Two intestinal microbiota-derived metabolites, deoxycholic acid and butyrate, synergize to enhance host defense peptide synthesis and alleviate necrotic enteritis

Background Necrotic enteritis(NE)is a major enteric disease in poultry,yet effective mitigation strategies remain elusive.Deoxycholic acid(DCA)and butyrate,two major metabolites derived from the intestinal microbiota,have independently been shown to induce host defense peptide(HDP)synthesis.However,the potential synergy between these two compounds remains unexplored.Methods To investigate the possible synergistic effect between DCA and butyrate in regulating HDP synthesis and barrier function,we treated chicken HD11 macrophage cells and jejunal explants with DCA and sodium butyrate(NaB),either individually or in combination,for 24 h.Subsequently,we performed RNA isolation and reverse transcrip-tion-quantitative PCR to analyze HDP genes as well as the major genes associated with barrier function.To further determine the synergy between DCA and NaB in enhancing NE resistance,we conducted two independent trials with Cobb broiler chicks.In each trial,the diet was supplemented with DCA or NaB on the day-of-hatch,followed by NE induction through sequential challenges with Eimeria maxima and Clostridium perfringens on d 10 and 14,respectively.We recorded animal mortality after infection and assessed intestinal lesions on d 17.The impact of DCA and NaB on the microbiota in the ileum and cecum was evaluated through bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequencing.Results We found that the combination of DCA and NaB synergistically induced multiple HDP genes in both chicken HD11 cells and jejunal explants.Additionally,the gene for claudin-1,a major tight junction protein,also exhibited synergistic induction in response to DCA and NaB.Furthermore,dietary supplementation with a combination of 0.75 g/kg DCA and 1 g/kg NaB led to a significant improvement in animal survival and a reduction in intestinal lesions compared to either compound alone in a chicken model of NE.Notably,the cecal microbiota of NE-infected chickens showed a marked decrease in SCFA-producing bacteria such as Bacteroides,Faecalibacterium,and Cuneatibacter,with lactobacilli becoming the most dominant species.However,supplementation with DCA and NaB largely restored the intestinal microbiota to healthy levels.Conclusions DCA synergizes with NaB to induce HDP and claudin-1 expression and enhance NE resistance,with potential for further development as cost-effective antibiotic alternatives.

Dietary Macleaya cordata extract supplementation improves the growth performance and gut health of broiler chickens with necrotic enteritis

Background The poultry industry needs effective antibiotic alternatives to control outbreaks of necrotic enteritis(NE)caused by Clostridium perfringens.Methods The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with Macleaya cordata extract(MCE)on the immune function and gut microbiota of broilers with NE.A total of 2881-day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to a 2×2 factorial arrangement with two concentrations of dietary MCE supplementation(0 or 350 mg/kg of diet)and two disease challenge statuses(control or NE).Results The results revealed that NE significantly increased the feed conversion rate(FCR),mortality,intestinal lesion score,the levels of IL-1β,IL-17 and IFN-γ/IL-4 in serum and IL-17/IL-10 in the jejunal mucosa,m RNA levels of TLR2,IFN-γand p Ig R in the jejunum,and Clostridium perfringens concentrations in the cecum.NE significantly decreased the body weight(BW),body weight gain(BWG),jejunal villus height,V/C,m RNA level of AMPK-α1 in jejunum,IL-4 level in the jejunal mucosa and lactic acid bacteria abundance in the cecum.MCE significantly increased BW,BWG,jejunal villus height,V/C,m RNA levels of occludin,ZO-1 and AMPK-α1 in the jejunum,the levels of Ig A and Ig G in serum and IL-10 in the jejunal mucosa and m RNA levels of NF-κB,IL-10 and MHC-II in the jejunum.Additionally,MCE significantly decreased the FCR,mortality,intestinal lesion score,jejunal crypt depth,the levels of IFN-γand IL-17 in serum and IL-17/IL-10 in the jejunal mucosa,Clostridium perfringens concentrations in the cecum,and m RNA levels of IL-17/IL-10 in the jejunum.Moreover,NE significantly increased the abundance of bacteria that are associated with inflammation,obesity and depression(Alistipes,Barnesiella,Intestinimonas,RF39 and UCG-005)and significantly decreased the abundance of short-chain fatty acid(SCFA)-producing bacteria(Anaerotruncus,Butyricicoccus and Bacteroides)in the cecum.MCE significantly increased the abundance of SCFA-producing bacteria(Streptococcus,Ruminococcus_torques_group and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group)and significantly reduced the abundance of bacteria that are associated with inflammation and obesity(Alistipes,Barnesiella and UCG-010)in the cecum.In the cecum of broilers with NE,the relative abundance of Barnesiella and Alistipes was higher and that of Lachnoclostridium and Shuttleworthia was lower.Interestingly,these trends were reversed by the addition of MCE to the diet.Spearman correlation analysis showed that Barnesiella and Alistipes were associated with enhanced intestinal inflammation and inhibited growth performance,whereas Lachnoclostridium and Shuttleworthia were associated with anti-inflammatory effects.Conclusions MCE ameliorated the loss of growth performance in broiler chickens with NE,probably by regulating the intestinal barrier,immune function,and gut microbiota.

