DIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY, Issue 2009
Horst Neuhaus
In Western countries endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) has been widely accepted for treatment of early Barrett`s neoplasia and flat or depressed colorectal adenomas. In contrast endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is infrequently performed for several reasons. It seems to be difficult to overcome the learning curve of this difficult technique because of the low case volume of early gastric cancer. On the other hand ESD of esophageal or colorectal lesions is even more challenging and is considered to be inappropriate for learning. In addition the indication for esophageal or colorectal ESD is controversial in view of excellent results of the well established EMR technique which is less time-consuming and safer than ESD. A recent survey of leading Western endoscopy centers indicated the limited experience with ESD with a low number of cases for all potential indications. Only a few training courses have been established and the number of ongoing clinical studies is limited. Only 12 out of 340 published articles on "endoscopic mucosal dissection" were reported from Western countries. A better acceptance of ESD requires improvement of the technique to allow an easier, faster and safer approach. There is a strong demand for structured training courses and limitations of human cases to selected centers which participate in prospective trials. A close collaboration between Western and Asian centers is recommended for improvement of the ESD technique and its clinical application. [source]

CHARACTERIZATION AND COMPARISON OF COLLAGENS EXTRACTED FROM THE DIGESTIVE TRACT AND SKIN OF A JAPANESE AMBERJACK SERIOLA QUINQUERADIATA

JOURNAL OF FOOD BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 6 2009
MAKI NISHIMOTO
ABSTRACT Collagen was extracted from the digestive tract and skin of a Japanese amberjack (Seriola quinqueradiata) by acid extraction and limited pepsin digestion. The amounts of collagen solubilized from the digestive tract were smaller than those from the skin. Based on the solubility in NaCl solution, electrophoretic and peptide map patterns, and amino acid composition, the main digestive tract collagen was identified as type I, having characteristics different from those of the body wall collagen in cyclostome intestine. Further, the degree of hydroxylation of prolyl and lysyl residues in the type I collagen of the digestive tract is significantly higher than that of the skin. Collagen preparations from the digestive tract have a higher ratio of type V collagen than those from the skin. Hence, the digestive tract collagen differs from that in the skin in the degree or property of intermolecular crosslinking, posttranslational modification, and molecular species composition. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Partial hydrolyzate of gelatin, in other word collagen peptide, has gained popularity as a food ingredient, as it has been suggested to have health benefits, such as improvement of skin and joint conditions. Recently, attention toward collagen derived from marine origin such as fish skin increased because of the outbreak of bovine spongiform encephalopathy. Large amounts of the digestive tract, stomach, intestine and adhesion tissues are generated by fishery industries and most of them are by-products of low value. Although these organs are also rich in collagen, the collagen in fish digestive tract has not been characterized. The present study demonstrates that the collagen in digestive tract differs from the skin collagen in the solubility, posttranslational modification and molecular species composition. These facts suggest that modified collagen peptides might be obtained from the digestive tract. [source]

Plenary Lecture: Broadening of the Indications for Endoscopic Surgery: Upper Gastrointestinal Tract

DIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY, Issue 2000
Shuji Inatsuchi
First page of article [source]

Surgery for Ruptured Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm into Right Ventricular Outflow Tract: Role of Intraoperative 2D and Real Time 3D Transesophageal Echocardiography

ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 7 2010
Shrinivas Gadhinglajkar M.D.
A major limitation of the 2D echocardiography during surgery for a complex cardiac lesion is its inability to provide an accurate spatial orientation of the structure. The real time 3D transesophageal echocardiography (RT-3D-TEE) technology available in Philips IE 33 ultrasound machine is relatively new to an operation suite. We evaluated its intraoperative utility in a patient, who was operated for repair of a ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (RSOVA) and closure of a supracristal ventricular septal defect. The VSD and RSOVA were visualized through different virtual windows in a more promising way on intraoperative RT-3D-TEE than on the 2D echocardiography. The acquired images could be virtually cropped and displayed in anatomical views to the operating surgeon for a clear orientation to the anatomy of the lesion. RT-3D-TEE is a potential intraoperative monitoring tool in surgeries for complex cardiac lesions. (Echocardiography 2010;27:E65-E69) [source]

The Rupture of Periaortic Infective Aneurysm into the Left Atrium and the Left Ventricular Outflow Tract: Preoperative Diagnosis by Transthoracic Echocardiography

ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 3 2002
Ewa Lastowiecka M.D.
We present a rare complication of infective endocarditis, perforated periaortic abscess with fistulous communication between the aortic root, the left atrium, and the left ventricular outflow tract. Preoperative transthoracic echocardiographic diagnosis was confirmed intraoperatively. The patient was treated successfully by aortic homograft implantation. [source]

