Gut Structure Research Articles

Difference & Modernity of Lee YounTaek’s Adaptation of Shakespeare’s Works in Hamlet and MunJeInGan YeonSan

Lee YoonTaek can be regarded as the representative playwright and director of Korea in adapting Shakespeare’s works with Korean traditional style. He, in his plays and performances, has tried to restore traditional theatre by connecting Shakespeare works with Gut and traditional entertainments. Lee YounTaek has supported Oh TaeSuk’s theatrical movement of “Korean Racial Theatre” by announcing that Korean theatre should restore the ‘Korean-ness’ in producing performances on the stage. This ‘Korean-ness’ means the original emotion, rhythm and movement of Koreans on the theatrical performance. This means his positive attitude of agreement, inheritance and cooperation for Oh TaeSuk’s theatrical movement. Lee YounTaek has continued to experiment in adapting Shakespeare’s Hamlet in his own style of direction by means of ‘Gut.’ He introduces supernatural ‘inspiration’ of Gut in several scenes to cure madness or psychological instability, which can create the uniqueness of his theatrical world. And he tries to overcome the nihilistic result of the last scene in Shakespeare’s original works in which most of major characters should die without any vision of salvation. Instead, Lee lets Hamlet rise to heaven by tearing white textile ritually, the symbol of death, after his death as the scapegoat for the purgation of the world. The audience can feel successful exorcisement of skillful Gut by watching Hamlet’s role as a Korean shaman(Mudang) in the last scene. Lee endeavors to use his dialectical method in connecting the tradition and the modern, the Oriental and the Western, and Shakespeare and the traditional Gut. By doing so, Lee is able to produce the synthesis from the mixture of two different elements in his performance of MunJeInGan YeonSan. He inserts a lot of motifs of Shakespeare works such as Hamlet and Macbeth. Different from Hamlet, MunJeInGan YeonSan is composed of historical anecdotes of King YeonSan which reminds us of similar motifs of Hamlet and Macbeth. YeonSan, by using Guts, tries to solve his mother’s regrets by which she could not leave for the world of death. Accordingly, the audience can enjoy opposite elements simultaneously, which can create the synthesis in theatrical effects dialectically. Also, Lee describes YeonSan as extremely decadent character who searches for murder and sexuality to the limit without any vision of salvation. YeonSan’s nihilistic attitude in contrast with Hamlet’s positive one, can be said to create modernity by showing destructive ending in spite of its major structure of traditional Gut.

Histo-morphological description of the digestive system of the Rippon Barbel Barbus altianals (Boulenger 1900): A potential species for culture

Morphology of the digestive system can help define the feeding adaptation habits of a given fish species in a given environment. In a study to describe the nature and functionality of the digestive system of Barbus altianalis, samples of B. altianalis were taken from River Nile. Their Lengths and weights were measured and the gut structure preserved. The structure of the digestive tract of the B. altianalis was described using simple morphological observations and standard histological procedures. The digestive tube of B. altianalis is stomachless and valveless, progressively and uniformly reducing in size from the proximal to distal end. The digestive tract is on average 2.22 ± 0.37 times longer than its body length. The mouth is terminal and protrusible and pharyngeal palatal organ is well developed. The last gill arch is modified into pharyngeal teeth and the eosophagus is short and muscular. Histological sections revealed the presence of taste buds from the lips to the cranial eosophagus and these regions of the digestive tract are lined by a stratified squamous epithelium. The intestines are lined by simple or pseudo stratified columnar epithelial layer which is highly folded. Goblet cells containing both acidic and neutral mucins are present throughout the entire digestive tract and are more numerous in the pharynx and the proximal part of the intestine. Lobes of pancreatic acini are discrete and scattered among liver cells, around the intestine and few are seen in the spleen surrounding blood vessels. Thus, the liver could most accurately be termed a hepatopancreas structure. Key words: Goblet cells, hepatopancreas, intestine, mucins

Assessment of Environmental Enteric Dysfunction in the SHINE Trial: Methods and Challenges.

Environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) is a virtually ubiquitous, but poorly defined, disorder of the small intestine among people living in conditions of poverty, which begins early in infancy and persists. EED is characterized by altered gut structure and function, leading to reduced absorptive surface area and impaired intestinal barrier function. It is hypothesized that recurrent exposure to fecal pathogens and changes in the composition of the intestinal microbiota initiate this process, which leads to a self-perpetuating cycle of pathology. We view EED as a primary gut disorder that drives chronic systemic inflammation, leading to growth hormone resistance and impaired linear growth. There is currently no accepted case definition or gold-standard biomarker of EED, making field studies challenging. The Sanitation Hygiene Infant Nutrition Efficacy (SHINE) trial in Zimbabwe is evaluating the independent and combined effects of a package of infant feeding and/or water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions on stunting and anemia. SHINE therefore provides an opportunity to longitudinally evaluate EED in a well-characterized cohort of infants, using a panel of biomarkers along the hypothesized causal pathway. Our aims are to describe the evolution of EED during infancy, ascertain its contribution to stunting, and investigate the impact of the randomized interventions on the EED pathway. In this article, we describe current concepts of EED, challenges in defining the condition, and our approach to evaluating EED in the SHINE trial.

Oxytocin opposes effects of bacterial endotoxin on ER-stress signaling in Caco2BB gut cells

The neuropeptide neuromodulator and hormone oxytocin (OT) activates signaling pathways involved in mRNA translation in response to endoplasmic reticulum stress and reduces inflammation associated with experimental colitis in rats. The anti-inflammatory effects of OT may serve a vital role in the development, survival and function of newborn-type enterocytes during microbial gut colonization, which coincides with the milk suckling period when OT receptor expression peaks in the gut. Furthermore, mice deficient in the OT receptor have abnormal gut structure and function, underscoring OT's developmental importance. We tested the effect of OT upon lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced markers of the inflammatory response in Caco2BB gut cells in vitro using automated immunocapillary electrophoresis. We demonstrate that OT suppresses NF-κB signaling and presumably inflammatory transcriptional programs, which are unleashed by LPS through the modulation of IκB. We show that OT counteracts LPS-elicited silencing of the unfolded protein response, a pathway limiting endoplasmic reticulum stress by suppressing protein translation. OT selectively activates dsRNA-activated kinase (PKR), X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1), immunoglobulin binding protein (BiP), A20 (TNFα-induced protein 3) and inositol requiring enzyme 1a (IRE1a). OT inactivates eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2a (eIF2a) without significant activation of protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK). Mild, preemptive stimulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress sensors by OT may precondition newborn enterocytes to resist apoptosis associated with inflammation and may support their differentiation and development by modulating cellular metabolism. OT may protect enterocytes and other cell types, such as neurons, from stress-related complications during postnatal development.

All for one and one for all: Regionalization of the Drosophila intestine

Physiological responses are the ultimate outcomes of the functional interactions and proper organization of the different cell types that make up an organ. The digestive tract represents a good example where such structure/function correlation is manifested. To date, the molecular mechanisms that establish and/or maintain gut segmentation and functional specialization remain poorly understood. Recently, the use of model systems such as Drosophila has enriched our knowledge about the gut organization and physiology. Here, we review recent studies deciphering the morphological and functional properties of the Drosophila adult midgut compartments. Intestinal compartments are established through the differentiation of regionalized stem cell populations in concert with the joint activity of patterned transcription factors and locally produced morphogens. The maintenance of a compartmentalized gut structure is vital to the organism, allowing sequentially the ingestion and digestion of food, absorption of nutrients, and excretion of waste products in addition to the compartmentalization of immune and homeostatic functions. Further characterization of the gene regulatory networks underlying gut compartmentalization will pave the way for a better understanding of gastrointestinal function in insects and mammals, in both health and disease conditions.

Gut stem cells, a story of snails, flies and mice.

