Giant bile duct dilatation in newborn: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Giant congenital biliary dilation (CBD) is a rare condition observed in clinical practice. Infants born with this condition often experience a poor overall health status, and the disease progresses rapidly, leading to severe biliary obstruction, infections, pressure exerted by the enlarged CBD on abdominal organs, disturbances in the internal environment, and multiple organ dysfunction. The treatment of giant CBD using laparoscopy is challenging due to the high degree of variation in the shape of the bile duct and other organs, making it difficult to separate the bile duct wall from adjacent tissues or to control bleeding. CASE SUMMARY: Herein, we present the details of an 11-d-old male newborn who was diagnosed with giant CBD. The patient was admitted to the neonatal surgery department of our hospital due to a history of common bile duct cyst that was detected more than 3 mo ago, and also because the patient had been experiencing yellowish skin for the past 9 d. The abnormal echo in the fetal abdomen was first noticed by the patient's mother during a routine ultrasound examination at a local hospital, when the patient was at 24 wk + 6 d of pregnancy. This finding raised concerns about the possibility of congenital biliary dilatation (22 mm × 21 mm). Subsequent ultrasound examinations at different hospitals consistently confirmed the presence of a congenital biliary dilatation. No specific treatment was administered for biliary dilatation during this period. A computed tomography scan conducted during the hospitalization revealed a large cystic mass in the right upper quadrant and pelvis, measuring approximately 9.2 cm × 7.4 cm × 11.3 cm. Based on the scan, it was classified as a type I biliary dilatation. CONCLUSION: The analysis reveals that prenatal imaging techniques, such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, play a crucial role in the early diagnosis, fetal prognosis, and treatment plan for giant CBD. Laparoscopic surgery for giant CBD presents certain challenges, including difficulties in separating the cyst wall, anastomosis, and hemostasis, as well as severe biliary system infection and ulceration. Consequently, there is a high likelihood of converting to laparotomy. The choice between surgical methods like hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) or hepaticoduodenostomy has not been standardized yet. However, we have achieved favorable outcomes using HJ. Preoperative management of inflammation, biliary drainage, liver function protection, and supportive treatment are particularly vital in improving children's prognosis. After discharge, it is essential to conduct timely reexamination and close follow-up to identify potential complications.

Development and preliminary validation of Cancer-related Psychological Flexibility Questionnaire.

The Cancer-related Psychological Flexibility Questionnaire (CPFQ) was developed and validated for assessing cancer patients' psychological flexibility, including attitudes and behavior toward cancer. In a systematic process, the CPFQ identified four factors through principal component analysis and confirmatory factor analysis: Cancer Acceptance, Cancer Avoidance, Activity Engagement, and Valued Action. The results of this study reveal that the CPFQ has a clear factor structure and good psychometric properties. The specific nature of cancer and the need for a specific measure of cancer patient psychological flexibility make this questionnaire valuable for research on psychological flexibility in cancer patients.

Chinese Version of the Psychological Inflexibility in Pain Scale for Cancer Patients Reporting Chronic Pain.

BACKGROUND: Cancer-related chronic pain is reported by many patients during treatment. There are very few Chinese tools for measuring psychological inflexibility caused by cancer pain, particularly with regard to psychological processes that might influence pain severity and function disorder during cancer treatment. OBJECTIVE: To culturally adapt the Psychological Inflexibility in Pain Scale (PIPS) to Chinese cancer patients experiencing chronic pain, including the determination of psychometric properties of the translated PIPS. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 2 phases: (1) translation and cultural adaptation and (2) determination of psychometric properties of the translated PIPS. In total, 389 cancer patients with several types of cancer experiencing chronic pain enrolled from May to September 2018 at a tertiary cancer hospital in Yuelu District of Hunan Province, China. RESULTS: The Chinese PIPS version was semantically equivalent to the original. It had a 2-factor structure with satisfactory content validity (content validity index = 0.78-1.00), convergent and discriminant validity (composite reliability and average variance extracted at 0.41-0.89, P < .001), criterion-related validity (r = 0.54 and 0.41, P < .001), Cronbach's α coefficients (α = .87), and test-retest reliability (0.9 ≤ r ≤ 0.98). CONCLUSIONS: The Chinese PIPS version has been culturally adapted and has strong psychometric properties. The scale is a psychometrically sound assessment of psychological inflexibility that can be used for future studies of pain and pain management for cancer patients. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The study provides a vital tool for the psychological management of cancer patients with chronic pain.

