Defecation Rate Research Articles

Microplastic exposure reduced the defecation rate, altered digestive enzyme activities, and caused histological and ultracellular changes in the midgut tissues of the ground beetle (Blaps polychresta)

Concerns about microplastic (MP) pollution in terrestrial systems are increasing. It is believed that the overall amount of MPs in the terrestrial system could be 4–23 times higher than that in the ocean. Agricultural ecosystems are among the most polluted areas with MPs. Terrestrial organisms such as ground beetles, will be more vulnerable to MPs in various agricultural soil types because they are common in garden and agricultural areas. Therefore, this work aims to assess for the first time the potential adverse effects of chronic exposure for 30 days of ground beetles to a field-realistic concentration of 2 % (w/w) of three different irregularly shaped MPs polymers: Polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyamide 6 (PA; i.e., nylon 6) on their health. The results showed no effect on beetle survival; nevertheless, there was a decrease in beetle defecation rate, particularly in beetles exposed to PS-MPs, and a change in the activity of midgut digestive enzymes. The effects on digestive enzymes (amylase, protease, lipase, and α-glucosidase) were polymer and enzyme specific. Furthermore, histological and cytological studies demonstrated the decomposition of the midgut peritrophic membrane, as well as abnormally shaped nuclei, vacuolation, disordered microvilli, necrosis of goblet and columnar cells, and necrosis of mitochondria in midgut cells. Given the importance of ground beetles as predators in most agricultural and garden settings, the reported adverse impacts of MPs on their health may impact their existence and ecological functions.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Aeromonas-Associated Diarrhea Among Children in Asia.

Background: Diarrheal illness is a prominent public health worry in developing countries, resulting in high mortality among children. Sociodemographic characteristics and geographic settings are the main effective factors for the increased incidence of childhood diarrhea. Aeromonas is a neglected organism capable of causing dysentery and diarrhea. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the prevalence of Aeromonas as an agent in the causation of diarrhea in Asian children. Methods: We conducted a systematic review using Web of Science, PubMed, Wiley Online Library, Science Direct, and Google Scholar for peer-reviewed articles published between January 2000 and February 2023. We considered studies that found Aeromonas in diarrheal stool. A random-effects model was used to determine the pooled prevalence of Aeromonas. Results: Our search returned 2,057 articles, with 17 articles from seven Asian nations being included in the systematic review. The pooled prevalence of Aeromonas was 4.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.9%-6.8%), with heterogeneity (I2 = 96.85; p < 0.001). There was a greater prevalence in areas with high population living in poverty (12.2%; 95% CI: 5.8%-24%) and lower-middle-income countries (5.0%; 95% CI: 2.7%-9.0%). In addition, the prevalence of Aeromonas was greater in South Asia (10.0%; 95% CI: 5.6%-17.2%), in India (12.9%; 95% CI: 6.8%-23%), and in countries with open defecation rate of 5%-25% (11.3%; 95% CI: 6.3%-19.2%). Conclusion: The prevalence of Aeromonas-associated diarrhea in children in Asia estimated in the present study highlighted the high burden of Aeromonas in some parts of Asia.

Effect of implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocol on elective open simple nephrectomy in urolithiasis

Objective: To assess the impact of the implementation of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol in elective open simple nephrectomy in urolithiasis patients. Materials and Methods: Data from 43 patients were collated. Sixteen were in the ERAS group and 27 in the pre-ERAS group, the division created by date of the procedure. The ERAS protocol included preoperative education, standardized perioperative care, early mobilization, and postoperative pain management. Outcomes, including length of hospital stay (LOS), first flatus, first defecation, complications, pain scores, creatinine level (Cr), glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and associated costs, were compared. Results: The ERAS group exhibited significantly lower total LOS (3.19±0.40 days vs. 6.22±1.55 days, p &lt; 0.001), earlier first flatus (1.19±0.40 days vs. 2.66±1.11 days, p &lt; 0.001), first defecation (1.56±0.73 days vs. 3.11±1.28 days, p &lt; 0.001), and lower postoperative ileus rates (12.5% vs. 71.43%, p = 0.01) than the control group. Lower pain scores at 1, 6, 24, and 48 hours post-surgery (p &lt; 0.05) were also recorded in comparison to the control group. No significant differences in Cr and GFR were observed (p &gt; 0.05). Although ERAS treatment costs were marginally lower, the difference was not statistically significant (23,833±3731.48 Baht vs. 23,930±3068.45 Baht, p = 0.927). Conclusion: ERAS implementation in elective open simple nephrectomy for urolithiasis reduces LOS, and postoperative pain, accelerates recovery of bowel function, and allows quicker resumption of normal activities. These benefits come without increased risk of readmission or complications, and without compromising postoperative renal function. All these advantages may also result in cost savings.

