Changes In Motility Research Articles

Imaging analytical technique to assess gastrointestinal motility in vivo using zebrafish larvae with diabetes mellitus-like traits

In diabetes mellitus (DM), the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) complications, including constipation, diarrhoea, gastroparesis, and/or enteropathy, can be up to ~75%. In this study, we compared three zebrafish larvae models of DM and established an analytical protocol for GI motility. Larvae were fed with either a standard diet (SD; control), or one of three diets to induce a DM-like phenotype: excessive feeding of SD food (ED), a high-fat diet (HFD), or exposing SD-fed larvae to 30 mmol/L glucose (SDG). DM was confirmed using a body-mass index, assessment of adipose deposit areas, two glucose assays, and one insulin assay. An analytical technique, whereby GI motility was quantified using pixel differences to track displacement along the centreline of the anterior, middle, and posterior intestine (AI, MI, and PI, respectively), was developed. Our results indicated that clear DM-like traits were observed in the HFD and SGD models, but not the ED model. In the SD controls, the AI showed similar anterograde and retrograde contractions indicating normal GI mixing; the MI exhibited more prominent forward contractions, and the PI showed distinct rectal waves. Compared to the SD, the HFD and SDG models exhibited significantly increased and decreased contraction velocities and could be used as models of diarrhoea and constipation in DM, respectively, while the ED model showed comparatively little change in motility. Together, these data indicate that complex changes in GI motility are associated with diet and therapeutics used to alleviate GI complications in DM should take these into account. Ultimately, the HFD and SDG models can be used to investigate different aspects of GI motility in association to DM. Hence, zebrafish are a useful model for studying GI dysfunctions due to DM and/or DM medication side-effects.

Evaluation value of ultrasound on gastrointestinal function in patients with acute heart failure

ObjectiveTo study the changes in gastrointestinal wall thickness, blood flow, motility, and symptoms in patients with acute heart failure, and to assess gastrointestinal function by ultrasound.MethodsIn this study, patients diagnosed with acute heart failure were selected as the study group, and healthy individuals were selected as the control group. Both groups collected general data and completed the Chinese version of the gastrointestinal symptom rating scale. Ultrasonography was used to measure several abdominal vascular and gastrointestinal-related indicators. Statistical analysis used grouped comparison and correlation analysis.ResultsThe study group scored higher than the control group in total score, lower abdominal symptom score, constipation score, and difficult defecation score (Z = −2.828, −2.022, −2.015, −2.015, all P < 0.05). The hepatic vein diameter, superior mesenteric vein inner diameter and wall thickness of the ascending colon in the study group were significantly higher than those in the control group (t = 9.543, P < 0.001; t = 2.277, P = 0.025; Z = −2.062, P = 0.039). Antral contraction amplitude, antral contraction frequency, motility index, jejunal peristalsis frequency, and ascending colon peristalsis frequency were significantly lower in the study group compared to the control group (Z = −2.571, −4.196, −3.681, −5.451, −4.061, all P < 0.001). The wall thickness of the antrum, jejunum, and ascending colon were positively correlated with the diameter of the hepatic vein (r = 0.394, P = 0.011; r = 0.352, P = 0.024; r = 0.450, P = 0.003). Motility index and ascending colon peristalsis frequency were positively correlated with the peak velocity of superior mesenteric vein (r = 0.456, P = 0.029; r = 0.507, P = 0.007). The wall thickness of the jejunum was positively correlated with the peak velocity of superior mesenteric artery (r = 0.330, P = 0.035). Peak velocity of superior mesenteric artery, antral contraction frequency, and jejunal peristalsis frequency were negatively correlated with the reflux score (r = −0.409, P = 0.038; r = −0.423, P = 0.032; r = −0.409, P = 0.038). The wall thickness of the ascending colon was positively correlated with the reflux score (r = 0.414, P = 0.035).ConclusionThis study found that patients with acute heart failure exhibited thickening of the gastrointestinal wall and generally reduced gastrointestinal motility, with predominantly lower abdominal symptoms. These findings indicate that ultrasound can effectively monitor the gastrointestinal structure and function of patients with acute heart failure, which is expected to provide help for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Quantified small bowel motility assessment on magnetic resonance enterography in paediatric inflammatory bowel disease - does it reflect clinical response?

