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Half of the world's population is Helicobacter pylori carrier. Updated guidelines and consensus have been issued across regions with the main aim of reducing social transmission and increasing H. pylori eradication rate. Although alternative therapies including traditional Chinese medicine and probiotics have also been used to improve H. pylori eradication rate in clinical practice, current mainstream treatment is still dependent on triple and quadruple therapies that includes antibacterial agents (e.g., amoxicillin and furazolidone) and proton pump inhibitor. Researches also assessed the eradication rate of optimized high‐dose dual therapy in treating H. pylori infection. With the increase of antibiotic resistance rate, the treatment strategies for H. pylori infection are constantly adjusted and improved. Besides, low medication compliance is another key influencing factor for H. pylori treatment failure. Emerging studies indicate that pharmacists' intervention and new pharmaceutical care methods can enhance patient medication compliance, reduce adverse drug reactions, and improve H. pylori eradication rate. The purpose of this review is to summarize the advances in treating H. pylori infection and highlight the necessity of developing novel strategies to cope with the increasing challenges and to achieve personalized medication. Also, this review attaches great importance to pharmacists in optimizing H. pylori treatment outcomes as a routine part of therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, lanthanide-ion-doped luminescent materials have been extensively used as optical thermometry probes due to their fast responses, non-contact, and high sensitivity properties. Based on different responses of two emissions to temperature, the fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) technique can be used to estimate the sensitivities for assessing the optical thermometry performances. In this study, we introduce different doping concentrations of Eu3+ ions into negative thermal expansion material Sc2W3O12 to increase the thermal-enhanced luminescence from 373 K to 548 K, and investigate the temperature sensing properties in detail. All samples can exhibit their good luminescence behaviors thermally enhanced. The emission intensity of Sc2W3O12:6-mol% Eu3+ phosphor reaches 147.8% of initial intensity at 473 K. As the Eu3+ doping concentration increases, the resistance of the sample to thermal quenching decreases. The FIR technique based on each of the transitions 5D→ 7F1 (592 nm) and 5D→ 7F2 (613 nm) of Eu3+ ions demonstrates a maximum relative temperature sensitivity of 3.063% K−1 at 298 K for Sc2W3O12:6-mol% Eu3+ phosphor. The sensitivity of sample decreases with the increase of Eu3+ concentration. Benefiting from the thermal-enhanced luminescence performance and good temperature sensing properties, the Sc2W3O12:Eu3+ phosphors can be used as optical thermometers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited data are available for ceftazidime–avibactam (CZA) dosing in patients receiving renal replacement therapy, especially the data on the dosing in patients receiving intermittent hemodialysis (IHD). In this report, we firstly described a case in which CZA was administered as 2.5 g after each time of IHD, and a dose of 1.25 g was added on the 48th-hour for the 72-h interdialytic interval. Plasma concentrations of CZA measured at different time indicated that > 50% of administered ceftazidime and avibactam were removed during the 4-h hemodialysis. In addition, we described another case on continuous venovenous hemodialysis (CVVHD), in which CZA was administered as 2.5 g q12h in 2-h infusions. The dose regimen for these two cases could achieve trough concentration of ceftazidime higher than fourfold of the MIC and trough concentration of avibactam higher than the threshold of 1 μg/mL during the treatment, and exert efficient antimicrobial effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic–inorganic hybrid ABX3 perovskite (OIHPs) with phase transition have considerable application potential in multifunctional devices for their structural tunability and excellent photo/electric performance. Because the interaction between molecules during the crystallization process is difficult to predict and control, exploring targeted chemical design methods to synthesize phase change materials has been an interesting and challenging problem. As per the synergistic effect of anion and cation, we assemble a cation with high vibrational activity and an inorganic anion with large voids to successfully design a one-dimensional OIHPs phase change material. [FMPD][Cd(SCN)3] (FMPD = 1-fluoroethyl-1-methylpiperidinium) undergoes two reversible phase transitions above room temperature with the substitution of methyl with fluoroethyl increasing the energy barrier of molecular motion. The individual crystal diffraction structures show that, unlike the phase change caused by the reorientation of organic cations in majority of known perovskites, this phase transition is triggered by the order/disorder of cations and anions related to the vibration increase by the introduction of fluoroethyl. The results provide a new design idea for the design and assembly of novel