Gastrointestinal Tract Research Articles

Critical considerations for the management of gastrointestinal mixed neuroendocrine non-neuroendocrine neoplasms and pure neuroendocrine carcinomas

Mixed neuroendocrine non-neuroendocrine neoplasms constitute rare tumors that are located mainly in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and have high degrees of malignancy, and the frequency of these tumors has been increasing. They consist of a neuroendocrine neoplastic component with another component of adenocarcinoma usually and have a dismal prognosis. The rare GI pure neuroendocrine carcinoma is highly aggressive and requires complex and extensive management since a genetic distinction exists between it and GI non-neuroendocrine neoplasms, which are generally slow-growing lesions. The most common GI-mixed neuroendocrine non-neuroendocrine neoplasms are colorectal, followed by gastric, mainly in the gastroesophageal junction. Current imaging modalities of nuclear medicine and radiology play important roles in the accuracy of diagnosis. Liquid biopsy may contribute to early detection and timely diagnosis. Ultrasonography, either endoscopic or abdominal, is a technique that contributes to a diagnosis; additionally, contrast-enhanced ultrasonography is very helpful in follow-up appointments. Histopathology establishes a definite diagnosis and stage by evaluating the cell differentiation grade and the cell proliferation index Ki67. The genetic profile can be valuable in diagnosis and gene therapy. Surgical resection with wide lymphadenectomy, whenever possible, and adjuvant chemotherapy constitute the main therapeutic management strategies. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy achieve encouraging results.

Malignant melanoma: An important differential diagnosis for clear cell sarcoma of the gastrointestinal tract

A case report by Liu et al describes the characteristics of metastatic clear cell sarcoma (CCS) of the pancreas and provides valuable therapeutic insights for this rare malignancy. This case is interesting because of its rarity, suggesting that the pancreas may be a potential target organ for CCS, either primary or metastatic. At the same time, the authors also emphasize the importance of regular postoperative follow-up for timely detection of recurrent lesions, as CCS is characterized by a high degree of malignancy and a high rate of recurrent metastases. Considering that CCS of the gastrointestinal tract is easily confused with malignant melanoma (MM) of the gastrointestinal tract, here we compare the clinical features, histopathological and immunohistochemical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of CCS and MM of the gastrointestinal tract, hoping to provide a reference for clinical work.

Nicotinamide mononucleotide suppresses cellular senescence and increases aquaporin 5 expression in the submandibular gland of aged male mice to ameliorate aging-related dry mouth.

Dry mouth results from decreased saliva secretion due to aging or drug side effects. Decreased saliva secretion causes dryness in the oral cavity that makes swallowing difficult and increases the risk of aspiration pneumonia. There are few fundamental treatments for dry mouth. Here we investigated whether treatment of old mice with nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) improved factors associated with dry mouth. Young (16-week-old) and old (113-week-old) male mice were treated subcutaneously with saline or NMN (300mg/kg) once every two days for four weeks and saliva secretion was measured. The amount of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) in salivary gland tissues was measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Gene expression in the intestinal tract and salivary glands was measured by real-time PCR. The population of cells with acetylation in the submandibular gland was quantified by immunohistological staining. SA-β-gal activity in the submandibular gland was measured to assess cell senescence. Statistical analysis was performed by one-way analysis of variance with Tukey post hoc analysis. The submandibular glands from old mice treated with NMN exhibited increased saliva secretion and NAD+ levels, which both decrease with aging. In addition, the submandibular glands from NMN-treated old mice had decreased acetylation, numbers of senescent cells, and levels of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors, which all increase with aging, as well as increased aquaporin5 (AQP5) mRNA expression. NMN administration may improve dry mouth by regulating cellular senescence in the submandibular gland and increasing expression of AQP5, a water channel involved in saliva secretion, to inhibit age-related decreases in saliva secretion. It is necessary to elucidate further mechanism and confirm its effectiveness in humans.

