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Seven new species of the family Psychomyiidae Walker, 1852 are described and illustrated from China; they are Psychomyia shuni sp. nov., Ps. mangshanensis sp. nov., Ps. capricornis sp. nov., Lype sagittalis sp. nov., Paduniella fasciaria sp. nov., Pa. sanyaensis sp. nov., and Tinodes aviformis sp. nov. The genus Lype is reported for the first time from mainland China. In addition, four psychomyiids are found to be new to the Chinese caddis fauna: Psychomyia indra Malicky & Chantaramongkol, 1993; Paduniella andamanensis Malicky, 1979; Pa. dendrobia Malicky & Chantaramongkol, 1993; and Tinodes gapbona Johanson & Oláh, 2008. Moreover, Psychomyia polyacantha Li, Qiu & Morse, 2021 is reviewed and synonymized with Psychomyia imamiah Malicky, 2020.

Abstract The endeavor to enhance utility of organic molecular cages involves the evolution of them into higher-level chiral superstructures with self-similar, presenting a meaningful yet challenging. In this work, 2D tri-bladed propeller-shaped triphenylbenzene serves as building blocks to synthesize a racemic 3D tri-bladed propeller-shaped helical molecular cage. This cage, in turn, acts as a building block for a pair of higher-level 3D tri-bladed chiral helical molecular cages, featuring multilayer sandwich structures and displaying elegant characteristics with self-similarity in discrete superstructures at different levels. The evolutionary procession of higher-level cages reveals intramolecular self-shielding effects and exclusive chiral narcissistic self-sorting behaviors. Enantiomers higher-level cages can be interconverted by introducing an excess of corresponding chiral cyclohexanediamine. In the solid state, higher-level cages self-assemble into supramolecular architectures of L-helical or D-helical nanofibers, achieving the scale transformation of chiral characteristics from chiral atoms to microscopic and then to mesoscopic levels.

Abstract Background Liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) play an important role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the mechanisms that link LCSCs to HCC metastasis remain largely unknown. This study aims to reveal the contributions of NRCAM to LCSC function and HCC metastasis, and further explore its mechanism in detail. Methods 117 HCC and 29 non-HCC patients with focal liver lesions were collected and analyzed to assess the association between NRCAM and HCC metastasis. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was used to explore the biological characteristics of cells with high NRCAM expression in metastatic HCC. The role and mechanism of NRCAM in LCSC dissemination and metastasis was explored in vitro and in vivo using MYC-driven LCSC organoids from murine liver cells. Results Serum NRCAM is associated with HCC metastasis and poor prognosis. A scRNA-seq analysis identified that NRCAM was highly expressed in LCSCs with MYC activation in metastatic HCC. Moreover, NRCAM facilitated LCSC migration and invasion, which was confirmed in MYC-driven LCSC organoids. The in vivo tumor allografts demonstrated that NRCAM mediated intra-hepatic/lung HCC metastasis by enhancing the ability of LCSCs to escape from tumors into the bloodstream. Nrcam expression inhibition in LCSCs blocked HCC metastasis. Mechanistically, NRCAM activated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis-related matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) through the MACF1 mediated β-catenin signaling pathway in LCSCs. Conclusions LCSCs typified by high NRCAM expression have a strong ability to invade and migrate, which is an important factor leading to HCC metastasis.

Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) flower polysaccharides (TFPS) have various health-promoting functions. In the present work, the structure of a purified TFPS fraction, namely TFPS-1-3p, and its in vitro digestive properties were investigated. The results demonstrated that TFPS-1-3p was a typical heteropolysaccharide consisting of rhamnose (Rha), arabinose (Ara), galactose (Gal) and galacturonic acid (GalA) with a molecular weight of 47.77 kDa. The backbone of TFPS-1-3p contained → 4)-α-d-GalpA(-6-OMe)-(1 → 4)-α-GalpA-(1 → and → 4)-α-d-GalpA(-6-OMe)-(1 → 2,4)-α-l-Rhap-(1 → linkages. The branch linkages in TFPS-1-3p contained → 6)-β-d-Galp-(1→, →3,6)-β-d-Galp-(1→, →5)-α-l-Araf-(1 → and → 3,5)-α-l-Araf-(1 →. Subsequently, TFPS-1-3p could not be degraded under simulated human gastrointestinal conditions but could be of use to human fecal microbes, thereby lowering the pH and increasing the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) of the gut microenvironment and altering the composition of the gut microbiota. The relative abundance of Fusobacterium_mortiferum Megasphaera_elsdenii_DSM_20460, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, Bacteroides plebeius and Collinsella aerofaciens increased significantly, potentially contributing to the degradation of TFPS-1-3p.

