Different Parts Of Gastrointestinal Tract Research Articles

INCIDENCE OF GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITES OF CATFISH (Clarias gariepinus) FROM RIVER NASARAWA, NIGERIA

Parasites attack fish causing destruction of skin and gill epithelium and injury to tissues or organs in the process of burrowing or consuming food. The gastrointestinal parasites of Clarias gariepinu (Catfish) from River Nasarawa were investigated in this study. Two hundred (200) samples of Clarias gariepinus of different sizes and sexes were obtained fresh and brought to Zoology laboratory, Nasarawa State University, Keffi for intestinal parasites examination. The fish were dissected through the abdomen by making a longitudinal slit on the ventral surface from the point of pectoral fins to the anus using a blade. The gastrointestinal tract was sectioned into oesophagus, stomach and intestine. The contents of various parts of the gastrointestinal tract were examined for parasites using floatation and sedimentation methods. Sixty (60) out of 200, that is 30% fish samples examined were found to be infected with parasites. A total of 74 parasites were isolated from different parts of gastrointestinal tract belonging to five (5) species. 3(3.33%) parasites of Proamallanus spp were isolated from oesophagus, 45(60.00%) parasites of Hexamita spp, 10(13.33%) parasites of Protoopalina spp and 12(18.34%) parasites of Microsporidian spp were isolated from stomach while 4(5.00%) parasites of D. latum were isolated from the intestine. Parasitic infection presents a potential threat to the health of fish and as a result of this, an understanding of the intestinal parasites of fish in the wild is important in order to find ways of avoiding mortality and disease.

Mechanisms of regulation of motility of the gastrointestinal tract and the hepatobiliary system under the chronic action of nanocolloids

Modern cutting edge technologies of chemical synthesis enable the production of unique nanostructures with excess energy and high reactivity. Uncontrolled use of such materials in the food industry and pharmacology entail a risk for the development of a nanotoxicity crisis. Using the methods of tensometry, mechanokinetic analysis, biochemical methods, and bioinformatics, the current study showed that chronic (for six months) intragastrical burdening of rats with aqueous nanocolloids (AN) ZnO and TiO2 caused violations of the pacemaker-dependent mechanisms of regulation of spontaneous and neurotransmitter-induced contractions of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) smooth muscles (SMs), and transformed the contraction efficiency indices (AU, in Alexandria units). Under the same conditions, the fundamental principle of distribution of physiologically relevant differences in the numeric values of the mechanokinetic parameters of spontaneous SM contractions between different parts of GIT is violated, which can potentially cause its pathological changes. Using molecular docking, typical bonds in the interfaces of the interaction of these nanomaterials with myosin II, a component of the contractile apparatus of smooth muscle cells (SMC) were investigated. In this connection, the study addressed the question of possible competitive relations between ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles and actin molecules for binding sites on the myosin II actin-interaction interface. In addition, using biochemical methods, it was shown that chronic long-term exposure to nanocolloids causes changes in the primary active ion transport systems of cell plasma membranes, the activity of marker liver enzymes and disrupts the blood plasma lipid profile, which indicates the hepatotoxic effect of these nanocolloids.

Intestinal aldosterone synthase activity and aldosterone synthesis in mouse.

Aldosterone is the most important mineralocorticoid hormone regulating water and electrolyte absorption in the distal convoluted tubule of the kidney. Recently, we detected the presence of the whole chain of aldosterone production from the precursor corticosterone, transcription factor liver receptor homologue-1 (LRH-1), the aldosterone synthase enzyme protein (CYP11B2) as well as the gene to the final product aldosterone in murine large intestine. Here, we decided to correlate the amount of this synthase protein with its enzymatic activity in different parts of gastrointestinal tract and also with the aldosterone concentration in the respective tissue. Considering the physiological behavior of the animals in light and dark environment, we measured these variables at four time points - two in the light, the others during darkness. In vitro activity of CYP11B2 was measured as the amount of aldosterone formed from the precursor deoxycorticosterone using enzyme preparations from homogenized intestinal sections. CYP11B2 enzyme activity was higher in the large than in the small intestine. In ileum and colon, the CYP11B2 activity increased in the dark time. The highest aldosterone concentration was detected in the dark in the large intestine. In summary, enzyme activity of CYP11B2 was present in all parts of intestine; the large intestine formed more aldosterone during the darkness. No difference was seen in any of the variables between the early and late light hours.

