Fecal Characteristics Research Articles

Effectiveness of Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum in Reducing Constipation in Long Term Care Facility Residents: A Randomized Single-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Trial.

To assess the effectiveness of partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) in improving constipation and reducing the use of laxatives among long term care facility (LTCF) residents. A single-center, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blinded parallel-group trial from September 2021 to November 2021. Four LTCF in Hong Kong. Fifty-two LTCF residents with chronic constipation (mean age: 83.9±7.6 years, male 38%). 5g PHGG mixed with 200ml water per day for 4 weeks was given to intervention group participants. Control group received 200ml water for 4 weeks. Participants continued their usual as-needed laxative (lactulose, senna or dulcolax) on their own initiative. Baseline measurements included age, gender, Charlson comorbidity index, Roackwood's Clinical Frailty Scale, body mass index and daily dietary fiber intake. Outcome measures were fecal characteristics assessed by Bristol Stool Form Scale, bowel opening frequency and laxative use frequency at baseline, first, second, third and fourth week of trial. Adverse events were measured. The study was registered on ClinicalTrial.gov; identifier: NCT05037565. There was no significant difference in bowel frequency and stool characteristics between the treatment group and control group. However, there was a significantly lower frequency of lactulose, senna, and total laxative use in the treatment group compared with controls in the third and fourth week. There was no significant difference in adverse effects between the two groups. This study showed that daily dietary fibre supplementation by using PHGG for 4 weeks in LTCF residents results in significantly less laxative use than placebo. It may be an effective way to reduce laxative dependence among older people living in LTCFs.

Feeding biochar to horses: Effects on nutrient digestibility, fecal characteristics, and blood parameters

Biochar, a carbon-rich product from the pyrolysis of biomass, is a potentially effective feed additive to improve diet digestion and gut health; however, its effect on the horse digestive system is unknown. Our goal was to evaluate the effects of supplementation of horse diet with biochar on total tract apparent digestibility of nutrients, fecal characteristics (pH, and concentrations of volatile fatty acids (VFA) and ammonia-N), and blood serum parameters (metabolites, minerals, and vitamins). Eight Warmblood horses (mean ± SD; 613.8 ± 39.3 kg of body weight, BW) were used in a crossover design with two 15-day periods. Each 15-day period had a 10-day adaptation phase and a 5-day collection phase. Treatments were: (1) Control, basal diet consisted of meadow hay and crushed barley (80:20 on dry matter (DM) basis), and (2) Biochar, basal diet supplemented with 10 g of biochar/kg of diet DM. The horses were fed a total of 15 g DM/kg BW. Data were analyzed as a crossover design using the MIXED procedure of SAS. There were no statistical differences in nutrient digestibility between treatments; however, digestibility of all nutrients, except starch, was numerically higher in horses fed a diet with biochar. Fecal pH was higher (P = 0.015) in horses fed the diet supplemented with biochar than in those fed the control diet (mean pH 6.49 and 6.34, respectively). Increased fecal pH might be due to the high alkalinity of the biochar used. Neither the fecal concentration of total VFA (P = 0.295) nor the proportion of individual VFA (P > 0.05) were affected by the treatment. Concentrations of fecal ammonia-N were also unaffected (P = 0.887) by biochar. Biochar supplementation had no effect (P > 0.05) on serum concentrations of metabolites, minerals, or vitamins. In conclusion, our results suggest that dietary inclusion of biochar can be a safe and low-cost measure to ameliorate acidic pH in the hindgut of horses. However, differences in individual susceptibility to biochar effect on fecal pH warrant further investigation.

