Non-invasive biomagnetic assessment of gastrointestinal motility in a loperamide-induced constipation model

Constipation is a disorder of the gastrointestinal (GI) and some of the main etiological mechanisms are directly related to changes in GI physiology. The capacity to carry out paired assessments and measure GI parameters under the influence of constipation is a relevant point in selecting a suitable methodology. We aimed to perform a non-invasive investigation of gastrointestinal motility in constipated rats using the alternating current biosusceptometry system (ACB). The animals were split into two groups: the pre-induction stage (CONTROL) and post-induction loperamide stage (LOP). We assessed GI motility parameters using the ACB system. Colon morphometric and immunohistochemical analyses were performed for biomarkers (C-kit) for interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). Our results showed a significant increase in gastrointestinal transit in the LOP group in addition to a reduction in the dominant frequency of gastric contraction and an arrhythmic profile. A change in colonic contractility profiles was observed, indicating colonic dysmotility in the LOP group. We found a reduction in the number of biomarkers for intestinal cells of Cajal (ICC) in the LOP group. The ACB system can evaluate transit irregularities and their degrees of severity, while also supporting research into novel, safer, and more efficient treatments for constipation.

Therapeutic Effect and Mechanism of Yiqi Huoxue Tongbian Prescription on Slow Transit Constipation in Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Yiqi Huoxue Tongbian prescription on slow transit constipation （STC） in rats. MethodThe rat model of STC was established by gavage of loperamide hydrochloride. Rats were assigned into control， model， mosapride， low-， medium-， and high-dose （3.51， 7.02， and 14.04 g·kg-1， respectively） Yiqi Huoxue Tongbian prescription groups. The changes of general signs， fecal moisture content， and intestinal propulsion rate were measured after model establishment and drug administration. The colonic mucosal changes were observed by hematoxylin eosin staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to determine the content of substance P （SP） and vasoactive intestinal peptide （VIP） in the colon of rats in each group. The gray values of aquaporin （AQP） 3， AQP4， AQP8， and c-Kit in rat colon tissue were measured by immunohistochemistry and Western blot， and the changes of intestinal flora were detected by 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing. ResultCompared with the model group， 10 days of treatment with Yiqi Huoxue Tongbian prescription increased the fecal moisture content and intestinal propulsion rate （P<0.01）. The medium- and high-dose Yiqi Huoxue Tongbian prescription groups and the mosapride group showed no obvious mucosal inflammation and neat arrangement of goblet cells with a large number in the colon tissue. Moreover， the three groups showed increased SP content （P<0.01） and decreased VIP content （P<0.01） in the serum. The medium- and high-dose Yiqi Huoxue Tongbian prescription groups showed down-regulated protein levels of AQP3， AQP4， and AQP8 （P<0.01） and up-regulated protein level of c-Kit （P<0.01）. The drug administration groups presented slightly increased observed species， Chao1， ACE， and Shannon， Simpson， and PD whole tree. The principal component analysis showed that the control group had a short distance with the high- and medium-dose Yiqi Huoxue Tongbian prescription groups， indicating that high- and medium-dose Yiqi Huoxue Tongbian prescription can recover the intestinal flora to that in the control group. ConclusionYiqi Huoxue Tongbian prescription can alleviate the defecation status of rats with slow transit constipation by down-regulating the expression of AQP3， AQP4， and AQP8 to reduce the absorption of water in the intestine， up-regulating the expression of c-Kit to increase the number and distribution of Cajal interstitial cells， and regulating the balance of flora in the colon tissue.

Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata-Cinnamomi Cortex Combination Alleviates Slow Transit Constipation due to Yang Deficiency in Rats via Regulating VIP/cAMP/PKA/AQP Pathway in Colon / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata-Cinnamomi Cortex in regulating the intestinal function in the rat model of slow transit constipation （STC） due to yang deficiency via the vasoactive intestinal peptide （VIP）/cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide （cAMP）/protein kinase A （PKA）/aquaporin （AQP） pathway. MethodSD rats were randomized into 6 groups （n=6）， including a control group， a model group， high-， medium-， and low-dose Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata-Cinnamomi Cortex groups， and a prucalopride group. Other groups except the control group were treated with loperamide hydrochloride combined with ice water by gavage for the modeling of STC due to yang deficiency. The number of fecal pellets， time to the first black stool defecation， fecal water content， intestinal propulsion rate， and score of fecal properties were recorded in each group. At the end of the treatment， the colon was stained with hematoxylin-eosin （HE） to reveal the histopathological changes and Alcian blue/periodic acid-Schiff （AB-PAS） to reveal the secretion of colonic mucus. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was employed to measure the level of VIP in the serum. The mRNA level of AQP in the colon was measured by polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to observe the expression of AQPs in the colon and kidney tissues. Western blot was performed to determine the protein levels of cAMP， PKA， and VIP in the colon tissue. ResultCompared with the control group, the model group had longer time to the first black stool defecation, reduced fecal pellets and water content, reduced Bristol Stool Form Scale score and intestinal propulsion rate, and constipation aggravated（P<0.01）. Moreover, increased the intestinal lesions, reduced the mucus secretion, reduce the serum VIP level, up-regulated the expression levels of AQP1 in the colon and kidney tissues, inhibited the expression of AQP3 and AQP9（P<0.01）., and down-regulated the protein levels of cAMP, PKA, and VIP in the colon tissue. Compared with the model group， the high-dose Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata-Cinnamomi Cortex group had shortened time to the first black stool defecation， increased fecal pellets and water content， increased Bristol Stool Form Scale score and intestinal propulsion rate， and alleviated constipation symptoms. Moreover， high-dose Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata-Cinnamomi Cortex reduced the intestinal lesions， increased the mucus secretion， elevated the serum VIP level（P<0.01）.， down-regulated the expression levels of AQP1 in the colon and kidney tissues， promoted the expression of AQP3 and AQP9（P<0.05，P<0.01）， and up-regulated the protein levels of cAMP， PKA， and VIP in the colon tissue. The medium- and low-dose groups had weaker effect than the high-dose group（P<0.01）. ConclusionHigh-dose Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata-Cinnamomi Cortex can improve the intestinal motility and balance the intestinal water and fluid metabolism by up-regulating the VIP/cAMP/PKA/AQP pathway， thereby mitigating the constipation symptoms in the rat model of slow transit constipation due to yang deficiency.

Analyzing the characteristics and influencing factors of high frequency hearing loss among noise-exposed workers in an urban rail transit enterprise / 中国职业医学

{L-End}Objective To analyze the characteristics of hearing loss and the influencing factors of high-frequency hearing loss (HFHL) among noise-exposed workers in an urban rail transit enterprise over five consecutive years. {L-End}Methods A total of 1 268 noise-exposed workers, who exposed to the average noise intensity of <85.0 dB(A), in an urban rail transit enterprise was selected as the research subjects using a judgment sampling method. The pure-tone audiometry results from 2019 to 2023 were collected to analyze the result of hearing loss. The influencing factors of HFHL (average hearing threshold ≥40.0 dB at high frequencies in both ears) were analyzed using the generalized estimating equations (GEE). {L-End}Results The detection rates of threshold elevations at frequencies of 0.5-6.0 kHz increased with increasing frequency from 2019 to 2023 (all P<0.01), with the highest detection rate at 6.0 kHz. The detection rate of speech frequency hearing loss (hearing threshold weighted value≥26.0 dB in the better ear) was 0.1%, 0.0%, 0.4%, 0.2%, and 0.2%, respectively. The detection rate of HFHL from 2019 to 2023 was 2.4%, 2.8%, 2.8%, 2.1%, and 2.8%, respectively. The GEE analysis results showed that the risk of HFHL of the workers in 2022 and 2023 was lower than that in 2019 (all P<0.01), with the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals ［OR (95%CI)］ of 0.57 (0.41-0.81) and 0.65 (0.48-0.87), respectively. The risk of HFHL was higher among vehicle maintenance worker than train drivers (P<0.05), with OR (95%CI) of 2.37 (1.18-4.77). The risk of HFHL increased with age and length of service among the workers (all P<0.05), with the OR (95%CI) of 2.05 (1.22-3.46) and 1.69 (1.12-2.54), respectively. No interaction was found between type of job and age, type of job and length of service, or age and length of service in the risk of HFHL among the research subjects(all P<0.05). {L-End}Conclusion Noise exposure below the national occupational exposure limits can lead to hearing loss in noise-exposed workers of urban rail transit enterprises, possibly affecting the hearing threshold at 6.0 kHz first. The influencing factors for HFHL in workers of rail transit are age, length of service, and type of job. There is a dose-effect relationship with age and length of service.

