Real-world efficacy of second-line therapies for Helicobacter pylori: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: With the increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance, real-world data on the optimal empirical second-line therapy for Helicobacter pylori are still limited. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the real-world efficacy of various second-line therapies for H. pylori. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective population-based cohort study of all H. pylori-infected patients who had received the second-line treatment after the failure of primary clarithromycin triple therapy in Hong Kong between 2003 and 2018. The retreatment success rates of different second-line therapies were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 7591 patients who received second-line treatment were included. Notably, the most commonly prescribed regimen was still clarithromycin triple therapy, but the frequency of use had decreased from 59.5% in 2003-06 to 28.7% in 2015-18. Concomitant non-bismuth quadruple therapy had emerged as the commonest regimen (from 3.3% to 43.9%). In a validation analysis, the sensitivity and specificity of retreatment-inferred second-line treatment failure were 88.3% and 97.1%, respectively. The overall success rate of second-line therapies was 73.6%. Bismuth quadruple therapy had the highest success rate of 85.6%, while clarithromycin triple therapy had the lowest success rate of 63.5%. Specifically, bismuth/metronidazole/tetracycline quadruple, metronidazole/tetracycline triple, levofloxacin/metronidazole/tetracycline quadruple, rifabutin/amoxicillin triple and amoxicillin/levofloxacin triple therapies had relatively higher success rates over 80%. Age, treatment duration, baseline conditions and first-line treatment used were associated with success rate. CONCLUSIONS: Bismuth quadruple therapy was the most effective second-line regimen for H. pylori in this real-world study. Despite a very low success rate, clarithromycin-containing triple therapies were still commonly used as second-line regimens.

Hong Guo Ginseng Guo (HGGG) protects against kidney injury in diabetic nephropathy by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome and regulating intestinal flora.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most serious complications of diabetes which leads to end-stage renal failure and approximately one-third of patients need dialysis. There is still a lack of effective and specific treatment for DN. Searching new drugs from natural foods is an alternative approach to treat diabetes and its complications. Hong Guo Ginseng Guo (HGGG), a berry with palatability and nutritional benefits, has exhibited medicinal properties to mitigate the progression of DN. PURPOSE: This study investigates the effects of HGGG on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic nephropathy (DN) in rats and elucidates the mechanisms underlying its reno-protective and diabetes management benefits. METHODS: The LC-MS spectra method identified the primary ingredients in HGGG. To induce DN, male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats received a single intraperitoneal injection of 75 mg/kg STZ. Over an eight-week treatment period, we assessed biochemical parameters including blood glucose, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and urine N-acetyl-beta-d-glucosaminidase (NAG). Tissue pathology was examined using Masson's trichrome, Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS), and Hematoxylin-Eosin (H&E) stains. We analyzed pro-inflammatory mediators and tissue fibrosis extent using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Gut microbiota composition was characterized via 16S rDNA sequencing. RESULTS: Seventeen chemical compounds were identified, with lobetyolin, luteolin, and rutin highlighted as the primary active elements. HGGG extract appeared to confer renal protection, demonstrated by improvements in UACR, BUN, and urine NAG levels. The reno protective effects in HGGG-treated DN rats were linked to reduced renal fibrosis and inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Additionally, HGGG administration improved gut barrier integrity and altered the gut microbiota in DN rats, increasing the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria known for regulating polyamines and producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including Ruminococcus, Barnesiella_sp, Anaerovoracaceae, and Prevotellaceae_NK3B31. Meanwhile, treatment with HGGG decreasing the presence of Oscillospira, potential pathogens responsible for producing lipopolysaccharide (LPS). CONCLUSION: HGGG has potential as a beneficial fruit for managing diabetes and its associated complications through modulation of the gut microbiota.