Intestinal stem cells (ISCs) replenish and regenerate several types of cells in the gut, both during normal homeostasis and in response to various insults such as infections. Although gut structure and complexity vary across phyla, two functional categories of differentiated cell types are always present: absorptive cells and those of the secretory lineage. A series of studies in Drosophila and mouse published in The EMBO Journal, including one in this issue, identifies conserved roles for the Snail family of zinc finger transcription factors in regulating self-renewal and differentiation of ISCs (Korzelius et al, 2014; Loza-Coll et al, 2014; Horvay et al, 2015).

Provision of Amniotic Fluid During Parenteral Nutrition Increases Weight Gain With Limited Effects on Gut Structure, Function, Immunity, and Microbiology in Newborn Preterm Pigs.

Small enteral boluses with human milk may reduce the risk of subsequent feeding intolerance and necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants receiving parenteral nutrition (PN). We hypothesized that feeding amniotic fluid, the natural enteral diet of the mammalian fetus, will have similar effects and improve growth and gastrointestinal (GI) maturation in preterm neonates receiving PN, prior to the transition to milk feeding. Twenty-seven pigs, delivered by cesarean section at ~90% of gestation, were provided with PN and also fed boluses with amniotic fluid (AF; n = 13, 24-72 mL/kg/d) or no oral supplements (nil per os [NPO]; n = 14) until day 5 when blood, tissue, and fecal samples were collected for analyses. Body weight gain was 2.7-fold higher in AF vs NPO pigs. AF pigs showed slower gastric emptying, reduced meal-induced release of gastric inhibitory peptide and glucagon-like peptide 2, changed gut microbiota, and reduced intestinal permeability. There were no effects on GI weight, percentage mucosa, villus height, plasma citrulline, hexose absorptive capacity, and digestive enzymes. Intestinal interleukin (IL)-1β levels and expression of IL1B and IL8 were increased in AF pigs, while blood biochemistry and amino acid levels were minimally affected. Enteral boluses of AF were well tolerated in the first 5 days of life in preterm pigs receiving PN. Enteral provision of AF before the initiation of milk feeding may stimulate body growth and improve hydration in preterm infants receiving PN. Furthermore, it may improve GI motility and integrity, although most markers of GI maturation remain unchanged.

Lactation litter size differentially affects satiety hormone concentrations and gut adaptations in Wistar rat dams

Introduction: Peptide-YY (PYY) is a satiety hormone secreted by the colon. We have previously shown that PYY significantly increases in early lactation in rats, despite hyperphagia. Increased PYY may be associated with significantly increased gut growth by late lactation in dams with average-sized litters. Our aim was to determine whether feeding different litter sizes influences postpartum changes occurring during the maternal adaptation to lactation. Materials and Methods: Wistar rats had litter sizes adjusted to 4, 8 (standard) or 12 pups by 1 day postpartum and were sacrificed at day 25 of lactation. Colonic PYY was quantified using radioimmunoassay. Gut tissue measurements were standardised by free-floating gut for length measurements and using nicardipine for circumference measurements. Results and Discussion: Dams feeding 4 pups had significantly shorter and lighter small and large intestines and lighter caecums compared with dams feeding 8 pups and we hypothesise that this is due to reduced suckling demand. Significantly increased descending colon PYY in dams with 8 pups was associated with increased gut size in these dams. Despite no increase in gut length or wet weight, dams feeding 12 pups had significantly increased gut circumferences, which may represent an adaptation to lactation that requires less energy. Energy insufficiency for structural modifications may be why dams feeding 12 pups showed different adaptations to dams feeding 8 pups. This study is the first time such differential adaptations have been shown in dams due to litter size; further work is being carried out to establish if pups from different sized litters have altered endocrine profiles or gut structure that influence feeding.

Environmental enteric dysfunction: pathogenesis, diagnosis, and clinical consequences.