Chemical composition and physical characteristics of faeces in horses with and without free faecal liquid \u2013 two case-control studies

BackgroundFree faecal liquid (FFL) is a condition in horses characterised by two-phase (one solid and one liquid) separation of faeces. Causes of the condition are unknown, but disturbed hindgut fermentation has been suggested as it may alter biochemical composition and appearance of faeces in equines. However, information on faecal composition in horses with FFL is scarce. Faecal chemical composition (dry matter, osmolality, ash, macro minerals, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and pH) and physical characteristics (free liquid, sand, water holding capacity and particle size distribution) were compared in horses with (case) and without (control) FFL in two sub-studies. In sub-study I, faeces from 50 case-control horse pairs in Sweden and Norway were sampled in three sampling periods (SP1-SP3). In sub-study II, faeces from 32 case-control horse pairs in Germany were sampled on one occasion.ResultsIn sub-study I, faecal concentration and proportion of lactic acid (of total short-chain fatty acids, SCFA) and water holding capacity was lower in case compared to control horses. Other variables (content of dry matter, ash, sodium, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, sulphur, and concentrations of i-butyric, n-valeric and total SCFA, ammonia-N as proportion of total N, and pH) were similar in faeces from case and control horses. In sub-study II, all analysed variables were similar in faecal samples from case and control horses. Faecal particle size distribution was similar in case and control horses, but the proportion of larger particles (2 and 1 mm) were lower and proportion of smaller particles (< 1 mm) was higher in sub-study I compared to in sub-study II.ConclusionsTo the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to investigate faecal chemical composition and physical characteristics in horses with FFL. Case and control horses had similar total SCFA, pH and osmolality, indicating that hindgut fermentation was similar. However, small differences in concentration and proportion (of total SCFA) of lactic acid and water holding capacity of faeces were shown and are of interest for further studies of horses with FFL.

Effects of Bovine Plasma and Pharmacological Zinc Level on Nursery Pig Growth Performance and Fecal Characteristics

A total of 300 pigs (241 × 600, DNA; initially 12.9 lb) were used in a 38-d trial to evaluate the effect of Zn level and bovine plasma in nursery pig diets. At the time of placement, pens of pigs were weighed and allotted to 1 of 4 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design with barn as the blocking factor. There was a total of 60 pens with 5 pigs per pen and 15 replicates per dietary treatment. The treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial with main effects of Zn level (high and low) and spray-dried bovine plasma inclusion (with or without; APC Inc., Ankeny, IA). Diets with pharmacological levels of Zn had 3,000 and 2,000 ppm of Zn in phase 1 and 2 diets, respectively. Diets with low level of Zn had 110 ppm of Zn in phase 1 and 2 diets. Bovine plasma replaced a portion of a fermented vegetable protein source (MEpro, Prairie Aquatech, Brookings, SD) in diet formulation with bovine plasma included at 5% and 2% in the phase 1 and 2 diets, respectively. Treatment diets were fed in 2 phases (phase 1: d 0 to 9; phase 2: d 9 to 24) with a common diet (110 ppm of Zn without plasma) fed from d 24 to 38. Fecal samples and scores were collected on d 9 and 24 for determination of fecal dry matter. There was no evidence of Zn × plasma interactions (P > 0.10) throughout the trial for any growth criteria. From d 0 to 9, pigs fed bovine plasma tended to have improved ADG (P = 0.066) and had improved (P ≤ 0.035) ADFI and BW, while pigs fed high Zn had improved (P ≤ 0.018) ADG, BW and F/G. From d 9 to 24, pig fed high Zn had improved (P < 0.001) ADG and ADFI. During the common period (d 24 to 38), pigs previously fed high Zn had reduced ADFI (P = 0.046). Overall (d 0 to 38), pigs fed high Zn had improved (P ≤ 0.029) BW, ADG, and F/G. For fecal DM, there was a tendency of plasma × Zn interaction (P = 0.067) where pigs fed high Zn had increased (P < 0.05) fecal DM compared to pigs fed low Zn when bovine plasma was added, while this Zn effect was not significant (P > 0.05) when fed in diets

