Fecal Diversion Research Articles

The Impact of Obesity on the Prevalence and Complications of Perianal Fistulas of Crohn's Disease.

The incidence of obesity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasing and there are limited data on the impact of obesity on perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease (CD). We aim to examine the relationship between obesity and the prevalence and complications of Crohn's perianal fistulas. We conducted a cross-sectional study of CD patients treated at a tertiary care center from 2012 to 2022. Obesity was defined as maximum BMI > 30kg/m2 and further subdivided into 5 BMI categories. The prevalence of perianal fistulas was defined by any history of perianal fistula. The complications of perianal fistulas were measured by five variables including complex fistulas, history of perianal fistula surgery, number of perianal surgeries, history of fecal diversion, and median time to first anal surgery. In all, 704 patients with CD were included; 31.1% were obese. There was no significant association between obesity and prevalence of perianal fistulas (p = 0.719), complex fistulas (p = 0.144), history of perianal surgery (p = 0.146), ≥ 1 perianal surgeries (p = 0.220), fecal diversion (p = 0.705), or median time to first perianal surgery (p = 0.192). Increasing BMI category was not associated with the prevalence of perianal fistulas (p = 0.944), complex fistulas (p = 0.089), perianal surgery (p = 0.583), ≥ 1 perianal surgeries (p = 0.114), fecal diversion (p = 0.542), or median time to first perianal surgery (p = 0.486).When comparing those with perianal fistulas to those without, there was no significant difference in rates of obesity (p = 0.876). There was no association between obesity and the prevalence and complications of Crohn's perianal fistulas.

NCOG-26. THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF FECAL MICROBIOME TRANSPLANT TO IMPROVE COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION INDUCED BY CRANIAL IRRADIATION IN MICE

Abstract Radiation therapy (RT) is a crucial treatment for brain tumors, but radiation-induced cognitive dysfunction (RICD) affects 50-90% of patients, significantly impacting their quality of life. Evidence suggests that gut microbiome dysfunction may contribute to progressive cognitive dysfunction (CD). Prior studies in aging and stroke models show that fecal microbiome transplants (FMT) from healthy hosts can promote recovery and improve cognition. To investigate the link between RICD and the gut microbiome, we subjected mice to Sham/9Gy/15Gy cranial irradiation, followed by cognitive tests using the Y-maze and Novel Object Recognition Test (NORT) at various time points. Both 9Gy and 15Gy irradiation resulted in significant cognitive dysfunction, as indicated by altered performance in both tests at 7 and 30 days post-irradiation. Fecal samples were collected before irradiation and at 10 and 30 days post-RT. Microbial DNA was extracted, and the 16S rRNA gene was sequenced and analyzed using the bioinformatics visualization toolkit, ATIMA. Significant gut dysbiosis was observed in both 9Gy and 15Gy irradiated mice compared to pre-irradiation samples, with the 15Gy group showing more pronounced and consistent changes in fecal microbiome diversity, particularly at 30 days post-RT. We hypothesized that FMT from healthy hosts (non-radiated mice) could prevent or ameliorate RICD by modulating microbial, metabolomic, and immunologic profiles. To test this, a separate cohort of mice received 15Gy cranial irradiation and FMT via oral gavage. After a 20-day post-irradiation period, cognitive and gut permeability tests were conducted. The FMT group exhibited significantly improved gut permeability and cognitive performance compared to controls. Our findings suggest that gut dysbiosis plays a crucial role in RICD and that FMT may be a potential strategy to mitigate RICD and improve the quality of life in brain tumor patients undergoing cranial RT.

Comparative time-series analyses of gut microbiome profiles in genetically and chemically induced lupus-prone mice and the impacts of fecal transplantation

