Digestive Organs Research Articles

Second primary cancers in patients with a pharyngeal index tumour: a register-based cohort study

Abstract Background While prior research on the SPC (second primary cancer) risk among pharyngeal carcinoma (PC) patients has been conducted in other regions, the European perspective is underrepresented. Our register-based cohort study aims to assess the subsite-specific risk of SPC among individuals initially diagnosed with a pharyngeal index tumour. Methods Standardized incidence ratios (SIR) of SPC were calculated relative to the general population for all patients diagnosed with a primary oropharyngeal, nasopharyngeal, and hypopharyngeal carcinoma (OPC, NPC, and HPC) in Finland during 1953–2021. Results A total of 4701 PC patients – 3320 men (71%) and 1381 women (29%) – were identified. The average and median follow-up times were 5.7 and 2.8 years, respectively. A SPC was diagnosed in 561 patients (11.9%): in 12.3% of men (n = 410) and 10.9% of women (n = 151). For male PC patients, the overall SIR for an SPC at any primary site was 1.83 (95% CI: 1.65–2.01). For female patients, the corresponding SIR was 1.89 (95% CI: 1.60–2.22). OPC and HPC showed increased risks for SPCs of the mouth/pharynx (SIR 4.41 and 6.91, respectively) and respiratory organs (SIR 3.51 and 4.80). OPC patients also had an increased risk in digestive organs (SIR 1.83). Male NPC patients exhibited increased risks for oral/pharyngeal, brain, and haematolymphoid SPCs (SIRs 5.14, 6.60, and 3.05, respectively). Conclusion PC patients face an 80% higher SPC risk, which persists decades after treatment. Healthcare professionals must be aware of this, providing counselling and encouraging a healthy lifestyle, including smoking cessation, while monitoring symptoms.

Ontogenetic and evolutionary trends on cephalopod digestive systems

AbstractMeropelagic octopuses hatch as planktonic paralarvae, being the subject of progressive morphological and behavioural changes ending with settlement on the seafloor as juveniles. The comparative morphological study of digestive systems can help to understand the adaptation to particular niches during this challenging plankton-benthos transition. Here, the morphometric development of the digestive system of the common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) is described through 3D microscopy techniques over the first two months of life. This morphological development is compared with those of adults and the holobenthic cuttlefish Sepia officinalis, as well as with the holopelagic squids Loligo vulgaris and Illex coindetii. Based on present and published results, we suggest four stages for the early development of O. vulgaris: (1) post embryonic, (2) early paralarval, (3) advanced paralarval and (4) early juvenile. The digestive system development was variable over time, with faster growth during the first days of planktonic life and after settlement. All the paralarvae-bearing species showed very proportionally enlarged posterior salivary glands at hatching compared both to more developed conspecifics and to the cuttlefish hatchling. This could reflect a potential common feeding mechanism through external digestion and probably a compensatory mechanism for an early digestive gland underperformance. The proportionally smallest digestive system has been found in L. vulgaris, mainly because of their remarkably smaller digestive glands. All species showed major changes in digestive organs between hatchlings and developed phases, indicating how different ecological contexts over ontogeny are reflected in their digestive structures. Graphical abstract

Clinical aspects of pathology of the upper gastrointestinal tract in military personnel of the North Caucasian District of the Russian Guard, participating in combat operations

BACKGROUND: The use of modern technology and weapons forces us to reconsider classical approaches to the prevalence and understanding of the specifics of the existing pathology of participants in hostilities and providing them with medical care. AIM: To study the prevalence of pathology of the upper gastrointestinal tract in servicemen of the North Caucasian District of the Russian Guard, participating in hostilities, and their clinical features. DESIGN OF THE STUDY: 118 participants in combat operations were examined, all men aged 21 to 65 years, 48 officers and 70 military personnel of the contract service with a background mild surgical and therapeutic pathology and a burdened gastroenterological history. Statistical processing of the results was carried out using the variable frequency method in the MedCalc Statistical Software version 22.009 (MedCalc Software Ltd, Ostend, Belgium; https://www.medcalc.org; 2023). RESULTS: In patients participating in combat operations (at р 0.0001), acute and chronic erosive and ulcerative destructive damage to the mucous membrane in the gastrointestinal tract prevails (61%), chronic superficial gastritis occurs in 19%, GERD in 15% and functional dyspepsia in 5%. Among officers, acute gastric erosions, combined erosive-ulcerative pathology and chronic gastritis were more common; among contract military personnel, chronic duodenal ulcers, the erosive form of GERD, chronic gastritis and combined pathologies predominated. CONCLUSION: Participants in combat operations are susceptible to erosive and ulcerative lesions in the gastrointestinal tract and require close attention with an emphasis on a group of officers, as well as the creation of modern clinical and diagnostic programs for the early detection of diseases of the upper parts of the digestive organs to prevent delayed complications.