Aurantii Fructus Immaturus， Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma， and Their Combination Treat Colonic Motility Disorders in Rats with Slow Transit Constipation via PINK1/Parkin Signaling Pathway-mediated Mitophagy / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Aurantii Fructus Immaturus， Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma， and their combination on slow transit constipation via PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 （PINK1）/Parkin pathway-mediated mitophagy. MethodFifty-six male SD rats were randomly assigned into normal group， model group， natural recovery group， Aurantii Fructus Immaturus group， Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma group， Aurantii Fructus Immaturus combined with Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma group， and mosapride group， with 8 rats in each group. Slow transit constipation model was established by gavage with loperamide （3 mg·kg-1·d-1） for 14 days in other groups except the normal group. After successful modeling， except that the model group was continuously induced by loperamide， the normal group and the natural recovery group were administrated with 0.9% normal saline by gavage， and the rats in the Aurantii Fructus Immaturus （1.35 g·kg-1·d-1） group， the Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma （2.7 g·kg-1·d-1） group， the Aurantii Fructus Immaturus combined with Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma （4.05 g·kg-1·d-1） group， and the mosapride （1.56 mg·kg-1·d-1） group were administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage for 7 days. The amount of feces， fecal water content， and intestinal propulsion rate of rats were determined. The pathological changes of the colon were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining and Alcian blue-periodic acid-Schiff （AB-PAS） staining. The activity of respiratory chain complex and the ultrastructure of the colon tissue were determined by ultraviolet spectrophotometry and observed by transmission electron microscopy， respectively. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction（Real-time PCR） was employed to determine the mRNA levels of PINK1， Parkin， and p62， and Western blot to determine the protein levels of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 （LC3）， PINK1， and Parkin. ResultCompared with the normal group， the model group and the natural recovery group showed decreases in the amount of feces， fecal water content， intestinal propulsion rate （P<0.05，P<0.01）， and activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅱ， Ⅲ， and Ⅳ in the colon tissue （P<0.05，P<0.01）. Further， the mRNA levels of PINK1 and Parkin and the protein levels of PINK1， Parkin， and LC3 were up-regulated （P<0.01） and the mRNA level of p62 was down-regulated in the model group （P<0.05） and the natural recovery group. Compared with the model group and the natural recovery group， the Aurantii Fructus Immaturus combined with Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma group showed increased amount of feces， fecal water content， intestinal propulsion rate， and activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅱ， Ⅲ， and Ⅳ （P<0.05，P<0.01）. Moreover， the combination meliorated the degree of mitochondrial swelling in the colon tissue， down-regulated the mRNA levels of PINK1 and Parkin and the protein levels of PINK1， Parkin， and LC3 （P<0.05，P<0.01）， and up-regulated the mRNA level of p62 （P<0.05）. ConclusionAurantii Fructus Immaturus and Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma， and their combination may remedy the colonic motility disorders in rats with slow transit constipation by blocking PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway to inhibit the excessive mitophagy in interstitial cells of Cajal in the colon tissue.

Clinical Effect of Modified Jichuanjian on Senile Patients with Slow Transit Constipation of Spleen-kidney Yang Deficiency Syndrome and Effect on Brain-gut Peptide / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the clinical effect of modified Jichuanjian on senile patients with slow transit constipation of spleen-kidney yang deficiency syndrome and the influence on brain-gut peptide. MethodA total of 150 senile patients with slow transit constipation were randomized into control group （75 cases） and observation group （75 cases） with the random number table method. The observation group was given modified Jichuanjian （oral， 1 dose/day， 4 weeks）， and the control group was treated with Biantong Capsules （oral， 3 capsules/time， twice/day， 4 weeks）. Data before and after treatment were recorded， including the score of major constipation symptoms， score of Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life （PAC-QOL）， TCM syndrome score， spontaneous complete bowel movements （SCBM）， colonic transit test， serum 5-hydroxytryptamine （5-HT）， 5-HT 4 receptor （5-HT4R）， somatostatin （SS）， and vasoactive intestinal peptide （VIP）， and recurrence. ResultThe total effective rate of the observation group was 93.06% （67/72）， as compared with the 74.65% （53/71） in the control group （χ2=8.974 6， P<0.01）. After treatment， the scores of major constipation symptoms， scores of four dimensions of PAC-QOL， total score of PAC-QOL， and TCM syndrome score were lower than those before treatment in the two groups （P<0.01）， and lower in the observation group than in the control group （P<0.01）. The SCBM in the observation group were more than those in the control group at the 2nd， 3rd， 4th weeks after treatment （P<0.01）. The proportions of residual markers at 24， 48， 72 h after treatment were smaller than those before treatment in the two groups （P<0.01）， and smaller in the observation group than in the control group （P<0.01）. After treatment， the levels of serum 5-HT and 5-HT4R were higher （P<0.01） and the levels of serum SS and VIP were lower （P<0.01） than those before treatment in the two groups. In addition， the levels of serum 5-HT and 5-HT4R in the observation group were higher （P<0.01） and the levels of serum SS and VIP were lower （P<0.01） in the observation group than in the control group. The recurrence in the observation group was 29.85% （20/67） in comparison with the 58.49% （31/53） in the control group （χ2=9.932 4， P<0.01）. ConclusionModified Jichuanjian is effective for senile patients with slow transit constipation of spleen-kidney yang deficiency syndrome， which can alleviate clinical symptoms， improve quality of life， regulate the level of serum brain-gut peptide， improve the colonic transit function， increase SCBM， and reduce the recurrence.

