Oxidative stress and apoptosis of the spinal cord in a rat model of retinoic acid-induced neural tube defects.

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are severe congenital anomalies that significantly impact the central nervous system, arising from the neural tube's failure to close during early embryogenesis. In this study, we investigated NTDs and associated pathophysiological mechanisms in foetal rats following exposure to all-trans retinoic acid (atRA). Out of 168 embryos from 15 pregnant rats in the experimental group, 78% displayed NTDs with notable spinal deformities, primarily in the lumbar-sacral region, similar to human cases.

Mechanosensitive Piezo1 channels promote neurogenic bladder fibrosis via regulating TGF-β1/smad and Hippo/YAP1 pathways.

Bladder fibrosis is the final common pathway of neurogenic bladder (NB), and its underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. The current study aims to evaluate the involvement of Piezo1, a mechanosensitive channel, in bladder fibrosis. A full-thickness bladder specimen was taken during ileocystoplasty or ureteral reimplantation from the surgical cut's edge.

Prognostic factors of tongue cancer in children and adolescents: A SEER population-based study.

Purpose: This study aims to analyze the clinicopathological characteristics and survival outcomes of tongue cancer in the pediatric population, a topic with limited existing data, using a population-based cohort.

Methods: Pediatric patients diagnosed with tongue cancer from 1975 to 2018 were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Survival rates were assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis.

Plastic Clamp Versus Conventional Surgical Dissection Technique in Pediatric Circumcision: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Purpose: Phimosis is a common condition of the urinary system in children and often requires surgical treatment. However, the optimal method of circumcision for children has not been determined. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the safety and effectiveness of plastic clamp with conventional surgical circumcision in pediatric circumcision.

FBLN5 as One Presumably Prognostic Gene Potentially Modulating Tumor Immune Microenvironment for Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma in Children and Young Adults.

Objective: To investigate the role of FBLN5in renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC), in particular on the tumor's immune microenvironment, including children and young adults.

Methods: FBLN5 expression in tumor and normal samples was explored using SangerBox, TIMER2.0, GEPIA, UALCAN, HPA databases.

Clinical characteristics and prognostic models of gonadal and extra-gonadal yolk sac tumors: a population-based analysis in children and adolescents.

Purpose: Yolk sac tumors (YST) are a rare and aggressive germ cell tumor. We aimed to conduct a population-based cohort study and develop a nomogram to predict overall survival (OS) in pediatric patients with YST.

Methods: The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was used to identify all pediatric patients with YST diagnosed between 2000 and 2018.

Folic acid supplementation rescues bladder injury in fetal rats with myelomeningocele.

Background: Bladder dysfunction has been linked to the progression of renal failure in children with neurogenic bladder (NB) dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to determine whether bladder injuries in fetal rats with myelomeningocele (MMC) may be treated with folic acid.

Methods: Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups.

Survival and Analysis of Prognostic Factors for Bladder Malignancies in Children and Adolescents: A Population-based Study.

Objective: To explore the clinicopathological features and prognosis of pediatric patients with malignant bladder tumors in a population-based cohort.

Methods: The database Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results was used to evaluate all pediatric patients diagnosed with malignant bladder tumors between 1975 and 2018. The log-rank test was used to compare survival curves.

Clinical Features and Survival Outcomes in Children and Adolescents With Malignant Mediastinal Germ Cell Tumors Based on Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Database Analysis.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to perform a population-based investigation to assess the disease characteristics and prognosis of children and adolescents with malignant mediastinal germ cell tumors (MMGCT).

Methods: Data on the demographics, treatment, and survival outcomes of children and adolescents with MMGCT from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2018 were obtained. To compare survival curves, the log-rank test was employed.

Hyperfibrinogenemia and hyponatremia as predictors of perforated appendicitis in children: A retrospective cohort study.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive value of hyperfibrinogenemia and hyponatremia for perforated appendicitis in children.

Methods: A retrospective review of 521 pediatric patients (≤ 15 years) with acute appendicitis confirmed by histopathology from January 2017 to December 2020 was performed. Patients were divided in two groups, those with non-perforated (n = 379; 73%) and perforated appendicitis (n = 142; 27%).

Minimally Invasive versus Open Ureteral Reimplantation in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Purpose:  We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) versus open ureteral reimplantation (OUR) in children.

Methods:  Literature searches were conducted to identify studies that compared MIS (laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation or robot-assisted laparoscopic ureteral replantation) and OUR in children. Parameters such as operative time, blood loss, length of hospital stay, success rate, postoperative urinary tract infection (UTI), urinary retention, postoperative hematuria, wound infection, and overall postoperative complications were pooled and compared by meta-analysis.

The protective effect of curcumin on testicular tissue in a cryptorchid rat model.

Background: Cryptorchidism is the most common abnormality of male sexual development. For the protection of testicular functions, antioxidants have emerged as novel options. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of curcumin (Cur), a strong antioxidant, on the Flutamide-induced cryptorchidism testicular tissue.