Features of gastrointestinal acute graft-versus-host disease in children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) commonly affects the gastrointestinal (GI) tract among children who undergo hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Studies concerning GI-acute GVHD (aGVHD) in developing countries are limited. Therefore, our aims were (1) to demonstrate clinical characteristics, endoscopic and histopathological findings in children with GI-aGVHD post-HSCT and (2) to compare features, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of children with GI-aGVHD versus non GI-aGVHD. A retrospective single-center study was conducted on patients receiving the first successful HSCT aged <20 years old between January 2011 and December 2020. The patients were divided into groups with GI-aGVHD (clinically or endoscopy-histopathologically diagnosed) and without GI-aGVHD. Various aforementioned data were recorded to compare the risk factors and clinical outcomes of children with and without GI-aGVHD. Among 246 children post-HSCT, we identified 42 cases (17%) with GI-aGVHD (32 cases with the clinical diagnosis and 10 cases with endoscopy-histopathology confirmed diagnosis) and 204 patients without GI-aGVHD. When compared with children without GI-aGVHD, the GI-aGVHD group had higher rates of hypovolemic shock, renal failure, more extended hospital stays, and deaths (all p < 0.05). The GI-aGVHD group also had a higher proportion of cases with nonhematologic malignancy (odds ratio [OR] = 2.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01-5.41, p = 0.047) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation before the GI-aGVHD episode (OR = 2.22, 95% CI = 1.09-4.51, p = 0.027). GI-aGVHD after HSCT leads to increased morbidity and death. Underlying nonhematologic malignancy and history of CMV reactivation are associated with GI-aGVHD. Direct links between the aforementioned factors and the development of GI-aGVHD merit future studies.

Nrf2 depletion enhanced curcumin therapy effect in gastric cancer by inducing the excessive accumulation of ROS

Gastric cancer (GC) is the most common malignant tumor of the gastrointestinal tract and currently has a poor clinical outcome. Turmeric’s rhizome contains a polyphenolic component called curcumin (Cur), which has been demonstrated to inhibit a variety of tumor cells, such as pancreatic, colon, lung and gastric cancers. However, it remains to be elucidated how Cur functions in GC and what molecular processes underlie it. Here, Cur showed a stronger inhibitory effect on GC cells AGS and HGC27. In addition, Cur’s inhibition of GC cells growth was accompanied by increased ROS production, triggering of the Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway, and increased transcription of its downstream antioxidant genes HO-1, GCLM, and NQO1. However, when a ROS scavenger NAC was used, the inhibitory effect of Cur on GC cells was reversed. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is overexpressed or activated in cancers to shield cancer cells from oxidative damage by responding to oxidative stress (OS). Cur has been found to act as an activator of Nrf2. Notably, compared with Nrf2 knockdown and Cur alone, the combination of the two dramatically increased Cur-induced ROS overaccumulation and inhibition of GC cells proliferation, migration, and invasive abilities. Consistent with in vitro experiments, Cur combined with Nrf2 knockdown significantly inhibited tumor growth in nude mice transplanted with AGS cells. Therefore, we concluded that Nrf2 depletion enhanced Cur therapy effect in GC by inducing the excessive accumulation of ROS, indicating that this is a promising treatment strategy.

Exploring the probiotic potential of yeast strains isolated from ripe banana and plantain peels: in vitro and in vivo assessment.

Probiotics have been shown to improve host access to vitamins, generate vitamins and improve gastrointestinal tract functions throughout transit yeasts which are indicated to potentially function as probiotics with some health benefits. The aim of this study was to evaluate the probiotic potential of yeast isolates from banana and plantain peels. Yeast strains were isolated from ripe banana and plantain peels, using the standard procedures. Isolates that showed negativity for pathogenicity assays were used for in vitro and in vivo probiotic screening. For the in vivo assay, 30 male Wistar rats, divided into six treatment groups (five rats per treatment), were used. At the expiration of administration, the rats were euthanized for the estimation of yeast translocation and haematological parameters. A total of 16 yeasts were isolated, out of which, five (Hanseniaspora uvarum, Hanseniaspora lachancei, Hanseniaspora opuntiae and two species of Kodamaea ohmeri) isolates that showed negative results for pathogenicity assays were used for in vitro and in vivo assays. The study revealed the growth of the test yeast strains at the different incubation temperatures (25-45°C) and pH (4-9). However, significantly highest growths were observed at pH 4 and 5 and NaCl concentration of 4%. All the isolates showed remarkable growth at the bile concentrations used. In addition, the strains showed resistance to the antibiotics and antimycotics at the concentration used for investigation. In vivo assay results showed no significant differences between weight gain, haematological parameters and behavioural scores between control and treatment groups of the rats. The ability of the yeasts to show tolerance to stress conditions and lack of negative impacts to haematological, behavioural and yeast translocations are indications of their probiotic capabilities.