Characterization of the regulatory network and pathways in duodenum affecting chicken abdominal fat deposition

The excessive accumulation of abdominal fat in chickens has resulted in a reduction in both the feed conversion efficiency and the slaughter yield. To elucidate the regulatory mechanisms and metabolic pathways affecting abdominal fat deposition in the context of broiler breeding, a cohort of 400 Qingyuan partridge chickens with varying abdominal fat deposition was established. Whole transcriptome sequencing analyses were conducted on the duodenum of 20 representative chickens to ascertain the regulatory networks at this vital digestive and absorptive organ. Consequently, 116 differentially expressed genes were identified, exhibiting a trend of increasing or decreasing expression in correlation with the accumulation of abdominal fat. A total of 36 DEmRNAs, 170 DElncRNAs, 92 DEcircRNAs and 88 DEmiRNAs were identified as differentially expressed between chickens with extremely high and low abdominal fat deposition. The functional enrichment analyses demonstrated that the differentially expressed RNA in the duodenum were involved in the regulation of chicken abdominal fat deposition by mediating a series of metabolic pathways, including the Wnt signaling pathway, the PPAR signaling pathway, the Hippo signaling pathway, the FoxO signaling pathway, the MAPK signaling pathway and other signaling pathways that are involved in fatty acid metabolism and degradation. The construction of putative interaction pairs led to the suggestion of two lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA networks comprising two mRNAs, two miRNAs, and 29 lncRNAs, as well as two circRNA-lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA networks comprising 26 mRNAs, 12 miRNAs, 17 lncRNAs, and nine circRNAs, as core regulatory networks in the duodenum affecting chicken abdominal fat deposition. The aforementioned genes including TMEM150C, REXO1, PIK3C2G, ppp1cb, PARP12, SERPINE2, LRAT, CYP1A1, INSR and APOA4, were proposed as candidate genes, while the miRNAs, including miR-107-y, miR-22-y, miR-25-y, miR-2404-x and miR-16-x, as well as lncRNAs such as ENSGALT00000100291, TCONS_00063508, TCONS_00061201 and TCONS_00079402 were the candidate regulators associated with chicken abdominal fat deposition. The findings of this study provide a theoretical foundation for the molecular mechanisms of mRNAs and non-coding RNAs in duodenal tissues on abdominal fat deposition in chickens.

Radioanatomy of Salivary Glands

Salivary glands are the first organs of digestion secreting their digestive juices into the oral cavity. Parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands are the major paired salivary glands in the decreasing order of their size. In addition, multiple small minor salivary glands are noted randomly distributed in the upper aerodigestive tract, including paranasal sinuses and parapharyngeal spaces. The imaging is directed to the major salivary glands. Commonly used imaging methods include plain radiography and conventional sialography. Recently, high-resolution ultrasonography (HRUS) is being increasingly used for targeted salivary gland imaging. However, the advent of cross-sectional imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have revolutionized the imaging of salivary glands. This article illustrates the role of imaging in evaluating the variegated disease pattern of the major salivary glands.

Using different zebrafish models to explore liver regeneration

The liver possesses an impressive capability to regenerate following various injuries. Given its profound implications for the treatment of liver diseases, which afflict millions globally, liver regeneration stands as a pivotal area of digestive organ research. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) has emerged as an ideal model organism in regenerative medicine, attributed to their remarkable ability to regenerate tissues and organs, including the liver. Many fantastic studies have been performed to explore the process of liver regeneration using zebrafish, especially the extreme hepatocyte injury model. Biliary-mediated liver regeneration was first discovered in the zebrafish model and then validated in mammalian models and human patients. Considering the notable expansion of biliary epithelial cells in many end-stage liver diseases, the promotion of biliary-mediated liver regeneration might be another way to treat these refractory liver diseases. To date, a comprehensive review discussing the current advancements in zebrafish liver regeneration models is lacking. Therefore, this review aims to investigate the utility of different zebrafish models in exploring liver regeneration, highlighting the genetic and cellular insights gained and discussing the potential translational impact on human health.

Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are positively correlated with phase angle in mixed cancer patients: an exploratory cross-sectional study.

The aim of this study is to verify the correlationbetween hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Ht) levels with phase angle (PhA) values in patients with cancer of the gastrointestinal tract and accessory digestive organs. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 82 patients (38 females/44 males) diagnosed with cancer of gastrointestinal tract and accessory organs of digestion. Hb (g/dL) and Ht (%) levels were assessed by the cyanomethemoglobin and microhematocrit methods, respectively. Body composition and PhA were evaluated by the bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). The cut-off point used to classify patients with low PhA was set < 4°. Fifty-five (67%) of patients had PhA ≥ 4° values. We observed that body weight, BMI, fat mass, % weight loss, Ht, and Hb were higher in the PhA ≥ 4° group than in the PhA < 4° group. In the regression analysis, we found a positive association between PhA, Ht, and Hb without and after adjustment for sex, age, BMI, and type of treatment. In mixed cancer patients, there was a positive correlation between blood-red cell markers and PhA. This may be evidence that we can use of hematological parameters to suggest changes in PhA values during oncological treatment.

Seasonal dynamics of indicators of mineral metabolism in horses in the conditions of the Leningrad region

The article analyzes the seasonal dynamics of mineral metabolism indicators in adult horses kept in private stables in the Leningrad region. As a result of the research, knowledge of the concentration and dependence of indicators on the seasonality of the year was obtained. It is important to remember that macro- and microelements are not synthesized in the body, they come from food, water, and air. The degree of their assimilation depends on the state of the respiratory and digestive organs. The most difficult period for animals is winter, when there is a decrease in the resistance of the body as a whole due to poor climatic conditions and minimizing physical activity in the fresh air. All these are predisposing factors for the imbalance of indicators at the level of the whole organism.It is established that in the autumn-winter period there is a decrease in indicators relative to the average annual digital values. Thus, there is a linear relationship between the concentration of calcium and phosphorus in blood serum – the minimum values are observed in winter and are 2.53±0.27 mmol/l and 1.76± 0.11 mmol/l, respectively. And the maximum values are typical for the autumn period and are 3.63±0.29 mmol/l for calcium and 2.33±0.12 mmol/l for phosphorus. Similar dynamics is observed in other indicators of the body's mineral metabolism. Thus, for trace elements such as copper, iron, protein-bound iodine, the minimum values were noted in the spring period. This can be explained by a decrease in the mineral components of the feed itself, as a result of long-term storage, resulting in changes in the chemical composition of vegetable feed with fat oxidation. Microelementoses and osteodystrophic processes are observed in animals. The autumn period is characterized by the highest concentrations of minerals in the blood serum of horses, on average by 8-12% compared with the average annual figures, This is explained by the fact that it was in the summer period that the greatest benefit was obtained from juicy plant substances of feed and proper exercise.This knowledge is necessary to understand the processes occurring in the body of horses at different times of the year and the possibility of correcting mineral supplements based on the data obtained

Frequency of detection of dyssynergic defecation in patients with overlap syndrome of functional disorders of the digestive organs associated with constipation

Introduction. The presence of dyssynergic defecation in a cohort of patients with overlap syndrome of functional disorders is poorly studied.Aim. To assess the motor function and sensitivity parameters of the anorectal zone, to identify dyssynergic defecation and to analyze the frequency of correlation in patients with overlap syndrome of functional gastrointestinal disorders associated with constipation.Materials and methods. A one-stage examination was conducted in four parallel groups. The study included 100 patients aged 30 to 40 years with the following diagnoses: constipation-p redominance irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) (group 1), IBS-C combined with functional dyspepsia (group 2), IBS-C combined with functional biliary disorder (group 3) and healthy volunteers (group 0). All patients underwent a balloon expulsion test and high-resolution anorectal manometry to determine the presence of dyssynergic defecation.Results. Based on the analysis of parameters according to anorectal manometry data, dyssynergic defecation was not detected in group 0, in group 1 dyssynergic defecation was detected in 8 people – 32.0% (95% CI 12.3–51.6), in group 2 – in 14 people – 56.0% (95% CI 35.0–76.9), in group 3 – in 16 people – 64.0% (95% CI 43.7–84.2). A negative evacuation test was detected in 8 (32%) patients in group 1, in 14 (56%) patients in group 2, and in 17 (68%) patients in group 3, which confirmed the presence of dyssynergic defecation.Conclusions. This study demonstrated the presence of dyssynergic defecation in three groups of subjects, more often with a combination of irritable bowel syndrome with predominant constipation with functional dyspepsia, and most often with a functional disorder of the gallbladder.