Cancer of the Gastrointestinal Tract: A Handbook for Nurse Practitioners

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CANCER CARE, Issue 2 2005
CHRIS EBERHARDIE
No abstract is available for this article. [source]

Non- pylori Helicobacteraceae in the Upper Digestive Tract of Asymptomatic Venezuelan Subjects: Detection of Helicobacter cetorum- like and Candidatus Wolinella africanus -like DNA

HELICOBACTER, Issue 5 2007
M. Alexandra García-Amado
Abstract Background: The spectrum of human non- pylori Helicobacter infections is expanding, with species such as H. heilmannii and H. felis occasionally being associated with gastritis. However, the existence of non- pylori Helicobacter colonization in asymptomatic subjects has not been evaluated. The aim of this study was to investigate whether Helicobacter species other than pylori are present in the upper digestive tract of asymptomatic human subjects. Materials and methods: A Helicobacteraceae-specific semi-nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was used to detect Helicobacter- like organisms in the upper digestive tract of 91 Venezuelan volunteers (aged 18,68 years, 41 females, 50 males). Species were identified by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis and sequencing of the PCR products. Results: We detected DNA sharing 99,100% sequence identity in over 300,400 bp with the 16S rRNA genes of H. pylori, H. cetorum, and Candidatus Wolinella africanus in 76%, 16%, and 15% of the subjects, respectively. Multiple colonization was documented in 10% of the subjects: H. cetorum and Candidatus W. africanus (4%), H. pylori and Candidatus W. africanus (4%), and H. pylori and H. cetorum (2%). Conclusions: Our results suggest that non- pylori Helicobacteraceae colonization is relatively common in the Venezuelan asymptomatic population. This is the first report documenting the presence of H. cetorum DNA in the human upper digestive tract, and the second report of the recently discovered Candidatus W. africanus. [source]

Role of Chronic Infection and Inflammation in the Gastrointestinal Tract in the Etiology and Pathogenesis of Idiopathic Parkinsonism

HELICOBACTER, Issue 4 2005
Part 1: Eradication of Helicobacter in the Cachexia of Idiopathic Parkinsonism
ABSTRACT Background., Neuronal damage in idiopathic parkinsonism may be in response to ubiquitous occult infection. Since peptic ulceration is prodromal, Helicobacter is a prime candidate. Aim., To consider the candidature of Helicobacter in parkinsonism with cachexia. Methods., We explore the relationship between being underweight and inflammatory products in 124 subjects with idiopathic parkinsonism and 195 controls, and present the first case-series evidence of efficacy of Helicobacter eradication, in parkinsonism advanced to the stage of cachexia. Results., Association of a low body mass index with circulating interleukin-6 was specific to parkinsonism (p = .002), unlike that with antibodies against Helicobacter vacuolating-toxin and cytotoxicity-associated gene product (p < .04). Marked reversibility in both cachexia and disability of idiopathic parkinsonism followed Helicobacter heilmannii eradication in one case, Helicobacter pylori eradication in another, follow-up being , 3.5 years. The latter presented with postprandial bloating, and persistent nausea: following eradication, radioisotope gastric-emptying returned towards normal, and upper abdominal symptoms regressed. Reversibility of their cachexia/disability contrasts with the outcome of anti- Helicobacter therapy where eradication repeatedly failed (one case), and in non- Helicobacter gastritis (three cases). Anti-parkinsonian medication remained constant. Intestinal absorption and barrier function were normal in all. Conclusion., Categorization, according to presence or absence of Helicobacter infection, was a useful therapeutic tool in late idiopathic parkinsonism. [source]

Role of Chronic Infection and Inflammation in the Gastrointestinal Tract in the Etiology and Pathogenesis of Idiopathic Parkinsonism

