A review of the nutrition of Australian peramelid marsupials

European settlement has had a dramatic impact on the distribution and abundance of peramelid (bandicoot and bilby) marsupials. Predation and competition from introduced species and altered habitat have been implicated in their decline or extinction. Bandicoots and bilbies inhabit a broad range of habitats in Australia. Research on the distribution, morphology, gastrointestinal histology, lactation, metabolism and nutritional physiology of extant peramelid species has increased in the last few decades. This paper provides a review that encompasses recent nutritional-based research. Peramelid research is mostly limited to only three species – Isoodon macrourus, Perameles nasuta and Macrotis lagotis – which prevents effective comparisons between species. Peramelids are broadly classified as omnivores and possess relatively uncomplicated gastrointestinal tracts. The caecum is the region of greatest diversity among species. The relatively large caecum of Chaeropus ecaudatus supports the theory that this species may have been the only herbivorous peramelid. The caecum of M. lagotis is less pronounced than other species and is continuous with the proximal colon. M. lagotis also has a longer total colon length, which aids water conservation to ensure survival in an arid environment. Temperate-zone species such as I. macrourus, I. obesulus and P. nasuta are more similar to each other with respect to gastrointestinal morphology than either C. ecaudatus or M. lagotis. Additional research on the morphometrics of the gastrointestinal tracts of P. gunnii, P. bougainville, P. eremiana, M. leucura and I. auratus would enable further comparisons to determine whether differences are a result of geographic distribution, habitat preference or variation between genera and/or individual species. Currently, histological information of the gastrointestinal tract is limited to the small intestine of P. nasuta and I. macrourus. The histology of the small intestine of the weaned juvenile I. macrourus more closely resembles that of P. nasuta pouch young than P. nasuta adults. The younger bandicoots possessed villi whereas in the adult P. nasuta and I. macrourus villi were arranged in a zig-zag formation. The reason for the zig-zag formation of the villi and the function it may serve remains unclear. Detailed nutritional research on captive M. lagotis, I. macrourus and P. nasuta indicate that the two temperate-zone species – I. macrourus and P. nasuta – are more similar to each other than to the arid-dwelling M. lagotis. Detailed nutritional studies are required on all species, both free-living and captive. Experimental diets do not always accurately reflect a natural diet, which means that results from captive studies may not reflect the situation for free-living animals. The hindgut of peramelids is the main region for retention of digesta, and presumably where microbial digestion occurs. However, no studies have been undertaken to examine the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract of bandicoots or the bilby. As captive husbandry is an important tool in conservation management, it should also improve their successful maintenance in captivity by the provision of diets that better meet their nutritional requirements.

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GASTROINTESTINAL HYPOMOTILITY IN MAGNESIUM-DEFICIENT SHEEP

Canadian Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.4141/cjas80-038 ◽

1980 ◽

Vol 60 (2) ◽

pp. 293-301 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

L. BUENO ◽

J. FIORAMONTI ◽

E. GEUX ◽

Y. RAISSIGUIER

Keyword(s):

Small Intestine ◽

Gastrointestinal Tract ◽

Electrical Activity ◽

Digestive Tract ◽

Experimental Period ◽

Proximal Colon ◽

Slow Waves ◽

Deficient Diet ◽

Intravenous Infusions ◽

Spiking Activity

The electrical activity of the gastrointestinal tract and gallbladder was recorded in four sheep fed a Mg-deficient diet during 10 to 15 days. The mitigating effect of intravenous infusions of MgCl2 was tested at the end of the experimental period in animals presenting hypomagnesemia. Motility of the reticulo-rumen remained unchanged in Mg-deficient sheep except that there was no postprandial increased frequency of contractions. By contrast, the contractions of gallbladder, cecum and proximal colon were reduced in both amplitude and frequency. The amplitude but not the frequency of the antro-duodenal slow-waves was reduced. The amplitude of the regular spiking activity of the small intestine was reduced as well as the number of complexes produced per day. The activity of the spiral colon was correlated to the blood magnesium concentrations but Mg infusion was unable to restore immediately the motor profile of the rest of the gut to its intitial level. This was done within 2–3 days by changes in the diet in three of the four animals. It is concluded that the motility of the whole digestive tract, including the reticulo-rumen, is modified on a Mg-deficient diet and that hypomagnesemia, involved in the atony of the spiral colon, is only one of the factors responsible for the hypomotility.