Stunting is common in young children in developing countries, and is associated with increased morbidity, developmental delays, and mortality. Its complex pathogenesis likely involves poor intrauterine and postnatal nutrition, exposure to microbes, and the metabolic consequences of repeated infections. Acquired enteropathy affecting both gut structure and function likely plays a significant role in this outcome, especially in the first few months of life, and serve as a precursor to later interactions of infection and malnutrition. However, the lack of validated clinical diagnostic criteria has limited the ability to study its role, identify causative factors, and determine cost-effective interventions. This review addresses these issues through a historical approach, and provides recommendations to define and validate a working clinical diagnosis and to guide critical research in this area to effectively proceed. Prevention of early gut functional changes and inflammation may preclude or mitigate the later adverse vicious cycle of malnutrition and infection.

Lactation litter size differentially affects satiety hormone concentrations and gut adaptations in Wistar rat dams

Introduction: Peptide-YY (PYY) is a satiety hormone secreted by the colon. We have previously shown that PYY significantly increases in early lactation in rats, despite hyperphagia. Increased PYY may be associated with significantly increased gut growth by late lactation in dams with average-sized litters. Our aim was to determine whether feeding different litter sizes influences postpartum changes occurring during the maternal adaptation to lactation. Materials and Methods: Wistar rats had litter sizes adjusted to 4, 8 (standard) or 12 pups by 1 day postpartum and were sacrificed at day 25 of lactation. Colonic PYY was quantified using radioimmunoassay. Gut tissue measurements were standardised by free-floating gut for length measurements and using nicardipine for circumference measurements. Results and Discussion: Dams feeding 4 pups had significantly shorter and lighter small and large intestines and lighter caecums compared with dams feeding 8 pups and we hypothesise that this is due to reduced suckling demand. Significantly increased descending colon PYY in dams with 8 pups was associated with increased gut size in these dams. Despite no increase in gut length or wet weight, dams feeding 12 pups had significantly increased gut circumferences, which may represent an adaptation to lactation that requires less energy. Energy insufficiency for structural modifications may be why dams feeding 12 pups showed different adaptations to dams feeding 8 pups. This study is the first time such differential adaptations have been shown in dams due to litter size; further work is being carried out to establish if pups from different sized litters have altered endocrine profiles or gut structure that influence feeding.

Immune responses and gut morphology in Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) fed dietary probiotic supplementation and following exposure toPhotobacterium damselaesubsp.piscicida

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a dietary multi-species probiotic on growth, gut morphology and immune parameters in Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis). Fish were fed with two experimental diets, a control diet and the same diet supplemented with the probiotic for 72 days. A sub-lethal bath challenge with Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida was performed after the growth trial. Intestine and blood samples were collected to study gut structure and plasmatic immune parameters. No significant differences were found in growth performance. The analysis of gut morphology showed a significant increase in intestinal villi height of Senegalese sole fed the probiotic. Regarding circulating leucocytes, dietary probiotic supplementation increased thrombocytes levels whereas a decrease in the proportion of lymphocytes was observed. No significant differences were observed in humoural immune parameters. Bath challenge differentially affected leucocyte counts and increased peroxidase activity. This study presents the possibility of using dietary probiotic supplementation to increase Senegalese sole welfare since gut morphology was positively affected. Although the immune response after a bacterial challenge was not modulated by dietary treatment, further studies would be instrumental to unravel eventual dietary benefits on immune mechanisms.

Rice Bran Expressing a Shrimp Antimicrobial Peptide Confers Delayed Spoilage of Fish Feed and Resistance of Tilapia to Aeromonas hydrophila

Penaeidin is an antimicrobial peptide family found in penaeid shrimp. Penaeidin3 has a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity and is most effective against certain bacterial species. In this study, the penaeidin3-2 gene was cloned from the Chinese shrimp, Fenneropenaeus chinensis. It was then transformed into rice plants using an Agrobacterium-mediated transformation system. The transformants were verified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) sequencing and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. To evaluate the application of penaeidin3-2 expressed by rice plants in the feedstock industry and aquaculture practice, the transgenic rice bran was added to fish feed. The proliferation of microbes in the feed was significantly inhibited by the transgenic rice bran. Furthermore, the mortality of tilapias challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila was also significantly reduced when they were fed with the transgenic bran expressing penaeidin3-2. Their intestinal flora changed when the fish were fed with rice bran expressing the introduced gene for a relatively long period. Fish that survived the challenge had a more intact midgut structure. These results indicate that penaeidin3-2 expressed in rice plants may possess the ability to modulate the intestinal bacterial community and protect the gut structure from damage.