Effects of Folic Acid and Zinc Oxide on Nursery Pig Growth Performance

A total of 360 barrows (DNA 600 × 241; initially 12.1 ± 0.07 lb) were used in a 38-d growth study to evaluate the effects of including folic acid (Rovimix Folic Acid, DSM, Parsippany, NJ) with or without pharmacological levels of Zn provided by zinc oxide (ZnO) on growth performance and fecal characteristics in nursery pigs. Pigs were weaned at approximately 19 d of age and randomly allotted to 1 of 6 dietary treatments. A total of 72 pens were used with 5 pigs per pen and 12 replications per treatment. Dietary treatments were arranged in a 3 × 2 factorial with main effects of folic acid (0, 20, or 40 ppm) and ZnO (3,000 ppm of Zn in phase 1, 2,000 ppm in phase 2, or no Zn other than 110 ppm from the trace mineral premix). Diets were corn-soybean meal-based and fed in 2 phases. A common phase 3 diet was fed to all pigs. For the experimental period (d 0 to 24), pigs fed diets with pharmacological levels of Zn had improved (P £ 0.030) d 24 BW, ADG, and ADFI. There was a quadratic (P < 0.05) response for d 24 BW, ADG, and ADFI when pigs were fed folic acid with pigs fed 0 or 40 ppm having improved performance compared with pigs fed 20 ppm. For the common period (d 24 to 38), pigs previously fed pharmacological levels of Zn had poorer (P = 0.028) feed efficiency compared to pigs previously fed diets without pharmacological Zn. Additionally, a quadratic (P = 0.008) response was observed in ADG and ADFI when pigs were previously fed folic acid with pigs fed 0 or 40 ppm having improved performance compared with pigs fed 20 ppm. Overall (d 0 to 38), there was a quadratic (P < 0.05) response in final BW, ADG, and ADFI when pigs were fed folic acid, with pigs fed 0 or 40 ppm having improved performance compared to pigs fed 20 ppm. However, no overall differences (P > 0.10) were observed when pigs were fed diets with or without pharmacological levels of Zn in phase 1 and 2 diets. Additionally, no statistical differences (P > 0.10) in mortality were observed when pigs were fed diets with or without pharmacological levels of Zn although pigs fed no folic acid had numerically the lowest mortality. In conclusion, the addition of folic acid did not improve nursery pig performance with a negative response observed at 20 ppm, regardless of Zn inclusion in the diet.

Prevalence and Genetic Diversity Of Giardia Duodenalis In Pet Dogs From Zhengzhou, Central China and the Association between Gut Bacterial Communities and Fecal Characteristics During Infection

Prevalence and Genetic Diversity Of Giardia Duodenalis In Pet Dogs From Zhengzhou, Central China and the Association between Gut Bacterial Communities and Fecal Characteristics During Infection

Modelling the Drying Characteristics of Human Faeces Using Thin-Layer Drying Models and Calculation of Mass Transfer Properties at Ambient Conditions

Modelling the Drying Characteristics of Human Faeces Using Thin-Layer Drying Models and Calculation of Mass Transfer Properties at Ambient Conditions

Shugan Hewei Decoction Alleviates Cecum Mucosal Injury and Improves Depressive- and Anxiety-Like Behaviors in Chronic Stress Model Rats by Regulating Cecal Microbiota and Inhibiting NLRP3 Inflammasome.

Chronic stress is a significant cause of depression, anxiety, and intestinal mucosal injury. Gut microbiota disturbances are also associated with these disorders. Shugan Hewei Decoction (SHD), which is a traditional Chinese medicine formula developed by our team, has shown superior therapeutic effects in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and functional gastrointestinal diseases caused by chronic stress. In this study, we investigated the modulatory effect of SHD on the cecal microbiota and cecum mucosal NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in a chronic unpredictable stress (CUS)/social isolation rat model. After the SHD intervention, the CUS model rats showed improvements in their depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors, as well as sustained body weight growth and improved fecal characteristics. SHD improved the cecal microbiota diversity and changed the abundance of six microbial genera. A Spearman’s correlation analysis showed a strong correlation between the NLRP3 inflammasome and CUS-perturbed cecal biomarker microbiota. SHD regulated the excessive expression of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-18 in the serum and cecum mucosa induced by CUS, as well as the activation of the Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-κB signaling cascades. Our results reveal the pharmacological mechanisms of SHD and provide a validated therapeutic method for the treatment of depression, anxiety, and cecum mucosal injury.

The effect of photobiomodulation therapy on the management of chronic idiopathic large-bowel diarrhea in dogs.

