Pig Stomach Research Articles

The effects of tranexamic acid on the histopathology of defect healing in an in vivo porcine model after gastric and colonic endoscopic submucosal dissection.

There is limited data on the histopathological effects of hemostatic agents (HAs) used during endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). We used an in vivo porcine model to compare the tissue effects of tranexamic acid (TXA) and adrenaline (epinephrine) compared to controls. Standard ESD, using a 2 mm flash-knife, was performed in three pigs. Four resections were performed in the stomach and rectum of each pig. Injectate contained 4% succinylated gelatin solution and indigo carmine, plus either TXA, adrenaline, or neither. Pigs were euthanized after 7 days and evaluated by two blinded pathologists. Twenty-four defects were analyzed. Within each animal no significant histopathological changes were noted between the defects, but differences were noted between the animals. In the stomachs of the TXA and adrenaline pigs, pathology revealed a clear ulcer in the mucosa/submucosa with abundant granulation tissue, while the muscular layer was unaffected. In the control pig's stomach, the lesions were deeper, transmurally distributed, with inflammation of the muscular and adventitia layers accompanied by severe inflammation and necrosis. Fewer differences were noted in the rectum. For ESD, HAs such as TXA and adrenaline may have protective effects on the depth and extent of injury to the underlying tissue.

Drying Methods for Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae as a Feed Ingredient for Pigs Affect In Vitro Nutrient Disappearance

The objective of the present research was to determine the nutrient utilization of full-fat black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens; BSFL), which were processed by various drying methods, using in vitro procedures for pigs. Four sources of BSFL were prepared using various drying methods: (1) hot-air drying at 65 °C for 24 h; (2) microwave drying at 700 W for 5 min, three times; (3) freeze drying at −40 °C for 72 h; (4) infrared drying at medium infrared region (ranged from 2.0 to 6.0 μm) and at 95 °C for 12 min. In vitro ileal disappearance (IVID) of nutrients in the BSFL was measured using a procedure simulating the nutrient digestion and absorption in the stomach and small intestine of pigs. In vitro total tract disappearance (IVTTD) of nutrients in the BSFL was also measured using a procedure that simulated the total intestine of pigs. The contents of dry matter, ether extract, and crude protein in the dried-BSFL ranged from 94.6 to 96.8%, 49.2 to 52.8%, and 30.0 to 36.8%, respectively, on an as-is basis. Microwave drying resulted in a greater (p < 0.05) IVID of dry matter in BSFL, compared with the freeze drying or infrared drying method, which caused the least IVID of dry matter. Hot air-dried BSFL, microwave-dried BSFL, and freeze-dried BSFL had a greater (p < 0.05) IVID of crude protein and a greater (p < 0.05) IVTTD of dry matter and organic matter, compared with infrared-dried BSFL. In conclusion, the hot-air drying, microwave drying, and freeze drying of full-fat black soldier fly larvae resulted in fairly comparable and relatively high nutrient digestibility based on the present in vitro study for pigs. However, the infrared drying method impaired nutrient utilization of full-fat black soldier fly larvae for pigs.

Particle size of straw and gelation of pectin influence gastric mixing and emptying in pigs