Although the association between gut dysbiosis (imbalance of the microbiota) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is well-known, the simultaneous exploration in gut dysbiosis in fecal and different intestinal sections before and after lupus onset (at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 months old) resulting from the loss of inhibitory Fc gamma receptor IIb (FcGIIb) and pristane induction have never been conducted. Anti-dsDNA (an important lupus autoantibody) and proteinuria developed as early as 6 months old in both models, with higher levels in FcGRIIb deficient (FcGRIIb-/-) mice. Compared to the healthy control at 2 and 4 months, the lupus mice (both FcGRRIIb-/- and pristane) and healthy mice at 6 months old demonstrated an alteration as indicated by the Shannon alpha diversity index, highlighting influences of lupus- and age-induced dysbiosis, respectively. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) revealed that the fecal microbiota of FcGRIIb-/- mice were distinct from the age-matched healthy control at all timepoints (at 6 month, p < 0.05), while pristane mice showed divergence at only some timepoints. Analyses of different intestinal sections revealed similarity among microbiota in the cecum, colon, and feces, contrasting with those in the small intestines (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum). Subtle differences were found between FcGRIIb-/- and pristane mice in feces and the intestinal sections as assessed by several analyses, for examples, the similar or dissimilar distances (NMDS), the neighbor-joining clustering, and the potential metabolisms (KEGG pathway analysis). Due to the differences between the gut microbiota (feces and intestinal sections) in the lupus mice and the healthy control, rebalancing of the microbiota using rectal administration of feces from the healthy control (fecal transplantation; FMT) to 7-month-old FcGIIb-/- mice (the established lupus; positive anti-dsDNA and proteinuria) was performed. In comparison to FcGRIIb-/- mice without FMT, FMT mice (more effect on the female than the male mice) showed the lower anti-dsDNA levels with similar fecal microbiome diversity (16s DNA gene copy number) and microbiota patterns to the healthy control. In conclusion, gut microbiota (feces and intestinal sections) of lupus mice (FcGRIIb-/- and pristane) diverged from the control as early as 4–6 months old, correlating with lupus characteristics (anti-dsDNA and proteinuria). The different gut microbiota in FcGRIIb-/- and pristane suggested a possible different gut microbiota in lupus with various molecular causes. Furthermore, FMT appeared to mitigate gut dysbiosis and reduce anti-dsDNA, supporting the benefit of the rebalancing gut microbiota in lupus, with more studies are warranted.

Restricted Feeding Of Weight Control Diets Induces Weight Loss And Affects Body Composition, Voluntary Physical Activity, Blood Metabolites, Hormones, And Oxidative Stress Markers, And Fecal Metabolites And Microbiota Of Obese Cats.

Feline obesity puts many cats at risk for comorbidities such as hepatic lipidosis, diabetes mellitus, urinary tract diseases, and others. Restricted feeding of specially formulated diets may improve feline health and safely support weight loss while maintaining lean mass. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of restricted intake of weight control diets on weight loss, body composition, voluntary physical activity, serum metabolic and inflammatory markers, and fecal metabolites and microbiota of obese cats. Twenty-four obese adult domestic shorthair cats [body weight (BW) = 5.51 ± 0.92kg; body condition score (BCS) = 8.44 ± 0.53] were used. A leading grocery brand diet was fed during a 4-wk baseline to identify intake needed to maintain BW. After baseline (wk 0), cats were allotted to one of two weight control diets (DRY or CAN) and fed to lose 1.5% BW per wk for 18wk. At baseline and 6, 12, 18wk after weight loss, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans were performed, blood and fecal samples were collected, and voluntary physical activity was measured. Change from baseline data were analyzed statistically using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS, with P<0.05 being significant and P<0.10 being trends. BW was reduced by 1.54 ± 0.51% per wk. Restricted feeding of both diets led to BW (P<0.01) and fat mass loss (P<0.01), reduced BCS (P<0.01), reduced leptin (P<0.01) and insulin (P<0.01) concentrations, and increased superoxide dismutase (P<0.01) and active ghrelin (P<0.01) concentrations. Change from baseline fecal scores were reduced (P<0.01) with restricted feeding and weight loss, while total short-chain fatty acid, acetate, and propionate concentration reductions were greater (P<0.05) in cats fed CAN than those fed DRY. Fecal bacterial alpha diversity measures increased (P<0.01) with restricted feeding and weight loss. Fecal bacterial beta diversity was altered by time in all cats, with wk 0 being different (P<0.05) than wk 6, 12, and 18. Change from baseline relative abundances of 3 fecal bacterial phyla and over 30 fecal bacterial genera were impacted (P<0.05) or tended to be impacted (P<0.10) by dietary treatment. Our data demonstrate that restricted feeding of both weight control diets was an effective means for weight loss in obese adult domestic cats. Some changes were also impacted by diet, highlighting the importance of diet formulation and format, and nutrient composition in weight control diets.

Fibrolytic efficiency of the large intestine microbiota may benefit running speed in French trotters: A pilot study.

