Effects of Eimeria acervulina infection on the luminal and mucosal microbiota of the cecum and ileum in broiler chickens.

Coccidiosis, an intestinal disease caused by Eimeria parasites, is responsible for major losses in the poultry industry by impacting chicken health. The gut microbiota is associated with health factors, such as nutrient exchange and immune system modulation, requiring understanding on the effects of Eimeria infection on the gut microbiota. This study aimed to determine the effects of Eimeria acervulina infection on the luminal and mucosal microbiota of the cecum (CeL and CeM) and ileum (IlL and IlM) at multiple time points (days 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14) post-infection. E. acervulina infection decreased evenness in CeL microbiota at day 10, increased richness in CeM microbiota at day 3 before decreasing richness at day 14, and decreased richness in IlL microbiota from day 3 to 10. CeL, CeM, and IlL microbiota differed between infected and control birds based on beta diversity at varying time points. Infection reduced relative abundance of bacterial taxa and some predicted metabolic pathways known for short-chain fatty acid production in CeL, CeM, and IlL microbiota, but further understanding of metabolic function is required. Despite E. acervulina primarily targeting the duodenum, our findings demonstrate the infection can impact bacterial diversity and abundance in the cecal and ileal microbiota.

Long-term urodynamic findings following colo-, gastro- and ileocystoplasty.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the urodynamic changes in patients who have undergone colocystoplasty (CCP), gastrocystoplasty (GCP) and ileocystoplasty (ICP) in a retrospective study. Changes in urinary continence, incidence of pathologic contractions before and after augmentation, alterations of urodynamic parameters were also examined. METHODS: Eighty-four patients were included in the study who underwent bladder augmentation between 1987 and 2017. Group I: 35 patients with CCP. Group II: 18 patients with GCP. Group III: 31 patients with ICP. Cystometry was performed at 3, 6, and every 12 months, then biannually after augmentation. Pre- and postoperative urodynamic changes were analysed statistically. RESULTS: In Group I, two patients and in Group III, one patient remained incontinent after CCP and ICP. Bladder capacity increased significantly, maximal intra-vesical pressure decreased and compliance improved in all groups (p < 0.001). Postoperative studies showed pathologic contractions in the augmented bladder in half of the patients with GCP, in 43% of patients after CCP and 26% of patients with ICP. CONCLUSION: From the urodynamic point of view, ileum is the most adequate option in the long term. Contractions after augmentation might be caused by the remaining peristalsis of the detubularised segment. Further investigations are needed to evaluate pathologic contractions that remained after detubularisation.

Amperometry approach curve profiling to understand the regulatory mechanisms governing the concentration of intestinal extracellular serotonin.

Enterochromaffin (EC) cells located within the intestinal mucosal epithelium release serotonin (5-HT) to regulate motility tones, barrier function and the immune system. Electroanalytical methodologies have been able to monitor steady state basal extracellular 5-HT levels but are unable to provide insight into how these levels are influenced by key regulatory processes such as release and uptake. We established a new measurement approach, amperometry approach curve profiling, which monitors the extracellular 5-HT level at different electrode-tissue (E-T) distances. Analysis of the current profile can provide information on contributions of regulatory components on the observed extracellular 5-HT level. Measurements were conducted from ex vivo murine ileum and colon using a boron-doped diamond (BDD) microelectrode. Amperometry approach curve profiling coupled with classical pharmacology demonstrated that extracellular 5-HT levels were significantly lower in the colon when compared to the ileum. This difference was due to a greater degree of activity of the 5-HT transporter (SERT) and a reduced amount of 5-HT released from colonic EC cells. The presence of an inhibitory 5-HT4 autoreceptor was observed in the colon, where a 40% increase in extracellular 5-HT was the half maximal inhibitory concentration for activation of the autoreceptor. This novel electroanalytical approach allows estimates of release and re-uptake and their contribution to 5-HT extracellular concentration from intestinal tissue be obtained from a single series of measurements.

