Host-derived protein profiles of human neonatal meconium across gestational ages.

Meconium, a non-invasive biomaterial reflecting prenatal substance accumulation, could provide valuable insights into neonatal health. However, the comprehensive protein profile of meconium across gestational ages remains unclear. Here, we conducted an extensive proteomic analysis of first meconium from 259 newborns across varied gestational ages to delineate protein composition and elucidate its relevance to neonatal diseases. The first meconium samples were collected, with the majority obtained before feeding, and the mean time for the first meconium passage from the anus was 11.9 ± 9.47 h. Our analysis revealed 5370 host-derived meconium proteins, which varied depending on sex and gestational age. Specifically, meconium from preterm infants exhibited elevated concentrations of proteins associated with the extracellular matrix. Additionally, the protein profiles of meconium also exhibited unique variations depending on both specific diseases, including gastrointestinal diseases, congenital heart diseases, and maternal conditions. Furthermore, we developed a machine learning model to predict gestational ages using meconium proteins. Our model suggests that newborns with gastrointestinal diseases and congenital heart diseases may have immature gastrointestinal systems. These findings highlight the intricate relationship between clinical parameters and meconium protein composition, offering potential for a novel approach to assess neonatal gastrointestinal health.

A comprehensive microbial analysis of pediatric patients with acute appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: Pathogenesis of pediatric acute appendicitis (AA) is yet to be elucidated. Therefore, we performed a comprehensive microbial analysis of saliva, feces, and appendiceal lumen of AA patients using 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene amplicon sequencing to elucidate the pathogenesis of pediatric AA. METHODS: This study included 33 AA patients and 17 healthy controls (HCs) aged <15 y. Among the AA patients, 18 had simple appendicitis, and 15 had complicated appendicitis. Salivary and fecal samples were obtained from both groups. The contents of the appendiceal lumen were collected from the AA group. All samples were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. RESULTS: The relative abundance of Fusobacterium was significantly higher in the saliva of AA patients as compared to that in HCs (P = 0.011). Bacteroides, Escherichia, Fusobacterium, Coprobacillus, and Flavonifractor were significantly increased in the feces of AA patients, as compared to that in HCs (P = 0.020, 0.010, 0.029, 0.031, and 0.002, respectively). In the appendiceal lumen, Bacteroides, Parvimonas, Fusobacterium, and Alloprevotella were the top bacterial genera with an average relative abundance >5% (16.0%, 9.1%, 7.9%, and 6.0%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The relative abundance of Fusobacterium was high in the appendiceal lumen of pediatric AA patients. Moreover, the relative abundance of Fusobacterium was significantly higher in the saliva and feces of pediatric AA patients than in those of healthy children. These results suggest that ectopic colonization of oral Fusobacterium in the appendix might play an important role in the pathogenesis of pediatric AA.

Bedside Ultrasonography in Evaluating Mediastinum Leakage in an Extremely-Low-Birth-Weight Infant with Esophageal Perforation.

Esophageal perforation in premature infants is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt treatment. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) is recommended for diagnosis. However, it is difficult to obtain CECT images in premature infants because of their unstable conditions. We encountered a case of esophageal perforation in an extremely-low-birth-weight female infant. Bedside ultrasonography was useful in the diagnosis and follow-up evaluation of leakage in the mediastinum. Ultrasonography can be a useful modality for the evaluation of perforation of the lower part of the esophagus in premature infants.

Identification of Appendicitis Using Ultrasound with the Aid of Machine Learning.