Resolution of dysphagia due to secondary achalasia with neuropathic chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction by peroral endoscopic myotomy.

Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO) is a rare condition affecting the motility of the lower gastrointestinal tract, while achalasia is an uncommon esophageal motility disorder. The coexistence of both conditions is extremely rare. We present the case of a patient who had both pathologies, admitted for dysphagia and oral intolerance, the symptoms finally resolved by performing a POEM.

Evaluation of Microplastics Ingested by Sea Cucumber Holothuria Scabra from Pulau Jambongan, Sabah.

Microplastics (MPs) are tiny plastic pieces having a diameter of less than 5mm. They can arise from larger plastic debris that degrades over time, synthetic fibres from clothing, microbeads in personal care items and even larger plastic debris. Sea cucumbers are marine creatures vital to the ocean's ecosystem as they assist in maintaining a clean seabed and recycle nutrients. The aim of this research was to characterize the types of MPs isolated from the sea cucumber Holothuria scabra from Pulau Jambongan, Sabah. A total of 30 H. scabra were collected. Their gastrointestinal tracts were removed and digested using NaOH. The digestates were filtrated several times to extract the MPs. MPs were observed under microscope and categorized into shapes and colours. To determine the functional group of polymers, further analysis using Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was performed. The samples contained a total of 7403 MPs. Majority of MPs were black colored (72.25%) and in the form of fibres (99.05%). Two types of polymers were detected: polycarbonate (PC) found in 4% of the population and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) present in 96%. In conclusion, the presence of MPs in the gastrointestinal tract of H. scabra suggests that the animals and their habitat have been contaminated. Further study is required to comprehend the effects of MPs on sea cucumbers and other marine organisms as well as to develop prevention strategies.

Clinicopathological Characteristics of Extranodal Marginal Zone Lymphoma of the Mucosa Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT-Lymphoma) of the Intestine: A Single Center Analysis.

Extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of the mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT-lymphoma) is an indolent B-cell lymphoma with a distinct affinity for mucosal structures. Most commonly arising in the stomach, only roughly 2% of MALT-lymphomas occur in the colon or the intestine. In view of this, we have retrospectively assessed all patients with MALT-lymphoma involving the intestine for clinicopathological characteristics. Data of all patients with MALT-lymphoma and intestinal involvement (i.e. both primary and secondary), treated and followed at the Medical University of Vienna between 1999 and 2021 were retrospectively collected from hospital records and analyzed. Differences in baseline and therapy characteristics, as well as survival between primary and secondary, and between intestinal and gastric MALT-lymphoma (as the most common subgroup of patients) were investigated. In total, 42 patients were identified; 24/484 (5%) were classified as primary and 18 (3.7%) as secondary intestinal MALT-lymphomas. The most common primary intestinal location was the colon (10/24) and the most frequent primary site in the 18 cases with secondary intestinal MALT-lymphomas was the stomach (14/18). A total of 28/42 (66.7%) patients presented with LUGANO stage I, 7/42 (16.7%) with stage II/IIE and 7/42 (16.7%) with stage IV disease. Translocation t (11; 18) (q21; q21) was positive in 47% of patients with secondary and 25% of primary intestinal MALT-lymphomas. Median OS in for intestinal MALT-lymphoma was 301months (95% CI n.a.) with 89.1% alive at 5years and 77.2% alive at 10years. Median PFS in the entire cohort was 50.4months (95% CI 38.4-62.4months), with an overall response rate and disease control rate of 73% and 97.3%, respectively. No difference in OS and PFS between primary and secondary intestinal, as well as between intestinal and gastric MALT-lymphoma was detected. Our data suggest that dissemination within the GI tract does not seem to be an adverse prognostic feature and highlights the preferred use of the Lugano staging system in such patients, which also summarizes multiple lesions within the GI-tract as Stage I.

