Ultra-Low Loading Fillers Induced Excellent Capacitive Performance in Polymer-Based Multilayer Nanocomposites under Harsh Environments.

Multilayer-structured nanocomposites are recognized as a prominent strategy for overcoming the paradox between the breakdown strength (Eb) and polarization (P) to achieve superior energy storage performance. However, current multilayer-structured nanocomposites involving substantial quantities of nanofillers (>10 vol.%) for high dielectric constant as polarization layer will inevitably deteriorate mechanical properties and breakdown strength. Herein, an innovative approach is reported to breaking conventional rules by designing a multilayered polymer composite with ultralow loading of Al2O3 nanoparticles, i.e., 0.3 vol.% for polarization layers and 2 vol.% for insulation layers. By modulating the spatial distribution of Al2O3 nanoparticles in polymer, a significantly increased interfacial dipole response is induced, and deep interfacial traps are constructed to capture the mobile charges, thereby suppressing high-temperature conduction loss. The resulting multilayered polymer composite exhibits an unparalleled discharged energy density of 7.8 J cm-3 with a charging/discharging efficiency exceeding 90% at 150 °C. This work provides valuable insights into achieving superior capacitive performance in multilayer composite films operating under extreme conditions.

Butyrate protects the intestinal barrier by upregulating Fut2 expression via MEK4-JNK signaling pathway activation.

BACKGROUND: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe gastrointestinal inflammatory disease in neonates. Fucosyltransferase 2 (Fut2) regulates intestinal epithelial cell fucosylation. In this study, we aimed to investigate butyrate-mediated upregulation of Fut2 expression and the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: In vivo and in vitro models were established. SP600125 was used to inhibit the MEK4-JNK pathway, and anisomycin was used to activate the MEK4-JNK pathway. Fut2, occludin, and ZO-1 expressions were assessed. Furthermore, intestinal permeability was analyzed by FITC-Dextran. The expression of proteins in the MEK-4-JNK pathway was examined by western blotting. RESULTS: In vivo, the addition of exogenous butyrate notably upregulated Fut2, occludin, and ZO-1 expressions and reduced intestinal permeability in mice with NEC. Butyrate may increase the phosphorylation of MEK4, JNK, and c-jun, which are key components of the MEK4-JNK pathway. Additionally, SP600125 inhibited their phosphorylation, which was reversed by anisomycin treatment. In vitro, butyrate substantially increased occludin and ZO-1 expressions. Butyrate considerably increased Fut2 expression and markedly upregulated p-MEK4, p-JNK, and p-c-jun expressions. SP600125 administration decreased their expressions, while anisomycin administration increased their expressions. CONCLUSION: Butyrate upregulated Fut2 expression via activation of the MEK4-JNK pathway, improved intestinal barrier integrity, and protected neonatal mice from NEC. IMPACT: We found that exogenous butyrate could improve intestinal barrier integrity and protect against NEC in neonatal mice. Our data showed that exogenous butyrate supplementation upregulated Fut2 expression by activating the MEK4-JNK pathway. Our study provides novel insights into the pathogenesis of NEC, thereby laying an experimental foundation for future clinical research on the use of butyrate in NEC treatment.

Risk factors for necrotizing enterocolitis in small-for-gestational-age infants: a matched case-control study.

Few studies have focused on the risk factors for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in small for gestational age (SGA) infants. The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for NEC in SGA newborns. This study included consecutive SGA neonates admitted to a tertiary hospital in Jiangxi Province, China from Jan 2008 to Dec 2022. Patients with NEC (Bell's stage ≥ II) were assigned to the NEC group. Gestational age- and birth weight-matched non-NEC infants born during the same period at the same hospital were assigned to the control group. The risk factors associated with NEC were analyzed with univariate and logistic regression models. During the study period, 2,912 SGA infants were enrolled, 150 (5.15%) of whom developed NEC. In total, 143 patients and 143 controls were included in the NEC and control groups, respectively. Logistic regression analysis revealed that sepsis (OR 2.399, 95% CI 1.271-4.527, P = 0.007) and anemia (OR 2.214, 95% CI 1.166-4.204, P = 0.015) might increase the incidence of NEC in SGA infants and that prophylactic administration of probiotics (OR 0.492, 95% CI 0.303-0.799, P = 0.004) was a protective factor against NEC. Therefore, sepsis, anemia and a lack of probiotic use are independent risk factors for NEC in SGA infants.

