Unsedated emergent ERCP is feasible and efficient for acute cholangitis in old patients over 80 years.

Background: Acute cholangitis in elderly patients poses unique challenges due to comorbidities and frailty, necessitating timely intervention. This study evaluates the feasibility and efficiency of unsedated emergent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients over 80 years with acute cholangitis.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of elderly patients (≥ 80 years) presenting with acute cholangitis who underwent unsedated emergent ERCP between January 2020 and December 2023 was conducted.

The characterization of a novel IRF8-like homolog and its role in the immune modulation of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius.

Interferon regulatory factor (IRF) proteins, functioning as transcription factors, are essential for various animal species' innate immune defense and stress responses. However, further research is required to elucidate the roles of IRF in echinoderms. In this study, a new IRF gene (SiIRF8-like) was obtained from the sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus intermedius).

Bi-directional communication between intrinsic enteric neurons and ILC2s inhibits host defense against helminth infection.

Emerging studies reveal that neurotransmitters and neuropeptides play critical roles in regulating anti-helminth immune responses, hinting at the potential of intrinsic enteric neurons (iENs) in orchestrating intestinal immunity. Whether and how iENs are activated during infection and the potential neuroimmune interactions involved remain poorly defined. Here, we found that helminth infection activated a subset of iENs.

Free-Hand Endoscopic Full-Thickness Resection for Duodenal Subepithelial Lesions.

Background And Aim: This work aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of free-hand endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) for duodenal subepithelial lesions (SELs).

Methods: We performed a retrospective review of 105 patients with duodenal SELs who underwent free-hand EFTR. Free-hand EFTR means no other devices (over-the-scope clip or full-thickness resection device) are required.

Gut microbial-derived phenylacetylglutamine accelerates host cellular senescence.

Gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the host health in the aging process. However, the mechanisms for how gut microbiota triggers cellular senescence and the consequent impact on human aging remain enigmatic. Here we show that phenylacetylglutamine (PAGln), a metabolite linked to gut microbiota, drives host cellular senescence.

Constructing 3D Crosslinked Macromolecular Networks as a Highly Efficient Interface Layer for Ultra-Stable Zn Metal Anodes.

Aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) are experiencing rapid development due to their high theoretical capacity, abundant zinc resources, and intrinsic safety. However, the progress of AZIBs is hindered by uncontrollable parasitic reactions and excessive dendrite growth, which compromise the durability and effective utilization of zinc metal anodes. To address these challenges, the study has constructed a 3D crosslinked macromolecular network composed of zinc ion-bonded potato starch (StZ) as an interface layer on Zn foil (StZ-Zn) to inhibit hydrogen evolution, regulate Zn flux, and ensure uniform Zn deposition.

A scallop IκB protein involved in innate immunity acts as a key regulator of NF-κB.

Chlamys farreri, a commercially important bivalve mollusk, is extensively cultivated in China. In recent years, the frequent occurrence of diseases has led to significant mortality in scallop farms. Despite this, our understanding of scallop's innate immune mechanisms remains limited.

Feasibility of a novel unassisted single-channel transcolonic endoscopic appendectomy for the treatment of appendiceal lesions (with video).

Background: Transcolonic endoscopic appendectomy (TEA) is rapidly evolving and has been reported as a minimally invasive alternative to appendectomy. We aimed to characterize the feasibility and safety of a novel unassisted single-channel TEA.

Method: We retrospectively investigated 23 patients with appendicitis or appendiceal lesions who underwent TEA from February 2016 to December 2022.

Molecular cloning and functional study of a Rel homologous gene in sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius.

NF-κB (Nuclear factor-kappa B) family proteins are versatile transcription factors that play crucial regulatory roles in cell development, growth, apoptosis, inflammation, and immune response. However, there is limited research on the function of these key genes in echinoderms. In this study, an NF-κB family gene (SiRel) was identified in sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius.

A newly identified scallop MyD88 interacts with TLR and functions in innate immunity.

Myeloid differentiation factor-88 (MyD88) is a key adaptor of the toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway and plays a crucial role in innate immune signal transduction in animals. However, the MyD88-mediated signal transduction mechanism in shellfish has not been well studied. In this study, a new MyD88 gene, CfMyD88-2, was identified in the Zhikong scallop, Chlamys farreri.

Molecular confirmation and functional study of signal transducer and activator of transcription genes in the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas.

The JAK (Janus kinase)-STAT (Signal transducer and activator of transcription) is a well-known functional signaling pathway that plays a key role in several important biological activities such as apoptosis, cell proliferation, differentiation, and immunity. However, limited studies have explored the functions of STAT genes in invertebrates. In the present study, the gene sequences of two STAT genes from the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas), termed CgSTAT-Like-1 (CgSTAT-L1) and CgSTAT-Like-2 (CgSTAT-L2), were obtained using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and cloning.

A scoring system to predict the technical difficulty of endoscopic resection for cardial submucosal tumors.

Background And Aim: Endoscopic resection has been successfully used for the removal of digestive submucosal tumors (SMTs). However, the cardia has been considered a challenging location for endoscopic resection due to its narrow lumen and sharp angle. The objective of this study was to establish a clinical scoring model to grade the technical difficulty of endoscopic resection for cardial SMTs.