This pilot study sought to explore the contribution of the large intestine microbiota to energy metabolism and exercise performance through its ability to degrade fibers into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). To investigate this, a correlational study was carried out on athlete horses under the same management conditions. Fecal microbiota diversity and composition, fibrolytic efficiency and SCFAs were analyzed. An incremental running test was carried out to estimate the maximal running speed (MRS) of the horses, and blood samples were taken to measure energy metabolism parameters. MRS was positively correlated with the efficiency of the fecal microbiota in degrading cellulose invitro (r = 0.51; p = 0.02). The abundance of fibrolytic bacterial taxa was not associated with MRS, but functional inference analysis revealed a positive association between MRS and pathways potentially related to fibrolytic activity (r = 0.54; p = 0.07 and r = 0.56; p = 0.05 for butyrate metabolism and thiamine metabolism, respectively). In contrast, the metabolic pathway of starch degradation appeared negatively associated with MRS (r = -0.55; p = 0.06). The present findings suggest a potential contribution of the large intestine microbiota and dietary fibers digestion to exercise capacity in equine athletes.

Early-life Clostridium butyricum supplementation improved rumen development and immune by promoting the maturation of intestinal microbiota

This study evaluated the effects of Clostridium butyricum supplementation on rumen fermentation, serum immunoglobulins, and fecal microbiota in dairy calves. Seventy-five 3-days-age calves were divided into five groups (n = 15 per group) receiving 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.6 g/day of C. butyricum freeze-dried powder (10ˆ10 CFU/g) in milk replacer. Rumen fluid and blood samples were collected at various intervals, and fecal samples from eight calves per group were collected at 3, 28, and 42 days. C. butyricum supplementation showed a negative correlation with rumen pH (P = 0.032) and positive correlations with acetate/propionate (P = 0.007) and acetate + butyrate/propionate (P = 0.022). It had quadratic effects on rumen acetate (P = 0.029) and isobutyrate (P = 0.021). IgA concentration increased with dose (P = 0.002), and dose-time interactions affected serum IgM (P = 0.013) and IgG (P < 0.001). C. butyricum did not influence fecal microbiota diversity but increased the abundance of Helicobacter japonicus, Weissella viridescens, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Leuconostoc citreum, while negatively correlating with Streptococcus hyointestinalis (P < 0.05). Microbiota functions related to galactose metabolism, and fatty acid degradation decreased with age (P < 0.05), while fatty acid biosynthesis and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis increased (P < 0.05). L. mesenteroides, and L. citreum, and negatively correlated with galactose metabolism and fatty acid degradation but positively with fatty acid biosynthesis (P < 0.01). C. butyricum supplementation variably impacted rumen pH, acetate/propionate, and acetate + butyrate/propionate, particularly on day 42 versus day 60, affecting acetate, butyrate, and isovalerate differently over time. Our findings suggest that early-life C. butyricum supplementation may promote the maturation of immunity and intestinal microbiota of pre-weaning dairy calves, the optimal dose was 0.8 to 1.6 x 10ˆ10 CFU/d.

Macroalgae and microalga blend in dogs' food: Effects on palatability, digestibility, and fecal metabolites and microbiota

The promotion of dogs' nutrition, health, and well-being are highly valued by pet owners, leading to an increasing interest in pet food with alternative, functional, and more sustainable supplements, such as algae. Few studies have assessed the supplementation of dog food with individual algae species, but no information exists on combined macro- and microalgae. This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation of a commercial algal blend, composed of two macroalgae (Ulva rigida and Fucus vesiculosus) and one microalga (Chlorella vulgaris) on palatability, intake, digestibility, metabolizable energy (ME), and fecal characteristics, metabolites, and microbiota of adult healthy Beagle dogs. Palatability was assessed by comparing a complete diet without (control) and with 1.5 % algae blend using twelve dogs. Then, six of these dogs were randomly selected for the digestibility trials. Following an initial trial to determine the control diet digestibility, a replicated Latin square was performed with three experimental periods of 10 days each, and three algal blend supplementation levels (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 %). Dietary algal blend did not affect the first approach and first taste, but dogs preferred the control diet. Algal blend levels had no impact on intake, but organic matter, fiber, and energy digestibility increased with 1.5 % inclusion compared with 0.5 %. At the highest level, algae blend promoted fecal total short chain fatty acids and acetate while at lowest fecal propionate decreased and fecal production increased. Compared with the control diet, algal blend-supplemented diets promoted most nutrients and energy digestibility, diet ME content, and fecal quality, while reducing fecal butyrate. Fecal microbiota diversity and abundance were mostly unaffected by algae blend supplementation, with health-promoting genera Turicibacter and Blautia being the most abundant in all samples. Overall, results suggest algal blend as a promising alternative supplement for dog food, but further research is needed to unveil potential health-promoting effects.

National Trends in the Creation of Diverting Ileostomy at the Time of Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis in Adults With Ulcerative Colitis.