Intestinal microecological transplantation for a patient with chronic radiation enteritis:A case report

BACKGROUND The gut microbiota is strongly associated with radiation-induced gut damage.This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of intestinal microecological transplantation for treating patients with chronic radiation enteritis.CASE SUMMARY A 64-year-old female with cervical cancer developed abdominal pain,diarrhea,and blood in the stool 1 year after radiotherapy.An electronic colonoscopy was performed to diagnose chronic radiation enteritis.Two courses of intestinal microecological transplantation and full-length 16S rRNA microbiological analysis were performed.The patient experienced short-and long-term relief from symptoms without adverse effects.Whole 16S rRNA sequencing revealed significant differences in the intestinal flora’s composition between patient and healthy donors.Pathogenic bacteria,such as Escherichia fergusonii and Romboutsia timonensis,were more in the patient.Beneficial bacteria such as Faecalibacterium prausnitzii,Fusicatenibacter saccharivorans,Ruminococcus bromii,and Bifidobacterium longum were more in the healthy donors.Intestinal microbiota transplantation resulted in a significant change in the patient's intestinal flora composition.The composition converged with the donor's flora,with an increase in core beneficial intestinal bacteria,such as Eubacterium rectale,and a decrease in pathogenic bacteria.Changes in the intestinal flora corresponded with the patients'alleviating clinical symptoms.CONCLUSION Intestinal microecological transplantation is an effective treatment for relieving the clinical symptoms of chronic radiation enteritis by altering the composition of the intestinal flora.This study provides a new approach for treating patients with chronic radiation enteritis.

Potential pharmacological mechanisms of digallate in the treatment of enteritis based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

Background:In order to investigate the possible pharmacological mechanism of digallate in Galla Chinensis for treating enteritis,providing reference for the search and exploration of effective drugs for treating enteritis.Method:Traditional Chinese Medicines Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform,PharmMapper,DisGeNET,DrugBank,and GeneCards databases were used to obtain drug and disease-related target information.Gene ontology functional annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment were performed,and the main therapeutic pathways and targets were identified by combining protein-protein interaction networks and cytoHubba plug-in.Molecular docking was used to validate the results.Result:297 drug related targets,2436 disease related targets,and 66 target points related to digallate were predicted to be associated with enteritis.10 related signal pathways and 10 key genes were identified.Conclusion:Digallate may be utilized to treat enteritis by acting on similar pathways,such those related to pathways in cancer,lipid and atherosclerosis,proteoglycans in cancer,Rap1 signaling pathway,PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and other targets such as IGF1,EGFR,SRC,IGF1R,PPARG.

Progress in the Use of Glucocorticoids and Biological Agents in Non-Infectious Uveitis

One of the main immune-mediated diseases that lead to avoidable blindness is non-infectious uveitis. Glucocorticoids are the first-line therapy choice for noninfectious uveitis;however, biologics are also showing promise in the management of this condition. The description of glucocorticoid and biologic usage in non-infectious uveitis is the main topic of this paper.