Novel human PDX1 Asn196Thr variant causes pancreas agenesis and reduces the generation of duodenal enteroendocrine cells

Abstract Introduction/Objective Pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (PDX1) is a well-studied transcription factor required for pancreas organogenesis. PDX1 mutations are associated with the development of diabetes. An 8-month-old female patient with previously uncharacterized compound heterogeneous PDX1 missense mutations (Thr151Met and Asn196Thr) was identified in this study. The patient has permanent neonatal diabetes, pancreas hypoplasia, and a malformed gallbladder. Methods/Case Report PDX1 Thr151Met and Asn196Thr variants in the patient were identified by next-generation sequencing gene panel and confirmed by Sanger sequencing. To examine how the mutations affect PDX1 functions in vitro, we expressed mouse Pdx1 Thr152Met and Asn197Thr, homologous to human PDX1 Thr151Met and Asn196Thr, respectively, in mouse insulinoma MIN6 cells and human embryonic kidney 293T cells and examined protein localization, protein stability, DNA binding, and protein-protein interaction. We also generated embryonic day 18 mouse embryos carrying Pdx1 Asn197Thr missense mutation using CRISPR/Cas9 to examine its roles in the development of the pancreas and other digestive organs in vivo. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) We found that the Pdx1 Asn197Thr variant, but not Thr152Met, altered its nuclear localization and disrupted PDX1-Onecut 1 interaction. Neither variant significantly affected PDX1 protein stability, but both reduced PDX1 binding to the Pdx1 gene promoter. Importantly, we found that the Pdx1 Asn197Thr variant caused pancreas agenesis and a reduction in the generation of enteroendocrine cells in the proximal duodenum in mouse models. Conclusion Our data indicated that the PDX1 Asn196Thr variant impairs its DNA binding and protein-protein interaction, causing pancreas agenesis and a reduction in the generation of duodenal enteroendocrine cells.

Identification and Characterization of a Novel Insulin-like Receptor (LvRTK2) Involved in Regulating Growth and Glucose Metabolism of the Pacific White Shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei.

The insulin receptor (IR) plays a crucial role in the growth and metabolism of animals. However, there are still many questions regarding the IR in crustaceans, particularly their role in shrimp growth and glucose metabolism. In this study, we identified a novel insulin-like receptor gene in Litopenaeus vannamei and cloned its full length of 6439 bp. This gene exhibited a highly conserved sequence and structural characteristics. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed it as an unreported RTK2-type IR, namely, LvRTK2. Expression pattern analysis showed that LvRTK2 is primarily expressed in female reproductive and digestive organs. Through a series of in vivo and in vitro experiments, including glucose treatment, exogenous insulin treatment, and starvation treatment, LvRTK2 was confirmed to be involved in the endogenous glucose metabolic pathway of shrimp under different glucose variations. Moreover, long-term and short-term interference experiments with LvRTK2 revealed that the interference significantly reduced the shrimp growth rate and serum glucose clearance rate. Further studies indicated that LvRTK2 may regulate shrimp growth by modulating the downstream PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and a series of glucose metabolism events, such as glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, glycogen synthesis, and glycogenolysis. This report on the characteristics and functions of LvRTK2 confirms the important role of RTK2-type IRs in regulating shrimp growth and glucose metabolism.

GnRH Immunocastration in Male Xizang Sheep: Impacts on Rumen Microbiome and Metabolite Profiles for Enhanced Health and Productivity.