HELICOBACTER, Issue 4 2005
Part 2: Response of Facets of Clinical Idiopathic Parkinsonism to Helicobacter pylori Eradication.
ABSTRACT Background., Links between etiology/pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disease and infection are increasingly recognized. Aim., Proof-of-principle that infection contributes to idiopathic parkinsonism. Methods., Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled efficacy study of proven Helicobacter pylori eradication on the time course of facets of parkinsonism. Intervention was 1 week's triple eradication therapy/placebos. Routine deblinding at 1 year (those still infected received open-active), with follow-up to 5 years post-eradication. Primary outcome was mean stride length at free-walking speed, sample size 56 for a difference, active vs. placebo, of 3/4 (between-subject standard deviation). Recruitment of subjects with idiopathic parkinsonism and H. pylori infection was stopped at 31, because of marked deterioration with eradication failure. Interim analysis was made in the 20 who had reached deblinding, seven of whom were receiving antiparkinsonian medication (long- t1/2, evenly spaced) which remained unchanged. Results., Improvement in stride-length, on active (n = 9) vs. placebo (11), exceeded size of effect on which the sample size was calculated when analyzed on intention-to-treat basis (p = .02), and on protocol analysis of six weekly assessments, including (p = .02) and excluding (p = .05) those on antiparkinsonian medication. Active eradication (blind or open) failed in 4/20, in whom B-lymphocyte count was lower. Their mean time course was: for stride-length, ,243 (95% CI ,427, ,60) vs. 45 (,10, 100) mm/year in the remainder (p = .001); for the ratio, torque to extend to flex relaxed arm, 349 (146, 718) vs. 58 (27, 96)%/ year (p < .001); and for independently rated, visual-analog scale of stance,walk videos (worst,best per individual , 0,100 mm), ,64 vs. ,3 mm from anterior and ,50 vs. 11 lateral (p = .004 and .02). Conclusions., Interim analysis points to a direct or surrogate (not necessarily unique) role of a particular infection in the pathogenesis of parkinsonism. With eradication failure, bolus release of antigen from killed bacteria could aggravate an effect of ongoing infection. [source]

Exploring the relationship between white matter and gray matter damage in early primary progressive multiple sclerosis: An in vivo study with TBSS and VBM

HUMAN BRAIN MAPPING, Issue 9 2009
Benedetta Bodini
Abstract We investigated the relationship between the damage occurring in the brain normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) and in the gray matter (GM) in patients with early Primary Progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS), using Tract-Based Spatial Statistics (TBSS) and an optimized voxel-based morphometry (VBM) approach. Thirty-five patients with early PPMS underwent diffusion tensor and conventional imaging and were clinically assessed. TBSS and VBM were employed to localize regions of lower fractional anisotropy (FA) and lower GM volume in patients compared with controls. Areas of anatomical and quantitative correlation between NAWM and GM damage were detected. Multiple regression analyses were performed to investigate whether NAWM FA or GM volume of regions correlated with clinical scores independently from the other and from age and gender. In patients, we found 11 brain regions that showed an anatomical correspondence between reduced NAWM FA and GM atrophy; of these, four showed a quantitative correlation (i.e., the right sensory motor region with the adjacent corticospinal tract, the left and right thalamus with the corresponding thalamic radiations and the left insula with the adjacent WM). Either the NAWM FA or the GM volume in each of these regions correlated with disability. These results demonstrate a link between the pathological processes occurring in the NAWM and in the GM in PPMS in specific, clinically relevant brain areas. Longitudinal studies will determine whether the GM atrophy precedes or follows the NAWM damage. The methodology that we described may be useful to investigate other neurological disorders affecting both the WM and the GM. Hum Brain Mapp 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Massive Hiatal Hernia of Gastrointestinal Tract: A Rare Intrathoracic Gastrointestinal Disease

JOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 11 2009
Wing-Keung Cheung MD
No abstract is available for this article. [source]

Current Strategy of Repair of Tetralogy of Fallot in Children and Adults: Emphasis on a New Technique to Create a Monocusp-Patch for Reconstruction of the Right Ventricular Outflow Tract

JOURNAL OF CARDIAC SURGERY, Issue 6 2008
D.Sc., Guo-Wei He M.D., Ph.D.
Methods: From 2001 through 2005, 74 patients (50 male, 24 female; mean age of 13.6 ± 0.8 years, ranging from four to 34 years) with TOF (67) or double outlet RV (DORV)-type-TOF (seven) underwent complete repair. The resection of RVOT stenosis ± pulmonary valvotomy was principally through RA. A new two-patch technique to create a folded mono-cusp valve by using autologous pericardium was applied since August 2004. Results: The repair was through RA in 52 patients and through RA + RVOT/PA in 22 patients (18/4). TAPR was performed in 17 patients (23%, eight non-valved and nine valved). The aortic cross-clamp time was 130.1 ± 6.8 min in TAPR group and 85.8 ± 4.6 min in non-TAPR group (p < 0.0001). The operative mortality was 4.0% (3/74) in all and 2.9% (2/67) in TOF patients (due to low output, uncontrollable bleeding, and repeated bleeding from the pulmonary collateral vessels late) and was similar in TAPR or non-TAPR. The valved patch-repaired patients had mild PI and good RV function postoperatively up to eight to 12 months. Conclusions: Repair of TOF in older children/adults should include low rate of TAPR of RVOT. If indicated, the new folded monocusp-patch technique is recommended. It is an effective and simple way to markedly reduce postoperative PI with no additional cost. [source]