Microbiota-induced changes in drosophila melanogaster host gene expression and gut morphology.

ABSTRACTTo elucidate mechanisms underlying the complex relationships between a host and its microbiota, we used the genetically tractable model Drosophila melanogaster. Consistent with previous studies, the microbiota was simple in composition and diversity. However, analysis of single flies revealed high interfly variability that correlated with differences in feeding. To understand the effects of this simple and variable consortium, we compared the transcriptome of guts from conventionally reared flies to that for their axenically reared counterparts. Our analysis of two wild-type fly lines identified 121 up- and 31 downregulated genes. The majority of these genes were associated with immune responses, tissue homeostasis, gut physiology, and metabolism. By comparing the transcriptomes of young and old flies, we identified temporally responsive genes and showed that the overall impact of microbiota was greater in older flies. In addition, comparison of wild-type gene expression with that of an immune-deficient line revealed that 53% of upregulated genes exerted their effects through the immune deficiency (Imd) pathway. The genes included not only classic immune response genes but also those involved in signaling, gene expression, and metabolism, unveiling new and unexpected connections between immunity and other systems. Given these findings, we further characterized the effects of gut-associated microbes on gut morphology and epithelial architecture. The results showed that the microbiota affected gut morphology through their impacts on epithelial renewal rate, cellular spacing, and the composition of different cell types in the epithelium. Thus, while bacteria in the gut are highly variable, the influence of the microbiota at large has far-reaching effects on host physiology.

Gut microbiome and colorectal adenomas.

The trillions of bacteria that naturally reside in the human gut collectively constitute the complex system known the gut microbiome, a vital player for the host's homeostasis and health. However, there is mounting evidence that dysbiosis, a state of pathological imbalance in the gut microbiome is present in many disease states. In this review, we present recent insights concerning the gut microbiome's contribution to the development of colorectal adenomas and the subsequent progression to colorectal cancer (CRC). In the United States alone, CRC is the second leading cause of cancer deaths. As a result, there is a high interest in identifying risk factors for adenomas, which are intermediate precursors to CRC. Recent research on CRC and the microbiome suggest that modulation of the gut bacterial composition and structure may be useful in preventing adenomas and CRC. We highlight the known risk factors for colorectal adenomas and the potential mechanisms by which microbial dysbiosis may contribute to the etiology of CRC. We also underscore novel findings from recent studies on the gut microbiota and colorectal adenomas along with current knowledge gaps. Understanding the microbiome may provide promising new directions towards novel diagnostic tools, biomarkers, and therapeutic interventions for CRC.

Glucagon-like peptide 2 treatment may improve intestinal adaptation during weaning1

Transition from sow's milk to solid feed is associated with intestinal atrophy and diarrhea. We hypothesized that the intestinotrophic hormone glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) would induce a dose- and health status-dependent effect on gut adaptation. In Exp. 1, weaned pigs (average BW at weaning 4.98 ± 0.18 kg) were kept in a high-sanitary environment and injected with saline or short-acting GLP-2 (80 μg/(kg BW·12 h); n = 8). Under these conditions, there was no diarrhea and GLP-2 did not improve gastrointestinal structure or function. In Exp. 2, weaned pigs (average BW at weaning 6.68 ± 0.27 kg) were kept in a low-sanitary environment, leading to weaning diarrhea, and injected with saline or short-acting GLP-2 (200 µg/(kg BW·12 h); n = 11). Treatment with GLP-2 increased goblet cell density (P < 0.05) and reduced short chain fatty acid concentration in the colon (P < 0.01) but had limited effects on diarrhea. In Exp. 3, weaned pigs (average BW at weaning 6.90 ± 0.32 kg) were kept in a low-sanitary environment and injected with saline or a long-acting acylated GLP-2 analogue (25 µg/(kg BW·12 h); n = 8). In this experiment, GLP-2 increased intestinal weight (+22%; P < 0.01) and activity of brush border enzymes (+50-100%; P < 0.05). Circulating GLP-2 levels were in the pharmacological range in Exp. 3 (constant levels >20,000 pmol/L) and Exp. 2 (increases to 20,000 pmol/L for a few hours each day) while they were in the supraphysiological range in Exp. 1 (50-200 pmol/L). In conclusion, GLP-2 may improve gut structure and function in weanling pigs. However, the effects may be significant only under conditions of diarrhea and if GLP-2 exposure time is extended using long-acting analogues.