Awareness about Neonatal Lactose Intolerance among Chinese Neonatologists in Outpatient Settings: A Multi-Center Survey.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to identify the specific areas of knowledge gaps regarding lactose intolerance among neonatologists in Chinese outpatient settings as well as to assess the availability of lactose intolerance testing in hospitals. METHODS: A total of 278 neonatologists in outpatient settings from 144 hospitals were surveyed. To explore the awareness level, diagnosis, and treatment of neonatal lactose intolerance among neonatologists in outpatient settings, a multicenter cross-sectional survey was designed. Descriptive analysis based on frequency and percent distribution was performed for all variables. RESULTS: Most respondents were senior doctors (256, 92.09%) from general hospitals and maternity/maternal and child health hospitals, had over 10 years of experience, and were dominantly associate chief physicians and chief physicians (211, 75.90%). A significant proportion of the participants (236, 84.89%) believed that neonatal lactose intolerance tends to be overlooked during clinical practice. When the most common symptoms of neonatal lactose intolerance were surveyed, diarrhea was selected by 142 (51.08%) respondents, followed by bloating and milk regurgitation or emesis (71, 25.54%). Other symptoms included unexplained crying (36, 12.85%), stool with milk flap or foam (15, 5.40%), and increased venting (14, 5.04%). Furthermore, the survey results indicated that the most common method for diagnosing neonatal lactose intolerance in the respondents' hospitals was qualitative test for urinary galactose (78, 28.06%). Of the respondents, 137 (49.28%) stated that their hospital could not test for lactose intolerance. For treating lactose intolerance, the neonatologists primarily opted for exogenous lactase rather than lactose-free formula milk. CONCLUSIONS: This study sheds light on Chinese neonatologists' awareness of neonatal lactose intolerance, revealing some knowledge gaps. The expeditious popularization and conduct of lactose intolerance-related examinations in hospitals will have a positive stimulative effect on the management of lactose intolerance in newborns.

Two-Dimensional Fillers Induced Superior Electrostatic Energy Storage Performance in Trilayered Architecture Nanocomposites.

Dielectric capacitors with ultrahigh power densities and fast charging/discharging rates are of vital relevance in advanced electronic markets. Nevertheless, a tradeoff always exists between breakdown strength and polarization, which are two essential elements determining the energy storage density. Herein, a novel trilayered architecture composite film, which combines outer layers of two-dimensional (2D) BNNS/poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (P(VDF-HFP)) with high breakdown strength and an intermediate layer made of blended 2D MoS2 nanosheets/P(VDF-HFP) with large polarization, is fabricated using the layer-by-layer casting method. The insulating BNNS with a wide band gap is able to largely alleviate the distortion of the local electric field, thereby suppressing the leakage current and effectively reducing the conductivity loss, while the 2D MoS2 nanosheets act as microcapacitors in the polymer composites, thus significantly increasing the permittivity. A finite element simulation is carried out to further analyze the evolution process of electrical treeing in the experimental breakdown of the polymer nanocomposites. Consequently, the nanocomposites possess an excellent discharged energy density of 25.03 J/cm3 accompanied with a high charging/discharging efficiency of 77.4% at 650 MV/m, which greatly exceeds those of most conventional single-layer films. In addition, the corresponding composites exhibit an outstanding reliability of energy storage performance under continuous cycling. The excellent performances of these polymer-based nanocomposite films could pave a way for widespread applications in advanced capacitors.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of Helicobacter pylori infection in the Wuwei cohort of north-western China.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection and risk factors and to serotype the strains in Wuwei, located in north-western China, which has a high incidence of gastric cancer. METHODS: Helicobacter pylori infection was analysed in 21 291 adults by 14 C-urea breath test, and H. pylori antibody were detected in 9183 serum samples by latex immunoturbidimetric method. The correlation of H. pylori infection with demographic-economic, lifestyle factors and medical history among the participants was determined by questionnaire. The antibodies against H. pylori urease, VacA and CagA in serum were determined by dot immunobinding assay. RESULTS: The infection rate of H. pylori was 53.0%, and 90.1% of strains were type I strains. The H. pylori infection rate was higher among farmers (OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.19-1.50) and individuals who had a junior high school or higher education level (OR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.06-1.15), and was lower in older individuals (OR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.83-0.90), individuals with high income (OR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.90-0.95), individuals with a habit of eating quickly (OR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.87-0.99) and individuals who consumed more fruit and vegetables (OR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.85-0.95). Individuals with history of cholecystitis/cholecystolithiasis, hypertension and asthma were negatively correlated with H. pylori infection (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of H. pylori infection is high in Wuwei. The major prevalent strain is type I strain. Age, education, occupation, household income, consumption of fruit and vegetables, and habit of eating quickly are independent risk factors for H. pylori infection, which is also associated with individuals with a history of extragastric diseases.

