Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is an osmotic laxative that induces concentration-dependent shifts in gut microbial composition. In mouse PEG-challenge experiments, Muribaculaceae decline during exposure, whereas Bacteroidaceae remain stable or increase in relative representation. We analyzed these family-level trajectories using an effective two-family competition-immigration model on the sequencing-derived relative-abundance scale. The model is a switching-regime generalized Lotka-Volterra system with logistic self-limitation, constant immigration, and separate PEG and post-PEG parameter sets fitted to longitudinal 16S rRNA data for 5%, 10%, and 15% PEG. The model reproduced PEG-period Muribaculaceae depletion, post-PEG recovery, Bacteroidaceae resilience, and incomplete return toward the pre-treatment state at 15% PEG. Near-optimal ensembles and sensitivity analyses indicated that the 15% PEG trajectory gave the most stable full-model interaction-summary signal, whereas the 10% PEG trajectory was more objective-sensitive. However, a nested raw-interaction-invariant comparator, retaining phase-specific growth and carrying-capacity parameters while sharing inter-family interaction coefficients across phases, reproduced the trajectories comparably and was favored by AICc/BIC, with the weakest model-comparison separation at 15% PEG. Thus, the robust conclusion is PEG/post-PEG dynamical regime separation and strong Muribaculaceae vulnerability during PEG; the data do not require phase-specific raw interaction switching. Fitted parameters should be interpreted as model-conditional observation-scale summaries rather than direct physiological competition estimates.

Functional constipation is one of the most common disorders of gut-brain interaction. Adequate hydration is recommended as first-line therapy, yet evidence regarding the efficacy of sulfate- and magnesium-rich mineral water remains limited. Therefore, this study investigated its efficacy and safety in a nationwide decentralized randomized controlled trial.

Osteosarcoma is a primary malignant bone tumor with a well-established tendency for pulmonary metastasis; however, gastrointestinal (GI) involvement is exceedingly rare. Intra-abdominal metastases may occur years to decades after the initial diagnosis. Hematogenous spread, following pulmonary metastasis, is the presumed mechanism. Due to delayed presentation and atypical manifestations, recognition of GI complications in patients with a remote history of osteosarcoma is essential. In this report, we present a case of an 80-year-old male with chronic GI complications decades after original metastatic osteosarcoma diagnosis involving the stomach and colon. He described recurrent, dull, constant left lower quadrant abdominal pain associated with poor oral intake and constipation. Physical examination demonstrated focal left lower quadrant tenderness. CT abdomen and pelvis revealed dilated small bowel loops concerning for partial small bowel obstruction, while esophagram demonstrated esophageal dysmotility with mild reflux. These findings are linked to the sequelae of complications following initial metastatic osteosarcoma. The patient had a history of numerous surgeries and required continuous opioid use for pain management. Conservative management consisted of bowel rest, laxatives, and supportive care resulting in transient symptom improvement; however, symptoms recurred frequently following discharge, leading to multiple readmissions for recurrent obstructive and dysmotility-related symptoms. This case highlights several gastroenterological considerations. Metastatic osteosarcoma and further GI sequelae should remain within the differential diagnoses of chronic abdominal pain or bowel obstruction in patients with a remote history of osteosarcoma, even decades after initial treatment. For gastroenterologists, recognition of both structural and functional GI sequelae of osteosarcoma is critical to guide symptom-directed, nonoperative management strategies and reduce recurrent hospitalizations.

Tumor-on-a-chip platforms are increasingly recognized as promising preclinical tools for developing personalized therapies. However, effectively recapitulating tumor heterogeneity, three-dimensional architecture, and the dynamic in vivo microenvironment remains a significant challenge. Here, we developed magneto-responsive microcontainers for controllable culture of the patient-derived colorectal tumor cells (pCRCs) spheroids. Using microfluidic electrospray technology, microcontainers with a biocompatible carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) core and a magnetic Fe3O4@alginate shell were fabricated for efficient harvest of pCRCs-spheroids. In addition, the microcontainers underwent rotational motion under an external magnetic field, thereby modulating local molecular transport. Moreover, integration of such pCRCs-laden microcontainer into a branched microfluidic chip enabled the generation of drug concentration gradients. Functional on-chip assays revealed heterogeneous drug responses among patient-derived spheroids and enabled preliminary comparison with the available clinical outcomes. Collectively, this magnetic chip-based platform offers a controllable in vitro approach for high-throughput, patient-specific chemotherapy screening in colorectal cancer.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multisystem disease affecting epithelia of the respiratory tract, exocrine pancreas, intestine, hepatobiliary system, and exocrine sweat glands. Morbidities include progressive obstructive lung disease with bronchiectasis, frequent hospitalizations for pulmonary disease, pancreatic insufficiency and malnutrition, recurrent sinusitis and bronchitis, and male infertility. Pulmonary disease is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in CF. Meconium ileus occurs at birth in 15%-20% of newborns with CF. More than 95% of males with CF are infertile. Congenital absence of the vas deferens (CAVD) is generally identified during evaluation of infertility or as an incidental finding at the time of a surgical procedure. Hypoplasia or aplasia of the vas deferens and seminal vesicles may occur either bilaterally or unilaterally. Testicular development and function and spermatogenesis are usually normal.

