Urinary metabolic profiles during Helicobacter pylori eradication in chronic gastritis

BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection is a major risk factor for chronic gastritis,affecting approximately half of the global population.H.pylori eradication is a popular treatment method for H.pylori-positive chronic gastritis,but its mecha-nism remains unclear.Urinary metabolomics has been used to elucidate the mechanisms of gastric disease treatment.However,no clinical study has been conducted on urinary metabolomics of chronic gastritis.AIM To elucidate the urinary metabolic profiles during H.pylori eradication in patients with chronic gastritis.METHODS We applied LC–MS-based metabolomics and network pharmacology to in-vestigate the relationships between urinary metabolites and H.pylori-positive chronic gastritis via a clinical follow-up study.RESULTS Our study revealed the different urinary metabolic profiles of H.pylori-positive chronic gastritis before and after H.pylori eradication.The metabolites regulated by H.pylori eradication therapy include cis-aconitic acid,isocitric acid,citric acid,L-tyrosine,L-phenylalanine,L-tryptophan,and hippuric acid,which were involved in four metabolic pathways:(1)Phenylalanine metabolism;(2)phenylalanine,tyrosine,and tryptophan biosynthesis;(3)citrate cycle;and(4)glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism.Integrated metabolomics and network pharmacology revealed that MPO,COMT,TPO,TH,EPX,CMA1,DDC,TPH1,and LPO were the key proteins involved in the biological progress of H.pylori eradication in chronic gastritis.CONCLUSION Our research provides a new perspective for exploring the significance of urinary metabolites in evaluating the treatment and prognosis of H.pylori-positive chronic gastritis patients.

Role of ferroptosis in the process of diabetes-induced endothelial dysfunction

BACKGROUND Endothelial dysfunction,a hallmark of diabetes,is a critical and initiating contributor to the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiovascular complications.However,the underlying mechanisms are still not fully understood.Ferroptosis is a newly defined regulated cell death driven by cellular metabolism and irondependent lipid peroxidation.Although the involvement of ferroptosis in disease pathogenesis has been shown in cancers and degenerative diseases,the participation of ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of diabetic endothelial dysfunction remains unclear.AIM To examine the role of ferroptosis in diabetes-induced endothelial dysfunction and the underlying mechanisms.METHODS Human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs)were treated with high glucose(HG),interleukin-1β(IL-1β),and ferroptosis inhibitor,and then the cell viability,reactive oxygen species(ROS),and ferroptosis-related marker protein were tested.To further determine whether the p53-xCT(the substrate-specific subunit of system Xc-)-glutathione(GSH)axis is involved in HG and IL-1βinduced ferroptosis,HUVECs were transiently transfected with p53 small interfering ribonucleic acid or NC small interfering ribonucleic acid and then treated with HG and IL-1β.Cell viability,ROS,and ferroptosis-related marker protein were then assessed.In addition,we detected the xCT and p53 expression in the aorta of db/db mice.RESULTS It was found that HG and IL-1βinduced ferroptosis in HUVECs,as evidenced by the protective effect of the ferroptosis inhibitors,Deferoxamine and ferrostatin-1,resulting in increased lipid ROS and decreased cell viability.Mechanistically,activation of the p53-xCT-GSH axis induced by HG and IL-1βenhanced ferroptosis in HUVECs.In addition,a decrease in xCT and the presence of deendothelialized areas were observed in the aortic endothelium of db/db mice.CONCLUSION Ferroptosis is involved in endothelial dysfunction and p53-xCT-GSH axis activation plays a crucial role in endothelial cell ferroptosis and endothelial dysfunction.

Nucleation and crystallization of tailing-based glass-ceramics by microwave heating

The effect of microwave radiation on the nucleation and crystallization of tailing-based glass-ceramics was investigated using a 2.45 GHz multimode microwave cavity. Tailing-based glass samples were prepared fi＇om Shandong gold tailings and Guyang iron tailings utilizing a conventional glass melting technique. For comparison, the tailing-based glass samples were crystallized using two different heat-treatment methods： conventional heating and hybrid microwave heating. The nucleation and crystallization temperatures were determined by performing a differential thermal analysis of the quenched tailing-based glass. The prepared glass-ceramic samples were further characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, thermal expansion coefficient measurements, and scanning electron microscopy. The results demonstrated that hybrid microwave heating could be successfully used to crystallize the tailing-based glass, reduce the processing time, and decrease the crystallization temperature. Furthermore, the results indicated that the nucleation and crystallization mechanism of the hybrid microwave heating process slightly differs fi＇om that of the conventional heating process.

