Life-Threatening Hemoptysis From Aorto-Bronchial Fistula in a Patient With Remote History of Aortic Coarctation Repair.

"Hemoptysis" refers to the expectoration of blood from the respiratory tract. However, "life-threatening hemoptysis" includes any volume that leads to features such as airway obstruction, hypoxia, or hemodynamic instability. We present a case of life-threatening hemoptysis in a 65-year-old male with a history of benign prostatic hyperplasia and uncontrolled hypertension.

Expression and function of umami receptors T1R1/T1R3 in gastric smooth muscle.

Background: l-amino acids, such as monosodium glutamate (MSG), activate the umami receptor T1R1/T1R3. We previously showed increased peristalsis in response to activation of T1R1/T1R3 by MSG in mouse colon. However, the expression and function of these receptors in the different regions of the stomach are not clear.

Branched Short-Chain Fatty Acid Isovaleric Acid Causes Colonic Smooth Muscle Relaxation via cAMP/PKA Pathway.

Background: Isovaleric acid (IVA) is a 5-carbon branched-chain fatty acid present in fermented foods and produced in the colon by bacterial fermentation of leucine. We previously reported that the shorter, straight-chain fatty acids acetate, propionate and butyrate differentially affect colonic motility; however, the effect of branched-chain fatty acids on gut smooth muscle and motility is unknown.

Aims: To determine the effect of IVA on contractility of colonic smooth muscle.

Identification of expression and function of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor in colonic smooth muscle.

The insulinotropic effects of the incretin hormone, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) are mediated via GLP-1 receptors (GLP-1R) present on pancreatic β cells. GLP-1 causes a decrease in the motility of stomach and intestine which involves both central and peripheral nervous systems. The expression and function of GLP-1R in gastrointestinal smooth muscle, however, are not clear.

Inhibition of RhoA/Rho kinase pathway and smooth muscle contraction by hydrogen sulfide.

Hydrogen sulfide (H S) plays an important role in smooth muscle relaxation. Here, we investigated the expression of enzymes in H S synthesis and the mechanism regulating colonic smooth muscle function by H S. Expression of cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE), but not cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS), was identified in the colonic smooth muscle of rabbit, mouse, and human.

Cell infiltration and growth in a low density, uncompressed three-dimensional electrospun nanofibrous scaffold.

A limiting factor of traditional electrospinning is that the electrospun scaffolds consist entirely of tightly packed nanofiber layers that only provide a superficial porous structure due to the sheet-like assembly process. This unavoidable characteristic hinders cell infiltration and growth throughout the nanofibrous scaffolds. Numerous strategies have been tried to overcome this challenge, including the incorporation of nanoparticles, using larger microfibers, or removing embedded salt or water-soluble fibers to increase porosity.