Physiological effects of feeding whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) with the fresh macroalgae Chaetomorpha clavata

In shrimp farming, the use of commercial feed can generate high nutrient loads in water bodies, and often constitute the most substantial component of production costs. Alternatives that seek to reduce the use of commercial feed can therefore both mitigate environmental impacts and reduce operational expenses. One possible strategy is incorporation of algae that crustaceans can consume with minimal biological effect into integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) systems. Our objective was to determine whether the marine shrimp Penaeus vannamei feeds on the fresh macroalga Chaetomorpha clavata and whether the partial substitution (50 %) of this alga in its diet influences its physiology. Survival, growth, and a range of physiological processes including ingestion, defecation, metabolism, nitrogen excretion, oxidized energy substrate, hepatosomatic index, and energy budget were assessed in P. vannamei shrimp fed commercial feed (100 %, control) versus shrimp fed a combination of commercial feed and algae (50 % each). Our results showed that P. vannamei fed on C. clavata, and that there were no significant differences in mortality and growth rates (∼11 %) between shrimp fed with the two diets. The ingestion rate was higher in the group fed with macroalgae, however the defecation rate and digestibility were not affected. In both groups, no differences were detected in metabolic rates, growth, nitrogenous excretion, and egestion between shrimp fed the different diets, nor in oxidized energy substrates and the hepatosomatic index. Our results show that substituting 50 % of the feed with C. clavata represents a viable alternative to full commercial feed since it had minimal impact on the physiological functions of P. vannamei. In addition to the economic benefit of reducing the amount of feed used during culture, the use of algae also reduces contamination of effluent water, thereby improving environmental sustainability and water quality.

Exploring the implementation feasibility of the sol-char sanitation system using machine learning and life cycle assessment

Globally, 1.5 billion people still lacked access to safe sanitation facilities in 2022, which exacerbated health risks and environmental degradation. To address this, we created the Sol-Char sanitation system, a potential solution for expanding secure sanitation alternatives. This study aimed to develop a machine learning model that could evaluate the viability of implementing the Sol-Char system in 76 countries with high rates of open defecation in 2022. Using the Random Forest model, we identified suitable locations considering factors such as solar energy availability and economic feasibility. The model successfully identified 42 countries (55 %), mainly in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, as appropriate candidates for implementing the system. In addition, a framework was developed to guide solar technology suitability prediction using our machine learning model. Furthermore, we conducted an ex-ante life cycle assessment (LCA) study to evaluate the environmental impacts across different implementation scenarios. The baseline scenario (Scenario 1) produced the least emissions, with 299 kg CO2-eq. In contrast, the scenario (Scenario 2) involving international transportation had the highest emissions at 395 kg CO2-eq (32 % higher), while the localized scenario (Scenario 3) landed in between with 337 kg CO2-eq emissions. The LCA and contribution analysis highlighted that optimizing materials and design was essential to reduce emissions across these scenarios. Local manufacturing, particularly in high-transportation scenarios like Scenario 2, could reduce emissions from logistics but required careful consideration of local resources and energy structures, as demonstrated in Scenario 3.