Quantified small bowel motility assessment using cine magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) has shown promise as a biomarker in adult inflammatory bowel disease. Whether quantified motility corresponds to treatment response in paediatric inflammatory bowel disease is unknown. To test whether changes in motility reflect response. Local ethics approval was granted for this single-institution, retrospective study. All children < 18years with confirmed inflammatory bowel disease, who had more than one MRE between Jan 2011-Jan 2022, were included. Simplified MaRIA (sMaRIA) and motility index (quantified motility) at all terminal ileum and diseased non-terminal ileum segments were independently assessed by two radiologists each with ≥ 9years' experience. Change in (Δ) motility index was compared to clinical (gastroenterologist physician's global assessment) and consensus radiological reference standard (response = decrease in sMaRIA of more than or equal to 2 points) in responders versus non-responders using the Mann-Whitney test. Sensitivity and specificity of Δ motility index more than zero were compared to decrease in sMaRIA of 2 or more points for identifying clinical response. Of 64 children aged 5-16, 21 out of 64 (33%) were responders, 37 out of 64 (58%) were non-responders and 6 out of 64 (9%) had inactive disease according to clinical reference standard. Δ Motility index by both radiologists was higher in responders (+ 16, + 39) than non-responders (-43, -44), P = 0.04, P = 0.01 each radiologist, respectively. Motility index was more sensitive (57% versus 24%), but less specific (67% versus 93%) than sMaRIA in identifying clinical response. Motility index on cine MRE corresponds to clinical response, and is more sensitive at detecting response compared to sMaRIA in paediatric inflammatory bowel disease.

Increased gallbladder emptying and reduced GLP-1 response in pregnancy with and without gestational diabetes mellitus.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has been associated with reduced postprandial glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) responses. As pregnancy induces changes in gallbladder motility and bile acids stimulate GLP-1 secretion, we investigated postprandial gallbladder emptying and GLP-1 responses in women with GDM. Women with and without GDM underwent two 240-min mixed meal tests; one during third trimester of pregnancy and one 3-6 months postpartum. We evaluated ultrasonography-assessed gallbladder emptying, plasma concentrations of glucometabolic hormones including GLP-1, paracetamol absorption (proxy for gastric emptying) and circulating factors known to affect gallbladder dynamics. Fifteen women with GDM and 15 pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) (baseline median age 31 (interquartile range 29;33) versus 32 (28;33) years, body mass index (BMI) 27.2 (24.7;30.7) versus 28.4 (26.2;31.0) kg/m2, HbA1c 30 (29;32) versus 30 (28;31) mmol/mol) were included. No differences in postprandial gallbladder emptying or GLP-1 responses were observed between women with and without GDM, neither during pregnancy nor postpartum. Pregnancy increased fasting gallbladder volumes by 69 (30;122)% and 103 (59;156)% and postprandial gallbladder emptying by 77 (28;236)% and 99 (37;190)% compared with postpartum in women with and without GDM, respectively. Postprandial GLP-1 responses were reduced by 60 (3;82)% and 81 (11;90)% during pregnancy compared with postpartum in women with and without GDM, respectively. Pregnancy-induced changes in gallbladder motility seem to play no or a limited role in previously reported GDM-associated reduced postprandial GLP-1 responses as gallbladder emptying was greater and postprandial GLP-1 response was lower in pregnancy than postpartum regardless of GDM status.

