Prevalence and resistance of Helicobacter pylori in a predominantly Hispanic population

BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)is the most common chronic bacterial infection in humans.The risk of acquiring H.pylori is related to socioeconomic status and living conditions early in life.Treatment regimens must consider local antibiotic resistance patterns.Adventist Health White Memorial Hospital serves a predominantly indigent population in east Los Angeles with a large number of immigrants from South and Central America.Data regarding the prevalence and resistance of H.pylori in this population is scant.AIM To evaluate the prevalence and resistance of H.pylori and correlate with country of origin.METHODS All gastric biopsies were obtained by a single gastroenterologist at the hospital in a consecutive manner from patients with gastritis from 2017 to 2022 and sent to various labs for evaluation.RESULTS Two hundred and sixty-six patients are born in the United States,450,171,70,and 30 patients are immigrants from Mexico,Central and South America(CSA),Asia,and other countries respectively.Overall,14.65%were found to be infected with H.pylori.Rates of infection in United States-born citizens,immigrants from Mexico,CSA,and Asia are 9.02%,18.67%,13.45%,and 11.43%respectively,with Mexican immigrants having a relative risk of 2.3889[95%confidence interval(CI):1.4789-3.8588,P=0.0004]compared to those born in United States.No correlation seen between infection and length of time immigrants were in United States.Relative risk of infection in patients with no proton pump inhibitor use within the past 30 days found to be 1.9276(95%CI:1.3562-2.7398,P=0.0003).Rates of resistance for clarithromycin and levofloxacin are 21.43%and 31.11%.CONCLUSION H.pylori infection appears to be associated with low socioeconomic status and poor living conditions early in life.Clarithromycin and levofloxacin based treatment regimens should be avoided as first line therapy in this region,particularly in patients of Latin American origin.

Disparate outcomes in Hispanic patients with metabolic dysfunctionassociated steatotic liver disease/steatohepatitis and type 2 diabetes: Large cohort study

BACKGROUND Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD)and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis(MASH)are a growing health burden across a significant portion of the global patient population.However,these conditions seem to have disparate rates and outcomes between different ethnic populations.The combination of MASLD/MASH and type 2 diabetes increases the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),and Hispanic patients experience the greatest burden,particularly those in South Texas.AIM To compare outcomes between Hispanic and non-Hispanic patients in the United States,while further focusing on the Hispanic population within Southeast Texas to determine whether the documented disparity in outcomes is a function of geographical circumstance or if there is a more widespread reason that all clinicians must account for in prognostic consideration.METHODS This cohort analysis was conducted with data obtained from TriNetX,LLC(“TriNetX”),a global federated health research network that provides access to deidentified medical records from healthcare organizations worldwide.Two cohort networks were used:University of Texas Medical Branch(UTMB)hospital and the United States national database collective to determine whether disparities were related to geographic regions,like Southeast Texas.RESULTS This study findings revealed Hispanics/Latinos have a statistically significant higher occurrence of HCC,type 2 diabetes mellitus,and liver fibrosis/cirrhosis in both the United States and the UTMB Hispanic/Latino groups.Allcause mortality in Hispanics/Latinos was lower within the United States group and not statistically elevated in the UTMB cohort.CONCLUSION This would appear to support that Hispanic patients in Southeast Texas are not uniquely affected compared to the national Hispanic population.

Capitol Hill/Hispanic neighborhood/A challenge

美国国会山(Capitol Hill)是首都华盛顿的一道风景,其实,它也是白宫的一个组成部分。作者的描写简略但扼要。国会山的戒备不可谓不森严,有Securityguards,还有X-ray inspection,然而,此地却频频发生枪击惨案,世人为之震惊。

Seedling potential of trees species along the elevational gradient in temperate hill forest of central Nepal