A Case Report of Surgical Septal Myectomy of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy With Concomitant Left Ventricular Outflow Tract and Mid-Ventricular Obstructions

JOURNAL OF CARDIAC SURGERY, Issue 6 2006
Dr W. Williams
No abstract is available for this article. [source]

Clinical Usefulness of a Multielectrode Basket Catheter for Idiopathic Ventricular Tachycardia Originating from Right Ventricular Outflow Tract

JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 5 2001
TAKESHI AIBA M.D.
Basket Catheter in Idiopathic VT.Introduction: It often is difficult to determine the optimal ablation site for idiopathic ventricular tachycardia (VT) originating from the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) when the VT or premature ventricular complex (PVC) does not occur frequently. The aim of our study was to evaluate the usefulness of a multielectrode basket catheter for ablation of idiopathic VT originating from the RVOT. Methods and Results: Radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation was performed using a 4-mm tip, quadripolar catheter in 50 consecutive patients with 81 VTs originating from the RVOT with (basket group = 25 patients with 45 VTs) or without (control group = 25 patients with 36 VTs) predeployment of a multielectrode basket catheter composed of 64 electrodes. Deployment of the multielectrode basket catheter was possible and safe in all 25 patients in the basket group. Ablation was successful in 25 (100%) of 25 patients in the basket group and in 22 (88%) of 25 patients in the control group. The total number of RF applications and the number of RF applications per PVC morphology did not differ between the two groups. However, both the fluoroscopic and ablation procedure times per PVC morphology were shorter in the basket group than in the control group (36.8 ± 14.1 min vs 52.0 ± 32.5 min, P = 0.04; 60.0 ± 14.6 vs 81.5 ± 51.2 min, P = 0.05). This difference was more pronounced in the 29 patients in whom VT or PVC was not frequently observed. Conclusion: The multielectrode basket catheter is safe and useful for determining the optimal ablation site in patients with idiopathic VT originating from the RVOT, especially in those without frequent VT or PVC. [source]

Subtractive Screening for Probiotic Properties of Lactobacillus Species from the Human Gastrointestinal Tract in the Search for New Probiotics

JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 8 2007
S. Delgado
ABSTRACT:, In the search for new probiotics, 61 Lactobacillus spp. isolates, belonging to 12 species and isolated as dominant lactic acid bacteria from the feces of healthy humans, were subjected to a subtractive system of in vitro analyses, which included desirable and undesirable traits. Twenty-four isolates were able to grow in 2% bovine bile, of which 13 grew in acidified broth at pH 3.5 in acidified cysteine-containing MRS broth. Intrinsic resistance to certain antimicrobial agents (cefoxitin, metronidazole, vancomycin) was observed in most isolates, but atypical resistances to erythromycin, clindamycin, or tetracycline were also found in 5 strains. Undesirable traits such as ,-chymotrypsin or N-acetyl-,-glucosaminidase activities were not detected, but low ,-glucuronidase and moderate ,-glucosidase activities were recorded in 2 strains. Two Lactobacillus gasseri and 2 Lactobacillus paracasei selected strains inhibited several intestinal pathogens in an agar spot test, including strains of Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella typhimurium, and Staphylococcus aureus. They also adhered to human Caco-2 and HT-29 epithelial cells in a manner comparable to Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain GG, and were unable to degrade pig gastric mucin in a plate assay. Together, these results suggest these 4 strains to be good probiotic candidates, concluding that the subtractive screening devised in this work could be a valuable tool in large-scale surveys for probiotics. [source]

Early Results of Balloon Dilatation of the Stenotic Bovine Jugular Vein Graft in the Right Ventricular Outflow Tract in Children