Changes in sperm quality with an antioxidant formula in mild-moderate male infertility: A prospective study

IntroductionThis study aimed to examine for an association between an antioxidant formula and sperm quality, as well as safety, in males with mild to moderate sub-fertility. MethodsA prospective, open-label single-arm study examined the association between 24 weeks treatment with a proprietary formula containing 15 vitamins, minerals and antioxidants (including L-carnitine, acetyl-L-carnitine, selenium, folic acid, L-cysteine and Co-enzyme Q10) and sperm quality in healthy males aged 20 – 60 with idiopathic teratospermia, asthenospermia and/or mild-moderate oligospermia. The primary outcome was simultaneous change in sperm concentration, progressive motility and morphology between screening, week 16 and week 24. Secondary outcomes included safety, pregnancy rates, sperm oxidative stress, sperm DNA fragmentation, and serum/plasma nutrient levels. ResultsSixty-one participants, with a mean age of 35.8 years, were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. No improvement in overall sperm quality was observed (i.e. simultaneous improvement in all three measures) as only two of the three sperm quality measures improved. Mean sperm concentration decreased by 0.24 standard deviations (SD) while mean morphology and motility improved by 0.28 and 0.04 SD respectively, however, these changes did not reach clinical significance (set at ≥ 0.4 SD improvement in means). There were no changes in secondary outcomes apart from an increase in homocysteine and vitamin B12 levels and decrease in high DNA stainability. Fifteen pregnancies were reported (pregnancy rate 29 %). Twenty-one of 62 (33.8 %) participants reported 36 adverse events (AEs), one of which was serious, leading to study withdrawal. Most AEs were of mild intensity and resolved. ConclusionTwenty-four weeks of an antioxidant formula was not associated with clinically significant changes in overall sperm quality. The formula was generally safe and well tolerated. Our findings are limited by the single- arm design, and randomised controlled trials are required to confirm or refute our findings.

Role of Rab proteins in PFOA-induced changes in boar sperm motility and capacitation

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a pervasive environmental contaminant, elicits adverse effects on sperm functions, including sperm motility and capacitation status. However, the specific mechanisms by which PFOA disrupts sperm functions during capacitation remain poorly elucidated. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the PFOA-induced inhibition of sperm motility and capacitation in boar spermatozoa by focusing on Ras-related (Rab) proteins, which regulate membrane trafficking and play key roles in male sperm development, acrosome formation, and the acrosome reaction. Results showed significant reductions in sperm motility and various kinematic parameters following PFOA exposure. Correlation analysis revealed that Rab14 was positively correlated with dance mean (DNM) and negatively correlated with wobble (WOB), indicating that PFOA might affect sperm motility through Rab14 and potentially lead to reduced pregnancy rates. Differences in Rab25 were positively correlated with differences in total motility (MOT), progressive motility (PRG), linearity (LIN), and mean angular displacement (MAD), suggesting that PFOA might influence sperm motility by altering Rab25. Differences in Rab34 were positively correlated with differences in acrosome-reacted spermatozoa, implicating its role in the acrosome reaction. These findings provided insights into the molecular mechanism of PFOA-induced reproductive toxicity and highlighted the function of Rab proteins as biomarkers for the assessment of the effects of similar environmental toxins on male fertility.

Segmental regulation of intestinal motility by colitis and the adaptive immune system in the mouse ileum and colon.

Gastrointestinal motility disturbances are a hallmark of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); however, their mechanisms remain unclear. This study utilized a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model, deficient in mature B and T lymphocytes, to assess intestinal motility and the role of the adaptive immune system in health and IBD. In healthy mice, the absence of adaptive lymphocytes reduced acetylcholine (ACh) sensitivity in the ileum. During colitis, it decreases motility by reducing the intensity and frequency of spontaneous contractions while increasing cholinergic responsiveness. In the proximal colon, adaptive immunity deficiency led to increased contractility and reduced ACh sensitivity in homeostasis, while colitis reduced contractile capacity. In the mid-colon, immune-deficient mice have reduced ACh sensitivity in homeostasis and exacerbated contractile responses during colitis. In the distal colon, adaptive immunity loss reduced contractility in health and cholinergic responsiveness during colitis. These motility alterations were associated with altered acetylcholinesterase and M2/M3 muscarinic receptor expression. Notably, adaptive lymphocyte deficiency resulted in reduced tissue damage and lower TNF-α expression in the colon during colitis paralleling intestinal motility changes. Overall, the adaptive immune system critically regulates motility and inflammation across different intestinal segments in IBD.

