Lower Ileum Research Articles

Dynamic Hydration and Viscosity Control of Konjac Glucomannan Enhance Long-Term Antiobesity Effects by Reducing Food Intake in High-Fat-Diet-Fed Mice.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the necessity and importance of dynamic hydration rate and ultimate viscosity control of konjac glucomannan (KGM) for long-term antiobesity effects in C57BL/6J mice on high-fat (HF) diets. KGM supplementation effectively attenuated HF-diet-induced increases in body and tissue weights. The hydration rate and viscosity changes of KGM in the digestive tract were found to have marked impacts on antiobesity effects. KGM with medium hydration and viscosity slowed gastric emptying and intestinal transit, leading to prolonged presence in the lower ileum, increased satiety-related hormones (GLP-1 and PYY), and an 18.27% reduction in daily food intake over 10 weeks (p < 0.05). This resulted in the greatest reduction in weight gain among HF-fed mice. In contrast, KGM with faster hydration and higher viscosity provided only short-term satiety due to rapid dilution. Furthermore, KGM improved metabolic health and altered glycolipid metabolism gene transcription while enriching beneficial gut bacteria; however, no significant differences were observed among the KGM groups in these effects. These findings highlight that synchronizing KGM's hydration rate and viscosity with digestive processes is crucial for regulating satiety and achieving long-term weight loss.

SP2.1 - Endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy for peri-appendiceal abscess

Abstract Aims ERAT is a novel technique primarily for uncomplicated appendicitis, but it is starting to be used also for peri-appendiceal abscesses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and clinical outcomes of ERAT in treating patients with peri-appendiceal abscess. Methods Between January 2018 and April 2023, twenty-eight patients with peri-appendiceal abscess were treated with ERAT. We retrospectively analyzed the location and size of the peri-appendiceal abscess, success rate of ERAT, median operative time, postoperative hospital stay and complications. We defined success of ERAT as finding the appendiceal orifice and successful performance of ERAT without conversion to appendectomy or percutaneous drainage of the appendiceal abscess within one month. All patients were followed up at least 6 months, with a median follow-up of 31.5 months. Results The success rate of ERAT was 75.0% (95% CI, 54.8%-88.6%; n = 21/28). 35.7% (95% CI, 19.3%-55.9%; n = 10/28) of peri-appendiceal abscesses were located in the lower ileum, and the median size of appendiceal abscesses was 43.5 mm (95% CI: 33-53). 80.8% (95% CI, 60.0%-92.7%; n = 21/26) of patients had a visual analogue scale pain score of ≤3 at 24 hours after treatment. The median procedure time was 69.5 minutes (95% CI: 51-76), and the median hospital stay was 6.5 days (95% CI: 5-9). During the follow-up period, a total of four (17.1%; 95% CI, 0.9%-13.1%; 4/21) patients presented with abdominal pain associated with peri-appendiceal abscesses. Conclusions ERAT is a technically feasible treatment for peri-appendiceal abscesses.

P314 Serum levels of Leucin-Rich α2 Glycoprotein predicts endoscopic mucosal healing of Crohn's disease

Abstract Background It has been suggested that serum levels of Leucin-Rich α2 Glycoprotein (LRG) correlate with disease activity of Crohn’s disease (CD). Small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) can be performed together with ileo-colonoscopy (ICS) at the same day to assess mucosal healing in patients with clinically quiescent CD. The aim of this study was to determine the usefulness and a cut off value of LRG that indicate mucosal healing in patients with CD. Methods Clinically quiescent CD (CDAI&amp;lt;150) patients without perianal lesions received SBCE and ICS at the same day between July 2021 and August 2023 were included. Serum levels of CRP and LRG were measured in the time frame of median 23 days before or after the exam (IQR 14, 43). Endoscopic findings were evaluated by modified simple endoscopic score for CD (mSES-CD) composed of 3 variables (size of ulcers, proportion of ulcer surface and disease affected surface) of each 7 segments (jejunum, upper ileum, lower ileum, right colon, transvers colon, left colon and rectum). Mucosal healing was defined by the mSES-CD score of 0. Results Among 51 CD patients enrolled, 88.2% were male with the median age of 20 (IQR 22, 35) and the disease duration of 69 months (IQR 23, 35). History of small or large intestinal resection was found in 15 (29.4%) and 14 (27.4%) cases, respectively. The median CRP and LRG were 0.1 mg/dL (IQR 0.1, 0.4), and 12.3 μg/mL (IQR 8.8, 18.3), respectively. The median mSES-CD was 3 (0,6%), and 20 (39.2%) cases were score 0. There was a high correlation between LRG and CRP levels (p&amp;lt;0.0001, r=0.78), and the cut of value of LRG that indicates negative CRP (&amp;lt; 0.4 mg/dL) was 16.6 μg/mL; area under the curve (AUC) of ROC analysis 0.91, sensitivity 90.0%, specificity 84.8%. In addition, a significant correlation between LRG levels and mSES-CD was found (p&amp;lt; 0.0001, r= 0.65), while no correlation between CRP and mSES-CD (p=0.72, r= 0.27). The cut off value of LRG that indicates mucosal healing was 10.2 μg/mL (AUC 0.915, sensitivity 89.7%, specificity 85.7%) with positive predictive value of 92.9% and negative predictive value of 80.0%. Conclusion LRG can be a reasonable biomarker to monitor disease status of CD especially in clinically quiescent patients with small bowel CD. LRG values less than 10.2 μg/mL indicates endoscopic mucosal healing in patients with CD.