Sleeve gastrectomy with duodenoileal bipartition using linear magnets: feasibility and safety at 1-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Single-anastomosis metabolic/bariatric surgery procedures may lessen the incidence of anastomotic complications. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of performing side-to-side duodenoileal (DI) bipartition using magnetic compression anastomosis (MCA). In addition, preliminary efficacy, quality of life (QoL), and distribution of food through the DI bipartition were evaluated. METHODS: Patients with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥35.0 to 50.0 kg/m2 underwent side-to-side DI bipartition with the magnet anastomosis system (MS) with sleeve gastrectomy (SG). By endoscopic positioning, a distal magnet (250 cm proximal to the ileocecal valve) and a proximal magnet (first part of the duodenum) were aligned with laparoscopic assistance to inaugurate MCA. An isotopic study assessed transit through the bipartition. RESULTS: Between March 14, 2022 to June 1, 2022, 10 patients (BMI of 44.2 ± 1.3 kg/m2) underwent side-to-side MS DI. In 9 of 10 patients, an SG was performed concurrently. The median operative time was 161.0 minutes (IQR, 108.0-236.0), and the median hospital stay was 3 days (IQR, 2-40). Paired magnets were expelled at a median of 43 days (IQR, 21-87). There was no device-related serious advanced event within 1 year. All anastomoses were patent with satisfactory diameters after magnet expulsion and at 1 year. Respective BMI, BMI reduction, and total weight loss were 28.9 ± 1.8 kg/m2, 15.2 ± 1.8 kg/m2, and 34.2% ± 4.1%, respectively. Of note, 70.0% of patients reported that they were very satisfied. The isotopic study found a median of 19.0% of the meal transited through the ileal loop. CONCLUSION: Side-to-side MCA DI bipartition with SG in adults with class II to III obesity was feasible, safe, and efficient with good QoL at 1-year follow-up. Moreover, 19% of ingested food passed directly into the ileum.

Diet-omics in the Study of Urban and Rural Crohn disease Evolution (SOURCE) cohort.

Crohn disease (CD) burden has increased with globalization/urbanization, and the rapid rise is attributed to environmental changes rather than genetic drift. The Study Of Urban and Rural CD Evolution (SOURCE, n = 380) has considered diet-omics domains simultaneously to detect complex interactions and identify potential beneficial and pathogenic factors linked with rural-urban transition and CD. We characterize exposures, diet, ileal transcriptomics, metabolomics, and microbiome in newly diagnosed CD patients and controls in rural and urban China and Israel. We show that time spent by rural residents in urban environments is linked with changes in gut microbial composition and metabolomics, which mirror those seen in CD. Ileal transcriptomics highlights personal metabolic and immune gene expression modules, that are directly linked to potential protective dietary exposures (coffee, manganese, vitamin D), fecal metabolites, and the microbiome. Bacteria-associated metabolites are primarily linked with host immune modules, whereas diet-linked metabolites are associated with host epithelial metabolic functions.

Human gut microbiota and their production of endocannabinoid-like mediators are directly affected by a dietary oil.

Dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) and the gut microbiome affect each other. We investigated the impact of supplementation with Buglossoides arvensis oil (BO), rich in stearidonic acid (SDA), on the human gut microbiome. Employing the Mucosal Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (M-SHIME), we simulated the ileal and ascending colon microbiomes of four donors. Our results reveal two distinct microbiota clusters influenced by BO, exhibiting shared and contrasting shifts. Notably, Bacteroides and Clostridia abundance underwent similar changes in both clusters, accompanied by increased propionate production in the colon. However, in the ileum, cluster 2 displayed a higher metabolic activity in terms of BO-induced propionate levels. Accordingly, a triad of bacterial members involved in propionate production through the succinate pathway, namely Bacteroides, Parabacteroides, and Phascolarctobacterium, was identified particularly in this cluster, which also showed a surge of second-generation probiotics, such as Akkermansia, in the colon. Finally, we describe for the first time the capability of gut bacteria to produce N-acyl-ethanolamines, and particularly the SDA-derived N-stearidonoyl-ethanolamine, following BO supplementation, which also stimulated the production of another bioactive endocannabinoid-like molecule, commendamide, in both cases with variations across individuals. Spearman correlations enabled the identification of bacterial genera potentially involved in endocannabinoid-like molecule production, such as, in agreement with previous reports, Bacteroides in the case of commendamide. This study suggests that the potential health benefits on the human microbiome of certain dietary oils may be amenable to stratified nutrition strategies and extend beyond n-3 PUFAs to include microbiota-derived endocannabinoid-like mediators.