Fibroblast Heterogeneity in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Intestinal fibroblasts are pivotal players in maintaining tissue homeostasis and orchestrating responses to injury and inflammation within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Fibroblasts contribute significantly to the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC), by secreting pro-inflammatory cytokines, modulating immune cell activity, and promoting fibrosis. In addition, fibroblasts play crucial roles in tissue repair and regeneration following acute injury or chronic inflammation. The dysregulation of fibroblast functions can lead to fibrotic complications, such as intestinal strictures and obstruction, which are common in advanced stages of IBD. Understanding the complex interplay between fibroblasts and other cell types in the intestine is essential to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of intestinal diseases and identify novel therapeutic targets. Future research aimed at deciphering the heterogeneity of intestinal fibroblasts and their dynamic roles in disease progression holds promise for the development of precision therapies to mitigate fibrosis and inflammation in intestinal disorders.

Case report: Vedolizumab in Oral Crohn’s disease: the downsides of a gut-specific therapy for a multi-site disease

IntroductionCrohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease which can affect any area of the gastrointestinal tract, including oral tissues. The complex nature of this disease demands interdisciplinary management, especially when both intestinal and oral manifestations are present.CaseThis report presents the case of a 28-year-old male patient with oral, ileo-caecal and peri-anal CD managed jointly between Gastroenterology and Oral Medicine. Treatment with vedolizumab, an α4β7 integrin with gut-selective anti-inflammatory activity, resulted in excellent ileo-caecal disease control, but was ineffective in controlling oral manifestations. The absence of MAdCAM-1 expression in oral tissues, necessary for vedolizumab’s mechanism, meant that the drug’s anti-inflammatory effects were limited to the gut. This limitation led to worsening oral symptoms, necessitating concomitant azathioprine therapy to manage oral inflammation.ConclusionMultidisciplinary collaboration is important when managing CD patients with both oral and gut involvement in CD. Clinicians should be aware that vedoluzimab may be beneficial for intestinal CD, but does not target inflammation in oral tissues due to its gut-specific action. Good knowledge of the pharmacology and mechanism of action of drugs prescribed can aid decision making when prescribing for this group of patients and can limit the need for polypharmacy, often associated with an increased adverse effect profile.

The effect of early weaning on feeding behavior parameters in rodents: A systematic review.

Breastfeeding is essential for somatic development, especially neurodevelopment. The abrupt termination of the mother-child bond, early weaning, is a stressful event during the neonatal period. This has lifelong consequences. The impact on neural plasticity will be reflected in behavioral expression, including feeding behavior. This behavior is modulated by encephalic and peripheral structures, such as the serotonergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission systems, as well as hormonal signaling, leptin, and ghrelin. The central nervous system, particularly the hypothalamus, receives information from the gastrointestinal tract to regulate hunger and satiety. Early weaning alters these mechanisms that control feeding behavior. The alterations most commonly reported in the literature are hyperphagia, increased body mass, and molecular alterations related to the control of feeding behavior. Studies have attempted to identify the factors involved in the changes in feeding behavior control caused by early weaning. Furthermore, pharmacological interventions, herbal medicines, calcium supplementation, and physical activity have been investigated as potential means of reversing these changes. Consequently, the objective of this literature review was to analyze the effects of early weaning on the modulation of parameters that act to control feeding behavior.

The impact of robotic surgery on the treatment of benign esophageal and gastric disease: early experience of a specialized unit.