Establishment and validation of a nomogram containing cytokeratin fragment antigen 21-1 for the differential diagnosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background: Our study aimed to develop a nomogram incorporating cytokeratin fragment antigen 21-1 (CYFRA21-1) to assist in differentiating between patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: A total of 487 patients who were diagnosed with ICC and HCC at Qilu Hospital of Shandong University were included in this study. The patients were divided into a training cohort and a validation cohort based on whether the data collection was retrospective or prospective. Univariate and multivariate analyses were employed to select variables for the nomogram. The discrimination and calibration of the nomogram were evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and calibration plots. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to assess the nomogram's net benefits at various threshold probabilities. Results: Six variables, including CYFRA21-1, were incorporated to establish the nomogram. Its satisfactory discriminative ability was indicated by the AUC (0.972 for the training cohort, 0.994 for the validation cohort), sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) values. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test and the calibration plots demonstrated favorable consistency between the nomogram predictions and the actual observations. Moreover, DCA revealed the clinical utility and superior discriminative ability of the nomogram compared to the model without CYFRA21-1 and the model consisting of the logarithm of alpha-fetoprotein (Log AFP) and the logarithm of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (Log CA19-9). Additionally, the AUC values suggested that the discriminative ability of Log CYFRA21-1 was greater than that of the other variables used as diagnostic biomarkers. Conclusions: This study developed and validated a nomogram including CYFRA21-1, which can aid clinicians in the differential diagnosis of ICC and HCC patients.

A detailed analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequencing and conventional PCR-based testing for the diagnosis of bacterial pathogens and discovery of novel bacteria.

This study represents the first analysis of the bacterial community in chickens affected by swollen head syndrome, utilizing 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Samples were obtained from clinical laying chickens and were examined for the presence of Avibacterium paragallinarum (APG) and Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale (ORT) using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). From the samples, five APG-positive (APG) and APG-negative (N-APG) samples were chosen, along with five specific pathogen-free chickens, for 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results showed that APG and ORT were widely detected in the chicken samples with swollen head syndrome (SHS, 9/10), while APG was detected in all five specific pathogen-free (SPF) samples. In contrast, conventional PCR sensitivity was found to be inadequate for diagnosis, with only 35.7% (5/14) and 11.1% (1/9) sensitivity for APG and ORT, respectively, based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing data. Furthermore, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was able to quantify the bacteria in the samples, revealing that the relative abundance of APG in the APG group ranged from 2.7 to 81.3%, while the relative abundance of APG in the N-APG group ranged from 0.1 to 21.0%. Notably, a low level of APG was also detected in all 5 SPF samples. The study also identified a significant number of animal and human common bacterial pathogens, including but not limited to Gallibacterium anatis, Riemerella columbina, Enterococcus cecorum, Mycoplasma synoviae, Helicobacter hepaticus, and Staphylococcus lentus. In conclusion, 16S rRNA gene sequencing is a valuable tool for bacterial pathogen diagnosis and the discovery of novel bacterial pathogens, while conventional PCR is not reliable for diagnosis.

Efficacy of dupilumab in the treatment of severe vulvar pruritus associated with lichen sclerosus et atrophicus: a case report.

Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus (LSA) is a chronic inflammatory skin lesion with an undefined cause. It is more commonly found in the genital area, particularly in adolescents, premenopausal women and postmenopausal women. LSA is difficult to treat and often recurs. The primary treatment for LSA involves the administration of potent topical corticosteroids. Dupilumab is increasingly being used for the treatment of itching in non-atopic dermatitis patients but there are few reports on its use for the treatment of LSA. Here, we present a case of LSA in a 61-year-old woman with extensive vulvar itching. Over four months of dupilumab therapy, significant therapeutic effects were observed, including vulvar skin thinning and pruritus relief without adverse reactions.