Physicochemical properties of fibres can strongly impact gastric processes such as emptying and sieving. This study evaluated the influence of particle size of insoluble fibres, and gelation of soluble fibres when added to insoluble fibres, on gastric emptying of digesta phases from the proximal and distal stomach of pigs. Twenty-four boars (51.6 ± 4.90 kg) were assigned to one of four diets, containing either 150 g/kg coarse or finely milled wheat straw (median particle area of 5.4 vs. 0.3 mm2), or 270 g/kg wheat bran without or with the addition of 100 g/kg low-methylated pectin. Tracers were used to quantify the mean retention time (MRT) of digesta liquids (Co-EDTA), fine solids (TiO2), and fibrous particles (Chromium-mordanted fibres). For all diets, digesta pH was lower in the distal stomach than in the proximal stomach (-1.1 to 2.1 units; P < 0.05). In the proximal stomach, particle size reduction of straw tended to decrease digesta pH (-0.8 units; P = 0.072), reduced the MRT of fine solids (-117 min; P = 0.009) and the separation between fine solids and liquids (-88 min; P = 0.030). When particle size of straw was reduced, the MRT of liquids was no longer greater in the proximal stomach compared with the distal stomach (P > 0.10), while in both regions, the MRT of fibrous particles (-213 to 238 min; P < 0.05) and the difference between fibrous particles and fine solids were reduced (-96 to 181 min; P < 0.05). Accordingly, sieving of nutrients, such as starch and non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) was reduced. In the proximal stomach, the greater water holding capacity (WHC) and resistance to deformation conferred by the addition of pectin decreased the MRT of fine solids (-138 min; P = 0.003), and fibrous particles (-227 min; P < 0.001), reducing the difference between fine solids and liquids (-148 min; P < 0.001), and between fibrous particles and fine solids (-89 min; P < 0.001). In the distal stomach, pectin addition reduced the MRT of fibrous particles (-203 min; P = 0.007), and the difference between fibrous particles and fine solids (-154 min; P < 0.001). Concomitantly, sieving of nutrients across stomach regions was reduced. In conclusion, particle size reduction of straw and pectin addition accelerated the emptying of fine and coarse solids, and reduced sieving of digesta phases and nutrients in the proximal and distal stomach of pigs.

Biocompatible Liquid Embolic for the Treatment of Microvascular Hemorrhage.

Persistent or recurrent bleeding from microvessels inaccessible for direct endovascular intervention is a major problem in medicine today. Here, an innovative catheter-directed liquid embolic (P-LE) is bioengineered for rapid microvessel embolization to treat small vessel hemorrhage. Tested in rodent, porcine, and canine animal models under normal and coagulopathic conditions, P-LE outperformed clinically used embolic materials in both survival and non-survival experiments, effectively occluding vessels as small as 40 microns with no signs of recanalization. P-LE occlusion is independent of the coagulation cascade, and its resistance to displacement is ≈ 8 times greater than systolic blood pressure. P-LE is also found to be biocompatible and x-ray visible and does not require polymerization or a chemical reaction to embolize. To simulate the clinical scenario, acute microvascular hemorrhage is created in the pig kidney, liver, or stomach; these are successfully treated with P-LE achieving immediate hemostasis. Furthermore, P-LE is found to be bactericidal to highly resistant patient-derived bacteria, suggesting that P-LE may also protect against infectious complications that may occur following embolization procedures. P-LE is safe, easy to use, and effective in treating -microvessel hemorrhage.

Effects of wheat-based fermented liquid feed on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, gut microbiota, intestinal morphology, and barrier function in grower-finisher pigs.

Fermented liquid feed (FLF) can improve dietary nutrient absorption levels, degrade anti-nutrient factors in diets, and increase beneficial bacteria abundance in animal guts. However, few systematic studies have been conducted on WFLF in pigs. The present study evaluates the effects of WFLF on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, gastric volume, intestinal morphology, intestinal health, intestinal barrier function, serum biochemical immunity, gut microbiota, and intestinal microbial diversity of grower-finisher pigs. In total, 80 weaned pigs were randomly allocated to two treatment groups based on their initial body weight: a basal diet with pellet dry feeding (CON) and a basal diet with wheat-based fermented liquid feed (WFLF), with four replicate pens per group. The experiment lasted 82 d. Compared with CON pigs, those fed WFLF were heavier significantly at 60-82 d and had significantly higher average daily feed intake, average daily gain, and gain: feed ratio at 60-82 d and 1-82 d. WFLF pigs had significantly greater jejunum, total tract, and ileal digestibility for all nutrients and amino acids, excluding arginine, than CON pigs. WFLF intake influenced villus height, villus height: crypt depth ratio of the anterior segment of the jejunum(A-jejunum), crypt depth, and redox potential of the posterior segment of the jejunum (P-jejunum) while significantly affecting body weight. Additionally, FLF improved gastric capacity significantly. Furthermore, mRNA expression of occludin and claudin-1 in the mucosa of the ileum and jejunum was significantly higher in WFLF pigs than in CON pigs. WFLF increased serum concentrations of alanine transaminase and reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, and total bile acid content. The alpha diversity (Shannon and Simpson indices) in the stomachs of WFLF pigs was significantly higher than in CON pigs. Microbial diversity in the stomach, ileum, and cecum, as well as the abundance of lactic acid bacteria, were increased in WFLF pigs compared to CON pigs. In conclusion, WFLF intake may positively influence intestinal ecology by improving digestive tract structure, upregulating intestinal barrier-related genes, and improving intestinal morphology to enhance intestinal digestive function and health. Collectively, the present study shows that WFLF intake can increase growth performance while maintaining beneficial nutrient digestibility in grower-finisher pigs.