Clinical characteristics of Dieulafoy’s lesion in the small bowel diagnosed and treated by double-balloon endoscopy

BackgroundObscure gastrointestinal bleeding refers to bleeding for which the source cannot be ascertained even through balloon-assisted endoscopy. In certain instances, Dieulafoy’s lesion in the small bowel is presumed to be the underlying cause.AimThis retrospective study aimed to elucidate the clinical characteristics of Dieulafoy’s lesion in the small bowel as diagnosed via double-balloon endoscopy while also exploring the feasibility of predicting bleeding from Dieulafoy’s lesion prior to endoscopy in cases of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.MethodsA comprehensive analysis of our database was conducted, identifying 38 patients who received a diagnosis of Dieulafoy’s lesion and subsequently underwent treatment via double-balloon endoscopy. The clinical background, diagnosis, and treatment details of patients with Dieulafoy’s lesion were carefully examined.ResultsThe median age of the 38 patients was 72 years, and 50% of the patients were male. A total of 26 (68%) patients exhibited a high comorbidity index. The upper jejunum and lower ileum were the most frequently reported locations for the occurrence of Dieulafoy’s lesion in the small bowel. The detected Dieulafoy’s lesions exhibited active bleeding (n = 33) and an exposed vessel with plaque on the surface (n = 5). Rebleeding after endoscopic treatment occurred in 8 patients (21%, median period: 7 days, range: 1-366 days). We conducted an analysis to determine the definitive nature of the initial double-balloon endoscopy diagnosis. Multivariate analysis revealed that hematochezia of ≥ 2 episodes constituted the independent factor associated with ≥ 2 double-balloon endoscopy diagnoses. Additionally, we explored factors associated with rebleeding following endoscopic treatment. Although the number of hemoclips utilized displayed a likely association, multivariate analysis did not identify any independent factor associated with rebleeding.ConclusionIf a patient encounters multiple instances of hematochezia, promptly scheduling balloon-assisted endoscopy, equipped with optional instruments without delay is advised, after standard endoscopic evaluation with esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy is unrevealing.

The effect of oregano essential oil on Feed Passage Syndrome in broilers: 1. Assessment under field conditions

Feed Passage Syndrome (FPS) is a prevalent condition that includes wet excreta, with undigested feed, and loss of feed efficiency, with multiple predisposing factors involved. Alternatives to antimicrobials, including phytogenics, are being studied to control this process. This study aimed to assess oregano essential oil (OEO) in broilers subjected to a natural field FPS challenge. Four broiler houses (two males; two females) presenting FPS were divided into two groups per house and assigned to a control or OEO-treated group through drinking water for five days. The FPS was characterized by >30% wet droppings, >50% with undigested feed, <5% with desquamated mucosa, >10% birds with enteritis, and 90% with undigested feed in the lower ileum, and flocks clinically positive for dysbacteriosis. After a five-day treatment, OEO-treated birds showed fewer abnormal droppings (P < 0.05), reduced the prevalence of dysbacteriosis (P = 0.0404), and a progressively recovering BW. The OEO treatment showed to influence the Gompertz growth curve parameters (growth rate, P = 0.0165; inflection point, P = 0.0359), potentially reducing the age at the target market weight in 0.8 days. In conclusion, the results indicate that the OEO treatment in drinking water for broilers naturally challenged with the Feed Passage Syndrome may improve excreta characteristics and attenuate the negative impact of the syndrome on the BW.