Background: Diagnosing pediatric appendicitis by ultrasonography (US) is difficult because US requires significant training and skill. We evaluated whether artificial intelligence (AI) can augment US. Materials and Methods: Among 70 abdominal ultrasound videos containing 85-347 images each, 50 were used to train the AI neural network. Each video was categorized based on the detection percentage and percent accuracy: most (>50%), partial (10-50%), and none (<10%). Test 1 involved verification of appendix detection by AI using the remaining 20 videos. Test 2 involved the evaluation of the effect of AI utilization on pediatricians. Results: From 50 videos, 6914 images were used to train the AI network. In test 1, 3 pediatric surgeons judged 10 (50.0%), 4 (20.0%), and 6 (30.0%) videos as "most," "partial," and "none," respectively, regarding the detection percentage; 7 (35.0%), 7 (35.0%), and 6 (30.0%) videos were judged, respectively, concerning the percent accuracy. Five (83.3%) of six test videos with a scan area depth of 8 cm were judged as "none" for both detection and accuracy. In test 2, six videos were also judged as "none" for both categories, showing a negative effect on the participants (5 pediatric residents and 5 pediatric intensive-emergency fellows), but the other categories showed little negative effect. Conclusions: Appendicitis in a shallow US scan area can be easily identified with AI support. Even with the detection of a partial appendicitis shadow, AI is still helpful. However, if AI does not detect appendicitis at all, examiners may be negatively affected.

Discovery of Candidate Stool Biomarker Proteins for Biliary Atresia Using Proteome Analysis by Data-Independent Acquisition Mass Spectrometry.

Biliary atresia (BA) is a destructive inflammatory obliterative cholangiopathy of the neonate that affects various parts of the bile duct. If early diagnosis followed by Kasai portoenterostomy is not performed, progressive liver cirrhosis frequently leads to liver transplantation in the early stage of life. Therefore, prompt diagnosis is necessary for the rescue of BA patients. However, the prompt diagnosis of BA remains challenging because specific and reliable biomarkers for BA are currently unavailable. In this study, we discovered potential biomarkers for BA using deep proteome analysis by data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry (DIA-MS). Four patients with BA and three patients with neonatal cholestasis of other etiologies (non-BA) were recruited for stool proteome analysis. Among the 2110 host-derived proteins detected in their stools, 49 proteins were significantly higher in patients with BA and 54 proteins were significantly lower. These varying stool protein levels in infants with BA can provide potential biomarkers for BA. As demonstrated in this study, the deep proteome analysis of stools has great potential not only in detecting new stool biomarkers for BA but also in elucidating the pathophysiology of BA and other pediatric diseases, especially in the field of pediatric gastroenterology.

Laparoscopically Assisted Anorectoplasty for Intermediate-Type Imperforate Anus: Comparison of Surgical Outcomes with the Sacroperineal Approach.

Aim: This study aimed to compare the surgical outcomes of patients with the intermediate-type imperforate anus who underwent laparoscopically assisted anorectoplasty (LAARP; L group) with those of patients who underwent sacroperineal anorectoplasty (S group). Materials and Methods: The medical records of patients with intermediate-type imperforate anus at a single institution between April 1983 and April 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Fecal continence was evaluated using the clinical assessment score for fecal continence developed by the Japanese Study Group of Anorectal Anomalies (maximum score, 8). Results: Twelve cases (rectobulbar urethral fistula, 7; anal agenesis without fistula, 4; and rectovaginal fistula, 1) were included in the L group versus 14 cases (rectobulbar urethral fistula, 11, and anal agenesis without fistula, 3) in the S group. Age and body weight at the time of surgery and rate of associated anomalies did not differ significantly between the two groups. The total scores for fecal continence 3, 5, and 7 years after anorectoplasty were 4, 5, and 4 points in the L group and 4, 5, and 6 points in the S group, respectively, showing no significant intergroup differences. Mucosal prolapse occurred in 50% of the L group and 29% of the S group (P = .42), but failed rectocutaneous anastomosis and anal stenosis were not identified in either group. Conclusions: Postoperative fecal continence and the incidence of complications after LAARP were comparable with those after sacroperineal anorectoplasty in patients with intermediate-type imperforate anus.