The preparation of bio-butanol from corn starch requires saccharification and fermentation processes. In view of the fact that the pH value at the later stage of fermentation is applicable to the enzymatic hydrolysis of glucoamylase, the effects of simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) and separate hydrolysis and fermentation (SHF) were compared in this paper. 11.2 g/L butanol and 21.5 g/L total solvent could be obtained by the SSF process, while the yield was 9.74 g/L butanol and 17.2 g/L total solvent in the SHF process. The SSF process required a shorter overall process time (120 h) than the SHF process (144 h) and resulted in a large increase of 38.9% in butanol productivity (2.25 g/Ld for SSF compared to 1.62 g/Ld for SHF). These results show that the application of SSF can reduce the fermentation overall time, simplify the fermentation process, and reduce equipment investment and operating costs.

Background: Pseudolymphoma is a rare, benign, nonspecific condition that forms a mass-like lesion characterized by the proliferation of non-neoplastic lymphocytes. Lacking of specific clinical symptoms, serological markers, and imaging features, the diagnosis is difficult. We reporte five cases of hepatic pseudolymphoma and provide a systematic review of existing literatures to improve our understanding of this rare liver disease. Methods: We followed-up five cases of hepatic pseudolymphoma in West China Hospital from January 2002 to January 2022. We also summarized the cases of hepatic pseudolymphoma from January 1981 to December 2021 through the PubMed database and comprehensively analyzed the characteristics of the cases. Results: The pathologic features of the five cases were characterized by benign lymphoid tissue hyperplasia, lymphoid follicle formation, and a polarized germinal center. Immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, and gene rearrangement revealed non-malignant lymphoma. Besides, a total of 116 cases have been reported in the PubMed database from 1981 to 2021. The incidence of hepatic pseudolymphoma is higher in middle-aged and elderly women and has been reported more frequently in Asia. All cases were pathologically diagnosed, among which 85.95% of the patients were treated by surgery. Conclusions: Hepatic pseudolymphoma is an extremely rare benign disease, mainly in middle-aged and elderly women. Without distinctive clinical and imaging characteristics, pathological diagnosis is the highly reliable method at present. Thus, in the absence of risk factors for a primary liver tumor or metastatic tumor in middle-aged and elderly women, the possibility of pseudolymphoma should be considered to avoid extensive treatments.

Multilayered AZ91-(SiCP/AZ91) clad plates were fabricated at 300, 350 ℃ and 400 ℃ successfully by extrusion. The microstructure evolution, bonding interface and the mechanical properties of the AZ91-(SiCP/AZ91) clad plates were investigated in detail. The results show that grain of both of the AZ91 layer and SiCP/AZ91 layer are refined due to the dynamic recrystallization (DRX) during the extrusion processes and the SiCP/AZ91 layer processes much finer grain size. The SiCP distribution of SiCP/AZ91 layer is improved with increasing of extrusion temperature. No obvious delamination is observed in the AZ91-(SiCP/AZ91) clad plates fabricated at different temperatures. The metallurgical bonding of the interface between AZ91 and SiCP/AZ91 basically occurs in the extrusion die. The room-temperature strength of the AZ91-(SiCP/AZ91) composite lies between the AZ91 alloy and the SiCP/AZ91, corresponding well with the rule of mixture (ROM). The inadhesion of the SiCP in the SiCP/AZ91 layer is the main reason for the failure of the AZ91-(SiCP/AZ91) clad plates during tensile test.

The present research investigated the creep properties of the Mg-8Gd-2Y-0.5Zr alloys with different microstructures (as-cast, as-solution, T6 and as-extruded) after creeping at 200 ℃/70 MPa for 100 hours. Effects of the microstructures, including grain size, Mg5(Gd, Y) phase in cast alloy, β′ phase on creep properties were studied. The as-extruded alloy shows the worst creep resistance due to the refined grains caused by dynamic recrystallization resulting from the extrusion process. Although the Mg5(Gd, Y) phase located at the grain boundary can improve the creep properties of the cast alloy in the early stage creep, the precipitates of β′ phase in T6 alloy and those formed during the creep process in as-solution alloy, which can effectively inhibit the dislocation gliding, can be attributed as an important factor in improving the high temperature creep performance of the alloys. Consequently, the alloy after T6 treatment exhibited the lowest creep rate and the as-solution alloy possessed a better creep resistance than that of the cast alloy during the steady-state creep.

BackgroundNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common chronic liver disease that affects approximately one-quarter of the global population and is becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide. The lack of current noninvasive tools and efficient treatment is recognized as a significant barrier to the clinical management of these conditions. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanoscale vesicles released by various cells and deliver bioactive molecules to target cells, thereby mediating various processes, including the development of NAFLD.Scope of reviewThere is still a long way to actualize the application of EVs in NAFLD diagnosis and treatment. Herein, we summarize the roles of EVs in NAFLD and highlight their prospects for clinical application as a novel noninvasive diagnostic tool as well as a promising therapy for NAFLD, owing to their unique physiochemical characteristics. We summarize the literatures on the mechanisms by which EVs act as mediators of intercellular communication by regulating metabolism, insulin resistance, inflammation, immune response, intestinal microecology, and fibrosis in NAFLD. We also discuss future challenges that must be resolved to improve the therapeutic potential of EVs.Major conclusionsThe levels and contents of EVs change dynamically at different stages of diseases and this phenomenon may be exploited for establishing sensitive stage-specific markers. EVs also have high application potential as drug delivery systems with low immunogenicity and high biocompatibility and can be easily engineered. Research on the mechanisms and clinical applications of EVs in NAFLD is in its initial phase and the applicability of EVs in NAFLD diagnosis and treatment is expected to grow with technological progress.

The male adult of Molanna truncata Ge, Peng & Sun sp. nov. is described and illustrated based on material collected in Si-chuan, China. It could be diagnosed by the subtriangular superior appendages when viewed dorsally, and by the mesal appendages each having a slender thorn and inferior appendages with a tiny inner process. Based on morphology of genitalia, we provide a dichotomous key to adult males of Molanna from the Oriental region. The DNA barcodes (partial mt COI sequences) of M. truncata sp. nov. are generated and compared with existing sequences of Molanna species from Oriental and Palearctic regions. The mean intraspecific divergence of Molanna was 1.58% with a maximum of 8.50% in M. moesta. The Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery (ABGD) analysis of Molanna inferred 9 OTUs and thresholds of interspecific divergence of 10%. Divergence of M. truncata sp. nov. haplotypes from all other Molanna haplotypes ranged from 10.1% to 18%. We discuss distribution and potential groups of species within the Oriental Molanna species based on morphology.

Abstract Background Height is an important anthropometric measurement and is associated with many health-related outcomes. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified hundreds of genetic loci associated with height, mainly in individuals of European ancestry. Methods We performed genome-wide association analyses and replicated previously reported GWAS-determined single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the Taiwanese Han population (Taiwan Biobank; n = 67,452). A genetic instrument composed of 251 SNPs was selected from our GWAS, based on height and replication results as the best-fit polygenic risk score (PRS), in accordance with the clumping and p-value threshold method. We also examined the association between genetically determined height (PRS251) and measured height (phenotype). We performed observational (phenotype) and genetic PRS251 association analyses of height and health-related outcomes. Results GWAS identified 6843 SNPs in 89 genomic regions with genome-wide significance, including 18 novel loci. These were the most strongly associated genetic loci (EFEMP1, DIS3L2, ZBTB38, LCORL, HMGA1, CS, and GDF5) previously reported to play a role in height. There was a positive association between PRS251 and measured height (p < 0.001). Of the 14 traits and 49 diseases analyzed, we observed significant associations of measured and genetically determined height with only eight traits (p < 0.05/[14 + 49]). Height was positively associated with body weight, waist circumference, and hip circumference but negatively associated with body mass index, waist-hip ratio, body fat, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.05/[14 + 49]). Conclusions This study contributes to the understanding of the genetic features of height and health-related outcomes in individuals of Han Chinese ancestry in Taiwan.