OIHPs-type phase change materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study aims to establish a population pharmacokinetic (PK) model of teicoplanin in Chinese adult patients to evaluate the dosing regimen in the label sheet and optimize it. Methods: Nonlinear mixed‐effects modelling was used to estimate PK parameters. Monte Carlo simulations were used to evaluate the attainment of various dosing regimens in achieving the target trough concentrations in patients with normal or decreased renal function. Results: A total of 115 patients were enrolled in this retrospective study. Creatinine clearance (CrCL) and albumin (ALB) were identified as covariates on the clearance of teicoplanin. For the treatment of non‐complicated methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in patients with normal renal function and serum ALB concentration, the recommended dosing regimen was 600 mg q12h with five administrations as the loading dose followed by 600 mg qd as the maintenance dose; for the treatment of serious and/or complicated MRSA infections, the recommended dosing regimen was 800 mg q12h with five administrations as the loading dose followed by 800 mg qd as the maintenance dose. It is worth noting that both the loading and maintenance doses ought to be modified based on the patient's renal function and serum ALB concentration. In addition, trough concentrations of teicoplanin were significantly increased every other week. Conclusions: Both loading dosing and maintenance dosing regimens were recommended to be adjusted according to patient's renal function and serum ALB concentration. In addition, it is necessary to perform follow‐up therapeutic drug monitoring of teicoplanin at least once every week. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Correction to: Efficacy and Pharmacodynamic Target Attainment for Ceftazidime-Avibactam Off-Label Dose Regimens in Patients with Continuous or Intermittent Venovenous Hemodialysis: Two Case Reports The original article can be found online at https://doi.org/10.1007/s40121-022-00621-z. Correction to: Infect Dis Ther https://doi.org/10.1007/s40121-022-00621-z In the original publication of the article, there should be three corresponding authors; Chun-Hong Zhang, Xu-Ben Yu and Cong-Rong Tang This has been corrected in this paper. [Extracted from the article]

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the expression patterns of CEACAM5 in prostatic non-neoplastic and neoplastic lesions and further investigate its relationship with tumor microvessel density(MVD) and lymphatic vessel density(LVD). Methods: CEACAM5 expression was detected using immunohistochemical staining in a serial sections of the benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostate intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) and prostate carcinoma (PCa) lesions. MVD and LVD were quantified in CEACAM5 positive areas by dual-labelling with CD34 and D2-40 respectively. Results: Both PIN and PCa had significantly higher expression for CEACAM5 than BPH which has no positive expression for CEACAM5(P<0.05). In PIN and PCa, CEACAM5 staining showed different expression patterns in terms the of most of membranous staining for PIN, less membranous staining and more cytoplasmic staining for PCa. MVD results showed that PCa and PIN had more angiogenesis than BPH tissue. The value of MVD in PCa tissue was correlated with tumor Gleason grading (P<0.05). LVD results showed that neoplastic lesions had more lymphangiogenesis than non-neoplastic lesion. Conclusion: CEACAM5 had different expression patterns in prostatic non-neoplastic and neoplastic lesions, and these various expression patterns may be correlated with tumor progression through promoting tumorous angiogenesis or lymphangiogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has attracted lots of attention in preventing the clearance of plasma low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C). PCSK9 inhibitors are developed to primarily reduce the cardiovascular risk by lowering LDL‐C level. Recently, a number of pleiotropic extrahepatic functions of PCSK9 beyond the regulation of cholesterol metabolism, particularly its effects on central nervous system (CNS) diseases have been increasingly identified. Emerging clinical evidence have revealed that PCSK9 may play a significant role in neurocognition, depression, Alzheimer's disease, and stroke. The focus of this review is to elucidate the functions of PCSK9 and highlight the effects of PCSK9 in CNS diseases, with the aim of identifying the potential risks that may arise from low PCSK9 level (variant or inhibitor) in the clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An improved tunable coplanar waveguide (CPW) bandstop filter, which exhibits good performance, is proposed in this paper. A novel tunable open stub and a useful formula for frequency shift and impedances are also presented. Further, air bridges and a special method of step compensation in the angle bends are employed to overcome differences in the radiation effects as much as possible. From the measured results, a 33% narrower rejection bandwidth with sharper roll-off was achieved, particularly in comparison to that of the bent filter. An enormous size reduction of 53% was obtained, compared to the conventional open-stub structure. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 41: 198–200, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20091 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: This study aimed to investigate the effect of Nell-1 on the osteogenic behaviors of pre-osteoblasts on titanium (Ti) surfaces and to identify the underlying signaling pathway. Methods: Nell-1 at different concentrations was added to culture medium to stimulate MC3T3-E1 subclone 14 on Ti surfaces. A CCK-8 colorimetric assay was used to detect cell proliferation. Alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP) assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to evaluate ALP activity and the osteocalcin (OCN) secretion, respectively. Indicators of osteoblastic differentiation were assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis (RT-PCR). Western blot (WB) assay was used to analyze the expression changes of the osteogenic proteins and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Results: Nell-1 significantly increased the osteogenic gene and protein expression levels of ALP, OCN, Runx2, osteoprotegerin (OPG), collagen type I (Col-I), and Osterix (Osx) in pre-osteoblasts on Ti surfaces. The optimal concentration of Nell-1 was 100 ng/ ml. In addition, Nell-1 activated ERK and JNK, but not P38, in MC3T3-E1 cells on the Ti surface. Except for ALP and Col-I, the promotive effects of Nell-1 on the expression of osteogenic markers were suppressed by ERK inhibitor U0126. Conclusion: Certain concentrations of Nell-1 can promote the osteogenic differentiation of pre-osteoblasts on Ti surfaces by activating the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to assess the risk factors for insufficient vancomycin concentrations for its prophylactic use in adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and to modify the dosing regimen to achieve appropriate plasma concentrations. A total of 27 patients with vancomycin dosing of 1 to 1.5 g based on a weight cutoff of 67 kg were included, of which only 13 (48.15%) had vancomycin plasma concentration >15 mg/L at surgical closure. Risk factors of vancomycin concentration <15 mg/L at surgical‐site closure were confirmed by multivariate logistic regression analysis, which showed that CPB duration was an independent predictor. Patients with CPB duration >4 hours had significantly lower vancomycin concentrations and lower proportion in achieving target vancomycin concentration at the end of CPB and surgical closure. For patients with CPB >4 hours, the modified dosing regimen that a second dose of 0.5 to 0.75 g added at 4 hours since the onset of CPB improved the target achievement of vancomycin concentration at surgical closure. Taken together, CPB duration >4 hours was the risk factor for insufficient vancomycin concentration at surgical closure, while our modified dosing could improve the vancomycin concentrations for its prophylactic use in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited therapeutic options exist for multidrug‐resistant/extensively drug‐resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDR/XDR‐Ab) meningitis/ventriculitis. A combination of intravenous and intraventricular (IVT)/intrathecal (IT) polymyxins achieves good therapeutic outcomes for cases of healthcare‐associated MDR/XDR‐Ab meningitis/ventriculitis. Colistin is commercially available as colistin sulphate and its sulphomethylated derivative. However, the effect and safety of colistin sulphate in the treatment of MDR/XDR‐Ab meningitis/ventriculitis has not been reported. We report on a 66‐year‐old male patient who developed post‐neurosurgical ventriculitis caused by MDR‐Ab. IVT concomitant intravenous colistin sulphate was used as a last‐resort antimicrobial therapy, the patient's ventriculitis was dramatically improved, and the concentrations of CSF colistin were higher than the MIC breakpoint throughout the treatment. Meanwhile, no nephrotoxicity or neurotoxicity was observed during the treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantification theory (I) provides a kind of multi-ary analysis method for the forecast problem with its criterion variable quantitative and its explanatory variables qualitative. In such a theory, the forecast model is a one-dimensional linear one, which cannot be applied to high-dimension or nonlinear forecast problems. By the matrix semi-tensor product method, this paper improves quantification theory (I) from two aspects: model and dimension. First, based on the algebraic expression of mix-valued logical variables, the forecast problem of one-dimensional criterion variable is investigated, and a new forecast model is presented. Second, we consider the multi-dimension forecast problem, and establish a new multidimension forecast method by using mix-valued logical function vectors. Finally, we give an illustrative example to demonstrate our new results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The changes in the microenvironment of the Trp-3 on the i-face of pig pancreatic IB phospholipase A2 (PLA2) provide a measure of the tight contact (Ramirez and Jain, Protein Sci. 9, 229–239, 1991) with the substrate interface during the processive interfacial turnover. Spectral changes from the single Trp-substituent