A new industrially magnetic capsule MedRobot integrated with smart motion controller

Capsule medical robots with unique application advantages have broad prospects for gastrointestinal detection, targeted drug delivery, medical assistance, and other fields. However, due to the complexity of the gastrointestinal environment and the limitations of the space magnetic field, robust motion control of capsule robots is still a challenge. Using a permanent magnet (NdFeB) as a space magnetic source, a capsule robot manipulation instrument with an integrated motion intelligent control approach is proposed in this work. First of all, a steering fixture controlling a permanent magnet is designed, and a manipulation instrument capable of five degrees of motion freedom is built with low cost and high accuracy. Furthermore, an integrated motion control approach, consisting of a primary motion subsystem and an auxiliary motion subsystem, is presented, where the motion route of the capsule robot is planned. A parallel optimization strategy is adopted to improve the traditional Gray Wolf Optimization Algorithm, the improved version of which is utilized to tune the parameters of controllers. Finally, some experiments of the designed capsule robot are carried out in different planes and slopes, as well as simulated stomach and real pig stomach, respectively. The results show that the motion characteristics are continuous and stable, and the average position error is 4.2 mm, which meets the application requirements.

Zearalenone degrading enzyme evolution to increase the hydrolysis efficiency under acidic conditions by the rational design

Based on rational design, zearalenone degrading enzyme was evolved to improve the hydrolysis efficiency under acidic conditions. At pH 4.2 and 37 °C, the activity of the zearalenone degrading enzyme evolved with 8 mutation sites increased from 7.69 U/mg to 38.67 U/mg. Km of the evolved zearalenone degrading enzyme decreased from 283.61 μM to 75.33 μM. The evolved zearalenone degrading enzyme was found to effectively degrade zearalenone in pig stomach chyme. Molecular docking revealed an increase in the number of hydrogen bonds and π-sigma interactions between the evolved zearalenone degrading enzyme and zearalenone. The evolved zearalenone degrading enzyme was valuable for hydrolyzing zearalenone under acidic conditions.

Fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5)-like immunoreactivity and mRNA abundance in domestic animal tissues

Irisin is a 112-amino acid peptide hormone that is cleaved from fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5), a type I transmembrane protein abundantly found in muscle tissue. Irisin is a putative mediator of the benefits of exercise, neuroprotection, bone growth, and cardiac health. However, few studies have focused on irisin in domestic animals. Further, whether processed irisin is detectable in domestic animal tissues remains uncertain. To address this, we determined FNDC5 mRNA and protein concentration in anatine (duck) and porcine (pig) skeletal muscle, and in equine (horse), swine, and anatine serum samples. RT-PCR analysis identified FNDC5 mRNA in all pig and duck skeletal muscle samples. An approximately 25 kDa band representing FNDC5 was detected in both pig and duck skeletal muscle. Fluorescence immunohistochemistry using a rabbit monoclonal FNDC5/irisin primary antibody and a goat polyclonal anti-rabbit secondary antibody localized FNDC5/irisin-like immunoreactivity in both the glandular and muscular regions of pig stomach. FNDC5/irisin-like immunoreactivity was also identified in horse, pig, and duck serum using a multispecies irisin ELISA. The average values of irisin-like immunoreactivity were 13.7 (duck), 15.4 (horse), and 7.0 (pig) ng/mL in samples tested. Our results support the presence of irisin precursor in several domestic animals. Processed irisin, however, was not detectable. Further studies are required to validate reliable tools to detect and quantify processed irisin in domestic animals.