Endoscopic features and treatments of gastric cystica profunda.

Background: Gastric cystica profunda (GCP) represents a rare condition characterized by cystic dilation of gastric glands within the mucosal and/or submucosal layers. GCP is often linked to, or may progress into, early gastric cancer (EGC).

Aim: To provide a comprehensive evaluation of the endoscopic features of GCP while assessing the efficacy of endoscopic treatment, thereby offering guidance for diagnosis and treatment.

A thermostable xylanase hydrolyzes several polysaccharides from Bacillus altitudinis JYY-02 showing promise for industrial applications.

Polysaccharides have attracted immense attention as the largest source of bioactive compounds. Its bioavailability and bioactivity can be improved by utilizing degradation enzymes to reduce their molecular weight and viscosity. In this study, a 654 bp gene encoding xylanase was screened from the genome of Bacillus altitudinis JYY-02 and overexpressed in Escherichia coli Rosetta (DE3).

Endoscopic resection for calcifying fibrous tumors of the gastrointestinal tract.

Background: Calcifying fibrous tumors (CFTs) are rare mesenchymal lesions that can occur in various sites throughout the body, including the tubular gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

Aim: To analyze the clinical findings of 36 patients with GI tract CFTs to provide guidance for diagnosis and treatment.

Methods: This retrospective study included 36 patients diagnosed with CFTs of the GI tract.

Boosted simultaneous removal of chlortetracycline and Cu (II) by Litchi Leaves Biochar: Influence of pH, ionic strength, and background electrolyte ions.

The coexistence of heavy metals and antibiotics in the environment always results in greater toxicity compared to the individual precursors. Therefore, efficient and economic technology for the simultaneous removal of antibiotics and heavy metals is essential. Herein, litchi leaves biochar carbonized at 550 °C (L550) demonstrated high efficiency in co-removal of CTC (1838.

A molluscan IRF interacts with IKKα/β family protein and modulates NF-κB and MAPK activity.

Interferon regulatory factor (IRF) family proteins are key transcription factors involved in vital physiological processes such as immune defense. However, the function of IRF in invertebrates, especially in marine shellfish is not clear. In this study, a new IRF gene (CfIRF2) was identified in the Zhikong scallop, Chlamys farreri, and its immune function was analyzed.

Molecular characterization and functional analysis of a mollusk Rel homologous gene.

Members of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) family are crucial regulators of physiological processes such as apoptosis, inflammation, and the immune response, acting as vital transcription factors to perform their function. In this study, we identified a NF-κB homologous gene (CfRel1) in Zhikong scallops. The 3006-bp-long open reading frame encodes 1001 amino acids.

Endoscopic resection of giant esophageal subepithelial lesions: experience from a large tertiary center.

Background And Aims: Increased reports on endoscopic resection (ER) of esophageal giant subepithelial lesions (g-SELs) have emerged in recent years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, technical difficulty, and safety through our single-center experience.

Methods: Seventy-five patients with g-SELs undergoing endoscopic resection were included in the training set.

Risk factors for complications and incomplete resection after endoscopic resection for duodenal submucosal tumors.

Background And Aim: Endoscopic resection (ER) has been used to remove submucosal tumors (SMTs) in recent years; however, duodenal ER is associated with high rates of immediate or delayed bleeding and perforation. Whether ER can be recommended for the treatment of duodenal SMTs remains controversial. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes associated with the ER of duodenal SMTs and to assess possible predictive factors for complications and incomplete resection.

Three-Dimensional Zinc-Seeded Carbon Nanofiber Architectures as Lightweight and Flexible Hosts for a Highly Reversible Zinc Metal Anode.

Uneven zinc (Zn) deposition typically leads to uncontrollable dendrite growth, which renders an unsatisfactory cycling stability and Coulombic efficiency (CE) of aqueous zinc ion batteries (ZIBs), restricting their practical application. In this work, a lightweight and flexible three-dimensional (3D) carbon nanofiber architecture with uniform Zn seeds (CNF-Zn) is prepared from bacterial cellulose (BC), a kind of biomass with low cost, environmental friendliness, and abundance, as a host for highly reversible Zn plating/stripping and construction of high-performance aqueous ZIBs. The as-prepared 3D CNF-Zn with a porous interconnected network significantly decreases the local current density, and the functional Zn seeds provide uniform nuclei to guide the uniform Zn deposition.

Valve repair after infective endocarditis secondary to perforation caused by : A case report.

Background: We report a case of infective endocarditis (IE) in a patient with congenital heart valve lesions accompanied by IE, which was diagnosed based on blood culture analysis that revealed the presence of a gram-negative bacterium, .

Case Summary: The patient had a history of precordial valve disease diagnosed by cardiac ultrasound, as well as a 4-mo history of fever. He was subjected to comprehensive anti-infection and anti-heart failure treatment in the internal medicine department.

Physicians' knowledge and sepsis guide implementation in tertiary care hospitals in China.

Background: This study was designed to investigate the extent to which physicians involved in sepsis management understand and adopt sepsis guidelines in clinical practice. The overarching aim of this study was to generate ideas for developing more effective training methods to help physicians apply the guidelines in patient management.

Methods: Physicians working in a tertiary care hospital, primarily in the emergency and critical care departments, were recruited into the survey.