Novel reconstruction using pedicled ileocolic interposition with intrathoracic esophago-ileal anastomosis after distal esophagectomy for esophagogastric junction cancer: A report of two cases.

There is no optimal reconstruction after radical distal esophagectomy for cancers of the esophagogastric junction. We designed a novel reconstruction technique using pedicled ileocolic interposition with intrathoracic anastomosis between the esophagus and the elevated ileum. Two patients underwent the surgery. Case 1 was a 70-year-old man with esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma with 3 cm of esophageal invasion. Case 2 was a 70-year-old man with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagogastric junction; the epicenter of which was located just at the junction. These two patients underwent radical distal esophagectomy and pedicled ileocolic interposition with intrathoracic anastomosis. They were discharged on postoperative days 17 and 14, respectively, with no major complication. Pedicled ileocolic interposition is characterized by sufficient elevation and perfusion of the ileum, which is fed by the ileocolic artery and vein. As a result, we can generally adapt this reconstruction method to most curable esophagogastric junction cancers.

Differential Colonization and Mucus Ultrastructure Visualization in Bovine Ileal and Rectal Organoid-Derived Monolayers Exposed to Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli.

Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) is a critical public health concern due to its role in severe gastrointestinal illnesses in humans, including hemorrhagic colitis and the life-threatening hemolytic uremic syndrome. While highly pathogenic to humans, cattle, the main reservoir for EHEC, often remain asymptomatic carriers, complicating efforts to control its spread. Our study introduces a novel method to investigate EHEC using organoid-derived monolayers from adult bovine ileum and rectum. These polarized epithelial monolayers were exposed to EHEC for four hours, allowing us to perform comparative analyses between the ileal and rectal tissues. Our findings mirrored in vivo observations, showing a higher colonization rate in the rectum compared with the ileum (44.0% vs. 16.5%, p < 0.05). Both tissues exhibited an inflammatory response with increased expression levels of TNF-a (p < 0.05) and a more pronounced increase of IL-8 in the rectum (p < 0.01). Additionally, the impact of EHEC on the mucus barrier varied across these gastrointestinal regions. Innovative visualization techniques helped us study the ultrastructure of mucus, revealing a net-like mucin glycoprotein organization. While further cellular differentiation could enhance model accuracy, our research significantly deepens understanding of EHEC pathogenesis in cattle and informs strategies for the preventative measures and therapeutic interventions.

Serotonin Transporter Deficiency Induces Metabolic Alterations in the Ileal Mucosa.

Serotonin transporter (SERT) deficiency has been implicated in metabolic syndrome, intestinal inflammation, and microbial dysbiosis. Interestingly, changes in microbiome metabolic capacity and several alterations in host gene expression, including lipid metabolism, were previously observed in SERT-/- mice ileal mucosa. However, the precise host or microbial metabolites altered by SERT deficiency that may contribute to the pleiotropic phenotype of SERT KO mice are not yet understood. This study investigated the hypothesis that SERT deficiency impacts lipid and microbial metabolite abundances in the ileal mucosa, where SERT is highly expressed. Ileal mucosal metabolomics was performed by Metabolon on wild-type (WT) and homozygous SERT knockout (KO) mice. Fluorescent-activated cell sorting (FACS) was utilized to measure immune cell populations in ileal lamina propria to assess immunomodulatory effects caused by SERT deficiency. SERT KO mice exhibited a unique ileal mucosal metabolomic signature, with the most differentially altered metabolites being lipids. Such changes included increased diacylglycerols and decreased monoacylglycerols in the ileal mucosa of SERT KO mice compared to WT mice. Further, the ileal mucosa of SERT KO mice exhibited several changes in microbial-related metabolites known to play roles in intestinal inflammation and insulin resistance. SERT KO mice also had a significant reduction in the abundance of ileal group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3). In conclusion, SERT deficiency induces complex alterations in the ileal mucosal environment, indicating potential links between serotonergic signaling, gut microbiota, mucosal immunity, intestinal inflammation, and metabolic syndrome.