Moldable Tissue-Sealant Hydrogels Composed of In Situ Cross-Linkable Polyethylene Glycol via Thiol-Michael Addition and Carbomers.

Moldable tissue-sealant hydrogels were developed herein by combining the yield stress fluidity of a Carbomer and in situ cross-linking of 3-arm PEG-thiol (PEG-SH) and 4-arm PEG-acrylate (PEG-AC). The Carbomer was mixed with each PEG oligomer to form two aqueous precursors: Carbomer/PEG-SH and Carbomer/PEG-AC. The two hydrogel precursors exhibited sufficient yield stress (>100 Pa) to prevent dripping from their placement on the tissue surface. Moreover, these hydrogel precursors exhibited rapid restructuring when the shear strain was repeatedly changed. These rheological properties contribute to the moldability of these hydrogel precursors. After mixing these two precursors, they were converted from yield-stress fluids to chemically cross-linked hydrogels, Carbomer/PEG hydrogel, via thiol-Michael addition. The gelation time was 5.0 and 11.2 min at 37 and 25 °C, respectively. In addition, the Carbomer/PEG hydrogels exhibited higher cellular viability than the pure Carbomer. They also showed stable adhesiveness and burst pressure resistance to various tissues, such as the skin, stomach, colon, and cecum of pigs. The hydrogels showed excellent tissue sealing in a cecum ligation and puncture model in mice and improved the survival rate due to their tissue adhesiveness and biocompatibility. The Carbomer/PEG hydrogel is a potential biocompatible tissue sealant that surgeons can mold. It was revealed that the combination of in situ cross-linkable PEG oligomers and yield stress fluid such as Carbomer is effective for developing the moldable tissue sealant without dripping of its hydrogel precursors.

The contribution of biological sex to heat stress-mediated outcomes in growing pigs

Heat stress (HS) negatively impacts a variety of production parameters in growing pigs; however, the impact of biological sex on the HS response is largely unknown. To address this, 48 crossbred barrows and gilts (36.8 ± 3.7 kg BW) were individually housed and assigned to one of three constant environmental conditions: (1) thermoneutral (TN) (20.8 ± 1.6 °C; 62.0 ± 4.7% relative humidity; n = 8/sex), (2) HS (39.4 ± 0.6 °C; 33.7 ± 6.3% relative humidity) for 1 d (HS1; n = 8/sex), or (3) or for 7 d (HS7; n = 8/sex). As expected, HS increased rectal temperature (Tr) following 1 d of HS (1.0 °C; P < 0.0001) and 7 d of HS (0.9 °C; P < 0.0001). By 7 d, heat-stressed gilts were cooler than barrows (0.4 °C; P = 0.016), despite identical heating conditions. There was a main effect of sex such that barrows had higher Tr than gilts (P = 0.031). Heat-stressed pigs on d 1 had marked reductions in feed intake and BW compared to TN (P < 0.0001). One day of HS resulted in negative gain to feed (G:F) in barrows and gilts and was reduced compared to TN (P < 0.0001). Notably, following 1 d of HS, the variability of G:F was greater in gilts than in barrows. Between 1 and 7 d of HS, G:F improved in barrows and gilts and were similar to TN pigs, even though HS barrows had higher Tr than gilts over this period. Heat stress for 1 and 7 d reduced empty gastrointestinal tract weight compared to TN (P < 0.0001). Interestingly, HS7 gilts had decreased gastrointestinal tract weight compared to HS1 gilts (2.43 vs 2.72 kg; P = 0.03), whereas it was similar between HS1 and HS7 barrows. Lastly, a greater proportion of gastrointestinal contents was in the stomach of HS1 pigs compared to TN and HS7 (P < 0.05), which is suggestive of decreased gastric emptying. Overall, HS barrows maintained an elevated Tr compared to HS gilts through the duration of the experiment but also maintained similar growth and production metrics compared to gilts, despite this higher temperature.