The impact of diverting ileostomy in adults with ulcerative colitis (UC) undergoing ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is unclear. This study uses a novel approach with population-level data to identify patients with diverting ileostomy at the time of IPAA and determine the impact of diverting ileostomy on postoperative outcomes. Using the International Business Machines (IBM) MarketScan® database, adults (18-64years old) with a diagnosis of UC who underwent IPAA between 2000 and 2019 were examined. Patients were assigned to the diverting ileostomy (DI) cohort or no-DI cohort based on the presence of an ostomy closure code in the 1-year following their IPAA. Rates of ileostomy formation and readmissions were quantified and outcomes between cohorts compared. There were 540 patients in the no-DI and 2494 in the DI cohort. There were regional differences in the rate of ostomy creation, but the overall rate of ostomy creation remained stable across years. Patients with no-DI vs DI had a longer index length of stay (LOS) (7 vs 6days, P = .001). Adverse postoperative outcomes did not differ between cohorts. Diversion did not independently affect the likelihood of a 30-day readmission, and since 2000, readmission rates have declined for all IPAA patients. This is the first study to capture population-level data on the effect of diversion at the time of IPAA for adult UC patients. This study demonstrates that the rate of fecal diversion at the time of IPAA has remained stable over time, but readmission rates have declined.

Study on the Differences in Fecal Metabolites and Microbial Diversity of Jiangshan Black-Bone Chickens with Different Earlobe Colors.

The differences in earlobe color of Jiangshan black-bone chickens have been reported to be caused by the combined effects of melanin and collagen. In this study, we conducted LC-MS untargeted metabolomics and 16S rDNA diversity sequencing on the cecal contents of two types of earlobes: peacock green (Blue and Green group) and dark reddish-purple (Black group). The metabolomic sequencing identified a total of 747 differential metabolites (DMs), in which the metabolites were primarily enriched in tyrosine and tryptophan metabolism pathways between peacock green and dark reddish-purple earlobes. There were 15 different bacterial taxa among the three groups of earlobes at the genus level, and correlation analysis between metabolites and microbes revealed that the DMs between peacock green and dark reddish-purple earlobes were positively correlated with the different bacterial taxa. In short, there are differences in gut microbiota and metabolites between Jiangshan black-bone chickens with peacock green earlobes and those with dark reddish-purple earlobes. Our results suggest that the bacterial phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidota may influence melanin synthesis by affecting tryptophan metabolism, induced by 5-Methoxyindoleacetate, and tyrosine metabolism, induced by maleylacetoacetic acid and maleic acid, leading to differences in earlobe color.

Tryptophan Metabolites Improve Intestinal Mucosal Barrier via the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor-Interleukin-22 Pathway in Murine Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Pouchitis.

Pouchitis is the commonest complication after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis. The protective effect of tryptophan metabolites on the mucosal barrier may be an effective method for treating pouchitis. The role of tryptophan metabolites on pouchitis remained unclear. We aimed to establish a murine model of dextran sulfate sodium-induced pouchitis to examine the roles of tryptophan metabolites in its pathogenesis. This is a study combined clinical patient data and animal research. A total of 22 patients were enrolled: 5 with familial adenomatous polyposis after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, eight ulcerative colitis patients after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis patients with pouchitis, and 9 ulcerative colitis patients after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis with normal pouch. The demographic data and fecal samples of patients were collected. Male C57BL/6 mice were purchased from a licensed breeder and underwent ileal pouch-anal anastomosis to establish murine model of pouch. The bloods, feces, tissues of mice were collected. This study was performed in an academic medical center in China. The demographic data of patients were observational collected. The mice underwent ileal pouch-anal anastomosis were divided into six groups: control group with chow diet, dextran sulfate sodium, 6-formylindolo[3,2-b] carbazole + dextran sulfate sodium, high tryptophan diet + dextran sulfate sodium, CH-223191 + dextran sulfate sodium, indole-3-carboxaldehyde + dextran sulfate sodium. Animals were sacrificed after dextran sulfate sodium for 7 days. Fecal tryptophan metabolite level and microbiome composition, the severity of pouchitis, intestinal mucosal barrier function, and activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor-interleukin 22 pathway were assessed. Patients with pouchitis had lower fecal microbial diversity and indole-3-acetic acid levels. In murine pouchitis model, high-tryptophan diet increased fecal levels of 3-indoleglyoxylic acid, indole-3-aldehyde, and indole. A high-tryptophan diet and intraperitoneal aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligand 6-formylindolo[3,2-b] carbazole injection alleviated pouchitis. Tryptophan metabolites improved pouch mucosal barriers. aryl hydrocarbon receptor inhibitors exacerbated experimental pouchitis and disrupted the mucosal barrier; however, the aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligand indole-3-carboxaldehyde reversed this effect. This study was limited by small human sample size and lacking an Aryl hydrocarbon receptor knockout mouse model. A high-tryptophan diet and aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligand alleviated dextran sulfate sodium-induced pouchitis in murine ileal pouch-anal anastomosis model, which might be through regulating epithelial tight junctions and promoting goblet-cell differentiation, as well as maintaining the integrity and function of the mucosal barrier. This study provides a rationale for the clinical application of Aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligands in the treatment of pouchitis. See Video Abstract.