Circadian rhythm disruption modulates enteric neural precursor cells differentiation leading to gastrointestinal motility dysfunction via the NR1D1/NF-κB axis

ObjectivesCircadian rhythm disruption (CRD) is implicated with numerous gastrointestinal motility diseases, with the enteric nervous system (ENS) taking main responsibility for the coordination of gastrointestinal motility. The purpose of this study is to explore the role of circadian rhythms in ENS remodeling and to further elucidate the underlying mechanisms.MethodsFirst, we established a jet-lagged mice model by advancing the light/dark phase shift by six hours every three days for eight weeks. Subsequent changes in gastrointestinal motility and the ENS were then assessed. Additionally, a triple-transgenic mouse strain (Nestin-creERT2 × Ngfr-DreERT2: DTRGFP) was utilized to track the effects of CRD on the differentiation of enteric neural precursor cells (ENPCs). RNA sequencing was also performed to elucidate the underlying mechanism.ResultsCompared to the control group, CRD significantly accelerated gastrointestinal motility, evidenced by faster intestinal peristalsis (P < 0.01), increased fecal output (P < 0.01), and elevated fecal water content (P < 0.05), as well as enhanced electrical field stimulation induced contractions (P < 0.05). These effects were associated with an increase in the number of glial cells and nitrergic neurons in the colonic myenteric plexus. Additionally, ENPCs in the colon showed a heightened differentiation into glial cells and nitrergic neurons. Notably, the NR1D1/nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) axis played a crucial role in the CRD-mediated changes in ENPCs differentiation. Supplementation with NR1D1 agonist or NF-κB antagonist was able to restore gastrointestinal motility and normalize the ENS in jet-lagged mice.ConclusionsCRD regulates the differentiation of ENPCs through the NR1D1/NF-κB axis, resulting in dysfunction of the ENS and impaired gastrointestinal motility in mice.

Antibacterial effects and mechanisms of quercetin-β-cyclodextrin complex mediated photodynamic on Escherichia coli O157:H7.

Quercetin is a natural flavonoid with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. This work aimed to formulate quercetin-cyclodextrin microcapsules (QT-β-CD) while examining their photodynamic antibacterial effects and underlying mechanisms in detail. Characterization of the QT-β-CD was conducted using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The bacteriostatic effects of UV-A irradiation on Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157:H7) were investigated. The photodynamic impact of QT-β-CD was assessed by analyzing hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) production. The antimicrobial activity was further elucidated through examinations of cell membrane integrity, protein damage, changes in cellular motility, biofilm formation, and extracellular polysaccharide reduction. The effect of QT-β-CD on LuxS and motA gene expression in E. coli O157:H7 was investigated by RT-qPCR. The findings demonstrated that QT-β-CD exhibited potent photodynamic properties and functioned as an efficient photosensitizer, causing substantial damage to E. coli O157:H7 cells. These results underscore the potential of quercetin as an antimicrobial agent for food preservation.

Polysaccharide breakdown products drive degradation-dispersal cycles of foraging bacteria through changes in metabolism and motility

Most of Earth’s biomass is composed of polysaccharides. During biomass decomposition, polysaccharides are degraded by heterotrophic bacteria as a nutrient and energy source and are thereby partly remineralized into CO2. As polysaccharides are heterogeneously distributed in nature, following the colonization and degradation of a polysaccharide hotspot the cells need to reach new polysaccharide hotspots. Even though many studies indicate that these degradation-dispersal cycles contribute to the carbon flow in marine systems, we know little about how cells alternate between polysaccharide degradation and motility, and which environmental factors trigger this behavioral switch. Here, we studied the growth of the marine bacterium Vibrio cyclitrophicus ZF270 on the abundant marine polysaccharide alginate, both in its soluble polymeric form as well as on its breakdown products. We used microfluidics coupled to time-lapse microscopy to analyze motility and growth of individual cells, and RNA sequencing to study associated changes in gene expression. We found that single cells grow at reduced rate on alginate until they form large groups that cooperatively break down the polymer. Exposing cell groups to digested alginate accelerates cell growth and changes the expression of genes involved in alginate degradation and catabolism, central metabolism, ribosomal biosynthesis, and transport. However, exposure to digested alginate also triggers cells to become motile and disperse from cell groups, proportionally increasing with the group size before the nutrient switch, and this is accompanied by high expression of genes involved in flagellar assembly, chemotaxis, and quorum sensing. The motile cells chemotax toward polymeric but not digested alginate, likely enabling them to find new polysaccharide hotspots. Overall, our findings reveal cellular mechanisms that might also underlie bacterial degradation-dispersal cycles, which influence the remineralization of biomass in marine environments.