The main venous vessels of the stomach of a Yorkshire pig in the age aspect

Currently, there are known pig breeds that are characterized by a high rate of growth and development, precocity, fertility, individual structural features, high productivity and economic profitability. The study and breeding of new pig breeds helps to thoroughly analyze the data obtained in comparative, species, age aspects with similar types of farm animals. This fact helps to make a reliable assessment of all economic factors, as well as to analyze the quality of products received from the pig industry. The study was conducted at the Department of Animal Anatomy of the St. Petersburg State University of Veterinary Medicine. Cadaveric material for the study was delivered to the Department of Animal Anatomy of the St. Petersburg State University of Veterinary Medicine from the pig breeding complex of the Leningrad Region. To achieve this task, traditional morphological research methods were used, namely: fine anatomical dissection with injection of latex vessels, photographing, vasorentgenography with injection of lead meerkat, morphometry in the "RadiAnt" program. The largest main vessels diverting blood from the pig's stomach are the splenic, left and right gastric veins. Ultimately, they are syntopically connected to the small omentum, passing between the leaves of which they open into the portal vein of the liver. The branch of the right gastric vein branches along the loose type, and the splenic and left gastric veins branch along the main one. When conducting a comparative analysis of the morphometric characteristics of the diameter, the splenic vein will prevail over the left and right gastric veins. The results of the study can be used by veterinary specialists, in particular surgeons, to establish operative access to the stomach of pigs.

Facilitating safe and sustained submucosal lift through an endoscopically injectable shear-thinning carboxymethyl starch sodium hydrogel

Traditional submucosal filling materials frequently show insufficient lifting height and duration during clinical procedures. Here, the anionic polysaccharide polymer sodium carboxymethyl starch and cationic Laponite to prepare a hydrogel with excellent shear-thinning ability through physical cross-linking, so that it can achieve continuous improvement of the mucosal cushion through endoscopic injection. The results showed that the hydrogel (56.54 kPa) had a lower injection pressure compared to MucoUp (68.56 kPa). The height of submucosal lifting height produced by hydrogel was higher than MucoUp, and the height maintenance ability after 2 h was 3.20 times that of MucoUp. At the same time, the hydrogel also showed satisfactory degradability and biosafety, completely degrading within 200 h. The hemolysis rate is as low as 0.76 %, and the cell survival rate > 80 %. Subcutaneous implantation experiments confirmed that the hydrogel showed no obvious systemic toxicity. Animal experiments clearly demonstrated the in vivo feasibility of using hydrogels for submucosal uplift. Furthermore, successful endoscopic submucosal dissection was executed on a live pig stomach, affirming the capacity of hydrogel to safely and effectively facilitate submucosal dissection and mitigate adverse events, such as bleeding. These results indicate that shear-thinning hydrogels have a wide range applications as submucosal injection materials.

Effects of Chinese ginger Alpinia officinarum-based phytopharmaceutical compound on gastric motility

BackgroundAlpinia officinarum, better known as Chinese ginger, is used for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders in traditional Chinese and Ayurveda medicine. However, scientific evidence of an effect on gastrointestinal motility is missing. PurposeThis study aimed to estimate the effect of a phytopharmaceutical compound (PPC) based on Alpinia officinarum on gastric motility in vitro in order to assess its potential use in the treatment of functional dyspepsia. Study DesignWe investigated to which extent the compound affects the activity of gastric smooth muscle and we identified involved mediating cellular mechanisms. MethodsBasal and stimulated muscle activity were recorded from muscle-myenteric plexus preparations from three different regions of the guinea pig stomach before and after incubation with different concentrations of the PPC in an organ bath setup. Effect-mediating mechanisms were investigated by pharmacology. ResultsPPC exhibited a smooth muscle relaxation in a concentration-dependent manner. This was region- and muscle type specific as it was greater in fundus and corpus than in antrum and more pronounced in the circular than in the longitudinal muscle layer. The effect was primarily myogenic and at least partly mediated by TRPA1. ConclusionThe investigated PPC reduces basal tone particularly of fundus smooth muscle in a non-neuronal manner by inhibiting calcium influx via TRPA1, without affecting antral motility. Based on these data, Alpinia officinarum could be considered for phytopharmaceutical treatment of functional dyspepsia.