Study on gene expression patterns and functional pathways of peripheral blood monocytes reveals potential molecular mechanism of surgical treatment for periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammation of periodontal supporting tissue caused by local factors. Periodontal surgery can change the gene expression of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. However, little is known about the potential mechanism of surgical treatment for periodontitis. AIM: To explore the potential molecular mechanism of surgical treatment for periodontitis. METHODS: First, based on the expression profiles of genes related to surgical treatment for periodontitis, a set of expression disorder modules related to surgical treatment for periodontitis were obtained by enrichment analysis. Subsequently, based on crosstalk analysis, we proved that there was a significant crosstalk relationship between module 3 and module 5. Finally, based on predictive analysis of multidimensional regulators, we identified a series of regulatory factors, such as endogenous genes, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), and transcription factors, which have potential regulatory effects on periodontitis. RESULTS: A total of 337 genes related to surgical treatment for periodontitis were obtained, and 3896 genes related to periodontitis were amplified. Eight expression modules of periodontitis were obtained, involving the aggregation of 2672 gene modules. These modules are mainly involved in G-protein coupled receptor signaling pathway, coupled to cyclic nucleotide second messenger, and adenylate cyclase-modulating G-protein coupled receptor signaling pathway. In addition, eight endogenous genes (including EGF, RPS27A, and GNB3) were screened by network connectivity analysis. Finally, based on this set of potential dysfunction modules, 94 transcription factors (including NFKB1, SP1, and STAT3) and 1198 ncRNAs (including MALAT1, CRNDE, and ANCR) were revealed. These core regulators are thought to be involved in the potential molecular mechanism of periodontitis after surgical treatment. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, we can show biologists and pharmacists a new idea to reveal the potential molecular mechanism of surgical treatment for periodontitis, and provide valuable reference for follow-up treatment programs.

Magnetic Anastomosis Rings to Create Portacaval Shunt in a Canine Model of Portal Hypertension.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated a novel magnetic compression technique (magnamosis) for creating a portacaval shunt in a canine model of portal hypertension, relative to traditional manual suture. METHODS: Portal hypertension was induced in 18 dogs by partial ligation of the portal vein (baseline). Six weeks later, extrahepatic portacaval shunt implantation was performed with either magnetic anastomosis rings, or traditional manual suture (n = 9, each). The two groups were compared for operative time, portal vein pressure, and serum biochemical indices. Twenty-four weeks post-implantation, the established anastomoses were evaluated by color Doppler imaging, venography, and gross and microscopic histological examinations. RESULTS: Anastomotic leakage did not occur in either group. The operative time to complete the anastomosis for magnamosis (4.12 ± 1.04 min) was significantly less than that needed for manual suture (24.47 ± 4.89 min, P < 0.01). The portal vein pressure in the magnamosis group was more stable than that in the manual suture group. The blood ammonia level at the end of the 24-week post-implantation observation period was significantly lower in the magnamosis group than in the manual suture group. Gross and microscopic histological examinations revealed that better smoothness and continuity of the vascular intima had been achieved via magnamosis than with manual suture. CONCLUSION: Magnamosis was superior to manual suture for the creation of a portacaval shunt in this canine model of portal hypertension.

Brief Introduction of Medical Insurance System in China.

China has one of the largest numbers of cancer patients. The huge expenses of medical care for cancer patients has brought heavy economic burden to the family. This paper briefly introduces the tumor medical insurance situation in China from the construction and composition of China's medical security system, the access of cancer patients to get health insurance, the challenges and developmental trend of China's medical security system, and two case studies that highlight different financial situations.

Electron Donor Substances and Iron Oxides Stimulate Anaerobic Dechlorination of DDT in a Slurry System with Hydragric Acrisols.