Laparoscopic surgery is a well-established approach in the surgical treatment of reflux, hiatal hernia and esophageal motility disorders such as achalasia. Robotic platforms have only recently been incorporated in surgery for esophageal motility disorders and their exact value remains to be determined. In the present study, we present the preliminary results of our early experience with a case series of benign upper gastrointestinal diseases treated using the robotic system in our department. Data on all consecutive patients undergoing surgery for benign upper gastrointestinal tract (UGI) disease during the last 5years (01/2029-12/2023) was prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed. All patients attended regular follow-up appointments. Patients with relapse or deterioration of their symptoms were referred for objective testing using high-resolution manometry and/or 24-h impedance pHmetry. A total of 34 patients were included in our series. Fourteen patients with achalasia underwent robotic Heller myotomy and modified Dor fundoplication, sixteen patients underwent hiatal hernia repair with fundoplication and four patients had a Nissen fundoplication for reflux esophagitis. The median postoperative Eckardt score of the patients treated for achalasia was 2 and a median GERD score of 1 was recorded for patients treated for reflux. Two patients with achalasia were evaluated with manometry due to temporary symptom relapse. The manometric findings were unremarkable. The incorporation of the robotic approach in the surgical treatment of benign UGI diseases is safe and feasible with excellent perioperative and postoperative functional results. Further experience and investigation will allow for reliable comparison to the laparoscopic approach.

Optimization of a green tea seed oil-loaded double-layer emulsion and its preventive effects on dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice.

Green tea seed oil (GTSO; Camellia sinensis) is rich in bioactive compounds and has great potential for preventing intestinal inflammation. Conversely, high-fat diets have been shown to promote or aggravate gastrointestinal inflammation, and the bioactive ingredients of GTSO face difficulty passing through the gastrointestinal tract while remaining intact. This study employed whey protein isolate (WPI) and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-Na) to prepare a GTSO-loaded double-layer emulsion. The optimal parameters were as follows: WPI (2% w/w) and 35% oil phase for the primary emulsion preparation, CMC-Na (0.8% w/w) for the final emulsion, and 450W of ultrasonic power for homogenization. No significant changes in particle size or coalescence in the emulsions were observed after 30days of storage at 4°C. In addition, in a simulated gastrointestinal digestion system, more than 60% of the encapsulated GTSO was able to remain intact while passing through the gastric and small intestinal environment. In mice with dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis, pretreatment with the GTSO emulsion significantly prevented the further development of colitis, whereas an empty-carrier-plus-free-GTSO treatment had no such protective effects and even tended to aggravate the disease. The results of the present study suggest that encapsulated GTSO is a reliable alternative approach for colitis prevention. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The green tea seed oil-loaded double-layer emulsion demonstrates good storage stability when kept at 4°C, exhibits excellent slow-release performance, and achieves superior outcomes in the prevention of colitis. Our current study provides a reliable alternative approach for the prevention of colitis.

Design and Analytical Modeling of a Dumbbell-Shaped Balloon Anchoring Actuator for Safe and Efficient Locomotion Inside Gastrointestinal Tract.

Colorectal cancer stands as one of the most prevalent cancers globally, representing 9.8% of total cases and contributing to 9.2% of mortalities annually. Robotic "front-wheel" navigating colonoscopes mitigate aggressive stretching against the long and tortuous colonic wall, alleviating associated discomfort and pain typically experienced by patients inspected by conventional "back-wheel" navigating colonoscopes. The anchoring unit of most "front-wheel" navigating colonoscopes plays a crucial role in ensuring effective locomotion by preventing slipping during elongation/contraction of the central actuation part. The soft balloon anchoring actuator emerges as a promising solution due to its high compliance. This study introduces a dumbbell-shaped balloon anchoring actuator (DBAA) integrating an "inflation and suction" mechanism to address the inherent conflict between achieving sufficient anchoring force and minimizing expansion and potential trauma of the colonic wall, commonly encountered in current balloon anchoring actuators. Analytical modeling of DBAA and soft external lumen, encompassing geometric deformation and anchoring force, were proposed to characterize the actuator and provide guidelines for designing and controlling DBAA in further applications, enabling autonomous anchoring within different diameter lumens and achieving the expected anchoring force. A comprehensive set of validation experiments was conducted, and the outcomes revealed high consistency with analytical predictions, confirming the effectiveness of the proposed analytical modeling approach. Furthermore, the results demonstrated a significant enhancement in anchoring force with the proposed actuator and corresponding mechanism while concurrently maintaining low-lumen expansion. For instance, in a lumen sample with the anchoring force reaches 14.5 N with 50 kPa negative pressure, which is 12.4 times of the force (1.17 N) observed without applying negative pressure.