Mucosal phosphatase activity, phytate degradation, and mineral digestibility in 6-week-old turkeys and broilers at different dietary levels of phosphorus and phytase and comparison with 3-week-old animals

Female turkeys (B.U.T. 6) and broilers (Ross 308) were compared at 6 wk of age to evaluate the effects of species, dietary P, Ca, and phytase levels on myo-inositol hexakisphosphate (InsP6) degradation along the digestive tract, gut mucosal phosphatase activity, P and Ca digestibility, and myo-inositol concentrations in the digesta and blood. The environmental conditions and experimental corn-soybean meal-based diets were the same for both species. Four diets with either combination of 2 levels of P and Ca (CaP-: 4.0 g P/kg, 5.4 g Ca/kg and CaP+: 6.0 g P/kg, 8.0 g Ca/kg) and 2 levels of phytase supplementation (0 and 1,500 FTU/kg) were fed to the animals for 7d at their sixth wk of age. Each diet was randomly assigned to 6 pens per species, with 10 birds each. After slaughter, blood, digesta from the crop, gizzard, duodenum, lower ileum, and jejunal mucosa were collected. Endogenous mucosal phosphatase activity in the jejunum was higher in turkeys than in broilers. Prececal InsP6 disappearance was also higher in turkeys than in broilers when phytase was not supplemented. Phytase supplementation led to a higher prececal InsP6 disappearance in broilers than in turkeys, likely due to different crop conditions such as moisture content. However, prececal P digestibility was higher in turkeys than broilers. Different relationships between myo-inositol concentration in the ileum digesta and blood were found, depending on the species. A comparison of the results with those obtained in 3-wk-old birds of a companion study showed that in diets with low Ca and P levels, prececal InsP6 disappearance increased with age in turkeys, but not in broilers. This coincided with changes in the conditions of the digestive tract, such as the water content in the crop, gizzard pH, and mucosal phosphatase activity. In conclusion, occurrence of differences in phytate degradation between turkeys and broilers, fed the same feed, depended on age and can be explained by different physiological development of the digestive tract.

Comparison of mucosal phosphatase activity, phytate degradation, and nutrient digestibility in 3-week-old turkeys and broilers at different dietary levels of phosphorus and phytase

A comparison between 3-wk-old female turkeys (B.U.T. 6) and broilers (Ross 308) was performed to study the effects of species, dietary P, Ca, and phytase levels on gut mucosal phosphatase activity, myo-inositol hexakisphosphate (InsP6) degradation along the digestive tract, digestibility of P, Ca, and amino acids, and concentrations of myo-inositol in the digesta and blood. The experimental diets were corn-soybean meal-based and identical for both species. Two dietary P and Ca concentrations (CaP-: 4.1 g P/kg, 5.5 g Ca/kg and CaP+: 9.0 g P/kg, 12.0 g Ca/kg) and 2 levels of phytase supplementation (0 and 1,500 FTU/kg) were used in a 2×2 factorial design and fed to the animals for 7 d in their third week of age. Each diet was randomly assigned to 6 broiler and 6 turkey pens, with 10 birds each. After slaughter, blood, digesta from the crop, gizzard, duodenum, lower ileum, and mucosa from the jejunum were collected. When fed CaP- without phytase supplementation, there were no differences between species in gut mucosal phosphatase activity, prececal InsP6 disappearance, and P and Ca digestibility, indicating a similar intrinsic capacity for phytate degradation in both species. When fed CaP+ without phytase supplementation, turkeys showed higher prececal InsP6 disappearance than broilers. Phytase supplementation increased prececal InsP6 disappearance and digestibility of P and Ca in both species. However, the phytase-induced increase in prececal InsP6 disappearance was more pronounced in broilers than in turkeys, possibly due to more adequate conditions for phytase activity in the broiler crop. In broilers, phytase supplementation increased amino acid digestibility overall, whereas, in turkeys, it increased with CaP+ and decreased with CaP-. In addition, the relationship between myo-inositol concentration in the ileum and blood differed between species, indicating differences in myo-inositol metabolism. It was concluded that 3-week-old turkeys and broilers differ in nutrient digestibility and InsP degradation in some segments of the digestive tract but have similar endogenous InsP6 degradation when fed low P and Ca diets.