Polysaccharide breakdown products drive degradation-dispersal cycles of foraging bacteria through changes in metabolism and motility.

Most of Earth's biomass is composed of polysaccharides. During biomass decomposition, polysaccharides are degraded by heterotrophic bacteria as a nutrient and energy source and are thereby partly remineralized into CO2. As polysaccharides are heterogeneously distributed in nature, following the colonization and degradation of a polysaccharide hotspot the cells need to reach new polysaccharide hotspots. Even though many studies indicate that these degradation-dispersal cycles contribute to the carbon flow in marine systems, we know little about how cells alternate between polysaccharide degradation and motility, and which environmental factors trigger this behavioral switch. Here, we studied the growth of the marine bacterium Vibrio cyclitrophicus ZF270 on the abundant marine polysaccharide alginate, both in its soluble polymeric form as well as on its breakdown products. We used microfluidics coupled to time-lapse microscopy to analyze motility and growth of individual cells, and RNA sequencing to study associated changes in gene expression. We found that single cells grow at reduced rate on alginate until they form large groups that cooperatively break down the polymer. Exposing cell groups to digested alginate accelerates cell growth and changes the expression of genes involved in alginate degradation and catabolism, central metabolism, ribosomal biosynthesis, and transport. However, exposure to digested alginate also triggers cells to become motile and disperse from cell groups, proportionally increasing with the group size before the nutrient switch, and this is accompanied by high expression of genes involved in flagellar assembly, chemotaxis, and quorum sensing. The motile cells chemotax toward polymeric but not digested alginate, likely enabling them to find new polysaccharide hotspots. Overall, our findings reveal cellular mechanisms that might also underlie bacterial degradation-dispersal cycles, which influence the remineralization of biomass in marine environments.

Gut Microbial Signatures in Pediatric Crohn's Disease Vary According to Disease Activity Measures and Are Influenced by Proxies of Gastrointestinal Transit Time: An ImageKids Study.

We investigated relationships between disease activity measures and the gut microbiome in children with Crohn's disease (CD) and how these were confounded by gastrointestinal transit time. Microbiome was profiled (16S rRNA sequencing) in feces from 196 children with CD. Sixty participants also provided samples after 18 months. Mural inflammation (Pediatric Inflammatory Crohn's Magnetic Resonance Enterography Index, PICMI), the simple endoscopic score for CD, and the weighted pediatric Crohn's disease activity index (wPCDAI) were assessed. Fecal calprotectin, plasma C-reactive protein (CRP), and fecal water content (FWC), a proxy of gastrointestinal transit time, were measured too. Microbiome α diversity, clustering, and differential taxa were related to disease status, but varied remarkably by disease activity measure used. The strongest relationships between microbiome and disease activity status were observed using wPCDAI; fewer or no relationships were seen using more objective measures like PICMI. Taxa predictive of disease activity status were dependent on the disease activity measure used with negligible overlap. Active disease was associated with more pathobionts (eg, Viellonella, Enterobacterales) and fewer fiber-fermenting organisms. The effect FWC had on microbiome superseded the effect of active disease for all disease activity measures, particularly with wPCDAI. Accounting for FWC, the differences in microbial signatures explained by disease activity status were attenuated or lost. In CD, microbiome signatures fluctuate depending on the measure used to assess disease severity; several of these signals might be secondary disease effects linked with changes in gut motility in active disease. PICMI appears to be less influenced when studying relationships between microbiome and mural inflammation in CD.