Multiple gastrointestinal magnetic foreign bodies in children

Objective: To introduce the analysis of the clinical picture, treatment strategy and complications among children having multiple foreign magnetic bodies (FB).Methods: Retrospective analysis of the treatment of 796 children from 2013 to September 2021 having stomach and intestine FB. Comprehensive study included plan radiography of the abdomen, fiberoptic gastroduodenoscopy, etc.Results: Magnets were detected in 33 (4.15%) out of 796 cases. 9 patients swallowed multiple foreign magnetic bodies (FB) within time interval. The parts fixed in different parts of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and required surgical removal. All patients had multiple perforations of different GIT parts. It required suturing gut wall, bowel resection applying gastrointestinal anasto mosis and celiogrhaphy, resection applying anastomosis and by leaving the programmed laparostomy. Every patient recovered. Algorithm of supervision of children having FB GIT.Conclusions: Multiple foreign magnetic bodies of GIT among children in the current moment are the most dangerous foreign objects accompanied with big amount of complications. They are observed among children of any age and gender and require complicated and long surgical interventions. Multiple foreign magnetic bodies of GIT can be suspected in case of severe surgical pathology along with the lack of passage of radiopaque FB in GIT. Urgent surgical intervention is required in case of detecting it.

Anastomosis of gallbladder with different parts of gastrointestinal tract. Gatewood, Poppens (Surg. Gyn. and Obst., 1922)

The authors performed 42 gallbladder anastomoses in dogs, 20 to the stomach, 17 to the duolenum, and 5 to the colon.

CHANGES IN SMALL INTESTINE MICROFLORA IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION

Among urgent surgical diseases of abdominal cavity, an acute intestinal obstruction is the most difficult to be diagnosed and treated. Leading factor, determining the development of pathophysiological processes is considered to be the progressive manifestations of enteric insufficiency syndrome, resulting in intestinal barrier impairment, negative changes in ecology of intestinal flora, increased endotoxins. To identify the small intestine microflora in acute intestinal obstruction and determine the role of dysbiotic disorders in clinical manifestations of main pathological process, a study was conducted in 60 patients with mechanical intestinal obstruction. The small intestine has a relatively rare microflora, consisting mainly of gram−positive facultative aerobic microorganisms, streptococci, lactobacilli. The distal ileum in nearly 30−55 % of healthy people contains scanty microflora, and yet the flora of this area differs from the microbial population of the higher gastrointestinal tract due to higher concentration of gram−negative bacteria. Optional−anaerobic coliform bacilli, anaerobic bifidobacteria and fusobacteria, bacteroids, the number of which starts exceeding the one of gram−positive species, are presented in significant quantities. Distal to the ileocecal valve there are significant changes in the microflora quantitative and species composition. Obligatory anaerobic bacteria become the predominant part of microflora, exceeding the number of aerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria. The bacterial flora in different parts of gastrointestinal tract has its own specifics and is quite constant, as a result of the interaction of many factors, regulating the bacterial population in small intestine. The most important among them are: acidity of gastric juice, normal peristaltic activity of the intestine, bacterial interactions and immune mechanisms. Disorders of the intestine motor and evacuation function with its obstruction lead to slow passage of the chyme and contamination of the upper gastrointestinal tract with new types of microbes. There is a syndrome of small intestine excessive colonization, which means an increased concentration of bacterial populations in it, similar in species composition to the colon microflora. Pathological intra−intestinal contents become a source of endogenous infection and re−infection of the patient, leads to internal digestive disorders, which is manifested by syndrome of malabsorption of proteins, carbohydrates and vitamins. Key words: acute intestinal obstruction, small intestinal microflora, conditionally pathogenic microorganisms, intestinal biocenosis.