Intestinal ulcers in a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome: a case report

BackgroundTrisomy 8 positivity myelodysplastic syndrome with Behçet's disease is rare. Isolated trisomy 8 is a frequent cytogenetic abnormality in the MDS, but the characteristic of trisomy 8 and the association between trisomy 8 positivity myelodysplastic syndrome and Behçet's disease is unclear.Case presentationHere, we reported a 63‐year‐old man, who presented with fever, abdominal pain and hematochezia. Imaging studies revealed bowel wall thickening and mural hyperenhancement of terminal ileum and cecum. Colonoscopy found multiple round ulcers in terminal ileum, ileocecal valve and multiple yellow dotted pseudomembranous attachments throughout the colon. Capsule endoscopy also revealed multiple irregular ulcers in lower ileum. Serum C-reactive protein levels and fecal calprotectin were abnormally high. The clostridium difficile toxin A and B was positive. However, the patient's intestinal ulcers did not resolve after two weeks course of vancomycin. Considered that the patient was diagnosed as MDS-RAEB2 with a karyotype of 47 XX, + 8. And detailed inquiry of medical history revealed epifolliculitis and frequently recurrent oral ulcers 2 months before admission. A diagnosis of trisomy 8 positivity MDS with BD was made. Then he received glucocorticoid along with the 5th course of azacytidine. The follow-up endoscopy showed significantly improved intestinal ulcer 2 months after treatment. we report a rare disease and provide the diagnose and treatment ideas.ConclusionsWe highlight the challenges and the process of thinking about of the diagnosis. This may provide a new idea for the diagnosis of intestinal ulcers.

ИСТИННАЯ ИЛЕАЛЬНАЯ ДОСТУПНОСТЬ АМИНОКИСЛОТ ЗЕРНА ЗЛАКОВ ДЛЯ КОРРЕКТИРОВКИ РАЦИОНОВ МОЛОДНЯКА

The faecal and true ilealavailability (IIDs)of amino acids from wheat, barley, triticale, and maize was studied by applying a T-shaped cannula in the lower ileum. When calculating the amino acid score of cereals, it was found that the first limiting acid is ‒ lysine, the second threonine, the third ‒methionine+cystine (for wheat, barley and corn) and for triticale ‒ isoleucine and valine. The obtained estimates of the amino acids of feed components should be used in the development of complete feed for pigs.

Intestinal Pioneer Colonizers as Drivers of Ileal Microbial Composition and Diversity of Broiler Chickens.

Given that recent advances in metagenomics have highlighted the importance of intestinal microbes for poultry health, there has been a corresponding search for early manipulation strategies of intestinal microbiota in order to advance immune system development and optimize functional properties of growth. In this study, we used the in ovo technique as an experimental model to address how early bacterial intestinal colonization could affect the development and establishment of the mature ileal microbiota. Inoculations containing one of the following: 0.2 mL of 0.9% sterile saline (S), approximately 102 cells of Citrobacter freundii (CF), Citrobacter species (C2) or lactic acid bacteria mixture (L) were administered via in ovo into the amnion. Results showed that Enterobacteriaceae abundance was negatively correlated with aging, although its high population at day of hatch affected the microbiota composition, delaying mature microbiota establishment. L treatment increased colonization of butyrate-producing bacteria by 3 and 10 days, and segmented filamentous bacteria in the lower ileum by 10 days. On the other hand, L-probiotic decreased the population of Enterococcaceae. In addition, L and C2 microbial communities were less diverse at 10 than 3 days of age in the upper ileum. Importantly, these findings provide a valuable resource for a potential study model for interactions between microbial colonization and associated immune responses. In conclusion, our analysis demonstrates that intestinal pioneer colonizers play a critical role in driving the course of microbial community composition and diversity over time, in which early life exposure to L-based probiotic supported selection alongside greater colonization of symbiotic populations in the ileum of young broilers.

Involvement of intestinal efflux and metabolic instability in the pharmacokinetics of platycodin D in rats

We aimed to investigate the underlying mechanisms for low bioavailability of Platycodin D (PD) in rats. The bioavailability of PD was 1.89% with different half-lives depending on the administration route (2.14 ± 0.18 h for intravenous injection vs 5.42 ± 1.9 h for oral administration). The mean absorption time was 6.3 h calculated from the mean residence time of both administration routes. Consistent with these parameters, rat intestinal permeability using 3 different intestinal segments showed a low but greatest permeability in lower ileum (0.05 × 10−6 cm/s in jejunum and upper ileum vs 0.13 × 10−6 cm/s in lower ileum). The involvement of efflux system, probably Mrps, in upper ileum, could be explained from the efflux ratio of 6.4 and reduced efflux ratio by an Mrp inhibitor, MK571. The recovery of unchanged PD after the intravenous and oral administration was 50% and 5.2%, respectively, suggesting the contribution of gastrointestinal metabolism. In the gastrointestinal content, 4 metabolites of PD were identified: acetylated PD (m/z 1265.6), deglucose PD (m/z 1061.5), deapiose PD (m/z 1091.5), and deapiose-dexylose-derhamnose PD (m/z 813.4). In conclusion, the intestinal first-pass effect such as the presence of efflux functions in the upper ileum, limited but steady intestinal permeability, and gastrointestinal metabolism could explain the low bioavailability and prolonged absorption time of orally administered PD.