Enhancing endoscopic measurement: validating a quantitative method for polyp size and location estimation in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy

BackgroundAccurate measurement of polyps size is crucial in predicting malignancy, planning relevant intervention strategies and surveillance schedules. Endoscopists’ visual estimations can lack precision. This study builds on our prior research, with the aim to evaluate a recently developed quantitative method to measure the polyp size and location accurately during a simulated endoscopy session.MethodsThe quantitative method merges information about endoscopic positions obtained from an electromagnetic tracking sensor, with corresponding points on the images of the segmented polyp border. This yields real-scale 3D coordinates of the border of the polyp. By utilising the sensor, positions of any anatomical landmarks are attainable, enabling the estimation of a polyp’s location relative to them. To verify the method’s reliability and accuracy, simulated endoscopies were conducted in pig stomachs, where polyps were artificially created and assessed in a test–retest manner. The polyp measurements were subsequently compared against clipper measurements.ResultsThe average size of the fifteen polyps evaluated was approximately 12 ± 4.3 mm, ranging from 5 to 20 mm. The test–retest reliability, measured by the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) for polyp size estimation, demonstrated an absolute agreement of 0.991 (95% CI 0.973–0.997, p < 0.05). Bland & Altman analysis revealed a mean estimation difference of − 0.17 mm (− 2.03%) for polyp size and, a mean difference of − 0.4 mm (− 0.21%) for polyp location. Both differences were statistically non-significant (p > 0.05). When comparing the proposed method with calliper measurements, the Bland & Altman plots showed 95% of size estimation differences between − 1.4 and 1.8 mm (− 13 to 17.4%) which was not significant (p > 0.05).ConclusionsThe proposed method of measurements of polyp size and location was found to be highly accurate, offering great potential for clinical implementation to improve polyp assessment. This level of performance represents a notable improvement over visual estimation technique used in clinical practice.

Drinkable in situ-forming tough hydrogels for gastrointestinal therapeutics

Pills are a cornerstone of medicine but can be challenging to swallow. While liquid formulations are easier to ingest, they lack the capacity to localize therapeutics with excipients nor act as controlled release devices. Here we describe drug formulations based on liquid in situ-forming tough (LIFT) hydrogels that bridge the advantages of solid and liquid dosage forms. LIFT hydrogels form directly in the stomach through sequential ingestion of a crosslinker solution of calcium and dithiol crosslinkers, followed by a drug-containing polymer solution of alginate and four-arm poly(ethylene glycol)-maleimide. We show that LIFT hydrogels robustly form in the stomachs of live rats and pigs, and are mechanically tough, biocompatible and safely cleared after 24 h. LIFT hydrogels deliver a total drug dose comparable to unencapsulated drug in a controlled manner, and protect encapsulated therapeutic enzymes and bacteria from gastric acid-mediated deactivation. Overall, LIFT hydrogels may expand access to advanced therapeutics for patients with difficulty swallowing.

Mechanisms involved in the muscle relaxing effects of STW 5 in guinea pig stomach.