Intestinal protection by nitric oxide supply in the simulation of artificial blood circulation and circulatory arrest: an experimental study

Cardiac surgery is associated with high risks of complications, and these risks increase when it comes to aortic surgery because of the technical complexity of the surgeries, the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and “circulatory arrest” (CA) that leads to ischemia-reperfusion damage. Abdominal complications in cardiovascular surgery are not the most common complications but are associated with high mortality. Protecting the gastrointestinal (GI) organs from ischemia-reperfusion injury is still a serious problem. According to a study of the organoprotective properties of nitric oxide (NO), its effectiveness in the treatment of diseases of the cardiovascular system, lungs, and kidneys has been proven, and observational results have shown that patients who were administered NO were less prone to complications from the gastrointestinal tract.The aim of the study was to evaluate the protective properties of NO for the intestines during simulated surgery under CPB and hypothermic CA. Methods. The study was conducted on sheep (n = 24). The animals were divided into 4 groups: the “CPB” group with the standard CPB protocol, the “CPB + NO” group with CPB and NO administration, the “CPB + CA” group with the standard CPB and CA protocol, and the group “CPB + CA + NO” with CPB and CA and NO administration. Instrumental and laboratory parameters were monitored at all stages of the experiment to assess the effectiveness and safety of CPB and CA simulation. In intestinal biopsy samples, the changes in the defecation rate, the concentration of a biochemical marker of intestinal ischemia (intestinal enterocyte fatty acid binding protein – i-FABP), and tissue concentrations of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and lactate were assessed.Results. A higher rate of defecation was established (p = 0.046) in the “CPB + NO” group after CPB compared to the “CPB” group. The concentration of i-FABP in the CPB + NO group after CPB was lower compared to that in the CPB group (p = 0.002), and it was lower in the “CPB + CA + NO” group compared to the “CPB + CA” group (p = 0.033). 1 hour after CPB, the tissue concentration of ATP in intestinal biopsies in the “CPB + NO” group was higher than in the CPB group (p = 0.005).Conclusion. When modeling CPB and CA in the experiment, a positive effect of NO therapy on the intestine was noted: the functional state improved, the concentration of i-FABP decreased, and the concentration of ATP in intestinal biopsies increased.

Effect of inhaled nitric oxide on intestinal integrity in cardiopulmonary bypass and circulatory arrest simulation: An experimental study.

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and circulatory arrest (CA) can induce intestinal injury and consequently lead to multiple organ dysfunction. Nitric oxide (NO) has protective effects, but its effect on the intestine has not been studied. The study aimed to investigate intestinal injury variables and prove the intestinal protective effects of exogenous nitric oxide when modelling CPB and CA in an experiment. The study was performed on sheep (n = 24). There were four groups: CPB, CPB + NO, CPB + CA and CPB + CA + NO. Sheep in NO groups received intraoperative inhalation of NO at a dose of 80 ppm. Groups without NO underwent CPB and CA without NO delivery. Defaecation rate, dynamics of intestinal fatty acid binding protein (i-FABP), coefficient of microviscosity and polarity in the areas of lipid-lipid and protein-lipid interactions of erythrocyte membranes were assessed. One hour after CPB, the intestinal tissue was collected and assessed for tissue concentrations of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and lactate. The defaecation rate after CPB was higher in the CPB + NO group than in the CPB group. The concentration of i-FABP after CPB was lower in the CPB + NO and CPB + CA + NO groups than in the CPB and CPB + CA groups. Erythrocyte deformability before and after CPB revealed no significant dynamics in groups with NO. The ATP concentration 1 h after CPB was higher in the CPB + NO group than in the CPB group. The morphological picture in groups with NO was better. When modelling CPB and CA, NO had a positive effect on the functional and structural state of the intestine and also maintained erythrocyte deformability.

Implementation of ODF (Open Defecation Free) Program in Warudoyong Sub-district, Sukabumi City

This study aims to examine how the implementation of the open defecation free (ODF) program in Warudoyong Sub-district, Sukabumi City. The Open Defection Free (ODF) program is a government program that aims to change hygienic and sanitary behavior through community empowerment so that the community independently improves good health status. The urgency of this research is due to the lack of public awareness of the importance of hygiene and health. In Warudoyong Sub-district, Sukabumi City, there are still people in two villages who practice open defecation. Based on data from the Sukabumi City Health Office, from 2019 to 2022 there was no decrease in open defecation rates in Nyomplong Village and Warudoyong Village. The research method used a descriptive qualitative method with a snowball sampling technique and the number of respondents was six informants. The result of this research is that the ODF program in Warudoyong Sub-district, Sukabumi City has not been running optimally, due to the lack of public awareness about the importance of the ODF program and limited land for the construction of communal septic tanks. Therefore, the recommendation for this research is the need for community roles and cooperation to improve facilities for the construction of communal septic tanks so that people can improve the quality of clean and healthy living, and increase socialization media by utilizing social media to provide information about the benefits of the ODF program to increase knowledge for the community.

