Primary pleomorphic liposarcoma of the cecum case report.

INTRODUCTION: The pleomorphic variant is the least common and consequently, the least known subtype of liposarcomas. It represents <5 % of all liposarcomas and develops during late adulthood. PRESENTATION OF THE CASE: We report the case of a 77-year-old male who presented with pain in the right iliac fossa and right inguinal region. A CT scan revealed a stony lesion at the level of the cecum. A right hemicolectomy was performed, and the pathology report was positive for pleomorphic liposarcoma. Consequently, he was referred for adjuvant radiotherapy. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Molecular analysis has validated the distinction of liposarcoma subtypes, although histological subtype remains the reliable prognostic parameter in daily practice, recent evidence suggests that genetic profiles may eventually influence risk stratification of individual patients. CONCLUSION: The pleomorphic subtype of liposarcomas is infrequent, and they are very rare in the cecum, so it is currently recommended that patients be evaluated by a multidisciplinary team to make a therapeutic decision as it is a subtype of very aggressive behavior, before initiating any type of oncologic treatment.

Herniation of the Right Colon, From the Cecum to the Hepatic Flexure, Through the Foramen of Winslow: A Case Report.

Herniation of bowel contents between the peritoneal cavity proper and the omental bursa, through the foramen of Winslow, can present diagnostic challenges that can potentially delay necessary surgical intervention. This case describes a 49-year-old female with a past medical history of hiatal hernia and biliary dyskinesia who presented to the emergency department with severe epigastric and right lower quadrant abdominal pain one day after a reported gastrointestinal illness of unknown etiology. Initial emergency department workup demonstrated an elevated white blood cell count without lactic acidosis. Computed tomography imaging was interpreted as gastric distension with volvulus around the mesentery and second portion of the duodenum. Intraoperatively, the entirety of the right colon was noted to have passed through the foramen of Winslow into the lesser sac. This led to twisting of the mesocolon causing compression of the duodenum and a gastric outlet obstruction. After surgical reduction of the herniation, the patient noted great improvement in pain and other symptoms.

Comprehensive analysis of key host gene-microbe networks in the cecum tissues of the obese rabbits induced by a high-fat diet.

The Cecum is a key site for cellulose digestion in nutrient metabolism of intestine, but its mechanisms of microbial and gene interactions has not been fully elucidated during pathogenesis of obesity. Therefore, the cecum tissues of the New Zealand rabbits and their contents between the high-fat diet-induced group (Ob) and control group (Co) were collected and analyzed using multi-omics. The metagenomic analysis indicated that the relative abundances of Corallococcus_sp._CAG:1435 and Flavobacteriales bacterium species were significantly lower, while those of Akkermansia glycaniphila, Clostridium_sp._CAG:793, Mycoplasma_sp._CAG:776, Mycoplasma_sp._CAG:472, Clostridium_sp._CAG:609, Akkermansia_sp._KLE1605, Clostridium_sp._CAG:508, and Firmicutes_bacterium_CAG:460 species were significantly higher in the Ob as compared to those in Co. Transcriptomic sequencing results showed that the differentially upregulated genes were mainly enriched in pathways, including calcium signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and Wnt signaling pathway, while the differentially downregulated genes were mainly enriched in pathways of NF-kappaB signaling pathway and T cell receptor signaling pathway. The comparative analysis of metabolites showed that the glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism and cysteine and methionine metabolism were the important metabolic pathways between the two groups. The combined analysis showed that CAMK1, IGFBP6, and IGFBP4 genes were highly correlated with Clostridium_sp._CAG:793, and Akkermansia_glycaniphila species. Thus, the preliminary study elucidated the microbial and gene interactions in cecum of obese rabbit and provided a basis for further studies in intestinal intervention for human obesity.

Sigmoid and cecum colon volvulus: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Colon volvulus is the twisting of a segment of colon on its mesenteric axis, which can lead to the obstruction of the lumen and the blood supply. Colon volvulus is common in "volvulus belt" countries and can involve the sigmoid (60-70%) and cecum (25-40%). CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 47-year-old male, Alawites, who presented with bowel obstruction and dilated abdomen without any specific abdominal pain. Abdominal laparotomy showed both sigmoid and cecum volvulus with no signs of perforation or ischemia. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: One of the possible risk factors of sigmoid colon volvulus is the length of the rectum and sigmoid, while mobile cecum is considered as a possible reason for cecum volvulus. The management remains controversial and is specific for every case, depending mainly on the vitality of the colonic walls and the general condition of the patient.

