Microbial diversity in mountain-dwelling amphibians: The combined effects of host and climatic factors.

Comprehending the determinants of host-associated microbiota is pivotal in microbial ecology. Yet, the links between climatic factors and variations in host-associated microbiota necessitate further clarification. Mountain-dwelling amphibians, with limited dispersal abilities, serve as valuable models for addressing these questions. Our study, using 126 amphibian-associated microbial samples (64 gut and 62 skin) and 101 environmental microbial samples (51 soil and 50 water) from the eastern Tibetan Plateau, revealed host factors as primary drivers of the variations in host-associated microbiota. However, climatic factors contributed to additional variations in gut microbial beta-diversity and skin microbial function. Water microbiota were identified as a significant contributor to the amphibian-associated microbiomes, with their climate-driven variations mediating an indirect association between the variations in climatic factors and host-associated microbiota. These findings extend our understanding of the assembly of host-associated microbiota in amphibians, emphasizing the significance of microbiota in evaluating the impact of climate change on animals.

A new Asian lazy toad of the genus Scutiger Theobald, 1868 (Anura, Megophryidae) from southern Tibet, China.

In this study, a new species named Scutigerluozhaensissp. nov. is described from Luozha, southern Tibet, China. Genetic analysis based on two mitochondrial genes 16S rRNA and COI and the nuclear gene RAG1 revealed that the new species belongs to an independent phylogenetic clade close to S.gongshanensis and S.nyingchiensis and shares no RAG1 haplotype with other species. Morphological comparisons based on examined specimens and literatures indicated that it can be diagnosed from congeners by the following combination of characters: (1) body moderate, male body length 47.0-67.2 mm (n = 13), female body length 49.8-66.2 mm (n = 8); (2) maxillary teeth and budding absent; (3) numerous tiny dense nuptial spines present on dorsal surface of fingers I, II and inner surface of finger III of males in breeding condition with similar size; (4) spine patches on belly of males in breeding condition absent; (5) spines on inner surface of forearm and upper arm of males in breeding condition absent; (6) small patches of black spines present near armpit of males in breeding condition absent; (7) adult males without vocal sac; (8) some large warts and tubercles on dorsum gathered into short skin ridges with several spines present on top; (9) space between upper eyelids wider than upper eyelids; (10) spots or irregular cross bands on limbs absent; (11) webbing between toes rudimentary; (12) coloration of dorsal body olive brown to bronze.

Effects of Different Palliative Jaundice Reducing Methods on Immunologic Functions in Patients with Advanced Malignant Obstructive Jaundice.

BACKGROUND/AIM: This study aimed to investigate the effects of three treatment methods on the immunological function of patients with advanced malignant obstructive jaundice (MOJ). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with advanced MOJ were randomly divided into three groups according to biliary drainage methods. Detection of levels of multi-indices were investigated in different time periods. RESULTS: After drainage, the levels of complement 3 (C3) and complement 4 (C4) were increased. Forteen days post-operation, the levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) in the group undergoing palliative surgery decreased significantly compared to those in both percutaneous transhepatic cholangio drainage (PTCD) and endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage (ERBD) groups. The level of serum endotoxin in the group undergoing palliative surgery decreased gradually. CONCLUSION: Palliative surgery for reducing jaundice is superior to PTCD and ERBD in improving immune function of patients with MOJ.

Study of Preoperative Antiviral Treatment of Patients with HCC Negative for HBV-DNA.

AIM: To study preoperative HBV-DNA negative HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) which was reactivated after surgery and could influence liver function and HCC recurrence. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were divided into two groups according to preoperative antiviral therapy status. The control group comprised of 102 preoperative HBV-DNA-negative patients who had not undergone antiviral therapy before surgery. In the treatment group, all HBV-DNA-negative patients (n=63) received entecavir 3-5 days before surgery and for 12 months after surgery. Patients were followed-up regularly, during the preoperative period, and at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 and 36 months postoperatively. The data for the two groups were analyzed including the level of HBV-DNA and HBV-DNA activation; liver function; 1-, 2- and 3-year survival rate; cumulative survival time; and tumor recurrence. RESULTS: Liver function in the treatment group was better than that of the control group12 months after surgery. Compared to the control group, total bilirubin in the treatment group was significantly better at 6 and 12 months after surgery (p<0.05 and p<0.001, respectively). Serum albumin, alanine aminotransferase and prothrombin time in the treatment group was significantly better than that of controls 12 months after surgery (p<0.001). In the treatment group, two cases (3.17%) had HBV-DNA activation while there were 13 cases (12.75%) with HBV-DNA activation in the control group (p<0.05). There were 51 cases with tumor recurrence in the control group, that was statistically significantly higher than recurrent cases in the treatment group (p<0.05). Postoperative 1-, 2- and 3-year cumulative overall survival rates were 94.12%, 81.37% and 52.94%, respectively, for the control group and 93.65%, 77.78% and 71.43%, respectively, for the treatment group (p=0.006). There was no statistically significant difference in disease-free survival between the two groups (p=0.231). CONCLUSION: Antiviral treatment of HBV-related HCC with negative HBV-DNA is beneficial to liver function, coagulation function, disease control, prevention of tumor recurrence, improvement of patient quality of life, reduces the death rate and prolongs survival duration.

Partial Resection of the Pancreatic Head and Duodenum for Management of Carcinoma of the Ampulla of Vater: A Case Report.

A 57-year-old woman presented with spontaneous pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdominal region of one year's duration. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging, and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreaticography revealed the presence of a tumour in the periampullary region, gallstones, cholecystitis, and biliary obstruction, as well as atrophy of the pancreas and dense adhesions involving the pancreas, portal vein, and superior mesenteric vein. Duodenoscopy revealed a papillary neoplasm, measuring 2.5×3 cm, in the descending duodenum. Pathological analysis of the duodenoscopic biopsy suggested carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater. Partial resection of the pancreatic head and duodenum, together with lymph node dissection and digestive tract reconstruction, was performed. Postoperatively, the patient recovered well. CT at 14 months postoperatively showed no recurrence or metastasis. This surgical procedure avoids the potential risk of pancreaticoduodenectomy and retains the function of the pancreas as much as possible, while achieving radical tumour resection.

Cholangiocarcinoma: Present Status and Molecular Aspects of Diagnosis.

Cholangiocarcinomas are neoplasms that involve the epithelial cells of the bile duct, also known as cholangiocytes. This disease is difficult to diagnose early, as most symptoms present late in the disease. In addition, the specific anatomic position can cause periductal extension and result in a very low radical excision rate and a very poor prognosis. Improved understanding of the features underlying the onset of cholangiocarcinoma and its carcinogenic mechanism may lead to early diagnosis and better prognosis. With the development of molecular biology, much has been learned about oncogenes, tumor-suppressor genes, DNA methylation, microRNAs, and the molecular mechanisms of tumor invasion and metastasis. Based on our research and others, this review article will discuss the current status and prospects of early diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma.

Neurofibrosarcoma of the gallbladder: a case report.

Sarcoma of the gallbladder is a rare entity. This report presents an extremely rare clinical case of a neurofibrosarcoma of the gallbladder. On examination, a mass was felt in the right hypochondrium. An ultrasound of the abdomen showed a mass in the gallbladder. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen showed a grossly distended gallbladder with soft tissue mass in the gallbladder. The mass was diagnosed as carcinoma of the gallbladder and an extended cholecystectomy was performed. Histopathological examination revealed spindle-cell proliferation and the possibility of a malignant tumor of mesenchymal origin.