A comparative study of raw Aurantii Fructus Immaturus and bran-fried products on dryness of rats with slow-transit constipation / 中国中药杂志

The differences in dryness between raw Aurantii Fructus Immaturus(AFI) and bran-fried products were investigated based on a slow-transit constipation(STC) model. Seventy healthy SPF-grade rats were randomly divided into a blank group(K), a positive drug group(Y), a model group(M), low-and high-dose raw AFI groups(SD and SG), and low-and high-dose bran-fried AFI groups(FD and FG). During the experiment, it was found that compared with the K group, the groups with drug treatment had little effect on the daily body weight of the STC rats. The first defecation time of black stool in the M group was significantly higher than that in the K group, and the 24-hour fecal output significantly decreased starting from the 13th day, indicating successful modeling. The SG group showed a significant increase in the first defecation time, fecal water content, urine output, and water intake than other groups with drug treatment. The FG group had the highest fecal output than other groups with drug treatment. The FD group had the highest salivary secretion than other groups with drug treatment. The levels of cAMP/cGMP, VIP, 5-HT, AQP1, and AQP5 were measured in each group with drug treatment, and the expression of c-Kit and SCF mRNA in gastric antrum tissue and AQP3 mRNA in the kidney and colon were detected by RT-PCR. The results showed that the SD and SG groups had a more significant impact on AQP1, AQP5, and other water channel indexes in STC rats than the FD and FG groups. The FD and FG groups had a more significant impact on c-Kit, SCF, VIP, 5-HT, and other gastrointestinal motility indicators than the SD and SG groups. This study, through in vitro biological observations, immunological detection, and gene expression analysis, found that raw AFI had strong dryness property, while bran-fried AFI could alleviate its dryness property.

Investigation on the mechanism of Kuaisong yin in the prevention and treatment of constipation based on metabonomics / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To explore the mechanism of Kuaisong yin in the prevention and treatment of constipation. METHODS Slow transit constipation （STC） model was established with Compound difenoxylate tablet in mice and rats. Two batches of mice were divided into blank group， model group， positive control group （Maren soft capsule， 0.64 g/kg）， Kuaisong yin low-dose， medium-dose and high-dose groups （3.2， 6.4， 12.8 g/kg）， with 10 mice in each group. The effect of Kuaisong yin on constipation in mice was evaluated by intestinal propulsion experiment and defecation experiment. Rats were divided into blank group， model group， positive control group （Maren soft capsule，0.36 g/kg）， Kuaisong yin low-dose and high-dose groups （2.4， 4.8 g/kg）， with 7 or 8 rats in each group. They were given relevant medicine once a day for 1 week. The metabonomics of serum and urine of rats were analyzed by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS technology. RESULTS Compared with model group， the ink propulsion rate and 5 h defecation volume of mice in Kuaisong yin high-dose group were significantly increased （P＜0.05）； the first defecation time of mice in Kuaisong yin medium-dose and high-dose groups was significantly shortened， and the quality of defecation was significantly reduced within 5 h （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Serum metabonomics screened 16 compounds （such as proline， propionylcarnitine， hemolytic phosphatidylcholine， etc.） and 6 metabolic pathways （such as sphingomyelin metabolism， arginine and proline metabolism， sphingolipid biosynthesis-lactose and neolactone series）. Urine metabonomics screened 20 different metabolites （such as prostaglandin A2， L-valine， phosphatidylcholine， sphingomyelin， etc.） and 8 metabolic pathways （such as valine， leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis， sphingomyelin metabolism， pyruvate metabolism， etc.）. CONCLUSIONS Kuaisong yin can play a role in improving constipation by regulating different metabolites such as hemolytic phosphatidylcholine， phosphatidylcholine， prostaglandin A2， L-valine， proline， and regulating metabolic pathways such as multiple amino acid metabolism， sphingomyelin metabolism， etc.