To evaluate photobiomodulation therapy's effectiveness (PBMT) in managing chronic idiopathic large-bowel diarrhea. Thirty dogs were selected and divided into a control (CG) and treatment group (TG). CG received psyllium husk at the dose of 4 tablespoons/day for 30days. TG received PBMT with a Class IV therapeutic laser, divided into three sessions on week 1, two sessions on week 2, and one session on week 3. A daily log of fecal characteristics was maintained, and on days 0, 8, 15, and 30, a canine inflammatory bowel disease index (CIBDAI) and body condition scores (BCS) were obtained. Results were compared using a Mann-Whitney test. Multiple regression was run to predict CIBDAI, Bristol stool scores, and diarrhea from different parameters. The Kaplan-Meier test was used to compare the occurrence rate of ≥ 1day of diarrhea and ≥ 2days of diarrhea by 30days. Cox regression analysis to investigate interest covariates influences the same outcome. A p < 0.05 was set. The sample included 15 Belgian Malinois Shepherd Dogs, 10 German Shepherd Dogs, and 5 Dutch Shepherd Dog, with a mean age of 3.6 ± 2.3years and a bodyweight of 24.6 ± 8.0kg. TG showed an improvement in all scores and clinical signs, increased body weight, and BCS. An increased time of appearance of a second episode of diarrhea was observed in both groups. Activity level contributed to the prediction of defecation frequency and CIBDAI. PBMT significantly improved clinical signs and frequency of diarrhea episodes compared to psyllium husk.

Effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall addition on feed digestibility, fecal fermentation and microbiota and immunological parameters in adult cats

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of increasing dosages of a commercial product composed by Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast (YAM), with active metabolites, which are beta glucans, nucleotides, organic acids, polyphenols, amino acids, vitamins and minerals (Original XPCtm, Diamond V, IOWA, USA) added to a commercially available dry cat food. Apparent digestibility of dietary nutrients, fecal microbiota, fecal fermentation products and immunological parameters were evaluated. Twenty-seven healthy cats of mixed sexes, with a mean body weight of 4.19 ± 0.83 kg and a mean age of 9.44 ± 5.35 years were distributed by age in an unbalanced randomized block design, consisting of three experimental treatments: CD (control diet), YAM 0.3 (control diet with 0.3% yeast with active metabolites) and YAM 0.6 (control diet with 0.6% yeast with active metabolites).ResultsThe inclusion of the additive elevated the apparent digestibility of crude fiber (p = 0.013) and ash (p < 0.001) without interfering feed consumption, fecal production and fecal characteristics. Regarding fermentation products present in the feces, prebiotic inclusion increased lactic acid concentration (p = 0.004) while reducing isovaleric acid (p = 0.014), only in the treatment YAM 0.3. No differences were noticed on biogenic amines (BA), fecal pH, ammonia concentration, total and individuals short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and total and individuals branched-chain fatty acids (BCFA) (except isovaleric acid in YAM 0.3). As regards to fecal microbiota, prebiotic inclusion has resulted in the reduction of Clostridium perfringens (p = 0.023). No differences were found in the immunological parameters evaluated.ConclusionIt can be concluded that the additive, at the levels of inclusion assessed shows prebiotic potential and it has effects on fecal fermentation products and microbiota without interfering on crude protein and dry matter digestibility. More studies evaluating grater inclusion levels of the prebiotic are necessary to determine optimal concentration.

Effects of thermal energy on extrusion characteristics, digestibility and palatability of a dry pet food for cats.