The interactive effects between electron donor substances and iron (Fe) oxides have significant influence on electron transfer and the growth of Fe-reducing bacteria, which may affect the reductive dechlorination of 1,1,1-trichoro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT) in soils. To evaluate the roles of volatile fatty acids and Fe(III) oxide in accelerating the reductive dechlorination of DDT in Hydragric Acrisols, a batch anaerobic incubation experiment was conducted in a slurry system with the following seven treatments: sterile soil, control (DDT-contaminated soil), lactic acid, propionic acid, goethite, lactic acid + goethite, and propionic acid + goethite. Results showed that after 20 d of incubation, DDT residues for these treatments decreased by 34, 65, 77, 81, 77, 90, and 92% of the initial quantities, respectively, with 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-ethane as the dominant metabolite. The application of lactic acid had no significant effect on DDT dechlorination in the first 8 d while the methanogenesis rate increased quickly but accelerated DDT dechlorination after Day 8 while the methanogenesis rate decreased and Fe(II) contents increased. The application of propionic acid enhanced DDT dechlorination rates throughout the incubation. The amendment by goethite stimulated microbial reduction of Fe(III) oxides to generate Fe(II), which was an efficient electron donor, thus accelerating DDT dechlorination significantly in the early incubation period. A synergetic interaction that accelerated DDT dechlorination, either between lactic acid and goethite or between propionic acid and goethite, was obtained. The results will be of great significance to develop efficient in situ remediation technology of DDT-contaminated soil.

[Combined stress of enhanced UV-B radiation and 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene contamination on the growth of green vegetable].

A pot experiment was conducted to study the effects of UV-B radiation enhancement alone, 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene (TCB) contamination soil alone, and the combined stress on the growing process, stomatal resistance and leaf structure of green vegetable. The results showed that 1,2,4-TCB contamination alone had more significant inhibitory effect on the growth of green vegetable than the combined stress. Both UV-B radiation enhancement and 1,2,4-TCB contamination reduced the stomatal resistance of front and reverse leaves. Enhanced UV-B radiation resulted in the albino of leaves. 1,2,4-TCB contamination resulted in the fading of leaf color and the appearing of black spots on leaf surfaces, and the enhanced UV-B radiation strengthened the black-spot symptom. In conclusion, the effects of UV-B radiation enhancement alone, 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene (TCB) contamination soil alone and the combined stress on the growth indicators of green vegetable were different.

[Influence of the interaction between iron oxide and electron donor substances on 1,1,1-trichloro- 2, 2-bis (p-chlorophenyl) ethane ( DDT) reductive dechlorination in hydragric acrisols].

The interaction between iron oxide and electron donor substance have significant influences on electron transfer and the growth of iron-reducing bacteria, which may affect the reductive dechlorination of polychlorinated organic compounds in soil. Anaerobic soil incubation experiment was conducted to study the effect and its mechanism of iron oxide (goethite), electron donor substances (butyrate and ethanol), and their interaction on DDT reductive dechlorination in Hydragric Acrisols. Results showed that after 6 weeks of anaerobic incubation, the extractable residues of DDT were between 1.29% and 2.01% of initial DDT amounts in soils, which was attributed to the dechlorinated degradation of DDT and formation of bound residues of DDT and its dechlorinated products. The main product of DDT anaerobic dechlorination was 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis (p-chloro-phenyl) ethane (DDD). During the prophase of incubation, the application of butyrate or ethanol led to the decreased pH and increased Eh for reaction system, thus inhibited DDT dechlorination. The applications of only goethite or goethite and electron donor substances resulted in the increased soil pH, decreased soil Eh and increased Fe( II ) contents, thus accelerated DDT dechlorination. There was no significant interaction between butyrate and iron oxide on DDT dechlorination, whereas there was antagonistic action between ethanol and iron oxide on DDT dechlorination. The results will be of great significance for developing efficient and in-situ remediation technology of DDT contaminated soil.

[Study on regularity of greenhouse gas emissions from black soil with different reclamation years].

Regularity of greenhouse gas emissions from black soil with different reclamation years in northern China was investigated by an incubation experiment. Soil samples cultivated for 2 years, 30 years, 100 years and uncultivated were collected and incubated at 2 degrees C and a soil moisture of 60% of the water hold capacity (WHC) for 7 days. The results indicated that the physical and chemical properties of black soil changed significantly after reclamation, which had significant influence on the greenhouse gas emissions. N2O emission was stimulated after soil was reclaimed, the longer time of reclamation, the higher N2O emitted from soil, and the N2O emissions from soil cultivated for 30 and 100 years were significantly higher than that from uncultivated soil. There were significant positive correlations between N2O emission and the content of water organic nitrogen and silt in soil, whereas significant negative correlations were found between pH, sand content and N2O emission. CO2 emission decreased after the soil was cultivated, and CO2 emission from soil cultivated for 30 and 100 years were significantly lower than that of uncultivated soil. There were significant positive correlations between organic carbon, water organic carbon and CO2 emission. All of the soils behaved as weak sources of CH4 emission during the first 4 days of incubation, and then behaved as weak sink of atmospheric CH4, the CH4 cumulative emission increased with reclamation years. The difference of CO2 and CH4 emissions from black soil with different reclamation years may be attributed to the difference of soil pH, organic carbon, soluble organic carbon and the contents of sand and silt.

