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Frontiers in Physiology 2020Cotton rats are one of the experimental rodents used for testing different infectious and non-infectious diseases, including gastrointestinal tract pathology. However,...
Cotton rats are one of the experimental rodents used for testing different infectious and non-infectious diseases, including gastrointestinal tract pathology. However, their intestinal morphological characteristics are still poorly understood. Here, we clarified the anatomical and histological characteristics of the cecum and ascending colon (AC) of young (1-3-month old), adult (4-6-month old), and old (10-12-month old) cotton rats. The large intestine (LI) in cotton rats is composed of the cecum, AC, transverse and descending colons, and rectum, and is similar to that of other mammals. The AC begins with a double or triple spiral loop-like flexure (SLLF) and ends with a coupled horseshoe-like flexure (HSLF). A single longitudinal mucosal fold (SLMF) was found at the beginning of the AC along the mesentery line and developed with age. Furthermore, the SLMF contained several lymphatic nodules (LNs), indicating their role in digestive and immunological functions. Small and large protuberant LNs were found in the cecum and SLLF, respectively, whereas thin and flat LNs were observed in the HSLF and transverse colon, respectively. Regarding sex-related differences, adult females had a significantly longer AC with a higher number of SLLFs compared to males. The SLMF length and LN number were also longer and higher, respectively, in adult females compared to adult males. These are crucial findings, indicating the presence of sex-related differences in the morphology of the LI in cotton rats, and ours is the first study to discover a sex difference in the mammalian LI lining. Our study clarified the unique morphology of the LI in cotton rats, which could serve as the principal model for elucidating species-specific digestive tract functions and gastrointestinal disorders.
PubMed: 33192600
DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.587214 -
Endoscopy International Open Aug 2022A significant percentage of colonoscopies remain incomplete because of failure to intubate the cecum. The motorized spiral enteroscope (MSE) technique, originally...
A significant percentage of colonoscopies remain incomplete because of failure to intubate the cecum. The motorized spiral enteroscope (MSE) technique, originally developed for deep small bowel enteroscopy, may be an effective alternative technique in cases of incomplete examination of abnormally long colons (dolichocolon). We prospectively evaluated the success rate of cecal intubation, safety and the therapeutic consequences of using MSE after incomplete conventional colonoscopy. A total of 36 consecutive patients with an indication for diagnostic and/or therapeutic colonoscopy were prospectively enrolled in this multicenter trial. All patients had undergone at least one incomplete colonoscopy attributed to abnormally long colons. Patients with incomplete colonoscopy due to stenosis were excluded. Twenty-two men and 14 women (median age 66 years, range 35-82) were enrolled. Median procedure time was 30 minutes (range 16-50). Cecal intubation rate was 100 % and median cecal intubation time was 10 minutes (range 4-30). Abnormalities, mostly neoplastic lesions, were detected in 23 of 36 patients, corresponding to a diagnostic yield of 64 %. All these findings were in the right side of the colon and had not been described by the antecedent incomplete coloscopy. No adverse events occurred. In case of a difficult and long colon, MSE is safe and effective for diagnostic and therapeutic colonoscopy. It may provide an attractive solution to accomplish completeness of previous incomplete colonoscopies in these patients.
PubMed: 36238532
DOI: 10.1055/a-1869-2541 -
American Journal of Veterinary Research Jun 2002To describe the effects of an abrupt increase of concentrates in the diet of dairy cows on myoelectric activity of the spiral colon and on fermentation patterns in the...
Effects of an abrupt increase of starch-rich concentrates in the diet of dairy cows on concentrations of volatile fatty acids in the rumen and large intestine and on myoelectric activity of the spiral colon.
OBJECTIVES
To describe the effects of an abrupt increase of concentrates in the diet of dairy cows on myoelectric activity of the spiral colon and on fermentation patterns in the rumen and large intestine.
ANIMALS
6 healthy lactating Simmental x Red-Holstein cows.
PROCEDURES
The diet of 6 cows implanted with bipolar electrodes in the spiral colon was changed from hay only to a ration of 50% hay:50% starch-rich concentrates during a period of 60 hours. Myoelectric activity of the spiral colon, concentrations of absolute and undissociated volatile fatty acids (VFA), and pH of ruminal and large intestinal contents were monitored before, during, and after the dietary change.