Abstract Objectives One of the major challenges in treating patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is predicting the severity of disease. We aimed to develop a new score for predicting progression from mild/moderate to severe COVID-19. Methods A total of 239 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 from two medical centers in China between February 6 and April 6, 2020 were retrospectively included. The prognostic abilities of variables, including clinical data and laboratory findings from the electronic medical records of each hospital, were analysed using the Cox proportional hazards model and Kaplan–Meier methods. A prognostic score was developed to predict progression from mild/moderate to severe COVID-19. Results Among the 239 patients, 216 (90.38%) patients had mild/moderate disease, and 23 (9.62%) progressed to severe disease. After adjusting for multiple confounding factors, pulmonary disease, age > 75, IgM, CD16+/CD56+ NK cells and aspartate aminotransferase were independent predictors of progression to severe COVID-19. Based on these five factors, a new predictive score (the ‘PAINT score’) was established and showed a high predictive value (C-index = 0.91, 0.902 ± 0.021, p

Abstract Background Minimal change disease (MCD) is a common cause of the nephrotic syndrome. Several studies have shown an increased incidence of cancer in patients with MCD. However, there are no reports on the association between MCD and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). Case presentation We report a case of a 66-year-old female with severe nephrotic syndrome and concomitant duodenal GIST. Immunoglobulin test showed a significant increase of IgE levels. The diagnosis of renal histopathology was MCD with subacute tubulointerstitial injury. The combination of preoperative Imatinib mesylate chemotherapy and tumor excision was accompanied by significant remission of proteinuria, and IgE level decreasing, without immunosuppressivetherapy. Conclusions It is the first case report that MCD was associated with GIST and elevated IgE level. Clinically, in patients with elevated IgE level associated with nephrotic syndrome, the possibility of tumor must be taken into account when allergic factors are excluded.

Abstract Objectives Despite sustained viral suppression with effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV-infected patients with suboptimal immune recovery are still at high risk of both non-AIDS-related and AIDS-related events. The aim of this study was to investigate determinants potentially associated with suboptimal CD4 + T cell count recovery during free ART with sustained viral suppression among an HIV-infected Yi ethnicity population in Liangshan Prefecture, an area in China with high HIV prevalence. Methods This retrospective study included HIV-infected Yi adults (≥ 18 years and baseline CD4 + T cell count less than 500 cells/μL) for whom ART supported by National Free Antiretroviral Treatment Program was initiated between January 2015 and December 2018 in Zhaojue County, Liangshan Prefecture. Virological suppression (viral load

Abstract Background The short-term 0–1–2-month hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination schedule was previously implemented in the adult population; however, its long-term immune effect remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate (1) the 2-month and 2-year immune effects of HBV vaccination and (2) the compliance rate between the 0–1–2-month and 0–1–6-month vaccination schedules in adults. Method A total of 1281 subjects tested for hepatitis B surface antigen HBsAg(−) and hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs)(−) were recruited. Participants from two distant counties were inoculated with the hepatitis B yeast vaccine at 10 µg per dose, with vaccination schedules of 0, 1, and 2 months (n = 606) and 0, 1, and 6 months (n = 675); sequential follow-up was performed at 2 months and 2 years after the 3rd injection. Results There were no significant differences in the anti-HBs seroconversion rates between the those in the 0–1–2-month and 0–1–6-month vaccination schedule groups at 2 months (91.96% vs. 89.42%, p = 0.229) and 2 years (81.06% vs. 77.14%, p = 0.217). The quantitative anti-HBs level in those in the 0–1–2-month vaccination schedule group was not different from that in those in the 0–1–6-month vaccination schedule group at 2 months (anti-HBs1) (342.12 ± 378.42 mIU/ml vs. 392.38 ± 391.96 mIU/ml, p = 0.062), but it was higher at 2 years (anti-HBs2) (198.37 ± 286.44 mIU/ml vs. 155.65 ± 271.73 mIU/ml, p = 0.048). According to the subgroup analysis, the 0–1–2-month vaccination schedule induced better maintenance (p = 0.041) and longer reinforcement (p = 0.019) than the 0–1–6 vaccination schedule. The 0–1–2-month vaccination schedule group also had a higher 3rd injection completion rate (89.49% vs. 84.49%, p = 0.010). Conclusion The 0–1–2-month vaccination schedule was associated with a similar short-term immune effect and might induce better long-term immune memory and a higher completion rate in the adult population. Trial registration None