A novel large animal model of recurrent migraine established by repeated administration of inflammatory soup into the dura mater of the rhesus monkey

Several animal models of migraine have been established, and those based on trigeminovascular system activation are widely accepted. How- ever, most of these models have been established on lower animals, such as rodents, and involve only a single administration of a noxious stimulus. In this study, an inflammatory soup （10 μL）, consisting of prostaglandin E2 （0.2 mM）, serotonin （2 mM）, bradykinin （2 raM） and histamine （2 raM）, was injected into the dura mater of conscious rhesus monkeys through an indwelling catheter. The infusion started on day 8 and was repeated every 3 days, for a total of six administrations, to induce neurogenic inflammation. We performed behavioral assessments and measured the expression of the oncogene c-fos, neuronal nitric oxide synthase （nNOS） and calcitonin gene related peptide （CGRP） ill the trigeminal system and in multiple brain regions involved in pain processing by immunohistochemical staining. Compared with monkeys in the control group, three of the four animals in the inflammatory soup group displayed decreased motor behaviors, and two showed increased ipsilateral nose and mouth secretions during the stimulus period. Higher expression levels of c-fos, nNOS and CGRP were found in various brain areas of experimental animals compared with controls, including the trigeminal nucleus caudalis, thalamus, hypothalamus, midbrain, pons and other areas involved in pain perception. These results suggest that repeated inflammatory soup stimulation of the dura activates the trigeminovascular system and produces migraine-like pathological changes and abnormal behaviors in conscious rhesus monkeys.

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor with hemophilic syndrome and bone marrow fibrosis:A rare case report

BACKGROUND Malignant schwannoma is a rare tumor in the peripheral nervous system,accounting for approximately 5%to 10%of systemic soft tissue sarcomas.Especially,malignant schwannoma occurring in the broad ligament of the uterus with hemophilic syndrome and bone marrow fibrosis is extremely rare in clinical practice.Here,we report the first case of an patient diagnosed with malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor(MPNST)of the broad ligament of the uterus with hemophilic syndrome and bone marrow fibrosis,and share our reference clinical diagnosis and treatment experience.CASE SUMMARY A patient was diagnosed with MPNST of the uterus harboring hemophilic syndrome and bone marrow fibrosis.She received combination,and repeated imaging revealed further encountered rare complications(hemophilia syndrome and bone marrow fibrosis)after two cycles of chemotherapy.Thereafter,combined treatment with pazopanib,gemcitabine,and dacarbazine was initiated.Unfortunately,the patient succumbed to death at hospital after two weeks.CONCLUSION This report firstly provided reference clinical practice for a patient with MPNST of the uterus harboring hemophilic syndrome and bone marrow fibrosis.Our case raises a reminder about the tolerance and safety of combination therapy,especially in young women.

Analysis of temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of ammonium chloride smoke particles in confined spaces

In response to the demand for short-range detection of anti-smoke environment interference by laser fuzes,this study proposes a smoke environment simulation of non-uniform continuous point source diffusion and investigates an experimental laboratory smoke environment using an ammonium chloride smoke agent.The particle size distribution,composition,and mass flow distribution of the smoke were studied.Based on a discrete phase model and a kεturbulence model,a numerical simulation was developed to model the smoke generation and diffusion processes of the smoke agent in a confined space.The temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of the smoke mass concentration,velocity,and temperature in the space after smoke generation were analyzed,and the motion law governing the smoke diffusion throughout the entire space was summarized.Combined with the experimental verification of the smoke environment laboratory,the results showed that the smoke plume changed from fan-shaped to umbrella-shaped during smoke generation,and then continued to spread around.Meanwhile,the mass concentration of smoke in the space decreased from the middle outward;the changes in temperature and velocity were small and stable.In the diffusion stage(after 900 s),the mass concentration of smoke above 0.8 m was relatively uniform across an area of smoke that was 12 m thick.The concentration decreased over time,following a consistent decreasing trend,and the attenuation was negligible in a very short time.Therefore,this system was suitable for conducting experimental research on laser fuzes in a smoke environment.Owing to the stability of the equipment and facilities,the setup could reproduce the same experimental smoke environment by artificially controlling the smoke emission of the smoke agent.Overall,this work provides a theoretical reference for subsequent research efforts regarding the construction of uniform smoke environments and evaluating laser transmission characteristics in smoky environments.