RESULTS
Significant changes in patterns of myoelectric activity of the spiral colon were restricted to phases III and IV of the bovine migrating myoelectric complex and to propagation velocity. Significant alterations were not observed in pH or VFA concentrations in ruminal fluid, but pH decreased and VFA concentrations increased significantly in fecal specimens after the change of diet.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Although rumen fluid is of limited value for measurement of certain indicators of fermentation, fecal samples can be used for measurement of pH and VFA concentrations, which serve as indicators of fermentation patterns in the large intestine. Increased concentrations of VFA and low pH in large intestinal digesta have a minimal influence on myoelectric activity of the spiral colon. Increased luminal VFA concentrations are unlikely to play an important role in the etiopathogenesis of motility disorders of the large intestine in cattle.
Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Cattle; Colon; Fatty Acids, Volatile; Female; Gastrointestinal Motility; Myoelectric Complex, Migrating; Rumen; Starch; Statistics, Nonparametric
PubMed: 12061533
DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.2002.63.857 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2021Cattle have been suggested as the primary reservoirs of O157 mainly as a result of colonization of the recto-anal junction (RAJ) and subsequent shedding into the...
Cattle have been suggested as the primary reservoirs of O157 mainly as a result of colonization of the recto-anal junction (RAJ) and subsequent shedding into the environment. Although a recent study reported different gene expression at RAJ between super-shedders (SS) and non-shedders (NS), the regulatory mechanisms of altered gene expression is unknown. This study aimed to investigate whether bovine non-coding RNAs play a role in regulating the differentially expressed (DE) genes between SS and NS, thus further influencing O157 shedding behavior in the animals through studying miRNAomes of the whole gastrointestinal tract including duodenum, proximal jejunum, distal jejunum, cecum, spiral colon, descending colon and rectum. The number of miRNAs detected in each intestinal region ranged from 390 ± 13 (duodenum) to 413 ± 49 (descending colon). Comparison between SS and NS revealed the number of differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs ranged from one (in descending colon) to eight (in distal jejunum), and through the whole gut, seven miRNAs were up-regulated and seven were down-regulated in SS. The distal jejunum and rectum were the regions where the most DE miRNAs were identified (eight and seven, respectively). The miRNAs, bta-miR-378b, bta-miR-2284j, and bta-miR-2284d were down-regulated in both distal jejunum and rectum of SS (logfold-change: -2.7 to -3.8), bta-miR-2887 was down-regulated in the rectum of SS (logfold-change: -3.2), and bta-miR-211 and bta-miR-29d-3p were up-regulated in the rectum of SS (logfold-change: 4.5 and 2.2). Functional analysis of these miRNAs indicated their potential regulatory role in host immune functions, including hematological system development and immune cell trafficking. Our findings suggest that altered expression of miRNA in the gut of SS may lead to differential regulation of immune functions involved in O157 super-shedding in cattle.
Topics: Animals; Bacterial Shedding; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Escherichia coli Infections; Escherichia coli O157; Feces; MicroRNAs; Rectum
PubMed: 33732664
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.634505 -
American Journal of Veterinary Research Mar 2010To analyze myoelectric activity of the ileum, cecum, proximal loop of the ascending colon (PLAC), and spiral colon in cows with naturally occurring cecal...
OBJECTIVE
To analyze myoelectric activity of the ileum, cecum, proximal loop of the ascending colon (PLAC), and spiral colon in cows with naturally occurring cecal dilatation-dislocation (CDD) and compare findings with those in healthy cows.
ANIMALS
8 CDD-affected and 6 healthy control cows.
PROCEDURES
Immediately after diagnosis, CDD-affected cows underwent surgery; control cows underwent a similar surgical procedure. Before completion of surgery, 8 bipolar silver electrodes were implanted in the ileum (n = 2), cecum (1), PLAC (1), and spiral colon (4) of each cow. Beginning the day after surgery, intestinal myoelectric activity was recorded daily (8-hour period) for 4 days; data were analyzed by use of specialized software programs. Quantitative variables of myoelectric activity were compared between groups.