ObjectivesThe objective of this study is to investigate, from a longitudinal perspective, how WHO communicated COVID-19 related information to the public through its press conferences during the first two years of the pandemic.MethodsThe transcripts of 195 WHO COVID-19 press conferences held between January 22, 2020 and February 23, 2022 were collected. All transcripts were syntactically parsed to extract highly frequent noun chunks that were potential topics of the press conferences. First-order autoregression models were fit to identify "hot" and "cold" topics. In addition, sentiments and emotions expressed in the transcripts were analyzed using lexicon-based sentiment/emotion analyses. Mann-Kendall tests were performed to capture the possible trends of sentiments and emotions over time.ResultsFirst, eleven "hot" topics were identified. These topics were pertinent to anti-pandemic measures, disease surveillance and development, and vaccine-related issues. Second, no significant trend was captured in sentiments. Last, significant downward trends were found in anticipation, surprise, anger, disgust, and fear. However, no significant trends were found in joy, trust, and sadness.ConclusionsThis retrospective study provided new empirical evidence on how WHO communicated issues pertaining to COVID-19 to the general public through its press conferences. With the help of the study, members of the general public, health organizations, and other stake-holders will be able to better understand the way in which WHO has responded to various critical events during the first two years of the pandemic.

Soil microorganisms are an important part of forest ecosystems, and their community structure and ecological adaptations are important for explaining soil material cycles in the fragile ecological areas. We used high-throughput sequencing technology to examine the species composition and diversity of soil bacterial and fungal communities in sea buckthorn forests at five sites in the water-wind erosion crisscross in northern Shaanxi (about 400 km long). The results are described as follows: (1) The soil bacterial community of the sea buckthorn forest in the study region was mainly dominated by Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Acidobacteria, and the fungi community was mainly dominated by Ascomycota. (2) The coefficient of variation of alpha diversity of microbial communities was higher in the 0–10 cm soil layer than in the 10–20 cm soil layer. (3) Soil electrical conductivity (36.1%), available phosphorous (AP) (21.0%), available potassium (16.2%), total nitrogen (12.7%), and the meteorological factors average annual maximum temperature (33.3%) and average annual temperature (27.1%) were identified as the main drivers of structural changes in the bacterial community. Available potassium (39.4%), soil organic carbon (21.4%), available nitrogen (AN) (13.8%), and the meteorological factors average annual maximum wind speed (38.0%) and average annual temperature (26.8%) were identified as the main drivers of structural changes in the fungal community. The explanation rate of soil factors on changes in bacterial and fungal communities was 26.6 and 12.0%, respectively, whereas that of meteorological factors on changes in bacterial and fungal communities was 1.22 and 1.17%, respectively. The combined explanation rate of environmental factors (soil and meteorological factors) on bacterial and fungal communities was 72.2 and 86.6%, respectively. The results of the study offer valuable insights into the diversity of soil microbial communities in the water-wind erosion crisscross region and the mechanisms underlying their interaction with environmental factors.

Abstract Wilson's disease is an autosomal recessive inherited disease with congenital copper metabolism disorder, characterized by decreased ceruloplasmin and increased urine copper, which can involve multiple organs. This case was complicated by iron overload, which is of great value in differentiating hereditary hemochromatism.

BackgroundPrimary healthcare professionals were overworked and psychologically overwhelmed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Resilience is an important shield for individuals to cope with psychological stress and improve performance in crises. This study aims to explore the association of individual resilience with organizational resilience, perceived social support and job performance among healthcare professionals in township health centers of China during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsData from 1,266 questionnaires were collected through a cross-sectional survey conducted in December 2021 in Shandong Province, China. Descriptive analysis of individual resilience, organizational resilience, perceived social support, and job performance was conducted. Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine the correlations among these variables, and structural equation modeling was performed to verify the relationships between these variables.ResultsThe score of individual resilience was 101.67 ± 14.29, ranging from 24 to 120. Organizational resilience (β = 0.409, p

Abstract Background Clonorchiasis is attributed to the ingestion of raw freshwater fish harboring Clonorchis sinensis. Morbidity control is targeted through the administration of antihelminthics. This study modelled the cost yield indicated by effectiveness and utility of different treatment strategies against clonorchiasis. Methods About 1000 participants were enrolled from each of 14 counties selected from four provincial-level administrative divisions namely Guangxi, Guangdong, Heilongjiang and Jilin in 2017. Fecal examination was adopted to detect C. sinensis infection, while behavior of ingesting raw freshwater fish was enquired. Counties were grouped into four categories based on prevalence, namely low prevalence group (