Isolation and in vitro investigation on lactic acid bacteria for potential probiotic properties from cat feces

BackgroundProbiotics, which are beneficial to the host, have been shown to benefit the health of cats. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are commonly used probiotics, but most strains used for cats are not derived from cats, leading to reduced efficacy and poor adaptation to cats. The objective was to identify LAB with promising probiotic potential specific to cats.MethodLABs were isolated from fecal samples of 20 healthy cats. Gram staining and the survival rate in the simulated gastrointestinal tract were used for preliminary screening. Candidate strains were identified by 16S rDNA sequencing, and further evaluated for adhesion ability, growth characteristics, antibacterial activity, antioxidant capacity, and safety.Results24 Gram-positive isolates were identified, with 10 (F1-F10) showing robust viability in the simulated gastroenteric fluid. These 10 strains exhibited excellent adhesion to Caco-2 cells and strong auto-agglutination properties. They also possessed the capacity to antagonize and aggregate pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Salmonella Braenderup H9812, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1), Moreover, all strains demonstrated tolerance to H2O2 concentrations ranging from 0.5–2 mmol/L and the ability to scavenge 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals, indicating a certain level of antioxidant activity. Safety tests showed no hemolytic activity, and all but F6 were highly sensitive to antibiotics, with over 62.5% sensitivity to 16 antibiotics. Remarkably, F4 (Lactobacillus reuteri) and F10 (Lactobacillus brevis) exhibited exceptional viability in the simulated gastrointestinal tract, coupled with robust growth potential, enhanced adhesion efficiency, significant antibacterial and antioxidant properties.ConclusionOur findings revealed that F4 (Lactobacillus reuteri) and F10 (Lactobacillus brevis) hold promising potential as probiotics. This research lays a solid scientific foundation for the selection and application of probiotics tailored specifically for cats.

Real-Time Visualization of the Gastrointestinal Tract during Nasogastric Tube Placement: Pilot study of a New Video-Assisted System

Background and aims: Nasogastric tubes are commonly inserted blindly, leading to complications. Existing NG tube placement assisting systems faced safety and cost-effectiveness issues. This study aims to evaluate a new assisting system using a camera probe inserted into the nasogastric tube to provide real-time visualization. Patients and methods: Thirty patients requiring nasogastric tube placement were prospectively included. The primary objective was to determine the success rate of nasogastric tube placement, while the secondary objectives included the assessment of the usability and safety of this system. Results: Our findings revealed a high success rate of 96.7%. The median time to complete nasogastric tube placement was 3.8 min. No serious complications were observed during the 7-day follow-up period. Operator’s feedback indicated this system helps facilitate nasogastric tube placement, identify the gastric mucosa and safety landmark, and ease of camera wire removal. However, image visibility received a slightly lower score due to gastrointestinal secretions entering the nasogastric tube through the side hole. To address this, air insufflation was used to enhance visibility in 13 patients. Conclusions: This video-assisted system provides real-time visualization of the gastrointestinal tract during tube insertion and has been shown to enhance the safety and effectiveness of nasogastric tube placement.

