Robustα-Fe_(2)O_(3)/Epoxy Resin Superhydrophobic Coatings for Anti-icing Property

α-Fe_(2)O_(3)/epoxy resin composite superhydrophobic coating was prepared withα-Fe_(2)O_(3) nanoparticles and epoxy resin by spin coating method.The coating without epoxy resin has higher contact angle(CA)and lower ice adhesion strength(IAS),but the mechanical properties are poor.Theα-Fe_(2)O_(3)/epoxy resin composite superhydrophobic coating exhibits good mechanical durability.In addition,compared with the bare aluminum substrate,the Ecorr of the composite coating is positive and the Jcorr is lower.The inhibition efficiency of the composite coating is as high as 99.98%in 3.5 wt%NaCl solution.The difference in the microstructure caused by the two preparation methods leads to the changes in mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of composite superhydrophobic coating.

Multi-aspect analysis of ureteral access sheath usage in retrograde intrarenal surgery: A RIRSearch group study

Objective:To evaluate the effect of ureteral access sheath(UAS)use and calibration change on stone-free rate and complications of retrograde intrarenal surgery(RIRS).Methods:Data from 568 patients undergoing RIRS for kidney or upper ureteral stones were retrospectively included.Firstly,patients were compared after 1:1 propensity score matching,according to UAS usage during RIRS(UAS used[+]87 and UAS non-used[−]87 patients).Then all UAS+patients(n=481)were subdivided according to UAS calibration:9.5-11.5 Fr,10-12 Fr,11-13 Fr,and 13-15 Fr.Primary outcomes of the study were the success and complications of RIRS.Results:Stone-free rate of UAS+patients(86.2%)was significantly higher than UAS−patients(70.1%)after propensity score matching(p=0.01).Stone-free rate increased with higher caliber UAS(9.5-11.5 Fr:66.7%;10-12 Fr:87.0%;11-13 Fr:90.6%;13-15 Fr:100%;p<0.001).Postoperative complications of UAS+patients(11.5%)were significantly lower than UAS−patients(27.6%)(p=0.01).Complications(8.7%)with 9.5-11.5 Fr UAS was lower than thicker UAS(17.2%)but was not statistically significant(p=0.09).UAS usage was an independent factor predicting stone-free status or peri-and post-operative complications(odds ratio[OR]3.654,95%confidence interval[CI]1.314-10.162;OR 4.443,95%CI 1.350-14.552;OR 4.107,95%CI 1.366-12.344,respectively).Conclusion:Use of UAS in RIRS may increase stone-free rates,which also increase with higher caliber UAS.UAS usage may reduce complications;however,complications seemingly increase with higher UAS calibration.

Study of Flow and Heat Transfer in an Ejector-Driven Swirl Anti-Icing Chamber

The formation of ice on the leading edge of aircraft engines is a serious issue,as it can have catastrophic consequences.The Swirl Anti-Icing(SAI)system,driven by ejection,circulates hot fluid within a 360°annular chamber to heat the engine inlet lip surface and prevent icing.This study employs a validated Computational Fluid Dynamics(CFD)approach to study the impact of key geometric parameters of this system on flow and heat transfer characteristics within the anti-icing chamber.Additionally,the entropy generation rate and exergy efficiency are analyzed to assess the energy utilization in the system.The research findings indicate that,within the considered flow range,reducing the nozzle specific areaφfrom 0.03061 to 0.01083 can enhance the ejection coefficient by over 60.7%.This enhancement increases the air circulating rate,thereby intensifying convective heat transfer within the SAI chamber.However,the reduction inφalso leads to a significant increase in the required bleed air pressure and a higher entropy generation rate,indicating lower exergy efficiency.The nozzle angleθnotably affects the distribution of hot and cold spots on the lip surface of the SAI chamber.Increasingθfrom 0°to 20°reduces the maximum temperature difference on the anti-icing chamber surface by 60 K.