Establishment of a prediction model for severe acute radiation enteritis associated with cervical cancer radiotherapy

BACKGROUND Cervical cancer is one of the most common gynecological malignant tumors.Radiation enteritis(RE)leads to radiotherapy intolerance or termination of radiotherapy,which negatively impacts the therapeutic effect and seriously affects the quality of life of patients.If the incidence of RE in patients can be predicted in advance,and targeted clinical preventive treatment can be carried out,the side effects of radiotherapy in cervical cancer patients can be significantly reduced.Furthermore,accurate prediction of RE is essential for the selection of individualized radiation dose and the optimization of the radiotherapy plan.AIM To analyze the relationships between severe acute RE(SARE)of cervical cancer radiotherapy and clinical factors and dose-volume parameters retrospectively.METHODS We included 50 cervical cancer patients who received volumetric modulated arc therapy(VMAT)from September 2017 to June 2018 in the Department of Radiotherapy at The First Affiliated Hospital Soochow University.Clinical and dose-volume histogram factors of patients were collected.Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the predictive value of each factor for SARE.A nomogram to predict SARE was developed(SARE scoring system≥3 points)based on the multiple regression coefficients;validity was verified by an internal verification method.RESULTS Gastrointestinal and hematological toxicity of cervical cancer VMAT gradually increased with radiotherapy and reached the peak at the end of radiotherapy.The main adverse reactions were diarrhea,abdominal pain,colitis,anal swelling,and blood in the stool.There was no significant difference in the incidence of gastrointestinal toxicity between the radical and postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy groups(P>0.05).There were significant differences in the small intestine V_(20),V_(30),V_(40),and rectal V40 between adjuvant radiotherapy and radical radiotherapy after surgery(P<0.05).Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed anal bulge rating(OR:14.779,95%CI:1.281-170.547,P=0.031)and disease activity index(DAI)score(OR:53.928,95%CI:3.822-760.948,P=0.003)as independent predictors of SARE.CONCLUSION Anal bulge rating(>0.500 grade)and DAI score(>2.165 points)can predict SARE.The nomogram shows potential value in clinical practice.

Effects of tannic acid on the immunity and intestinal health of broiler chickens with necrotic enteritis infection

Background In broiler chickens,necrotic enteritis(NE)infection can reduce production performance.Tannic acid has shown great potential as a treatment of NE in broilers.However,the appropriate dosage of tannic acid in NE of broilers and the improvement effect on intestinal health are not very clear.In this study,we aimed to investigate the effects of different doses of tannic acid on the production performance,immunity,and intestinal health of broilers by constructing an NE model with C.perfringens infection and determining the appropriate dosage of tannic acid with regard to NE.Results Challenged birds showed significant reduction in body weight,villus height,and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth(P<0.05)and increase in the feed consumption gain ratio,intestinal lesion score,and crypt depth(P<0.05).The infection significantly reduced the relative Bacteroidota and Ligilactobacillus abundance(P<0.05)and increased the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidota and cecal content of C.perfringens(P<0.05).Challenged birds fed diets supplemented with tannic acid showed significantly increased mRNA expression of nutrient transport carriers and intestinal barrier genes and growth performance and reduced serum zonulin and endotoxin levels(P<0.05).Addi-tion of tannic acid to the diet inhibited the inflammatory response by reducing the number of coccidia oocysts in feces and the content of C.perfringens in the cecum.Specifically,tannic acid reduced the serum levels of C reactive protein,myeloperoxidase,and specific IgY and ileal mucosal secretory immunoglobulin A levels in the ileal mucosa compared with those in the NE-infected birds.NE-infected birds fed diets supplemented with tannic acid also showed significantly increased relative Anaerocolumna,Thermoanaerobacterium,and Thermosinus abundance(P<0.05);their microbial composition and functional predictions were similar to those of the NC group.Conclusions Tannic acid in the diet alleviated NE by enhancing the intestinal barrier and absorption function.The recommended dietary tannic acid additive level is 500–750 mg/kg.Our study findings would be useful in reducing related economic losses in the broiler industry.