Are pelvic-abdominal mechanics exercises effective for cesarean delivery rate and postpartum pelvic floor function: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the effectiveness of pelvic-abdominal mechanics exercise in reducing cesarean section rates and preventing pelvic floor dysfunction in primiparous women. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. METHODS: A single-center prospective study was conducted among 200 primiparous participants (aged 18-38 years) who undertook formal card-issuing maternity tests between June 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023. Participants were divided into two groups: exercise (intervention) and control using the random number table method. Participants of the intervention group performed pelvic-abdominal mechanics exercise at least 1 h each time per week for three months. Participants of the control group did not perform any pelvic-abdominal mechanics exercise during pregnancy. This study conducted a comprehensive evaluation from three perspectives, including maternal and neonatal health outcomes during delivery, the recovery status of pelvic floor muscles at 42 days postpartum, and the quality of life during late pregnancy (36-38 weeks) and 42 days postpartum. RESULTS: A significant difference was found in delivery outcomes. The cesarean section rates are significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the control group (36 %) than in the exercise group (19 %). At 42 days postpartum, pelvic floor assessment showed that the exercise group had significantly better results in pelvic floor muscle strength compared to the control group, with statistical significance (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic-abdominal mechanics exercise lowers the rate of cesarean section and improves postpartum pelvic floor function.

Combined prevention and treatment measures are essential to control nosocomial infections during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 is a highly contagious positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus that has rapidly spread worldwide. As of December 17, 2023, 772838745 confirmed cases including 6988679 deaths have been reported globally. This virus primarily spreads through droplets, airborne transmission, and direct contact. Hospitals harbor a substantial number of confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients and asymptomatic carriers, accompanied by high population density and a larger susceptible population. These factors serve as potential triggers for nosocomial infections, posing a threat during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nosocomial infections occur to varying degrees across different countries worldwide, emphasizing the urgent need for a practical approach to prevent and control the intra-hospital spread of COVID-19. This study primarily concentrated on a novel strategy combining preventive measures with treatment for combating COVID-19 nosocomial infections. It suggests preventive methods, such as vaccination, disinfection, and training of heathcare personnel to curb viral infections. Additionally, it explored therapeutic strategies targeting cellular inflammatory factors and certain new medications for COVID-19 patients. These methods hold promise in rapidly and effectively preventing and controlling nosocomial infections during the COVID-19 pandemic and provide a reliable reference for adopting preventive measures in the future pandemic.

Comprehensive cognition of yak (Bos grunniens) AIFM2 gene and its anti-ferroptosis role in bisphenol A-induced fetal fibroblast model.

Apoptosis-inducing factor mitochondrion-associated 2 (AIFM2) has been identified as a gene with anti-ferroptosis properties. To explore whether AIFM2 exerts anti-ferroptosis role in yaks (Bos grunniens), we cloned yak AIFM2 gene and analyzed its biological characteristics. The coding region of AIFM2 had 1122 bp and encoded 373 amino acids, which was conserved in mammals. Next, RT-qPCR results showed an extensive expression of AIMF2 in yak tissues. Furthermore, we isolated yak skin fibroblasts (YSFs) and established a bisphenol A (BPA)-induced ferroptosis model to further investigate the role of AIFM2. BPA elevated oxidative stress (reactive oxygen species, ROS) and lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde, MDA and BODIPY), and reduced cell viability and antioxidant capacity (glutathione, GSH), with the severity depending on the dosage. Of note, a supplement of Ferrostatin-1 (Fer), an inhibitor of ferroptosis, restored the previously mentioned indicators. Subsequently, we constructed an AIFM2 overexpression vector and designed AIFM2 specific interfering siRNAs, which were transfected into YSFs. The results showed that overexpressing AIFM2 alleviated ferroptosis, characterizing by significant changes of cell viability, ROS, BODIPY, MDA and GSH. Meanwhile, interfering AIFM2 aggravated ferroptosis, demonstrating the critical anti-ferroptosis role of the yak AIFM2 gene. This study shed light on further exploring the molecular mechanism of AIFM2 in plateau adaptability.

Temporal turnover of viral biodiversity and functional potential in intertidal wetlands.