Functional Disorders of the Biliary Tract and Cholelithiasis: Analysis of a Possible Relationship

Aim: Diagnostic criteria for functional disorders of the biliary tract are presented in the materials of the Rome IV consensus, as well as expert councils of Russian and foreign specialists. Episodes of functional biliary pain are caused by a violation of bile outflow through the cystic duct and sphincter of Oddi. It has been suggested that there is a “biliary continuum” in which in some patients’ biliary dysfunction is transformed into cholelithiasis. Key points. Lithogenic bile is considered as the pathophysiological basis for the development of biliary dyskinesia and cholelithiasis. Lithogenic bile provokes inflammation of low grades in the mucous membrane of the biliary tract, decreased contractility of the gallbladder and impaired relaxation of the biliary sphincters, impaired physiological response to cholecystokinin. Changes in motility of the biliary tract may be associated with the influence of hydrophobic bile salts and impaired eicosanoid metabolism. Hyperplasia of the epithelium and muscle layer, hypersecretion of mucin and cholesterol precipitation further impair the outflow of bile. Experimental data and some clinical observations indicate the possibility of transformation of biliary dysfunction into cholelithiasis. Dysfunction of the sphincter of Oddi is one of the possible consequences of cholecystectomy and, in fact, acts as a variant of postcholecystectomy syndrome. The basis for the treatment of biliary dysfunctions are antispasmodics of different classes, which can be combined with ursodeoxycholic acid. The biliary tract-selective antispasmodic hymecromone has shown high effectiveness in relieving biliary pain, which also has a moderate choleretic effect and the ability to prevent the crystallization of cholesterol in bile and can be used both for functional diseases and for cholelithiasis. The domestic drug hymecromone “Odecromone” entered the pharmaceutical market. Conclusion. There is no doubt that the relevance of further study of the patterns of development of biliary dysfunctions and GI is obvious. The study of this problem will contribute to the development of effective preventive approaches, including in the field of nutraceuticals.

Evaluation of the Effect of Vaginal Delivery on Stress Urinary Incontinence and Bladder Neck Mobility with Transperineal Ultrasonography

Aim: Stress urinary incontinence is a common and distressing situation in females, impacting emotional and psychological well-being by interrupting sexual, physical, and social forms of life. Perineal trauma, especially at childbirth, is one of the most common contributing factors. The objective of this research is assessing the impact of vaginal delivery, a factor known to elevate the likelihood of postpartum stressxincontinence, on bladder neck mobility. This evaluation will be conducted utilizing transperinealxultrasonography, a noninvasivexand well-toleratedxdiagnostic technique. Materials and Methods: In our study, 116 patients who gave birth in our hospital between January 2020 and May 2022 were evaluated retrospectively. The presence of stress urinary incontinence and transperineal ultrasonography data of all patients were examined from the patient files. To evaluate changes in bladder neck motility, ultrasound measurements made both prenatally and postnatally were evaluated retrospectively. Results: With regard to the demographic values of the patients, a statistically significant difference was seen in terms of the presence of urinary incontinence when multiparous and primiparous patients were compared with patients in the cesarean section group (p:0.01). There was a significant difference in ΔDx, ΔDy, and M values for the cesarean delivery group as compared to both the primiparous and multiparous vaginal delivery groups (p

Changes in motility and bowel morphology assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in short bowel syndrome with intestinal failure (SBS-IF) and colon-in-continuity (CIC) treated with apraglutide

Changes in motility and bowel morphology assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in short bowel syndrome with intestinal failure (SBS-IF) and colon-in-continuity (CIC) treated with apraglutide