The outcomes and safety of patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography combining a single-use cholangioscope and a single-use duodenoscope:A multicenter retrospective international study

Background: Duodenoscope-related multidrug-resistant organism(MDRO) infections raise concerns. Disposable duodenoscopes have been recently introduced in the market and approved by regulatory agencies with the aim to reduce the risk of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) associated infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of procedures performed with single-use duodenoscopes in patients with clinical indications to single-operator cholangiopancreatoscopy. Methods: This is a multicenter international, retrospective study combining all patients who underwent complex biliopancreatic interventions using the combination of a single-use duodenoscope and a single-use cholangioscope. The primary outcome was technical success defined as ERCP completion for the intended clinical indication. Secondary outcomes were procedural duration, rate of cross-over to reusable duodenoscope, operator-reported satisfaction score(1 to 10) on performance rating of the single-use duodenoscope, and adverse event(AE) rate. Results: A total of 66 patients(26, 39.4% female) were included in the study. ERCP was categorized according to ASGE ERCP grading system as 47(71.2%) grade 3 and 19(28.8%) grade 4. The technical success rate was 98.5%(65/66). Procedural duration was 64(interquartile range 15-189) min, cross-over rate to reusable duodenoscope was 1/66(1.5%). The satisfaction score of the single-use duodenoscope classified by the operators was 8.6 ± 1.3 points. Four patients(6.1%) experienced AEs not directly related to the single-use duodenoscope, namely 2 post-ERCP pancreatitis(PEP), 1 cholangitis and 1 bleeding.Conclusions: Single-use duodenoscope is effective, reliable and safe even in technically challenging procedures with a non-inferiority to reusable duodenoscope, making these devices a viable alternative to standard reusable equipment.

Endoscopic retrograde appendicitis treatment for periappendiceal abscess: A case report

BACKGROUND Acute appendicitis is the most common abdominal emergency.At present,the main treatments for periappendiceal abscess include antibiotics and surgery.However,the complications and mortality of emergency surgery are high.The preferred therapy is conservative treatment with antibiotics first,ultrasound-guided puncture drainage or surgical treatment is followed when necessary.Endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy(ERAT)for acute uncomplicated appendicitis have been proved clinically effective,but it is rarely used in periap-pendiceal abscess.CASE SUMMARY We report a patient admitted to hospital because of“right lower abdominal pain for six days”.The computerized tomography(CT)of patient showed that appendicitis with fecaliths and abscess in the pelvis.The patient was treated by CT-guided puncture and drainage of abdominal abscess combined with ERAT to remove appendiceal fecaliths,irrigation and stent placement.CONCLUSION The patient did not receive surgery because of impoverished family.Abdominal pain did not recur during the follow-up period.This case confirms the value of ERAT in the treatment of periappendiceal abscess.

Neurosyphilis complicated by anti-γ-aminobutyric acid-B receptor encephalitis: A case report

BACKGROUND Syphilis is an infectious disease caused by Treponema pallidum that can invade the central nervous system,causing encephalitis.Few cases of anti-N-methyl-Daspartate receptor autoimmune encephalitis(AE)secondary to neurosyphilis have been reported.We report a neurosyphilis patient with anti-γ-aminobutyric acid-B receptor(GABABR)AE.CASE SUMMARY A young man in his 30s who presented with acute epileptic status was admitted to a local hospital.He was diagnosed with neurosyphilis,according to serum and cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)tests for syphilis.After 14 d of antiepileptic treatment and anti-Treponema pallidum therapy with penicillin,epilepsy was controlled but serious cognitive impairment,behavioral,and serious psychiatric symptoms were observed.He was then transferred to our hospital.The Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE)crude test results showed only 2 points.Cranial magnetic resonance imaging revealed significant cerebral atrophy and multiple fluidattenuated inversion recovery high signals in the white matter surrounding both lateral ventricles,left amygdala and bilateral thalami.Anti-GABABR antibodies were discovered in CSF(1:3.2)and serum(1:100).The patient was diagnosed with neurosyphilis complicated by anti-GABABR AE,and received methylprednisolone and penicillin.Following treatment,his mental symptoms were alleviated.Cognitive impairment was significantly improved,with a MMSE of 8 points.Serum anti-GABABR antibody titer decreased to 1:32.The patient received methylprednisolone and penicillin after discharge.Three months later,the patient’s condition was stable,but the serum anti-GABABR antibody titer was 1:100.CONCLUSION This patient with neurosyphilis combined with anti-GABABR encephalitis benefited from immunotherapy.