Potential Vaccines for Treating Crohn's Disease

CD is an inflammatory disease of the GIT and can affect several parts of the digestive system. There is a relationship between impaired mucosal barrier in the GIT of IBD patients and the role of bacteria such as MAP in CD. Apart from different therapeutic approaches for treating CD, development of a vaccine is a novel modality. In the present article, most available therapeutic opportunities in the last decade, especially the possibility of vaccines against CD, are reviewed. According to the search, availability of a new generation of vaccines against CD is expected specially tolerogenic ex vivo-derived DC-based vaccines. Regarding different locations of the challenge and the variety of clinical manifests of CD and also the type of resident antigen-presenting cells and their traffic in different parts of GIT, the results of immunotherapy with DC-based vaccines may vary case by case.

Adrenaline induced disruption of endogenous melatoninergic system, antioxidant and inflammatory responses in the gastrointestinal tissues of male Wistar rat: an in vitro study

The current study aimed to demonstrate the potentially adverse effects of adrenaline, an endogenous stressor, on the melatonergic system, oxidative status, antioxidative responses and inflammatory markers in different parts of gastrointestinal tract of Wistar rat. These included stomach, duodenum and colon and they were incubated with different concentrations (2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 µg/mL) of adrenaline for 1h, respectively. The levels of melatonin, gene expressions of arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) and melatonin receptor 1 (MT1) as well as other stress-induced parameters including NF-kB expression, levels of cAMP, calcium, malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl content, reduced glutathione, nitrate, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S-transferase, tumour necrosis factor-α, IL-1β, IL6 and IL10 were systemically measured in these tissues. An adrenaline dose-dependent decrease in level of melatonin, AANAT, MT1 and NF-kB in these tissues were observed. In contrast, the profound increases in the levels of cAMP, calcium and all oxidative stress markers, inflammatory cytokines (except IL10), and activities of antioxidant enzymes (except superoxide dismutase) were observed after adrenaline treatment. A maximum effect was found in tissues treated with 5 µg/mL of adrenaline. The Correlation studies between melatonin level and other parameters (any two at a time) indicated a potentially physiological interplay between adrenaline stress and melatonin tissue levels. Collectively, the results provided the novel data on the adverse effects of adrenaline on the endogenous melatonergic system, antioxidant and inflammatory responses in the gastrointestinal tissues of rats.

Influence of gastrointestinal tract on metabolism of bisphenol A as determined by in vitro simulated system

Oral exposure is a major route of human bisphenol A (BPA) exposure. However, influence of gastrointestinal tract on BPA metabolism is unavailable. In this study, in vitro simulator of the human intestinal microbial ecosystem (SHIME) was applied to investigate the changes in bioaccessibility and metabolism of BPA in different parts of gastrointestinal tract (stomach, small intestine and colon). Then the human hepatoma cell line HepG2 was employed to compare toxic effects of BPA itself and effluents of SHIME system on hepatic gene expression profiles. Results showed that level of bioaccessible BPA decreased with the process of gastrointestinal digestion. But the gastrointestinal digestion could not completely degrade BPA. Then, BPA exposure significantly changed microbial community in colons and increased the percentage of microbes shared in ascending, transverse and descending colons. Abundances of BPA-degradable bacteria, such as Microbacterium and Alcaligenes, were up-regulated. Further, SHIME effluents significantly up-regulated expressions of genes related to estrogenic effect and oxidative stress compared to BPA itself, but reduced or had little change on the risk of cell apoptosis and fatty deposits. This study sheds new lights on influence of gastrointestinal digestion on bioaccessibility and toxic effects of BPA.

DIAGNOSIS AND SURGICAL TREATMENT OF NEUROENDOCRINE TUMORS OF THE PANCREAS AND GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT

Aim. To identify the major clinical manifestations and assess current capabilities of laboratory and instrumental dignostic methods for neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas and gastrointestinal to justify the choice of surgical treatment. Materials and Methods. Results of treatment of 202 patients with neuroendocrine tumors are presented. There were 124 patients with pancreatic tumors and 78 patients with tumors of various parts of gastrointestinal tract. Diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumors included laboratory confirmation of clinical neuroendocrine syndrome and topical diagnosis. Surgical treatment was applied in 199 patients. Long-term results were studied based on regression of clinical and laboratory manifestations of neuroendocrine pathology and 5-year survival. Results. Clinical manifestations of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors are nonspecific in 90% of patients that extends the terms of diagnosis. The sensitivity of laboratory methods for diagnosis of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors was 96%, for gstrointestinal tract – 92%. The most accessible methods of topical diagnosis of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors are CT and endoscopic ultrasound with sensitivity 75% and 91%, respectively. It is advisable to complement diagnosis by intraoperative sonography. Sensitivity of endoscopic methods of investigation (fibrogastroduodenoscopy, fibrocolonoscopy) in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors is 96.2%. PET with 18-fluorodeoxyglucose is an optional method of detecting the tumoral process generalization. Surgical treatment eliminated the symptoms of neuroendocrine syndrome and provided overall 5-year survival of 69.3 ± 4.7% in radically operated patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and 63.0 ± 5.2% in patients with gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors. Conclusion. Laboratory and instrumental methods confirm clinical neuroendocrine syndrome and localized tumors in pancreas and different parts of gastrointestinal tract. Surgical treatment can eliminate symptoms of neuroendocrine syndrome, improve 5-year survival and quality of life.

Opium Consumption and the Incidence of Cancer: Does Opium Account as an Emerging Risk Factor for Gastrointestinal Cancer?

Some epidemiological studies have shown an association between opium consumption and the incidence of gastrointestinal (GI) cancer. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of opium on the initiation of GI cancer in rats. Forty-five rats were randomly divided into three groups; each received different treatment for 40weeks. The rats in group 1 received purified water, while animals in group 2 were treated with 5mg/kg diethylnitrosamine (DEN) orally for 8weeks and continued with purified water by the end of the experiment. The third experimental group received 300mg/kg opium for 16weeks and then continued with 50mg/kg phenobarbital by the end of the 40th week. The growth of tumors in the treated groups was assessed by histological changes and the up/down expression of p53, cdkn1, cdk2, e-cdh, and n-cdh genes in different parts of GI tract. Histological examinations revealed that DEN was able to induce the growth of tumor in GI tract as shown by active mitotic figure in different regions of GI system and hyperplasia of hepatocytes associated with infiltration of inflammatory cells, intestinal villous hypertrophy, and colorectal adenoma. There was also significant (p < 0.05) overexpression of p53, cdk2, and n-Cdh genes in different parts of digestive system in DEN-treated group. However, these pathological changes and the degradation of gene expression were not observed in the opium-treated group. The results of this study suggest that the opium does not promote the initiation of cancer in GI tract.

MODERN PECULIARITIES OF PEDIATRIC CHRONIC GASTRODUODENITIS COURSE

Aim. To study the modern clinicolaboratory peculiarities of chronic gastroduodenitis course in children. Materials and methods. Fifty five children aged 5-15 years with chronic gastroduodenitis were under observation. Complex clinicolaboratory study including biochemical blood analysis, ultrasonic investigation of abdominal cavity organs, pH-metry, fibrogastroduodenoscopy was carried out. Results. Chronic gastroduodenitis among the observed children was often associated with biliary dysfunction (80 %) and reactive changes in the pancreatic gland (72,7 %). Clinical picture of chronic gastroduodenitis was characterized by the predominance of abdominalgias (100 %), presence of dyspeptic syndrome in the form of nausea (78,2 %), eructation (76,4 %), appetite disorders (60,0 %). Children aged 5-9 years, more often had diarrhea ( p = 0,028) and periumbilical localization of abdominalgias ( p = 0,03), but in adolescents there was more often observed heartburn ( p = 0,047) and apigastral localization of abdominalgias ( p = 0,037). Elevated acid-forming gastric function was stated in 58,2 % of cases. Helicobacter pylori was revealed in 34,5 % of children. More frequently superficial gastroduodenitis (85,5 %) was diagnosed. Pangastritis was registered in 96,4 % of children, panduodenitis - in 98,2 %. Conclusions. Chronic gastroduodenitis extremely seldom occurs in the form of isolated disease. The whole gastrointestinal tract with manifestation of biliary dysfunctions, pancreatic reactive changes, digestive motor disorders is involved into the pathological process. Early diagnosis of this disease, followed by prophylactic measures to prevent the development of associated pathology of different parts of gastrointestinal tract is required.