The protective effects of Lactobacillus SNK-6 on growth, organ health, and intestinal function in geese exposed to low concentration Aflatoxin B1.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a prevalent mycotoxin present in feed ingredients. In this study, we investigated the effects of Lactobacillus salivarius (L. salivarius) on the Landes geese exposed to AFB1. The 300 one-day-old Landes geese were randomly divided into five groups: The control group received a basic diet, while the other groups were fed a basic diet supplemented with 10 µg/kg AFB1, 10 µg/kg AFB1+ 4*108 cfu/g L. salivarius, 50 µg/kg AFB1, and 50 µg/kg AFB1 + 4*108 cfu/g L. salivarius for 63 d. Results showed that high level AFB1 exposure significantly decreased final BW and ADG, increased feed/gain ratio (F/G) and liver index (P < 0.05). L. salivarius improved levels of IL-1, IL-6, and IL-12 under low level of AFB1 exposure (P < 0.05), along with similar trends observed in serum IgA, IgG, IgM, T3, T4, TNF-ɑ, and EDT (P < 0.05). AFB1 exposure reduced jejunum villus high and villus high/crypt depth ratio, and suppressed expression of ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-1 mRNA, and significant improved with L. salivarius supplementation under low level AFB1 exposure (P < 0.05). AFB1 significantly increased expression levels of TLR3 and NF-kB1, with supplementation of L. salivarius showing significant improvement under low AFB1 exposure (P < 0.05). Cecal microbiota sequencing revealed that under low level AFB1 exposure, supplementation with L. salivarius increased the abundance of Bacteroidetes and Lactococcus. In summary, supplementation with 4*108 cfu/g L. salivarius under 10 µg/kg AFB1 exposure improved growth performance and immune capacity, enhanced jejunum morphology, reduced liver inflammation, altered the cecal microbial structure, and positively affected the growth and development of geese.

Reduction of postweaning stress by fasting regimen and probiotics supplementation and study its effects on cecal microbiota and physiological parameters of growing rabbits.

The aim of this work was to reduce the postweaning stress of growing rabbits by using fasting regimen and probiotic supplementation. Twenty-four weaned males new Zealand rabbits (5 weeks of age) were randomly divided into four equal groups including (1) rabbits fed ad labium diet served as control, (2) rabbits fasted for 12 h (two days/week) for 8 weeks, (3) rabbits fed ad labium diet with 2.0 cm3 probiotic/litter for 8 weeks, (4) rabbits fasted for 12 h (2 days/week) and take 2.0 cm3 probiotic/litter for 8 weeks. The probiotic inclusion corresponded to Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis were supplemented to water in the probiotic groups. Results showed that food consumption was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in growing rabbits of ad libitum group (control group) compared to other in restricted rabbits, but body weight (BW) of growing rabbit in probiotic group at 6 and 12 week of age increased by12 and 19%, respectively, than other in control group and also improved daily weight gain (DWG) during all experimental periods. Compared with control, significant reductions (p < .01) in Plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, ALT, AST and urea were found in oral probiotic groups with or without fasting programme. Oral administration of probiotic without fasting regimen significantly improved all carcass characteristics compared to other groups. Total bacteria, fungi, coliforms and cellulolytic bacteria counts were significantly improved in the fasting group with or without adding probiotics compared to control group. Conclusively, using probiotics with or without fasting regimen for 8 weeks postweaning improved growth performance during fattening and enhancement cecum activity of growing rabbits.

Coexistence of Carcinoma and Tuberculosis in the Cecum: A Clinical Conundrum.

The coexistence of carcinoma of the colon and tuberculosis (TB) represents a rare and intricate clinical scenario. It poses significant challenges in both diagnosis and management. Clinical prediction of this coexistence is challenging since the clinical features of these two conditions are often similar. Likewise, the radiology is not decisive because of the significant overlap in the image findings of carcinoma and TB. A conclusive diagnosis relies on histopathological evidence of both malignancy and TB. Here, we report a case of a 58-year-old female who presented with chronic abdominal pain. Computed tomography showed the presence of a mass in the cecum. Histopathology of tissue retrieved through colonoscopy was indicative of features of both TB and adenocarcinoma of the cecum. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was detected in the tissue by cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test. The patient was initiated on antitubercular treatment. She underwent surgical resection of the mass and is planned for adjuvant chemotherapy.

Concurrent cecal lipoma and Crohn's disease in a pediatric patient: A conservative approach.