The herbal preparation STW 5 ameliorates functional dyspepsia partly by relaxing smooth muscle of the proximal stomach, thus improving gastric accommodation. We explored the unknown pathways responsible for this effect by testing targets known to modulate gastric smooth muscle relaxation. STW 5-induced relaxation of smooth muscle strips from guinea pig gastric corpus before and after pharmacological interventions were recorded with force transducers in an organ bath. ORAI1 mRNA expression was tested in the proximal stomach. Blockade of Ca2+-activated K+ and Cl- channels, voltage-gated L- or T-type Ca2+ channels, TRPA1-, TRPV1-, adenosine or 5-HT4 receptors, antagonizing ryanodine receptors, inhibiting cyclooxygenase or sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase did not affect STW 5-evoked relaxation. Likewise, protein-kinase A or G were not involved. However, the relaxation evoked by STW 5 was significantly reduced by phorbol-12-myristat-13-acetat, an activator of protein-kinase C, by 2- aminoethyldiphenylborinate, an inhibitor of the IP3 receptor-mediated Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum or by SKF-96365, a nonselective store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) blocker. Furthermore, the mixed TRPC3/SOCE inhibitor Pyr3, but not the selective TRPC3 blocker Pyr10, reduced the effect of STW 5. Finally, BTP2, a potent blocker of ORAI-coupled SOCE, almost abolished STW 5-evoked relaxation. Expression of ORAI1 could be demonstrated in the corpus/fundus. STW 5 inhibited SOCE, most likely ORAI channels, which are modulated by IP3- and PKC-dependent mechanisms. Our findings impact on the design of drugs to induce muscle relaxation and help identify phytochemicals with similar modes of actions to treat gastrointestinal disturbances.

The role of Helicobacter suis, Fusobacterium gastrosuis, and the pars oesophageal microbiota in gastric ulceration in slaughter pigs receiving meal or pelleted feed

This study investigated the role of causative infectious agents in ulceration of the non-glandular part of the porcine stomach (pars oesophagea). In total, 150 stomachs from slaughter pigs were included, 75 from pigs that received a meal feed, 75 from pigs that received an equivalent pelleted feed with a smaller particle size. The pars oesophagea was macroscopically examined after slaughter. (q)PCR assays for H. suis, F. gastrosuis and H. pylori-like organisms were performed, as well as 16S rRNA sequencing for pars oesophagea microbiome analyses. All 150 pig stomachs showed lesions. F. gastrosuis was detected in 115 cases (77%) and H. suis in 117 cases (78%), with 92 cases (61%) of co-infection; H. pylori-like organisms were detected in one case. Higher infectious loads of H. suis increased the odds of severe gastric lesions (OR = 1.14, p = 0.038), while the presence of H. suis infection in the pyloric gland zone increased the probability of pars oesophageal erosions [16.4% (95% CI 0.6–32.2%)]. The causal effect of H. suis was mediated by decreased pars oesophageal microbiome diversity [−1.9% (95% CI − 5.0–1.2%)], increased abundances of Veillonella and Campylobacter spp., and decreased abundances of Lactobacillus, Escherichia-Shigella, and Enterobacteriaceae spp. Higher infectious loads of F. gastrosuis in the pars oesophagea decreased the odds of severe gastric lesions (OR = 0.8, p = 0.0014). Feed pelleting had no significant impact on the prevalence of severe gastric lesions (OR = 1.72, p = 0.28). H. suis infections are a risk factor for ulceration of the porcine pars oesophagea, probably mediated through alterations in pars oesophageal microbiome diversity and composition.

Impact of precursor-derived peracetic acid on post-weaning diarrhea, intestinal microbiota, and predicted microbial functional genes in weaned pigs