Temporary loop end ileostomy reduces the risk of stoma outlet obstruction: a comparative clinical study in patients undergoing restorative proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis.

Stoma outlet obstruction (SOO) is a serious complication of restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA). When the ileal mesentery to the pouch is under excessive tension, the ileum near the ileostomy twists easily, causing SOO. Loop-end ileostomy (EI) for fecal diversion was introduced in 2021 to prevent SOO, and we aimed to verify whether temporary EI reduces the incidence of SOO in RPC and IPAA patients relative to loop ileostomy (LI). This study included 106 consecutive RPC and IPAA patients with a diverting ileostomy and categorized them into LI (n = 75) or EI (n = 31) groups. The clinical characteristics of the patients were analyzed and compared. Patient characteristics were similar between the groups, except for higher preoperative steroid use in the LI group (38.7%; p = 0.0116). There were no significant differences between the groups in anatomical factors, such as abdominal wall thickness and the height-adjusted distance between the root of the superior mesenteric artery and the bottom of the external anal sphincter. There were no significant differences in surgery-related factors, with ≥ 90% of the patients in each group undergoing laparoscopic procedures. A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that EI significantly reduced the risk of SOO relative to LI (OR, 0.18; 95% CI 0.03-0.92; p = 0.0399). EI reduced SOO levels after RPC and IPAA and may be beneficial for cases in which anastomosis is challenging.

Sugar-rich foods exacerbate antibiotic-induced microbiome injury.

Intestinal microbiota composition is implicated in several diseases; understanding the factors that influence it are key to elucidating host-commensal interactions and to designing microbiome-targeted therapies. We quantified how diet influences microbiome dynamics in hospitalized patients. We recorded 9,419 meals consumed by 173 patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation and profiled the microbiome in 1,009 longitudinally collected stool samples from 158 of them. Caloric intake was correlated with fecal microbiota diversity. Bayesian inference revealed associations between intake of sweets or sugars during antibiotic exposure with microbiome disruption, as assessed by low diversity or expansion of the pathobiont Enterococcus. We validated this observation experimentally, finding that sucrose exacerbated antibiotic-induced Enterococcus expansion in mice. Taken together, our results suggest that avoiding sugar-rich foods during antibiotic treatment may reduce microbiome injury.

Higher Morbidity and Mortality in Women With Fournier Gangrene Compared With Men: Insights From National Inpatient Sample Data.

To compare Fournier gangrene in female and male patients and identify mortality-associated characteristics in both. We used National Inpatient Sample data (2016-2020) to identify Fournier gangrene cases and extracted demographic, comorbidity, and procedural variables. Multivariable regression models were used to identify mortality risk factors for both cohorts. We identified 2875 female (31%) and 6451 male patients (69%) with Fournier gangrene corresponding to an estimated 14,375 (95% CI, 13,784-14,966) and 32,255 (95% CI, 31,390-33,120) cases, respectively. Female patients were more likely to die than male patients (7.1% vs 5.7%, P < .0001, respectively). The median incidence rates were 1.7 (IQR, 1.5-1.8) and 4 (IQR, 3.6-4.3) cases per 100,000 person-years for female and male patients, respectively. Female patients had higher median age, longer hospital stays, more charges, procedures, and fecal diversion rates, but lower routine discharges than male patients (P < .05). Non-White female patients had increased mortality odds compared with White female patients (odds ratio [OR], 1.49; 95% CI, 1.07-2.07; P = .019). Prolonged interval until initial perineal debridement correlated with higher mortality odds in both female and male patients (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1-1.04; P = .034 vs OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01-1.05; P < .0001). Diabetes lowered mortality odds in female and male patients (OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.47-0.99; P = .046 vs OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.41-0.7; P < .0001). In female patients, Fournier gangrene incidence surpasses previous reports, with slightly worse outcomes compared with male patients, emphasizing the need for precise clinical assessment and early intensive interventions.

Precise treatment of pelvic fracture urethral injury associated with urethrorectal fistula.

