A Global Loss of Dio2 Leads to Unexpected Changes in Function and Fiber Types of Slow Skeletal Muscle in Male Mice.

The type 2 iodothyronine-deiodinase (D2) enzyme converts T4 to T3, and mice deficient in this enzyme [D2 knockout (D2KO) mice] have decreased T3 derived from T4 in skeletal muscle despite normal circulating T3 levels. Because slow skeletal muscle is particularly susceptible to changes in T3 levels, we expected D2 inactivation to result in more pronounced slow-muscle characteristics in the soleus muscle, mirroring hypothyroidism. However, ex vivo studies of D2KO soleus revealed higher rates of twitch contraction and relaxation and reduced resistance to fatigue.

Significant Morbidity and Mortality Associated with Fecal Impaction in Patients Who Present to the Emergency Department.

Background: Fecal impaction (FI) is defined as a large mass of stool in the rectum and/or colon that is unable to be evacuated. No study to date details demographics and outcomes in a sizeable sample of FI patients in the USA.

Aims: The present study aims to develop knowledge of FI by reporting descriptive measures and outcomes of patients presenting to a US emergency department (ED) with FI.

Emergency Department Burden of Gastroparesis in the United States, 2006 to 2013.

Background And Aims: Gastroparesis, a chronic gastrointestinal disorder defined by delayed stomach emptying in the absence of obstruction, is often associated with frequent and costly visits to the emergency department (ED). The aim of this study was to analyze trends in gastroparesis-related ED visits from 2006 to 2013.

Materials And Methods: Patients with a primary diagnosis of gastroparesis were identified from the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS), the largest publicly available ED all-payer representative database in the United States.