RESULTS
Cows of both groups recovered without complications after surgery. In control cows, physiologic myoelectric activity was recorded in all intestinal segments on all days after surgery. Apparently normal myoelectric activity was evident in the ileum of CDD-affected cows on the first day after surgery, but myoelectric activity patterns in the cecum, PLAC, and spiral colon were variable with no organized cyclic myoelectric patterns, incomplete or normally organized migrating myoelectric complexes, and slow normalization over time.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE
After surgery for CDD, normal myoelectric patterns were disrupted in the large intestine of cows, especially in the spiral colon. Clinical recovery with effective transit of ingesta occurred before normalization of myoelectric activity in the large intestine. Therapeutic protocols for restoration or normalization of spiral colon motility should be developed for treatment of CDD-affected cattle.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Cecum; Colon; Electrophysiology; Female; Housing, Animal; Ileum; Joint Dislocations; Myoelectric Complex, Migrating; Postoperative Care
PubMed: 20187832
DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.71.3.304 -
Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery May 2019Early in the 21st century, the costs of health care in the United States have spiraled out of control, where the per capita spending is $9,237 per person-the highest in... (Review)
Review
Health Care Policy and Outcomes after Colon and Rectal Surgery: What Is the Bigger Picture?-Cost Containment, Incentivizing Value, Transparency, and Centers of Excellence.
Early in the 21st century, the costs of health care in the United States have spiraled out of control, where the per capita spending is $9,237 per person-the highest in the world. By 2020, an estimated 20% of GDP will be spent on health care. The issue of cost and quality is now becoming a national crisis, with ∼50% of hospitals losing money on clinical operations, forcing closure of essential critical access hospitals, and forcing health care workers to relocate or change professions. This crisis will only worsen with the graying of America, as an estimated 17% of Americans will be over the age of 65 years by the year 2020. The policy and financial structures on which these changes are based are important factors of which practicing surgeons should be aware. This review discusses recent national health care policy reform and specific topics including cost-containment legislation, value-based incentives and penalties, transparency, and centers of excellence in colorectal surgery.
PubMed: 31061652
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1677028 -
Acta Gastro-enterologica Belgica 2023Motorized spiral enteroscopy is proven to be effective in antegrade and retrograde enteroscopy. Nevertheless, little is known about its use in less common indications....
BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS
Motorized spiral enteroscopy is proven to be effective in antegrade and retrograde enteroscopy. Nevertheless, little is known about its use in less common indications. The aim of this study was to identify new indications for the motorized spiral enteroscope.
METHODS
Monocentric retrospective analysis of 115 patients who underwent enteroscopy using PSF-1 motorized spiral enteroscope between January 2020 and December 2022.
RESULTS
A total of 115 patients underwent PSF-1 enteroscopy. 44 (38%) were antegrade procedures and 24 (21%) were retrograde procedures in patients with normal gastrointestinal anatomy with conventional enteroscopy indications. The remaining 47 (41%) patients underwent PSF-1 procedures for secondary less conventional indications: n=25 (22%) enteroscopy-assisted ERCP, n=8 (7%) endoscopy of the excluded stomach after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, n=7 (6%) retrograde enteroscopy after previous incomplete conventional colonoscopy and n=7 (6%) antegrade panenteroscopy of the entire small bowel. In this group of secondary indications, technical success rate was significantly lower (72.5%) as compared to technical success rates in the conventional groups (98-100%, p<0.001 Chi-square). Minor adverse events occurred in 17/115 patients (15%), all treated conservatively (AGREE I and II).
CONCLUSION
This study demonstrates the capabilities of PSF-1 motorized spiral enteroscope for secondary indications. PSF-1 is useful to complete colonoscopy in case of long redundant colon, to reach the excluded stomach after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, to perform unidirectional pan-enteroscopy and to perform ERCP in patients with surgically altered anatomy. However, technical success rates are lower as compared to conventional antegrade and retrograde enteroscopy procedures, with only minor adverse events.
Topics: Humans; Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde; Retrospective Studies; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal; Intestine, Small; Stomach; Double-Balloon Enteroscopy
PubMed: 37428159
DOI: 10.51821/86.2.11779 -
Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica Apr 2024Torsion of the spiral colon (TSC) describes twisting of the spiral colon around its mesentery. The present study reviewed the medical records of 58 cows and heifers with...
BACKGROUND
Torsion of the spiral colon (TSC) describes twisting of the spiral colon around its mesentery. The present study reviewed the medical records of 58 cows and heifers with TSC and described the findings, treatment and outcome.