To evaluate the effect of a new strategy of transperineal anastomotic urethroplasty (TAU) with proximal transection in treating pelvic fracture urethral injury (PFUI) associated with urethrorectal fistula (URF). A retrospective review of all patients treated by TAU with proximal transection and fistula repair for PFUI associated with URF was performed between August 2013 and July 2022. Information on demographics, peri-operative variables, and postoperative follow-up outcomes was collected. Successful surgery was defined as restoration of a uniform urethral calibre using flexible cystoscopy (third postoperative month) without strictures or leakage, with no further interventions required. Functional outcomes, including erectile function (assessed using the five-item International Index of Erectile Function) and urinary continence, were assessed. Forty patients diagnosed with PFUI associated with URF and treated by TAU with proximal transection and rectal fistula repair were enrolled. Six patients (15.0%) had a history of failed urethral reconstruction. The mean stenosis length and fistula diameter were 2.9 cm and 1.2 cm, respectively. All patients underwent faecal diversion before urethroplasty. After a median (range) follow-up of 45 (3-115) months, the final success rate was 90.0% (36/40). Postoperative complications included haematoma in three patients, epididymo-orchitis in three, wound infection in one, wound bleeding in one, delayed wound healing in three, and wound numbness in three. The overall incidence of postoperative erectile dysfunction reached 75.0%, with a median (range) score of 9 (0-19). Normal continence was achieved in 31 patients (77.5%). Occasional incontinence without the need for urinal pads occurred in eight patients, whereas one patient required urinal pads. Transperineal anastomotic urethroplasty with proximal transection is a precise and effective surgical strategy for treating PFUI associated with URF. This strategy ensures a high success rate and improves surgical efficiency.

Effects of a Veterinary Gastrointestinal Low-Fat Diet on Fecal Characteristics, Metabolites, and Microbiota Concentrations of Adult Dogs Treated with Metronidazole.

Antibiotics are known to cause loose stools, disrupt the fecal microbiota, and alter fecal bile acid (BA) profiles of dogs. Recovery may be aided by diet, but little research has been conducted. The objective of this study was to determine how a veterinary low-fat diet affected the fecal characteristics, metabolites, BA, and microbiota of dogs receiving antibiotics. Twenty-four healthy adult dogs [7.38 ± 1.95 yr; 7.67 ± 0.76kg body weight (BW)] were used in an 8-wk completely randomized design study. During a 2-wk baseline, all dogs were fed a leading grocery brand dry kibble diet (GBD). Over the next 2wk, dogs were fed GBD and received metronidazole orally (20mg/kg BW twice daily). At wk 4, dogs were randomly allotted to one of two treatments [GBD or Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet GI Gastrointestinal Support Low-Fat (BB)] and fed for 4wk. Fecal scores were recorded daily and fresh fecal samples were collected at wk 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 for measurement of pH, dry matter content, and metabolite and BA concentrations. Fecal microbiota populations were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and qPCR-based dysbiosis index (DI). All data were analyzed as repeated measures using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS 9.4, testing for effects of treatment, time, and treatment*time and significance set at P<0.05. Metronidazole increased (P<0.0001) fecal scores (looser stools), reduced fecal short-chain fatty acid, branched-chain fatty acid, phenol, and indole concentrations, increased primary BA concentrations, and decreased secondary BA concentrations. Metronidazole also reduced fecal bacterial alpha diversity, altered the abundance of 58 bacterial genera, and increased DI. During antibiotic recovery, change in fecal pH, dry matter percentage, and metabolite and immunoglobulin A concentrations were altered (P<0.05) by diet. Fecal BA concentrations recovered quickly for all dogs. Change in lithocholic acid was affected (P<0.0001) by diet, but other BA were not. Recovery of over 25 bacterial genera was impacted by diet (P<0.05). While many bacterial taxa returned to baseline levels after 4wk, others did not fully recover. DI and bacterial alpha diversity measures recovered quickly for all dogs, but were not impacted by diet. In conclusion, metronidazole drastically altered the fecal microbiota and metabolites of dogs. While most variables returned to baseline by wk 8, diet may be used to aid in recovery.

Gut Microbiota Diversity of Local Egyptian Cattle Managed in Different Ecosystems.