Post-weaning diarrhea affects piglets in the nursery phase of production, leading to a substantial impact both at the farm and financial levels. The multifactorial etiology of this disease includes housing conditions, pig genetics, microbial composition, and metagenomic assets. Among the common therapeutic approaches, the widely used zinc oxide underwent a European Union ban in 2022 due to its negative environmental impact and correlation to increased antimicrobial resistance. During this study, we have tested two levels of inclusion of the potential antimicrobial alternative peracetic acid, delivered in water via the hydrolysis of the precursors sodium percarbonate and tetraacetylethylenediamine, in comparison to zinc oxide and an untreated control during a 2-week animal study. We assessed the microbial composition and predicted the metagenome, together with performance and physiological parameters, in order to describe the microbial functional role in etiopathology. Both zinc oxide and peracetic acid resulted in amelioration of the diarrheal status by the end of the trial period, with noticeable zinc oxide effects visible from the first week. This was accompanied by improved performance when compared to the first-week figures and a decreased stomach pH in both peracetic acid levels. A significant reduction in both stomach and caecal Proteobacteria was recorded in the zinc oxide group, and a significant reduction of Campylobacter in the stomach was reported for both zinc oxide and one of the peracetic acid concentrations. Among other functional differences, we found that the predicted ortholog for the zonula occludens toxin, a virulence factor present in pathogens like Escherichia coli and Campylobacter jejuni, was less abundant in the stomach of treated pigs compared to the control group. In water, peracetic acid delivered via precursor hydrolysis has the potential to be a valid intervention, an alternative to antimicrobial, to assist the weaning of piglets. Our findings support the view that post-weaning diarrhea is a complex multifactorial disease with an important metagenomic component characterized by the differential abundance of specific predicted orthologs and microbial genera in the stomach and caecum of pigs.

Innovative submucosal injection solution for endoscopic resection with phosphorylated pullulan: a preclinical study

A submucosal injection solution is used to assist in endoscopic surgery. The high viscosity of current solutions makes them difficult to inject. In the present study, we developed an extremely low-viscosity, easy-to-use submucosal injection solution using phosphorylated pullulan (PPL). The PPL solutions were prepared at different concentrations, and their viscosities were measured. The mucosal elevation capacity was evaluated using excised porcine stomachs. Controls included 0.4% sodium hyaluronate (SH), 0.6% sodium alginate (SA), and saline. To evaluate the practicality, the catheter injectability of 0.7% PPL was measured, and EMR and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) were performed using the stomach and colorectum of live pigs. As controls, 0.4% SH and saline were used. The PPL solutions were of extremely low viscosity compared to the solutions of 0.4% SH and 0.6% SA. Nevertheless, the mucosal elevation capacity of PPL solutions for up to 0.7% concentration was similar to that of 0.4% SH, and 0.7% PPL was less resistant to catheter infusion than 0.4% SH and 0.6% SA. In live pig experiments with endoscopic mucosal resection and ESD, snaring after submucosal injection of 0.7% PPL was easier than with 0.4% SH, ESD with 0.7% PPL produced less bubble formation than with 0.4% SH, and the procedure time tended to be shorter with 0.7% PPL than with 0.4% SH because of the shorter injection time. The PPL solution is an innovative and easy-to-use submucosal injection solution.

The prevalence of porcine gastric ulcer and Helicobacter suis in Taiwan.

Gastric ulcer is a common disease affecting pigs worldwide, with a prevalence reported as high as 93%. The cause of porcine gastric ulcer is multifactorial, with Helicobacter suis (H. suis) being considered as the primary pathogenic factor. To date, prevalence of H. suis resulting in porcine gastric ulcer in Taiwan has not been investigated. In this study, we collected 360 pig stomachs from the slaughterhouses. In addition, stomach tissues from the 88 diseased pigs submitted for necropsy were divided into symptomatic and asymptomatic groups. Gastric lesions were scored, and polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the occurrence of gastric ulcer and the prevalence of H. suis. The positive rate of H. suis in the samples from slaughtered pigs was 49.7%, and both infection of H. suis and the presence of gastric lesions were prone to occur in autumn. The positive rates of H. suis infection in the symptomatic and asymptomatic groups were 59.1% and 31.8%, respectively. Moreover, the proportion of the samples with gastroesophageal ulcer in the symptomatic group was 68.2%, predominantly observed in growing pigs. The incidence of the samples from the slaughterhouses with gastroesophageal erosion to ulceration revealed a significant difference between H. suis -infected and H. suis -uninfected pigs; however, there is no significant difference in the samples of diseased pigs. In conclusion, H. suis infection was associated with gastric ulcer in slaughtered pigs, but it was not the primary cause of gastroesophageal ulcer in diseased pigs with clinical symptoms.