Interactions between supplemented mineral phosphorus and phytase on phytate hydrolysis and inositol phosphates in the small intestine of broilers ,

Phytate breakdown in the digestive tract of broilers is affected by supplements of mineral phosphorus (P) and phytase with unknown interactions between the 2 factors. It was the objective to study phytate hydrolysis and the presence of inositol phosphate isomers (InsPs) as affected by supplements of mineral P and phytase in the small intestine of broilers. Fifteen-day old broilers were assigned to 48 pens of 20 broilers each (n = 8 pens/treatment). Two low-P corn–soybean meal-based diets without (BD−; 4.4 g P/kg dry matter) or with monocalcium phosphate (MCP; BD+; 5.2 g P/kg dry matter) were supplied without or with added phytase at 500 or 12,500 FTU/kg. On d 24, digesta from the duodenum/jejunum and lower ileum was pooled per segment on a by-pen basis, freeze-dried, and analyzed for P, InsPs, and the marker TiO2. Another 180 broilers (n = 6 pens/treatment, 10 birds each) were fed the 3 BD+ diets from d 1 to 21 to assess the influence of supplemented phytase on tibia mineralization and strength. Significant interactions between MCP and phytase supplements on myo- inositol 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexakis (dihydrogen phosphate) (InsP6) hydrolysis (duodenum/jejunum: P ≤ 0.001; ileum: P = 0.004) and level of specific lower InsPs were detected. Supplementation with 12,500 FTU/kg phytase resulted in 92% InsP6 hydrolysis and strong degradation of InsP5. This treatment resulted in higher P net absorption, affirmed by higher BW gain, tibia strength, and mineralization compared to treatments without or with 500 FTU/kg phytase (P ≤ 0.05). MCP supplementation reduced the degradation of InsP6 and specific lower InsPs in birds fed diets without or with 500 FTU/kg of phytase (P ≤ 0.05), but did not reduce InsP6 hydrolysis or degradation of InsP5 at the high phytase dose. Effects of added MCP on phytase efficacy depend on the dose of supplemented phytase. Differences in the concentrations of lower InsPs indicated that the initial step of InsP6 hydrolysis is not the only catabolic step that is influenced by MCP or phytase levels.

Effect of diets containing enzyme supplements and microwave-treated or untreated wheat on inositol phosphates in the small intestine of broilers

The objective was to study the effect of diets containing microwave-treated wheat and supplemental enzymes on myo-inositol 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexakis (dihydrogen phosphate) (InsP6) hydrolysis and the presence of inositol phosphate isomers (InsPs) in the small intestine of broilers. We assigned 16-day-old broilers to 48 pens of 15 broilers each (n=8 pens per treatment) in a 2×3 factorial arrangement of treatments. Birds were fed a wheat-soybean meal diet that was low in phosphorus (4.8g/kg dry matter) and that contained either microwave-treated (BDTW) or untreated (BDUTW) ground wheat. Diets were used without an enzyme supplement or after supplementation with an E. coli-derived phytase, alone or in combination with a xylanase. On d 23, samples of digesta from the duodenum/jejunum and lower ileum were pooled per segment on a pen basis, freeze-dried, and analyzed for P, InsPs, and the marker TiO2. Statistical significance was evaluated by a two-way analysis of variance. Microwaving affected dietary intrinsic phytase activity (BDUTW: 623U/kg; BDTW: 121U/kg). Interactions between microwave treatment and enzyme supplementation were found for InsP6 hydrolysis (P=0.048) and P net absorption (P=0.004) in the ileum. In both segments, InsP6 hydrolysis (duodenum/jejunum: P=0.004, ileum: P=0.002) and P net absorption (P≤0.001) were significantly increased by supplementation of phytase, but no further increments were caused by supplemental xylanase. The significant interaction on InsP6 hydrolysis in the ileum was due to a higher InsP6 hydrolysis for BDTW (78%) than for BDUTW (69%) in the absence of supplemental phytase. In birds that were fed the phytase-supplemented diets, microwave treatment of wheat had no effect on InsP6 hydrolysis. The significant interaction on P net absorption in the ileum was due to reduced P net absorption by microwave treatment in the presence but not absence of supplemental phytase. Broilers and their gut microbiota have a high potential to hydrolyze InsP6 in the intestine. Microwaving may have disrupted wheat aleurone structures in ways that increased accessibility of InsP6 and may have encouraged higher levels of activity among specific phytases of microbial or endogenous mucosal origin in the lower small intestine. Accumulation of InsP3 in the duodenum/jejunum for microwave-treated diets suggested that such treatment reduces the effectiveness of the phosphatases that further degrade InsP3 (P=0.004).