BACKGROUND: The safety and efficacy of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) for the treatment of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) remain uncertain. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to draw a firmer conclusion. METHODS: We searched the Cochrane library, PubMed, Embase, and China Biology Medicine disc to identify relevant RCTs performed before January 2020. Risk ratios (RRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated using a random effects model. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: RRs (95% CI) for 1-, 2-, and 3-month survival rates. SAMPLE SIZE: Six RCTs, including three open-label studies. RESULTS: The six studies included 246 subjects (121 in a G-CSF group and 125 in a control group). G-CSF administration significantly improved the 1-, 2-, and 3-month survival rates in patients with ACLF. The pooled RRs (95% CI, P) were 0.43 (0.27–0.69, P=.0004), 0.44 (0.32–0.62, P

BackgroundAcute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) elicits a robust cardiomyocyte death and inflammatory responses despite timely revascularization.ObjectivesThis phase 1, open-label, single-arm, first-in-human study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of combined intracoronary (IC) and intravenous (IV) transplantation of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UMSC01) for heart repair in STEMI patients with impaired left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF 30-49%) following successful reperfusion by percutaneous coronary intervention.MethodsConsenting patients received the first dose of UMSC01 through IC injection 4-5 days after STEMI followed by the second dose of UMSC01 via IV infusion 2 days later. The primary endpoint was occurrence of any treatment-related adverse events and the secondary endpoint was changes of serum biomarkers and heart function by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging during a 12-month follow-up period.ResultsEight patients gave informed consents, of whom six completed the study. None of the subjects experienced treatment-related serious adverse events or major adverse cardiovascular events during IC or IV infusion of UMSC01 and during the follow-up period. The NT-proBNP level decreased (1362 ± 1801 vs. 109 ± 115 pg/mL, p = 0.0313), the LVEF increased (52.67 ± 12.75% vs. 62.47 ± 17.35%, p = 0.0246), and the wall motion score decreased (26.33 ± 5.57 vs. 22.33 ± 5.85, p = 0.0180) at the 12-month follow-up compared to the baseline values. The serial changes of LVEF were 0.67 ± 3.98, 8.09 ± 6.18, 9.04 ± 10.91, and 9.80 ± 7.56 at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively as compared to the baseline.ConclusionThis pilot study shows that combined IC and IV transplantation of UMSC01 in STEMI patients with impaired LVEF appears to be safe, feasible, and potentially beneficial in improving heart function. Further phase 2 studies are required to explore the effectiveness of dual-route transplantation of UMSC01 in STEMI patients.

BackgroundAssociation of gastric atrophy or cancer with levels of serum pepsinogens, gastrin-17 and anti-Helicobacter pylori IgG antibody have been extensively studied. However, the association of serum pepsinogen and gastrin-17 with H. pylori infection has not been studied in a large population.AimTo investigate the impact of H. pylori infection on serum levels of pepsinogens and gastrin-17.MethodsA total of 354, 972 subjects who underwent health check-ups were included. Serum levels of pepsinogens and gastrin-17 were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. H. pylori infection was detected using 14C-urea breath test (UBT). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association of serum pepsinogen and gastrin-17 with H. pylori infection.ResultsH. pylori prevalence was 33.18% in this study. The mean levels of pepsinogens and gastrin-17 were higher, while the mean pepsinogen-I/II ratio were lower among H. pylori-positive than -negative subjects. In H. pylori-positive subjects, pepsinogen and gastrin-17 levels correlated positively, whereas the pepsinogen-I/II ratio correlated negatively with UBT values (e.g., the mean serum level of pepsinogen-I in subjects with UBT values in the range of 100-499dpm, 500-1499dpm, and ≥1500dpm was 94.77 ± 38.99, 102.77 ± 43.59, and 111.53 ± 47.47 ng/mL, respectively). Compared with H. pylori-negative subjects, the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of having pepsinogen-I ≤ 70 ng/mL in the three H. pylori-positive but with different UBT value groups was 0.31 (p5.70 pmol/L was 4.56 (p5.70 pmol/L (a marker for peptic ulcer).ConclusionsH. pylori-positive subjects with higher UBT values are unlikely to have gastric atrophy, but may have greater risk of severe gastritis or peptic ulcers. Our study suggests that H. pylori-positive patients with high UBT values may benefit the most from H. pylori eradication.