The animal gastrointestinal tract contains a complex microbiome whose composition ultimately reflects the co-evolution of microorganisms with their animal host and their host's environment. This study aimed to gain insights into the adaptation of the microbiota of local Egyptian cattle to three different ecosystems (Upper Egypt, Middle Egypt, and Lower Egypt) distributed across 11 governorates (with an average of 12 animals per governorate) using amplicon sequencing. We analyzed the microbiota from 136 fecal samples of local Egyptian cattle through a 16S rRNA gene sequencing approach to better understand the fecal microbial diversity of this breed which developed under different ecosystems. An alpha diversity analysis showed that the fecal microbiota of the Egyptian cattle was not significantly diverse across areas, seasons, sexes, or farm types. Meanwhile, microbiota data revealed significant differences in richness among age groups (p = 0.0018). The microbial community differed significantly in the distribution of its relative abundance rather than in richness across different ecosystems. The taxonomic analysis of the reads identified Firmicutes and Actinobacteriota as the dominant phyla, accounting for over 93% of the total bacterial community in Egyptian cattle. Middle Egypt exhibited a different microbial community composition compared to Upper and Lower Egypt, with a significantly higher abundance of Firmicutes and Euryarchaeota and a lower abundance of Actinobacteriota in this region than the other two ecosystems. Additionally, Middle Egypt had a significantly higher relative abundance of the Methanobacteriaceae family and the Methanobrevibacter genera than Lower and Upper Egypt. These results suggest a difference in the adaptation of the fecal microbial communities of Egyptian cattle raised in Middle Egypt. At the genus level, eleven genera were significantly different among the three ecosystems including Bacillus, DNF00809, Kandleria, Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20_group, Methanobrevibacter, Mogibacterium, Olsenella, Paeniclostridium, Romboutsia, Turicibacter, and UCG-005. These significant differences in microbiota composition may impact the animal's adaptation to varied environments.

The Influence of Dietary Supplementation with Dried Olive Pulp on Gut Microbiota, Production Performance, Egg Quality Traits, and Health of Laying Hens.

This study examines the dietary effect of dried olive pulp (OP) on the overall performance, egg quality, health, and gut microbiota of laying hens during a 36-week trial. A total of 180 Isa Brown layers, aged 23 weeks, were assigned to 15-floor pens and divided into three feeding groups (CON, OP4, and OP6) based on the dietary level of OP. Egg quality and biochemical parameters were assessed in 39- and 59-week-old hens. Fecal samples were collected for microbiota analysis. Data were analyzed with an Analysis of Variance. The percentage of broken eggshells was found to be 15-34% lower in the OP groups compared to the CON groups. At 59 weeks of age, a significant reduction in shell thickness was observed in the CON eggs compared to the OP eggs (p < 0.05). At 39 weeks of age, OP6 eggs had the darkest yolk color of all groups (p < 0.05). Fecal microbial diversity was affected only by hens' age. However, an enrichment in bacterial species belonging to the genera Megasphaera and Megamonas was found in the OP groups at 59 weeks of age. Our results demonstrate that OP feeding beneficially affects egg quality and promotes the proliferation of bacteria involved in the degradation of complex plant compounds, potentially contributing to the overall health of the gut microbiota.

PSIX-12 Influence of obesity on satiety hormones, serum metabolome, and fecal microbiome in adult dogs

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the difference between lean and obese dogs in terms of their satiety hormones, serum metabolome, and fecal microbiome. Mixed-breed lean (n = 30; 17 male and 13 female; 4.0 ± 2.5 yr of age; 24.6 ± 6.3% body fat) and obese (n = 30; 19 male and 11 female; 7.3 ± 2.1 yr of age; 46.9 ± 3.9% body fat) adult dogs were used in this study. Blood samples were collected to measure satiety hormones and serum metabolome, and fresh fecal samples were collected for microbiome analysis. It was hypothesized that obese dogs had altered metabolism and gut microbiome compared with lean dogs. Data were analyzed using MIXED procedure of SAS, using body type as the fixed effect and dog as the random effect. Results showed that obese dogs had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) serum leptin, insulin, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations, but reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP) than lean dogs. Serum concentrations of all essential amino acids except for threonine in obese dogs were greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) than in lean dogs. Obese dogs also had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) concentrations of serum N-Lactoyl amino acids and dipeptides except for prolylglycine than their lean counterparts. Additionally, concentrations of serum long-chain saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids were less (P &amp;lt; 0.05; only for myristate, pentadecanoate, and non-adecanoate) or similar in obese dogs compared with lean dogs. Serum oxidative stress makers, such as oxidized glutathione, cysteine-glutathione, and 4-hydroxynonenal, were greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in obese dogs than lean dogs. Furthermore, obese dogs had less (P &amp;lt; 0.05) fecal Firmicutes, but greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) fecal Bacteroidetes and Fusobacteria, compared with lean dogs. There were no differences (P &amp;gt; 0.10) in fecal microbiome alpha diversity, such as Chao1 and Shannon index, between lean and obese dogs. In conclusion, obese dogs had differential body metabolism and gut microbiome compared with lean dogs.