Fate and effects of microplastic particles in a periphyton-grazer system

In the aquatic environment, microplastic particles (MP) can accumulate in microbial communities that cover submerged substrata, i.e. in periphyton. Despite periphyton being the essential food source for grazers in the benthic zones, MP transfer from periphyton to benthic biota and its ecotoxicological consequences are unknown. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effects of 1) MP on embryonal development of freshwater gastropod Physa acuta embryos, 2) MP on adult Physa acuta individuals through dietary exposure and 3) on the MP surface properties. Embryonal development tests were carried out with spherical polyethylene MP in the size of 1–4 μm (MP). Over a period of 28 days, embryonal development and hatching rate were calculated. In the feeding experiments, periphyton was grown in the presence and absence of MP and was then offered to the adult Physa acuta for 42–152 h. The snails readily ingested and subsequently egested MP, together with the periphyton as shown by MP quantification in periphyton, snail soft body tissue and feces. No selective feeding behavior upon MP exposure was detected. The ingestion of MP had no effect on mortality, feeding and defecation rate. Yet, the reproductive output of snails, measured as the number of egg clutches and numbers of eggs per clutch, decreased after the ingestion of MPs, while the hatching success of snail embryos those parents were exposed remained unaffected. In contrast, hatching rate of snail embryos was significantly reduced upon direct MP exposure. MP optical properties were changed upon the incorporation into the periphyton and the passage through the digestive tract. Our results indicate that MP incorporated in periphyton are bioavailable to aquatic grazers, facilitating the introduction of MP into the food chain and having direct adverse effects on the grazers’ reproductive fitness.

To explore the pathogenesis of anterior resection syndrome by magnetic resonance imaging rectal defecography.

Over 90% of rectal cancer patients develop low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) after sphincter-preserving resection. The current globally recognized evaluation method has many drawbacks and its subjectivity is too strong, which hinders the research and treatment of LARS. To evaluate the anorectal function after colorectal cancer surgery by quantifying the index of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) defecography, and pathogenesis of LARS. We evaluated 34 patients using the standard LARS score, and a new LARS evaluation index was established using the dynamic images of MRI defecography to verify the LARS score. In the LARS score model, there were 10 (29.41%) mild and 24 (70.58%) severe cases of LARS. The comparison of defecation rate between the two groups was 29.36 ± 14.17% versus 46.83 ± 18.62% (P = 0.004); and MRI-rectal compliance (MRI-RC) score was 3.63 ± 1.96 versus 7.0 ± 3.21 (P = 0.001). Severe and mild LARS had significant differences using the two evaluation methods. There was a significant negative correlation between LARS and MRI-RC score (P < 0.001), and they had a negative correlation with defecation rate (P = 0.028). MRI defecography and standard LARS score can both be used as an evaluation index to study the pathogenesis of LARS.

Persepsi Masyarakat Terhadap Pelaksanaan Program Sanimas Di Kampung Yoboi Distrik Sentani Kabupaten Jayapura

Community-Based Sanitation Program (SANIMAS) is a form of government policy implemented by the Ministry of Public Works since 2006 regarding sanitation improvements and is designed to empower communities, Low Income, Communties (MBR), as well as disadvantaged communities, communities living in dense residential areas, slums, and poor in urban and rural areas. Apart from that, the SANIMAS program also places the community as actors, decision makers and those responsible for activities starting from identification, planning, implementation, management and supervision. This research aims to look at community perceptions of the implementation of the Sanimas Program, as well as look at the MCK infrastructure that has been built by the government to empower underprivileged communities and areas with high defecation rates. The method used in this research is the Qualitative Descriptive method. The results of this research show that the Sanimas Program ini Yoboi Village has been implemented by building 22 toilet units for 22 residents’ houses, whilw 40 other housing units have not been built, out of a total of 62 housing units there. The Sanimas Program is able to have a positive impact on people’s lives, namely increasing the level of dignity of the community, improving the level of environmental and community helath. Im implementing the Sanimas Program, the government has not fully built the infrastructure needed by the community to answer Sanitation problems. In terms of community empowerment, not all of them have been able to be empowered due to a lack of guidance from the regional government for the target community.

