Direct insertion of an ultra‐slim upper endoscope for cholangioscopy in patients undergoing choledochoduodenostomy

Direct peroral cholangioscopy (POC) using an ultra‐slim upper endoscope is one modality of POC for intraductal endoscopic evaluation and treatment of the bile duct. Choledochoduodenostomy (CDS) is one modality of biliary bypass surgery that provides a new route to the bile duct. We carried out direct POC using an ultra‐slim upper endoscope without the use of accessories in 10 patients (four sump syndromes, three bile duct strictures and three intrahepatic duct stones) previously undergoing surgical CDS. Direct POC was successful in all patients. The use of an intraductal balloon catheter was required in one patient for advancement of the endoscope into the bile duct. Distal bile ducts with sump syndromes were cleared using baskets and water irrigation under direct POC. Cholangiocarcinoma was diagnosed in one patient with hilar bile duct stricture after cholangioscopic evaluation and a targeting forceps biopsy under direct POC. Intrahepatic duct stones were successfully extracted after intraductal fragmentation under direct POC. Oozing bleeding occurred during intraductal lithotripsy but stopped spontaneously. Direct POC using an ultra‐slim upper endoscope without the assistance of accessories can easily be carried out in patients undergoing CDS.     

A novel tDCS sham approach based on model-driven controlled shunting

BackgroundTranscranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique able to transiently modulate brain activity, is surging as one of the most promising therapeutic solutions in many neurological and psychiatric disorders. However, profound limitations exist in current placebo (sham) protocols that limit single- and double-blinding, especially in non-naïve subjects.ObjectiveTo ensure better blinding and strengthen reliability of tDCS studies and trials, we tested a new optimization algorithm aimed at creating an “active” sham tDCS condition (ActiSham hereafter) capable of inducing the same scalp sensations perceived during real stimulation while preventing currents from reaching the cortex and cause changes in brain excitability.MethodsA novel model-based multielectrode technique — optimizing the location and currents of a set of small electrodes placed on the scalp — was used to control the relative amount of current delivered transcranially in real and placebo multichannel tDCS conditions. The presence, intensity and localization of scalp sensations during tDCS was evaluated by means of a specifically designed questionnaire administered to the participants. We compared blinding ratings by directly addressing subjects’ ability to discriminate across conditions for both traditional (Bifocal-tDCS and Sham, using sponge electrodes) and our novel multifocal approach (both real Multifocal-tDCS and ActiSham). Changes in corticospinal excitability were monitored based on Motor Evoked Potentials (MEPs) recorded via concurrent Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and electromyography (EMG).ResultsParticipants perceived Multifocal-tDCS and ActiSham similarly in terms of both localization and intensity of scalp sensations, whereas traditional Bifocal stimulation was rated as more painful and annoying compared to its Sham counterpart. Additionally, differences in scalp localization were reported for active/sham Bifocal-tDCS, with Sham tDCS inducing more widespread itching and burning sensations. As for MEPs amplitude, a main effect of stimulation was found when comparing Bifocal-Sham and ActiSham (F_(1,13) = 6.67, p = .023), with higher MEPs amplitudes after the application of Bifocal-Sham.ConclusionsCompared to traditional Bifocal-tDCS, ActiSham offers better participants’ blinding by inducing very similar scalp sensations to those of real Multifocal tDCS both in terms of intensity and localization, while not affecting corticospinal excitability.     

PCR仪与测序仪应用于丙型肝炎病毒基因型检测的临床效果观察

目的:观察PCR仪与测序仪在丙型肝炎病毒(HCV)基因型检测中的应用。方法:选择2018年1月~2018年12月收治的134例HCV感染患者为研究对象,给予患者PCR仪检测、测序仪检测。结果:测序仪检测134例均可分型,PCR仪检测130例患者可分型,4例未能分型。PCR检测结果:134例HCV感染患者中,1b型59例,2a型47例,3a型6例,3b型15例,6a型3例,4例为分出型别。基因测序结果:134例均可分型:1型59例,2a型40例,2i型7例,3a型6例,3b型15例,6a型3例,6n型4例。PCR仪检测法检测符合率97.0%。结论:PCR仪测序仪检测用于丙型肝炎病毒基因型检测,操作便捷,但其只能检测探针覆盖的型别,个别罕见型别不能分型。     

Systematic review of drug–drug interactions between rifamycins and anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents and considerations for management