Regeneration status of tree species along elevation gradient in temperate hill forest was not understood greatly.Present research examined the tree diversity and its regeneration patterns along an elevation gradient in temperate hill forest,central Nepal.Data were collected from 300 sample plots within vertical elevation bands of 10,ranging from 1365 to 2450 m asl.A random sampling method was used for data collection in three seasons,winter,pre-monsoon and post monsoon seasons.Diameter at breast height(DBH)was used to broadly categorize the plant individual into trees,saplings and seedlings.The tree species richness ranged from 12 to 25 with density of 350 to 1200 individuals per hectare.Species richness of tree and sapling showed statistically significant unimodal pattern,which peaked at mid-elevation.Elevation showed a strong and positive linear correlation with the seedling density(Deviance=0.99,p<0.001)and a significant hump-shaped relationship with sapling density(Deviance=0.95,p<0.001).Similarly,elevations showed a statistically significant negative hump-shaped relationship with all trees,saplings and seedling stages(Deviances=0.89,0.87 and 0.57).The highest values of the Shannon-Wiener index and the lowest value of the Simpson index were found at mid-elevation for all growth forms.Nearly 92%of tree species were found at regenerating stage;49%in a good renewal regeneration status,32%in fair renewal regeneration,and 11%at a poor regenerating condition.Nevertheless,4%of tree species were reported as non-regenerating stages and 4%were newly introduced species.Hence,the regeneration status of the study area was considered fairly well since sapling(78.5%)>seedling(10.6%)≤mature(10.9%).Among tested environmental variables,elevation and annual mean rainfall were the most influential factors in the regeneration of tree species.

Evaluating the Association between Human Papillomavirus and Vulvar Cancer:A Comprehensive Analysis Using Bradford Hill Criteria

Background:The role of human papillomavirus(HPV)in the development of vulvar cancer(VC)has been widely studied,but findings have been inconsistent.Despite numerous meta-analyses exploring the potential link between HPV and VC,the association remains controversial due to inherent limitations in meta-analytic methods.Objectives:To address this controversy,the study aims to investigate the potential link between HPV and VC using the Bradford Hill criteria,which offer a more comprehensive framework for establishing causation.Methodology:The study began by extracting all relevant studies on the association between HPV and VC from the PubMed database.The potential links were then assessed by examining the data using the major postulates of the Bradford Hill criteria.To ensure the reliability of the findings,the methodologies of the identified studies were critically evaluated to account for possible false-negative and false-positive results.Results:The assessment of previous studies against the Bradford Hill criteria revealed that the major postulates were not fulfilled.Conclusion:Based on the findings,it can concluded that there is no causal association between HPV and VC.

基于Hill肌肉模型的仿袋鼠腿悬架控制特性研究

为进一步改善车辆悬架的控制性能,采用仿生设计思想,提出一种基于Hill肌肉模型的仿袋鼠腿悬架(下称仿生悬架)。设计了该悬架的Fuzzy、Fuzzy-PID控制器,并采用ADAMS和Simulink联合仿真对其控制特性开展研究。研究发现:①冲击路面下,相对于被动悬架,Fuzzy控制和Fuzzy-PID控制下的车身位移和车身加速度分别下降了54%、58%和92%、93%,悬架抗冲击性能明显改善。②随机路面下,随着路面等级和车速的增加,Fuzzy控制和Fuzzy-PID控制均可有效改善悬架的控制性能;相对于被动悬架,主动控制下的悬架表现出更加优异的缓冲隔振性能、路面适应性及稳定性;主动控制下的车身加速度传递率(8.8%~1%)呈下降趋势且数值较小,轮胎动位移(0.19~3.92)mm及其传递率(8.1%~10.5%)呈上升趋势,但数值及变化较小。③冲击路面和随机路面下,相较于Fuzzy控制,Fuzzy-PID控制下的悬架特性更优。上述结果表明,基于Hill肌肉模型的仿生悬架具有良好的控制特性,验证了该仿生思路和控制方法的正确性和有效性。

NAFLD prevalence differs among hispanic subgroups:The multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis

AIM: To compare prevalence rates of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) between Hispanics of Mexican origin and Hispanics of Dominican and Puerto Rican origin.