We report the case of a 14-year-old patient with a known history of Crohn's disease who was incidentally diagnosed with an asymptomatic cecal lipoma. A routine surveillance colonoscopy as part of the management of the patient's Crohn's Disease revealed a well-defined, submucosal, yellowish mass in the patient's cecum. Histopathological examination of a biopsy specimen revealed submucosal adipose tissue, consistent with the endoscopic images showing the characteristic appearance of the lipoma. A computed tomography examination further confirmed the diagnosis. While colonic lipomas are infrequent and typically manifest later in life, few cases report the coexistence of a cecal lipoma with Crohn's disease, particularly in the pediatric population. In this case, managing this dual condition posed a notable challenge. Here, we present the conservative approach to managing a pediatric patient with cecal lipoma and Crohn's disease. The decision to leave the lipoma in situ was based on the absence of symptoms and potential risks associated with surgical removal.

Cecal Metastasis of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma After Previous Nephrectomy.

Metastasis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is exceedingly rare. We present a case of a man in his 40s with a history of RCC that had metastasized to his abdominal wall and brain who then presented with abdominal pain and melena. On presentation, imaging showed new bone metastases and a colonic mass in the ascending colon. The biopsy of the mass from colonoscopy demonstrated RCC primary. Although rare, this case report highlights the importance of a thorough evaluation of patients with a history of RCC and considers GI tract involvement in those presenting with GI bleeding.

Comprehensive analysis of differentially expressed mRNA profiles in chicken jejunum and cecum following Eimeria maxima infection.

Coccidiosis, a protozoan disease that substantially impacts poultry production, is characterized by an intracellular parasite. The study utilized 48 one-day-old Horro chickens, randomly divided into the infected (I) and control (C) groups. The challenge group of chickens were administered Eimeria maxima oocysts via oral gavage at 21-days-old, and each chicken received 2 mL containing 7×104 sporulated oocysts. The total RNAs of chicken jejunum and cecum tissues were isolated from three samples, each from I and C groups. Our study aimed to understand the host immune-parasite interactions and compare immune response mRNA profiles in chicken jejunum and cecum tissues at 4 and 7 days postinfection with Eimeria maxima. The results showed that 823 up- and 737 down-regulated differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) in jejunum at 4 d infection and control (J4I vs. J4C), and 710 up- and 368 down-regulated DEmRNAs in jejunum at 7 days infection and control (J7I vs. J7C) were identified. In addition, DEmRNAs in cecum tissue, 1424 up- and 1930 down-regulated genes in cecum at 4 days infection and control (C4I vs. C4C), and 77 up- and 191 down-regulated genes in cecum at 7 days infection and control (C7I vs. C7C) were detected. The crucial DEmRNAs, including SLC7A5, IL1R2, GLDC, ITGB6, ADAMTS4, IL1RAP, TNFRSF11B, IMPG2, WNT9A, and FOXF1, played pivotal roles in the immune response during Eimeria maxima infection of chicken jejunum. In addition, the potential detection of FSTL3, RBP7, CCL20, DPP4, PRKG2, TFPI2, and CDKN1A in the cecum during the host immune response against Eimeria maxima infection is particularly noteworthy. Furthermore, our functional enrichment analysis revealed the primary involvement of DEmRNAs in small molecule metabolic process, immune response function, inflammatory response, and toll-like receptor 10 signaling pathway in the jejunum at 4 and 7 days postinfection. Similarly, in the cecum, DEmRNAs at 4 and 7 days postinfection were enriched in processes related to oxidative stress response and immune responses. Our findings provide new insights and contribute significantly to the field of poultry production and parasitology.

Cecum to pelvis technique: a simple and autologous solution to prevent postoperative complications in pelvic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Empty Pelvis Syndrome, subsequent to the removal of pelvic organs, results in the descent of the small bowel into an inflamed pelvic cavity, leading to the formation of adhesions and subsequent small bowel obstruction. However, no effective measures have been previously described. OBJECTIVE: Describe a simple and autologous solution to prevent "Empty Pelvis Syndrome," small bowel obstruction, and adhesions by utilizing the cecum to occlude the pelvis. DESIGN: Mobilization of the right colon to lower the cecum into the pelvic cavity to occlude the superior pelvic ring to some degree and changing the direction of the terminal ileum. SETTINGS: Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Department of General Surgery, Colorectal Service. PATIENTS: Eight anonymized patients were included in this study, each with varying colorectal pathologies. Patients were above 18 years old. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Percent of blockage of the superior pelvic ring produced by the descended cecum recorded in percentage; the amount of small intestine descended past the superior pelvic ring recorded in cm. RESULTS: The mobilization of the cecum achieved partial occlusion of the superior pelvic ring. The descent of the small bowel beyond this landmark ranged from 0 to 4.9 cm. LIMITATIONS: Given the small number of patients included in this study, these results cannot be generalized to the whole of the population. A bladder emptying protocol prior to CT scans was not implemented, resulting in variations in measurements among patients. CONCLUSION: The cecum-to-pelvis technique is a simple method that can serve as an autologous solution to EPS (enteropelvic fistula) and help reduce postoperative complications such as SBO (small bowel obstruction) and adhesions. It is not essential to completely occlude the superior pelvic ring to achieve successful outcomes.