Zhizhu Decoction Alleviates Intestinal Barrier Damage via Regulating SIRT1/FoxO1 Signaling Pathway in Slow Transit Constipation Model Mice / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the possible effects and mechanism of Zhizhu Decoction (ZZD) on the pathophysiology of slow transit constipation (STC).@*METHODS@#A total of 54 C57BL/6 mice was randomly divided into the following 6 groups by a random number table, including control, STC model (model), positive control, and low-, medium- and high-doses ZZD treatment groups (5, 10, 20 g/kg, namely L, M-, and H-ZZD, respectively), 9 mice in each group. Following 2-week treatment, intestinal transport rate (ITR) and fecal water content were determined, and blood and colon tissue samples were collected. Hematoxylin-eosin and periodic acid-Schiff staining were performed to evaluate the morphology of colon tissues and calculate the number of goblet cells. To determine intestinal permeability, serum levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and mannose were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot analysis was carried out to detect the expression levels of intestinal tight junction proteins zona-occludens-1 (ZO-1), claudin-1, occludin and recombinant mucin 2 (MUC2). The mRNA expression levels of inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-4, IL-10 and IL-22 were determined using reverse transcription-quantitative reverse transcription reaction. Colon indexes of oxidative stress were measured by ELISA, and protein expression levels of colon silent information regulator 1/forkhead box O transcription factor 1 (SIRT1/FoxO1) antioxidant signaling pathway were detected by Western blot.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the model group, ITR and fecal moisture were significantly enhanced in STC mice in the M-ZZD and H-ZZD groups (P<0.01). Additionally, ZZD treatment notably increased the thickness of mucosal and muscular tissue, elevated the number of goblet cells in the colon of STC mice, reduced the secretion levels of LPS, LDL and mannose, and upregulated ZO-1, claudin-1, occludin and MUC2 expressions in the colon in a dose-dependent manner, compared with the model group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In addition, ZZD significantly attenuated intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress and activated the SIRT1/FoxO1 signaling pathway (P<0.05 or P<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#ZZD exhibited beneficial effects on the intestinal system of STC mice and alleviated intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress via activating SIRT1/FoxO1 antioxidant signaling pathway in the colon.

Thrombus in transit – A case series on dilemma in management

Thrombus in transit (TIT) is a rare but potentially fatal condition. Transthoracic echocardiography is the diagnostic modality of choice. The major complications of TIT are pulmonary embolism, right ventricular dysfunction, obstructive shock, and paradoxical embolism through patent foramen ovale. We hereby present a case series of four patients with TIT and the challenges faced while managing them

Qual é a influência da microbiota na obesidade e em seu quadro inflamatório? / What is the influence of microbiota on obesity and its inflammatory involvement?

A obesidade tem causa multifatorial que atinge atualmente mais da metade da população brasileira. Mais recentemente, a microbiota intestinal foi considerada um fator que contribui para essa condição. Os objetivos deste estudo foram revisar a influência da microbiota intestinal na obesidade e no processo inflamatório, e analisar os efeitos da utilização dos pré e probióticos. Foi realizada revisão sistemática sobre o assunto. Dos mais de 27.000 artigos, apenas 16 respeitaram os critérios de inclusão. Em conclusão, o desequilíbrio da microbiota aparece como fator favorável ao desenvolvimento da obesidade e do quadro inflamatório decorrente dela. Tanto o uso de prebióticos quanto probióticos são recursos válidos no tratamento da obesidade, porém os primeiros parecem proporcionar melhor qualidade de vida.

Obesity has a multifactorial etiological condition that involves more than half of the Brazilian population. More recently, the intestinal microbiota was considered a factor that contributes to this condition. The aims of this study were to review the intestinal microbiota influence in the obesity and in the inflammatory response, and to analyze the effects of using prebiotic and probiotic medications. A systematic review was firstly done. More than 27,000 articles were found, but only 16 contained the proper criteria. In conclusion, the microbiota imbalance seems to increase the obesity development and its inflammatory aspects. Both the use of pre and probiotics are good options in the obesity treatment, though the first ones seem to enhance bettere quality of life.

Pulse arrival time: Measurement and clinical applications

Pulse arrival time is the time elapsed between the R-wave of electrocardiogram and systolic peak in peripheral pulse obtained by any of the plethysmographic methods. Similarly, differential pulse arrival time, also known as pulse transit time, is the time elapsed between systolic peaks of proximal and distal peripheral pulse recordings in an extremity. Distance between the proximal and distal site in the extremity (in meters) divided by differential pulse arrival time (in seconds) gives arterial pulse wave velocity in the limb segment. Differential pulse arrival time has been used to discriminate between an aortic or arterial block from generalized atherosclerosis in aortic and arterial occlusive diseases for nearly four decades. All along there have been efforts to monitor beat-to-beat blood pressure with the help of these time intervals and other pulse parameters. Encouraging correlation has been observed with that obtained by Finapres. Recently pulse arrival time has been explored for the prompt detection of sudden hypertensive episodes during laryngeal microsurgery, for detection of mental stress, monitoring of baroreflex sensitivity, and real-time monitoring of blood pressure. This paper briefly describes the measurement technique of pulse arrival time and an overview of its clinical applications.