Physical activity and nutrition attitudes in obese Hispanic children with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

AIM:To assess nutrition,physical activity and health-ful knowledge in obese children with biopsy-proven nonalcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH or NA)compared to children without liver disease.METHODS:Children with biopsy-proven NASH comprised the NASH group.Age,sex and ethnicity matched control groups consisted of obese(OB)and lean(CO) children with no liver disease.Subjects were adminis-tered the School Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey and one blood draw was obtained.RESULTS:Fifty-seven patients were enrolled with a mean age of 12.1±2.1 years,and all were Hispanic.Even though the OB and NA had a similar increased body mass index(%),35%of the NA group always read nutrition labels compared to none in the OB(P<0.05),and more NA children felt their diet is"less healthy".NA consumed the least amount of fruits with only 25%having≥1 fruit/d vs 45%in OB and 64.7% in CO(P<0.05 NA vs CO).Only 15%of NA subjects performed light exercise vs 35%and 59%of OB and CO groups,respectively(P=0.02).The mean physical activity score was lowest in the NA group(P<0.05).Amongst the subjects with NASH,we found that 100% of patients with grade 2 or 3 fibrosis had a sedentary score>2 compared to only 63.6%of those with grade 1 or no fibrosis(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Children with NASH had increased sedentary behavior,decreased activity,and fruit intake.Larger studies may determine the benefit of changing these behaviors as treatment for NASH.

基于肌球蛋白粗丝力学感知效应的Hill特性式理论研究

粗丝的机械力学感知效应对于理解肌肉收缩的内在机制具有非常重要的作用。Hill特性式是描述肌肉收缩中负荷与速度关系的经验表达式,对其理论机制的研究中缺乏对粗丝力学感知效应的考虑。本文以肌肉收缩的滑行理论为依据,考虑粗丝的力学感知效应,建立肌球蛋白与肌动蛋白丝结合的数量与粗丝承受外力的关系模型,从肌肉收缩过程中肌肉内部力的平衡角度出发,推导出肌肉收缩过程中负荷与收缩速度之间的关系即Hill特性式。结果显示理论关系式与Hill特性式完全一致,说明了肌球蛋白的力学感知效应模型的合理性,为揭示肌肉收缩的力与速度关系的潜在机制提供新的视角。

Prevalence and features of colorectal lesions among Hispanics: A hospital-based study

AIM: To evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of colorectal adenoma and carcinoma in an inner city Hispanic population.METHODS: We reviewed the reports of 1628 Hispanic patients who underwent colonoscopy at Howard University from 2000 to 2010. Advanced adenoma was defined as adenoma ≥ 1 cm in size,adenomas with villous histology,high grade dysplasia and/or invasive cancer. Statistical analysis was performed using χ2 statistics and t-test.RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 54 years,64.2% were females. Polyps were observed in 489(30.0%) of patients. Adenoma prevalence was 16.8%(n = 273),advanced adenoma 2.4%(n = 39),and colorectal cancer 0.4%(n = 7). Hyperplastic polyps were seen in 6.6% of the cohort(n = 107). Adenomas predominantly exhibited a proximal colonic distribution(53.7%,n = 144); while hyperplastic polyps were mostly located in the distal colon(70%,n = 75). Among 11.7%(n = 191) patients who underwent screening colonoscopy,the prevalence of colorectal lesions was 21.4% adenoma,2.6% advanced adenoma; and 8.3% hyperplastic polyps.CONCLUSION: Our data showed low colorectal cancer prevalence among Hispanics in the Washington DC area. However,the pre-neoplastic pattern of colonic lesions in Hispanics likely points toward a shift in this population that needs to be monitored closely through large epidemiological studies.