JOURNAL OF INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY, Issue 3 2008
J. STEINBERG M.D.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the early results of interventional balloon dilatation of stenotic bovine jugular vein (BJV) grafts implanted for reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) in children. Methods: From May 2001 to December 2005, 153 BJV grafts were implanted in children in our institution. An average of 16.9 (7.6,41.1) months after implantation, 17 balloon dilatations in a significant stenosis proximal (n = 1), distal anastomosis (n = 8), BJV valve (n = 3), or at multiple sites (n = 5) were performed in 15 children (male:female = 9:6) with a mean age of 3.9 (0.8,13.0) years. Balloon diameter was 75,133.3% (mean 100.3) of the original BJV size. Mean follow-up was 8.8 (2 days to 22.8 months) months. Results: In 10 interventions (58.8%) the instantaneous peak gradient was reduced below 50 mmHg. A balloon diameter ,100% of the original BJV size correlated significantly with a successful intervention. No major complications, two minor (nonobstructive floating membranes at the dilatation site and one septicemia) occurred afterward. Freedom from reintervention after 6 months was 58.2% for all, 77.8% for dilatations of the proximal anastomosis and mixed stenotic lesions, and 33.3% for the distal anastomosis. Conclusion: Balloon dilatation of stenotic BJV grafts is safe and can significantly reduce the pressure gradient in two-thirds of interventions. Balloon diameters above the original graft size should be aimed for. The most frequent stenosis of the distal anastomosis tends to renarrow early after dilatation. Nevertheless, balloon dilatation should be considered in nearly every stenotic graft to gain time until a surgical or interventional graft exchange. [source]

Diffusion Tensor Tractography-based Analysis of the Pyramidal Tract in Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

JOURNAL OF NEUROIMAGING, Issue 3 2008
Yoon-Ho Hong MD
ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE We attempted to measure DTI parameters of the brainstem pyramidal tract using two approaches, ie, simple ROI and tract-specific analyses. Results obtained for healthy subjects and ALS patients were compared. METHODS DTI was performed using a single shot SE-EPI with 25 noncollinear diffusion gradient directions (b= 1000 second/mm2) and with no diffusion gradient on a 3.0-T MR system in 10 ALS patients and in 8 age- and sex-matched normal controls. To delineate the brainstem pyramidal tract, tractography was performed using two ROIs, ie, a seed ROI at the cerebral peduncle (ROI-1) and a target ROI at the lower pons (ROI-2). ROI-1 was subsequently restricted to voxels that contained streamlines in the tract reconstruction, thus creating a sub-ROI. RESULTS Mean fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity values were highly reproducible by tract specific analysis, whereas simple ROI analysis yielded larger variabilities between operators. FA values were significantly lower in ALS patients than in normal controls in the tractography-derived sub-ROI (P= .01), but not in the seed or target ROIs. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest, compared with simple ROI analysis, that tract-specific analysis using DTI fiber-tracking is more reliable and sensitive for detecting upper motor neuron pathology in ALS. [source]

Delay Discounting Behavior and White Matter Microstructure Abnormalities in Youth With a Family History of Alcoholism

ALCOHOLISM, Issue 9 2010
Megan M. Herting
Background:, Youth with family history of alcohol abuse have a greater risk of developing an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Brain and behavior differences may underlie this increased vulnerability. The current study examined delay discounting behavior and white matter microstructure in youth at high risk for alcohol abuse, as determined by a family history of alcoholism (FH+), and youth without such family history (FH,). Methods:, Thirty-three healthy youth (FH+ = 15, FH, = 18), ages 11 to 15 years, completed a delay discounting task and underwent diffusion tensor imaging. Tract-based spatial statistics (Smith et al., 2006), as well as follow-up region-of-interest analyses, were performed to compare fractional anisotropy (FA) between FH+ and FH, youth. Results:, FH+ youth showed a trend toward increased discounting behavior and had significantly slower reaction times (RTs) on the delay discounting paradigm compared to FH, youth. Group differences in FA were seen in several white matter tracts. Furthermore, lower FA in the left inferior longitudinal fasciculus and the right optic radiation statistically mediated the relationship between FH status and slower RTs on the delay discounting task. Conclusions:, Youth with a family history of substance abuse have disrupted white matter microstructure, which likely contributes to less efficient cortical processing and may act as an intrinsic risk factor contributing to an increased susceptibility of developing AUD. In addition, FHP youth showed a trend toward greater impulsive decision making, possibly representing an inherent personal characteristic that may facilitate substance use onset and abuse in high-risk youth. [source]

Effects of Fungal Phytase on Utilization of Dietary Protein and Minerals, and Dephosphorylation of Phytic Acid in the Alimentary Tract of Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus Fed an All-Plant-Protein Diet