Antidepressant, Antidiarrheal, Thrombolytic and Phytochemical Profiling of Ethanol Extract of Amomum aromaticum Leaves: In vivo and In vitro Approaches

The study evaluated several pharmacological effects including antidepressant, antidiarrheal and thrombolytic activities of ethanol extract of Amomum aromaticum leaves (EEAA). Upon the assessment for qualitative phytochemical groups in the extract, several doses of EEAA (1000 - 4000 mg/kg) were studied to find acute oral toxicity in mouse for safe dose selection. Then EEAA was tested whether it demonstrates antidepressant activity in tail suspension test (TST) and forced swim test (FST). Antidiarrheal and clot lysis activities of EEAA were evaluated in castor oil-induced diarrhoea in mouse and In vitro clot lysis method, respectively. Oral administration of EEAA (1000 - 4000 mg/kg) showed no morality after 10 days, and no sign of acute toxicity observed within 24 hrs post-treatment. The qualitative phytochemical screening showed the presence of carbohydrate, alkaloid, flavonoid, tannin, saponin, and polyphenol groups in EEAA. The TST and FST resulted with significant improvement in mobility in mice treated with EEAA (400 mg/kg), where fluoxetine (20 mg/kg) was used as standard in both tests. EEAA treatment also showed a moderate dose-dependent anti-diarrheal effect. The 400 mg/kg oral dosing for 14 days decreased the rate of defecation by 52.8% compared to the control group. This study also demonstrated that EEAA possesses clot lysis activity. Hence, further intense investigations are suggested to identify specific potential active phytochemicals. Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 27(1): 51-58, 2024 (January)

OPEN DEFECATION AS A CHALLENGE TO PUBLIC HEALTH IN GIWA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

Open defecation is a threat to public and environmental health, it affects the occurrence and spread of mainly communicable diseases. This study examines the compliance of people to Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) and challenges of the program to reduce the existence of open defecation in Giwa Local Government Area (LGA). The study employed the use of questionnaire and structured interview as a source of data. Descriptive statistics and thematic framework were used for the analysis while charts and themes were used to present the findings. Results revealed that majority (56%) of the respondents were satisfied with the level of how community complied with the program. The findings also revealed that majority (31.30%) of the respondent’s considered poverty as the greatest challenge to the success of the program. Some of the key informants were also of the view that CLTS is highly applicable towards reduction in the rate of open defecation in the area. Therefore, the study recommends the provision of incentive to the people that will reduce the rate of poverty for the successful implementation of the program

Sanitation facility mapping at Kalideres District, West Jakarta

Poor sanitation has various impacts on human health, such as the risk of contracting diseases like diarrhoea, typhoid, polio, and worm infections. The government has set targets in the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) 2020 - 2024, with the goal of achieving 90% access to proper sanitation, including 15% of households having access to safe sanitation, and reducing the rate of open defecation to 0% by the end of 2024. The objective of this mapping is to recommend wastewater sanitation technologies in Tegal Alur Subdistrict. Data collection will be carried out through interviews and questionnaires, determining the number of respondents using the Slovin formula. Interviews and questionnaires will be conducted in 4 densely populated neighbourhoods (RW) with a high rate of open defecation, namely RW 01, RW 02, RW 03, and RW 13. Based on the results of interviews and questionnaires, 71% of the population in Tegal Alur Subdistrict have toilets, but only 24% have septic tanks, leading to environmental pollution due to wastewater discharge. The type of septic tank used is individual septic tanks, and 88% of the population in Tegal Alur has never desludged their septic tanks. The condition of wastewater sanitation in Tegal Alur Subdistrict can be described as poor, characterized by a lack of septic tanks to manage wastewater, resulting in wastewater pollution of the environment, which can lead to various diseases.