Burden of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and advanced fibrosis in a Texas Hispanic community cohort

AIM: To investigate the potential burden of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH) and advanced fibrosis in a hispanic community.METHODS: Four hundred and forty two participants with available ultrasonography data from the Cameron County Hispanic Cohort were included in this study. Each participant completed a comprehensive questionnaire regarding basic demographic information, medical history, medication use, and social and family history including alcohol use. Values of the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score(NFS), FIB4 index, BARD score, and Aspartate aminotransferase to Platelet Ratio Index(APRI) were computed using the blood samples collected within 6 mo of liver ultrasonography from each participant. Hepatic steatosis was determined by ultrasonography. As part of univariable analysis, for continuous variables, comparisons among groups were performed with student-t test, one way analysis of variance, and Mann-Whitney test. Pearson χ2 and the Fisher exact test are used to assess differences in categorical variables. For multivariable analyses, logistic regression analyses were performed to identify characteristics associated with hepatic steatosis. All reported P values are based two-sided tests, and a P value of less than 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance.RESULTS: The mean age and body mass index(BMI) of the study participants were 49.1 years and 31.3 kg/m2, respectively. Among them, 65.6% were females, 52% had hepatic steatosis, 49.5% had metabolic syndrome, and 29% had elevated aminotransferases. Based on established cut-offs for diagnostic panels, between 17%-63% of the entire cohort was predicted to have NASH with indeterminate or advanced fibrosis. Participants with hepatic steatosis had significantly higher BMI(32.9 ± 5.6 kg/m2 vs 29.6 ± 6.1 kg/m2, P < 0.001) and higher prevalence rates of elevation of ALT(42.2% vs 14.6%, P < 0.001), elevation of aspartate aminotransferase(38.7% vs 18.9%, P < 0.001), and metabolic syndrome(64.8% vs 33%, P < 0.001) than those without hepatic steatosis. The NFS scores(P = 0.002) and the APRI scores(P = 0.002) were significantly higher in those with steatosis but the scores of the FIB4 index and BARD were similar between the two groups. After adjusting for age, gender and BMI, elevated transaminases, metabolic syndrome and its components, intermediate NFS and APRI scores were associated hepatic steatosis in multivariable analysis. CONCLUSION: The burden of NASH and advanced fibrosis in the Hispanic community in South Texas may be more substantial than predicted from referral clinic studies.

Features of hepatocellular carcinoma in Hispanics differ from African Americans and non-Hispanic Whites

AIM To compare features of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) in Hispanics to those of African Americans and Whites.METHODS Patients treated for HCC at an urban tertiary medical center from 2005 to 2011 were identified from a tumor registry. Data were collected retrospectively, including demographics, comorbidities, liver disease characteristics, tumor parameters, treatment, and survival(OS) outcomes. OS analyses were performed using Kaplan-Meier method.RESULTS One hundred and ninety-five patients with HCC were identified: 80.5% were male, and 22% were age 65 or older. Mean age at HCC diagnosis was 59.7 ± 9.8 years. Sixty-one point five percent of patients had Medicare or Medicaid; 4.1% were uninsured. Compared to African American(31.2%) and White(46.2%) patients, Hispanic patients(22.6%) were more likely to have diabetes(P = 0.0019), hyperlipidemia(P = 0.0001), nonalcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH)(P = 0.0021), end stage renal disease(P = 0.0057), and less likely to have hepatitis C virus(P < 0.0001) or a smoking history(P < 0.0001). Compared to African Americans, Hispanics were more likely to meet criteria for metabolic syndrome(P = 0.0491), had higher median MELD scores(P = 0.0159), ascites(P = 0.008), and encephalopathy(P = 0.0087). Hispanic patients with HCC had shorter OS than the other racial groups(P = 0.020), despite similarities in HCC parameters and treatment. CONCLUSION In conclusion, Hispanic patients with HCC have higher incidence of modifiable metabolic risk factors including NASH, and shorter OS than African American and White patients.