JOURNAL OF THE WORLD AQUACULTURE SOCIETY, Issue 1 2002
Weibing Yan
A feeding trial was conducted to quantify the effects of phytase at levels of 0, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 4,000, and 8,000 units (U) per kg diet on utilization of dietary protein and minerals by fingerling (12 g) channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus fed an all-plant-protein diet composed of soybean meal, corn, and wheat middlings. The effects of phytase on dephosphorylation of phytic acid (phytate) in the alimentary tract of catfish also were determined. After 14 wk, mean weight gains (30.2,43.9 g/fish), feed conversion ratios (2.27,2.40 g feed consumed/g weight gain), protein efficiency ratios (1.47,1.61 g weight gaid/g protein consumed), and dietary protein retentions (23.8,26.7%) did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) among treatment groups. A digestibility trial conducted after the feeding trial showed no difference (P > 0.05) in mean digestibility of diet dry matter (49.0,58.3%) or crude protein (85.4-88.5%) among treatment groups. Concentrations of ash (46.7,48.6%), calcium (Ca, 17.9,18.5%), phosphorus (P, 9.1,9.5%), and manganese (Mn, 65.5,74.1 mg/kg) were significantly higher (P , 0.05) in bone of fish fed , 500 U/kg than in bone of fish fed 0 U/kg (ash, 43.5%; Ca, 16.4%; P, 8.4%; and Mn, 49.0 ma/kg), but concentrations of these minerals did not differ (P > 0.05) in bone of fish fed , 500 Uk/g. The magnesium (Mg) content of bone did not differ (P > 0.05) between fish fed 0 U/kg (0.29%) or 500 U/kg (0.34%), but was significantly lower in fish fed 0 U/kg than in fish fed , 1,000 U/kg (0.35,37%). Bone Mg levels did not differ (P > 0.05) among fish fed , 500 U/kg. The amount of zinc (Zn) in bone of fish fed 8,000 U/kg (153.3 mg/kg) was significantly higher than that in fish fed 0 U/kg (115.7 mg/kg) or 500 U/kg (130.3 mg/ kg), but did not differ from Zn levels in bone of fish fed 1,000,4,000 U/kg (134.5,135.8 mg/ kg). Dephosphorylation of phytate occurred primarily in the stomach within 2,8 h after diet ingestion, depending on the level of phytase supplementation. Initial levels of total phytate in the diet decreased 32,94% in stomach contents of fish fed l,000,8,000 U/kg within 2 h after feeding. Eight hours after feeding, stomach contents of fish fed , 1,000 U/kg contained less than 6% of initial total dietary phytate. Stomach contents of fish fed 500 U/kg retained 92% of initial total dietary phytate 2 h after feeding and 15% of total dietary phytate 8 h after feeding. Results of this study indicate that phytase supplementation at levels up to 8,000 U/kg diet did not increase weight gain or improve dietary protein utilization of channel catfish fed an all-plant-protein diet. Addition of phytase at a level of 1,000 U/kg diet was sufficient to significantly increase the Ca, P, Mg, and Mn content of bone, relative to fish fed an unsupplemented diet, and significantly decrease the quantity of total phytate in feces. A phytase level of 8,000 U/kg diet significantly increased the bioavailability of naturally occurring Zn in feed ingredients and increased the rate of phytate dephosphorylation in the stomach, compared with a diet containing no added phytase. Increased utilization of naturally occurring minerals in feed ingredients reduces the need for mineral supplements in diets and results in decreased elimination of minerals in feces. Thus, use of phytase in catfish feeds can be expected to provide both economic and environmental benefits. [source]

Problems in the Canine Left Ventricular Outflow Tract

JOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 5 2001
DACVIM, John D. Bonagura DVM
No abstract is available for this article. [source]

A Review of Electrical Stimulation to Treat Motility Dysfunctions in the Digestive Tract: Effects and Stimulation Patterns

NEUROMODULATION, Issue 2 2007
Cristian Sevcencu PhD
ABSTRACT Electrical stimulation of the digestive organs may become a valuable alternative to pharmaceutical and surgical approaches to the treatment of gastrointestinal motor dysfunctions. For more than 40 years, encouraging results with electrical stimulation to activate motility in gastrointestinal organs have been published. The most significant achievements with this work have been either stimulation to attenuate the symptoms of gastroparesis or stimulation to modify the feeding behavior in obese patients. In addition, animal studies have investigated the different stimulation systems and methods to activate or inhibit transit in the small and large intestines. This article presents a review of the published literature on electrical stimulation of the stomach and intestines. [source]

Why the Exclusion Problem Seems Intractable, and How, Just Maybe, to Tract It

NOUS, Issue 3 2003
Karen Bennett
First page of article [source]

Probiotic and Prebiotic Influence Beyond the Intestinal Tract

NUTRITION REVIEWS, Issue 11 2007
Irene Lenoir-Wijnkoop
Probiotics and prebiotics have long been appreciated for their positive influences on gut health. Research on the mechanisms and effects of these agents shows that their impact reaches beyond the intestine. Effects on the microecology and pathology of the oral cavity, stomach, and vaginal tract have been observed. Likely mediated through immune influences, systemic effects such as reduced severity of colds or other respiratory conditions, impact on allergy incidence and symptoms, and reduced absences from work or daycare have also been noted. These observations, among others, suggest a broader spectrum of influence than commonly considered for these unique substances. [source]