The effect of swallowing intervention on improving the esophageal examination by magnetically controlled capsule endoscopy: a cohort study / 中华消化杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect and feasibility of swallowing intervention on esophageal examination by magnetically controlled gastric capsule endoscope (MCE), and to provide theoretical evidence for clinical application.Methods:From January 2021 to May 2022, 196 subjects who underwent MCE examination at West China Hospital, Sichuan University were prospectively enrolled. According to the swallowing action during MCE procedure, the subjects were divided into routine examination control group and swallowing-controlled intervention group with 98 cases in each group. The data of gender, age, history of smoking and drinking, body mass index, clinical symptoms (abdominal pain or abdominal distension, hematochezia, melena or positive fecal occult-bloodtest), esophageal transit time of MCE and detection rate of esophageal lesions were compared between the 2 groups. Wilcoxon rank sum test and chi-square test were used for statistical analysis.Results:There were no significant differences in age, gender, smoking history, drinking history, body mass index, history of diabetes, history of hypertension, and indication of MCE examination between the routine examination control group and swallowing-controlled intervention group (all P>0.05). All the subjects successfully completed the examination, and the capsules were excreted from the body. The median esophageal transit time of swallowing-controlled intervention group was longer than that of the routine examination control group (44.50 s (26.75 s, 101.25 s) vs. 11.00 s (5.00 s, 29.00 s)), and the difference was statistically significant ( Z=-8.13, P<0.001). The esophageal transit time of the patients aged 40 to 59 years old was longer than that of the patients aged <40 years old, but shorter than that of the patients aged ≥60 years old (54.00 s (36.25 s, 64.75 s) vs. 28.00 s (23.00 s, 35.00 s) and 69.50 s (64.75 s, 73.00 s)), and the differences were statistically significant ( Z=-6.72 and -6.91, both P<0.001). The detection rate of esophageal lesions of swallowing-controlled intervention group was higher than that of routine examination control group (22.4%, 22/98 vs. 11.2%, 11/98), and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=4.41, P=0.036). Conclusion:Command-controlled swallowing can effectively prolong the time of esophagus examination by MCE, and improve the detection rate of esophageal lesions by MCE.

Risk Factors and Clinical Management of Prolonged Upper Gastrointestinal Transit Time in Capsule Endoscopy / 胃肠病学

Capsule endoscopy is one of the main diagnostic methods of small bowel diseases. In small bowel capsule endoscopy, the main factors that influence the diagnostic rate of diseases include gastrointestinal examination completion rate and intestinal preparation, etc. The upper gastrointestinal transit time is one of the main influence factors of examination completion rate. This article reviewed risk factors and clinical management of prolonged upper gastrointestinal transit time in capsule endoscopy.

Potential role of fractional flow reserve-guided coronary artery bypass graft surgery / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the potential guiding role of fractional flow reserve(FFR) in surgical revascularization by comparing the relationship between coronary fractional flow reserve(FFR) and blood flow pattern status of bypass graft.Methods:A total of 86 patients with coronary artery disease between March 2016 to October 2019 were included in the study, with 59 males and 27 females; the age ranged from 42 to 77 years old, with an average of(58±12) years old. According to the measured FFR value of the left anterior descending artery, they were divided into severe ischemic group(FFR<0.75), boundary group(0.75≤FFR<0.80) and mild ischemic group(FFR≥0.80). Transit time flow meter(TTFM) was used to evaluate the blood flow status of the bridge vessel from the left internal thoracic artery to the left anterior descending coronary artery.Results:Mean graft flow(MGF) was measured at(21.24±5.71)ml/min, (18.25±7.72)ml/min, (16.47±7.83)ml/min in severe ischemic group, boundary group and mild ischemic group. The results of mean pulsatility index(PI) was 2.58±0.96, 3.14±1.19 and 3.53±1.34, the ratio of diastolic flow during the entire graft flow was 0.63±0.10, 0.55±0.11 and 0.53±0.11, patients appeared systolic reverse flow was 2 cases(3.6%), 3 cases(18.8%) and 3 cases (20.0%), respectively. There were statistically significant differences in MGF( P=0.027)、PI( P=0.007)、the ratio of DF( P=0.001) and the quantity of patients appeared systolic reverse flow( P=0.027) between the three groups. Conclusion:Due to increasing severity of coronary artery stenosis, MGF and the ratio of diastolic flow increased, and there appears to be an decreased PI and quantity of patients appeared systolic reverse flow. The chance of bypass graft occlusion may increase for the near and middle term in mild to moderate functional coronary artery stenosis(FFR≥0.75). For patients with severe functional coronary artery stenosis(FFR<0.75), it can obtain satisfactory flow parameters and ideal clinical outcomes.