Castration is a prevalent and indispensable practice in sheep husbandry, aiding in enhancing meat quality, mitigating aggressive behavior, and managing unwanted reproduction. Nevertheless, the conventional surgical castration procedure poses several challenges, including heightened stress and pain, detrimental impacts on animal welfare, and diminished economic efficacy in farming operations. Consequently, immunocastration methods, serving as substitutes for surgical castration, are progressively finding application in livestock. The rumen, an essential and distinctive digestive and absorptive organ in ruminants, has been associated with enhanced meat quality and productive performance following castration in previous research studies, albeit fewer investigations have explored the potential impacts of GnRH immunization on the rumen's internal milieu in sheep post-de-escalation. Hence, the present study delved into evaluating the impact of GnRH immunocastration on the rumen microbiome and metabolomics in male Xizang sheep. This was achieved through the establishment of a GnRH immunocastration animal model and the collection of rumen fluid for microbiological and comprehensive metabolomics investigations. The outcomes of this investigation unveiled that the impact of GnRH immunocastration on body weight gain was more pronounced during the achievement of the castration objective. In addition, the Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidota ratio in the immune male (IM) group exceeded that of the control group (EM), suggesting that GnRH immunodeficiency may enhance the digestion and absorption of feed in male Xizang sheep. At the taxonomic level, the elevated presence of Prevotella and Quinella bacteria in the IM group compared to the EM group indicated that castration influenced a segment of the rumen microbiota in male Xizang sheep, thereby bolstering the digestive and metabolic efficacy of the rumen concerning nutrient utilization, particularly in the breakdown and absorption of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids, ultimately expediting the fattening process and weight gain in male Xizang sheep following castration. Moreover, analysis of ruminal fluid metabolomics revealed that GnRH immunization had notable impacts on certain metabolites in the ruminal fluid of male Xizang sheep, with metabolites like 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid and 3-hydroxyindole acetic acid showing significant downregulation in the IM group compared to the EM group, while niacin and tyramine exhibited significant upregulation. These findings indicate a profound influence of GnRH immunization on the maintenance of ruminal equilibrium and ruminal health (including the health of ruminal epithelial cells). This study validates that GnRH immunocastration not only achieves the objectives of castration but also enhances ruminal health in male Xizang sheep, thus laying a foundational theoretical basis for the application and dissemination of GnRH immunocastration technology.

Diagnostic issues in neuroendocrine neoplasms ofthe lung.

Bronchopulmonary neuroendocrine neoplasms (BP-NENs) account for approximately 30% of all NENs. Although BP-NENs and NENs of the gastroenteropancreatic organs (GEP-NENs) share morphological and molecular features, they differ in terms of their terminology and classification. Bronchopulmonary neuroendocrine tumors (BP-NETs) have classically been termed as carcinoid and grouped into typical (TC) and atypical carcinoid (AC) based on the presence or absence of necrosis and mitotic count. In the most recent World Health Organization (WHO) classification for NENs of endocrine organs (WHO 2022), BP-NETs-NET G1 and G2-are introduced as synonyms of TC and AC, respectively. However, the Ki-67 index, which defines the grade of NETs in digestive organs, is only discussed in the descriptive text and not included into the criteria for classification of BP-NENs. In addition, well-differentiated NENs with high mitotic counts which correspond toNET G3 in the GEP organ system are not defined. This review discusses the role of Ki-67 for aproper classification of BP-NETs/carcinoids.

Thermophile-fermented feed modulates the gut microbiota related to lactate metabolism in pigs.

Extracts of fermented feed obtained via fermentation of marine animal resources with thermophilic Bacillaceae bacteria increase the fecundity of livestock. The intestinal bacterial profiles in response to long-term administration of this extract to pigs were investigated. Half of a swine farm was supplied with potable water containing an extract of fermented feed for more than 2 years, whereas the other half was supplied with potable water without the extract. Feces from 6-month-old pigs rearing in these two areas were collected. 16S rRNA gene sequencing and isolation of lactic acid bacteria revealed an increase in the D/L-lactate-producing bacterium, Lactobacillus amylovorus, and a decrease in several members of Clostridiales following administration of fermented feed. A lactate-utilizing bacterium, Megasphaera elsdenii, was more abundant in the feces of pigs in the fermented feed group. All representative isolates of M. elsdenii showed rapid utilization of D-lactate relative to L-lactate, and butyrate and valerate were the main products. The probiotic effect of fermented feed is associated with the modulation of lactate metabolism in the digestive organs of pigs.