Impact of frailty on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography outcomes in nonagenarians:A United States national experience

BACKGROUND Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)is an essential therapeutic tool for biliary and pancreatic diseases.Frail and elderly patients,especially those aged≥90 years are generally considered a higher-risk population for ERCP-related complications.AIM To investigate outcomes of ERCP in the Non-agenarian population(≥90 years)concerning Frailty.METHODS This is a cohort study using the 2018-2020 National Readmission Database.Patients aged≥90 were identified who underwent ERCP,using the international classification of diseases-10 code with clinical modification.Johns Hopkins’s adjusted clinical groups frailty indicator was used to classify patients as frail and non-frail.The primary outcome was mortality,and the secondary outcomes were morbidity and the 30 d readmission rate related to ERCP.We used univariate and multivariate regression models for analysis.RESULTS A total of 9448 patients were admitted for any indications of ERCP.Frail and non-frail patients were 3445(36.46%)and 6003(63.53%)respectively.Indications for ERCP were Choledocholithiasis(74.84%),Biliary pancreatitis(9.19%),Pancreatico-biliary cancer(7.6%),Biliary stricture(4.84%),and Cholangitis(1.51%).Mortality rates were higher in frail group[adjusted odds ratio(aOR)=1.68,P=0.02].The Intra-procedural complications were insigni-ficant between the two groups which included bleeding(aOR=0.72,P=0.67),accidental punctures/lacerations(aOR=0.77,P=0.5),and mechanical ventilation rates(aOR=1.19,P=0.6).Post-ERCP complication rate was similar for bleeding(aOR=0.72,P=0.41)and post-ERCP pancreatitis(aOR=1.4,P=0.44).Frail patients had a longer length of stay(6.7 d vs 5.5 d)and higher mean total charges of hospitalization($78807 vs$71392)compared to controls(P<0.001).The 30 d all-cause readmission rates between frail and non-frail patients were similar(P=0.96).CONCLUSION There was a significantly higher mortality risk and healthcare burden amongst nonagenarian frail patients undergoing ERCP compared to non-frail.Larger studies are warranted to investigate and mitigate modifiable risk factors.

Systematic review and meta-analysis on the prophylactic role of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to prevent post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis

AIM: To critically appraise the published randomized, controlled trials on the prophylactic effectiveness of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs), in reducing the risk of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) pancreatitis. METHODS: A systematic literature search(MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Library, from inception of the databases until May 2015) was conducted to identify randomized, clinical trials investigating the role of NSAIDs in reducing the risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis. Random effects model of the meta-analysis was carried out, and results were presented as odds ratios(OR) with corresponding 95%CI.RESULTS: Thirteen randomized controlled trials on 3378 patients were included in the final meta-analysis. There were 1718 patients in the NSAIDs group and 1660 patients in non-NSAIDs group undergoing ERCP. The use of NSAIDs(through rectal route or intramuscular route) was associated with the reduced risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis [OR, 0.52(0.38-0.72), P = 0.0001]. The use of pre-procedure NSAIDs was effective in reducing approximately 48% incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis, number needed to treat were 16 with absolute risk reduction of 0.05. But the risk of post-ERCP pancreattis was reduced by 55% if NSAIDs were administered after procedure. Similarly, diclofenac was more effective(55%) prophylactic agent compared to indomethacin(41%).CONCLUSION: NSAIDs seem to have clinically proven advantage of reducing the risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis.