Coprophagia in early life tunes expression of immune genes after weaning in rabbit ileum.

Coprophagia by suckling rabbits, i.e. ingestion of feces from their mother, reduces mortality after weaning. We hypothesized that this beneficial effect of coprophagia is immune-mediated at the intestinal level. Therefore, this study investigated immune development after weaning by analyzing the ileal transcriptome at day 35 and 49 in rabbits with differential access to coprophagia in early life. Rabbit pups had access between day 1 and 15 to (i) no feces (NF) or (ii) feces from unrelated does (Foreign Feces, FF) or (iii) feces from unrelated does treated with antibiotics (FFab). 350 genes were differentially expressed between day 35 and day 49 in suckling rabbits with access to coprophagia. These genes coded for antimicrobial peptides, a mucin, cytokines and chemokines, pattern recognition receptors, proteins involved in immunoglobulin A secretion and in interferon signaling pathway. Strikingly, prevention of coprophagia or access to feces from antibiotic-treated does in early life blunted immune development between day 35 et 49 in the ileum of rabbits. Thus, coprophagia might be crucial for the maturation of intestinal immunity in rabbits and could explain why this behavior improves survival.

Migration of double-J ureteral stent in patients with ureteroileal anastomosis stricture undergoing radical cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder: Analysis risk factors of stent migration.

The objective was to evaluate the incidence and degree of double-J ureteral stent (DJUS) migration. Additionally, we aimed to investigate the risk factors associated with stent migration in the orthotopic neobladder group. In this retrospective study, 61 consecutive patients were included; 35 patients (45 DJUS placements) underwent radical cystectomy with orthotopic neobladder and 26 patients (35 DJUS placements) underwent urinary bladder without cystectomy between July 2021 and March 2023. All the patients were treated with a DJUS for ureteric strictures. The technical success rate was 100% in each group. The DJUS migration was significantly higher in the orthotopic neobladder group, with 22 of 45 cases (48.9%), compared to the urinary bladder group, which had 4 of 35 cases (11.4%) (P ≤ .001). Among the patients in the orthotopic neobladder group who experienced DJUS migration, stent dysfunction occurred in 18 cases (81.8%), which was statistically significant (P = .003). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that only the size of the DJUS was significantly and positively associated with migration (odds ratio:10.214, P = .010). DJUS migration can easily occur in patients undergoing radical cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder, and smaller stent sizes are associated with a higher incidence of migration.

Enteric duplication cysts in paediatric population along with literature review.

The clinical presentation of enteric duplication cysts is dependent on the location of the cyst with symptoms varying from nausea and vomiting to abdominal distension, pain and perforation. Four patients were identified who were diagnosed with enteric duplication cysts within the period from 2019 to 2023. Three of the patients presented with signs of intestinal obstruction-abdominal distension and pain, while one had an antenatally detected abdominal mass. There were three boys and one girl with ages ranging from 4 months to 14 years. Three cases of ileal and one case of caecal duplication cyst were reported. Most of the cases showed ileal/caecal mucosa while one case demonstrated ectopic gastric mucosa. The treatment of these cysts includes surgical excision. Although radiological investigations help in arriving at a provisional diagnosis, the final diagnosis can be confirmed only after histopathological examination. Early treatment prevents complications and results in a good prognosis for the patient.