Right Ventricular Septal Pacing: A Comparative Study of Outflow Tract and Mid Ventricular Sites

PACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 10 2010
RAPHAEL ROSSO M.D.
Background: Prolonged right ventricle (RV) apical pacing is associated with left ventricle (LV) dysfunction due to dysynchronous ventricular activation and contraction. Alternative RV pacing sites with a narrower QRS compared to RV pacing might reflect a more physiological and synchronous LV activation. The purpose of this study was to compare the QRS morphology, duration, and suitability of RV outflow tract (RVOT) septal and mid-RV septal pacing. Methods: Seventeen consecutive patients with indication for dual-chamber pacing were enrolled in the study. Two standard 58-cm active fixation leads were passed to the RV and positioned in the RVOT septum and mid-RV septum using a commercially available septal stylet (model 4140, St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, MN, USA). QRS duration, morphology, and pacing parameters were compared at the two sites. The RV lead with less-satisfactory electrical parameters was withdrawn and deployed in the right atrium. Results: Successful positioning of the pacing leads at the RVOT septum and mid-RV septum was achieved in 15 patients (88.2%). There were no significant differences in the mean stimulation threshold, R-wave sensing, and lead impedance between the two sites. The QRS duration in the RVOT septum was 151 ± 14 ms and in the mid-RV septum 145 ± 13 ms (P = 0.150). Conclusions: This prospective observational study shows that septal pacing can be reliably achieved both in the RVOT and mid-RV with active fixation leads using a specifically shaped stylet. There are no preferences in regard to acute lead performance or paced QRS duration with either position. (PACE 2010; 33:1169,1173) [source]

Effects of Exogenous Tumour Necrosis Factor-, on the Secretory Function of the Bovine Reproductive Tract Depend on Tumour Necrosis Factor-, Concentrations

REPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS, Issue 3 2009
DJ Skarzynski
Contents The aim of study was to correlate tumour necrosis factor-, (TNF) infused doses used with the TNF concentrations achieved and with the secretory function of both the ovary and the uterus in cows. We evaluated the concentrations of progesterone (P4), prostaglandin (PG)F2,, PGE2 nitric oxide (NO) and TNF in the jugular vein and vena cava caudalis as parameters of exogenous TNF action on the female reproductive tract. Aortae abdominalis of cows (n = 18) were infused with saline or two doses of TNF (luteolytic , 1 ,g or luteotrophic , 10 ,g). In the peripheral blood, 1 ,g TNF concentrations achieved within the range of 30,45 pg/ml, and 10 ,g TNF provoked a sharp increase in achieved concentrations at a range of 250,450 pg/mL). The TNF concentrations achieved in vena cava caudalis were five to six times higher than that in peripheral blood (p < 0.001). One microgram TNF increased PGF2, and NO (p < 0.001) and decreased P4 (p < 0.05). The higher TNF dose stimulated P4 and PGE2 (p < 0.01). TNF infusion at luteolytic dose achieved its concentrations at the physiological range previously observed in cows. Luteotrophic TNF dose achieved the concentrations in vena cava caudalis that are much higher than physiological level and were previously noted in pathological circumstances (i.e. mastitis, metritis). [source]

The Role of Platelet-activating Factor in the Mammalian Female Reproductive Tract

REPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS, Issue 6 2008
U Tiemann
Contents Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a potent lipid mediator produced by various cell types of mammals and is involved in an inflammatory-like process with increased vascular permeability. Platelet-activating factor exerts its actions through the activation of specific PAF receptors (PAF-R) found in cells and tissues of the female reproductive tract. The aim of this article was summarized briefly in the current research on the role of PAF in female reproductive functions. Platelet-activating factor has been implicated in processes of ovulation, implantation and parturition because of its angiogenic and growth factor properties. This factor is influenced by ovarian steroid hormones in bringing about changes in the uterus and is a candidate molecule for initial embryo,maternal dialogue. Tissue concentrations of PAF are regulated by the equilibrium between biosynthesis and degradation by PAF-acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH). Antagonists of PAF interfere with ovulation and implantation. Platelet-activating factor, its receptor, and PAF-AH activity play an important role in the maintenance of pregnancy. [source]

The Anatomy of the Gastrointestinal Tract of the African Lungfish, Protopterus annectens

