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Cytomegalovirus (CMV) gastritis is occasionally reported in case reports and limited case series. Up to now, it is the largest and most comprehensive retrospective study of CMV gastritis. All patients who were histologically diagnosed with CMV gastritis at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital between January 2000 and April 2020 were included. Patients were divided into two groups according to immunity. Between-group differences in characteristics, manifestations, endoscopic features, prognostic factors, and outcomes were analyzed. The main endpoint was 3-month mortality. A total of 54 patients (34 immunocompromised, 20 immunocompetent) were enrolled. Common presentations included gastrointestinal bleeding (35.2%), abdominal pain (33.3%) and fever (31.5%). The endoscopic features included ulcer (88.9%) and inflammation (11.1%). The 3-month mortality rate was 20.4% and overall mortality rate was 40.7%. Acute kidney injury was the only independent risk factor for 3-month mortality (OR 53.89, 95%CI 1.56–1861.73, p = 0.027). Anti-viral therapy and host immune status did not affect 3-month mortality. Both immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients with CMV gastritis have high mortality rates, without significant between-group differences. Acute kidney injury is the only independent predictive factor for 3-month mortality. Prevention of acute kidney injury may possibly improve the 3-month mortality rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tenofovir disoproxil fumurate (TDF) therapy during late pregnancy in highly viremic mothers can reduce residual overt hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections of their infants that occur despite immunoprophylaxis.1,2 Occult HBV infection (OBI) has been defined as the presence of HBV DNA in liver or sera in subjects seronegative for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg).3 OBI has been found in varying proportions of immunized infants born to HBsAg-positive mothers.4-6 We aimed to investigate the impact of maternal TDF therapy during pregnancy on vertically acquired OBI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study has completed the preliminary test of the “automotive hydrogen gas release controller with low pressure hydrogen storage module” in the carbon removal of cars engine, this product has integrated (1) a low pressure hydrogen storage cylinder (metal hydride) and (2) a solenoid valve controller with flow meter. Under normal temperature and pressure settings, this system is able to transfer hydrogen gas to the vehicle's intake air system and mixing with the air, entering the engine chamber. The solenoid valve controller and flow meter can control the optimized hydrogen gas output flow rate, activating the carbon deposit removal. The results of this study show that in the example for a 1,600 cc vehicle, 1690 USD may be saved for gasoline in a year with reducing 164.8 ton of CO 2 emission (The enhancing of fuel utilization 11.6%). For a 2,000 cc vehicle, 3070 USD may be saved for gasoline in a year with reducing 291 ton of CO 2 emission (The enhancing of fuel utilization 20.6%). A set of low pressure hydrogen storage system has been developed in this research, it is safe and convenient for consumers, the Solenoid Valve Controller and Flow meter allows for optimized use of hydrogen gas, reducing the waste of excess hydrogen gas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: The aim of this study was to understand the role of cyclin-dependent kinase-associated protein phosphatase (KAP) in renal cancer cell growth. Materials and methods: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) tissues from 58 patients receiving surgical resection were included for immunohistochemistry analysis. Additionally, human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells overexpressing KAP were established for tumorigenicity experiments. Results: Clinicopathologic analysis indicated that poorly differentiated RCCs with a higher histological grade (grade 3/4) were associated with a higher proportion of KAP-positive cells (P < 0.001) as well as cytoplasmic expression of KAP (P < 0.05). HEK293 cells overexpressing KAP had a higher growth rate, greater resistance to TNF-α mediated increment of caspase 3 activity, a shorter cell cycle time, and greater ability of cell invasion. Tumorigenicity experiments showed that KAP-overexpressing cells generated significantly larger xenograft tumors in nude mice compared with mock controls (P = 0.032). Conclusions: KAP expression was associated with poorly differentiated RCCs and overexpression of KAP in renal cells enhanced cell proliferation, resistance to apoptosis, invasive ability, and xenograft tumor formation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background & Aims: Despite the success of a universal vaccination program against hepatitis B virus (HBV) in Taiwan, a small but substantial proportion of individuals remain infected by mutant viruses that escape the vaccine. We investigated the seroepidemiology and genotypic characteristic of HBV for long periods after neonatal vaccination. Methods: We measured hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc), and antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) in 1214 serum samples collected throughout Taiwan from