The influence of specific thermal energy (STE) applications on extruder preconditioner was evaluated in a dry food for cats. In the first study, six STE applications were tested with mass temperatures of 45°C, 55°C, 65°C, 75°C, 85°C and 95°C. The extrusion parameters, starch gelatinization and kibble formation were evaluated. Diets were given to cats to evaluate digestibility, faecal characteristics and palatability. In the second experiment, three treatments were compared: low STE-a preconditioner temperature of 45°C (L STE); high STE-a preconditioner temperature of 95°C (H STE); high STE (preconditioner temperature of 95°C) combined with an increase in the mass flow rate to obtain a motor amperage similar to that of the L STE (H STEflow ). Data were analysed by polynomial contrasts (Experiment 1) or Tukey's test (Experiment 2; p<0.05). An increase in STE reduced motor amperage, mass pressure and specific mechanical energy (SME) implementation (p<0.001) and increased total specific energy (TSE) and mass temperature (p<0.01). The increase in STE induced greater kibble expansion and starch gelatinization (p<0.001). No changes in apparent nutrient digestibility or faeces characteristics were observed (p>0.05). Lower STE and starch gelatinization induced higher butyrate and total volatile fatty acid (VFA) contents in faeces (p<0.01). Cats showed greatest preference for the formulation with the highest STE (p<0.01). In the second experiment, when the motor amperage was increased in the H STEflow treatment to a value similar to that of the L STE, the mass flow rate increased 40%, and the electric energy consumption remained unchanged (p<0.001), with gains observed for efficiency and cost. In conclusion, STE application is important for sufficient TSE implementation, enhancing kibble expansion, starch gelatinization, cat preferences for food, extruder productivity and reducing SME application. Foods with lower starch gelatinization lead to increased VFA in faeces, with possible implications for gut health.

Comparison of cassava fiber with conventional fiber sources on diet digestibility, fecal characteristics, intestinal fermentation products, and fecal microbiota of dogs

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of cassava fiber (CA) concentrations and conventional fiber sources on coefficients of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) and metabolizable energy (ME) of the diet, fecal characteristics, intestinal fermentation products, and fecal microbiota of dogs. Seven diets were evaluated: control diet (without the addition of fiber sources); three diets with increasing concentrations of CA: 40, 80, and 120 g/kg (totaling 61, 72, and 83 g/kg of total dietary fiber, TDF, respectively); diet with 38 g/kg of cellulose (CE); diet with 60 g/kg of beet pulp (BP); and diet with 38 g/kg of lignocellulose (LC). Diets with 120 g/kg of CA, CE, BP, and LC contained approximately 80 g/kg of TDF. Diet digestibility, fecal characteristics, intestinal fermentation products, and fecal microbiota were evaluated in 14 adult Beagle dogs, distributed in a randomized block design, with 3 periods of 15 days each. Each 2 dogs were fed one of the diets per period, totaling 6 replicates/treatment at the end of the 3 periods. The CTTAD of organic matter and dry matter was higher (P < 0.05) in the control diet when compared to diets with the same TDF concentrations. The 120 g/kg CA diet had lower ME when compared to the CE and LC diets (P < 0.05). There was no difference among diets on fecal score and ammonia (P > 0.05). The 120 g/kg CA diet resulted in higher fecal concentrations of acetate and total short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) when compared to the control, CE, and LC diets (P < 0.05). Effects of fiber-containing diets on fecal microbiota were observed mainly for BP and CA diets, which increased bacterial richness and α-diversity and the relative abundance of Faecalibacterium, Fusobacterium, and Bacteroides, when compared to the control diet (P < 0.05). Cassava fiber can be included in adult dog foods because it has similar effects to conventional fiber sources. Besides, it keeps the stool soft and well-formed and modulates the intestinal microbiota of dogs, increasing the richness and favoring genera with potential benefits, such as Faecalibacterium.

Effect of the inclusión of herbal phosphatidylcholine on palatability, digestibility and metabolisable energy of the diet in dogs

This study aimed to evaluate the palatability, nutrient digestibility, metabolisable energy (ME) and faecal characteristics of diets in dogs fed increasing levels of herbal phosphatidylcholine (herbal mix) versus an unsupplemented diet (with only 377 mg choline provided by 1 kg food) or choline chloride1 (2000 mg choline/kg food) in 40 adult dogs. In experiment 1, a palatability test was conducted to make two pairwise comparisons: 0 versus 200; and 0 versus 400 mg/kg herbal mix. In experiment 2, a digestibility test was performed to evaluate herbal mix at 0, 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg and 2000 mg choline provided by choline chloride. Results from experiment 1 indicated that the dogs preferred diets containing herbal mix to the unsupplemented diet (P<0.05). In experiment 2, nutrient digestibility and faecal characteristics were not influenced by the treatment (P<0.059). The inclusion of 400 mg/kg of herbal mix increased the ME (quadratic effect, P<0.01). In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that the inclusion of a herbal mix rich in phosphatidylcholine (1.6%) and other methylated metabolites at 400 mg/kg can fully replace choline chloride in dog diets.