Extramucosal single layer interrupted intestinal anastomosis - a better alternative

Objectives: To evaluate the technique of extra mucosal interrupted single layer intestinal anastomosis in different diseases where anastomosis is needed in different parts of gastrointestinal tract both in elective and emergency situations. Design: Prospective study. Place and Duration of Study: Surgical Unit 1 Jinnah Hospital Lahore, over a period of 2`/2 years from December 2000 to June 2003. Material and Methods: In this study 123 anastomosis were performed in 100 patients. All these patients were operated upon by the senior surgeons in the emergency/elective operating rooms. Single layer interrupted extramucosal anastomosis with vicryl 2/0 or 3/0 was done in all cases. Results: Overall anastomotic leak was just 0.81%. Wound infection was observed in 6%, without any increase in morbidity and zero percent mortality. Conclusion: Extramucosal single layer interrupted intestinal anastomosis is the safest technique both for the small and large bowel, with minimal possible complications.

Spatial dynamics of the bacterial community structure in the gastrointestinal tract of red kangaroo (Macropus rufus).

The quantification and community of bacteria in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract (stomach, jejunum, ileum, cecum, colon and rectum) of red kangaroos (Macropus rufus) were examined by using real-time PCR and paired-end Illumina sequencing. The quantification of bacteria showed that the number of bacteria in jejunum and rectum was significantly lower than that in colon and cecum (P<0.05). A total of 1,872,590 sequences was remained after quality-filtering and 50,948 OTUs were identified at the 97% similarity level. The dominant phyla in the GI tract of red kangaroos were identified as Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. At the level of genus, the samples from different parts of GI tract clustered into three groups: stomach, small intestine (jejunum and ileum) and large intestine (cecum and rectum). Prevotella (29.81%) was the most dominant genus in the stomach and significantly (P<0.05) higher than that in other parts of GI tract. In the small intestine, Bifidobacterium (33.04, 12.14%) and Streptococcus (22.90, 19.16%) were dominant genera. Unclassified Ruminococcaceae was the most dominant family in large intestine and the total relative abundance of unclassified bacteria was above 50%. In identified genera, Dorea was the most important variable to discriminate large intestine and it was significantly higher in cecum than in stomach, small intestine and colon (P<0.05). Bifidobacterium (21.89%) was the only dominant genus in colon. Future work on culture in vitro and genome sequencing of those unidentified bacteria might give us insight into the function of these microorganisms in the GI tract. In addition, the comparison of the bacterial community in the foregut of kangaroos and other herbivores and the rumen might give us insight into the mechanism of fiber degradation and help us exploit approaches to improve the feed efficiency and subsequently, reduce the methane emission from herbivores.

Impacts of dietary calcium, phytate, and nonphytate phosphorus concentrations in the presence or absence of phytase on inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6) degradation in different segments of broilers digestive tract

A total of 1,440 straight-run Heritage 56M × fast-feathering Cobb 500F broiler birds were fed from 11 to 13 d of age to determine the impacts of calcium (Ca), phytate phosphorus (PP), nonphytate P (nPP) and phytase concentrations on the myo-inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6) flow through the different parts of gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The experiment was a 2×2×2×3 randomized block design with 2 Ca (0.7 and 1.0%), 2 PP (0.23 and 0.34%), 2 nPP (0.28 and 0.45%) and 3 phytase (0-, 500-, and 1,000-phytase unit (FTU)/kg) concentrations. The experiment was replicated twice (block) with 3 replicates per treatment (Trt) of 10 birds per block. Concentration of IP6 in crop, proventriculus (Prov) plus (+) gizzard (Giz) and distal ileum digesta as well as the ileal IP6 disappearance was determined at 13 d of age. In crop, higher IP6 concentration was seen with increased Ca (P < 0.05). Despite the interaction between PP and phytase, higher dietary PP led to greater IP6 concentration (P < 0.05). Similar main effects of PP and phytase were also seen in Prov+Giz and ileum (P < 0.05) without interactions. Interaction between Ca and nPP on IP6 concentration was seen in Prov+Giz (P < 0.05). Decreased ileal IP6 disappearance was found at higher Ca (62.3% at 0.7% Ca vs. 57.5% at 1.0% Ca; P < 0.05). In general, adding phytase improved IP6 degradation but the degree of impact was dependent on nPP and PP (P < 0.05). In conclusion, phytase inclusion significantly reduced IP6 concentration and IP6 disappearance in distal ileum regardless of GIT segments or diet composition, but impacts of dietary Ca, nPP, and PP differed depending on GIT segment examined.