Factors associated with surgical resection in patients with Crohn's disease: long-term evaluation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate patient characteristics and factors associated with surgical resection in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). METHODS: An analysis was performed on data from 295 patients with CD in follow-up from 2001 to 2018. Medical record data comprised age, gender, location, behavior and duration of the CD, smoking, and extraintestinal manifestation. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of surgical resection. RESULTS: Out of the 295 patients with CD, 155 underwent surgical resection (53.2% male, mean age: 43.88 ± 14.35 years). The main indications for surgery were stenosis (44.5%), clinical intractability (15.5%), and intra-abdominal fistulas (15.5%). Smoking (p < 0.001), longer CD duration (p < 0.0001), ileo-colonic location (p = 0.003), stenosing behavior (p < 0.0001), and fistulizing behavior (p < 0.0001) were significantly associated with surgical resection. Initial use of biological was significantly more frequent in the group of patients without surgical resection (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with CD still frequently need surgical treatment. Smoking (current or past), longer disease time, stenosing and fistulizing behavior, and ileo-colonic localization in CD patients were associated with a higher risk of surgery. Awareness about factors associated with unfavorable outcome allows such patients to be treated more appropriately.

Standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids in Chinese fermented soybean meal from different sources fed to mid and late-gestating sows.

We determined apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) values of crude protein (CP) and amino acids (AA) in fermented soybean meal from five different sources (FSBM 1 to 5) in China when fed to mid and late-gestating sows. Twenty-four parity four sows (12 at 30 d in gestation and 12 at 80 d in gestation) were fitted with a T-cannula in the distal ileum and used in this experiment. Sows were randomly assigned to a replicated 6 × 3 Youden square design including six diets and three periods. Six diets were provided for sows in mid and late gestation, including a nitrogen-free diet and five test diets containing 26% FSBM from different sources. Results showed that there were differences in AID and SID of CP among the different FSBM samples, but no differences between sow physiological stages were observed. Specifically, when mid-gestating sows were fed FSBM 2, the AID of CP was the lowest, whereas FSBM 3 exhibited a greater AID of CP when compared to the other FSBM samples (P < 0.01). Furthermore, during late gestation, FSBM 3 consistently had greater SID of CP when compared to other FSBM samples (P < 0.01). The ileal digestibility of most AA varied with different FSBM samples. In both mid and late gestation, differences (P < 0.05) were observed for AID of lysine, tryptophan, histidine, and arginine across different FSBM samples. Similarly, the AID of dispensable AA (cysteine, glutamine, and serine) also exhibited differences (P < 0.05) across different FSBM samples in both mid and late-gestating sows. For mid-gestating sows, SID differences relating to lysine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, threonine, and arginine were observed among different diets (P < 0.05). In late-gestating sows, SID values for lysine, tryptophan, leucine, and arginine differed across diets (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the ileal digestibility of some dispensable AA was influenced by physiological stage, as evidenced by greater AID and SID values for glycine, glutamine, cysteine, and serine in late-gestating sows when compared to mid-gestating sows (P < 0.01). In summary, our study determined AA ileal digestibility of different FSBM fed to mid and late-gestating sows. We observed that the AA ileal digestibility differed among five FSBM samples, but the physiological stage of sows did not affect the ileal digestibility of CP and most AA. Additionally, when formulating diets for sows, it is crucial to consider the nutritional value differences of FSBM.

Fermented soybean meal (FSBM) is obtained from the microbial fermentation of soybean meal, which reduces anti-nutritional factor levels and enhances other nutrient content. Substituting soybean meal with FSBM in piglet and growing pig diets improves nutrient digestibility. However, its nutritional value for sows remains unclear. Therefore, five sources of FSBM were fed to sows in mid and late gestation to evaluate apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) values of amino acids (AA). We found that different FSBM samples impacted the SID value of AA when fed to gestating sows. Additionally, sow physiological stage influenced the SID of some dispensable AA. These findings provide valuable insights into the incorporation of FSBM into sow diets.

Robot-assisted intracorporeal ileal conduit urinary diversion: A two-center comparative study of Bricker versus Wallace ureteroileal anastomosis.