Effects of Fermented Radix puerariae Residue on Nutrient Digestibility and Reproductive Performance of Sows.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of fermented Radix puerariae residue (FRPR) on reproductive performance, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients, and fecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) contents of sows. A total of 36 landrace × large white multiparous sows were randomly arranged into three treatments, representing supplementation with 0, 2, and 4% FRPR to a corn-soybean meal and wheat bran-based diet during the whole gestation period. The results showed that dietary FRPR had no effects on litter size and the number of total alive piglets (P > 0.05), and that the number of weaned piglets and weaning weight of litter were increased in sows with 4% FRPR treatment compared with control treatment (P < 0.05). Dietary 4% FRPR significantly decreased constipation rate, improved the ATTD of dry matter and organics, and fecal contents of acetate, propionate, and total SCFAs (P < 0.05). In the offspring piglets, serum concentrations of total protein, alkaline phosphatase, IgG, IL-10, and TGF-β were increased, but blood urea nitrogen content was decreased with 4% FRPR treatment (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in all determined indexes except for fecal acetic acid and total SCFAs between control and 2% FRPR treatment (P > 0.05). These findings indicated that FRPR used in the diets of sows showed positive effects on fecal characteristics, utilization of nutrients, and reproductive performance. Maternal supplementation with 4% FRPR is recommended for improving immune responses, weaning litter size, and litter weight of offspring piglets, which provide useful information for the application of residues of R. puerariae.

Insect Larvae Meal (Hermetia illucens) as a Sustainable Protein Source of Canine Food and Its Impacts on Nutrient Digestibility and Fecal Quality.

Simple SummaryInsects are considered an optimistic component for animal diets as an alternative to some of the common feedstuffs. Therefore, the present research studied the effect of including black soldier fly larvae meal in a canine diet on nutrient digestibility and fecal quality compared to that of poultry meal. Within this study, it was possible to include the insect larvae meal to replace 30% of dry matter of the basic extruded diet. The research indicated that insect larvae meal showed the highest apparent digestibility for protein and fat without any negative effects on fecal scores, stating it as a potential alternative food ingredient for dogs. These findings suggest that insect larvae meal can be considered a suitable applicable ingredient for canine food that might potentially be included in pet food formulations.Insect larvae meal has been proposed as a sustainable protein source for animal diets. This study aimed to provide information on including black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFL; Hermetia illucens) in comparison to poultry meal (PM) in the canine diet with regard to digestibility and fecal characteristics. In light of this trend, the levels of PM or BSFL meal were added to replace about 30% of dry matter of the basic extruded diet. Six Beagle dogs (BW 9.64 kg) were included in a cross-over experiment. Dogs fed a BSFL meal-based diet showed higher (p < 0.05) apparent protein digestibility (82.3%) compared to those offered a PM-based diet (80.5%). Apparent digestibility for fat was higher (p < 0.05) in groups fed the BSFL meal-based diet (94.5%) compared to those offered the PM-based diet (91.6%). The fecal consistency scores for dogs fed both diets were within an acceptable range (well-formed and firm). Fecal dry matter content was higher (p < 0.05) for dogs fed the PM-based diet (33.0%) compared to those offered the BSFL meal-based diet (28.0%). Including BSFL meal in dog food can be an appropriate source of protein without any negative effects on nutrient digestibility and fecal quality.

Effect of phytase and carbohydrases supplementation on digestibility, palatability, fecal characteristics and fecal fermentation products in dogs fed plant-protein diet