Comparison of Manometric Changes in Achalasia Pre &amp; Post Poem Procedure

Abstract Background Achalasia is characterized by the absence of peristaltic movement in the lower esophageal sphincter, resulting in impaired relaxation during food ingestion. The incidence of achalasia is similar between men and women, affecting approximately 1 in 100,000 individuals annually, with a prevalence of 10 in 100,000 people. It is most commonly diagnosed in individuals between the ages of 30 and 60 years. High-resolution esophageal manometry is considered the gold standard for diagnosis, revealing esophageal body aperistalsis and hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter. While laparoscopic myotomy has been the standard treatment, peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has emerged as a safe and effective alternative with positive short-term and medium-term outcomes. Aim of the Work The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in esophageal motility following POEM in patients with achalasia by conducting repeated high-resolution esophageal manometry after the procedure. The study focused on patients diagnosed with achalasia using UGI endoscopy, barium swallow, and high-resolution esophageal manometry, with an Eckardt score above 3. Methods A total of 21 patients participated in the study, with a mean age of 35.23±7.2 years. Females accounted for 61.9% of the sample, and the mean height was 164.66±10.5 cm. Clinical symptoms assessed included dysphagia, retrosternal pain, regurgitation, and weight loss. Additionally, previous medical history, pneumatic dilatation, and Heller's myotomy were documented. The type of achalasia was classified as type I or type II. Key parameters of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation were analyzed pre- and post-POEM. Results All patients presented with dysphagia, retrosternal pain, and regurgitation, while 71.4% experienced weight loss. Four patients (19.1%) had type I achalasia, and 17 patients (80.9%) had type II achalasia. Significant differences were observed between pre-POEM and post-POEM measurements of integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) and LES parameters, as well as Eckardt scores. However, no statistically significant differences were found in weight and LES length between pre- POEM and post-POEM measurements. The type of achalasia did not significantly impact LES parameters pre- and post-POEM. Eckardt score, IRP, and LES length were identified as relevant predictors of the outcome in achalasia patients. Conclusion Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) effectively reduces lower esophageal sphincter pressure in achalasia and partially restores esophageal body motility. It represents an advanced therapeutic- surgical endoscopic procedure with high short-term and medium-term success rates in treating achalasia and other esophageal motor disorders. Adverse events associated with POEM are minor and easily manageable. POEM is considered a safe and feasible treatment option for different types of achalasia. However, the efficacy of POEM may not be reflected by the clinical subtypes of achalasia.

Effect of hiatal hernia and esophagogastric junction morphology on esophageal motility: Evidence from high-resolution manometry studies.

High-resolution Manometry (HRM) is the most sensitive and specific test available for clinical assessment of hiatal hernia (HH), a common condition defined as the separation between the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) and crural diaphragm (CD). While the link between HH and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is established, the potential association of HH with esophageal dysmotility, independently from GERD, is uncertain. This study aimed to analyze if HH, with or without GERD, can associate with esophageal motility disorders. Consecutive patients without previous esophageal surgery who underwent HRM between 2018 and 2022 were enrolled. All patients with symptoms suggestive of GERD underwent impedance-pH testing off-therapy. HH was defined as a separation >1 cm between LES and CD, and esophagogastric junction (EGJ) morphology was classified as: Type I, when there was no separation between LES and CD; Type II, in case of minimal separation (>1 and <3 cm); Type III, when ≥3 cm of separation was present. Demographic and clinical characteristics were collected at baseline, including Age, Gender, Alcohol-, Coffee- and Smoke-habits, GERD diagnosis and symptoms' duration. Two cohorts of patients, with and without HH, were retrospectively individuated, and their association with Ineffective Peristalsis, Hypercontractile Esophagus and Outflow Obstruction was analyzed with univariate and multivariate Logistic regressions using the statistical software R. 848 consecutive patients were enrolled, and 295 cases of HH (34.8%), subdivided into 199 (23.5%) Type II- and 96 (11.3%) Type III-EGJ patients, were identified. Ineffective peristalsis was diagnosed in 162 (19.1%) subjects, Hypercontractile esophagus in 32 (3.8%), and Outflow Obstruction in 91 (10.7%), while GERD was present in 375 (44.2%) patients. HH was significantly associated with Ineffective Peristalsis (p < 0.001) and GERD (p < 0.001). Furthermore, HH resulted to be a risk factor for Ineffective peristalsis (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.4-2.8, p < 0.001) both when the analysis was conducted in all the 848 subjects, independently from GERD, and when it was carried out in patients without GERD (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.02-5.3, p = 0.04). The risk for Ineffective Peristalsis increased 1.3 times for every centimeter of HH. No statistically significant association was found between HH and Outflow obstruction or Hypercontractile Esophagus. An increasing separation between the LES and CD may lead to a gradual and significant elevation in the risk of Ineffective Peristalsis. Interestingly, this association with HH is true in patients with and in those without GERD, suggesting that the anatomical alteration seems to play a major role in motility change.