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Digestive Physiology of the Ground Cuscus (Phalanger gymnotis), a New Guinean Phalangerid Marsupial

Australian Journal of Zoology ◽

10.1071/zo97037 ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 45 (6) ◽

pp. 561 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

I. D. Hume ◽

M. J. Runcie ◽

J. M. Caton

Keyword(s):

Small Intestine ◽

Nitrogen Concentration ◽

Distal Colon ◽

Short Chain Fatty Acids ◽

Proximal Colon ◽

Brushtail Possum ◽

Daily Production ◽

Natural Diet ◽

Digestible Energy ◽

And Function

Digestive-tract morphology and function were studied in the ground cuscus (Phalanger gymnotis), reported to be the most frugivorous of eight species of New Guinean phalangerid marsupials. When offered a mixed diet of fruit and foliage, captive animals selected a diet of more than 90% fruit. Fibre digestibility was low and variable, but apparent digestibilities of both dry matter (90%) and energy (87%) were high, and intake of digestible energy was similar to that of the Australian phalangerid Trichosurus vulpecula (common brushtail possum) in captivity. The small intestine of P. gymnotis was the longest and heaviest region of the gastrointestinal tract, but the stomach contained more digesta. The total nitrogen content of digesta was low in the stomach and small intestine, but increased four-fold in the hindgut, because of microbial activity. No difference in nitrogen concentration or in the proportions of small or medium particles was found along the hindgut, but the caecum contained a smaller proportion of large particles than the distal colon. The transit time of a large particle marker was much longer than that of a solute marker, but mean retention times (MRTs) of the two markers did not differ. Both transit times and MRTs were long relative to those reported in T. vulpecula. Although fermentation rates in the caecum and proximal colon were similar to those in T. vulpecula on a foliage diet, fluid volumes were less than one-third those of T. vulpecula, and, consequently, daily production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) was less than half that in T. vulpecula, and contributed only 5% of digestible energy intake (v. 15% in T. vulpecula). These results are consistent with reports that the natural diet of P. gymnotis is based largely on fruit rather than on foliage.

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CHANGES IN SMALL INTESTINE MICROFLORA IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION

International Medical Journal ◽

10.37436/2308-5274-2020-1-3 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 16-18

Author(s):

V. M. Lykhman ◽

O. M. Shevchenko ◽

Ye. O. Bilodid ◽

Igor Vladimirovich Volchenko ◽

I. A. Kulyk ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Small Intestine ◽

Gastrointestinal Tract ◽

Species Composition ◽

Intestinal Obstruction ◽

Bacterial Flora ◽

Anaerobic Bacteria ◽

Acute Intestinal Obstruction ◽

Gram Positive ◽

Mechanical Intestinal Obstruction ◽

Facultative Anaerobic Bacteria

Among urgent surgical diseases of abdominal cavity, an acute intestinal obstruction is the most difficult to be diagnosed and treated. Leading factor, determining the development of pathophysiological processes is considered to be the progressive manifestations of enteric insufficiency syndrome, resulting in intestinal barrier impairment, negative changes in ecology of intestinal flora, increased endotoxins. To identify the small intestine microflora in acute intestinal obstruction and determine the role of dysbiotic disorders in clinical manifestations of main pathological process, a study was conducted in 60 patients with mechanical intestinal obstruction. The small intestine has a relatively rare microflora, consisting mainly of gram−positive facultative aerobic microorganisms, streptococci, lactobacilli. The distal ileum in nearly 30−55 % of healthy people contains scanty microflora, and yet the flora of this area differs from the microbial population of the higher gastrointestinal tract due to higher concentration of gram−negative bacteria. Optional−anaerobic coliform bacilli, anaerobic bifidobacteria and fusobacteria, bacteroids, the number of which starts exceeding the one of gram−positive species, are presented in significant quantities. Distal to the ileocecal valve there are significant changes in the microflora quantitative and species composition. Obligatory anaerobic bacteria become the predominant part of microflora, exceeding the number of aerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria. The bacterial flora in different parts of gastrointestinal tract has its own specifics and is quite constant, as a result of the interaction of many factors, regulating the bacterial population in small intestine. The most important among them are: acidity of gastric juice, normal peristaltic activity of the intestine, bacterial interactions and immune mechanisms. Disorders of the intestine motor and evacuation function with its obstruction lead to slow passage of the chyme and contamination of the upper gastrointestinal tract with new types of microbes. There is a syndrome of small intestine excessive colonization, which means an increased concentration of bacterial populations in it, similar in species composition to the colon microflora. Pathological intra−intestinal contents become a source of endogenous infection and re−infection of the patient, leads to internal digestive disorders, which is manifested by syndrome of malabsorption of proteins, carbohydrates and vitamins. Key words: acute intestinal obstruction, small intestinal microflora, conditionally pathogenic microorganisms, intestinal biocenosis.