About the Need to Study the Effect of Soil Salinity on Diseases

The article is devoted to the issues of diseases and their development characteristic of the conditions of saline lands, which have received little attention so far. Due to deficiencies in irrigated agriculture, salinization is increasing more and more. In some countries, the share of saline land is 32% - 78% of the total used land. As a result of some studies, it was found that in areas with a lot of saline land, there is a higher incidence of diseases of the digestive organs and even cancer. In Mingbuloq District, Namangan Region of Uzbekistan, there was a high incidence of “Certain disorders related to the immune mechanism of diseases of blood and blood-forming organs (including anemia)” in adolescents under 14 years of age. Almost 2 times more was found. Judging from statistical data, it is possible to note a high level of infant mortality in many countries with saline lands. These data indicate that the study of the effects of salt-flooded lands on diseases is the most urgent problem.

Theory and practice on mesentery margin in vessel-oriented complete mesentery resection of gastric cancer

The concept of mesenteric anatomy has been evolving in cognition. With the continuous development of endoscopic techniques, the submicroscopic structures of many mesenteries have been gradually understood, ultimately confirming the ubiquitous presence of mesenteries in the digestive organs. Based on various domestic and foreign mesenteric anatomical theories and combined with years of clinical practice, we have summarized and proposed a new concept and theory-vascular-guided complete mesenteric resection for gastric cancer. The theoretical basis is that, from the perspective of the embryonic development of the digestive tract, the rotation of the digestive tract and its associated mesentery is always centered on blood vessels. Therefore, the supply vessels and digestive tracts and their associated mesentery are naturally connected. The mesentery is a complex structure that encompasses blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatic tissues. The blood vessels serve as the boundary of the mesentery, ensuring that the lymphatic network that drains the tumor is maximally resected. This article focuses on the complete mesenteric resection margins in gastric cancer surgery, that is, the lateral boundary of the mesentery as the vascular-supplied guided resection boundary and its mesentery, and the base boundary as the mesenteric bed. Using precise vascular guidance to define the extent of mesenteric resection will help accurately define the mesenteric margin during radical resection for different stages of gastric cancer.

Mitigating impact of Glycyrrhiza glabra on virulent Newcastle disease virus challenge in chickens: clinical studies, histopathological alterations and molecular docking.

Newcastle disease (ND) is widely regarded as one of the most virulent and destructive viral infections that create chaos in the poultry industry and cause widespread epidemics and consequentially debilitating economic losses on a global scale in terms of chicken products. The current experiment evaluates the protective effect of Glycyrrhiza glabra ( G. glabra) against the Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in chickens. Ninety (90) 1-day-old SPF chicks were treated according to ethical approval (BUFVTM 05-02-22) as follows (1) non-treated non-challenged control group; (2) NDV group: Challenged with genotype VII ND virus; and (3) LE/NDV group: Challenged with the virus and intermittently treated with powdered extract of G. glabra roots (LE) in drinking water (0.5g/L) before and after viral challenge. The water medication of NDV-challenged chicks has resulted in a significant decrease in the severity of clinical symptoms, morbidity, and mortality rates, as well as the quantity of virus shed, compared with the NDV group. Treatment with LE has led to a significant reduction in serum ALT and AST activities, blood glucose level, urea, and creatinine, and significant restoration of serum proteins. In addition, the treatment has resulted in a decrease in MDA and NO levels, as well as an increase in T-SOD and catalase activities compared with untreated challenged chicks. LE decreased IFN-γ and TLR-3 gene expression in comparison with the NDV group. The treated challenged birds had fewer macroscopically detectable lesions in their respiratory, digestive, and lymphoid organs than the untreated challenged birds. Microscopically, the LE/NDV group exhibited mild to moderate pathological changes in the respiratory and digestive systems as well as lymphoid tissues, in contrast to the NDV group, which exhibited severe pathological changes. Furthermore, molecular docking assessment proved the efficacy of G. glabra against viral proliferation and invasion. We concluded that Glycyrrhiza glabra powdered extract at a dose of 0.5g/L drinking water can effectively mitigate the debilitating effects of Newcastle disease in chickens.