Isolation and Identification of Chicken-Derived Lactic Acid Bacteria: In Vitro Probiotic Properties and Antagonistic Effects against Salmonella pullorum, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli.

The development of probiotics capable of quickly colonizing the intestines of animals is important in promoting the healthy growth of livestock. The aim of this study was to screen lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from the intestinal microbiota of chickens with potential applications, and to evaluate their probiotic properties and antagonistic abilities against Salmonella pullorum, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. The results showed that a total of 79 strains with the characteristics of LAB were isolated from the chicken cecum microbiota, of which 7 strains exhibited strong inhibitory activity against S. pullorum, S. aureus, and E. coli. Performing 16s rDNA sequencing revealed that these seven strains were Lactiplantibacillus pentosus (n = 1), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (n = 3), Lactiplantibacillus paraplantarum (n = 1), Lactiplantibacillus argentoratensis (n = 1), and Lactiplantibacillus fabifermentans (n = 1). Among them, L. pentosus R26 and L. plantarum R32 exhibited superior antibacterial activity. These two strains demonstrated high lactic acid production ability, with survival rates of 86.29% and 87.99% after 3 h of treatment at pH 1.5, 86.66% and 85.52% after 3 h of treatment with 0.5% bile salts, 90.03% and 88.16% after 2 h of treatment with simulated gastric fluid, and 98.92% and 98.22% after 2 h of treatment with simulated intestinal fluid, respectively. Co-cultivation with L. pentosus R26 for 24 h resulted in 50% of the pathogens being antagonized, while almost complete inhibition was observed following 72 h of co-cultivation. In conclusion, L. pentosus R26 and L. plantarum R32 exhibited high antibacterial activity and acid production capability, while also demonstrating satisfactory tolerance to low pH values and high concentrations of bile salts and digestive fluid. The probiotic characteristics and stress resistance of L. pentosus R26 were slightly superior to those of L. plantarum R32, indicating its potential for development as a probiotic.

Right-sided acute diverticulitis in a North African country: Presentation and management in one surgical center.

PURPOSE: Right-sided diverticulitis is a rare entity in North Africa. Therefore, it is usually misdiagnosed, and the management of cecal diverticulitis is aggressive in most cases, whereas nowadays, most studies recommend a conservative approach with promising results. This study aims to describe the presentation, management, and outcomes of right-sided diverticulitis (RSD) and to present the experience of one surgical center in Tunisia. METHODS: This is a retrospective study including all patients presented with RSD, in the Department of Surgery "A" of the Charles Nicolle Hospital between 2007 and 2021. RESULTS: Forty patients were included in our study. The mean age was 42 years with a standard deviation of 14. The sex ratio was 1.1. Only 2 patients had chronic constipation. All patients presented right-sided abdominal pain, and only 3 patients had diarrhea. Twenty one patients were diagnosed during surgery. Fourteen patients were treated successfully by conservative management. An operative procedure was performed in 26 cases: 21 had a diverticulectomy (80%), two had an ileal resection (8%), and three had a right colectomy (11.5%). No postoperative events occurred with a short hospital stay (5 ± 3 days). Follow-up showed no recurrences. CONCLUSION: Right-sided diverticulitis has a lower incidence and complication rate compared to left-sided diverticulitis. Conservative treatment has demonstrated favorable outcomes in managing RSD, although the available evidence remains limited.

Innovative approach: utilizing silver nanoparticles sheet for improved rabbit cecal anastomosis healing.