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A long-term survivor of clear cell sarcoma-like tumor of the gastrointestinal tract with liver metastasis: a case report

Surgical Case Reports ◽

10.1186/s40792-020-01028-z ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Takuhisa Okada ◽

Yasumitsu Hirano ◽

Shintaro Ishikawa ◽

Hiroka Kondo ◽

Toshimasa Ishii ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Small Intestine ◽

Lymph Node ◽

Gastrointestinal Tract ◽

Liver Metastasis ◽

Surgical Resection ◽

Clear Cell ◽

Clear Cell Sarcoma ◽

Cell Sarcoma

Abstract Background Clear cell sarcoma-like tumor of the gastrointestinal tract (CCSLTGT) is extremely rare. It is a mesenchymal neoplasm that usually forms in the small intestine of adolescents and young adults, is prone to local recurrence and metastasis, and has a high mortality rate. We report a patient with CCSLTGT with lymph node- and liver metastases, who continues to survive 6 years after initial surgical resection. Case presentation A 38-year-old woman presented with lightheadedness. Laboratory analysis revealed anemia (hemoglobin, 6.7 g/dL), and enhanced computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a mass in the small intestine, about 6 cm in diameter, with swelling of 2 regional lymph nodes. Double-balloon small intestine endoscopic examination revealed a tumor accompanied by an ulcer; the biopsy findings suggested a primary cancer of the small intestine. She was admitted, and we then performed a laparotomy for partial resection of the small intestine with lymph node dissection. Pathologic examination revealed CCSLTGT with regional lymph node metastases. About 3 years later, follow-up CT revealed a single liver metastasis. Consequently, she underwent a laparoscopic partial liver resection. Histopathologic examination confirmed that the liver metastasis was consistent with CCSLTGT. It has now been 3 years without a recurrence. Conclusion Repeated radical surgical resection with close follow-up may be the only way to achieve long-term survival in patients with CCLSTGT.

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(Na+ + K+)-ATPase and plasma membrane polarity of intestinal epithelial cells: presence of a brush border antigen in the distal large intestine that is immunologically related to beta subunit.

The Journal of Cell Biology ◽

10.1083/jcb.109.3.1057 ◽

1989 ◽

Vol 109 (3) ◽

pp. 1057-1069 ◽

Cited By ~ 39

Author(s):

A Marxer ◽

B Stieger ◽

A Quaroni ◽

M Kashgarian ◽

H P Hauri

Keyword(s):

Monoclonal Antibody ◽

Small Intestine ◽

Epithelial Cells ◽

Brush Border ◽

Basolateral Membrane ◽

Apical Cell ◽

Distal Colon ◽

Proximal Colon ◽

Beta Subunit ◽

Cell Pole

The previously produced monoclonal antibody IEC 1/48 against cultured rat intestinal crypt cells (Quaroni, A., and K. J. Isselbacher. 1981. J. Natl. Cancer Inst. 67:1353-1362) was extensively characterized and found to be directed against the beta subunit of (Na+ + K+)-ATPase as assessed by immunological and enzymatic criteria. Under nondenaturing conditions the antibody precipitated the alpha-beta enzyme complex (98,000 and 48,000 Mr). This probe, together with the monoclonal antibody C 62.4 against the alpha subunit (Kashgarian, M., D. Biemesderfer, M. Caplan, and B. Forbush. 1985. Kidney Int. 28:899-913), was used to localize (Na+ + K+)-ATPase in epithelial cells along the rat intestinal tract by immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy. Both antibodies exclusively labeled the basolateral membrane of small intestine and proximal colon epithelial cells. However, in the distal colon, IEC 1/48, but not C 62.4, also labeled the brush border membrane. The cross-reacting beta-subunit-like antigen on the apical cell pole was tightly associated with isolated brush borders but was apparently devoid of (Na+ + K+)-ATPase activity. Subcellular fractionation of colonocytes in conjunction with limited proteolysis and surface radioiodination of intestinal segments suggested that the cross-reacting antigen in the brush border may be very similar to the beta subunit. The results support the notion that in the small intestine and proximal colon the enzyme subunits are exclusively targeted to the basolateral membrane while in the distal colon nonassembled beta subunit or a beta-subunit-like protein is also transported to the apical cell pole.

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Metastatic Melanoma Presenting as Intussusception in an 80-Year-Old Man: A Case Report

Case Reports in Pathology ◽

10.1155/2013/672816 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 2013 ◽

pp. 1-3 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Sarah Alghamdi ◽

Yumna Omarzai

Keyword(s):

Differential Diagnosis ◽

Small Intestine ◽

Gastrointestinal Tract ◽

Metastatic Melanoma ◽

Clinical Presentation ◽

Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽

Common Site ◽

Neoplastic Process ◽

History Of ◽

Uncommon Neoplasm

Malignant melanoma of the gastrointestinal tract is an uncommon neoplasm that could be primary or metastatic. Small intestine represents the most common site for the metastatic melanoma; however, it could be found anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract. Intussusception is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction in adults compared to children. In 90% of the cases, the underlying cause can be found, and in 65% of the cases, intussusception is caused by the neoplastic process. The majority of the neoplasms are benign, and about 15% are malignant. Metastatic melanoma is one of the most common metastatic malignancies to the gastrointestinal tract; however, the premortem diagnosis is rarely made. Here, we report an uncommon clinical presentation of metastatic melanoma causing intussusception in an 80-year-old man. This diagnosis should be considered in a differential diagnosis in any patient who presents with gastrointestinal symptoms and a history of melanoma.