Genetic Dissection of Anopheles gambiae Gut Epithelial Responses to Serratia marcescens

Genetic variation in the mosquito Anopheles gambiae profoundly influences its ability to transmit malaria. Mosquito gut bacteria are shown to influence the outcome of infections with Plasmodium parasites and are also thought to exert a strong drive on genetic variation through natural selection; however, a link between antibacterial effects and genetic variation is yet to emerge. Here, we combined SNP genotyping and expression profiling with phenotypic analyses of candidate genes by RNAi-mediated silencing and 454 pyrosequencing to investigate this intricate biological system. We identified 138 An. gambiae genes to be genetically associated with the outcome of Serratia marcescens infection, including the peptidoglycan recognition receptor PGRPLC that triggers activation of the antibacterial IMD/REL2 pathway and the epidermal growth factor receptor EGFR. Silencing of three genes encoding type III fibronectin domain proteins (FN3Ds) increased the Serratia load and altered the gut microbiota composition in favor of Enterobacteriaceae. These data suggest that natural genetic variation in immune-related genes can shape the bacterial population structure of the mosquito gut with high specificity. Importantly, FN3D2 encodes a homolog of the hypervariable pattern recognition receptor Dscam, suggesting that pathogen-specific recognition may involve a broader family of immune factors. Additionally, we showed that silencing the gene encoding the gustatory receptor Gr9 that is also associated with the Serratia infection phenotype drastically increased Serratia levels. The Gr9 antibacterial activity appears to be related to mosquito feeding behavior and to mostly rely on changes of neuropeptide F expression, together suggesting a behavioral immune response following Serratia infection. Our findings reveal that the mosquito response to oral Serratia infection comprises both an epithelial and a behavioral immune component.

Effects on gut properties in exocrine pancreatic insufficient (EPI) pigs, being growth retarded due to pancreatic duct ligation at 7 weeks but not at 16 weeks of age

PurposeExocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) induced in young pigs by pancreatic duct ligation (PDL) early after weaning result in total growth deprivation while it has little effect in somewhat older pigs. The main objective was to study effects of EPI on gut structure and function in littermate pigs underwent to PDL at different age. Material/methodsPigs, duct-ligated at either 7 (2 weeks post-weaning, PDL-7) or 16 weeks of age (PDL-16), and euthanized at an age of 21–23 weeks together with un-operated littermates were studied. The intestinal in vitro permeability was studied in separate PDL-pigs and compared to un-operated. ResultsMorphometric analysis showed gut mucosal atrophy in the PDL-7 as compared to PDL-16 pigs, while no differences in mucosal disaccharidase activities. The intestinal permeability for different-sized markers was significantly increased in the PDL-pigs compared to the un-operated controls. Analyses of the intestinal digesta showed a total lack of pancreatic enzymes in all PDL-pigs, while instead new, as yet unidentified, enzyme-activities appeared. ConclusionsAll EPI-pigs, independent of age at PDL-operation, displayed adaptive gut changes, however the EPI-pigs operated early after weaning appeared more sensitive, probably related to their gut maturity and possibly explaining the growth arrest seen in these pigs.