Effect of Feed Restriction on Carcass Yield Characteristics and Economic Advantages of Rhode Island Red Pullets

Carcass yield characteristics and economic advantage of skip-a-day feed restriction method at different growth stages of Rhode Island Red chicken was evaluated. Two-hundred forty day-old chicks with average body weight of 48.92±1.5 g were randomly distributed into 12 pens each with 20 chicks, representing four feeding regimen of T1 (Unrestricted, Control), T2 (Restricted at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of age), T3 (Restricted at 35, 42, 49 and 56 days of age) and T4 (Restricted at 63, 70, 77 and 84 days of age). Feed restriction was based on skipping a-day once in a week and the next day's feed offer was based on the previous day's feed intake. The experiment lasted for 22 weeks, during which feed intake and body weight changes were monitored. At the end of the experimental period, six pullets from each treatment were randomly selected and slaughtered to evaluate carcass yield, abdominal fat and weights and lengths of different parts of gastrointestinal tract. The daily DM, CP and ME intake as well as body weight changes at different ages were non-significant (P>0.05) for birds in different treatment groups. The DM efficiency ratio also did not significantly varied (P>0.05). In contrast, the total DM intake (g) was signifi- cantly different (P 0.05) affected except liver weight which was higher (P<0.05) for T3. Cost of feed consumed per kg live weight gain was lower for the feed restricted birds compared to the control and it was the least for T4. Besides, the labor cost was lower for the feed restricted groups than the unrestricted group. It is concluded that feed restriction at later days of age (T4) is economically beneficial compared to the other early age restricted groups based on partial budget analysis. The results of this study suggested that the feed restriction at T3 might be considered as beneficial in terms of carcass cut characteristics and T4 on economic return.

PCR-based diagnosis of Helicobacter species in the gastric and oral samples of stray dogs

Helicobacter spp. have been detected in different parts of gastrointestinal tract of dogs including the oral cavity, stomach, intestines and recently, hepatobilliary system. However, the transmission pathways of Helicobacter spp. have not been yet fully elucidated. Research in the last decade has proposed that oral–oral and fecal–oral transmissions, among others, may be a plausible route of this gastric infection. This study was carried out primarily to determine the existence of pylori and non-pylori Helicobacter spp. in the oral secretions and dental plaque of stray dogs of Iran as one of the possible routes of humans and animal infection and, secondly, to evaluate the accordance between oral and gastric colonization of Helicobacter spp. in these dogs. Forty-eight adult stray dogs were studied by PCR using 16S rRNA, Helicobacter felis, Helicobacter heilmannii, and Helicobacter pylori specific primers. Positive samples for 16S rRNA specific primers that did not meet the specified species of Helicobacter genus were randomly subjected to sequencing. Helicobacter spp. DNA was found in the oral and gastric specimens of 100 % of the stray dogs. There was not, however, any agreement between Helicobacter colonization at these two locations, at neither genus nor species level. Our study confirmed that the oral cavity of stray dogs routinely exposed to transient forms of bacteria and may temporarily harbor Helicobacter spp and Wolinella spp. Therefore, oral cavity as a source of Helicobacter spp. may act as a reservoir for transmission. However, it may not necessarily reflect the colonization status of the gastric mucosa.