Moderate and Severe Blood Pressure Elevation Associated with Stroke in the Mexican Hispanic Population

Background: Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in US. Amongst other factors such as age, sex, race, genetics, obesity, diabetes etc., hypertension continues to be the leading contributing factor towards stroke. Studies regarding stroke in Hispanics are sparse and inconclusive. Objectives: The objective of the present study is to investigate the potential association between blood pressure elevation and risk of ischemic stroke among the Mexican Hispanic population. Methods: A retrospective data analysis was carried out for a planned case-control study with case-control ratios of 1:2. Mexican Hispanic cases were from the ElPasoStroke database with diagnosed hypertension that had sustained an ischemic stroke (n = 505) and Mexican Hispanics diagnosed with hypertension who were stroke-free as controls from the 2005-2010 NHANES databases (n = 1010). In this analysis, we included subjects who had data on systolic, diastolic or mean arterial blood pressures for cases (327) and controls (772). In cases, blood pressure was determined by the initial admission measurement, and in controls, the first measured blood pressure was used. The unadjusted and adjusted effects of continuous measurements of systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure on stroke were determined using logistic regression analyses. Subjects were further classified into groups based on prehypertension and hypertension ranges, as established by the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC7). Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models were also used to determine the effect of categorized blood pressures. Results: Our data indicate that per unit increase in systolic, diastolic or mean arterial blood pressure elevates the odds of stroke among the Mexican Hispanic population. Adjusted analysis of categorized blood pressures showed that mild or moderate/severe high blood pressure significantly associated with odds of stroke. Maintaining and controlling blood pressure at more stringent and lower levels, specifically lowering mean arterial pressure may effectively reduce the odds of ischemic stroke among the Mexican Hispanic population. Conclusion: Elevation of blood pressure increases the odds of stroke among the Mexican Hispanic population. Our results provide new strategies to manage the stroke prevention and health disparity issues among the Mexican Hispanic population.

Exploring the Differences between Hispanic Men and Women with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Using the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL)

Studies have shown Hispanic patients are at an increasing risk of developing type 2 diabetes;however, little is known about whether gender plays a role. Several studies were examined to help answer this question. Results of studies found female Hispanic patients tend to be more sedentary and thus struggle more with obesity, while male Hispanic patients tend to be more at risk due to smoking status and hypercholesterolemia. In addition, psychological distress and chronic stress were more likely to affect the risk for diabetes in men while immigration status was more likely to affect cardiovascular health in women. More studies are needed to fully understand the role of gender on diabetes risk;however, practitioners can utilize known information in order to tailor treatment to male or female Hispanic patients.

Assessing Colorectal Cancer Screening Behaviors and Knowledge among At-Risk Hispanics in Southern New Mexico

Purpose: Colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality rates in New Mexico (NM) continue to be higher than national rates. Hispanic CRC mortality rates in NM surpass those of overall Hispanics in the US. This study was designed to characterize and understand factors contributing to low CRC screening rates in this border region. Methods: A CRC Knowledge Assessment Survey (KAS) was administered in either English or Spanish to 247 individuals attending community events throughout southern NM. A subset of these individuals completed an online CRC risk assessment survey managed by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Data analysis tested for significant differences in knowledge, physician-patient CRC interactions, CRC risk level perception, and screening rates across diverse ethnic and age groups. Results: Both CRC knowledge and physician-patient CRC interactions were positively associated with participant screening history. Significant age and ethnic differences for CRC knowledge, physician-patient CRC interactions, and screening history in the NM border sample were also seen. Age-eligible Hispanics (50+) as well as those less than 50 years of age had lower CRC knowledge and were less likely to engage in physician-patient CRC interactions than non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs). The age-eligible Hispanics also reported lower CRC screening rates than their NHW counterparts. Conclusions: Low CRC knowledge and limited physician-patient CRC interactions appear to contribute to low screening rates in this NM population. Expanding education and outreach efforts for this border population are essential to promote early CRC detection and thereby decrease overall CRC mortality rates.