A Macaca mulatta model of fulminant hepatic failure

AIM:To establish an appropriate primate model of fulminant hepatic failure (FHF).METHODS:We have,for the first time,established a large animal model of FHF in Macaca mulatta by intraperitoneal infusion of amatoxin and endotoxin.Clinical features,biochemical indexes,histopathology and iconography were examined to dynamically investigate the progress and outcome of the animal model.RESULTS:Our results showed that the enzymes and serum bilirubin were markedly increased and the enzyme-bilirubin segregation emerged 36 h after toxin administration.Coagulation activity was significantly decreased.Gradually deteriorated parenchymal abnormality was detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasonography at 48 h.The liver biopsy showed marked hepatocyte steatosis and massive parenchymal necrosis at 36 h and 49 h,respectively.The autopsy showed typical yellow atrophy of the liver.Hepatic encephalopathy of the models was also confirmed by hepatic coma,MRI and pathological changes of cerebral edema.The lethal effects of the extrahepatic organ dysfunction were ruled out by their biochemical indices,imaging and histopathology.CONCLUSION:We have established an appropriate large primate model of FHF,which is closely similar to clinic cases,and can be used for investigation of the mechanism of FHF and for evaluation of potential medical therapies.

Thermodynamic simulation of the effect of slag chemistry on the corrosion behavior of alumina–chromia refractory

The corrosion behavior of alumina-chromia refractory against two kinds of industrial slags （coal slag and iron smelting slag） at 1550℃ was investigated via thermodynamic simulations. In the proposed simulation model, the initial slag first attacks the matrix and surface aggregates and subsequently attacks the inner aggregates. The simulation results indicate that the slag chemistry strongly affects the phase formation and corrosion behavior of the refractory brick. Greater amounts of alumina were dissolved and spinel solid phases formed when the brick interacted with iron smelting slag. These phenomena, as well as the calculated lower viscosity, may lead to much deeper penetration than that exhibited by coal slag and to more severe corrosion compared to that induced by coal slag. The thermodynamic calculations well match the experimental observations, demonstrating the efficiency of the proposed simulation model for evaluating the corrosion behavior of alumina-chromia refractory.

Immunogenicity of DNA and Recombinant Sendai Virus Vaccines Expressing the HIV-1 gag Gene

Combinations of DNA and recombinant-viral-vector based vaccines are promising AIDS vaccine methods because of their potential for inducing cellular immune responses. It was found that Gag-specific cytotoxic lymphocyte (CTL) responses were associated with lowering viremia in an untreated HIV-1 infected cohort. The main objectives of our studies were the construction of DNA and recombinant Sendai virus vector (rSeV) vaccines containing a gag gene from the prevalent Thailand subtype B strain in China and trying to use these vaccines for therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines. The candidate plasmid DNA vaccine pcDNA3.1(+)-gag and recombinant Sendai virus vaccine (rSeV-gag) were constructed separately. It was verified by Western blotting analysis that both DNA and rSeV-gag vaccines expressed the HIV-1 Gag protein correctly and efficiently. Balb/c mice were immunized with these two vaccines in different administration schemes. HIV-1 Gag-specific CTL responses and antibody levels were detected by intracellular cytokine staining assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) respectively. Combined vaccines in a DNA prime/rSeV-gag boost vaccination regimen induced the strongest and most long-lasting Gag-specific CTL and antibody responses. It maintained relatively high levels even 9 weeks post immunization. This data indicated that the prime-boost regimen with DNA and rSeV-gag vaccines may offer promising HIV vaccine regimens.

Effect of trimebutine in combined with alprazolam on the gastrointestinal hormones in patients with diarrhea-type IBS

Objective: To explore the effect of trimebutine in combined with alprazolam on the gastrointestinal hormones and living quality in patients with diarrhea-type IBS (IBS-D). Methods: A total of 117 patients with IBS-D who were admitted in our hospital were included in the study and randomized into the control group (n=58) and the treatment group (n=59). The patients in the control group were given trimebutine;while the patients in the treatment group were given trimebutine in combined with alprazolam. The patients in the two groups were continuously treated for 4 weeks. The levels of gastrointestinal hormones and brain-gut peptide before and after treatment in the two groups were detected and compared. SF-36 was used to analyze the living quality before and after treatment in the two groups. Results: MOT;GAS;SP;and 5-HT levels after treatment in the two groups were significantly reduced;while VIP;SS;CCK;and CGRP levels and SF-36 score in each dimension were significantly elevated;and the comparison between the two groups was statistically significant. Conclusions:Trimebutine in combined with alprazolam in the treatment of IBS-D can significantly improve the gastrointestinal hormones and brain-gut peptide;and enhance the living quality;with a significant efficacy.