Ulcerative colitis: definition, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinic, diagnosis, follow-up. Lecture. Part I

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are currently one of the most difficult problems in modern global internal medicine in general and in gastroenterology in particular. The diseases demonstrate a relapsing, progressive nature, significant decrease in the quality of life, physical activity of patients, complications from other organs and systems of the human body, a decrease or even loss of working capacity, difficulties in socialization and creating a family. An insufficiently predicted course of the disease, acute or chronic intestinal complications can lead to surgical interventions. According to the severity of the course, the frequency of disability, complications, including those, that require surgical intervention; in terms of the economic costs of the health care system, IBDs are ahead of a number of other widespread diseases of digestive organs. The variety of clinical, anatomical (in particular, localization and extend of damage to the Gut), endoscopic signs of the disease in combination with different degrees of severity and activity of the disease, the presence of local and systemic extraintestinal manifestations determine difficulties in early establishing the diagnosis, in differential diagnosis and in choosing an effective and safe therapy, which is prescribed for the purpose of not only achieving, but also further maintaining a stable remission of the disease.In the vast majority of patients, the disease is characterized by a chronic relapsing course and requires long­­term, constant, often life­­long drug treatment with the use of drugs from various pharmacological groups, including combination therapy. An active search for predictably effective drugs for the treatment for IBD continues at the present time. According to the new International Classification of Diseases, 11th revision (2022), three diseases are included in the IBD group: ulcerative colitis (UC), Crohn’s disease (CD) and indeterminate colitis, i.e. a disease in which it is impossible to clearly determine whether it is UC or CD of the colon. In modern medicine, there is a tendency towards greater clarity and conciseness in the formulation of diagnoses, examination algorithms and treatment regimens. Inflammatory bowel disease remains diseases with many unknowns, both in terms of establishing a clear diagnosis and in terms of prognosis and predictability of the consequences of drug therapy.

Environmental factors affecting the mortality of population in Odesa Region

The presented research covers a significant part of the period of the COVID-19 pandemic and studies the role of environmental factors in formation of population mortality from main causes. The main causes of mortality among the population of Odesa Region during the studied period include diseases of circulatory system, COVID-19, neoplasms, external causes, diseases of digestive organs and diseases of respiratory organs. The aforesaid causes constitute 94-95% of all causes of mortality in Odesa Region. However, out of these six classes of diseases, only diseases of circulatory system, COVID-19 and diseases of respiratory organs and some of their nosological forms have simultaneous peaks in mortality, during which mortality of the Odesa Region population from all causes almost doubles. Over time, there is a certain redistribution of frequency of the causes of mortality among the six main causing diseases of the population`s mortality in the region. But this does not explain occurrence of simultaneous peaks in mortality from diseases of circulatory system, COVID-19, and diseases of respiratory organs. Formation of simultaneous peaks in mortality from non-infectious and infectious diseases cannot be explained by the influence of social or anthropogenic factors. This indicates the need to address a number of environmental factors of natural origin – meteorological, biometeorological and heliocosmic. The study shows the possibility of an existing linear statistical connection between these environmental factors and the mortality of the Odesa Region population from such classes of diseases as diseases of circulatory system, COVID-19 and diseases of respiratory organs, as well as the relevant nosological forms. The results of the correlation analysis between mortality rates from major diseases and the environmental factors studied showed weak correlations between them. It is fully consistent with the World Health Organization's view of the role of environmental conditions in shaping public health.

324 Use of organoids as in vitro model to study intestinal function

Abstract Organoids are tridimensional structures cultured in the lab from stem cells. Organoids have been developed for many different organs, particularly those with Lgr5+ stem cells. The organs of the digestive system belong to this group of organs and to date, organoids have been established from all the digestive tract tissues and organs including liver, gall bladder and pancreas. Although most protocols to generate organoids have focused on human and mouse organs, organoids from domestic and production animals like dogs, cats, rabbits, pigs, chickens, turkeys, and horses are actively used in research. In this presentation, the principles of developing intestinal organoids will be covered, along with a summary of how they have been used to address intestinal function and disease in our lab and by others. In our lab, we use swine enteroids (intestinal organoids) to study the intestinal epithelial responses to nutrients and pathogens. We have explored differential responses of the intestinal epithelium to organic and inorganic sources of dietary zinc, and we are currently investigating the mechanism of pathogenesis of Lawsonia intracellularis, the causative agent of porcine intestinal adenopathy. We will also discuss methods for modeling intestinal physiology using enteroids, and the advantages and challenges of working with swine enteroids.