Comparison of Three- and Two-Dimensional Laparoscopy in Pediatric Nissen Fundoplication.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of three-dimensional (3D) versus conventional two-dimensional (2D) vision in pediatric laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. Materials and Methods: Medical records and procedure videos of patients 18 years old or younger who underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication at a single institution between January 2015 and August 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. The total pneumoperitoneum and wrapping times were measured. The number of errors during the first stitch of the wrapping was counted. Three-dimensional laparoscopy was introduced in January 2017, and data were compared between the previous 2D and current 3D groups. A questionnaire was provided to each surgeon who performed the 3D procedure. Results: Laparoscopic fundoplication was performed under 2D vision in 32 patients and under 3D vision in 19 patients. Mean ages and weights at surgery were similar between the groups. There was no significant differences in pneumoperitoneum and wrapping times between the two groups. Significantly more errors were counted in the 2D versus 3D procedure, but all patients recovered without any complications related to intraoperative errors. On the questionnaires, all 8 surgeons desired a decreased scope diameter and multidirectional visual axis. Four surgeons (50%) experienced eyestrain and 1 experienced double vision. Conclusions: This study showed no reduction in surgical time with 3D versus 2D scope use. Three-dimensional vision decreased the technical errors in creating the wrap, but its clinical merit remains unclear. Decreasing the scope diameter and adding multidirectional vision capabilities are needed for the 3D scope to gain more widespread approval and use in pediatric surgery.

The impact of body weight on stapled anastomosis in pediatric patients.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to clarify the impact of body weight on outcomes of stapled anastomosis in pediatric patients. METHODS: A total of 253 pediatric patients who underwent intestinal anastomosis were classified according to body weight (<3.5 kg: light group, ≥3.5 kg: heavy group), and clinical outcomes of stapled and hand-sewn anastomoses were compared. RESULTS: The light and heavy groups included 77 (stapled: n = 13, hand-sewn: n = 64) and 176 (stapled: n = 58, hand-sewn: n = 118) patients, respectively. In both groups, stapled anastomosis was associated with reduced time to initial oral feeding (light group: 4 vs. 7 days, p = 0.006; heavy group: 3 vs. 5 days, p < 0.001) and full feeding (light group: 12 vs. 16 days, p = 0.026; heavy group: 7 vs. 9 days, p = 0.001), whereas its complication rate was not significantly different from that of hand-sewn anastomosis (light group: 30.8 vs. 12.5%, p = 0.112; heavy group: 3.4 vs. 2.5%, p = 0.665). In patients who underwent stapled anastomosis, the complication rate was significantly higher in the light group (30.8 vs. 3.4%, p = 0.009), with two cases of volvulus related to anastomotic dilatation. CONCLUSIONS: Stapled anastomosis is an effective procedure facilitating prompt oral feeding. However, the risk of complications, including volvulus related to anastomotic dilatation, should be considered among patients weighing <3.5 kg. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Efficacy of the traditional Japanese medicine goreisan for the resolution of spermatic cord hydrocele in children.

PURPOSE: Goreisan, a traditional Japanese medicine, has previously been used for hydrostatic modulation. This retrospective study investigated the efficacy of goreisan for spermatic cord hydrocele resolution in children. METHODS: Seventy-two boys treated for spermatic cord hydrocele between 2012 and 2015 were included; Goreisan was administered to 16 [group G, median age 3 (1-8) years], and 56 were followed without medication [group C, median age 1 (0-8) years]. An age-matched comparison was conducted between 14/16 group G patients (group g) and 14/56 group C patients (group c). RESULTS: Incidences of resolution were higher in groups G and g than in groups C and c, respectively, both during the study period and within the first 6-month observation period; groups G and g also had a significantly lower incidence of surgery for hydrocele than in groups C and c, respectively. The interval from the commencement of observation until hydrocele resolution was significantly shorter in group G than in group C, but not in group g than in group c. CONCLUSION: Goreisan can effectively promote the resolution of spermatic cord hydrocele in children and may be a valid treatment choice for this condition.

Slow release of basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF) enhances mechanical properties of rat trachea.