Rifamycins (rifampin, rifabutin, and rifapentine) play an essential role in the treatment of mycobacterial and some nonmycobacterial infections. They also induce the activity of various drug transporting and metabolizing enzymes, which can impact the concentrations and efficacy of substrates. Many anticoagulant and antiplatelet (AC/AP) agents are substrates of these enzymes and have narrow therapeutic indices, leading to risks of thrombosis or bleeding when coadministered with rifamycins. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the effects on AC/AP pharmacokinetics, laboratory markers, and clinical safety and efficacy of combined use with rifamycins. A systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidance was performed. The PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were queried for English-language reports on combination use of rifamycins and AC/AP agents from database inception through August 2021. The 29 studies identified examined warfarin (n = 17), direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) (n = 8), and antiplatelet agents (n = 4) combined with rifampin (n = 28) or rifabutin (n = 1). Eleven studies were case reports or small case series; 14 reported on pharmacokinetic or laboratory markers in healthy volunteers. Rifampin-warfarin combinations led to reductions in warfarin area under the curve (AUC) of 15%–74%, with variability by warfarin isomer and study. Warfarin dose increases of up to 3–5 times prerifampin doses were required to maintain coagulation parameters in the therapeutic range. DOAC AUCs were decreased by 20%–67%, with variability by individual agent and with rifampin versus rifabutin. The active metabolite of clopidogrel increased substantially with rifampin coadministration, whereas prasugrel was largely unaffected and ticagrelor saw decreases. Our review suggests most combinations of AC/AP agents and rifampin are problematic. Further studies are required to determine whether rifabutin or rifapentine could be safe alternatives for coadministration with AC/AP drugs.     

Meta-analysis of the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on inhibitory control

BackgroundInhibitory control refers to a central cognitive capacity involved in the interruption and correction of actions. Dysfunctions in these cognitive control processes have been identified as major maintaining mechanisms in a range of mental disorders such as ADHD, binge eating disorder, obesity, and addiction. Improving inhibitory control by transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) could ameliorate symptoms in a broad range of mental disorders.ObjectiveThe primary aim of this pre-registered meta-analysis was to investigate whether inhibitory control can be improved by tDCS in healthy and clinical samples. Additionally, several moderator variables were investigated.MethodsA comprehensive literature search was performed on PubMed/MEDLINE database, Web of Science, and Scopus. To achieve a homogenous sample, only studies that assessed inhibitory control in the go-/no-go (GNG) or stop-signal task (SST) were included, yielding a total of 75 effect sizes from 45 studies.ResultsResults of the meta-analysis indicate a small but significant overall effect of tDCS on inhibitory control (g = 0.21) which was moderated by target and return electrode placement as well as by the task. The small effect size was further reduced after correction for publication bias.ConclusionBased on the studies included, our meta-analytic approach substantiates previously observed differences between brain regions, i.e., involvement of the right inferior frontal gyrus (rIFG) vs. the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (rDLPFC) in inhibitory control. Results indicate a small moderating effect of tDCS on inhibitory control in single-session studies and highlight the relevance of technical and behavioral parameters.     

丽水市十三项呼吸道病原体感染情况及特点分析北大核心CSCD

目的了解丽水市呼吸道病原体感染情况及流行病学特征,为呼吸道传染病诊疗与防控提供科学依据。方法回顾性分析2020年3月至2021年12月丽水市人民医院收治的4035例呼吸道感染患者13项呼吸道病原体PCR毛细电泳核酸检测结果,并分析病原体感染分布特征。结果呼吸道病原体感染患者阳性检出率为32.24%(1301/4035),检出率前5位分别是HRV(16.60%)、HRSV(7.09%)、HPIV(2.87%)、HMPV(2.21%)、HADV(1.96%)。混合感染阳性占比为7.61%(99/1301),Boca病毒(76.0%)与Ch(46.15%)易与其它病原体形成混合感染。不同性别呼吸道病原体感染率差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。虽然不同季节呼吸道病原体整体感染率差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),但HRV好发于春秋两季,而HPIV在春秋两季感染率较低,春季HRSV感染率较低,HADV在夏秋两季感染率较低,HMPV在冬季较为流行。未成年人呼吸道病原体感染率较高,HRSV、HRV、HPIV、HADV和Boca主要发生于未成年人组,InfB和HMPV在未成年和青年人群感染率都较高。结论未成年人群是呼吸道病原体易感人群,应加强未成年人呼吸道传染病防控。