Dedifferentiation- and aging-induced loss of mechanical contractility and polarity in vascular smooth muscle cells: Heterogeneous changes in macroscopic and microscopic behavior of cells in serial passage culture

Dedifferentiation and aging of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are associated with serious vascular diseases, such as arteriosclerosis and aneurysm. However, how cell dedifferentiation and aging affect cellular mechanical behaviors at the single-cell and intracellular structure levels remains unclear. An in-depth understanding of these interactions is extremely important for understanding the mechanism underlying VSMC mechanical integrity and homeostatic regulation of vascular walls. Herein, we systematically investigated changes in VSMC morphology, structure, contractility, and motility during dedifferentiation and aging induced by serial passage culture using traction force microscopy with elastic micropillar substrates, laser nanodissection of cytoskeletons, confocal fluorescence microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. We found that VSMC dedifferentiation started in the middle stage of serial passage culture, accompanied by a transient cell spreading in the cell width and decrease in contractile protein expression. Dedifferentiated VSMCs showed a significant decrease in the contraction and stiffness of individual actin stress fibers; however, their overall cell traction forces were maintained. Simultaneously, a significant increase in cell motility and the number of actin fibers was observed in dedifferentiated VSMCs, which may be associated with the enhancement of cell migration and disruption of cell/tissue integrity during the early stage of vascular diseases. As cell senescence progressed in the later stage of serial passage culture, VSMCs displayed reduced cell spreading and migration with decrease in the overall cell traction forces and drastic reduction in mechanical polarity of cell structures and forces. These results suggested that cell senescence causes loss of mechanical contractility and polarity in VSMCs, which may be an important factor in vascular disease progression. The experimental systems established in this study can be powerful tools for understanding the mechanisms underlying cellular dedifferentiation and aging from a biomechanical perspective.

EFFECT OF IPSILATERAL TESTICULAR TORSION ON THE QUALITY OF SPERM IN CONTRALATERAL TESTIS OF RAT (Rattus norvegicus) WISTAR STRAIN

Objective: This study aims to identify the effect of testicular torsion on the quality of sperm which include: concentration, morphology, and motility of the contralateral testis Rattus norvegicus. Material &amp; Methods: This study is an experimental laboratory study with a post-test only control and completely randomized design (CRD) and divided into 3 groups: control (KO) and treatment (P1 and P2). The treatment group induced testicular torsion of 360˚ to the left for 4 hours. Each group consisted of 9 rats were observed immediately after detorsi (rapid effects) and 9 rats were observed after 30 days do detorsi (slow effect). Data were analyzed by ANOVA - One way and followed by Tuckey HSD test. Results: The results showed a significant difference ( P &lt; 0.05 ) the concentration and morphology of spermatozoa between the control and treatment groups but there is no real difference between P1 and P2 . As for sperm motility are no significant differences ( P &lt; 0.05 ) for each treatment . Conclusion: Based on this it can be concluded that testicular torsion lead to changes in concentration , motility , and morphology of spermatozoa contralateral testis. Keywords: Testicular torsion, quality of sperm, Rattus norvegicus.

Individual bacterial cells can use spatial sensing of chemical gradients to direct chemotaxis on surfaces

Swimming bacteria navigate chemical gradients using temporal sensing to detect changes in concentration over time. Here we show that surface-attached bacteria use a fundamentally different mode of sensing during chemotaxis. We combined microfluidic experiments, massively parallel cell tracking and fluorescent reporters to study how Pseudomonas aeruginosa senses chemical gradients during pili-based ‘twitching’ chemotaxis on surfaces. Unlike swimming cells, we found that temporal changes in concentration did not induce motility changes in twitching cells. We then quantified the chemotactic behaviour of stationary cells by following changes in the sub-cellular localization of fluorescent proteins as cells are exposed to a gradient that alternates direction. These experiments revealed that P. aeruginosa cells can directly sense differences in concentration across the lengths of their bodies, even in the presence of strong temporal fluctuations. Our work thus overturns the widely held notion that bacterial cells are too small to directly sense chemical gradients in space.