Split-dose or hybrid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and Nacetylcysteine therapy for prevention of post-retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis

BACKGROUND Despite significant technical and training improvements, the incidence of postendoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) pancreatitis(PEP) has not significantly dropped. Although many studies have evaluated the efficacy of various agents, e.g. nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, octreotide,antioxidants, administered via various dosages, routes(oral, intrarectal or parenteral), and schedules(before or after the procedure), the results have been conflicting.AIM To evaluate efficacy of three pharmacologic prophylactic methods for prevention of PEP.METHODS In this prospective, single-center randomized trial, patients who underwent firsttime ERCP for choledocholithiasis were randomly assigned to three groups. The first group received 600 mg N-acetylcysteine 15 min prior to ERCP, and perrectum administration of 50 mg indomethacin both prior to and after completion of the ERCP. The second group was administered only the 50 mg indomethacin per-rectum both prior to and after the ERCP. The third group was administeredper-rectum 100 mg indomethacin only after the ERCP, representing the control group given the guideline-recommended regimen. The primary end-point was PEP prevention.RESULTS Among the total 211 patients evaluated during the study, 186 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and completed the protocol. The percentages of patients who developed PEP in each of the three groups were not significantly different(χ2 =2.793, P = 0.247). Among the acute PEP cases, for all groups, 14 patients developed mild pancreatitis(77.77%) and 4 moderate. No severe cases of PEP occurred, and in all PEP cases the resolution was favorable. No adverse events related to the medications(digestive hemorrhage, rectal irritation, or allergies)occurred.CONCLUSION The efficacies of split-dose indomethacin and combined administration(Nacetylcysteine with indomethacin) for preventing PEP were similar to that of the standard regimen.

The Principles of Starch Gelatinization and Retrogradation

The polysaccharides, such as κ-carrageenan, ι-carrageenan, agarose (agar), gellan gum, amylose, curdlan, alginate, and deacetylated rhamsan gum, in water changed into an ice-like structure with hydrogen bonding between polymer and water molecules, and between water-water molecules even at a concentration range of 0.1% - 1.0% (W/V) at room temperature, resulting in gelation. Such dramatic changes from liquid into gels have been understood at the molecular level in principles. In this review, we describe the structure-function relationship of starch on the view point of rheological aspects and discuss gelatinization and retrogradation mechanism including water molecules at molecular level. The starch molecules (amylose and amylopectin) play a dominant role in the center of the tetrahedral cavities occupied by water molecules, and the arrangement is partially similar to a tetrahedral structure in a gelatinization process. The arrangement should lead to a cooperative effect stabilizing extended regions of ice-like water with hydrogen bonding on the surface of the polymer molecules, where hemiacetal oxygen and hydroxyl groups might participate in hydrogen bonding with water molecules. Thus, a more extended ice-like hydrogen bonding within water molecules might be achieved in a retrogradation process. Though many investigations not only include starch gelatinization and retrogradaion, but also the gelling properties of the polysaccharides have been undertaken to elucidate the structure-function relationship, no other researchers have established mechanism at the molecular level. There is reasonable consistency in our investigations.