Hydrolysis of phytate and formation of inositol phosphate isomers without or with supplemented phytases in different segments of the digestive tract of broilers.

The objective was to characterise degradation of myo-inositol 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexakis (dihydrogen phosphate) (InsP6) and formation of inositol phosphate (InsP) isomers in different segments of the broiler digestive tract. Influence of an Aspergillus niger (PhyA) and two Escherichia coli-derived (PhyE1 and PhyE2) phytases was also investigated. A total of 600 16-d-old broilers were allocated to forty floor pens (ten pens per treatment). Low-P (5·2g/kg DM) maize-soyabean meal-based diets were fed without (basal diet; BD) or with a phytase added. On day 25, digesta from different digestive tract segments were pooled per segment on a pen-basis, freeze-dried and analysed for P, InsP isomers and the marker TiO2. InsP6 degradation until the lower ileum (74 %) in BD-fed birds showed a high potential of broilers and their gut microbiota to hydrolyse InsP6 in low-P diets. Different InsP patterns in different gut segments suggested the involvement of phosphatases of different origin. Supplemented phytases increased InsP6 hydrolysis in the crop (P<0·01) but not in the lower ileum. Measurements in the crop and proventriculus/gizzard confirmed published in vitro degradation pathways of 3- and 6-phytases for the first time. In the intestinal segments, specifically formed InsP4-5 isomers of supplemented phytases were still present, indicating further activity of these enzymes. Myo-inositol tetrakisphosphate (InsP4) accumulation differed between PhyE1 and PhyE2 compared with PhyA in the anterior segments of the gut (P<0·01). Thus, the hydrolytic cleavage of the first phosphate group is not the only limiting step in phytate degradation in broilers.

Nutrient analysis, apparent metabolisable energy and ileal amino acid digestibility of full fat soybean for broilers

Nutrient composition, ileal amino acid digestibility and apparent metabolisable energy (AME) of four full-fat soybean (FFSB) samples, collected from commercial feed mills in Southeast Asia, were evaluated using laboratory analyses and animal studies. The AME assay was conducted with broilers using the classical total excreta collection between days 21 and 29 posthatch. A maize-soy basal diet was formulated and test diets, each containing different FFSB samples, were developed by replacing (w/w) 300g/kg of the basal diet with FFSB. The AME of FFSB was calculated based on the difference between AME values of the basal and test diets. The ileal amino acid digestibility assay was conducted with 29-day-old broilers using assay diets containing FFSB as the only source of protein. Digesta from lower ileum was collected on day 34. The ratios between the titanium and amino acids in the diet and digesta were used to calculate the digestibility. The crude protein and fat contents of the four FFSB samples ranged from 351 to 399g/kg and from 177 to 192g/kg, respectively. The AME contents varied widely between the four samples, ranging from 12.62 to 15.46MJ/kg. The standardised ileal digestibility coefficient of protein ranged from 0.763 to 0.821. Variations in the digestibility of amino acids and digestible amino acid contents generally followed that observed for protein digestibility. In conclusion, FFSB contained more fat and AME than soybean meal, but less digestible contents of protein and amino acids due to the diluting effect of fat. Overall, these data show that properly processed FFSB is a valuable feedstuff and offers an attractive method of adding fat to poultry diets.