Introduction: Anastomotic leakage is a severe complication associated with gastrointestinal surgery. The process of intestinal wound healing is crucial for the successful outcome of digestive tract surgical repair procedures. This research aimed to determine the impact of silver nanoparticles sheet (Acticoat) on the anastomotic healing of the cecum in rabbits. Methods: A total of 48 New Zealand male rabbits in good health were used for cecum transection and anastomosis. The animals were randomized into the control group (C) and the silver nanoparticles group (AgNPs). In the C group, the transected cecum was end-to-end anastomosed with a single layer of simple continuous suture pattern using 3-0 polyglyconate. In contrast, a silver nanoparticle sheet (Acticoat) was covered around the sutured anastomotic line in the AgNPs group. Postoperatively, abdominal ultrasound imaging and the Bristol Rabbit Pain Score (BRPS) were measured on days 7, 15, and 30. Eight rabbits from each group were euthanized at each time point to assess macroscopic findings, bursting pressure tests, tensile strength tests, histopathological examinations, and immunohistochemical analyses. Results: The AgNPs group demonstrated a significant increase in the cecal lumen diameter wall (p ≤ 0.001), burst pressure measurement (p ≤ 0.02), and tensile strength (p ≤ 0.01). Conversely, the AgNPs group had significantly lower BRPS scores (p ≤ 0.01). In addition, histopathological examinations revealed that AgNPs significantly reduced inflammatory cell infiltration (neutrophils and macrophages) and enhanced collagen deposition. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed a significant increase (p ≤ 0.01) of α-SMA and a reduction of CD31 in the anastomotic tissue of the AgNPs group. Discussion: The results of the present study indicate that the utilization of the AgNPs sheet (Acticoat®) effectively enhanced the strength of cecum anastomosis, resulting in a reduction in anastomosis leakages, pain scores, and abdominal adhesions. Additionally, the bursting pressure values in the rabbit model were significantly increased.

Modulation of Performance, Plasma Constituents, Small Intestinal Morphology, and Cecum Microbiota in Growing Geese by Dietary Citric Acid Supplementation.

To investigate the efficiency and optimum inclusion level of CA in growing geese diets on performance, plasma constituents, and intestinal health, 240 healthy female geese at the age of 28d were randomly allotted six treatment diets incorporated with 0, 0.8, 1.6, 2.4, 3.2, and 4% CA. Each treatment group consisted of five replicates and eight birds per replicate. The findings demonstrated that 3.2% CA supplementation resulted in improved growth performance (ADG, ADFI, and FBW) (p = 0.001), and geese who received CA also showed lower body fat contents (p < 0.05) than the control group. Moreover, geese from the 2.4% and 3.2% CA group had the highest plasma glutathione peroxidase and insulin-like growth factor 1 levels compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). A microbial diversity analysis of the cecum conducted by 16S rDNA sequencing revealed that 3.2% CA supplementation showed a significantly higher abundance of beneficial bacteria (Muribaculaceae, CHKCI001, Erysipelotricha-ceae_UCG_003, and UCG_009) (p < 0.05) and a lower abundance of harmful bacteria (Atopobiaceae, Streptococcus, Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, and Alistipes) (p < 0.10). Collectively, our results revealed that dietary supplementation with 3.2% CA had several benefits on the performance and physiological health of growing geese by promoting nutrients metabolism, improving antioxidant capacity, and modulating cecum microbiota.

Benefits of heat-killed Lactobacillus acidophilus on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, antioxidant status, immunity, and cecal microbiota of rabbits.

Introduction: Heat-killed probiotics, as a type of inactivated beneficial microorganisms, possess an extended shelf life and broader adaptability compared to their live counterparts. This study aimed to investigate the impact of heat-killed Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus, LA) - a deactivated probiotic on the growth performance, digestibility, antioxidant status, immunity and cecal microbiota of rabbits. Methods: Two hundred weaned Hyla rabbits were randomly allocated into five equal groups (CON, L200, L400, L600, and L800). Over a 28-day period, the rabbits were fed basal diets supplemented with 0, 200, 400, 600, and 800 mg/kg of heat-killed LA, respectively. Results: Results revealed a significant reduction in the feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) in the L600 and L800 groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, the L800 group exhibited significantly higher apparent digestibility of crude fiber (CF) and crude protein (CP) (p < 0.05). Regarding digestive enzyme activities, enhanced trypsin and fibrinase activities were observed in the L600 and L800 groups (p < 0.05). Concerning the regulation of the body's antioxidant status, the L800 group demonstrated elevated levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in both serum and ileal tissue (p < 0.05). In terms of immune capacity modulation, serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were significantly lower in the L600 and L800 groups (p < 0.05), while immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels were higher (p < 0.05). Additionally, the L800 group exhibited a substantial increase in secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) levels in the intestinal mucosa (p < 0.05). In comparison to the CON group, the L800 group exhibited a significant increase in the relative abundance of Phascolarctobacterium and Alistipes in the cecum (p < 0.05). Phascolarctobacterium demonstrated a positive correlation with SIgA (p < 0.05), IgM (p < 0.01), and Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) (p < 0.05), while displaying a negative correlation with TNF-α levels (p < 0.05). Concurrently, Alistipes exhibited positive correlations with IgA (p < 0.05), IgM (p < 0.05), SIgA (p < 0.01), GSH-Px (p < 0.05), SOD (p < 0.05), and T-AOC (p < 0.01), and a negative correlation with TNF-α (p < 0.05). Discussion: In conclusion, the dietary incorporation of 600 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg of heat-killed LA positively influenced the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, antioxidant status, immune capacity and cecal microbiota of rabbits. This highlights the potential benefits of utilizing heat-killed probiotics in animal nutrition.