Association Between Temporomandibular Disorders and Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Scoping Review

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) encompass various clinical conditions associated with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the masticatory muscles. TMD symptoms include pain in the orofacial region, restricted or altered mandibular movement, and sounds associated with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This condition adversely affects quality of life, social functioning, and daily activities, and may also contribute to widespread pain syndromes and comorbidities, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is a common chronic functional disorder of the lower gastrointestinal tract, characterized by recurrent abdominal pain associated with impaired bowel symptoms. Previous studies indicate an association between TMD and IBS. This scoping review examined the correlation between TMD and IBS concerning their pathology, frequency, and severity, and the potential similarities in how the nervous and endocrine systems influence them. PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Google Scholar search engines were utilized to identify suitable studies for this article. Following the application of selection criteria, a total of 58 clinical papers met the eligibility requirements for inclusion in the systematic review. Research showed that both conditions significantly enhance the development of one another and have mutual comorbidities. Both ailments were proven to modify central nervous system processing, leading to high comorbidity in patients. Combining dental and gastroenterological treatments, including a simultaneous therapeutic approach, can significantly enhance patients’ quality of life, but further research is needed for a holistic approach.

Surgically managed incarcerated umbilical hernias in calves hold favorable prognosis: a retrospective analysis of 19 cases (2004-2021).

To describe the clinical signs, surgical management, postoperative complications, and outcomes following herniorrhaphy in calves with incarcerated umbilical hernias. This was a retrospective case series. The electronic medical record databases of 2 veterinary teaching hospitals were searched to identify the records of calves that underwent herniorrhaphy for correction of irreducible umbilical hernias between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2021. Data collected included signalment, medical history, results of clinical examination and laboratory testing, ultrasonographic and surgical findings (incarceration vs strangulation), postoperative complications, and outcome. 19 calves with incarcerated umbilical hernias underwent surgical correction. The incarcerated gastrointestinal tract was identified as the abomasum in 11 calves and jejunum in 8 calves. In 9 calves, the intraoperative identification of strangulation led to 4 intestinal resections and 4 partial abomasectomies, with 1 calf being euthanized intraoperatively. Postoperative complications were reported in 3 calves that underwent intestinal resection. Sixteen calves (84%) survived to discharge and had a median survival time of 1,995 days after surgery. No statistically significant differences were observed between calves with or without gastrointestinal tract strangulation in the short-term survival rate, survival time, or number of lactations after surgery. This study demonstrated that herniorrhaphy for incarcerated umbilical hernias in calves is associated with a favorable prognosis. Postoperative complications are, however, more frequent in calves with strangulated gastrointestinal tract. Surgical intervention for incarcerated umbilical hernias in calves generally yields a positive prognosis, particularly in the absence of gastrointestinal tract strangulation, highlighting the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment.

Determination of body length regression formulas for the golden grey mullet (Chelon auratus, Risso 1810) based on otoliths found in the feces of the Caspian Seal (Pusa caspica Gmelin, 1788)

The Caspian Seal, the sole mammal endemic to the Caspian Sea, is listed in the IUCN Red List as a species facing the threat of extinction, a status similarly recognized and/or assigned in all countries in the Caspian region.The study of seal nutrition using caprological methods is of great interest for understanding animal adaptation to deteriorating habitat conditions and assessing the adequacy of their food base in the sea. This method involves analyzing the contents of feces from ichthyophages to detect undigested fish otoliths.The results of studying the seal's diet during periods of haulout on breeding grounds showed that the frequency of occurrence of Chelon auratus otoliths ranged from 2-3% to 27.7% of all fish otoliths detected in feces.This study aims to assess changes in Chelon auratus otoliths as they pass through seals' gastrointestinal tracts and estimate formulas for recovering the linear dimensions of fish consumed by these seals.The research indicates that otolith growth slows with fish growth but does not cease entirely. Allometry is evident in the different ratios of otolith length and width to fish length in various size groups and the change in otolith shape as fish grow.To recover the body length of fish consumed by seals based on otoliths found in their feces, applying inverse calculation formulas obtained when studying the relationship between otolith growth and fish body growth using collection material obtained directly from fish is possible.Further research should focus on refining the recovery formula for the length of large fish by dividing the length into several segments, each described by separate formulas describing the relationship between fish body length and otolith length and width growth.