Rectal nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,glyceryl trinitrate,or combinations for prophylaxis of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis:A network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Acute pancreatitis is the most common and severe complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP).Recent evidence suggests that combinations based on rectal nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs)are more beneficial in preventing post-ERCP pancreatitis(PEP).Randomized controlled trials(RCTs)have also demonstrated the efficacy of glyceryl trinitrate(GTN).We conducted a network meta-analysis to compare NSAIDs and GTN for prevention of PEP and to determine whether they are better in combination.AIM To compare NSAIDs and GTN for prevention of PEP and to determine whether they are better in combination.METHODS A systematic search was done for full-text RCTs of PEP in PubMed,Embase,Science Citation Index,and the Cochrane Controlled Trials database.Inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to screen for eligible RCTs.The major data were extracted by two independent reviewers.The frequentist model was used to conduct this network meta-analysis and obtain the pairwise OR and 95%CI.The data were then extracted and assessed on the basis of the Reference Citation RESULTS Twenty-four eligible RCTs were selected,evaluating seven preventive strategies in 9416 patients.Rectal indomethacin 100 mg plus sublingual GTN(OR:0.21,95%CI:0.09–0.50),rectal diclofenac 100 mg(0.34,0.18–0.65),sublingual GTN(0.34,0.12–0.97),and rectal indomethacin 100 mg(0.49,0.33–0.73)were all more efficacious than placebo in preventing PEP.The combination of rectal indomethacin and sublingual GTN had the highest surface under the cumulative ranking curves(SUCRA)probability of(92.2%)and was the best preventive strategy for moderate-to-severe PEP with a SUCRA probability of(89.2%).CONCLUSION Combination of rectal indomethacin 100 mg with sublingual GTN offered better prevention of PEP than when used alone and could alleviate the severity of PEP.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug effectivity in preventing postendoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)is the primary therapeutic procedure for the treatment of diseases affecting the biliary tree and pancreatic duct.Although the therapeutic success rate of ERCP is high,the procedure can cause complications,such as acute pancreatitis[post-ERCP pancreatitis(PEP)],bleeding and perforation.AIM To assess the efficacy of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs)in preventing PEP during follow-up.METHODS Databases such as MEDLINE,EMBASE and Cochrane Central Library were searched.Only randomized controlled trials(RCTs)comparing the efficacy of NSAIDs and placebo for the prevention of PEP were included.Outcomes evaluated included the incidence of PEP,severity of pancreatitis,route of administration,types,dose,and timing of administration of NSAIDs.RESULTS Twenty-six RCTs were considered eligible with a total of 8143 patients analyzed.Overall,4020 patients used NSAIDs before ERCP and 4123 did not use NSAIDs(control group).Ultimately,298 cases of post-ERCP acute pancreatitis were diagnosed in the NSAID group and 484 cases in the placebo group.The risk of PEP was lower in the NSAID group risk difference(RD):-0.04;95%confidence interval(CI):-0.07 to-0.03;number needed to treat(NNT),25;P<0.05.NSAID use effectively prevented mild pancreatitis compared to placebo use(2.5%vs 4.1%;95%CI:-0.05 to-0.01;NNT,33;P<0.05),but information on moderate PEP and severe PEP could not be fully elucidated.Only rectal administration reduced the incidence of PEP with RD:-0.06;95%CI:-0.08 to-0.04;NNT,17;P<0.05).Furthermore,only the use of diclofenac or indomethacin was effective in preventing PEP,at a dose of 100 mg,which must be administered before performing ERCP.CONCLUSION Rectal administration of diclofenac and indomethacin significantly reduced the risk of developing mild PEP.Additional RCTs are needed to compare the efficacy between NSAID routes of administration in preventing PEP.