THE ANATOMICAL RECORD : ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE ANATOMY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY, Issue 7 2010
José M. Icardo
Abstract The gastrointestinal tract of the African lungfish Protopterus annectens is a composite, which includes the gut, the spleen, and the pancreas. The gut is formed by a short oesophagus, a longitudinal stomach, a pyloric valve, a spiraling intestine, and a cloaca. Coiling of the intestine begins dorsally below the pylorus, winding down to form six complete turns before ending into the cloaca. A reticular tissue of undisclosed nature accompanies the winding of the intestinal mucosa. The spleen is located along the right side of the stomach, overlapping the cranial end of the pancreas. The pancreas occupies the shallow area, which indicates on the gut dorsal side the beginning of the intestine coiling. In addition, up to 25 lymphatic-like nodes accompany the inner border of the spiral valve. The mesenteric artery forms a long axis for the intestine. All the components of the gastrointestinal tract are attached to each other by connective sheaths, and are wrapped by connective tissue, and by the serosa externally. We believe that several previous observations have been misinterpreted and that the anatomy of the lungfish gut is more similar among all the three lungfish genera than previously thought. Curiously, the gross anatomical organization is not modified during aestivation. We hypothesize that the absence of function is accompanied by structural modifications of the epithelium, and are currently investigating this possibility. Anat Rec 293:1146,1154, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

The Peritoneal Mesothelium Covering the Genital Tract and its Ligaments in the Female Pig Shows Signs of Active Function

THE ANATOMICAL RECORD : ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE ANATOMY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY, Issue 7 2007
Jesús Luis Yániz
Abstract The aim of this study was to describe the surface features of the peritoneal mesothelium covering the genital tract and adjacent ligaments of the sow to find signs of biosynthetic activation of cells. Surface features of the serosa covering the genital tract and adjacent ligaments from 14 cyclic sows, 7 in the follicular phase and 7 in the luteal phase of the estrous cycle, were examined by histology and scanning electron microscopy. Five additional sows, three in the follicular phase and two in the luteal phase of the estrous cycle, were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In this study, the presence of cells of the oviductal epithelium in the serosa of the infundibulum and the ampulla, as well as indications of a high functional activity of the mesothelial cells in the areas studied were two aspects that differed from the findings of previous works. Presence of endosalpingeal cells was observed in the serosal surface, showing cyclical variations with a predominance of either ciliated cells during the follicular phase or secretory cells during the luteal phase. Signs of high functional activity of the mesothelial cells included the predominance of cuboidal over flattened cells, a cytoplasm richly supplied with organelles, a dense microvillous coat, numerous primary cilia, and many secretory structures on the surface of cells. These results indicate that the serosa covering the genital area and the adjacent ligaments in the sow has an active epithelium whose coordinating role between reproductive tissues may be far more significant than previously thought. Anat Rec, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Demonstration of the Preoperative Biopsy Needle Tract: an Integral Part of the Surgical Specimen Pathology Report in Breast Cancer Patients

THE BREAST JOURNAL, Issue 6 2007
Oded Olsha MBBS
No abstract is available for this article. [source]

Two New Species of Symbiotic Ciliates from the Respiratory Tract of Cetaceans with Establishment of the New Genus Planilamina n. gen. (Dysteriida, Kyaroikeidae)

THE JOURNAL OF EUKARYOTIC MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 6 2006
HONGWEI MA
ABSTRACT. Examination of mucus discharged from the blowhole of Atlantic bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) at Marine Life Oceanarium, Gulfport, Mississippi, and false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens) and Atlantic bottlenose dolphin at SeaWorld Orlando, Orlando, Florida, using live observations and protargol impregnation revealed mixed infections of Kyaroikeus cetarius and two new species. Planilamina n. gen. is characterized by a C-shaped argentophilic band located along the laterally flattened margin of cell and extending from the cell apex to subposterior cone-shaped podite; a deep oral cavity containing one short preoral kinety, two circumoral kineties, seven to 13 infundibular kineties, and a cytostome; a broadly funnel-shaped cytopharynx reinforced by argentophilic fibers but without nematodesmata; closely packed postoral kinetofragments set in a pocket located anterior left of the podite; and somatic kineties as a right field closely situated at the right surface and a left field bordering the anterior left margin of the oral cavity. The type species for the genus, Planilamina ovata n. sp., is distinguished from its sister species Planilamina magna n. sp. by the following characteristics: body size (28,65 × 20,43 ,m vs. 57,90 × 40,63 ,m), number of right field kineties (38,55 vs. 79,99), and position of the anterior end of the leftmost kinety in the right somatic field (anterior one-third vs. mid-body). The morphogenesis of Planilamina ovata is similar to that of K. cetarius. The diagnosis of Kyaroikeidae is emended to accommodate the new genus. [source]