The use of exogenous enzymes in canine nutrition has been studied as a way to improve the nutritional value of plant by-products. This study conducted 2 experiments to evaluate the effects of exogenous phytase and a complex of carbohydrases supplementation on plant protein based diets for dogs. Dietary treatments consisted of an animal protein-based diet (AD; poultry offal meal and meat-and-bone meal) without enzyme inclusion; a plant protein-based (PD; soybean meal) without enzymes, considered the control diet; PD + 5000 phytase units (FTU)/g (PD + P5); PD + 10,000 FTU/g (PD + P10); PD + 15,000 FTU/g (PD + P15); PD + 50,000 units of a carbohydrase enzyme complex (U)/g (PD + C); PD + a combination of 5000 phytase units FTU/g and 50,000 units of a carbohydrase complex U/g (PD + PC). In experiment 1, 14 dogs were fed the experimental diets and distributed in a randomized block design to assess digestibility, fecal characteristics, and fecal fermentation products. In experiment 2, a palatability test was evaluated in pairs by the means of two comparisons: PD vs. PD + PC and PD + P5 vs. PD + PC, with 16 dogs. The inclusion of PD + PC did not alter the digestibility of the diet (P > 0.05). The inclusion of phytase linearly increased fecal pH, concentrations of acetic and propionic acids, and total production of short-chain fatty acids (P < 0.05) in the feces of the dogs. Dogs fed the diet with enzyme complex (PD + PC) had a greater intake ratio when compared to the PD diet (P < 0.05). There was no difference (P > 0.05) in the first choice of the dogs for a specific diet for any of the comparisons made. Enzyme supplementation did not influence nutrient digestibility, but it increased the ME content of the PD. In addition, supplementation with the carbohydrase complex increased the production of total short-chain fatty acids and reduced fecal dry matter without compromising the acceptance of the diets.

Effects of Different Treatment of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Techniques on Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis in Rats.

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic non-specific inflammatory bowel disease with abdominal pain, mucus, pus and blood in the stool as the main clinical manifestations. The pathogenesis of UC is still not completely clear, and multiple factors, such as genetic susceptibility, immune response, intestinal microecological changes and environmental factors, together lead to the onset of UC. In recent years, the role of intestinal microbiota disturbances on the pathogenesis of UC has received widespread attention. Therefore, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), which changes the intestinal microecological environment of UC patients by transplantation of normal fecal bacteria, has attracted increasing attention from researchers. However, there are no guidelines to recommend fresh FMT or frozen FMT in the treatment of UC, and there are few studies on this. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the effects of fresh and frozen FMT methods on the treatment of experimental UC models in rats.Results: Compared with the model control group, all FMT groups achieved better efficacy, mainly manifested as weight gain by the rats, improvements in fecal characteristics and blood stools, reduced inflammatory factors and normal bacterial microbiota. The efficacy of the frozen FMT group was better than that of the fresh FMT group in terms of behavior and colon length.Conclusion: FMT method supplements the gut microbiota with beneficial bacteria, such as short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria. These bacteria can regulate intestinal function, protect the mucosal barrier and reduce harmful bacteria, thus mitigating the damage to the intestinal barrier and the associated inflammatory response, resulting in UC remission. FMT is a feasible method for treating UC, with frozen FMT having a superior therapeutic effect than that of fresh FMT.

Tongxie Anchang Decoction Relieves Visceral Hypersensitivity in Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome Rats by Regulating the NGF/TrkA Signaling Pathway.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disease characterized by visceral hypersensitivity-related abdominal pain, in which diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D) is the main subtype and has a high clinical incidence. Tongxie Anchang Decoction (TXACD) has been proved to significantly improve abdominal pain in patients with IBS-D, but its underlying therapeutic mechanism still remains unclear. In the present study, IBS-D model rats were induced by neonatal maternal separation (NMS) combined with restraint stress (RS). The therapeutic effect of TXACD was evaluated by fecal characteristics and abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) scores. After 14 days of intragastric administration, the colonic tissues of rats were collected to detect the protein and gene level of the NGF, TrkA, and TRPV1 using Western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively, and detect mast cells infiltration using toluidine blue staining. The abdominal aorta blood centrifuged was collected for detecting serum levels of SP, 5-HT, and CGRP with ELISA. The results revealed that TXACD could significantly improve visceral hypersensitivity in IBS-D rats, reflected in the decrease of AWR score and the serum levels of SP, 5-HT, and CGRP. In addition, TXACD treatment could alleviate mast cells infiltration. Moreover, the expression levels of the NGF, TrkA, and TRPV1 were repressed by TXACD. The findings of the present study indicated that the therapeutic effect of TXACD on visceral hypersensitivity might be closely related to the downregulation of the NGF/TrkA signaling pathway, the reversal of TRPV1 expression and mast cells infiltration, and the decreased release of neuroendocrine factors SP, 5-HT, and CGRP.