Senna alexandrina has been widely used in traditional medicine for gastrointestinal, dermatological, metabolic, and musculoskeletal disorders. Despite extensive ethnobotanical knowledge, a comprehensive integration of its chemical constituents with pharmacological evidence remains limited. This review aimed to synthesize the traditional uses, pharmacological activities, and chemical constituents of S. alexandrina, highlighting the alignment between ethnobotanical applications and experimental evidence. Literature on ethnomedicinal usage, in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies, and chemical characterization of S. alexandrina was systematically reviewed. A total of 219 chemical structures were compiled, along with the reported bioactivities and traditional applications. Extracts of leaves, pods, and aerial parts exhibit dose-dependent laxative, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, and metabolic regulatory activities. Anthraquinones, flavonoids, polysaccharides, and other secondary metabolites underpin these effects. The integration of 219 chemical structures, pharmacological data and traditional uses is rare and provides a unique resource for future mechanistic studies and drug discovery. The alignment between traditional usage and experimental pharmacology is promising, though the available evidence remains largely preclinical and extract based. Future research should isolate and characterize specific bioactive compounds to enable precise dosing, elucidate mechanisms, and advance clinical translation.

Adult-onset Hirschsprung's disease (HSD) is uncommon and frequently leads to diagnostic difficulty after infancy. It is a congenital illness that causes intestinal obstruction due to a lack of ganglion cells. Approximately 1 in 5000 live newborns have this illness, and 95% of HSD cases are identified in infants. This case report will fill a knowledge gap at a low-resource setting where published papers on this topic are extremely rare, and will provide insight into diagnosis and surgical management options that are feasible in resource-limited environments with good outcomes. In this case report, we present two cases of adult-onset HSD having a history of persistent constipation that has been treated by laxatives for a long time, abdominal distention, and intermittent colicky pain. For one of the patients, exploratory laparotomy, sigmoid resection and colostomy was done with suspected diagnosis of sigmoid volvulus due to sign of obstruction. Despite this, the patient's clinical condition was not improved and was referred to our hospital for further work up and management. The patient was diagnosed with adult-onset HSD at our hospital by biopsy from the rectum and colostomy site and managed as adult-onset HSD. The other patient was deflated with a rectal tube with suspicion of sigmoid volvulus and later referred to our hospital. She was diagnosed with adult-onset HSD by full-thickness rectal biopsy after having a detailed history. She was surgically treated and discharged improved. A detailed history including childhood period was obtained, and a physical examination was performed. Basic investigations were done and within the normal range. Barium enema revealed a grossly distended proximal colon. Rectal biopsy was performed in all cases and showed aganglionosis at the stenotic segment. The Soave pull-through procedure was performed along with a protective ileostomy. One procedure was laparoscopy assisted and the other one was open. Ileostomy reversal was performed later. In both cases, patient symptoms were completely resolved and had an uneventful condition at one-year follow-up at our hospital. Generally, adult HSD should be considered in the differential diagnosis of adult patients with chronic constipation or even acute bowel obstruction with a chronic background of constipation. Full-thickness rectal biopsy is confirmatory for diagnosis. The Soave pull-through procedure with protective ileostomy is a feasible surgical option for treating adult HSD.

Managing infected wounds requires a delicate balance between rapid antimicrobial activity and continued tissue repair. To meet this challenge, we developed a porous carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)/alginate hydrogel loaded with Silver nanoparticles and a Pistacia atlantica essential oil rich in α-pinene. The hydrogel displayed remarkable swelling (up to 6362% over 72 h) and changed the essential oil release from a rapid, volatile burst to a sustained, controlled profile (73% steady release over 96 h). In vitro tests revealed potent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 650 μg/mL), significant antioxidant properties, and excellent cytocompatibility. Importantly, in vivo studies in mice demonstrated a stage-adaptive healing mechanism. Silver nanoparticles allowed rapid early infection control (47.4% wound closure by Day 4). Subsequently, the sustained release of the essential oil promoted robust tissue regeneration during the proliferative phase (82.6% closure by Day 7), driven by an enhanced TAC-mediated antioxidant defense, reduced MDA levels, and accelerated hydroxyproline-associated collagen synthesis. By Day 13, re-epithelialization was near-complete (93.6%), matching commercial controls. Ultimately, this synergistic integration of plant-derived bioactives and metal antimicrobials presents a highly effective, stage-specific platform for accelerated wound healing.