normal rotation is multifaceted and further comparative studies are required to characterize the anatomical features of normal and abnormal rotation.

Meat proteins had different effects on oligopeptide transporter PEPT1 in the small intestine of young rats.

The peptide transporter 1 (PEPT1) in the apical membrane of enterocytes is the central mechanism for regulating the absorption of di- and tripeptides. Dietary proteins may affect PEPT1 abundance and peptide absorption. The present study aimed to characterize changes in PEPT1 mRNA and PEPT1 protein levels in the duodenum and jejunum of young rats after 7-day diet intervention with casein (reference), soy, beef, pork, chicken and fish proteins and further evaluate the impact on the epithelial absorption capacity. RT-PCR and western blot analyses showed that: (1) PEPT1 protein level in duodenum was higher (p < 0.05) for soy protein group than that for casein group. However, no difference was observed in jejunal PEPT1 protein level between any two diet groups (p > 0.05). The soy protein group had lower crypt depth and higher V/C ratio in the jejunum (p < 0.05). (2) PEPT1 mRNA levels were lower (p < 0.05) in rat duodenum and jejunum in pork, chicken and fish protein groups, whose trend was contrary to the results of jejunual histological observation with lower crypt depth, greater villus height and higher V/C ratio. In conclusion, different meat proteins alter distinct PEPT1 expression level and absorption capacity as reflected by gut morphology in small intestine.

Effects of different sulphur amino acids and dietary electrolyte balance levels on performance, jejunal morphology, and immunocompetence of broiler chicks.

As alterations of dietary electrolyte balance (DEB) can influence amino acid metabolism via changes the ions incur in their configurations, performance and immunological responses of broiler chicks might be affected. So, the current study was carried out to investigate the effects of different levels of sulphur amino acids (SAA) and DEB on performance, jejunal morphology and immunocompetence of broiler chicks. A total of 360 1-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to nine experimental treatments with four replicates of 10 birds each. Experimental treatments consisted of three levels of SAA (100, 110, and 120% of NRC recommendation, provided by methionine supplementation in diets with the same cysteine level) and three levels of DEB (150, 250, and 350 mEq/kg) that were fed during the entire of trial in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement. Results showed that the relative weights of intestine and abdominal fat were decreased markedly (p < 0.001) with increasing levels of SAA and DEB respectively. Antibody titre against sheep red blood cell was neither individually nor in combination influenced by supplementation of SAA or DEB. Nevertheless, a decrease in DEB level led to a suppression in heterophile (p < 0.05) and an increase in lymphocyte counts (p = 0.06); consequently, heterophile to lymphocyte ratio was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) by decremental levels of DEB. Albumin to globulin ratio was increased after inclusion of at least 10% SAA (p < 0.001) and 150 mEq DEB/kg in the diet (p = 0.11). Although feeding high-DEB level led to a remarkable decrease in villus height (p < 0.01) and goblet cell numbers (p < 0.001), supplementing the highest level of SAA improved the height of jejunal villus. During the entire trial period, average daily feed intake (ADFI) was increased by incremental SAA levels (p < 0.05). However, inclusion of 150 mEq/kg led to not only a remarkable increase (p < 0.0001) in both ADFI and average daily weight gain (ADWG) but also to improved (p < 0.001) feed conversion ratio (FCR) both during the growing and over the entire trial periods. The present findings indicated that inclusion of low DEB decreased the heterophile to lymphocyte ratio and improved both the albumin to globulin ratio and intestinal health indices. The best growth performance was obtained with 150 mEq DEB/kg in the diet for each level of SAA.

Glutamine enhances tight junction protein expression and modulates corticotropin-releasing factor signaling in the jejunum of weanling piglets.

BACKGROUND: Dysfunction of tight junction integrity is associated with decreased nutrient absorption and numerous gastrointestinal diseases in humans and piglets. Although l-glutamine has been reported to enhance intestinal-mucosal mass and barrier function under stressful conditions, in vivo data to support a functional role for l-glutamine on intestinal tight junction protein (TJP) expression in weanling mammals are limited. OBJECTIVE: This study tested the hypothesis that glutamine regulates expression of TJPs and stress-related corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) signaling in the jejunum of weanling piglets. METHODS: Piglets were reared by sows or weaned at 21 d of age to a corn and soybean meal-based diet that was or was not supplemented with 1% l-glutamine for 7 d. Growth performance, intestinal permeability, TJP abundance, and CRF expression were examined. RESULTS: Weaning caused increases (P < 0.05) in intestinal permeability by 40% and in CRF concentrations by 4.7 times in association with villus atrophy (P < 0.05). Western blot analysis showed reductions (P < 0.05) in jejunal expression of occludin, claudin-1, zonula occludens (ZO) 2, and ZO-3, but no changes in the abundance of claudin-3, claudin-4, or ZO-1 in weanling piglets compared with age-matched suckling controls. Glutamine supplementation improved (P < 0.05) intestinal permeability and villus height, while reducing (P < 0.05) jejunal mRNA and protein levels for CRF and attenuating (P < 0.05) weanling-induced decreases in occludin, claudin-1, ZO-2, and ZO-3 protein abundances. CONCLUSION: Collectively, our results support an important role for l-glutamine in regulating expression of TJPs and CRF in the jejunum of weanling piglets.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of single-balloon enteroscopy-assisted ERCP in patients with surgically altered GI anatomy.