individuals 0.6–87.8 years old in 2007. HBV DNA was detected using polymerase chain reaction and sequence analysis in vaccine recipients who tested positive for anti-HBc and/or HBsAg. Results: The overall seroprevalence of HBsAg and anti-HBc was significantly lower among individuals born after the initiation of the nationwide vaccination program (P < .001). However, we observed increasing seroprevalence of anti-HBc and isolated anti-HBs when subjects were grouped by age: at 10–14, 14–18, to 18–21 years of age, values were 0.4%, 1.9%, and 8.1% (P = .0135) and 43.7%, 55.4%, and 59.6% (P = .0093), respectively (χ2 test for trend). A large increase was observed in the percentage of patients who tested positive for HBV DNA at 18–21 years of age (3.0% vs 0.2% [P = .002] for all eligible subjects and 5.7% vs 0.3% [P < .001] for subjects vaccinated with ≥3 doses). Five of 8 completely vaccinated individuals who were seropositive for HBV DNA carried variants with mutations in the S gene. Conclusions: Universal vaccination effectively controls HBV infection in children and adolescents. However, after adolescence, there is a significant increase in the seroprevalence of anti-HBs, anti-HBc, and HBV DNA, indicating that new preventative strategies are needed for adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the proper ingested volume of dietary fiber for relieving constipation in children. Study design: During a 3-year period, we prospectively evaluated the correlation of intake volume of dietary fiber with improvement of constipation in children. Patients were categorized into younger (3-7 years) and older (8-14 years) children. The evaluation period lasted 12 weeks. A good improvement was defined as the child exhibiting at least 60% relief of the constipation symptoms during the observation period. Freedom from constipation was observed during the last 4 weeks. Results: The study population consisted of 422 patients (213 younger, 209 older), with a mean age of 7.89 ± 4.71 years. Baseline daily dietary fiber intake of the younger and older groups was 5.97 ± 2.35 g and 9.83 ± 3.51 g, respectively. 227 cases (53.8 %) showed improvement of constipation, and 49.1 % of the patients had relief of constipation. Greater intake of dietary fiber was positively associated with good improvement of constipation in both groups (P = .002, and P < .001). Cutoff volumes of daily dietary fiber intake in the relief of constipation were 10 g in the younger group and 14.5 g in the older group. Conclusion: The cutoff of dietary fiber intake needed to relieve constipation increased with age, achievable in a 12-week intervention. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Hematite (α-Fe 2 O 3) nanowhiskers (NWs) with (001) basal faces synthesized via thermal oxidation of iron-based substrates are known to contain an ordered structure. The ordered structure has been identified to be related to oxygen vacancy ordering. However, the cause of its formation remains a mystery. In this study, with a high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) investigation based on negative-Cs imaging (NCSI) and atomic-column position analysis, we observed tensile strain in the above-mentioned α-Fe 2 O 3 NWs and revealed that the ordered structure was actually periodic interplanar gap expansions induced by oxygen vacancy accumulations. These findings were further confirmed in a monochromated electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) analysis of the α-Fe 2 O 3 NWs. The EELS data indicated that, in comparison to pristine α-Fe 2 O 3 , the α-Fe 2 O 3 NWs possessed expanded average Fe O and O O interatomic distances and were oxygen-deficient. Clarifying oxygen deficiency in the α-Fe 2 O 3 NWs was not attributed to an insufficient oxygen supply during the NW growth, we concluded the ordered structure formed to accommodate tensile strain in the α-Fe 2 O 3 NWs. This work demonstrates the applicability of integrating NCSI and monochromated EELS for the examination of strain-induced microstructural and microchemical variations in lightly strained metal oxides. Unlabelled Image • α-Fe 2 O 3 nanowhiskers (NWs) with (001) basal faces synthesized via thermal oxidation of iron-based substrates are strained. • The ordered structure in the α-Fe 2 O 3 (NWs) is periodic interplanar gap expansions induced by oxygen vacancy accumulations. • The ordered structure forms to accommodate tensile strain. • Integrating negative-spherical-aberration imaging and monochromated EELS is effective in analyzing strained metal oxides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) increases with age, but protective antibody responses decrease with time after infants are immunized against hepatitis B virus (HBV). We investigated whether immunization of infants against HBV prevents their developing HCC as adults. We also searched for strategies to maximize the cancer-preventive effects. Methods We collected data from 2 Taiwan HCC registry systems on 1509 patients (6–26 years old) diagnosed with HCC from 1983 through 2011. Data on history of HBV immunization and prenatal maternal levels of HBV antigens of all HCC patients born after July 1984 were retrieved from the HBV immunization data bank of the Taiwan Center for Disease Control. We collected data on birth cohort-specific populations (6–26 years old) of Taiwan using the National Household Registry System. Rates