Risk factors of recurrent choledocholithiasis following therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Background:The risk factors for the recurrent choledocholithiasis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)have not been well studied.The aim of this study was to explore the risk factors of recurrent choledocholithiasis.Methods:We carried out a retrospective analysis of data collected between January 1,2010 and January 1,2020.Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis were used to explore the independent risk factors of recurrent choledocholithiasis following therapeutic ERCP.Results:In total,598 patients were eventually selected for analysis,299 patients in the recurrent choledocholithiasis group and 299 patients in the control group.The overall rate of recurrent choledocholithiasis was 6.91%.Multivariate analysis showed that diabetes[odds ratio(OR)=3.677,95%confidence interval(CI):1.875-7.209;P<0.001],fatty liver(OR=4.741,95%CI:1.205-18.653;P=0.026),liver cirrhosis(OR=3.900,95%CI:1.358-11.201;P=0.011),history of smoking(OR=3.773,95%CI:2.060-6.908;P<0.001),intrahepatic bile duct stone(OR=4.208,95%CI:2.220-7.976;P<0.001),biliary stent(OR=2.996,95%CI:1.870-4.800;P<0.001),and endoscopic papillary balloon dilation(EPBD)(OR=3.009,95%CI:1.921-4.715;P<0.001)were independent risk factors of recurrent choledocholithiasis.However,history of drinking(OR=0.183,95%CI:0.099-0.337;P<0.001),eating light food frequently(OR=0.511,95%CI:0.343-0.760;P=0.001),and antibiotic use before ERCP(OR=0.315,95%CI:0.200-0.497;P<0.001)were independent protective factors of recurrent choledocholithiasis.Conclusions:Patients with the abovementioned risk factors are more likely to have recurrent CBD stones.Patients who eat light food frequently and have a history of drinking are less likely to present with recurrent CBD calculi.

External use of mirabilite to prevent post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis in children:A multicenter randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND Acute pancreatitis is the most common complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP).Currently,there is no suitable treatment for post-ERCP pancreatitis(PEP)prophylaxis.Few studies have prospectively evaluated interventions to prevent PEP in children.AIM To assess the efficacy and safety of the external use of mirabilite to prevent PEP in children.METHODS This multicenter,randomized controlled clinical trial enrolled patients with chronic pancreatitis scheduled for ERCP according to eligibility criteria.Patients were randomly divided into the external use of mirabilite group(external use of mirabilite in a bag on the projected abdominal area within 30 min before ERCP)and blank group.The primary outcome was the incidence of PEP.The secondary outcomes included the severity of PEP,abdominal pain scores,levels of serum inflammatory markers[tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α)and serum interleukin-10(IL-10)],and intestinal barrier function markers[diamine oxidase(DAO),D-lactic acid,and endotoxin].Additionally,the side effects of topical mirabilite were investigated.RESULTSA total of 234 patients were enrolled,including 117 in the external use of mirabilite group and theother 117 in the blank group.The pre-procedure and procedure-related factors were notsignificantly different between the two groups.The incidence of PEP in the external use ofmirabilite group was significantly lower than that in the blank group(7.7%vs 26.5%,P<0.001).The severity of PEP decreased in the mirabilite group(P=0.023).At 24 h after the procedure,thevisual analog scale score in the external use of mirabilite group was lower than that in the blankgroup(P=0.001).Compared with those in the blank group,the TNF-αexpressions weresignificantly lower and the IL-10 expressions were significantly higher at 24 h after the procedurein the external use of mirabilite group(P=0.032 and P=0.011,respectively).There were nosignificant differences in serum DAO,D-lactic acid,and endotoxin levels before and after ERCPbetween the two groups.No adverse effects of mirabilite were observed.CONCLUSIONExternal use of mirabilite reduced the PEP occurrence.It significantly alleviated post-proceduralpain and reduced inflammatory response.Our results favor the external use of mirabilite toprevent PEP in children.

Treatment of portosystemic shunt-borne hepatic encephalopathy in a 97-year-old woman using balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration:A case report