Synthesis of Co-Ni oxide microflowers as a superior anode for hybrid supercapacitors with ultralong cycle life

Li-ion hybrid capacitors（LIHCs）,composing of a lithium-ion battery（LIB） type anode and a supercapacitor（SC） type cathode,gained worldwide popularity due to harmonious integrating the virtues of high energy density of LIBs with high power density of SCs.Herein,nanoflakes composed microflower-like Co-Ni oxide（CoNiO） was successfully synthesized by a simple co-precipitation method.The atomic ratio of as-synthesized CoNiO is determined to be 1：3 through XRD and XPS analytical method.As a typical battery-type material,CoNiO and capacitor-type activated polyanilinederived carbon（APDC） were used to assemble LIHCs as the anode and cathode materials,respectively.As a result,when an optimized mass ratio of CoNiO and APDC was 1：2,CoNiO//APDC LIHC could deliver a maximum energy density of 143 Wh kg^-1 at a working voltage of 1-4 V.It is worth mentioning that the LIHC also exhibits excellent cycle stability with the capacitance retention of -78.2%after 15,000 cycles at a current density of 0.5 A g^-1.

Advance in the understanding of vasovagal syncope in children and adolescents

Background Vasovagal syncope(VVS)accounts for 60-80% of cases of neurally mediated syncope.VVS results from acute orthostatic intolerance and recurrent syncopal attacks,which can seriously affect an individual's quality of life.In addition,some children even experience trauma during attacks.Therefore,it is particularly important to clarify the pathogenesis of VVS.The aim of our study is to reveal the latest research progress of VVS.Data sources Literature that involved the pathogenesis of VVS were selected from Cochrane Library(1990-2019),EMBASE(1991-2019)and PubMed(1968-2019)databases.Results Hypovolemia,autonomic dysfunction,vasomotor dysfunction,baroreceptor reflex abnormalities,endothelial dys-function,serotonin surges,and gut microbiota were involved in the underlying mechanism of VVS.Conclusions VVS is not always a benign prognosis.Various aspects were involved in its pathogenesis.Bezold-Jarish reflex,dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system,genetic factors and so on played important roles in VVS;however,the mecha-nism remains unclear.

Synthesis of MXene-supported layered MoS_2 with enhanced electrochemical performance for Mg batteries

In this paper, the petal-like MoS2/MXene composite has been successfully synthesized by one-step hydrothermal method. With the combination of few-layer MoS2nanosheets and the high conductive MXene substrate, the composite exhibits enhanced capacities of 165 mAh/g at 50 mA/g and outstanding rate performance of 93 mAh/g at 200 mA/g as a cathode material of Mg batteries. Simultaneously, MXene with high conductivity and abundant surface functional groups is proved to be a promising substrate for the wider design of high performance electrode materials.

Plasma Neuropeptide Y Levels in Vasovagal Syncope in Children

Background： Vasovagal syncope （VVS） is the most common cause of syncope in children. Neuropeptide Y （NPY） plays an important role in the regulation of blood pressure （BP）, as well as myocardial contractility. This study aimed to explore the role of plasma NPY in VVS in children. Methods： Fifty-six children who were diagnosed with VVS （VVS group） using head-up tilt test （HUT） and 31 healthy children who were selected as controls （control group） were enrolled. Plasma NPY concentrations were detected. The independent t-test was used to compare the data of the VVS group with those of the control group. The changes in plasma NPY levels in the VVS group during the HUT, as well as hemodynamic parameters, such as heart rate （HR）, BP, total peripheral vascular resistance （TPVR）, and cardiac output （CO）, were evaluated using the paired t-test. Furthermore, the correlations between plasma NPY levels and hemodynamic parameters were analyzed using bivariate correlation analysis. Results： The BP, HR, and plasma NPY （0.34 ± 0.12 pg/ml vs. 0.46 ± 0.13 pg/ml） levels in the supine position were statistically low in the VVS group compared to levels in the control group （all P 〈 0.05）. Plasma NPY levels were positively correlated with the HR （Pearson, R = 0.395, P 〈 0.001） and diastolic BP （Pearson, R = 0.311, P = 0.003） when patients were in the supine position. When patients in the VVS group were in the supine position, elevated TPVR （4.6 ± 3.7 mmHg·min-1·L-1 vs. 2.5 ± 1.0 mmHg·min-1·L-1, respectively, P 〈 0.001;1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa） and reduced CO （1.0 ± 0.7 L/min vs. 2.4 ± 1.3 L/min, respectively, P 〈 0.001） were observed in the positive-response period compared with baseline values. The plasma NPY levels were positively correlated with TPVR （Spearman, R = 0.294, P = 0.028） but negatively correlated with CO in the positive-response period during HUT （Spearman, R = -0.318, P = 0.017）. Conclusions： Plasma NPY may contribute to the pathogenesis of VVS by increasing the TPVR and decreasing the CO during orthostatic regulation.