The diagnostic value of different methods for detecting constipation with defecation disorder based on Roman Ⅳ criteria / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To study the diagnostic value of balloon expulsion test, anorectal manometry, and colonic transit test for detecting constipation with defecation disorders. 【Methods】 Outpatients with functional constipation were retrospectively analyzed and classified into dyssynergic defecation constipation and non-dyssynergic defecation constipation according to the Rome Ⅳ diagnostic criteria. We studied the differences in symptomatological characteristics and results of the three testing methods between the two groups of patients. 【Results】 Among the 48 patients with functional constipation included, there were 13 males (27.1%) and 35 females (72.9%) with an age of (44.8±12.3) years, including 32 patients (66.7%) with defecation disorder and 16 patients (33.3%) with non-defecation disorder. The percentage of anal distension was significantly higher in patients with dyssynergic defecation constipation than in those with non-dyssynergic defecation constipation (34.4% vs. 0.0%, P=0.021). All the three tests had diagnostic value for dyssynergic defecation constipation, but with low diagnostic agreement between the results of each test. The diagnostic sensitivity of anorectal manometry was 100%, but the specificity (56.3%) was low, and both the positive predictive value (82.1%) and the negative predictive value (100%) were higher; the diagnostic sensitivity (75.0%) and specificity (81.3%) of the balloon expulsion test were both higher. The Youden index of colonic transit test was the smallest. The anal resting pressure and maximum systolic pressure of dyssynergic defecation constipation were lower than those of non-dyssynergic defecation constipation (75.2 mmHg vs. 97.1 mmHg, 168.7 mmHg vs. 251.6 mmHg). The two types of constipation did not significantly differ in anorectal pressure gradients during simulated defecation or rectal sensory function. 【Conclusion】 The balloon expulsion test can be used as a primary screening test for constipation with defecation disorders, and anorectal manometry has the highest comprehensive diagnostic value, but there is a certain false positive rate, and the colonic transit test has the lowest diagnostic efficacy. Thus a comprehensive analysis of the patient’s symptoms and the results of different tests is needed in clinical practice.

Changes in left wrist pulse wave transit time in patients with hypertension and influencing factors / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To investigate the changes in left wrist pulse wave transit time （PTT） in patients with hypertension， as well as the effects of serological indicators and unhealthy lifestyle. 【Methods】 We recruited 321 hypertensive patients admitted to Chinese PLA General Hospital Hainan Branch from June 2020 to April 2021 and divided them into two groups according to the simple randomization method. Totally 135 patients in the control group drank 20 mL of water after getting up in the morning and 186 patients in the observation group took the nifedipine controlled release tablets on the basis of the control group. A smart watch was used to collect the PTT at 0.5 h， 4.5 h， and 8.5 h after taking the medicine （drinking water） for the two groups. Repeated measurement analysis of variance was used to observe the influences of the time， interaction effect， and medicine on PTT. The data of gender， age， height， weight， left arm circumference， left arm length， resting heart rate， smoking， and alcohol drinking were collected. Fasting blood of 4 mL was collected to detect indicators such as fasting blood glucose （FBG）， total cholesterol （TC）， triglyceride （TG）， and uric acid （UA） to analyze possible factors affecting PTT. 【Results】 The time effect was statistically significant （F=12.065， P<0.001）， while the interaction effect was not （F=0.089， P=0.915）. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups （F=2.074， P=0.155）. FBG， TC， TG， resting heart rate， and limited alcohol drinking differed significantly （P<0.05）. 【Conclusion】 PTT gradually shortens with time， and it has no significant relationship with antihypertensive drugs， but may be related to FBG， TC， TG， resting heart rate， alcohol drinking and other indicators.

Graft flow analysis of application of bilateral internal mammary artery with different configurations in coronary artery bypass grafting / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective:To analyze the influence of application of bilateral internal mammary artery(BIMA) with different configurations in coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG).Methods:From January 2018 to December 2020, 82 patients underwent CABG using BIMA were included, with 75 males and 7 females, aged(56.9±9.8) years old. According to the target of coronary artery of BIMA, patients were divided into two groups, 23 patients(group B) who underwent the traditional operation(RIMA to the right coronary artery), and 59 patients(group L) whose RIMA were grafted to the left ventricular arteries. Also the patients were divided into two groups according to the RIMA used either in situ(group I, 57 cases) or free(group F, 25 cases). Compare the grafts flow between groups. The CTA angiography of coronary artery was completed to evaluate the grafts patency before discharge.Results:There was 1 early operative death(1.22%). The mean flow(MF) of RIMA was significantly higher in group B( P=0.013). The pulsatility index(PI) of LIMA was significantly lower and the MF of RIMA and BIMA was higher(all P<0.05), fewer patients with LIMA-MF less than 15 ml/min( P=0.023)in the group I. CTA angiography before discharge showed that only 1 RIMA to right coronary artery was occlusion. Conclusion:It is better to use BIMA in situ in CABG, RIMA used in right coronary artery can receive more satisfactory graft flow. BIMA has good patency in early stage, therefore is the ideal and stable coronary bypass graft.