[Biological responses of maize seedlings to single and combined stress of cadmium and phenanthrene].

Maize (Zea mays L.) pot-culture experiments were conducted in this study for exploring the biological responses of maize seedlings to single and joint stress of Cadmium (Cd) and phenanthrene. The results showed that single-Cd treatment with Cd concentration ranging from 0 to 50 mg/kg had no significant influences on the above-ground biomass, root biomass, and the soluble protein of maize seedlings; with the increase of Cd concentrations, the maize leaf SOD activities appeared as an increasing-decreasing trend, while the POD, CAT, APX activities increased persistently. The APX is very sensitive to Cd stress, which increased 38% than control treatment at lower Cd treatment (1 mg/kg). The accumulation of O2-* is one of the main cause of single-Cd toxicity. Under the Cd-phenanthren combined stress, the SOD activity increased at lower Cd concentration (1 mg/kg) , which can reached to 1.66 times of control treatment, and decreased when Cd concentration becomes high. The SOD activity is a sensitive index in response to the Cd-phenanthren combined pollution. Unlike SOD activity, the activities of POD, CAT and APX were obviously induced by combined pollution of Cd and phenanthren; but these enzyme activities decreased when compared with the single-Cd stress, which suggested that the combined toxicity of Cd and phenanthrene is stronger than the single-Cd stress. And the accumulation of O2-* and *OH is one of the main cause of Cd-phenanthrene combined toxicity.

[High throughput screening method of potassium channel regulators].

AIM: To discover new regulators of potassium channel, an in vitro assay based on DiBAC4 (3) to determine the fluorescence was established for high throughput screening. METHODS: A cell-based 96-well format fluorescence assay using DiBAC4 (3) in cultured PC12 cells was described. Cells were loaded with 5 mumol.L-1 DiBAC4 (3) and incubated at 37 degrees C for 30 min before adding KCl or several known potassium channel regulators. The cellular DiBAC4 (3) fluorescence responce was then detected. The fluorescence changes can be used to evaluate membrane potential changes, which are determined mainly by potassium channels. RESULTS: Extracellular high K(+)-induced depolarization and several potassium channel blockers including 4-AP, TEA, E-4031, glibenclamide, quinidine and nifedipine all evoked increases in DiBAC4 (3) fluorescence response. The potassium channel opener, cromakalim, evoked decrease in DiBAC4 (3) fluorescence response. The fluorescence changes of 4-AP, TEA, glibenclamide, nifedipine and cromakalim were in a concentration-dependent manner. In 76 compounds screened by using the established DiBAC4 (3)-based assay, 9 compounds were found to change the fluorescence dose-dependently. Patch clamp technique is needed to further testify and screen their actions on potassium currents. CONCLUSION: The DiBAC4 (3)-based assay is easily operated, economical and repeatable. So, it can be performed by high throughput screening for potassium channel regulators.

mRNA expression alterations of inward rectifier potassium channels in rat brain with cholinergic impairment.

Potassium channel dysfunction has been indicated in Alzheimer's disease. In the present study, spatial memory, the activity of cortical acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and the expressions of inward rectifier potassium channels (Kir) were measured after ibotenic acid lesions of nucleus basalis magnocellularis (nbm) in rats. Expressions of Kir (Kir2.1, Kir3.1, Kir6.1 and Kir6.2) at mRNA level were assessed using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. At 28 days after ibotenic acid injection, the spatial memory of rats was significantly impaired accompanied by a 32% reduction of cortical AChE activity. Furthermore, the expression of Kir6.2 was increased by 79.3% in cortex, and that of Kir6.1 was increased by 172.1% in hippocampus, while no obvious changes in the mRNA expression of Kir2.1 and Kir3.1 were detected. This study indicated that the expression of adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channel was area and channel subtype specifically increased following nbm lesions.