RESULTS
All cases had an abnormal general condition, and the main vital sign abnormalities were tachycardia (72.4%), tachypnoea (67.2%) and decreased rectal temperature (51.8%). Signs of colic were seen in 62.1% of the cows. The most common intestinal abnormalities were an empty or almost empty rectum (96.6%), reduced or absent rumen motility (93.2%), positive ballottement and/or percussion and simultaneous auscultation on the right side of the abdomen (87.9%), reduced or absent intestinal motility (84.5%) and dilatation of the large intestines (spiral colon and/or caecum, 70.7%) diagnosed by transrectal palpation. The main biochemical changes were hypermagnesaemia (70.8%), hypocalcaemia (70.8%), and acidosis (66.7%). Haemoconcentration was found in 63.8%. The main ultrasonographic findings were reduced to absent small intestinal motility (83.3%), dilated small intestines (69.6%) and ascites (66.7%). The spiral colon was dilated in 44.0% of the cows and the caecum in 24.0%. The actual site of torsion could not be visualised. Based on the clinical findings, TSC was diagnosed in 22.4% and caecal dilatation in 50.0% of the cows. A tentative diagnosis of small intestinal ileus was made in another 10.3% of the cows, and a definitive diagnosis of small intestinal ileus in 17.3%. Fifty-three cows underwent right flank laparotomy, and the TSC could be reduced in 26. Twenty-six of the 58 (44.8%) cows were discharged and 32 (55.2%) were euthanased before, during or after surgery.
CONCLUSIONS
Acute illness, a sparse amount of faeces in the rectum and dilated spiral colon and caecum are characteristic findings of TSC. The final diagnosis often relies on the surgical or postmortem findings. Cattle with TSC should be treated surgically without delay. The prognosis is guarded with a survival rate of 44.8%.
Topics: Cattle; Animals; Female; Pregnancy; Retrospective Studies; Cattle Diseases; Colon; Ileus
PubMed: 38622685
DOI: 10.1186/s13028-024-00738-w -
PloS One 2019The term heterotopy of the spiral colon encompasses a dysmorphological condition in which the spiral loops of the ascending colon (SLACs) do not form an orderly...
The term heterotopy of the spiral colon encompasses a dysmorphological condition in which the spiral loops of the ascending colon (SLACs) do not form an orderly spiraling mass adjacent to the left side of the mesojejunum. As a consequence, the spiral loops are spread over a larger surface, making them more or less movable. It has been hypothesized that the abnormal position of the spiral loops of the ascending colon might constitute a predisposing factor for an intestinal obstruction or an ileus condition. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the anatomy of the spiral loops of the ascending colon in a population of healthy calves and to determine the prevalence of dysmorphism. The investigation was carried out on 1113 slaughtered veal calves. In 472 out of the 1113 calves, the spiral loops showed conformational aspects different from what has so far been described as normal in reference textbooks. In 91 calves the condition was definitely considered a pathological deviation from normality: in fact, the spiral colon had lost its typical spiral shape with random spacing between the loops, and it was nearly or completely detached from the mesojejunum. The lack of a broad attachment of the spiral loops of the ascending colon to the mesentery could provoke an alteration of the intestinal centre of gravity, enhancing the already asymmetrical distribution of weight between the jejunum and the descending colon.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Choristoma; Colon, Ascending; Male; Prevalence
PubMed: 30978255
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0215402 -
Journal of the American Veterinary... Feb 2000A 14-year-old 61.7-kg (136-lb) alpaca was examined for colic of 24 hours' duration. An exploratory celiotomy was performed because of lack of response to medical...
A 14-year-old 61.7-kg (136-lb) alpaca was examined for colic of 24 hours' duration. An exploratory celiotomy was performed because of lack of response to medical treatment and ultrasonography revealed an abnormally large amount of free fluid in the peritoneal cavity. Exploration of the abdomen revealed a 20-cm diameter mass, consisting of most of the ascending colon. The spiral colon was thick and edemetous, and it was decided to resect the spiral colon. Following a few complications, the alpaca was discharged 17 days after surgery. Colic in camelids is considered a severe problem because clinical signs are subtle and often not recognized until the condition is untreatable. Camelids are reported to be stoic animals, and may have few signs of pain despite severe abdominal disease. Alpacas with signs of abdominal pain should undergo early and complete physical, laboratory, and diagnostic imaging evaluations. Rapid identification of the need for surgery is vital for a successful outcome.
Topics: Animals; Camelids, New World; Colectomy; Colic; Colonic Diseases; Fluid Therapy; Torsion Abnormality
PubMed: 10668538
DOI: 10.2460/javma.2000.216.380