BACKGROUND: Surgically altered pancreaticobiliary anatomy increases the difficulty of performing ERCP. Single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE) is a relatively new technique that can be used for ERCP in patients with surgically altered anatomy. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic and diagnostic success of SBE-ERCP among patients with surgically altered anatomy. DESIGN/SETTING: Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies involving SBE-ERCP in patients with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, hepaticojejunostomy, or Whipple procedure. Enteroscopy success was defined as success in reaching the papilla and/or biliary anastomosis by using SBE. Diagnostic success was defined as obtaining a cholangiogram. Procedural success was defined as the ability to provide successful intervention, if appropriate. A random-effects model was used. RESULTS: A total of 461 patients underwent SBE-ERCP from 15 trials. The pooled enteroscopy, diagnostic, and procedural success rates were 80.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 75.3%-86.4%), 69.4% (95% CI, 61.0%-77.9%), and 61.7% (95% CI, 52.9%-70.5%), respectively. There was statistical large heterogeneity for enteroscopy, diagnostic, and therapeutic success (P < .001 for all). Adverse events occurred in 6.5% (95% CI, 4.7%-9.1%) of patients. There was no evidence of publication bias in this meta-analysis. LIMITATIONS: Our findings and interpretations are limited by the quantity and heterogeneity of the studies included in the analysis. CONCLUSION: SBE-ERCP has high diagnostic and procedural success rates in this challenging patient population. It should be considered a first-line intervention when biliary access is required after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, hepaticojejunostomy, or Whipple procedure.

Composition of diet modifies colonization dynamics of Campylobacter jejuni in broiler chickens.

AIMS: To evaluate the impact of diet composition on colonization dynamics of Camp. jejuni and on related physiological parameters in the chicken intestine. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 54 1-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly divided into three isocaloric and isonitrogenous dietary groups: maize-based (MB), wheat-based (WB) diet and wheat-based diet with NSP-degrading enzyme supplementation (WBES). Chickens were orally infected with 10(8)  CFU Camp. jejuni on day 14, and samples (n = 6) were collected on 7, 14 and 21 days postinfection (DPI), respectively. Colony forming units of Camp. jejuni of caecum and jejunum, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations, pH values of the caecum, jejunal histomorphology and viscosity of jejunal chymus were measured. In case of WBES diet, lower Camp. jejuni colonization 14 DPI, higher jejunal viscosity, higher total SCFA concentrations in the caecum and enhanced jejunal histomorphology were observed compared to those measured in chickens fed MB diet. CONCLUSIONS: The WBES diet altered Camp. jejuni colonization dynamics in the chicken intestine which resulted by higher SCFA concentrations in the caecum and by the change of gut morphology. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Our study proves that diet composition can modify Camp. jejuni colonization depending on sampling time point postinfection.

Mesenteric-Based Surgery Exploits Gastrointestinal, Peritoneal, Mesenteric and Fascial Continuity from Duodenojejunal Flexure to the Anorectal Junction--A Review.

INTRODUCTION: It is now well established that mesenteric-based colorectal surgery is associated with superior outcomes. Recent anatomic observations have demonstrated that the mesenteric organ is contiguous from the duodenojejunal to the anorectal junction. This led to similar observations in relation to associated peritoneum and fascia. The aim of this review was to demonstrate the relevance of the contiguity principle to resectional colorectal surgery. METHODS: All literature in relation to mesenteric anatomy was reviewed from 1873 to the present, without language restriction. RESULTS: Mesenteric-based surgery (i.e. complete mesocolic excision, total mesocolic and mesorectal excision) requires division of the peritoneal reflection (i.e. peritonotomy), and mesenteric mobilisation in the mesofascial plane. These are the fundamental technical elements of mesenterectomy. Mesenteric, peritoneal and fascial contiguity mean that in resectional surgery, these technical elements can be reproducibly applied at all levels from the origin at the superior mesenteric root, to the anorectal junction. CONCLUSIONS: The goals of complete mesocolic, total mesocolic and mesorectal excision can be universally achieved at any level from duodenojejunal flexure to anorectal junction, by adopting technical elements based on mesenteric, peritoneal and fascial contiguity.