BACKGROUND Hyperammonemia and hepatic encephalopathy are common in patients with portosystemic shunts.Surgical shunt occlusion has been standard treatment,although recently the less invasive balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration(B-RTO)has gained increasing attention.Thus far,there have been no reports on the treatment of portosystemic shunts with B-RTO in patients aged over 90 years.In this study,we present a case of hepatic encephalopathy caused by shunting of the left common iliac and inferior mesenteric veins,successfully treated with B-RTO.CASE SUMMARY A 97-year-old woman with no history of liver disease was admitted to our hospital because of disturbance of consciousness.She had no jaundice,spider angioma,palmar erythema,hepatosplenomegaly,or asterixis.Her blood tests showed hyperammonemia,and abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a portosystemic shunt running between the left common iliac vein and the inferior mesenteric vein.She was diagnosed with hepatic encephalopathy secondary to a portosystemic shunt.The patient did not improve with conservative treatment:Lactulose,rifaximin,and a low-protein diet.B-RTO was performed,which resulted in shunt closure and improvement in hyperammonemia and disturbance of consciousness.Moreover,there was no abdominal pain or elevated levels of liver enzymes due to complications.The patient was discharged without further consciousness disturbance.CONCLUSION Portosystemic shunt-borne hepatic encephalopathy must be considered in the differential diagnosis for consciousness disturbance,including abnormal behavior and speech.

A rabies virus-based toolkit for efficient retrograde labeling and monosynaptic tracing

Analyzing the structure and function of the brain's neural network is critical for identifying the working principles of the brain and the mechanisms of brain diseases.Recombinant rabies viral vectors allow for the retrograde labeling of projection neurons and cell type-specific trans-monosynaptic tracing,making these vectors powerful candidates for the dissection of synaptic inputs.Although several attenuated rabies viral vectors have been developed,their application in studies of functional networks is hindered by the long preparation cycle and low yield of these vectors.To overcome these limitations,we developed an improved production system for the rapid rescue and preparation of a high-titer CVS-N2c-ΔG virus.Our results showed that the new CVS-N2c-ΔG-based toolkit performed remarkably:(1)N2cG-coated CVS-N2c-ΔG allowed for efficient retrograde access to projection neurons that were unaddressed by rAAV9-Retro,and the efficiency was six times higher than that of rAAV9-Retro;(2)the trans-monosynaptic efficiency of oG-mediated CVS-N2c-ΔG was 2–3 times higher than that of oG-mediated SAD-B19-ΔG;(3)CVS-N2c-ΔG could delivery modified genes for neural activity monitoring,and the time window during which this was maintained was 3 weeks;and(4)CVS-N2c-ΔG could express sufficient recombinases for efficient transgene recombination.These findings demonstrate that new CVS-N2c-ΔG-based toolkit may serve as a versatile tool for structural and functional studies of neural circuits.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography management for choledochocele in a young female

To the Editor:Choledochocele,also known as type III choledochal cysts in the classification by Todani et al.[1],is a congenital abnormality of the biliary system.It is characterized by a cystic dilation of intramural segment of the distal common bile duct(CBD)protruding into the descending duodenum.Choledochocele makes up about 0.5%−4%of choledochal cysts[1,2].Compared with other subtypes,the incidence of choledochocele is extremely low and it frequently presents in adults at a relatively older age,with an average age of 51 years[3].The diagnosis and treatment are challenging.Here,we present a case of a young female patient with this rare disease entity,who recovered after effective endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)management.

Real-time continuous image guidance for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography based on 3D/2D registration and respiratory compensation

BACKGROUND It has been confirmed that three-dimensional(3D)imaging allows easier identification of bile duct anatomy and intraoperative guidance of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP),which reduces the radiation dose and procedure time with improved safety.However,current 3D biliary imaging does not have good real-time fusion with intraoperative imaging,a process meant to overcome the influence of intraoperative respiratory motion and guide navigation.The present study explored the feasibility of real-time continuous image-guided ERCP.AIM To explore the feasibility of real-time continuous image-guided ERCP.METHODS We selected 23D-printed abdominal biliary tract models with different structures to simulate different patients.The ERCP environment was simulated for the biliary phantom experiment to create a navigation system,which was further tested in patients.In addition,based on the estimation of the patient’s respiratory motion,preoperative 3D biliary imaging from computed tomography of 18 patients with cholelithiasis was registered and fused in real-time with 2D fluoroscopic sequence generated by the C-arm unit during ERCP.RESULTS Continuous image-guided ERCP was applied in the biliary phantom with a registration error of 0.46 mm±0.13 mm and a tracking error of 0.64 mm±0.24mm.After estimating the respiratory motion,3D/2D registration accurately transformed preoperative 3D biliary images to each image in the X-ray image sequence in real-time in 18 patients,with an average fusion rate of 88%.CONCLUSION Continuous image-guided ERCP may be an effective approach to assist the operator and reduce the use of X-ray and contrast agents.