Increased Endogenous Sulfur Dioxide Involved in the Pathogenesis of Postural Tachycardia Syndrome in Children： A Case-Control Study

Background： The pathogenesis of postural tachycardia syndrome （POTS） remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the changes and significance of sulfur dioxide （SO2） in patients with POTS. Methods： The study included 31 children with POTS and 27 healthy children from Peking University First Hospital between December 2013 and October 2015. A detailed medical history, physical examination results, and demographic characteristics were collected. Hemodynamics was recorded and the plasma SO2was determined. Results： The plasma SO2was significantly higher in POTS children compared to healthy children （64.0 ± 20.8 μmol/L vs. 27.2 ± 9.6 μmol/L, respectively, P 〈 0.05）. The symptom scores in POTS were positively correlated with plasma SO2levels （r = 0.398, P 〈 0.05）. In all the study participants, the maximum heart rate （HR） was positively correlated with plasma levels of SO2（r = 0.679, P 〈 0.01）. The change in systolic blood pressure from the supine to upright （ΔSBP） in POTS group was smaller than that in the control group （P 〈 0.05）. The ΔSBP was negatively correlated with baseline plasma SO2levels in all participants （r = ？0.28, P 〈 0.05）. In the control group, ΔSBP was positively correlated with the plasma levels of SO2（r = 0.487, P 〈 0.01）. The change in HR from the supine to upright in POTS was obvious compared to that of the control group. The area under curve was 0.967 （95% confidence interval： 0.928–1.000）, and the cutoff value of plasma SO2level 〉38.17 μmol/L yielded a sensitivity of 90.3% and a specificity of 92.6% for predicting the diagnosis of POTS. Conclusions： Increased endogenous SO2levels might be involved in the pathogenesis of POTS.

Phytochemical interventions for post-traumatic stress disorder:A cluster co-occurrence network analysis using CiteSpace

Objective:This study investigated trends in the study of phytochemical treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD).Methods:The Web of Science database(2007-2022)was searched using the search terms“phytochemicals”and“PTSD,”and relevant literature was compiled.Network clustering co-occurrence analysis and qualitative narrative review were conducted.Results:Three hundred and one articles were included in the analysis of published research,which has surged since 2015 with nearly half of all relevant articles coming from North America.The category is dominated by neuroscience and neurology,with two journals,Addictive Behaviors and Drug and Alcohol Dependence,publishing the greatest number of papers on these topics.Most studies focused on psychedelic intervention for PTSD.Three timelines show an“ebb and flow”phenomenon between“substance use/marijuana abuse”and“psychedelic medicine/medicinal cannabis.”Other phytochemicals account for a small proportion of the research and focus on topics like neurosteroid turnover,serotonin levels,and brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression.Conclusion:Research on phytochemicals and PTSD is unevenly distributed across countries/regions,disciplines,and journals.Since 2015,the research paradigm shifted to constitute the mainstream of psychedelic research thus far,leading to the exploration of botanical active ingredients and molecular mechanisms.Other studies focus on anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammation.

Corrosion resistance of BN-ZrO_(2)ceramics with different additives by molten steel

BN–ZrO_(2)ceramics with different additives such as SiC,Al_(2)O_(3) and MgAl_(2)O_(4) were fabricated by hot pressing sintering process to study sintering properties and corrosion resistance by the rotary immersion molten steel test.The results showed that SiC,Al_(2)O_(3) and MgAl_(2)O_(4) can improve the sintering properties of BN–ZrO_(2)ceramics;especially,the introduction of SiC can significantly improve the hardness of the material;thus,the above compounds will help to improve the wear resistance of BN–ZrO_(2)ceramics.The exposed oxide layer is in contact with molten steel and forms liquid phase after BN oxidation and B_(2)O_(3) volatilization,additives can significantly affect the properties of liquid phase,and m-ZrO_(2)grains are sintered and grown by dissolution–precipitation mechanism by liquid phase.Consequently,Al_(2)O_(3) and MgAl_(2)O_(4) are more conducive to the formation of working layer with solid skeleton,which determines the corrosion resistance of BN–ZrO_(2)ceramics.