Expression of Calretinin in the Cecal Muscularis Interna: Observation and Hypothetical Relevance to Appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: The unexpected observation of calretinin immunoreactivity in smooth muscle cells in the muscularis propria of the cecum led to a more detailed examination of calretinin expression and its possible relationship to propulsive contractile activity around the vermiform appendix. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry and RNA in situ hybridization were performed to analyze calretinin expression in intestinal samples from 33 patients at ages ranging from mid-gestation fetuses to adults, as well as in some potentially relevant animal models. Dual immunolabeling was done to compare calretinin localization with markers of smooth muscle and interstitial cells of Cajal. RESULTS: Calretinin expression was observed consistently in the innermost smooth muscle layers of the muscularis interna in the human cecum, appendiceal base, and proximal ascending colon, but not elsewhere in the intestinal tract. Calretinin-positive smooth muscle cells did not co-express markers located in adjacent interstitial cells of Cajal. Muscular calretinin immunoreactivity was not detected in the ceca of mice or macaques, species which lack appendices, nor in the rabbit cecum or appendix. CONCLUSIONS: Localized expression of calretinin in cecal smooth muscle cells may reduce the likelihood of retrograde, calcium-mediated propulsive contractions from the proximal colon and suppress pro-inflammatory fecal stasis in the appendix.

Spontaneous cecal perforation in a cat diagnosed with ultrasonography.

An 8-year-old cat was presented for an acute history of anorexia, marked abdominal pain, and hyperthermia. Ultrasonography showed a cecal perforation with focal steatitis and adjacent free gas bubbles, consistent with focal peritonitis. Surgery confirmed the imaging findings. An enterectomy was performed with the removal of the cecum and ileocolic valve, and anastomosis between the ileum and colon was performed. Histology revealed transmural enteritis and chronic severe pyogranulomatous peritonitis with intralesional plant fragments.

Effects of Designed Herbal Formula on Growth Performance, Blood Indices, Organ Traits, and Cecum Microbiology in Broilers.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the designed herbal formula (DHF) on growth performance, blood indices, organ traits, and cecum microbiology in broilers. A total of 96 male broilers of 1 d were selected and randomly assigned to two groups with six replicates of eight broilers each. The control (CON) and the basal diet containing 1.0% DHF (Astragali radix, Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz., Isatis tinctoria Linnaeus, and Citri reticulatae pericarpium, 2:1:1:2) were fed separately. The experiment was conducted for 35 days. The results showed that the DHF diet increased body weight and decreased the feed conversion ratio (FCR) (p < 0.05). At 21 days, the spleen, thymus, lymphocytes, and thrombocytes were increased (p < 0.05), and pancreas, duodenum, heterophils, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) were decreased (p < 0.05). At 35 days, the heart, pancreas, white blood cell, heterophils, hemoglobin, MCH and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were decreased, while lymphocytes and middle cells were increased (p < 0.05). The results of microbial diversity analysis showed that the DHF diet decreased the microbial diversity of the cecum. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the dominant phyla, where the DHF diet increased the relative abundances of Bacteroides uniformis, Bacteroides vulgatus, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, and then decreased the relative abundance of Shigella sonnei. In conclusion, DHF played a positive role in improving the growth performance, immune performance, and relative abundance of Bacteroides uniformis, Bacteroides vulgatus, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii in cecum microbiology in broilers, and has the potential to be used as a novel feed additive.