Cooperative parental performance at chick provisioning in a small passerine, the Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus

Sexual conflict has long been perceived as a solid background for the evolution of parental care. Recent studies, however, highlight the importance of cooperation between the parents, especially in socially monogamous systems. Here, we examined parental performance of a small monogamous passerine with bi-parental care, the Eurasian Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus, RW), looking at the issue from the perspective of parents’ cooperation. Using accurate and non-invasive video data on parent chick provisioning from 78 nests varying in brood size, we found some evidence of parents cooperation: both parents similarly adjusted their feeding rate to brood size, and the higher was their both contribution, the better was chicks condition (expressed by defecation rate). However, contrary to our expectations (based on premises from similar studies on other bird species) we did not find evidence for frequent and active synchronisation of nest visits. Importantly, we found a negative relationship between synchronisation level and chick body condition, suggesting that synchronisation may actually not be that beneficial in the study system. The results are surprising and highlight the importance of studying various species to understand mechanisms behind cooperation of partners in the bi-parental care system.Significance statementBiparental care has long been viewed in the context of conflict between the breeding partners, and only recently they are considered cooperating agents caring together for the common offspring. Nevertheless, studies applying such a perspective are still scarce and there is a pressing need to test different species. Using video data on chick provisioning by Reed Warbler parents, we found evidence of partner cooperation: both parents adjusted their feeding rate to the number of nestlings, and the higher was their joint contribution, the better was offspring condition. Parents did not synchronise their nest visits more compared to randomly generated visits, but we found that synchronisation level negatively affected chick condition. Our results highlight the need to consider various species to fully understand mechanisms behind cooperation of breeding partners.

Movement dynamics, sediment turnover and sheltering behaviours of the nocturnal coral reef sea cucumber, Stichopus cf. monotuberculatus

Animal movement and feeding studies shed light on ecological roles and can inform management strategies for fished species. However, the feeding and movement of nocturnal sea cucumbers have been rarely studied. We determined the movement dynamics, feeding ecology and sheltering behaviour of the nocturnal Stichopus cf. monotuberculatus (dragonfish) at One Tree Reef and Heron Island Reef on the southern Great Barrier Reef. The short-term movement of individual sea cucumbers were tracked, and sediment defecation rates were measured. Displacement rates averaged 3–33 cm h−1 across the four sites, with the sea cucumbers moving more slowly approaching sunrise and within patches of organically rich sediment. The movement paths were moderately tortuous, with larger sea cucumbers moving along straighter paths. Rates of sediment turnover averaged 7.8 g h−1 and were greatest for larger individuals. The faecal casts were organically richer and composed of finer grains than the ambient surface sediments, implying that S. cf. monotuberculatus avoids consuming coarse sediments and feeds on nutritionally rich particles. The sea cucumbers sheltered under hard reef substrata and moved non-directionally on the seascape, with a few individuals homing back to their original refuges. The affinity to reef substrata and short nightly net displacements of S. cf. monotuberculatus have implications for the spatial management of this and other similar species. Larger individuals occupied deeper refuges, implying that projected declines in substratum rugosity on coral reefs due to climate change could impact the size structure of sea cucumber populations, with implications for fisheries.

Analysis of Neurogenic Bowel and Bladder Dysfunction Following Decompression Surgery for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: A Prospective Cohort Study.

A prospective observational study. To investigate preoperative prevalence of neurogenic bowel dysfunction and neurogenic bladder in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) and examine the degree and timing of symptom improvement after cervical decompression surgery. Factors contributing to symptom improvement were also analyzed. Among 75 patients with DCM who underwent cervical decompression, Constipation Scoring System (CSS) score, International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS), and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score were assessed before surgery and 1, 3, 6, and 12months after. Prevalence rates were calculated. Data regarding patient age, sex, disease status, disease duration, lesion level, and score changes was prospectively recorded and analyzed. The prevalence rates of defecation and urinary dysfunction before surgery were 41.3% and 34.7%, respectively. Among the patients with defecation dysfunction, the number of patients who improved 1, 3, 6, and 12months after surgery was 10, 9, 9, and 6, respectively. Among the patients with urinary dysfunction, the corresponding number of patients was 12, 10, 11, and 11, respectively. None of the factors we examined were significantly associated with improvement in either CSS or IPSS score; however, improvement of lower extremity JOA score tended to be associated with improvement in both. The prevalence of symptoms of defecation and urinary dysfunction in patients with DCM was 41.3% and 34.7%, respectively. Decompression surgery improved symptoms in 20% to 46% of patients.