at position 1, 2, 6, 10, 19, 20, 31, 53, 56 or 87 on the surface of W3F PLA2 are used to probe the Trp-environment. Based on our current understanding only the residue 87 is away from i-face, therefore all other mutants are well suited to report modest differences along the i-face. All Trp-mutants bind tightly to anionic vesicles. Only those with Trp at 1, 2 or 3 near the rim of the active site on the i-face cause significant perturbation of the catalytic functions. Most other Trp-mutants showed < 3-fold change in the interfacial processive turnover rate and the competitive inhibition by MJ33. Binding of calcium to the enzyme in the aqueous phase had modest effect on the Trp-emission intensity. However, on the binding of the enzyme to the interface the fluorescence change is large, and the rate of oxidation of the Trp-substituent with N-bromosuccinimide depends on the location of the Trp-substituent. These results show that the solvation environment of the Trp-substituents on the i-face is shielded in the enzyme bound to the interface. Additional changes are noticeable if the active site of the bound enzyme is also occupied, however, the catalytically inert zymogen of PLA2 (proPLA2) does not show such changes. Significance of these results in relation to the changes in the solvent accessibility and desolvation of the i-face of PLA2 at the interface is discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper, we propose an improved doubly electromagnetic periodic structure (DEPS) and apply it in a power amplifier for harmonic tuning. The DEPS power amplifier shows an improvement of 0.5 dB and 8% in output power and power-added efficiency (PAE), respectively, compared with the conventional EPS power amplifier. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 39: 342–344, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.11209 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Rad51 and Rad54 play crucial roles during homologous recombination. The biochemical activities of human Rad51 (hRad51) and human Rad54 (hRad54) and their interactions with each other are well documented. However, it is not known how these two proteins work together to bypass heterologous sequences; i.e. mismatched base pairs, during homologous recombination. In this study, we used a fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay to monitor homologous recombination processes in real time so that the interactions between hRad54 and hRad51 during DNA strand exchange and branch migration, which are two core steps of homologous recombination, could be characterized. Our results indicate that hRad54 can facilitate hRad51-promoted strand exchange through various degrees of mismatching. We propose that the main roles of hRad51 in homologous recombination is to initiate the homology recognition and strand-exchange steps and those of hRad54 are to promote efficient branch migration, bypass potential mismatches and facilitate long-range strand exchanges through branch migration of Holliday junctions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Nek2A is a cell-cycle-regulated protein kinase that localizes to the centrosome and kinetochore. Our recent studies provide a link between Nek2A and spindle checkpoint signaling [J. Biol. Chem. 279 (2004) 20049]. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (Erk2) is an important kinase, which belongs to mitogen activating protein (MAP) kinase family. Here we demonstrated that Nek2A binds specifically to Erk2. Erk2 interacts with Nek2A via a conserved Erk2 docking site located to the C-terminus of Nek2A. Our studies indicate this docking site is essential and sufficient for a direct Nek2A-Erk2 interaction. In addition, our immunocytochemical studies show that Nek2A and Erk2 are co-localized to centrosome. Significantly, elimination of Nek2A by RNA interference delocalized Erk2 from its centrosomal location, while inhibition of Erk2 kinase activity did not affect the localization of Nek2A in centrosome. We propose that Erk2 links extracellular signaling to centrosome dynamics by Nek2A. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Polyvinylpyrrolidone is a macromolecular polymer with widespread use in industry as well as in medicine for various purposes. Its effect on cells cultured in vitro, however, has not been fully investigated. To elucidate this issue, we studied the influence of PVP K-30 on cultured HeLa cells. PVP K-30 treatment produced a dose- and time-dependent toxicity to HeLa cells. Cells exposed to PVP K-30 exhibited several morphological features of apoptosis. Gel electrophoresis of DNA from PVP K-30-treated cells showed typical apoptotic ladder. And flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that PVP K-30 induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and the subsequent appearance of sub-G1 population. In addition, it was shown that procaspase-3 was activated in response to PVP K-30 treatment. We also found that α-tocopherol efficiently protected HeLa cells from PVP K-30 cytotoxicity. This is the first demonstration that PVP K-30 could induce apoptosis in HeLa cells and cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase, and that PVP K-30 toxicity could be attenuated by α-tocopherol. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]