OBJECTIFS: Evaluer la prévalence de l'infection à Helicobacter pylori et les facteurs de risque et déterminer le sérotype des souches à Wuwei, situé dans le nord-ouest de la Chine, où l'incidence du cancer gastrique est élevée. MÉTHODES: L'infection à H. pylori a été analysée chez 21.291 adultes par un test respiratoire à l'urée au 14 C, et des anticorps à H. pylori ont été détectés dans 9.183 échantillons de sérum par une méthode immuno-turbidimétrique au latex. La corrélation entre l'infection à H. pylori et les facteurs démographiques et économiques, le mode de vie et les antécédents médicaux des participants a été déterminée par un questionnaire. Les anticorps contre l'uréase de H. pylori, VacA et CagA dans le sérum ont été déterminés par un test dot par d'immuno-liaison. RÉSULTATS: Le taux d'infection à H. pylori était 53,0% et 90,1% des souches étaient du type I. Le taux d'infection à H. pylori est plus élevé chez les agriculteurs (OR = 1,34 ; IC95%: 1,19 à 1,50) et les personnes qui avaient un niveau d'instruction du premier cycle secondaire ou supérieur (OR = 1,10 ; IC95%: 01,06 à 01,15) et était plus faible chez les personnes âgées (OR = 0,86 ; IC95%: 0,83-0,90), les personnes à revenu élevé (OR = 0,93 ; IC95%: 0,90-0,95), les personnes ayant l'habitude de manger rapidement (OR = 0,93 ; IC9 %: 0,87-0,99) et les individus qui consommaient plus de fruits et de légumes (OR = 0,90 ; IC95%: 0,85-0,95). Les personnes ayant des antécédents de cholécystite/cholécystolithiase, d'hypertension et d'asthme avaient une corrélation négative avec l'infection à H. pylori (p <0,05 ). CONCLUSION: La prévalence de l'infection à H. pylori est élevée à Wuwei. La principale souche répandue est du type I. L'âge, l'éducation, la profession, le revenu du ménage, la consommation de fruits et de légumes et l'habitude de manger rapidement sont des facteurs de risque indépendants d'infection à H. pylori, qui est également associée à des personnes ayant des antécédents de maladies extra-gastriques.

An Herbal Formulation of Jiawei Xiaoyao for the Treatment of Functional Dyspepsia: A Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: To investigate the efficacy and safety of an herbal formulation of Jiawei Xiaoyao (JX) on gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with functional dyspepsia (FD) who had previously rejected standard therapies of proton pump inhibitors, H2 blockers, or Helicobacter pylori eradication. METHODS: A total of 144 adult men and women with FD according to the Rome III criteria were recruited at 9 sites in China from August 2017 to April 2019. Participants were randomized to receive either a JX pill or placebo (12 g/d, 6 g twice a day) for 4 weeks. The primary end point was the change in the total Gastrointestinal Symptom Score (GIS) from baseline to week 4. The secondary end points included the scores on the Hamilton Depression Scale and the Hamilton Anxiety Scale. The safety outcomes included the results of the complete blood count, the liver function test, the renal function test, urinalysis, the fecal occult blood test, and an electrocardiogram. RESULTS: Data from 141 patients (JX pill, n = 70; placebo, n = 71) were statistically analyzed. The mean ± SD of the GIS for the JX pill group at baseline and 4 weeks was 9.3 ± 3.1 and 3.8 ± 3.0, respectively; the mean ± SD of the GIS for the placebo group at baseline and 4 weeks was 9.5 ± 3.4 and 5.3 ± 4.4, respectively (change from baseline to 4 weeks in the JX pill group vs change from baseline in the control group, -1.3 points; P = 0.013). The JX pill group showed greater improvement in both the Hamilton Depression Scale and Hamilton Anxiety Scale scores from baseline to 4 weeks than the placebo group, but the difference was not significant. The total number of adverse events was 30 in the JX pill group vs 20 in the placebo group (P = 0.240). DISCUSSION: The JX pill was superior to the placebo in terms of improving the GIS in patients with FD but did not significantly improve depression or anxiety symptoms. These findings suggest that the JX pill may have a positive effect on the resolution of gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with FD who are seeking alternative therapies.

Acute esophageal obstruction caused by reverse migration of gastric bezoars: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Bezoars can be found anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract. Esophageal bezoars are rare. Esophageal bezoars are classified as either primary or secondary. It is rarely reported that secondary esophageal bezoars caused by reverse migration from the stomach lead to acute esophageal obstruction. Guidelines recommend urgent upper endoscopy (within 24 h) for these impactions without complete esophageal obstruction and emergency endoscopy (within 6 h) for those with complete esophageal obstruction. Gastroscopy is regarded as the mainstay for the diagnosis and treatment of esophageal bezoars. CASE SUMMARY: A 59-year-old man was hospitalized due to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea for 2 d and sudden retrosternal pain and dysphagia for 10 h. He had a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus for 9 years. Computed tomography revealed dilated lower esophagus, thickening of the esophageal wall, a mass-like lesion with a flocculent high-density shadow and gas bubbles in the esophageal lumen. On gastroscopy, immovable brown bezoars were found in the lower esophagus, which led to esophageal obstruction. Endoscopic fragmentation was successful, and there were no complications. The symptoms of retrosternal pain and dysphagia disappeared after treatment. Mucosal superficial ulcers were observed in the lower esophagus. Multiple biopsy specimens from the lower esophagus revealed nonspecific findings. The patient remained asymptomatic, and follow-up gastroscopy 1 wk after endoscopic fragmentation showed no evidence of bezoars in the esophagus or the stomach. CONCLUSION: Acute esophageal obstruction caused by bezoars reversed migration from the stomach is rare. Endoscopic fragmentation is safe, effective and minimally invasive and should be considered as the first-line therapeutic modality.