Enteric neuropathy in diabetes:Implications for gastrointestinal function

Diabetes,commonly known for its metabolic effects,also critically affects the enteric nervous system(ENS),which is essential in regulating gastrointestinal(GI)motility,secretion,and absorption.The development of diabetes-induced enteric neuropathy can lead to various GI dysfunctions,such as gastroparesis and irregular bowel habits,primarily due to disruptions in the function of neuronal and glial cells within the ENS,as well as oxidative stress and inflammation.This editorial explores the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the development of enteric neuropathy in diabetic patients.Additionally,it discusses the latest advances in diagnostic approaches,emphasizing the need for early detection and intervention to mitigate GI complications in diabetic individuals.The editorial also reviews current and emerging therapeutic strategies,focusing on pharmacological treatments,dietary management,and potential neuromodulatory interventions.Ultimately,this editorial highlights the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach in managing enteric neuropathy in diabetes,aiming to enhance patient quality of life and address a frequently overlooked complication of this widespread disease.

Essential Oils as an Alternative to Antibiotics to Reduce the Incidence and Severity of Necrotic Enteritis in Broiler Chickens: A Short Review

Due to the removal of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) and consumer pressure for antibiotic-free (ABF) or no antibiotics ever (NAE) poultry production, there is a need for sustainable alternatives to prevent disease in commercial poultry operations. Without AGPs, there has been a rise in diseases that were traditionally controlled by subtherapeutic levels of antibiotics in the diet. This has impacted the health of commercial poultry and has been a significant cost to poultry producers. To mitigate this, the industry has started to investigate alternatives to antibiotics to treat these forthcoming health issues, such as necrotic enteritis (NE). NE is an enteric disease caused by an over proliferation of toxigenic Clostridium perfringens (CP) in the gastrointestinal tract. Although CP is a commensal in the avian intestinal tract, dysbiosis caused by inflammation and impaired intestinal integrity facilitates uncontrolled replication of CP. Infectious agents, such as Eimeria maxima, appear to be a predominant predisposing factor that promotes NE. However, non-infectious stressors, including dietary changes, have also been associated with NE to some degree. As a result of increased pressure to restrict the use of antibiotics, there is a need for research evaluating the efficacy of alternatives, such as plant-derived essential oils, as potential tools to mitigate NE in commercial poultry flocks. The aim of this study is to review the effects of essential oils as an alternative to antibiotics to reduce the incidence and severity of necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens.

Stimbiotic supplementation modulated intestinal inflammatory response and improved broilers performance in an experimentally-induced necrotic enteritis infection model

Background:Two experiments were conducted to establish an optimal NE challenge model and evaluate the efficacy of stimbiotic(STB)supplementation in necrotic enteritis(NE)challenged broilers.In Exp.1,a total of 120 Arbor Acres(AA)broilers(45.0±0.21 g)were randomly assigned to 6 treatments in a 3×2 factorial arrangement.Vaccine treatments included non-challenge(0),×10 the recommended dose(×10)or×20 the recommended dose(×20)by the manufacturer.Clostridium perfringens(CP)treatments were non-challenge(No)or 3 mL of 2.2×10^(7)CFU CP challenge(Yes).In Exp.2,a total of 72 AA broilers(40.17±0.27 g)were randomly assigned to 6 treatments in a 3×2 factorial arrangement.Dietary treatments included non-additive(CON),100 mg/kg STB(STB)and 100 mg/kg STB on top of a typical commercial blend including an essential oil,probiotics,and enzyme(CB).Challenge treatments included non-NE challenge(No)and NE challenge(Yes)as established in Exp.1.Results:In Exp.1,CP and vaccine challenge decreased(P<0.05)body weight(BW),body weight gain(BWG)and feed intake(FI),and increased(P<0.05)the number of broilers with diarrhea and intestinal lesions.The oral administration of×20 recommended dose of vaccines coupled with 3 mL of 2.2×10^(7)CFU CP resulted in(P<0.01)a significantly increased incidence of wet litter and intestinal lesions.Thus,this treatment was chosen as the challenge model for the successful inducement of NE in Exp.2.In Exp.2,the NE challenge negatively affected(P<0.01)growth performance,ileal morphology,immunoglobulin contents in blood,caecal microbiota in the caecum,footpad dermatitis,intestinal lesion scores,tumour necrosis factor(TNF-α)and endotoxin in the serum compared with the non-NE challenged birds.The supplementation of STB and CB in diets enhanced(P<0.05)growth performance,intestinal microbiota,and blood profiles by stimulating ileal morphology(VH and VH:CD)and propionate production in the cecum,and there were no differences in measured variables between STB and CB supplemented birds.Conclusion:Overall,these results indicate that STB supplementation was able to reduce the inflammatory response and improve the performance of NE challenged birds,and the supplementation of STB alone was as effective as a typical commercial blend containing a number of other additives.

Rare case of lupus enteritis presenting as colorectum involvement:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE)is a multisystem autoimmune disease that can affect the gastrointestinal tract.Most cases of lupus enteritis(LE)involve the small intestine,while the involvement of the whole colon and rectum without the small intestine being affected is extremely rare.CASE SUMMARY A 35-year-old woman was diagnosed with colorectal LE after initially presenting with intermittent abdominal pain and vomiting for two months.She had a regular medication history for five years following the diagnosis of SLE but had been irregular in taking medications,which may have contributed to the onset of LE and led to her current hospital admission.According to the 2019 Classification criteria for SLE of the European League Against Rheumatism/American College of Rheumatology,this case scored 14.Additionally,abdominal computed tomography revealed significant wall edema of the colon and rectum,ischemia and hyperemia of the ascending colon intestinal wall,mesenteric vessel engorgement,increased mesangial fat attenuation,ascites,and bilateral ureter-hydronephrosis,all indicative of colon and rectum LE.Laboratory tests also showed lower levels of complement C3 and C4,with an antinuclear antibody titer of 1:100.Overall,it was clear that this case involved the colon and rectum without affecting the small intestine,representing a rare manifestation of SLE.The patient received treatment with 10 mg of methylprednisolone sodium succinate,100 mL of 0.9%sodium chloride,hydroxychloroquine(100 mg),and nutrition support.After one week of methylprednisolone and hydroxychloroquine therapy,her SLE symptoms and disease activity improved significantly.CONCLUSION Although colorectal LE without small intestine involvement is very rare,early diagnosis and excellent management with corticosteroids prevented the need for surgical intervention.Physicians should be aware of colorectal LE without small intestine involvement as a manifestation of lupus flare.

Prevalence of Enteric Pathogens Associated with Infections among Table Egg Consumers in Some Primary Health Establishments in the Center Region of Cameroon

Method: In Cameroon limited data are available regarding the prevalence of enteric bacteria associated with table egg consuming infections. As such, a situational-based study was performed in patients with complains of stomach disorders after egg consumption. Data related to sociodemographic characteristics and other factors were collected using a structured based questionnaire. Stool culture of utmost importance in stomach disorders patients and serum were collected for typhoid serological test. Results: A total of 207 participants took part in the survey, Results indicated nontyphoidal Salmonella infections were highest in the 3 areas of study with Mfoundi (73.44%) having the highest level of infection compared to other bacterial infection. other enteric bacteria associated to this infection were E. coli serotype 157, Aeromonas, Citrobacter freundii, Enterobacter cloaca and typhi salmonella. Meanwhile salmonelosis caused by typhic salmonella had highest prevalence in the Lekie Division (13.11%) as a result of poor hygienic practices associated with the conservation and preparation of eggs, Stool culture was observed to detect more positive cases in the diagnosis of typhoid fever than Widal test, but with no statistically significant (p > 0.05) difference between the stool culture and Widal test in the 3 areas of study. Conclusion: this study revealed that egg consumers are pruned to enteric bacterial and salmonella infections depending on how and where egg is consumed.

Risk Factors of Enternal Nutrition Intolerance in Septic Patients:A Case-control Study

Objective:This study aimed to investigate the incidence of enteral nutrition intolerance(ENI)in patients with sepsis and explore potential risk factors.Methods:A case-control study was conducted in patients with sepsis who were receiving enteral nutrition(EN)at a tertiary hospital in China.The included patients were divided into the ENI group and the non-ENI group.Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the risk factors for ENI.Results:A total of 859 patients were included in the study.Among them,288(33.53%)patients experienced symptoms of ENI,including diarrhea,vomiting,bloating,and gastric retention.Logistic regression analysis revealed that the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation H(APACHE H)score,thoracocentesis,and usage of cardiotonic drugs(namely,inotropes)were independent predictors of the ENI.Conclusion:The incidence of ENI is relatively high in patients with sepsis,especially in those who have higher APACHE H scores,have undergone thoracocentesis,and have received inotropes.

Prediction model establishment and validation for enteral nutrition aspiration during hospitalization in patients with acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND Acute pancreatitis(AP)is a disease caused by abnormal activation of pancreatic enzymes and can lead to self-digestion of pancreatic tissues and dysfunction of other organs.Enteral nutrition plays a vital role in the treatment of AP because it can meet the nutritional needs of patients,promote the recovery of intestinal function,and maintain the barrier and immune functions of the intestine.However,the risk of aspiration during enteral nutrition is high;once aspiration occurs,it may cause serious complications,such as aspiration pneumonia,and suffocation,posing a threat to the patient’s life.This study aims to establish and validate a prediction model for enteral nutrition aspiration during hospitalization in patients with AP.AIM To establish and validate a predictive model for enteral nutrition aspiration during hospitalization in patients with AP.METHODS A retrospective review was conducted on 200 patients with AP admitted to Chengdu Shangjin Nanfu Hospital,West China Hospital of Sichuan University from January 2020 to February 2024.Clinical data were collected from the electronic medical record system.Patients were randomly divided into a validation group(n=40)and a modeling group(n=160)in a 1:4 ratio,matched with 200 patients from the same time period.The modeling group was further categorized into an aspiration group(n=25)and a non-aspiration group(n=175)based on the occurrence of enteral nutrition aspiration during hospitalization.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors influencing enteral nutrition aspiration in patients with AP during hospitalization.A prediction model for enteral nutrition aspiration during hospitalization was constructed,and calibration curves were used for validation.Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was conducted to evaluate the predictive value of the model.RESULTS There was no statistically significant difference in general data between the validation and modeling groups(P>0.05).The comparison of age,gender,body mass index,smoking history,hypertension history,and diabetes history showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups(P>0.05).However,patient position,consciousness status,nutritional risk,Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation(APACHE-II)score,and length of nasogastric tube placement showed statistically significant differences(P<0.05)between the two groups.Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that patient position,consciousness status,nutritional risk,APACHE-II score,and length of nasogastric tube placement were independent factors influencing enteral nutrition aspiration in patients with AP during hospitalization(P<0.05).These factors were incorporated into the prediction model,which showed good consistency between the predicted and actual risks,as indicated by calibration curves with slopes close to 1 in the training and validation sets.Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed an area under the curve(AUC)of 0.926(95%CI:0.8889-0.9675)in the training set.The optimal cutoff value is 0.73,with a sensitivity of 88.4 and specificity of 85.2.In the validation set,the AUC of the model for predicting enteral nutrition aspiration in patients with AP patients during hospitalization was 0.902,with a standard error of 0.040(95%CI:0.8284-0.9858),and the best cutoff value was 0.73,with a sensitivity of 91.9 and specificity of 81.8.CONCLUSION A prediction model for enteral nutrition aspiration during hospitalization in patients with AP was established and demonstrated high predictive value.Further clinical application of the model is warranted.

Porcine enteric alphacoronavirus infection increases lipid droplet accumulation to facilitate the virus replication

Coronaviruses are widely transmissible between humans and animals, causing diseases of varying severity. Porcine enteric alphacoronavirus(PEAV) is a newly-discovered pathogenic porcine enteric coronavirus in recent years, which causes watery diarrhea in newborn piglets. The host inflammatory responses to PEAV and its metabolic regulation mechanisms remain unclear, and no antiviral studies have been reported. Therefore, we investigated the pathogenic mechanism and antiviral drugs of PEAV. The transcriptomic analysis of PEAV-infected host cells revealed that PEAV could upregulate lipid metabolism pathways. In lipid metabolism, steady-state energy processes, which can be mediated by lipid droplets(LDs), are the main functions of organelles. LDs are also important in viral infection and inflammation. In infected cells, PEAV increased LD accumulation, upregulated NF-κB signaling, promoted the production of the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-8, and induced cell death. Inhibiting LD accumulation with a DGAT-1 inhibitor significantly inhibited PEAV replication, downregulated the NF-κB signaling pathway, reduced the production of IL-1β and IL-8, and inhibited cell death. The NF-κB signaling pathway inhibitor BAY11-7082 significantly inhibited LD accumulation and PEAV replication. Metformin hydrochloride also exerted anti-PEAV effects and significantly inhibited LD accumulation, downregulated the NF-κB signaling pathway, reduced the production of IL-1β and IL-8, and inhibited cell death. LD accumulation in the lipid metabolism pathway therefore plays an important role in the replication and pathogenesis of PEAV, and metformin hydrochloride inhibits LD accumulation and the inflammatory response to exert anti-PEAV activity and reducing pathological injury. These findings contribute new targets for developing treatments for PEAV infections.

Early selective enteral feeding in treatment of acute pancreatitis: A case report

BACKGROUND Early initiation of enteral feeding is recognized to play a crucial role in improving the outcomes of treatment of acute pancreatitis.However,the method of adminis-tration of enteral nutrition remains debatable.We present the experience of treating a patient with moderate-severe acute pancreatitis,at high risk of progressing to a severe or fatal condition,using a novel method of selective feeding with duodenal isolation.CASE SUMMARY A 27-year-old female patient presented to the emergency unit of the hospital with a typical manifestation of acute pancreatitis.Despite a conventional treatment,the patient’s condition deteriorated by day 2 of hospitalization.Using an endoscopic approach,a novel catheter PandiCathffwas placed to the duodenum of the patient,isolating its segment between the duodenal bulb and the ligament of Treitz.In the isolated area created,a negative pressure was applied,followed by introduction of early selective enteral feeding.The patient’s condition subsequently improved in a rapid manner,and no complications often associated with moderate-to-severe acute pancreatitis developed.CONCLUSION Within 48 h of starting treatment with the novel method,it can prevent the development of multiple organ failure and,when combined with minimally invasive drainage methods,help prevent infection.

New application of intestinal obstruction catheter in enterocutaneous fistula:A case report

BACKGROUND Enterocutaneous fistula(ECF)is an abnormal connection between the gastrointestinal tract and the skin.ECF can lead to massive body fluid loss,hypercatabolism,and malnutrition.Therefore,nutritional support plays a crucial role in managing ECFs and promoting the healing of fistulas.For nutritional support,enteral nutrition(EN)is the preferred method when gastrointestinal function is recovering.Currently,various EN approaches have been applied for different anatomical positions of the ECF.However,the effectiveness of administering EN support for treating lower ECFs still needs further exploration and improvement.CASE SUMMARY We present the case of a 46-year-old male who underwent gastrointestinal stromal tumour resection.Six days after the surgery,the patient presented with fever,fatigue,severe upper abdominal pain,and septic shock.Subsequently,lower ECFs were diagnosed through laboratory and imaging examinations.In addition to symptomatic treatment for homeostasis,total parenteral nutrition support was administered in the first 72 h due to dysfunction of the intestine.After that,we gradually provided EN support through the intestinal obstruction catheter in consideration of the specific anatomic position of the fistula instead of using the nasal jejunal tube.Ultimately,the patient could receive optimal EN support via the catheter,and no complications were found during the treatment.CONCLUSION Nutritional support is a crucial element in ECF management,and intestinal obstruction catheters could be used for early EN administration.

Phytochemical screening and antibacterial activities of Momordica charantia and Vernonia amygdalina extracts on some selected enteric isolates

Background:This research focuses on herbal medicine,an ancient healthcare practice,exploring the antibacterial attributes of fresh and dried leaf extracts from Momordica charantia(commonly known as Bitter melon)and Vernonia amygdalina(Bitter leaf).The study specifically investigates their effects on different bacterial strains associated with gastroenteritis.Methods:Four enteric bacterial isolates-Klebsiella pneumoniae,Salmonella typhi,Escherichia coli,and Proteus mirabilis-were obtained from the Medical Laboratory Unit at Babcock University Teaching Hospital in Ilishan-Remo,Ogun State.Phytochemical screening and antibacterial testing were conducted using standard biochemical techniques and the Punch-hole agar diffusion method,respectively.Results:Qualitative phytochemical screening of the plant extracts revealed the presence of flavonoids,glycosides,and saponin in both plants,excluding terpenoids.Alkaloids were identified only in Vernonia amygdalina.Despite these phytochemicals,neither plant displayed inhibitory effects on the tested bacterial isolates(Escherichia coli,Proteus mirabilis,Klebsiella pneumoniae,and Salmonella typhi)when tested individually or in combination.Intriguingly,combining the fresh and dried leaf extracts of Momordica charantia and Vernonia amygdalina with a standard drug resulted in smaller mean zone diameters of inhibition(Escherichia coli range:14 mm–16 mm,Proteus mirabilis range:31 mm–35 mm,Klebsiella pneumoniae range:13 mm–22 mm,and Salmonella typhi range:35 mm–38 mm)compared to the drug tested alone(16 mm–45 mm).Conclusion:Despite previous indications of antibacterial properties in various extracts of V.amygdalina and M.charantia leaves,our study presents contradictory results,prompting the need for further investigation despite the presence of significant phytochemicals.

Clinical Evaluation of Enteral Nutrition+Probiotics in the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Dysfunction After Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

Objective:To evaluate the therapeutic effect of enteral nutrition+probiotics in patients with gastrointestinal dysfunction after severe craniocerebral injury.Methods:From September 2018 to February 2023,80 patients(20-82 years old)with gastrointestinal dysfunction who were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at the Third People’s Hospital of Xining were included in the study.Their primary condition was severe craniocerebral injury,and all of them received conventional symptomatic treatment.Group A received enteral nutrition+probiotic therapy,whereas group B received enteral nutrition only.The differences in the following indicators were compared before and after treatment:nutritional and biochemical indicators,gastrointestinal function indicators,Glasgow Coma Scale(GCS),Sequential Organ Failure Assessment(SOFA),APACHE II score,serum procalcitonin(PCT),neutrophil(N)ratio,and C reactive protein(CRP).Result:The nutritional and biochemical indicators in group A were higher than those in group B,P<0.05;the time to first passage of flatus,time to first passage of stool,and bowel sound recovery time in group A were shorter than those in group B,P<0.05;the GCS of group A was higher than that of group B,P<0.05;the SOFA and APACHEⅡscores of group A were not different from those of group B,P>0.05;and the PCT,N ratio,and CRP levels of group A were lower than those of group B,P<0.05.Conclusion:In patients with gastrointestinal dysfunction after severe craniocerebral injury,enteral nutrition+probiotic therapy is highly effective and feasible,as it can optimize various nutritional indicators,shorten the gastrointestinal function recovery time,and reduce the body’s stress response.

Nursing Experience of Early Application of Nasoenteric Tube for Enteral Nutrition in Critically Ill ICU Patients

Objective:To investigate the effective nursing measures of early application of nasoenteric tube for enteral nutrition in critically ill patients in ICU,and to summarize the nursing experience.Methods:The study was carried out in June 2023–November 2023.62 samples of ICU critically ill patients were selected,all of whom used enteral nutrition by mesenteric tube and were grouped into an observation group(n=31)and a control group(n=31)by using the numerical table randomization method.The patients in the control group were basic nursing interventions,and the patients in the observation group were comprehensive quality care,comparing the nutritional indexes,complication rates,and nursing satisfaction between the two groups.Results:All nutritional indicators of the observation group were higher than those of the control group after nursing intervention(P<0.05);the complication rate of the observation group was lower than that of the control group(P<0.05);the nursing satisfaction of the observation group was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Comprehensive quality nursing care during the early application of a gastroenteric tube for enteral nutrition in critically ill patients in the ICU can improve nutritional indexes,reduce the incidence of complications and improve nursing satisfaction.