Histopathologic features of ulcerative colitis and Crohn＇s disease

Objective To retrospectively study histopathologic features of ulcerous colitis （UC） and Crotm＇s disease （CD） by endoscopic biopsy. Methods Data of age, gender and intestinal involvement of 106 cases of CD and 180 cases of UC confirmed by pathology were reviewed. Mucosal architecture, chronic inflammation, acute inflammation and epithelial features were evaluated based on histopathological criteria. These features were compared between the two groups. Results Compared with CD cases, UC showed significantly higher percentage of architectural disorders （ P 〈 0. 05 ）, lower percentage of discontinuous chronic inflammation （ P 〈 0. 05） and higher incidenee of cryptitis, crypt abscesses and polymorph cells in lamina propria （P 〈 0. 05 ）, and higher rate of epithelium damage, flattened and less mucous cell as well. Granuloma, pseudo pylorus glands metaplasia and narrow ulcer only occurred in CD cases. Lesions of 90% （162/180） cases of UC werc limited to colon, while those of 28% （30/106） of CD cases to ileoceeum, and those of 56% （59/106） CD cases involved different parts of gastrointestinal tract. Conclusion Diagnosis of CD and UC needs comprehensive analysis. Diagnostic evidence for CD includes focal involvement of ileocecure, the multifoeai involvement in gastrointestinal tract, granuloma, discontinuous inflammation, pylorie gland metaplasia, while that for UC includes mocosal damage limited to colon, continuous chronic inflammation, arehiteetural disorders, or epithelial damage. Key words: Colitis, ulcerative; Crohn＇s disease; Histopathologic diagnosis; Endoscopic biopsy

Effects of different levels of dried sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) leaves inclusion in finisher ration on feed intake, growth, and carcass yield performance of Ross broiler chicks

The effect of supplementation with increasing levels of dried leaves of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) on feed intake, body weight gain, and carcass yield characteristics of finisher Ross broiler chicks was studied at Haramaya University, Ethiopia. Three hundred Ross broiler chicks aging 29 days and weighing 540 +/- 5.28 g (mean +/- SD) were randomly distributed to 15 pens, each with 20 chicks, representing five treatment rations each with three replications. Dietary treatments consisted of inclusions of dried leaves of sweet potato at levels of 0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 g/kg DM for treatments T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5, respectively. The experiment lasted for 28 days, during which, dry matter intake (DMI), body weight gain, and feed conversion efficiency; carcass yield characteristics; and weights and lengths of different parts of gastrointestinal tract were measured. Data were subjected to statistical analysis using SAS (1998). Inclusion of dried leaves of sweet potato at the level of 200 g/kg DM resulted in lower (P < 0.01) daily DMI as compared to chicks in control diet (T1). The daily body weight gain declined (P < 0.01) when the level of dried leaves of sweet potato in the diet was 150 and 200 g/kg DM. Inclusion of dried leaves of sweet potato up to 100 g/kg DM did not affect (P > 0.05) eviscerated carcass weight, and weights of drumstick with thigh and breast meat were not affected (P > 0.05) by inclusion of dried leaves of sweet potato up to 150 g/kg DM. The results of this study revealed that inclusion of dried leaves of sweet potato up to 100 g/kg DM in the finisher ration might be considered as the optimum level of supplementation when chickens are sold on live weight basis, but if birds are sold on eviscerated carcass weight basis, inclusion up to 150 g/kg DM might be economically feasible as it produced higher carcass yield components.

Synthesis and evaluation of the 5-fluorouracil-pectin conjugate targeted at the colon

This paper describes the first covalent synthesis of a 5-fluorouracil-pectin (FU-PT) conjugate. This conjugate with the potential for colon-targeted delivery has been evaluated. A sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was established for the determination of concentration of 5-FU-1-acetic acid in the gastrointestinal contents and plasma of rats. This method was also used to evaluate the colon-targeting properties of 5-FU-PT. 5-FU-PT was given to rats by oral administration at a dosage of 22.5 mg kg−1. The different parts of gastrointestinal tract and plasma were taken after 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h of oral administration of 5-FU-PT to rats, and the concentration of 5-FU-1-acetic acid in gastrointestinal contents and plasma was measured by HPLC. 5-FU-1-acetic acid released from 5-FU-PT was mainly distributed in the cecum and colon. Therefore, the present results suggest that the 5-FU-PT conjugate has a good colon-targeting property.