AIM: Severe tracheomalacia is a life-threatening disease, but symptoms usually improve with growth. The aims of this study were to investigate how slow release basic-Fibroblast Growth Factor (b-FGF) acts on tracheal cartilage, and whether growth-promoted trachea is more resistant against an increase in externally-applied pressure. METHODS: Biodegradable gelatin hydrogel sheets soaked in 10 µl of distilled water (sham) or 0.5 or 5 µg/10 µl of b-FGF solution were inserted behind the cervical trachea of three-week-old male Wistar rats. The cervical trachea was harvested 4 weeks later. Extratracheal pressure was increased from 0 to 40 cmH2O in a chamber, while video-recording the internal lumen. The luminal area at each pressure was expressed as a proportion to that at 0 cmH2O. The amounts of collagen type II and glycosaminoglycan were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: The luminal areas at 40 cmH2O in the control (no intervention), sham, and each of the b-FGF groups were 0.65, 0.62, 0.72, and 0.73, respectively. The amounts of collagen type II and glycosaminoglycan in each group were 127, 136, 193, 249 µg/mg, respectively, and 15, 16, 19, 33 µg/mg, respectively. There were significant differences between the control group and the FGF 5 group (P=0.02, 0.01, 0.01, for luminal area, collagen, and glycosaminoglycan, respectively). CONCLUSION: 5 µg of slow-release b-FGF promotes matrix production (collagen type II and glycosaminoglycan). The growth-enhanced trachea was more resistant to collapse, suggesting that slowly released b-FGF might be useful in patients with severe tracheomalacia.

Thoracoscopic plication for diaphragmatic eventration after surgery for congenital heart disease in children.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to clarify the role of thoracoscopic plication for diaphragmatic eventration after surgery for congenital heart disease (CHD) in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of pediatric patients who had undergone thoracoscopic plication of diaphragmatic eventration after surgery for CHD between 2008 and 2013 at our department. RESULTS: Five patients were identified during the study period. The median age and body weight of the patients were 7.6 months and 6.6 kg, respectively. The associated CHDs were pulmonary artery atresia in 3 patients, truncus arteriosus in 1 patient, and double-outlet right ventricle in 1 patient. Four patients needed preoperative mechanical respiratory support. At operation, all the patients received CO2 insufflation (4 mm Hg), and single-lung ventilation was attempted in 3 patients using a bronchial blocker. A sufficient operative field was maintained by CO2 insufflation in all the patients regardless of single-lung ventilation. The procedure was not converted to open operation in any patient. Postoperative extubation was performed in the operating room in 1 patient, on the day of operation in 2 patients, and on postoperative Days 1 and 2 in 2 patients. Air embolism was not observed in any of the patients. Diaphragmatic eventration did not recur in any of the patients after thoracoscopic plication. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracoscopic plication is a safe and effective procedure for pediatric diaphragmatic eventration after surgery for CHD. Considering the sufficient operative field maintained by CO2 insufflation, single-lung ventilation using a bronchial blocker would be unnecessary for this procedure. With its safety and good outcome, early thoracoscopic plication is a good treatment option for pediatric patients with symptomatic diaphragmatic eventration after surgery for CHD.

[A case of long-term survival after resection of metastatic lymph nodes along the superior mesenteric vein from early gastric cancer].

A 63-year-old man underwent distal gastrectomy and D1 + beta lymph node dissection for type II c early gastric cancer in the posterior wall of the antrum. In the fifth postoperative month, a mass appeared in the epigastric region, and serum tumor marker levels rose. Abdominal CT revealed a 4-cm mass anterior to the superior mesenteric vein. He was diagnosed with recurrence in the lymph nodes along the superior mesenteric vein (No. 14v). Since there was no evidence of recurrence elsewhere, the patient underwent resection of the lymph nodes and transverse colectomy, followed by five courses of chemotherapy with S-1 + cisplatin. At present, more than 38 months after surgery, he is alive without recurrence. Generally, chemotherapy is the first-line treatment for recurrent gastric cancer; however, surgery appears to be a treatment option if the tumor is localized and resectable.