Gastric outlet obstruction: An unusual complication of feeding jejunostomy

Introduction: Enteral nutrition is very important part of management of surgical patients. In cases of corrosive esophageal stricture feeding jejunostomy plays important role in providing nutrition, maintenance of gut structure and function. though commonly performed surgery, various complications (mechanical, infectious, gastrointestinal and metabolic) have been reported. case report: We are reporting a rare complication of gastric outlet obstruction developing in postoperative period of feeding jejunostomy done for corrosive oesophageal stricture. conclusion: High index of suspicion is required to diagnose this condition in a patient of feeding jejunostomy in postoperative period. In such case operative intervention is required to correct the underlying pathology.

Morphology of the Digestive Tract ofCladomorphus phyllinus(Phasmatodea: Phasmidae)

The digestive tracts of insects may indicate life history and phylogenetic relationships among different species. Phasmatodea are chewing herbivores with an elongated body shape, which camouflages them on the vegetation on which they feed. This work evaluated the gut structure of the walking stick insect, Cladomorphus phyllinus (Gray 1835) (Phasmatoidea: Phasmidae), with light and scanning electron microscopy. The digestive tract of C. phillynus is an elongated tube with minimal external anatomical differences along its length. There is a short gastric caeca-like structure in the posterior midgut. The crop is an extensively folded storage organ and the proventriculus is covered by a thick cuticle with spine-like projections, which play a role in grinding food. The midgut has 2 anatomical regions probably involved in digestion and absorption of nutrients. The epithelial cells of the anterior midgut have bubbles of apocrine secretion, while the posterior midgut cells have a striated border. Gastric caecae-like projections are found in the posterior midgut. They are enlarged close to the midgut wall, and follow a thin and long filament, which is free in the body cavity. The epithelial cells lining the gastric caecae-like projections are cuboidal with well development striated borders, suggesting involvement in nutrient absorption. The hindgut is divided in an ileum and a rectum. The ileum epithelial cells are covered by cuticle and have cytological traits characteristic of electrolyte and water absorption. The rectum epithelial cells have no obvious absorptive features, but the rectal pads may be involved in water and electrolyte reabsorption. This work reinforces the concept that the anatomy of gut is related to the diet and body shape, and shows that the general pattern of compartmentalization of digestion in insects was maintained in Phasmatodea, but that it differs from other Orthopteroidea in some aspects.

Similar efficacy of human banked milk and bovine colostrum to decrease incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm piglets

Preterm birth and formula feeding predispose to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in infants. As mother's milk is often absent following preterm delivery, infant formula (IF) and human donor milk (HM) are frequently used as alternatives. We have previously shown that porcine and bovine colostrum (BC) provide similar NEC protection in preterm piglets relative to IF. We hypothesized that HM exerts similar effects and that this effect is partly species-independent. Preterm piglets (n = 40) received 2 days of total parenteral nutrition, followed by a rapid transition to full enteral feeding (15 ml·kg(-1)·2 h(-1)) for 2 days using BC (n = 13), HM (n = 13), or IF (n = 14). Intestinal passage time and hexose absorption were tested in vivo. Body and organ weights were recorded on day 5, and macroscopic NEC lesions in the gastrointestinal tract were assessed. Intestinal samples were collected for determination of histomorphology, histopathology, tissue IL-6 and IL-8, organic acids, bacterial adherence by fluorescence in situ hybridization score, and digestive enzyme activities. Relative to IF, pigs from BC and HM showed longer intestinal passage time; higher weight gain, hexose absorptive capacity, mucosal proportion, and enzyme activities; lower NEC incidence, organic acid concentration, and IL-8 concentration; and reduced histopathology lesions. Tissue IL-6 concentration and bacterial adherence score were lower for HM, relative to both BC and IF groups. We conclude that BC and HM are both superior to IF in stimulating gut structure, function, and NEC resistance in preterm piglets. BC may be a relevant alternative to HM when mother's milk is unavailable during the first week after preterm birth.