INTRODUCTION: This study was performed to evaluate the differences in the perioperative results, renal function, and incidence of hydronephrosis over time between the use of Bricker anastomosis and Wallace anastomosis for robot-assisted intracorporeal ileal conduit urinary diversion (RICIC). METHODS: Fifty-five patients who underwent RICIC at two institutions were evaluated (Bricker, n = 23; Wallace, n = 32). We investigated changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate and hydronephrosis before surgery and at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: The patients in the Bricker group were significantly older than those in the Wallace group. The urinary diversion time was significantly longer in the Bricker group. No significant difference in postoperative renal function was observed. Additionally, no significant difference was observed in the incidence of postoperative hydronephrosis. However, the incidence of right hydronephrosis tended to be high overall, especially in the Wallace group. No patients in either group required repair surgery or ureteral stent placement. CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing RICIC, there was no difference in postoperative renal function or the incidence of hydronephrosis between Wallace and Bricker anastomosis. Symptomatic hydronephrosis was not observed in either group. The present study showed that each method was equally effective and safe.

Generation of a Bovine Primary Enteroid-Derived Two-Dimensional Monolayer Culture System for Applications in Translational Biomedical Research.

Organoid cell culture systems can recapitulate the complexity observed in tissues, making them useful in studying host-pathogen interactions, evaluating drug efficacy and toxicity, and tissue bioengineering. However, applying these models for the described reasons may be limited because of the three-dimensional (3D) nature of these models. For example, using 3D enteroid culture systems to study digestive diseases is challenging due to the inaccessibility of the intestinal lumen and its secreted substances. Indeed, stimulation of 3D organoids with pathogens requires either luminal microinjection, mechanical disruption of the 3D structure, or generation of apical-out enteroids. Moreover, these organoids cannot be co-cultured with immune and stromal cells, limiting in-depth mechanistic analysis into pathophysiological dynamics. To circumvent this, we optimized a bovine primary cell two-dimensional (2D) enteroid-derived monolayer culture system, allowing co-culture with other relevant cell types. Ileal crypts isolated from healthy adult cattle were cultured to generate 3D organoids that were cryopreserved for future use. A 2D monolayer was created using revived 3D enteroids that were passaged and disrupted to yield single cells, which were seeded on basement membrane extract-coated transwell cell culture inserts, thereby exposing their apical surface. The intestinal monolayer polarity, cellular differentiation, and barrier function were characterized using immunofluorescence microscopy and measuring transepithelial electrical resistance. Stimulation of the apical surface of the monolayer revealed the expected functionality of the monolayer, as demonstrated by cytokine secretion from both apical and basal compartments. The described 2D enteroid-derived monolayer model holds great promise in investigating host-pathogen interactions and intestinal physiology, drug development, and regenerative medicine.

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma metastasis to a Meckel's diverticulum adenocarcinoma.

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma is a rare soft tissue tumour with a high local and distant metastasis rate and limited response to chemotherapy. Meckel's diverticulum is the most frequent congenital anomaly, and it is associated with a considerable risk of malignant transformation. In this case report, we describe a 50-year-old female patient with a history of extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma of the lower limb and metastasis to the forearm who went to the emergency department with abdominal pain. The investigations revealed a caecal volvulus. A lesion in the middle third of the ileum was incidentally discovered and removed during surgery. Pathology examination revealed a Meckel's diverticulum adenocarcinoma, with metastasis of extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma. Resection was complete; however, the patient had diffuse metastatic pulmonary disease and died eight months later due to disease progression. This mechanism of tumour-to-tumour metastasis is described in other locations, but, regarding the Meckel's diverticulum, this is a unique situation, previously unreported in the literature.

[Ascending colon cancer with submucosal tumor-like morphology arising near ileal valve lipohyperplasia:a case report].

An 89-year-old man was diagnosed with a submucosal tumor suspected to be a lipoma and was followed up for 6 years. The patient was admitted to the hospital because of increased tumor size and morphological changes despite negative bioptic findings. The lesion was diagnosed as an advanced adenocarcinoma of the ascending colon (cT3N0M0, cStage IIa). Laparoscopic-assisted right hemicolectomy with D3 lymph node dissection was performed. Pathological diagnosis of a surgically resected specimen revealed adenocarcinoma with lipohyperplasia (pT3N2aM0, pStage IIIb). Reports of colon cancer accompanied by colonic lipomas or lipohyperplasia are limited. This case showed an interesting submucosal tumor-like morphology because the cancer developed at the base of the lipohyperplasia and grew and spread below it.