The effects of enzyme supplementation on performance and digestive parameters of broilers fed corn-soybean diets

The study was performed to evaluate the effects of enzyme supplementation on performance and digestive parameters of broilers fed corn-soybean diets from 1 to 21 d of age. A total of 480 one-day-old Cobb broilers were allocated to 1 of 4 treatments, with 6 replicate pens per treatment and 20 birds per pen. The experiment consisted of a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments with 2 dietary ME levels (high ME, energy 1, 12.13 MJ/kg or low ME, energy 2, 11.92 MJ/kg) and 2 levels of supplemental enzyme (including xylanase, 1,800 IU/g, β-glucanase, 500 IU/g, and α-amylase, 800 U/g; 0 or 0.1% of diet). Enzyme supplementation had no effect on average daily weight gain, feed intake, and feed:gain. However, enzyme supplementation decreased the relative weight of the pancreas (d 7 and 21) in broilers fed the high ME diet. Low dietary ME level increased pancreatic lipase (d 7, P = 0.015), trypsin (d 14, P = 0.01; d 21, P = 0.014), amylase (d 21, P = 0.027), and pepsin (d 7, P = 0.001; d 21, P = 0.042) activity, but reduced pancreatic lipase (d 14, P = 0.03; d 21, P = 0.004) and amylase (d 14, P = 0.027) activity. Enzyme supplementation resulted in an increase in pancreatic amylase (d 7, P = 0.023), trypsin (d 7, P = 0.02; d 21, P = 0.004), lipase (d 21, P = 0.001), pepsin (d 7, P = 0.001; d 14, P = 0.004; d 21, P = 0.001), and maltase (d 14, P = 0.011, in ileum) activity. Moreover, broilers fed low dietary ME and enzyme supplementation diets had an increase in pancreatic lipase (d 21, P = 0.001) and pepsin (d 7, P = 0.001) activity. Low ME diets reduced jejunum villus height and jejunum and ileum crypt depth (d 7, 21). However, enzyme supplementation, especially enzyme supplementation in low ME diets, increased jejunum and ileum villus height and villus surface area. This suggested enzyme supplemented with low ME diet might be more effective to improve the activity of digestive enzymes and the absorptive capacity of the small intestine.

Digestion of fat and fatty acids along the gastrointestinal tract of broiler chickens

Two experiments were conducted. The first experiment investigated the digestion of fat and fatty acids (FA) from soybean oil and tallow along the gastrointestinal tract of broiler chickens. The second experiment was conducted to determine endogenous fat and FA losses and the FA profile of chicken bile. In experiment 1, 2-wk-old broilers were fed corn-soy diets supplemented with 50 g/kg of soybean oil or tallow for 7 d and digesta were collected from the duodenum, upper jejunum, upper ileum, and lower ileum. Apparent digestibility coefficients were calculated using the titanium marker ratio in diets, and digesta. Digestibility of fat was determined to be negative in the duodenum, indicating marked net secretion of fat into this segment. Fat was rapidly digested in the jejunum, with digestibility coefficients of 0.60 to 0.64 being determined at the end of the jejunum. The digestion of fat continued in the upper ileum. The apparent digestibility coefficient of fat determined at lower ileum in soybean oil diets was higher (P < 0.05) than that in tallow diets (0.82 vs. 0.74). Linoleic acid was digested throughout the intestinal tract, whereas the digestion of palmitic, stearic, and oleic acids started only in the jejunum. Measurements at the lower ileal level showed that the unsaturated FA (linoleic and oleic acids) were well digested (0.90 to 0.94), irrespective of the source of fat. In contrast, the digestibility of saturated FA (palmitic and stearic acids) was influenced (P < 0.05) by the fat source. Digestibility coefficients of palmitic and stearic acids at lower ileum were markedly higher (P < 0.05) in the diet containing soybean oil (0.77 to 0.85) compared with that containing tallow (0.58 to 0.68). In experiment 2, ileal endogenous fat loss was determined to be 1,714 mg/kg of DM intake. Endogenous fat was composed mainly of palmitic (75 g/kg), stearic (131 g/kg), oleic (73 g/kg), linoleic (133 g/kg), and arachidonic (60 g/kg) acids. Fatty acid profile of endogenous fat was found to be remarkably similar to that of the bile, suggesting that the reabsorption of fat and FA from the bile was incomplete in growing broiler chickens.