Fístula biliobronquial secundaria a quiste hidatídico hepático en tránsito torácico: caso clínico / Bronchobiliary fistula secondary to hepatic hydatid cyst in thoracic transit: clinical case

Resumen Introducción: En un quiste hidatídico hepático pueden ocurrir una serie de complicaciones de diversa gravedad. Una es el tránsito hepatotorácico (THT), que es el compromiso simultáneo de hígado, diafragma y pulmón secundario a migración de un quiste hidatídico hepático. Objetivo: Presentar una complicación de baja incidencia de un quiste hidatídico hepático como lo es el THT con fistula biliobronquial y posterior resolución quirúrgica. Materiales y Método: Registro clínico, imagenológico y fotográfico del episodio clínico. Resultados: Paciente con diagnóstico de quiste hidatídico en tránsito hepatotorácico con fístula biliobronquial fue sometida a toracotomía, resección en cuña del pulmón incluyendo bronquios comunicantes con el quiste. Paciente presenta evolución clínica e imagenológica favorable. Discusión: Se discuten formas de presentación, complicaciones de la evolución, grados de progresión y ubicaciones anatómicas frecuentes. Se hace énfasis en rol de la clínica e imagenología para diagnóstico y lo controversial del manejo. Conclusión: Tratamiento quirúrgico dependerá de localización de la lesión, estado del quiste, tamaño y experiencia del equipo quirúrgico, siendo una quistectomía con tratamiento de los trayectos fistulosos una buena alternativa.

Introduction: A variety of severe complications can occur in a hepatic hydatid cyst. One of them is the transit from liver to thorax through the diaphragm (HTT). Aim: To present a low impact complication of a hepatic hydatid cyst such as HTT with bronchobiliary fistula and subsequent surgical procedure. Materials and Method: Clinical, imaging, and photographic record of the clinical event. Results: A patient with a diagnosis of hydatid cyst in hepatothoracic transit with bronchobiliary fistula underwent thoracotomy with a wedge resection of the lung, including a cyst-bronchial communication. The patient presents good clinical and imaging evolution. Discussion: Forms of presentation, evolutionary complications, stages of progression, and frequent anatomical locations are discussed. Emphasis is made on the role of the clinical examination and imaging tests for diagnosis and controversial management. Conclusión: Surgical treatment will depend on location of the lesion, experience of the surgical team, condition and size of the cyst, being a cystectomy with the treatment of the fistulous tracts a good alternative.

Efeitos da nutrição parenteral ou enteral, associadas ou não à glutamina, sobre a motilidade gastrintestinal em equinos submetidos à inanição e realimentação / Effects of parenteral or enteral nutrition, associated or not with glutamine, on gastrointestinal motility in horses submmited to starvation and refeeding

Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar os efeitos da nutrição parenteral total ou enteral, associadas ou não à glutamina, sobre a motilidade gastrintestinal em equinos submetidos à inanição e realimentação. Foram utilizados 16 equinos adultos hígidos, sem raça definida, de ambos os sexos, quatro machos e 12 fêmeas, com idade variando entre quatro e 14 anos e peso corporal médio de 248,40 + 2,28 kg, divididos em quatro grupos, quatro animais por grupo: Grupo I (ENTGL): fluidoterapia enteral com eletrólitos associada a glutamina; Grupo II (PARGL): Nutrição parenteral total (NPT) associada a glutamina; Grupo III (ENTFL): fluidoterapia enteral com eletrólitos; Grupo IV (PARFL): fluidoterapia parenteral. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente ao acaso, em um esquema fatorial 4x12 (grupos x tempo de colheita), para cada fase, e suas médias comparadas pelo teste de Duncan ao nível de 5% de significância. Independente do grupo experimental ocorreu redução da motilidade gastrintestinal durante a fase de inanição, mais pronunciada nos grupos PARGL e PARFL. Uma vez restabelecida a alimentação a motilidade gastrintestinal retornou à normalidade.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of enteral or total parenteral nutrition, associated or not with glutamine, on gastrointestinal motility in horses subjected to starvation and refeeding. 16 healthy, mixed-breed adult horses of both sexes, four geldings and 12 mares, with ages ranging from four to 14 years and an average body weight of 248.40 + 2.28 kg, were divided into four groups, four animals per group: Group I (ENTGL): enteral fluid therapy with electrolytes associated with glutamine; Group II (PARGL): total parenteral nutrition (TPN) associated with glutamine; Group III (ENTFL): enteral fluid therapy with electrolytes; Group IV (PARFL): parenteral fluid therapy. The experimental design was entirely randomized, in a 4x12 factorial scheme (groups x harvest time), for each phase, and their means compared by the Duncan test at the level of 5% significance. Regardless of the experimental group, there was a reduction in gastrointestinal motility during the starvation phase, which was more pronounced in the PARGL and PARFL groups. Once the food was restored, gastrointestinal motility returned to normal.