Laparoscopic versus Open Reduction of Intussusception in Infants and Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and safety between laparoscopic reduction (LR) and open reduction (OR) of intussusception in infants and children. Literature searches were conducted to identify studies having compared LR and OR for children with intussusception failed to enema reduction. Parameters such as operative time, time to oral intake, length of hospital stay, overall postoperative complications, and recurrence were pooled and compared by meta-analysis.

Yolk Sac Tumor in an Infant with Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is a disorder of sexual differentiation caused by complete or partial resistance to the biological action of androgens. The common malignant tumors associated with this syndrome are seminomas. However, the risk of malignancy in childhood remains low.

Clinical Characteristics of Testicular Torsion and Identification of Predictors of Testicular Salvage in Children: A Retrospective Study in a Single Institution.

Purpose: Testicular torsion (TT) is a serious surgical emergency. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of TT are essential to improve the incidence of salvaged testes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the historical features, physical examination findings, laboratory tests, and ultrasound examinations in children with TT, as well as to identify the predictors of testicular salvage in children.

SALL4 is a useful marker for pediatric yolk sac tumors.

Background: SALL4 is a zinc finger transcription factor that exerts its physiological role during embryo-fetal development. Analyses of SALL4 expression have shown its oncogenic role in precursor B-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma, acute and chronic myeloid leukemia, gastrointestinal, breast, and lung cancers. The aim of this study was to determine the immunohistochemical profile of SALL4 in pediatric yolk sac tumors (YSTs).

Clinical characteristics and surgical outcome in children with intussusceptions secondary to pathologic lead points: retrospective study in a single institution.

Background: Intussusception secondary to pathologic lead points (PLPs) is a potential surgical emergency and almost all cases need surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical manifestations, physical examinations and surgical outcomes of secondary intussusception (SI) caused by PLPs, as well as to improve the diagnosis and treatment of PLPs in children and infants.

Materials And Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 83 children and infants who were diagnosed with intussusception secondary to PLPs in our institution.

Transfer-Free Fabrication of Graphene Scaffolds on High-k Dielectrics from Metal-Organic Oligomers.

In situ fabrication of graphene scaffold-ZrO2 nanofilms is achieved by thermal annealing of Zr-based metal-organic oligomers on SiO2 substrates. The structural similarities of the aromatic moieties in the ligand (phenyl-, naphthyl-, anthryl-, and pyrenyl-) compared to graphene play a major role in the ordering of the graphene scaffolds obtained. The depth profiling analysis reveals ultrathin carbon-pure or carbon-rich surfaces of the graphene scaffold-ZrO2 nanofilms.

Laparoscopic versus open Nissen fundoplication in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: To systematically review and meta-analyze studies that have compared the clinical outcomes of laparoscopic and open Nissen fundoplication on children.

Methods: Online databases were searched to identify studies that have compared the laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) and open Nissen fundoplication (ONF) on children, looking specifically for operative time, time to full feed, redo fundoplication rates and total postoperative complications including wound infection, retching, and airway complications.

Results: Of those 916 patients in the 9 selected studies, 557 and 359 patients had undergone LNF and ONF, respectively; and LNF had significant longer operative time and less total postoperative complications including retching and airway complications than ONF.

Single scrotal incision orchiopexy versus the inguinal approach in children with palpable undescended testis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and safety between single-incision, transscrotal orchidopexy, and the traditional inguinal orchidopexy in children.

Methods: A systematic search of the electronic databases was conducted to identify studies compared the transscrotal orchidopexy (SO) and inguinal orchidopexy (IO) for children. Parameters, such as operative time, the incidence of patent processus vaginalis, and postoperative complications, including wound infection, testicular atrophy, testicular reascent, hernia, or hydrocele, were pooled and compared by meta-analysis.

RNA-binding protein LIN28 is a sensitive marker of pediatric yolk sac tumors.

Background: RNA-binding protein LIN28 is involved in maintaining the pluripotency of embryonic stem cells. It has been detected in different types of testicular and ovarian germ cell tumors (GCTs), but its status in pediatric YSTs (yolk sac tumors) is still unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the immunohistochemical profile of LIN28 in pediatric YSTs.

Laparoscopic versus open splenectomy in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the clinical outcomes between laparoscopic splenectomy and the traditional open splenectomy in children.

Methods: Literature searches were conducted to identify studies having compared the laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) and open splenectomy (OS) for children. Parameters such as operative time, blood loss, length of postoperative stay, the removal of accessory spleens and postoperative complications including postoperative high fever, acute chest syndrome (ACS), and ileus were pooled and compared by meta-analysis.

Diagnostic value of hyperfibrinogenemia as a predictive factor for appendiceal perforation in acute appendicitis.

Background: Acute appendicitis is one of the most common emergency requiring operation. As the first discovered coagulation factor, plasma fibrinogen frequently increases with inflammation due to the activation of coagulation. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the diagnostic value of hyperfibrinogenemia as a preoperative laboratory marker for appendiceal perforation in patients with acute appendicitis.