of HCC incidence per 10 5 person-years were derived by dividing the number of patients with HCC by the person-years of the general population. Relative risks (RR) for HCC were estimated by Poisson regression analysis in vaccinated vs unvaccinated birth cohorts. We stratified patients by age group to evaluate the association of birth cohorts and HCC risks. Results Of the 1509 patients with HCC, 1343 were born before, and 166 were born after, the HBV vaccination program began. HCC incidence per 10 5 person-years was 0.92 in the unvaccinated cohort and 0.23 in the vaccinated birth cohorts. The RRs for HCC in patients 6–9 years old, 10–14 years old, 15–19 years old, and 20–26 years old who were vaccinated vs unvaccinated were 0.26 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.17–0.40), 0.34 (95% CI, 0.25–0.48), 0.37 (95% CI, 0.25–0.51), and 0.42 (95% CI, 0.32–0.56), respectively. The RR for HCC in 6- to 26-year-olds was lower in the later vs the earlier cohorts (born in 1992–2005 vs 1986–1992; P < .001 and 1986–1992 vs 1984–1986; P < .002). Transmission of HBV from highly infectious mothers and incomplete immunization were associated with development of HCC. Conclusions Based on an analysis of 1509 patients with HCC in Taiwan, immunization of infants against HBV reduces their risk of developing HCC as children and young adults. Improving HBV vaccination strategies and overcoming risk factors could reduce the incidence of liver cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor is a reactive proliferative lesion that occurs extremely rarely in the renal pelvis, especially during childhood. We report 1 such case that occurred in a child who presented with prolonged fever and abdominal pain. Ultrasonography and abdominal computed tomography revealed a left renal pelvic mass. She received conservative surgical treatment. The diagnosis was confirmed by pathological and immunohistochemical studies. Distinguishing inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor from other malignant renal pelvic tumors in children is essential to preventing unnecessary nephrectomy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is the preferred treatment to prevent maternal transmission of HBV, owing to its efficacy and safety. However, data are lacking on the long-term safety outcomes in children following fetal exposure to TDF. Children participating in a prospective, multisite trial of maternal TDF treatment during late pregnancy were recruited for follow-up visits once a year. Growth parameters, serum biochemistry, HBV serology, and bone mineral density (BMD) by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometery scan were measured. One hundred and twenty-eight children, 71 in the TDF and 57 in the control group, completed 255 follow-up visits at the age of 2 to 7 (median, 4.08) years. No differences in z-scores for weight-for-age (0.26 ± 0.90 vs. 0.22 ± 0.99, p = 0.481), z-scores for height-for-age (0.20 ± 1.02 vs. 0.25 ± 0.98, p = 0.812), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (169.12 ± 50.48 vs. 169.06 ± 34.46 ml/min/1.73m2, p = 0.479) were detected. After adjustment for age, sex and HBV status by multiple linear regression, children in the TDF and control group had comparable levels of serum calcium, phosphorus, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, calcidiol and BMD of lumbar spines (0.55 ± 0.01 vs. 0.57 ± 0.01 g/cm2, p = 0.159) and left hip (0.56 ± 0.01 vs. 0.56 ± 0.01 g/cm2, p = 0.926). Children of HBV-infected mothers who did or did not receive tenofovir disoproxil fumarate treatment during late pregnancy had comparable long-term growth, renal function, and bone development up to 6–7 years after delivery. NCT01312012 (ClinicalTrials.gov) Currently there are insufficient long-term safety data in children born to mothers who took antiviral agents during pregnancy to prevent mother-to-infant transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV). In this study, we found that children of HBV-infected mothers who did or did not receive tenofovir disoproxil fumarate treatment during late pregnancy had comparable long-term growth, renal function, and bone development up to 6-7 years after delivery. • Short-term TDF use during pregnancy to prevent maternal HBV transmission is safe. • Children with and without fetal exposure to TDF have comparable long-term growth. • Children's renal function and bone development are unaffected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The size dependence of the resistance states of a TiN/HfO2/Ti resistance random access memory (ReRAM) metal–insulator–metal (MIM) structure is described in terms of the filament distribution within the structure. We introduce radial distribution functions to model process-induced effects on the density of percolating conduction paths in the oxide. A suitably chosen function can accurately model the size dependence of the HIGH resistance ReRAM state. On the other hand, the size independence of the LOW state is attributed to the selection of a dominant filament. Our experimental results match the proposed explanations very well, if the distribution of HIGH state conduction paths is dominated by process effects near the edge of the ReRAM cell, while the distribution of LOW state conduction paths is very localized somewhere within the ReRAM cell. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]