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A Radiographic Study of the Gastrointestinal-Tract of Potorous-Tridactylus, With a Suggestion as to the Role of the Foregut and Hindgut in Potoroine Marsupials

Australian Journal of Zoology ◽

10.1071/zo9860463 ◽

1986 ◽

Vol 34 (4) ◽

pp. 463 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

PB Frappell ◽

RW Rose

Keyword(s):

Gastrointestinal Tract ◽

Contrast Medium ◽

Barium Sulphate ◽

Proximal Colon ◽

Radiographic Study ◽

Colon And Rectum ◽

Descending Colon ◽

New Interpretation ◽

Potorous Tridactylus

The gastric distribution of barium sulphate and its subsequent intestinal passage were examined by radiography in Potorous tridactylus. Barium sulphate administered in association with solid food passed to the sacciform forestomach from the tubiform forestomach. However, ingested barium sulphate suspension mainly entered the hindstomach via the gastric sulcus. Barium sulphate which entered the sacciform forestomach remained for no more than 1 h before passing to the hindstomach via the tubiform forestomach. The passage of contrast medium through the intestine was followed in adults administered barium sulphate suspension only. Contrast medium which entered the hindstomach was not detectable there after 10 min. Barium sulphate first arrived at the caecum and proximal colon after 20 min, and by 45 min the majority had reached these organs. It persisted in the caecum and proximal colon for several hours, during which there was some movement into the descending colon and rectum. These results lead towards a new interpretation of the role of the potoroine foregut and hindgut.

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Massive Bleeding from Dieulafoy’s Lesion of the Small Intestine in a Child – Therapy for the Bleeding from Gastrointestinal Tract Out of Endoscopic Observation

Digestive Surgery ◽

10.1159/000064571 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 19 (4) ◽

pp. 321-324 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Tetsuhiro Owaki ◽

Chikara Kusano ◽

Masataka Ojiro ◽

Takashi Aikou

Keyword(s):

Small Intestine ◽

Gastrointestinal Tract ◽

Child Therapy ◽

Massive Bleeding ◽

Dieulafoy’S Lesion ◽

Endoscopic Observation

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WZsGreen/+: a new green fluorescent protein knock-in mouse model for the study of KIT-expressing cells in gut and cerebellum

Physiological Genomics ◽

10.1152/physiolgenomics.00105.2005 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 22 (3) ◽

pp. 412-421 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Mira Wouters ◽

Karine Smans ◽

Jean-Marie Vanderwinden

Keyword(s):

Small Intestine ◽

Green Fluorescent Protein ◽

Gastrointestinal Tract ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Fluorescent Protein ◽

Molecular Layer ◽

Transgenic Animals ◽

The Novel ◽

Suitable Alternative ◽

Green Fluorescent

In the small intestine, interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) surrounding the myenteric plexus generate the pacemaking slow waves that are essential for an efficient intestinal transit. The underlying molecular mechanisms of the slow wave are poorly known. KIT is currently the sole practical marker for ICC. Attempts to purify living ICC have so far largely failed, due to the loss of the KIT epitope during enzymatic dissociation. Aiming to identify and isolate living ICC, we designed a knock-in strategy to express a fluorescent tag in KIT-expressing cells by inserting the sequence of the novel green fluorescent protein ZsGreen into the first exon of the c-Kit gene, creating a null allele called WZsGreen. In the gastrointestinal tract of heterozygous WZsGreen/+ mice, tiny ZsGreen fluorescent dots were observed in all KIT-expressing ICC populations, with exception of ICC at the deep muscular plexus in small intestine. During development of the gastrointestinal tract, ZsGreen expression followed KIT expression in a spatiotemporal way. Stellate and basket KIT-expressing cells in the molecular layer of the cerebellum also exhibited ZsGreen dots, whereas no ZsGreen was detected in skin, testis, and bone marrow. ZsGreen dot-containing intestinal cells could be isolated from jejunum and maintained alive in culture for at least 3 days. ZsGreen is a suitable alternative to EGFP in transgenic animals. The novel WZsGreen/+ model reported here appears to be a promising tool for live studies of KIT-expressing cells in the gastrointestinal tract and cerebellum and for the further analysis of pacemaker mechanisms.

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