The role of seabird guano in maintaining North Atlantic summertime productivity

Nutrients supplied via seabird guano increase primary production in some coastal ecosystems. A similar process may occur in the open ocean. To investigate this directly, we first measured bulk and leachable nutrient concentrations in guano sampled in the North Atlantic. We found that guano was strongly enriched in phosphorus, which was released as phosphate in solution. Nitrogen release was dominated by reduced forms (ammonium and urea) whilst release of nitrate was relatively low. A range of trace elements, including the micronutrient iron, were released. Using in-situ bioassays, we then showed that supply of fresh guano to ambient seawater increases phytoplankton biomass and photochemical efficiencies. Based on these results, modelled seabird distributions, and known defecation rates, we estimate that on annual scales guano is a minor source of nutrients for the surface North Atlantic. However, on shorter timescales in late spring/summer it could be much more important: Estimates of upper-level depositions of phosphorus by seabirds were three orders of magnitude higher than modelled aerosol deposition and comparable to diffusion from deeper waters.

Crevice is beneficial to fitness-related behaviors of small sea cucumbers Apostichopus japonicus exposed to handling stress

Sea cucumbers naturally prefer to inhabit crevices. Although this biological characteristic is widely used in sea cucumber aquaculture, the benefits of crevices remain largely unknown. The present study found that feeding and defecation rates significantly increased in sea cucumbers in the crevices for 24 h. After leaving the crevice, tentacle activity time of sea cucumbers in the experimental group was significantly more than that of those in the control group. Further, the present study found that sea cucumbers cultured in crevices for 21 days showed significantly longer adhesion time and tentacles activity time after air exposure and mechanical perturbation. Righting time of sea cucumbers cultured in crevices was significantly less than that in the control group after air exposure. In conclusion, the present study clarifies that crevice is beneficial to fitness-related behaviors of small A. japonicus. We consequently encourage aqua-farmers to increase the number of crevices in both pond culture and seed production, which is conducive to improve the feeding, defecation, adhesion, and righting behaviors of sea cucumbers.

Clinical features and quality of life of patients with idiopathic megacolon

PATIENTS AND METHODS: the retrospective study of clinical features and diagnostic tests results included 81 patients with idiopathic megacolon/megarectum (2004–2022). The diagnosis of megacolon/megarectum was confirmed with a barium enema, Hirschsprung’s disease was excluded based on anorectal manometry and (if needed) rectal Swenson biopsy. The QoL was assessed by IBSQOL questionnaire; clinical symptoms were assessed with a point scale.RESULTS: the quality of life in patients with idiopathic megacolon has most affected energy (emotional and physical) and physical role (work/main activity). In univariate analysis the significant correlation was revealed between QoL and age, sex, rate of defecation without assistance, rate of integral parameters “abdominal discomfort” and “defecation difficulties”, duration of anamnesis, Wexner constipation scale rate and gut transit time (p &lt; 0,05). In the same time, the presence or absence of constipation or anal incontinence (leakage), colon and rectum sizes (based on barium enema), parameters of defecografy and rectal compliance test have not correlated with a QoL. No significant difference of QoL in patients added to conservative treatment and operated after. Due to multivariate analysis (multiple linear regression) the age and rate of “abdominal discomfort” and “defecation difficulties” were only independent factors affected quality of life.CONCLUSION: in terms of quality of life, idiopathic megacolon has the greatest impact on general tone and ability to perform basic professional activities. Independent factors that statistically significantly affect the assessment of quality of life are the age of patients and the severity of symptoms of abdominal discomfort and defecation disorders.