Retrograde intrarenal surgery for lower pole stones utilizing stone displacement technique yields excellent results

Objective:To evaluate the long-term stone-free rate(SFR)of retrograde intrarenal surgery(RIRS)in the treatment of lower pole renal calculi using only basket relocation and identify independent predictors of stone-free status.Methods:All consecutive patients undergoing RIRS lower pole renal calculi at a single highvolume tertiary center were analyzed retrospectively.Lower pole stones were relocated to the upper pole,where laser lithotripsy was performed.All patients were followed up in the clinic following the surgery and yearly thereafter.The stone-free status was assessed with a combination of an abdominal ultrasound and abdominal X-ray,or an abdominal non-contrast computed tomography if the stones were known to be radiolucent.Results:A total of 480 consecutive patients who underwent RIRS for treatment of lower pole renal calculi,between January 2012 and December 2018,were analyzed from a prospectively maintained database of 3000 ureteroscopies.With a median follow-up time of 18.6 months,the mean SFR was 94.8%.The procedures were unsuccessful in 26(5.4%)patients due to unreachable stones.The median stone size of the unreachable stones was 12 mm(range 10e30 mm).Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed two predictors of SFR for lower pole stones:a small cumulative stone burden(odds ratio[OR]:0.903,95%confidence interval[CI]:0.867e0.941,p<0.0001)and preoperative ureteral stent insertion(OR:0.515,95%CI:0.318e0.835,pZ0.007).Conclusion:The long-term SFR of RIRS for the treatment of lower pole stones with basket displacement with appropriate patient selection is high.

Application of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for treatment of obstructive jaundice after hepatoblastoma surgery:A case report

BACKGROUND We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopan-creatography(ERCP)for treating obstructive jaundice(OJ)post hepatoblastoma(HB)surgery(post-HB OJ)by analyzing the data of a case and performing a literature review.CASE SUMMARY Clinical data of one patient with post-HB OJ treated by ERCP were retrospectively analyzed.Furthermore,clinical characteristics and insights into the diagnosis and treatment of post-HB OJ in children were summarized via searching various databases and platforms,such as China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Wanfang database,CQVIP database,PubMed,Ringer Link,and Google Scholar.The patient reported herein underwent five chemotherapy sessions after the diagnosis of HB and right hemihepatectomy after tumor size reduction;these were followed by two postoperative chemotherapy sessions.Three months postoperatively,the patient developed icteric sclera,strong tea-colored urine,and clay-like stools,and showed signs of skin itchiness;blood analysis showed significantly an increased conjugated bilirubin(CB)level(200.3μmol/L).Following the poor efficacy of anti-jaundice and hepatoprotective treatments,the patient underwent ERCP.Intraoperative imaging showed a dilated bile duct in the porta hepatis with significant distal stenosis.A 5 Fr nasopancreatic tube was placed in the dilated area through the stricture for external drainage,and the patient was extubated on postoperative day 6.Postoperatively,the patient’s stool turned yellow,and the CB level decreased to 78.2μmol/L.Fifteen days later,ERCP was repeated due to unrelieved jaundice symptoms,wherein a 7 Fr naso-biliary drainage tube was successfully placed.Three months post-ERCP,the jaundice symptoms resolved,and the CB level was reduced to 33.2μmol/L.A follow-up examination one year postoperatively revealed no jaundice symptoms and normal CB level.CONCLUSION Post-HB OJ is rare.Compared to biliary tract reconstruction,ERCP is less invasive and has a better therapeutic effect.