293 Impact of black soldier fly larvae meal in a dry extruded food on nutritional quality and health in adult cats

Abstract Insects like the black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens; BSFL) have been proposed as protein-rich feed ingredients to support the growing demand for meat. The BSFL hold also promise for use as a protein source in pet foods and, as such, it has been studied for palatability, nutritional quality and health effects in dogs and cats. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of including BSFL meal in a dry, extruded food on nutritional quality and health in healthy adult cats. Two similar compositions of dry, extruded foods were formulated to meet the FEDIAF nutrition guidelines for adult cats of which one was chicken meal-based (control, with 34.3% chicken meal) and the other BSFL meal-based (inclusion of 37.5% BSFL meal). BSFL meal contained 95.0% dry matter, 53.1% crude protein, 14.3% crude fat, 6.0% ash (Protix, Dongen, The Netherlands). Two groups of four cats were each fed one of the two foods for two 28-d periods in a crossover design, with sample collection during the last 7 d of each period. Cats were housed in groups of the same sex during the first 21 d of each period. Both foods were well-accepted by the cats. No health problems (including coat and skin condition) were noted throughout the study. Food type did not impact body weight (P = 0.850). Food intake was greater when cats were fed the BSFL-based food (P &amp;lt; 0.001). Consistency scores of fresh feces were optimal and did not differ between the foods. Compared with the control food, the food with BSFL meal had decreased apparent fecal digestibility values for dry matter, organic matter, nitrogen, and gross energy (P &amp;lt; 0.05) although all values were high. Digestibility values for acid-hydrolyzed fat were similar for both foods (P = 0.628). Diets resulted in changes in fermentation product concentrations, like fecal ammonia was less when cats fed this food compared with the control food (P &amp;lt; 0.001), but the fecal concentrations of the short-chain fatty acids and biogenic amines were generally increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Moreover, reduced fecal bacterial diversity and affected bacterial relative abundance suggested that inclusion of BSFL meal steered the microbial composition in the distal gut of cats. It was observed increased relative abundance of bacteria genus considered beneficial for host health like Bifidobacterium (P &amp;lt; 0.001) and Megasphaera (P &amp;lt; 0.036); and inhibition of genus Negativibacillus and Lachnoclostridium (P &amp;lt; 0.001), previously associated to digestive issues and negative for gut health. Overall, the data gathered in this study suggests that BSFL meal is an adequate alternative ingredient for extruded dry cat foods and may exert a prebiotic effect on intestinal microbiota.

307 Use of defatted black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) as an alternative and functional ingredient in canine nutrition

Abstract Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal (BSFLM) is an alternative, sustainable, and nutrient-rich ingredient for pet foods. However, limited information is available on optimal inclusion levels and its functional properties. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of incremental levels of BSFLM (15% or 30%) as a partial or full substitute for chicken by-product meal (CM) in extruded diets. Three complete and balanced diets were formulated and extruded: Control, 15% BSFLM, and 30% BSFLM. The effects of the diets on nutrient digestibility, fecal metabolites and microbiota, and serum oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers in adult dogs were examined. A complete randomized design was used with adult Beagles (n = 10/treatment). The experimental period lasted 70 d, consisting of a 14-d adaptation to the control diet followed by 56-d test period. Data were analyzed using SAS Proc Mixed 9.4 with P ≤ 0.05 significance. All diets were well-accepted by the dogs; food intake and fecal output were not affected (P &amp;gt; 0.05) by treatment. Apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter, crude protein, and fat did not differ among treatments, whereas ATTD of organic matter (81.2%) and total dietary fiber (18.9%) was less (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for dogs fed 30% BSFLM in contrast with the Control group (83.2% and 30.3%, respectively). Fecal concentrations of total short-chain fatty acids and total phenols were less (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for dogs fed 30% BSFLM relative to dogs fed Control. No treatment effect was observed for serum biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation. Fecal microbial diversity differed between Control and 30% BSFLM groups. Overall, extruded diets containing 15% or 30% were well-digested by dogs as demonstrated by similar ATTD coefficients compared with Control. Intrinsic presence of chitin in BSFLM, and other insect-derived ingredients, can behave like insoluble dietary fiber in a food matrix, which would explain the decreased ATTD for organic matter and total dietary fiber, as well as less fecal concentration of total short-chain fatty acids. The inclusion of 30% BSFLM may have decreased protein hindgut fermentation due to less fecal concentration of total phenols. Altogether, the inclusion of 15% BSFLM resulted in similar physiological responses in comparison with dogs fed the Control diet. Greater inclusion levels of BSFLM may impact ATTD, however, it also has the potential to modulate fecal metabolites and microbiota, without negatively affecting fecal microbial richness.