Effect of the Mediterranean Diet on BMI in Middle-Aged Hispanic Women with Pre-Obesity and Obesity Central Washington State

Background: Conclusive evidence has yet to emerge regarding the effectiveness and applicability of the Mediterranean diet on middle-aged Hispanic women, the largest female minority group in the United States who is at-risk of metabolic disorders. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of the Mediterranean diet (MED) on the BMI in middle-aged Hispanic women with pre-obesity and obesity in Central Washington State. Design: A prospective study was performed to determine the effect of Mediterranean diet on the BMI of 67 Hispanic women with pre-obesity and obesity between 45 to 65 years of age in Central Washington State. The study was carried out for eight weeks. Dietary adherence was monitored to ensure consistent results. Results: The proportion of Hispanic women who reported a reduction in BMI was 94%, with a decrease in mean BMI after eight weeks of 2.8 (95% CI: 2.5 to 3.0) and P = 0.02, with an odds ratio of 2.6. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to adjust for age, education, physical activity, and smoking. Conclusion: The reduction in BMI demonstrates that the Mediterranean diet can be a promising, culturally appropriate therapy to address the obesity epidemic that is prevalent among Hispanic women.

Sleep Quality among Hispanics of Mexican Descent and Non-Hispanic Whites: Results from the Sleep Health and Knowledge in US Hispanics Study

Objectives: To investigate differences in sleep quality between Hispanics of Mexican descent (HMD) and Non-Hispanic Whites (NHW) and evaluate the effect of acculturation to the US lifestyle in sleep health. We hypothesize that the detrimental effect of acculturation on health outcomes will impact sleep quality among HMD. Design: We performed a population-based random digit dialing telephone survey to determine sleep quality in HMD and NHW. We collected from 3667 subjects, demographics, previous diagnosis of depression or anxiety, past treatment for sleep disorders, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Short Acculturation Scale for Hispanics. Results: The prevalence of poor sleep quality (PSQI > 5) was 64.4% for HMD and 64.3% for NHW (p = 0.93). A prior diagnosis of depression or anxiety was an independent predictor of poor sleep quality in both groups (OR 3.4 and 2.7 for HMD and NHW. Ethnicity was not a predictor of poor sleep quality in HMD or NHW. Acculturation was not a predictor of poor sleep quality in HMD. However, highly acculturated young HMD males had significantly more prevalence of poor sleep quality compared to NHW (64.8% vs. 49.8%, p Conclusion: The absence of sleep quality differences in a large sample of HMD and NHW living in San Diego County is contrary to current data of having poorer sleep quality among Latinos. We found that neither ethnicity nor acculturation were predictors of poor sleep quality in HMD. However, we demonstrated a highly prevalent poor sleep quality among the two ethnic groups. The finding of significantly lower sleep quality in young highly acculturated HMD men may represent the heterogeneity of ethnicity related to sleep. Programs to improve sleep quality in subjects with depression and/or anxiety, and in young highly-acculturated HMD seems warranted.

Hispanic Women＇s Presence in the Actual U.S. Congress

The Hispanic population of the United States has become, in recent times, into a powerful electoral force whose vote is historically oriented towards the Democratic Party of the incumbent US President Barack H. Obama. Obviously, this growing electoral strength is reflected into its political presence in the American life that has been accomplished with their numeric inclusion in the US Congress. Although in the recent decades several studies have arisen on the status of the Hispanic community in the United States from both sides of the Atlantic, these have been primarily focused on casuistic, demographic, developmental or educational aspects. But only a few of them, if any, has focused exclusively on the numerical and symbolical representation of the community in the political arena, and more specifically into the main legislative body of the country, the US Congress. And therein it lays the purpose of this article. We intend to investigate not only the historical presence of Hispanic legislators in Congress but also and especially their political influence in the current U.S. Congress. Finally, and prior to the conclusions drawn throughout the paper, we will analyze the political influence of the Hispanic congresswomen in the current 114th Congress. As we will be breaking down, this group has been changing gradually from a poor oppressed minority into one of the most dynamic groups of the country, introduced at all levels of government.