Endovascular treatment of traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the ileal branch of the superior mesenteric artery in a 9-year-old girl: Case report and literature review.

RATIONALE: Visceral artery aneurysm is a rare and potentially fatal vascular condition that typically affects the superior mesenteric or inferior mesenteric arteries, the splenic, hepatic, and celiac arteries, as well as their branches. Visceral artery aneurysms can usually be treated using endovascular intervention, open surgery, or percutaneous thrombin injection. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 9-year-old girl was admitted to our trauma center with abdominal and bilateral leg pain after a car accident involving a head-on collision. DIAGNOSIS: Abdominal computed tomography (CT) showed bowel herniation through a muscle defect in the left lateral abdominal wall. There was a small amount of fluid around the liver and spleen, mild thickening of the small bowel wall, and infiltration in the small bowel mesentery, indicating the possibility of small bowel injury. INTERVENTIONS: Emergent exploratory laparotomy was performed. After resection of the ischemic parts of the terminal ileum and sigmoid colon, intestinal continuity was reestablished. Primary repair was performed on a traumatic left lateral abdominal wall hernia. She recovered well postoperatively without any complications. A follow-up abdominal CT scan after 2 months showed a pseudoaneurysm of the ileal branch of the superior mesenteric artery. Despite the absence of any gastrointestinal symptoms, the pseudoaneurysm was treated by endovascular intervention using numerous coils because of the significant risk of delayed rupture or massive bleeding. OUTCOMES: Follow-up abdominal CT scan after 6 months showed complete occlusion and resorption of the pseudoaneurysm. LESSONS: Although it is technically challenging, endovascular coil embolization may be a feasible technique in children with traumatic visceral artery pseudoaneurysms without complications.

Castration alters the ileum microbiota of Holstein bulls and promotes beef flavor compounds.

BACKGROUND: In the beef industry, bull calves are usually castrated to improve flavor and meat quality; however, this can reduce their growth and slaughter performance. The gut microbiota is known to exert a significant influence on growth and slaughter performance. However, there is a paucity of research investigating the impact of castration on gut microbiota composition and its subsequent effects on slaughter performance and meat flavor. RESULT: The objective of this study was to examine the processes via which castration hinders slaughter productivity and enhances meat quality. Bull and castrated calves were maintained under the same management conditions, and at slaughter, meat quality was assessed, and ileum and epithelial tissue samples were obtained. The research employed metagenomic sequencing and non-targeted metabolomics techniques to investigate the makeup of the microbiota and identify differential metabolites. The findings of this study revealed the Carcass weight and eye muscle area /carcass weight in the bull group were significantly higher than those in the steer group. There were no significant differences in the length, width, and crypt depth of the ileum villi between the two groups. A total of 53 flavor compounds were identified in the two groups of beef, of which 16 were significantly higher in the steer group than in the bull group, and 5 were significantly higher in the bull group than in the steer group. In addition, bacteria, Eukaryota, and virus species were significantly separated between the two groups. The lipid metabolism pathways of α-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, and unsaturated fatty acids were significantly enriched in the Steers group. Compared with the steer group, the organic system pathway is significantly enriched in the bull group. The study also found that five metabolites (LPC (0:0/20:3), LPC (20:3/0:0), LPE (0:0/22:5), LPE (22:5/0:0), D-Mannosamine), and three species (s_Cloning_vector_Hsp70_LexA-HP1, s_Bacteroides_Coprophilus_CAG: 333, and s_Clostridium_nexile-CAG: 348) interfere with each other and collectively have a positive impact on the flavor compounds of beef. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide a basic understanding that under the same management conditions, castration does indeed reduce the slaughter performance of bulls and improve the flavor of beef. Microorganisms and metabolites contribute to these changes through interactions.