Systematic review and Meta analysis on the effectiveness and safety of tuina in treatment of functional constipation

To review systematically the effectiveness and safety of tuina (Chinese massage)in treatment of functional constipation. The articles on functional constipation treated with tuina were collected by computer retrieval from 7 databases from the date of establishment to March 28, 2020, including Chinese biomedical literature database (SinoMed), China journal full-text database (CNKI), full-text database of Wanfang academic journals (Wanfang), VIP Chinese science and technology journal database(VIP), PubMed, Dutch medical literature database (EMbase) and the Cochrane Library. After data extraction and quality evaluation of the included articles, Meta analysis was conducted with RevMan5.3 software. A total of 16 articles were included, with 1424 cases involved. Meta analysis results showed: ①The total effective rate in the treatment group was higher than that in the control group (RR=1.28, 95%CI: 1.16-1.42, P<0.000 01). ②The effective rate for the symptoms of functional constipation in traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment group was higher than that in the control group (RR=1.38, 95%CI :1.25-1.52, Z=6.31, P<0.000 01). ③Adverse reactions in the treatment group in the treatment of functional constipation were less than those in the control group (RR=0.10, 95%CI: 0.02-0.49, Z=2.81, P=0.005).④The effective rate of functional constipation treated on the base of syndrome differentiation in the treatment group was higher than that of the control group (RR=1.50, 95%CI: 1.08-2.10, Z=2.39, P=0.02).⑤The improvements in fecal characteristics, defecation time and defecation frequency of the patients with functional constipation in the treatment group were better than those in the control group (P<0.05). Tuina therapy presents a certain advantages on its curative effect on functional constipation, has less adverse reactions and relieves the relevant symptoms of functional constipation. But more randomized controlled trials with high quality and large sample are required to provide further verification of its effect.

Use of Legumes and Yeast as Novel Dietary Protein Sources in Extruded Canine Diets.

The popularity of plant-based protein sources has increased as consumer demand for grain-free and novel protein sources increase. Minimal research has been conducted as regards to use of legumes and yeast and their effects on acceptability and digestibility in canine diets. The objective of this study was to evaluate macronutrient apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), gastrointestinal tolerance, and fermentative end-products in extruded, canine diets. Five diets were formulated to be isocaloric and isonitrogenous with either garbanzo beans (GBD), green lentils (GLD), peanut flour (PFD), dried yeast (DYD), or poultry by-product meal (CON) as the primary protein sources. Ten adult, intact, female beagles (mean age: 4.2 ± 1.1 yr, mean weight: 11.9 ± 1.3 kg) were used in a replicated, 5 × 5 Latin square design with 14 d periods. Each experimental period consisted of 10 d of diet adaptation, followed by 4 d of total fecal and urine collection. A fasted, 5 ml blood sample was collected at the end of each period and analyzed for serum metabolites and complete blood count. Serum metabolites were within normal ranges and all dogs remained healthy throughout the study. Fecal quality, evaluated on a 5-point scale, was considered ideal. Macronutrient ATTD was similar among dietary treatments, with diets highly digestible (>80%). Total fecal branched-chain fatty acid concentrations were highest (P < 0.05) for DYD (23.4 μmol/g) than GLD (16.1 μmol/g) and PFD (16.0 μmol/g) but not different (P > 0.05) than other treatments. The plant-based protein treatments had greater (P < 0.05) total fecal short chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations (average 627.6 μmol/g) compared with CON (381.1 μmol/g). Fecal butyrate concentration was highest (P < 0.05) for DYD than all other dietary treatments (103.9 μmol/g vs. average 46.2 μmol/g). Fecal microbial communities showed Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Fusobacteria, and Proteobacteria as abundant phyla. There was greater β-diversity for dogs fed DYD which differed from all other diets in both weighted and unweighted UNIFRAC analyses. Inclusion of these novel, plant-based, protein sources showed no detrimental effects on nutrient digestibility or fecal characteristics and represent viable protein sources in canine diets that can produce beneficial shifts in fecal metabolites.