Decipher hydrocarbon generation and accumulation based on fluid inclusion and chronology:A case study from the Upper Paleozoic buried-hills in Huanghua Depression,Bohai Bay Basin

Deciphering hydrocarbon generation and accumulation stage is of significance to understand oil and gas evolution and seek exploration targets.Taking the Upper Paleozoic buried-hills in the Huanghua Depression,Bohai Bay Basin,as a case study,hydrocarbon generation environment and detailed accumulation process are revealed by fluid inclusions observations,Laser Raman spectroscopy,Fourier Infrared spectroscopy,and K-Ar isotope measurements.The results show that both oil and gas inclusion were captured in the quartz overgrowth,dissolved feldspar and calcite microfractures,showing blue to dark brown fluoresce.The grains containing oil inclusions index(GOI)of oil,oil&gas and gas being 25%,65%,and 10%and the inclusions with abundant methyl groups and short chains,both indicate high thermal maturity.One series of fluids inclusion is generally observed,evidenced by the concentrated homogenization temperature of 135-145℃ and salinity of 3%-15 w.t.%NaCl equiv,indicating one primary charging stage.The gas and gas&liquid inclusions mainly contain CH_(4),with also peaks indicating CO_(2) and N_(2.)The Carboniferous and Permian biomarkers show reducing environment with brackish water,with organic matter sources both from marine and continental.The relative content ofααα20RC_(27),ααα20RC_(28),andααα20RC_(29) exhibit source contributions both from algae and higher plants,and mainly of II2 to III kerogen.Both coal derived gas and oil associated hydrocarbons are identified from most of the buried-hills.Combining the fluid homogenization temperature and salinity,as well as the thermal evolution history,the hydrocarbon generated from the Upper Paleozoic was concentrated at the end of the Eocene(40 Ma±),while the beginning of charging is 60 Ma±.The Wumaying Buried-hill is of only coal derived gas and has potential for inner coal measure natural gas exploration.The results provide a detailed understanding of hydrocarbon accumulations in the study area,which can also be reference for improving petroleum exploration efficiency in similar basins.

COVID-19 among African Americans and Hispanics:Does gastrointestinal symptoms impact the outcome?

BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)disproportionately affected African Americans(AA)and Hispanics(HSP).AIM To analyze the significant effectors of outcome in African American patient population and make special emphasis on gastrointestinal(GI)symptoms,laboratory values and comorbidities METHODS We retrospectively evaluated the medical records of 386 COVID-19 positive patients admitted at Howard University Hospital between March and May 2020.We assessed the symptoms,including the GI manifestations,comorbidities,and mortality,using logistic regression analysis.RESULTS Of these 386 COVID-19 positive patients,257(63.7%)were AAs,102(25.3%)HSP,and 26(6.45%)Whites.There were 257(63.7%)AA,102(25.3%)HSP,26(6.45%)Whites.The mean age was 55.6 years(SD=18.5).However,the mean age of HSP was the lowest(43.7 years vs 61.2 for Whites vs 60 for AAs).The mortality rate was highest among the AAs(20.6%)and lowest among HSP(6.9%).Patients with shortness of breath(SOB)(OR2=3.64,CI=1.73-7.65)and elevated AST(OR2=8.01,CI=3.79-16.9)elevated Procalcitonin(OR2=8.27,CI=3.95-17.3),AST(OR2=8.01,CI=3.79-16.9),ferritin(OR2=2.69,CI=1.24-5.82),and Lymphopenia(OR2=2.77,CI=1.41-5.45)had a high mortality rate.Cough and fever were common but unrelated to the outcome.Hypertension and diabetes mellitus were the most common comorbidities.Glucocorticoid treatment was associated with higher mortality(OR2=5.40,CI=2.72-10.7).Diarrhea was prevalent(18.8%),and GI symptoms did not affect the outcome.CONCLUSION African Americans in our study had the highest mortality as they consisted of an older population and comorbidities.Age is the most important factor along with SOB in determining the mortality rate.Overall,elevated liver enzymes,ferritin,procalcitonin and C-reactive protein were associated with poor prognosis.GI symptoms did not affect the outcome.Glucocorticoids should be used judiciously,considering the poor outcomes associated with it.Attention should also be paid to monitor liver function during COVID-19,especially in AA and HSP patients with higher disease severity.