Influence of Dietary Calcium Concentration on the Digestion of Nutrients along the Intestinal Tract of Broiler Chickens

The effects of dietary calcium (Ca) concentration on the digestion of Ca, phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N), fat and starch along the intestinal tract of broilers were assessed. Three-week old broilers were fed maize-soy diets containing 6, 9 or 12 g/kg of Ca (Ca: total P ratios of 1:1, 1.4:1 and 2:1, respectively) for six days and digesta were collected from the duodenum, jejunum, upper ileum and lower ileum. Apparent digestibility coefficients of P, Ca, N, fat and starch in different intestinal segments were calculated based on indigestible marker ratios in the diet and digesta. Apparent digestibility coefficients of P and Ca were determined to be negative in the duodenum. Apparent P digestibility was reduced (P 0.05) on apparent Ca digestibility. Calcium was absorbed predominantly in the jejunum. Digestibility of N and fat was reduced (P 0.05) by dietary Ca concentrations. Most of the starch digestion was completed by the end of the jejunum. The present data suggest that the site of digestion of P and N shifts depending on dietary Ca concentrations. Increasing dietary Ca concentrations negatively influenced the digestion of P, N and fat, but had no effect on those of Ca and starch.

The Role of Inter-segmental Differences in P-glycoprotein Expression and Activity along the Rat Small Intestine in Causing the Double-peak Phenomenon of Substrate Plasma Concentration

Conflicting results have been reported on segmental differences in expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) along the small intestine of animals and humans. In this study, we investigated P-gp mRNA and protein levels within each of nine segments of rat small intestine. In addition, P-gp activity in each segment was evaluated in terms of permeability of rhodamine123 (Rho123), a typical P-gp substrate, using the serial intestinal non-everted sac method. The P-gp mRNA levels tended to increase from the duodenum to the ileum, with peaks in the upper and lower ileum, while P-gp protein level reached its maximum in the middle ileum. The activity of P-gp was also the highest in the middle ileum, and was highly correlated with P-gp protein level. The double-peaked plasma concentration profile that was observed following oral administration of Rho123 to rats could be well reproduced by an intestinal compartmental kinetic model incorporating inter-segmental differences of absorption and excretion rate constants. Our results suggest that the heterogeneous distribution of P-gp along the small intestine plays a key role in causing the double-peak of plasma concentration of P-gp substrates following oral administration to rats.

Risk factors for false negative diagnosis of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding by capsule endoscopy

Objective To analyze the risk factors for false negative diagnosis of obscure gastrointes- tinal bleeding （OGIB） by capsule endoscopy. Methods A total of 133 OGIB inpatients, 104 in true posi- tive group and 29 in false negative group, were reviewed. The features of demography, diseases and capsule endoscopy were collected and then analyzed, which included 10 variables like age, sex, time of bleeding, diseases accompanied, type and location of the disease, hemoglobin concentration, transit time of CE, quality of CE pictures and type of purgative agents. All data were analyzed with t test, and all the enumeration data were analyzed with chi square test. Logistic regression was used to analyze the correlation between the factors and results of diagnosis. Results Age （ t = 2. 095, P ： 0. 038 ）, concentration of hemoglobin （ t=2. 143, P = 0. 034）, type （X2 = 20. 222, P 〈 0. 001 ） and location （X2 = 33. 732, P 〈 0. 001 ） of the diseases, image quality of the CE （X2 =9. 219, P =0. 002） and the type of purgative agents （X2 =6. 999, P =0. 024） were found to have statistical differences between the two groups. Chi-square and partition Chi-square test revealed the occurrence of divertieulosis and lesion location, i.e. lower ileum and ileumcecum, were of statistical difference between the two groups （X2 = 22. 233, P 〈0. 001 and x2 = 24. 412, P 〈 0. 001 ）. Univariate logis- tic regression showed diverticulosis （ OR = 0. 102, P 〈 0. 001 ） , lower bowel diseases （ OR = 0. 110, P 〈 O. 001 ）, poor quality of CE pictures （ OR = 0. 258, P = 0. 004 ） and the use of sodium phosphate agent （ OR = 0. 367, P = O. 027 ） were risk factors for false negative diagnosis, while older age facilitated diagnosis （ OR = 1. 024, P =0. 041 ）. However, multivariate logistic regression showed no statistic significance in type of purgative agent （ P = 0. 05 ） or the concentration of hemoglobin （ P = 0. 394）. Furthermore, elder age facilitated positive diagnosis （ OR = 1. 031, P =0. 032）, while divertieulosis （ OR =0. 118, P =0. 001 ）, low- er bowel diseases （ OR = 0. 145, P = 0. 001 ） and poor quality of CE pictures （ OR = 0. 245, P = 0. 016） were correlated with higher probability of false negative diagnosis. Conclusion Age, disease type, disease location and image quality exert great influence on CE diagnosis. Divertieulosis, lower location of the disea- ses and poor CE image quality are risk factors for false negative diagnosis. Key words: Capsule endoscopes; Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding