The impact of heat-set milk protein gel textures modified by pH on circulating amino acid appearance and gastric function in healthy female adults: a randomised controlled trial

Modification of dairy proteins during processing impacts structural assemblies, influencing textural and nutritional properties of dairy products, and release and availability of amino acids during digestion. By modifying only pH, acid heat-set bovine dairy gels with divergent textural properties were developed to alter protein digestion. In vitro assay confirmed faster digestion of protein from a firm gel (pH 5.65) versus a soft gel (pH 6.55). We hypothesised that firm gel (FIRM-G; pH 5.6) would result in greater indispensable amino acid (IAA) appearance in circulation over 5 h and corresponding differences in gastric myoelectrical activity relative to soft gel (SOFT-G; pH 6.2). In a randomised, single-blind cross-over trial, healthy females (n = 20) consumed 150 g of each gel; plasma amino acid appearance was assessed over 5 hours. Iso-nitrogenous, iso-caloric gels were prepared from identical mixtures of bovine milk and whey protein concentrates; providing 17.7 g (FIRM-G) and 18.9 g (SOFT-G) of protein per serving. Secondary outcomes included gastric myoelectrical activity measured by body surface gastric mapping, glycaemic, triglyceridaemic, and subjective appetite and digestive responses. Overall plasma IAA (area under the curve) did not differ between gels. However, plasma IAA concentrations were higher, and increased more rapidly over time after SOFT-G compared with FIRM-G (1455 ± 53 versus 1350 ± 62 μmol L-1 at 30 min, p = 0.024). Similarly, total, branched-chain and dispensable amino acids were higher at 30 min with SOFT-G than FIRM-G (total: 3939 ± 97 versus 3702 ± 127 μmol L-1, p = 0.014; branched-chain: 677 ± 30 versus 619 ± 34 μmol L-1, p = 0.047; dispensable: 2334 ± 53 versus 2210 ± 76 μmol L-1, p = 0.032). All other measured parameters were similar between gels. Peak postprandial aminoacidaemia was higher and faster following ingestion of SOFT-G. Customised plasma amino acid appearance from dairy is achievable by altering gel coagulum structure using pH during processing and may have minimal influence on related postprandial responses, with implications for targeting food design for optimal health. The Clinical Trial Registry number is ACTRN12622001418763 (https://www.anzctr.org.au) registered November 7, 2022.

Dynamic Stomach Model-Capillary Electrophoresis-ICPMS for Evaluation of Release and Transformation Behaviors of Arsenic Species from Microplastics during Digestion

Microplastics (MPs) can act as carriers of environmental arsenic species into the stomach with food and release arsenic species during digestion, which threatens human health. Herein, an integrated dynamic stomach model (DSM)-capillary electrophoresis-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (CE-ICPMS) is developed for online monitoring of the release and transformation behaviors of arsenic species loaded on MPs (As-MPs) in the simulated human stomach. The 3D-printed DSM with a soft stomach chamber enables the behaviors of gastric peristalsis, gastric and salivary fluid addition, pH adjustment, and gastric emptying (GE) to be controlled by a self-written program after oral ingestion of food with As-MPs. The gastric extract during digestion is introduced into the spiral channel to remove the large particulate impurity and online filtered to obtain the clarified arsenic-containing solution for subsequent speciation analysis of arsenic by CE-ICPMS. The digestion conditions and pretreatment processes of DSM are tracked and validated, and the release rates of As-MPs digested by DSM are compared with those digested by the static stomach model and DSM without GE. The release rate of inorganic arsenic on MPs is higher than that of organic arsenic throughout the gastric digestion process, and 8% of As(V) is reduced to As(III). The detection limits for As(III), DMA, MMA, and As(V) are 0.5-0.9 μg L-1 using DSM-CE-ICPMS, along with precisions of ≤8%. This present method provides an integrated and convenient tool for evaluating the release and transformation of As-MPs during human gastric digestion and provides a reference for exploring the interactions between MPs and metals/metalloids in the human body.

Exploring the pathology of liver, kidney, muscle, and stomach of fledgling seabirds associated with plastic ingestion

There remain significant gaps in knowledge about 'sub-lethal' impacts of plastic ingestion, particularly chronic impacts on cells, tissues, or organs. Few studies have applied traditional animal health tools, such as histopathology, to assess physiological damage to wildlife, with fewer still providing information on the dosage or exposure to plastics needed to elicit negative effects. Our study seeks to investigate a common hypothesis in plastic pollution research; that an increasing plastics burden will have an impact on an animal's health, examining two wild species with high levels of environmental exposure to plastic through their diet. Here we assess the histopathology of the muscle, upper digestive tract, liver and kidney of two seabird species that are known to be commonly exposed to plastic, comparing exposed and non-exposed individuals. Fledgling seabirds showed histopathological evidence of cumulative pressures such as starvation, disease, and endoparasite burden. However, we observed no evidence of chronic harm that could be explicitly linked to the plastics. We found one case of haemorrhage, reaffirming that large/sharp plastic foreign bodies may cause acute physical damage. Given the numerous interacting pressures on the health of fledging seabirds, including exposure to plastic, this study highlights the need to scrutinise plastic-animal interactions and research though a One Health lens.

Digestive fluid components affect speciation and bioaccessibility and the subsequent exposure risk of soil chromium from stomach to intestinal phase in in-vitro gastrointestinal digestion

The simulated in-vitro gastrointestinal method provides a simple way to evaluate the health risk of human body exposed to soil contaminants. Several in-vitro methods have been successfully established for soil As, Pb, and Cd. However, the method development for soil Cr failed up to now, which could be resulted from alteration in the species of Cr (e.g., Cr(VI)/Cr(III)) caused by the gastrointestinal digestion components, ultimately affecting the accessibility of Cr. This study explored the transformation and bioaccessibility of Cr in two Cr-contaminated soils during the physiologically based extraction test. The water-soluble and exchangeable Cr in soil was dissolved in gastrointestinal tract, accompanied with reduction of Cr(VI) into Cr(III), and the reduction occurred after the chemical extraction in two soils rather than during the extraction. Pepsin and organic acids in gastric phase could reduce Cr(VI) into Cr(III) and reduction efficiency were 20.4%- 53.0%, while in intestinal phase, pancreatin and bile salt had little effect on the Cr(VI) reduction, instead, more Cr(VI) was released from soil. In the gastric solution, Cr(VI) was mainly present as HCrO4- and Cr(III) as free Cr3+ ion. In the intestinal phase, Cr(VI) mainly occurred as CrO42- and Cr(III) as Cr(OH)3 (aq). Cr in the soil solid phase was dominated as the precipitates of Cr-Fe oxide, which was hardly extracted. Bioaccessibility of Cr in gastric phase increased as extraction duration increased and decreased in the intestinal phase, the contrary trend was observed for the hazard quotient of Cr in two phases due to Cr(VI)/Cr(III) transformation. This study indicates that the gastrointestinal components could influence the Cr transformation and subsequently affect the Cr bioaccessibility, which would help for a successful establishment of in vitro determination method for soil Cr bioaccessibility.

Death from methamphetamine intoxication in a body stuffer

A 28-year-old man was admitted dead to the emergency department of the regional hospital. All resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful in this case. Attending officers stated that he was suspected of possessing drugs at the time of arrest and had taken them quickly to cover up. Upon arrival at the hospital, signs of violence were noted all over his body. During the autopsy, two large blue plastic packages were found in the antrum of the stomach. The first was 6.3 × 2.2 cm and had two tight knots, while the second was 7.6 x 1.7 cm and had a single knot. Both packages were irregularly shaped and contained tablet debris that was clearly leaking, as a large amount of gastric juice was present in both packages. A confirmatory forensic toxicology analysis revealed toxic concentrations of methamphetamine in the blood of the dissected case. The patient died of acute methamphetamine intoxication associated with a severe stress condition resulting from violent resistance during arrest.

Elevated radon level in drinking water of Ajodhya Hill Area of West Bengal, India: probable health impact on lung and stomach

A screening survey has been carried out to measure the radon concentration in drinking water at various locations of Ajodhya hill and surrounding areas in Purulia district of West Bengal, India, using AlphaGUARD radon monitor. The obtained 222Rn concentration in ground water varies from 5.71 ± 0.29 to 579.47 ± 23.18 Bq/l with an average of 110.00 ± 6.61 Bq/l. Comparison between our results with the internationally recommended reference levels reveals that drinking of water from the majority of these tube-wells can pose significant health risks to the local people. Correlation study indicates that tube-well depth has significant influence on the radon level in water samples. Using 60 l/yr and 1642.50 l/yr water consumption estimated annual effective radon doses for most of the samples (almost 70% and 96%, respectively) are high compared to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union (EU) Commission prescribed reference dose limit of 100 μSv/yr. Also, the evaluated Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR) values associated with the tube-wells are showing serious threat to the health of the locals.The primary goal of this work is to develop a radon profile map of this area and to find out the possible reasons behind the elevated radon level in ground water. This type of work may play a very crucial role to aware the locals in perspective of human exposure to radon. The local health officials and the water quality regulators of India are requested to take necessary steps for protecting the local people from water radon hazard.

Properties of cell wall polysaccharides of raw nectarine fruits after treatment under conditions that modulate gastric digestion

The results of the study of the physicochemical properties of the high-molecular-weight soluble and insoluble components of nectarine cell walls obtained by fruit treatment under conditions that modulate of gastric digestion are presented. Homogenized nectarine fruits were sequentially treated by natural saliva and simulated gastric fluid (SGF) at pH 1.8 and 3.0. The isolated polysaccharides were compared with polysaccharides obtained by sequential extraction of nectarine fruit with cold, hot, and acidified water, solutions of ammonium oxalate and sodium carbonate. As a result, high-molecular-weight water-soluble pectic polysaccharides, weakly bound in the cell wall, were dissolved in the simulated gastric fluid, regardless of pH. Homogalacturonan (HG) and rhamnogalacturonan-I (RG-I) were identified in all pectins. It was shown that their quantity and ability to form highly viscous solutions determine high values of the rheological characteristics of the nectarine mixture formed under simulated gastric conditions. The modifications occurring with the insoluble components under the influence of acidity of SGF were importance. They determined difference in the physicochemical properties of both the insoluble fibres and the nectarine mixtures.

Impacts of Smoking and Stomach Disorders on Essential Elements in Biological Samples of Cement and Glass Industrial Workers

The infection caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) disrupts the metabolism and absorption of essential trace elements. Stomach disorders are related to changes in essential trace element metabolism caused by increased toxic metal exposure and H. pylori infection. The aim of the work is to link the development of stomach-related illnesses to an imbalance of essential trace and toxic metals. We have investigated the variations in essential trace elements such zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and copper and toxic metals like lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in biological (scalp hair, blood) samples of glass and cement workers. The study participants are further divided into smokers and nonsmokers, as well as diseased (gastric ulcer, irritable bowel syndrome, and chronic ulcer) and exposed referents (non-diseased industrial workers). Biological samples of age-matched (40-60 years) male subjects living in non-industrial areas were gathered for comparative purposes. After a pre-concentration method, the drinking water of industrial and domestic areas was analysed for both toxic metals. Microwave-aided acid digestion was used to oxidise the matrices of biological samples before atomic absorption spectrometer analysis of selected metals. Toxic metal levels in both industries' drinking water were much higher than those found in domestically treated water (p < 0.01). Industrial workers suffering different types of stomach disorders have two to three times higher Pb and Cd concentrations than age-matched referents. Toxic metals are found in higher concentrations in smoker referents and diseased patients' biological samples than in nonsmoker subjects. The findings of this study suggested that Pb and Cd toxicity's immunological effects may be associated to an increased vulnerability to chronic infections.

The Photobiomodulation of MAO-A Affects the Contractile Activity of Smooth Muscle Gastric Tissues

Nowadays, the utilized electromagnetic radiation (ER) in modalities such as photobiomodulation (PBM) finds broader applications in medical practice due to the promising results suggested by numerous reports. To date, the published data do not allow for the in-depth elucidation of the molecular mechanisms through which ER impacts the human organism. Furthermore, there is a total lack of evidence justifying the relation between the enzymatic activity of monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) and the effect of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) on the spontaneous contractile activity of smooth muscle gastric tissues exposed to various light sources. We found that exposure of these tissues to lamps, emitting light with wavelengths of 254 nm and 350 nm, lasers, emitting light with 532 nm and 808 nm, and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with ER at a wavelength of 660 nm, increased the 5-HT effect on the contractility. On the other hand, LEDs at 365 nm and 470 nm reduced it. The analysis of MAO-A enzymatic activity after exposure to the employed light emitters endorsed these findings. Furthermore, MAOA gene expression studies confirmed the possibility of its optogenetic regulation. Therefore, we concluded that the utilized emitters could alternate the functions of significant neuromediators by modulating the activity and gene transcription levels of enzymes that degrade them. Our investigations will help to disclose the selective conditions upon which PBM can effectively treat gastrointestinal and neurological disorders.

[Microplastics in the stomach and intestine of pelagic squid: A case study of Dosidicus gigas in open sea of Peru]

Microplastic (MP) ingestion by marine animals has been well documented, but less being known about pelagic squid. Jumbo squid Dosidicus gigas supports the world's largest cephalopod fishery and plays an important ecological role in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. In this study, D. gigas taken from the open sea of the Peruvian Exclusive Economic Zone were selected as research objects. We estimated the abundance and characteristics of MPs in the stomach and intestine of D. gigas and investigated the differences between tissues and sexes. Similar abundance and characteristics of MPs were observed in the same tissue of females and males. However, the stomach had a higher abundance of MPs with larger size than the intestine, while the MP abundance by stomach wet weight was lower than that of the intestine. The MPs were predominantly fiber-shaped, with blue or black color. The most frequent polymers were high-density cellophane and polyacrylic acid. These polymers could sink into deeper sea layers and were available for D. gigas living there during the daytime. Our findings revealed the distribution pattern of MPs in the waters of the Peruvian fishing ground. This study could improve our understanding of the MP contamination level in pelagic squid, and have implications for evaluating the ecological effects of MP on cephalopods.

Helicobacter pylori infection and hypochlorhydria in Zambian adults and children: A secondary data analysis

Background

Hypochlorhydria (gastric pH >4) increases susceptibility to diarrhoea, iron deficiency, and gastric cancer. We sought to clarify the prevalence of this condition and its predisposing factors in Zambia by pooling data from previous studies conducted in hospital and community settings.

Methods

Gastric pH was measured in participants from five separate studies by collecting gastric aspirate from fasted adults and children under 3 years of age undergoing gastroscopy. Gastric pH was correlated with serological testing for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections.

Results

We studied 597 individuals (487 adults and 110 children). Hypochlorhydria was present in 53% of adults and 31% of children. HIV infection was detected in 41% of adults and 11% of children. H. pylori serology was available for 366 individuals: 93% of adults and 6% of children were seropositive. In univariate analysis, hypochlorhydria was significantly associated with HIV seropositivity (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.2–2.4; p = 0.004) and H. pylori antibody seropositivity (OR 4.9; 95% CI 2.8–8.6; p<0.0001), and with advancing age in HIV negative individuals (p = 0.0001). In multivariable analysis, only H. pylori was associated with hypochlorhydria (OR 4.0; 95% CI 2.2–7.2; p<0.0001) while excluding possible exposure to proton pump inhibitors.

Conclusions

Hypochlorhydria is common in our population, with H. pylori being the dominant factor. Only young HIV seronegative individuals had a low prevalence of hypochlorhydria. This may have implications for the risk of other health conditions including gastric cancer.

Objective Visual Analog Scale for Biopsy Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Clinical Practice

Historic and current pathology society guidelines recommend using visual gestalt to identify substantial inflammatory cell infiltrate in Helicobacter pylori gastritis, but these scales were subjectively designed. This study aims to objectively investigate the density of inflammation that justifies additional workup for H. pylori infection. We retrospectively identified 2 patient cohorts who had undergone endoscopy with gastric biopsies; 1 with H. pylori infection (n=66), confirmed with a positive stool antigen test and/or Campylobacter-like organism test, and 1 without infection (n=81). Antral and body biopsies were selected from each case, if available, and stained with MUM-1 to highlight mucosal plasma cells. Digital analysis was performed to calculate the number of plasma cells/mm2, termed the "inflammatory score" (IS). Patients with H. pylori infection had an average of 1289 plasma cells/mm2 in the antrum and 835 plasma cells/mm2 in the body, compared with 346 plasma cells/mm2 in the antrum and 178 plasma cells/mm2 in the body in patients without infection. IS cut-off values for a positive infection were 714 plasma cells/mm2 in the antrum and 316 plasma cells/mm2 in the body, with high sensitivities and specificities in both the antrum (92%, 92%) and body (85%, 84%), respectively. A visual analog scale was created to provide a histologic correlate of the observed IS ranges and cut-offs. This practical and objective scale is associated with a high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing H. pylori infection and justifies moving away from upfront universal H. pylori testing in routine clinical practice.

Characterization and comparison of the digestive physiology of two scombrids, Katsuwonus pelamis and Sarda sarda, in the Gulf of Cádiz

Fish and other marine animals have a unique and intimate interaction with their surrounding environment. Diet type or trophic level play significant roles in modulating species digestive physiology. However, little is known about how the trophic niche influences digestive activity and gut microbiota in scombrids species. The aim of the present study was to analyse and describe the digestive physiology of the skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) and the Atlantic bonito (Sarda sarda) as bioindicator of the feeding ecology and trophic niche for both species in the Gulf of Cádiz (Spain). For that, fish proximate composition, pH of digestive organs and digestive enzymes activity levels were analysed in 10 individuals of each species to gain insight into the digestive physiological adaptations of the two species of scombrids. In addition, intestinal microbiota composition was determined for the skipjack tuna. The integration of the results suggested a clear trophic niche segregation between both species. Stomach pH was associated in both species with infrequent feeding events. Body proximate composition and digestive lipases activity patterns pointed to a high predominance of lipids in the Atlantic bonito diet, suggesting oily fish as main prey. On the other hand, results supported the skipjack tuna as a highly opportunistic feeder with a more varied diet, including fish but also crustaceans as preys. The gut microbial community in the latter species is dominated by Firmicutes and Tenericutes at phylum level, and by Mycoplasma, Blautia and Dorea at genus level. The present study contributes to advance the knowledge on the feeding behaviour and physiology diversity in fish species as a result of adaptation to a particular habitat.

Gastric bioaccessibility is a conservative measure of nickel bioavailability after oral exposure: Evidence from Ni-contaminated soil, pure Ni substances and Ni alloys

Oral bioaccessibility (BAc) is a surrogate for the bioavailability (BAv) of a broad range of substances, reflecting the value that the approach offers for assessing oral exposure and risk. BAc is generally considered to have been validated as a proxy for oral BAv for the important soil contaminants Pb, Cd, and As. Here, using literature data for Ni BAc and BAv, we confirmed that Ni BAc (gastric only, with HCl mimicking stomach conditions) is a conservative measure of BAv for the oral exposure pathway. Measured oral BAv of Ni in soil was shown to be 50-100 times less than the simplest oral BAc estimates (%BAv = 0.012(%BAc) - 0.023 (r = 0.701, 95%CI [0.456, 0.847], n = 30)) in rats, demonstrating a significant conservatism for exposure assessment. The relationship between the oral BAv and BAc of nickel sulfate hexahydrate (NSHH) was comparable to that of soil, with measured oral BAv of NSHH (1.94%) being a small fraction of NSHH gastric BAc (91.1%). BAc and BAv reflect the underlying Ni speciation of the sample, with the bioaccessible leaching limits being represented by the highly soluble Ni salts and the poorly soluble Ni monoxide, and the environmental (e.g. soil properties) or gastric (e.g. food present) conditions. BAc has potential utility for chemical classification purposes because pure Ni substances can be grouped by %BAc values(using standardized methodologies for the relevant exposure routes), these groupings reflecting the underlying chemistry and speciation of the samples of substances tested here, with 0.008% %BAc for alloys (SS304, SS316, Inconel, Monel), <1% in green NiO and Ni metal massives, 0.9-23.6% for Ni powders, 9.8-22.7% for Ni sulfides, 26.3-29.6% for black oxidic Ni, and 82-91% for the soluble Ni salts. Oral BAc provides realistic yet conservative estimates of BAv for the hazard classification and risk assessment of Ni substances.

Detection and occurrence of microplastics in the stomach of commercial fish species from a municipal water supply lake in southwestern Nigeria

Microplastics (MPs) are physical anthropogenic pollutants and their ability to act as contaminant vectors in biological matrices is of serious ecosystem and human health concern. In the present study, we have, for the first time, screened and detected MPs in the stomach of a select group of commonly consumed fish species from a municipal water supply lake (Eleyele) in Nigeria. A total of 109 fish samples consisting of eight (8) species: Coptodon zillii (CZ: n = 38), Oreochromis niloticus (ON: n = 43), Sarotheron melanotheron (SM: n = 19), Chrysicthys nigrodigitatus (CN: n = 3), Lates niloticus (LN: n = 3), Paranchanna obscura (PO: n = 1), Hemichromis fasiatus (HF: n = 1), and Hepsetus odoe (HO: n = 1) were collected between February-April, 2018. Fish stomach content was screened for the presence of MPs using the density gradient separation technique (NaCl hypersaline solution) and examined using a fluorescence microscope. MPs were present in all the species screened (except H. fasciatus) with a frequency of 69.7% positive individuals in the examined species. MP prevalence was highest in ON (34%) > CZ (32%) > SM (13%) > CN (6%) and 5% each, for PO HO, and LN. On average, 1-6 MPs with sizes ranging between 124 μm and 1.53 mm were detected per individual. However, the highest number (34) of MPs was detected in the stomach of SM. Principal coordinate analysis (PCA) identified ecological variables such as habitat, feeding mode, and trophic levels as critical factors that may determine and influence MP uptake in fish population. The PCA showed stronger association between fish habitat, feeding mode, and trophic level with MP size and number in the benthopelagic species (ON CZ and SM), compared to demersal species (PO CN HO and LN). Given that MPs can act as vectors for the transfer of pathogens and environmental contaminants (both legacy and emerging), in addition to direct health risks to aquatic organisms, our findings raise concerns on the potential human/wildlife health effects of MPs in these economically and ecologically important food fishes.

Association between PM2.5 and mortality of stomach and colorectal cancer in Xi'an: a time-series study

Globally, fine particulate matter has been associated with several health problems including cancer. However, most studies focused mainly on lung cancer. Stomach and colorectal cancers play significant roles in increasing public health's cancer globally. This study focused on investigating a possible significant association between exposure to fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) and mortality due to stomach and colorectal cancer in Xi'an from 2014 to 2016. Using time-series analysis, the study applied both single and multi-pollutant(s) approaches for investigations; PM_2.5 was the pollutant of interest. Generalized additive model (GAM) was the core statistical method used with the addition of distributed lag model (DLM) to observe delayed effects. As a single pollutant, PM_2.5 was significantly associated with stomach cancer mortality only RR (95%CI): 1.0003 (1.0001, 1.002). For the multi-pollutant analysis, PM_2.5 combinations with NO₂ were significantly associated with both stomach and colorectal cancer mortality RR (95%CI): 1.0103 (1.009, 1.021) and 1.054 (1.0324, 1.0667), respectively. Also, PM_2.5 combination with O₃ was significantly associated with colorectal cancer mortality, RR (95%CI): 1.0151 (1.0091, 1.0172), but no association was noted for combination with SO₂. Though this study has reported significant associations, it will be beneficial for the public's health if more studies further investigate the relationship between exposure to PM_2.5 and other cancer mortality.

The metabolites and biotransformation pathways in vivo after oral administration of ocotillol, RT5 , and PF11

Ocotillol, pseudo-ginsenoside RT5 (RT₅ ), and pseudo-ginsenoside F₁₁ (PF₁₁ ) are ocotillol-type saponins that have the same aglycone structure but with different numbers of glucose at the C-6 position. In this study, the metabolites of ocotillol, RT₅ , and PF₁₁ in rat plasma, stomach, intestine, urine, and feces after oral administration were investigated by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The results showed that RT₅ was easily biotransformed into metabolites in vivo, whereas PF₁₁ and RT₅ were difficult to be biotransformed. Hydrogenation, dehydrogenation, dehydration, deglycosylation, deoxygenation, hydration, phosphorylation, deoxidation, glucuronidation, and reactions combining amino acid were speculated to be involved in the biotransformation of ocotillol, RT₅ , and PF₁₁ . Based on the structural analysis of metabolites, it was deduced that hydrogenation, dehydration, deoxidation, and reactions combining amino acid occurred on the aglycone structure, whereas deglycosylation, hydration, and phosphorylation occurred on the glycosyl chain. Further, metabolites in plasma, urine, feces, and tissues were different: First, glucuronidation products were found in urine, stomach, intestine, and feces, but not in plasma. Second, the ocotillol prototype was not identified in urine samples. Third, the RT₅ prototype was found in stomach, intestine, feces, and urine, but not in plasma.

Changes in Gut Microbiota and Hormones After Bariatric Surgery: a Bench-to-Bedside Review

Overweight and obesity are among the most prevalent non-communicable diseases which are generally treated successfully by bariatric or sleeve surgery. There are evidences affirming that sleeve surgery can manipulate the pH of the stomach and interact with the metabolism of fatty acids, carbohydrates, and bile acid transfer, leading to the overgrowth of gut microbiota. Therefore, this study aims to review the changes in gut microbiota and hormones after bariatric surgery.

Night-time feeding of Bmal1-/- mice restores SCFA rhythms and their effect on ghrelin

The known crosstalk between short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and the circadian clock is tightly intertwined with feeding time. We aimed to investigate the role of the core clock gene Bmal1 and feeding time in the diurnal rhythms in plasma and caecal SCFA levels and in their effect on the release of the hunger hormone ghrelin in the stomach and colon. WT, Bmal1-/- (ad libitum fed) and night-time-restricted-fed (RF)-Bmal1-/- littermates were killed at zeitgeber time (ZT) 4 and 16. SCFA concentrations were measured by gas chromatography. To investigate the effect of SCFAs on ghrelin release, stomach and colonic full-thickness strips were incubated with Krebs or a SCFA mix mimicking plasma or caecal concentrations, after which octanoyl ghrelin release was measured by RIA. Diurnal rhythms in caecal and plasma SCFAs oscillated in phase but rhythmic changes were abolished in Bmal1-/- mice. RF of Bmal1-/- mice restored fluctuations in caecal SCFAs. Plasma SCFA concentrations failed to affect gastric ghrelin release. The effect of caecal SCFA concentrations on colonic ghrelin release was rhythmic (inhibition at ZT 4, no effect at ZT 16). In Bmal1-/- mice, the inhibitory effect of SCFAs at ZT 4 was abolished. RF Bmal1-/- mice restored the inhibitory effect and increased colonic Clock expression. To conclude, diurnal fluctuations in caecal SCFAs and the effect of SCFAs on colonic ghrelin release are regulated by feeding time, independent of the core clock gene Bmal1. However, local entrainment of other clock genes might contribute to the observed effects.

Tissue Distribution of the Readthrough Isoform of AQP4 Reveals a Dual Role of AQP4ex Limited to CNS

Translational readthrough (TRT) of aquaporin-4 (AQP4) has remarkably expanded the importance of this new post-transcriptional mechanism, as well as the regulation potential of AQP4. The TRT isoform of AQP4, named AQP4ex, is central for both AQP4 polarization and water channel activity in the central nervous system (CNS). Here we evaluate the relevance of the TRT mechanism by analyzing whether AQP4ex is also expressed in peripheral tissues and whether the expression of AQP4ex is necessary for its polarized expression as it occurs in perivascular astrocyte processes. To this purpose, AQP4ex null mice were used, and analysis was performed by immunolocalization and immunoblot. The results demonstrate that AQP4ex is expressed in kidney, stomach, trachea and skeletal muscle with the same localization pattern as the canonical AQP4 isoforms. AQP4ex protein levels vary from 6% to about 13% of the total AQP4 protein levels in peripheral tissues. Immunogold electron microscopy experiments demonstrated the localization of AQP4ex at the astrocytic endfeet, and experiments conducted on AQP4ex null mice CNS confirmed that the expression of AQP4ex is necessary for anchoring of the perivascular AQP4. Without the readthrough isoform, AQP4 assemblies are mis-localized, being uniformly distributed on the astrocyte processes facing the neuropile. No alteration of AQP4 polarization was found in AQP4ex null kidney, stomach, trachea or skeletal muscle, suggesting that AQP4ex does not have a role for proper membrane localization of AQP4 in peripheral tissues. We conclude that a dual role for AQP4ex is limited to the CNS.

In vivo localization and postmortem stability of benzo[a]pyrene-DNA adducts

DNA adducts of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) play a critical role in the etiology of gastrointestinal tract cancers in humans and other species orally exposed to PAHs. Yet, the precise localization of PAH-DNA adducts in the gastrointestinal tract, and the long-term postmortem PAH-DNA adduct stability are unknown. To address these issues, the following experiment was performed. Mice were injected intraperitoneally with the PAH carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene (BP) and euthanized at 24 h. Tissues were harvested either at euthanasia (0 time), or after 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, and 168 hr (7 days) of storage at 4°C. Portions of mouse tissues were formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded, and immunohistochemically (IHC) evaluated by incubation with r7,t8-dihydroxy-t-9,10-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene (BPDE)-DNA antiserum and H-scoring. The remaining tissues were frozen, and DNA was extracted and assayed for the r7,t8,t9-trihydroxy-c-10-(N ² -deoxyguanosyl)-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene (BPdG) adduct using two quantitative assays, the BPDE-DNA chemiluminescence immunoassay (CIA), and high-performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ES-MS/MS). By IHC, which required intact nuclei, BPdG adducts were visualized in forestomach basal cells, which included gastric stem cells, for up to 7 days. In proximal small intestine villus epithelium BPdG adducts were visualized for up to 12 hr. By BPDE-DNA CIA and HPLC-ES-MS/MS, both of which used DNA for analysis and correlated well (P= 0.0001), BPdG adducts were unchanged in small intestine, forestomach, and lung stored at 4°C for up to 7 days postmortem. In addition to localization of BPdG adducts, this study reveals the feasibility of examining PAH-DNA adduct formation in wildlife species living in colder climates. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 61:216-223, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Microplastics in the crustaceans Nephrops norvegicus and Aristeus antennatus: Flagship species for deep-sea environments?

Ingestion of microplastics (MPs) has been documented in several marine organisms, but their occurrence in deep-sea species remains almost unknown. In this study, MPs were investigated in two economically and ecologically key crustaceans of the Mediterranean Sea, the Norwegian lobster Nephrops norvegicus and the shrimp Aristeus antennatus. Both the species were collected from 14 sites around Sardinia Island, at depths comprised between 270 and 660 m. A total of 89 and 63 stomachs were analysed for N. norvegicus and A. antennatus respectively, and more than 2000 MPs-like particles were extracted and sorted for identification and characterization by μFT-IR. In N. norvegicus, 83% of the specimens contained MPs, with an average abundance of 5.5 ± 0.8 MPs individual^-1, while A. antennatus showed a lower frequency of ingestion (67%) and a lower mean number of MPs (1.66 ± 0.1 MPs individual^-1). Composition and size of particles differed significantly between the two species. The non-selective feeding strategy of N. norvegicus could explain the 3-5 folds higher numbers of MPs in its stomach, which were mostly composed of films and fragments derived by polyethylene and polypropylene single-use plastic items. Contrarily, most MPs in the stomachs of A. antennatus were polyester filaments. The MPs abundance observed in N. norvegicus is among the highest detected in Mediterranean species considering both fish and invertebrates species, and provides novel insights on MPs bioavailability in deep-sea habitats. The overall results suggest that both N. norvegicus and A. antennatus, easily available in common fishery markets, could be valuable bioindicators and flagship species for plastic contamination in the deep-sea.

Distribution of aquaporins and sodium transporters in the gastrointestinal tract of a desert hare, Lepus yarkandensis

Lepus yarkandensis is a desert hare of the Tarim Basin in western China, and it has strong adaptability to arid environments. Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of water channel proteins that facilitate transmembrane water transport. Gastrointestinal tract AQPs are involved in fluid absorption in the small intestine and colon. This study aimed to determine the distribution of AQPs and sodium transporters in the gastrointestinal tract of L. yarkandensis and to compare the expression of these proteins with that in Oryctolagus cuniculus. Immunohistochemistry was performed to analyse the cellular distribution of these proteins, and the acquired images were analysed with IpWin32 software. Our results revealed that AQP1 was located in the colonic epithelium, central lacteal cells, fundic gland parietal cells, and capillary endothelial cells; AQP3 was located in the colonic epithelium, small intestinal villus epithelium, gastric pit and fundic gland; AQP4 was located in the fundic gland, small intestinal gland and colonic epithelium; and epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) and Na+-K+-ATPase were located in the epithelial cells, respectively. The higher expression levels of AQP1, AQP3, ENaC and Na+-K+-ATPase in the colon of L. yarkandensis compared to those in O. cuniculus suggested that L. yarkandensis has a higher capacity for faecal dehydration.

Effects of High Pressure Modification on Conformation and Digestibility Properties of Oyster Protein

To expand the utilization of oyster protein (OP), the effects of high pressure (100 to 500 MPa) on chemical forces, structure, microstructure, and digestibility properties were investigated. High pressure (HP) treatment enhanced the electrostatic repulsion (from -13.3Control to -27.8HP200 mV) between protein molecules and avoided or retarded the formation of protein aggregates. In addition, the HP treated samples showed uniform distribution and small particle size. The changes in electrostatic interaction and particle size contributed to the improvement of solubility (from 10.53%Control to 19.92%HP500 at pH 7). The stretching and unfolding of protein were modified by HP treatment, and some internal hydrophobic groups and -SH groups were exposed. HP treatment modified the secondary structure of OP. The treated samples contained less α-helix and β-sheet structures, whereas the proportions of β-sheet and random coil structures were increased. The treated samples have high digestibility in the stomach (from 26.3%Control to 39.5%HP500) and in the total digestive process (from 62.1%Control to 83.7%HP500). In addition, the total digestive production showed higher percentages of small peptides (<1 kDa) after HP treatment. The protein solubility and digestibility were increased after HP treatment, and high solubility and high digestibility might increase the chance that OP become a kind of protein supplement.

In Vivo Quantitative Photoacoustic Diagnosis of Gastric and Intestinal Dysfunctions with a Broad pH-Responsive Sensor

Gastrointestinal diseases affect many people in the world and significantly impair life quality and burden the healthcare system. The functional parameters of the gastrointestinal tract such as motility and pH can effectively reflect the changes of gastrointestinal activity in physiological and pathological conditions. Thus, a noninvasive method for real-time and quantitative measurement of gastrointestinal functional parameters in vivo is highly desired. At present, there are many strategies widely used for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases in clinic, including X-ray barium meal examination, ultrasound imaging, radionuclide examination, endoscopy, etc. However, these methods are limited in determining the gastrointestinal status and cannot provide comprehensive quantitative information. Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) is a rapid noninvasive real-time imaging technique in which multiple types of functional and quantitative information can be simultaneously obtained. Unfortunately, very few ratiometric PAI contrast agents have been reported for quantification of gastrointestinal functional parameters in vivo. In this work, a broad, pH-responsive ratiometric sensor based on polyaniline and Au triangular nanoplates was developed. Utilizing the sensor as a contrast agent, PAI served as an all-in-one technique, accurately measuring the gastrointestinal functional parameters in a single test. Notably, this sensor was examined to be ultrasensitive with pH responses as fast as 0.6 s and durability as long as 24 h, and was repeatable and reversible for longitudinal monitoring. The quantitative results demonstrated a significant disorder in motility and decrease in pH for gastric and duodenal ulcers. Collectively, the combination of PAI and this broad pH-responsive sensor might be a promising candidate for quantitative diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases.

Effects of chemical speciation on the bioaccessibility of zinc in spiked and smelter-affected soils

Previous studies have suggested that understanding soil metal speciation, rather than relying solely on total metal content, can improve the accuracy and utility of contaminated site risk assessments. Because soil properties and reaction time can alter metal speciation, speciation should influence metal bioaccessibility. For example, under gastrointestinal conditions, it is expected that metal species will differ in bioaccessibility depending on their stability in acidic pH environments. We studied the links between metal speciation and bioaccessibility. A combination of synchrotron-based X-ray diffraction and X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) was used to identify the zinc (Zn) speciation in spiked and smelter-affected soils. After conducting in vitro digestion tests on the soil samples, XANES and linear combination fitting were carried out on the residual pellets to identify the species of Zn that remained after digesting the soils in the simulated gastric and duodenal fluids. The metal species that were not present in the residual pellets were inferred to have been dissolved and, thus, more bioaccessible. Sphalerite (ZnS), ZnO, and outer-sphere Zn contributed more to Zn bioaccessibility than franklinite (ZnFe₂ O₄ ) and Zn incorporated into a hydroxy interlayer mineral (Zn-HIM). The bioaccessibility of Zn-aluminum layered double hydroxides (Zn-Al-LDH) was found to be inversely proportional to its residence time in soil. It was also observed that the relatively high pH of the duodenum favors metal reprecipitation and readsorption, leading to a reduction in bioaccessible metal concentration. These results imply that metal speciation mainly controls metal bioaccessibility. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:448-459. © 2018 SETAC.

Monolithic intercalated PNIPAm/starch hydrogels with very fast and extensive one-way volume and swelling responses to temperature and pH: prospective actuators and drug release systems

Remarkable monolithic (non-porous) hydrogels based on poly(NIPAm-co-sodium methacrylate) intercalated by starch were prepared, and were found to display very fast and extensive one-way solvent (water) release, induced by both pH and temperature. With centimeter-sized 3D specimens, the achieved response times were as short as 4 min (for 70% water release), in combination with very large volume responses (shrinking ratios up to 15). The response time can be tuned from minutes, over tens of minutes, up to hours. The pH-induced deswelling is always slower than the temperature-induced one, but at the highest starch content, ca. 5.5 min are needed for 70% completion of the pH-triggered process. Simultaneous temperature- and pH-stimuli expectedly also lead to very fast water release. The unique intercalated structure and the temperature-dependent hydrogen bridging between the intercalated phases, as well as between these phases and water, were found to play the key role in the ability of the gels to rapidly release water and shrink, which was deeper elucidated in this work. The hydrogels are of interest as soft actuators, but also for chemical release systems or for drug release applications. The latter was successfully tested with theophylline as the drug.

[The specific features of the distribution of 2,4- and 2,6-di--butylhydroxybenzenes on the body of the warm-blooded animals]

The present study was designed to elucidate the character of the distribution of 2,4- and 2,6-di-tret-butylhydroxybenzenes (2,4-DTBHOB and 2,6-DTBHOB respectively) in the body of the warm-blooded animals (rats) following the administration of the three-fold LD₅₀ dose into the stomach. Both 2,4-DTBHOB and 2,6-DTBHOB were extracted from the blood and the organs of the perished animals by means of two-fold incubation of the sampled tissues in ethyl acetate with the subsequent purification of the isolates by passing the extracts through a L 40/100 mcm silicagel column using hexane:dioxane (8.5:1.5) for 2,4-DTBHOB and hexane:dioxane (97.5:2.5) for 2,6-DTBHOB as eluants. The compounds of interest were identified and quantified by means of TLC, HPLC, and UV-spectrometry. The study has shown that both 2,4-DTBHOB and 2,6-DTBHOB were present in the organs and blood of the poisoned animals in the unmetabolized form. Their largest amounts (mg/100 g) were found in the contents of the stomach, the small intestines with the contents and in the spleen.

Pyr-GC/MS analysis of microplastics extracted from the stomach content of benthivore fish from the Texas Gulf Coast

Fish ingestion of microplastic has been widely documented throughout freshwater, marine, and estuarine species. While numerous studies have quantified and characterized microplastic particles, analytical methods for polymer identification are limited. This study investigated the applicability of pyr-GC/MS for polymer identification of microplastics extracted from the stomach content of marine fish from the Texas Gulf Coast. A total of 43 microplastic particles were analyzed, inclusive of 30 fibers, 3 fragments, and 10 spheres. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were the most commonly identified polymers (44.1%), followed by nylon (9.3%), silicone (2.3%), and epoxy resin (2.3%). Approximately 42% of samples could not be classified into a specific polymer class, due to a limited formation of pyrolytic products, low product abundance, or a lack of comparative standards. Diethyl phthalate, a known plasticizer, was found in 16.3% of the total sample, including PVC (14.3%), silicone (14.3%), nylon (14.3%), and sample unknowns (57.2%).

Chromium in Postmortem Material

Recently, considerable attention has been paid to the negative effects caused by the presence and constant increase in concentration of heavy metals in the environment, as well as to the determination of their content in human biological samples. In this paper, the concentration of chromium in samples of blood and internal organs collected at autopsy from 21 female and 39 male non-occupationally exposed subjects is presented. Elemental analysis was carried out by an electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometer after microwave-assisted acid digestion. Reference ranges of chromium in the blood, brain, stomach, liver, kidneys, lungs, and heart (wet weight) in the population of Southern Poland were found to be 0.11-16.4 ng/mL, 4.7-136 ng/g, 6.1-76.4 ng/g, 11-506 ng/g, 2.9-298 ng/g, 13-798 ng/g, and 3.6-320 ng/g, respectively.

A novel S-nitrosocaptopril monohydrate for pulmonary arterial hypertension: H2O and -SNO intermolecular stabilization chemistry

S-nitrosocaptopril (CapNO) possesses dual capacities of both Captopril and an NO donor with enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects. CapNO crystals are difficult to make due to its unstable S-NO bond. Here, we report a novel stable S-nitrosocaptopril monohydrate (CapNO·H₂O) that is stabilized by intermolecular five-membered structure, where one H of H₂O forms a hydrogen bond with O^- of the stable resonance zwitterion Cap-S⁺=N-O^-, and the O in H₂O forms the dipole-dipole interaction with S⁺ through two unpaired electrons. With the chelation and common ion effect, we synthesized and characterized CapNO·H₂O that is stable at 4 °C for 180 days and thereafter without significant degradation. Compared to Captopril, CapNO showed direct vasorelaxation and beneficial effect on PAH rats, and could be self-assembled in rat stomach when Captopril and NaNO₂ were given separately. This novel CapNO·H₂O with low entropy paves an avenue for its clinical trials and commercialization.

Efficacy of compound Lactobacillus acidophilus tablets combined with quadruple therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication and its correlation with pH value in the stomach: a study protocol of a randomised, assessor-blinded, single-centre study

INTRODUCTION

Helicobacter pylori (Hp) is an important pathogenic factor for chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, gastric cancer, gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma and other diseases. In China, the Hp infection rate is high, but the eradication rate is decreasing. A large number of literatures have shown that the addition of Lactobacillus acidophilus can improve the Hp eradication rate and reduce the side effects of antibiotic treatments. At present, the exact mechanism and curative effect of L. acidophilus in the eradication of Hp have not yet been determined, and the conclusions obtained from relevant meta-analyses at home and abroad are different. Thus, it is very necessary and urgent to further complete a high-quality, clinical, randomised controlled trial research. If this study is successful, it can provide a new idea and a plan for Hp eradication therapy.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This study is a prospective, randomised controlled, single-blinded, parallel-design trial. We will randomly assign 526 adult patients (≥18 years but <70 years) with Hp confirmed positive by the kit for 14C-urea breath test. Eligible subjects were randomly divided into two groups (group A and group B), with 263 subjects in each group. Group A is a quadruple therapy group, while group B is an L. acidophilus tablets combined with quadruple therapy group. All patients were examined by gastroscopy, and 50 patients in each group will be placed under gastric pH monitor. The Hp eradication rate is the primary outcome. The secondary outcomes include gastric pH situation and adverse drug reactions.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study protocol has been approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committees of Chongqing University Cancer Hospital and Chongqing Cancer Hospital (2018[012]). The results from this trial will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals and will be presented at national and international conferences.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ChiCTR17014185; Pre-results.

Chronic Exposure to Fluoride During Gestation and Lactation Increases Mandibular Bone Volume of Suckling Rats

We aimed to investigate the effect of maternal exposure to NaF on mandibular bone microarchitecture and phosphocalcic plasma parameters of the offspring. For this purpose, 10-, 15-, and 21-day-old pups (n = 6-8 per group) from two groups of mothers, control and NaF 50mg/L treated dams, were used. Plasma calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) levels and alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP) were measured. Fluoride concentration (F^-) in bone and in stomach content was measured using potentiometry after isothermal distillation. Morphometric, histological, and histomorphometric analyses of the jaw bones were performed. Plasma Ca and P levels and ALP activity increased in 10-day and decreased in 21-day-old pups from NaF-treated mothers. Fluoride concentration in stomach content samples of 15- and 21-day-old nursing pups from mothers exposed to NaF in their drinking water was higher compared to that observed in control dam offspring. Mandibular F^- content was higher in 21-day-old pups born to F^--exposed dams compared to those observed in age-matched control pups. Mandibular area increased in 21-day-old pups born to treated mothers as compared to controls. Mandibular bone volume BV/TV (%) was higher in offspring from NaF-exposed dams than in controls at all the studied times. The increase in bone volume after exposure to F^- was concomitant with the increase in trabecular thickness and the decrease in trabecular separation. Altogether, our results showed that exposure to NaF during gestation and lactation increased mandibular area and bone volume of pups, with concomitant changes in phosphocalcic parameters associated with the bone modeling process.

The FTO Gene Is Associated with Growth and Omega-3/-6 Ratio in Asian Seabass

Polymorphisms in the FTO gene are associated with obesity and body mass index in humans and livestock. Little information of whether FTO plays an important role in aquaculture fish species is available. We cloned and characterized the FTO gene in an economically important food fish species: Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer). The full-length cDNA of the gene is 3679 bp, containing an ORF of 1935 bp encoding 644 amino acids, a 216 bp 5' UTR and a 1538 bp 3' UTR. The gene consisted of nine exons and eight introns and was 117,679 bp in length. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the gene in Asian seabass was closely related to those of Japanese flounder and Nile tilapia. Analysis of its expressions using qRT-PCR showed that it was expressed ubiquitously, but was higher in the liver, stomach and intestine. Comparative analysis of the genomic sequences of part of intron 1 of the gene among 10 unrelated individuals identified two SNPs. Analysis of associations between SNPs and traits (i.e. growth, oil content, omega-3 and -6 contents) in an F₂ family demonstrated that the two SNPs were significantly associated with growth, oil content, omega-3 content and omega-3/-6 ratio. Altogether, our data suggest that the gene or/and its linked genes play an important role in growth and fatty acid synthesis, and that the SNPs associated with traits may be used as markers for selecting quicker growth and higher omega-3/-6 ratio at the fingerling stage.

Changes in VIP-, SP- and CGRP- like immunoreactivity in intramural neurons within the pig stomach following supplementation with low and high doses of acrylamide

Acrylamide is one of the food toxins to which the human body is exposed. Although researchers' interest in acrylamide has been growing in recent years, the knowledge of its effect on the gastrointestinal tract, especially on intramural neurons which form the enteric nervous system is scarce. The aim of this experiment was to determine the influence of acrylamide, administered at doses equivalent to the human tolerable daily intake (TDI, 0.5 μg/kg b.w./day) and ten times higher than the TDI (5 μg/kg b.w./day), on the distribution of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), substance P (SP), and calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) in intramural neurons of the domestic pig stomach. Using double immunofluorescent labelling we revealed that the ENS neurons underwent adaptive changes in response to the supplementation of acrylamide, which manifested themselves as increased expression of VIP, SP and CGRP, both in intramural neurons and by an increase in the nerve density in submucous and muscular layers in the porcine stomach. These substances take part in defensive reactions of neurons and transmission of sensory reactions may play an important role in protecting the stomach against the harmful effect of acrylamide. Moreover, it has been shown that acrylamide induces a significant response of ENS neurons even in TDI dose, which suggests that it is not neutral to the body. These findings may be the basis for further toxicological studies addressing the question if currently permitted minimal content of acrylamide in the food does jeopardize the health of human consumers?

Micromotor Pills as a Dynamic Oral Delivery Platform

Tremendous progress has been made during the past decade toward the design of nano/micromotors with high biocompatibility, multifunctionality, and efficient propulsion in biological fluids, which collectively have led to the initial investigation of in vivo biomedical applications of these synthetic motors. Despite these recent advances in micromotor designs and mechanistic research, significant effort is needed to develop appropriate formulations of micromotors to facilitate their in vivo administration and thus to better test their in vivo applicability. Herein, we present a micromotor pill and demonstrate its attractive use as a platform for in vivo oral delivery of active micromotors. The micromotor pill is comprised of active Mg-based micromotors dispersed uniformly in the pill matrix, containing inactive (lactose/maltose) excipients and other disintegration-aiding (cellulose/starch) additives. Our in vivo studies using a mouse model show that the micromotor pill platform effectively protects and carries the active micromotors to the stomach, enabling their release in a concentrated manner. The micromotor encapsulation and the inactive excipient materials have no effects on the motion of the released micromotors. The released cargo-loaded micromotors propel in gastric fluid, retaining the high-performance characteristics of in vitro micromotors while providing higher cargo retention onto the stomach lining compared to orally administrated free micromotors and passive microparticles. Furthermore, the micromotor pills and the loaded micromotors retain the same characteristics and propulsion behavior after extended storage in harsh conditions. These results illustrate that combining the advantages of traditional pills with the efficient movement of micromotors offer an appealing route for administrating micromotors for potential in vivo biomedical applications.

Spatial occurrence and effects of microplastic ingestion on the deep-water shrimp Aristeus antennatus

Microplastic (MP) ingestion has been reported in a wide variety of organisms, however, its spatial occurrence and effects on wild populations remain quite unknown. The present study targets an economically and ecologically key species in the Mediterranean Sea, the shrimp Aristeus antennatus. 39.2% of the individuals sampled had MP in their stomachs, albeit in areas close to Barcelona city the percentage reached values of 100%. Overall, MP ingestion was confirmed in a wide spatial and depth (630-1870 m) range, pointing out the great dispersion of this pollutant. The benthophagous diet and close relationship with the sea bottom of A. antennatus might enhance MP exposure and ultimately lead to accidental ingestion. Detailed analysis of shrimps' diet revealed that individuals with MP had a higher presence of endobenthic prey. Microplastic fibers are probably retained for long periods due to stomach's morphology, but no negative effects on shrimp's biological condition were observed.

Pea Ferritin Stability under Gastric pH Conditions Determines the Mechanism of Iron Uptake in Caco-2 Cells

Background

Iron deficiency is an enduring global health problem that requires new remedial approaches. Iron absorption from soybean-derived ferritin, an ∼550-kDa iron storage protein, is comparable to bioavailable ferrous sulfate (FeSO4). However, the absorption of ferritin is reported to involve an endocytic mechanism, independent of divalent metal ion transporter 1 (DMT-1), the transporter for nonheme iron.

Objective

Our overall aim was to examine the potential of purified ferritin from peas (Pisum sativum) as a food supplement by measuring its stability under gastric pH treatment and the mechanisms of iron uptake into Caco-2 cells.

Methods

Caco-2 cells were treated with native or gastric pH-treated pea ferritin in combination with dietary modulators of nonheme iron uptake, small interfering RNA targeting DMT-1, or chemical inhibitors of endocytosis. Cellular ferritin formation, a surrogate measure of iron uptake, and internalization of pea ferritin with the use of specific antibodies were measured. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in response to equimolar concentrations of native pea ferritin and FeSO4 was also compared.

Results

Pea ferritin exposed to gastric pH treatment was degraded, and the released iron was transported into Caco-2 cells by DMT-1. Inhibitors of DMT-1 and nonheme iron absorption reduced iron uptake by 26-40%. Conversely, in the absence of gastric pH treatment, the iron uptake of native pea ferritin was unaffected by inhibitors of nonheme iron absorption, and the protein was observed to be internalized in Caco-2 cells. Chlorpromazine (clathrin-mediated endocytosis inhibitor) reduced the native pea ferritin content within cells by ∼30%, which confirmed that the native pea ferritin was transported into cells via a clathrin-mediated endocytic pathway. In addition, 60% less ROS production resulted from native pea ferritin in comparison to FeSO4.

Conclusion

With consideration that nonheme dietary inhibitors display no effect on iron uptake and the low oxidative potential relative to FeSO4, intact pea ferritin appears to be a promising iron supplement.

[Helicobacter pylori and hepatic encephalopathy]

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is caused by severe liver disease or portal shunt. Metabolic disorders and central nervous system dysfunctions are the main symptoms of this syndrome. Ammonia is considered to play a central role in the pathogenesis of HE. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) have been suggested as a possible source of ammonia production because of its high urease content. However, the relationship between H.pylori and blood ammonia and HE, as well as the therapeutic effect of H.pylori eradication on HE, is inconclusive, and the results are full of contradictions. The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge on the association of H. pylori with HE and to address the question of whether H. pylori eradication may be beneficial in the management of HE.

BST2 promotes cell proliferation, migration and induces NF-κB activation in gastric cancer

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the functional roles of bone marrow stromal cell antigen 2 (BST2) in gastric cancer (GC) cells and its implications in the development of GC patients.

RESULTS

BST2 was frequently overexpressed in GC tissues compared with the adjacent non-tumorous tissues, and high BST2 expression was correlated with tumor stage and lymphatic metastasis. Furthermore, in vitro experiments demonstrated that knockdown of BST2 by siRNA inhibited cell proliferation, induced apoptosis and repressed cell motility in GC cells. In addition, the pro-tumor function of BST2 in GC was mediated partly through the NF-κB signaling.

CONCLUSION

BST2 possesses the oncogenic potential in GC by regulating the proliferation, apoptosis, and migratory ability of GC cells, thereby BST2 could be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of GC.

Dynamic gastric digestion of a commercial whey protein concentrate†

BACKGROUND

A dynamic gastrointestinal simulator, simgi^® , has been applied to assess the gastric digestion of a whey protein concentrate. Samples collected from the outlet of the stomach have been compared to those resulting from the static digestion protocol INFOGEST developed on the basis of physiologically inferred conditions.

RESULTS

Progress of digestion was followed by SDS-PAGE and LC-MS/MS. By SDS-PAGE, serum albumin and α-lactalbumin were no longer detectable at 30 and 60 min, respectively. On the contrary, β-lactoglobulin was visible up to 120 min, although in decreasing concentrations in the dynamic model due to the gastric emptying and the addition of gastric fluids. Moreover, β-lactoglobulin was partly hydrolysed by pepsin probably due to the presence of heat-denatured forms and the peptides released using both digestion models were similar. Under dynamic conditions, a stepwise increase in number of peptides over time was observed, while the static protocol generated a high number of peptides from the beginning of digestion.

CONCLUSION

Whey protein digestion products using a dynamic stomach are consistent with those generated with the static protocol but the kinetic behaviour of the peptide profile emphasises the effect of the sequential pepsin addition, peristaltic shaking, and gastric emptying on protein digestibility. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Applicability of an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion method to evaluation of toxic elements bioaccessibility from algae for human consumption

This study aimed to investigate the bioaccessibility of toxic elements, including aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in five commercial algae consumed by humans in Italy. The degree of bioaccessibility of these elements may have important implications for human health. Simulation of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) digestion was divided into three stages through use of synthetic saliva, gastric, and bile-pancreas solutions. After pre-treatment with a saliva solution, seaweed samples underwent one of the following treatments: (1) simulated gastric digestion only or (2) simulated complete GIT digestion (gastric digestion followed by bile-pancreas digestion). The bioaccessibility of these toxic elements ranged from approximately 5% to 73% and from 4% to 77% in gastric and GIT digestion, respectively. The bioaccessibility of Al and Pb is poor (5-15%), As and Ni were fairly (40-55%), while Cd displayed a high bioaccessibility. No significant differences in toxic elements mobility was found between samples that only underwent gastric digestion compared to those that underwent a complete GIT digestion.

Molecular identification of polymers and anthropogenic particles extracted from oceanic water and fish stomach - A Raman micro-spectroscopy study

Pacific Ocean trawl samples, stomach contents of laboratory-raised fish as well as fish from the subtropical gyres were analyzed by Raman micro-spectroscopy (RMS) to identify polymer residues and any detectable persistent organic pollutants (POP). The goal was to access specific molecular information at the individual particle level in order to identify polymer debris in the natural environment. The identification process was aided by a laboratory generated automated fluorescence removal algorithm. Pacific Ocean trawl samples of plastic debris associated with fish collection sites were analyzed to determine the types of polymers commonly present. Subsequently, stomach contents of fish from these locations were analyzed for ingested polymer debris. Extraction of polymer debris from fish stomach using KOH versus ultrapure water were evaluated to determine the optimal method of extraction. Pulsed ultrasonic extraction in ultrapure water was determined to be the method of choice for extraction with minimal chemical intrusion. The Pacific Ocean trawl samples yielded primarily polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) particles >1 mm, PE being the most prevalent type. Additional microplastic residues (1 mm - 10 μm) extracted by filtration, included a polystyrene (PS) particle in addition to PE and PP. Flame retardant, deca-BDE was tentatively identified on some of the PP trawl particles. Polymer residues were also extracted from the stomachs of Atlantic and Pacific Ocean fish. Two types of polymer related debris were identified in the Atlantic Ocean fish: (1) polymer fragments and (2) fragments with combined polymer and fatty acid signatures. In terms of polymer fragments, only PE and PP were detected in the fish stomachs from both locations. A variety of particles were extracted from oceanic fish as potential plastic pieces based on optical examination. However, subsequent RMS examination identified them as various non-plastic fragments, highlighting the importance of chemical analysis in distinguishing between polymer and non-polymer residues.

Can in vitro assays account for interactions between inorganic co-contaminants observed during in vivo relative bioavailability assessment?

In vitro assays act as surrogate measurements of relative bioavailability (RBA) for inorganic contaminants. The values derived from these assays are routinely used to refine human health risk assessments (HHRA). Extensive in vitro research has been performed on three major inorganic contaminants; As, Cd and Pb. However, the majority of these studies have evaluated the contaminants individually, even in cases when they are found as co-contaminants. Recently, in vivo studies (animal model) have determined that when the three aforementioned contaminants are present in the same soil matrix, they have the ability to influence each other's individual bioavailability. Since in vitro assays are used to inform HHRA, this study investigated whether bioaccessibility methods including the Solubility/Bioavailability Research Consortium (SBRC) assay, and physiologically based extraction test (PBET), have the ability to detect interactions between As, Cd and Pb. Using a similar dosing methodology to recently published in vivo studies, spiked aged (12 years) soil was assessed by evaluating contaminant bioaccessibility individually, in addition to tertiary combinations. In two spiked aged soils (grey and brown chromosols), there was no influence on contaminant bioaccessibility when As, Cd and Pb we present as co-contaminants. However, in a red ferrosol, the presence of As and Pb significantly decreased (p < 0.05) the bioaccessibility of Cd when assessed using gastric and intestinal phases of the SBRC assay and the PBET. Conceivable, differences in key physico-chemical properties (TOC, Fe, Al, P) between the study soils influenced contaminant interactions and bioaccessibility outcomes. Although bioaccessibility methods may not account for interactions between elements as demonstrated in in vivo models, in vitro assessment provides a conservative prediction of contaminant RBA under co-contaminant scenarios.

The Physical State of Emulsified Edible Oil Modulates Its in Vitro Digestion

Emulsified lipid digestion was tailored by manipulating the physical state of dispersed oil droplets in whey protein stabilized oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions, where the oil phase consisted of one of five ratios of soybean oil (SO) and fully hydrogenated soybean oil (FHSO). The evolution in particle size distribution, structural changes during oral, gastric, and intestinal digestion, and free fatty acid release during intestinal digestion were all investigated. Irrespective of the physical state and structure of the dispersed oil/fat, all emulsions were stable against droplet size increases during oral digestion. During gastric digestion, the 50:50 SO:FHSO emulsion was more stable against physical breakdown than any other emulsion. All emulsions underwent flocculation and coalescence or partial coalescence upon intestinal digestion, with the SO emulsion being hydrolyzed the most rapidly. The melting point of all emulsions containing FHSO was above 37 °C, with the presence of solid fat within the dispersed oil droplets greatly limiting lipolysis. Fat crystal polymorph and nanoplatelet size did not play an important role in the rate and extent of lipid digestion. Free fatty acid release modeled by the Weibull distribution function showed that the rate of lipid digestion (κ) decreased with increasing solid fat content, and followed an exponential relationship (R² = 0.95). Overall, lipid digestion was heavily altered by the physical state of the dispersed oil phase within O/W emulsions.

Diet of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from the Gulf of Cadiz: Insights from stomach content and stable isotope analyses

The ecological role of species can vary among populations depending on local and regional differences in diet. This is particularly true for top predators such as the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), which exhibits a highly varied diet throughout its distribution range. Local dietary assessments are therefore critical to fully understand the role of this species within marine ecosystems, as well as its interaction with important ecosystem services such as fisheries. Here, we combined stomach content analyses (SCA) and stable isotope analyses (SIA) to describe bottlenose dolphins diet in the Gulf of Cadiz (North Atlantic Ocean). Prey items identified using SCA included European conger (Conger conger) and European hake (Merluccius merluccius) as the most important ingested prey. However, mass-balance isotopic mixing model (MixSIAR), using δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N, indicated that the assimilated diet consisted mainly on Sparidae species (e.g. seabream, Diplodus annularis and D. bellottii, rubberlip grunt, Plectorhinchus mediterraneus, and common pandora, Pagellus erythrinus) and a mixture of other species including European hake, mackerels (Scomber colias, S. japonicus and S. scombrus), European conger, red bandfish (Cepola macrophthalma) and European pilchard (Sardina pilchardus). These contrasting results highlight differences in the temporal and taxonomic resolution of each approach, but also point to potential differences between ingested (SCA) and assimilated (SIA) diets. Both approaches provide different insights, e.g. determination of consumed fish biomass for the management of fish stocks (SCA) or identification of important assimilated prey species to the consumer (SIA).

Clinical Characteristics of Seven Patients with Lanthanum Phosphate Deposition in the Stomach

Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics and endoscopic features of patients with lanthanum deposition in the stomach. Patients We retrospectively reviewed seven patients with lanthanum deposition in the stomach who were diagnosed at Okayama Saiseikai General Hospital. We investigated the patient sex, age at diagnosis, medical and medication histories, gastrointestinal symptoms, complications, presence or absence of gastric atrophy, and outcome. We also investigated any changes in the endoscopic features if previous endoscopic images were available. Results Seven patients (six males and one female) had lanthanum deposition. The median age was 65 years (range, 50-79 years). All patients had been undergoing dialysis (continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis in one patient, hemodialysis in six patients). The dialysis period ranged from 16 to 73 months (median, 52 months). The patients had all been taking lanthanum carbonate for a period ranging from 5 to 45 months (median, 27 months). Gastric atrophy was noted in 6 patients (85.7%). One patient had difficulty swallowing, and 1 other patient had appetite loss. The other 5 patients were asymptomatic. Endoscopic features included annular whitish mucosa (n = 4), diffuse whitish mucosa (n = 3), and whitish spots (n = 2). Five patients underwent multiple esophagogastroduodenoscopy. The endoscopic features were unchanged in 2 patients, whereas the whitish mucosa became apparent and spread during the course in 3 patients. Conclusion We identified 7 patients with lanthanum deposition in the stomach. All patients showed whitish lesions macroscopically. Although the pathogenicity of gastric lanthanum deposition is uncertain, lanthanum-related lesions in the stomach progressed during continuous lanthanum phosphate intake in several patients.

Histopathological Changes in Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Specimens: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Value of Routine Histopathologic Examination

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a common surgical therapeutic option for obese patients, with debate about the value of routine histopathologic examination of LSG specimens. We assessed the following: prevalence of different histopathologic changes in LSG specimens, risk factors associated with premalignant and with frequent histopathologic changes, and whether routine histopathologic examination is warranted for LSG patients with nonsignificant clinical history.

METHODS

Retrospective review of records of all LSG patients operated upon at Hamad General Hospital, Qatar (February 2011-July 2014, n = 1555), was conducted. Risk factors (age, BMI, gender, and Helicobacter pylori) were assessed in relation to specific abnormal histopathologic changes.

RESULTS

Mean age and BMI of our sample were 35.5 years and 46.8, respectively. Females comprised 69.7% of the sample. Normal histopathologic specimens comprised 52% of the sample. The most common histopathologic changes were chronic inactive gastritis (33%), chronic active gastritis (6.8%), follicular gastritis (2.7%), and lymphoid aggregates (2.2%). We observed rare histopathology in 3.3% of the sample [e.g., intestinal metaplasia and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST)]. Older age was associated with GIST and intestinal metaplasia (P = 0.001 for both). Females were associated with chronic active gastritis (P = 0.003). H. pylori infection was associated with follicular gastritis, lymphoid aggregates, GIST, intestinal metaplasia, and chronic active gastritis (P < 0.001 for each).

CONCLUSION

Older age, H. pylori, and female gender are risk factors for several abnormal histopathologic changes. Histopathologic examination of LSG specimens might harbor significant findings; however, routine histopathologic examination of all LSG specimens, particularly in the absence of suggestive clinical symptoms, is questionable. The association between female gender and chronic active gastritis; and the association between H. pylori infection and GIST are both novel findings that have not been previously reported in the published literature.

In vitro simulation of realistic gastric pressure profiles

Novel in vitro dissolution tools can aid the development of orally administered drugs by explaining dosage form related in vivo phenomena that are not explainable with standard test apparatuses. Such novel tools are able to mimic various parameters in accordance with gastrointestinal conditions. Hereby, in vivo occurring pressure events were shown to be of major importance since they largely affect dosage form disintegration, drug dissolution and subsequently resulting drug plasma concentration profiles. The aim of the present study was to investigate the feasibility of producing biorelevant pressure events with standard test apparatuses and with the dynamic open flow through test apparatus. For this purpose, we used the SmartPill®, a swallowable capsule that houses a pressure sensor and that was already applied to gather human in vivo data. Among the standard apparatuses, highest pressures were measured in the reciprocating cylinder apparatus and the disintegration tester. No relevant pressure peaks could be detected in the paddle apparatus and the mini paddle apparatus. In contrast, the dynamic open flow through test apparatus enabled the simulation of complete gastric pressure profiles as they occur in vivo. The present work underlines the potential of novel in vitro dissolution models as useful tools during the drug development process as well as for explanatory purposes.

Metabolite mapping by consecutive nanostructure and silver-assisted mass spectrometry imaging on tissue sections

RATIONALE

Nanostructure-based mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is a promising technology for molecular imaging of small molecules, without the complex chemical background typically encountered in matrix-assisted molecular imaging approaches. Here, we have enhanced these surfaces with silver (Ag) to provide a second tier of MSI data from a single sample.

METHODS

MSI data was acquired through the application of laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry to biological samples imprinted onto desorption/ionization on silicon (DIOS) substrates. Following initial analysis, ultra-thin Ag layers were overlaid onto the followed by MSI analysis (Ag-DIOS MSI). This approach was first demonstrated for fingermark small molecules including environmental contaminants and sebum components. Subsequently, this bimodal method was translated to lipids and metabolites in fore-stomach sections from a 6-bromoisatin chemopreventative murine mouse model.

RESULTS

DIOS MSI allowed mapping of common ions in fingermarks as well as 6-bromoisatin metabolites and lipids in murine fore-stomach. Furthermore, DIOS MSI was complemented by the Ag-DIOS MSI of Ag-adductable lipids such as wax esters in fingermarks and cholesterol in murine fore-stomach. Gastrointestinal acid condensation products of 6-bromoisatin, such as the 6,6'-dibromoindirubin mapped herein, are very challenging to isolate and characterize. By re-analyzing the same tissue imprints, this metabolite was readily detected by DIOS, placed in a tissue-specific spatial context, and subsequently overlaid with additional lipid distributions acquired using Ag-DIOS MSI.

CONCLUSIONS

The ability to place metabolite and lipid classes in a tissue-specific context makes this novel method suited to MSI analyses where the collection of additional information from the same sample maximises resource use, and also maximises the number of annotated small molecules, in particular for metabolites that are typically undetectable with traditional platforms. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.