As the central members of the microbiome networks, viruses regulate the composition of microbial communities and drive the nutrient cycles of ecosystems by lysing host cells. Therefore, uncovering the dynamic patterns and the underlying ecological mechanisms mediating the tiniest viral communities across space and through time in natural ecosystems is of crucial importance for better understanding the complex microbial world. Here, the temporal dynamics of intertidal viral communities were investigated via a time-series sampling effort. A total of 1911 viral operational taxonomic units were recovered from 36 bimonthly collected shotgun metagenomes. Functionally important auxiliary metabolic genes involved in carbohydrate, sulfur, and phosphorus metabolism were detected, some of which (e.g., cysH gene) were stably present within viral genomes over time. Over the sampling period, strong and comparable temporal turnovers were observed for intertidal viromes and their host microbes. Winter was determined as the pivotal point for the shifts in viral diversity patterns. Notably, the viral micro-diversity covaried with the macro-diversity, following similar temporal patterns. The relative abundances of viral taxa also covaried with their host prokaryotes. Meanwhile, the virus-host relationships at the whole community level were relatively stable. Further statistical analyses demonstrated that the dynamic patterns of viral communities were highly deterministic, for which temperature was the major driver. This study provided valuable mechanistic insights into the temporal turnover of viral communities in complex ecosystems such as intertidal wetlands.

Fourteen-Day Tegoprazan-Amoxicillin Dual Therapy as the First-Line Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection (SHARE2301): A Multicenter, Noninferiority, Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Potassium-competitive acid blockers have demonstrated enormous potential in the eradication treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection, with tegoprazan being one of the representatives. The available data on the safety and efficacy of tegoprazan in dual therapy are limited. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The multicenter, noninferiority, randomized-controlled trial was conducted from May 2023 to March 2024. Treatment-naive subjects were randomly assigned (1:1) to enter either the tegoprazan-amoxicillin (TA) group (tegoprazan 50 mg twice daily and amoxicillin 750 mg four times daily) or the esomeprazole-amoxicillin (EA) group (esomeprazole 20 mg and amoxicillin 750 mg all four times daily), with a duration for 14 days. The primary outcome was eradication rate as determined by 13C-urea breath test, including per-protocol (PP) analysis and intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis. Secondary outcomes were adverse events and compliance. RESULTS: A total of 368 individuals were included in the randomization. The eradication rates in the EA group and the TA group were 84.2% and 85.8%, respectively, according to an ITT analysis (p = 0.77), and 88.5% and 88.2%, respectively, according to PP analysis (p = 1.00). The eradication rates for the TA group were not inferior to those of the EA group in both PP (p = 0.0023) and ITT analyses (p = 0.0009). There were no significant statistical differences in the incidence of adverse events and compliance between the two groups. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that poor compliance increased the risk of eradication failure (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Dual therapy containing tegoprazan is safe and effective to be considered as a clinical first-line treatment option, but further optimization involving antimicrobial susceptibility testing and adjustments in dosage and frequency is warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05870683.

Correction: Yi et al. An Innovative Inducer of Platelet Production, Isochlorogenic Acid A, Is Uncovered through the Application of Deep Neural Networks. Biomolecules 2024, 14, 267.

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Low-dose or high-dose amoxicillin in vonoprazan-based dual therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The amoxicillin dose used in dual therapy to eradicate Helicobacter pylori varies across studies and the optimal amoxicillin dose for vonoprazan-based dual therapies remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of low- and high-dose amoxicillin in vonoprazan-amoxicillin dual therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive systematic review was conducted by searching databases from inception to October 2023. All trials that evaluated the effectiveness and safety of vonoprazan-amoxicillin dual therapy for eradicating H. pylori were included. Pooled eradication rate, incidence of adverse events, relative risks, and 95% confidence intervals are presented. RESULTS: Eighteen studies with 12 low-dose amoxicillin (VLA) and 13 high-dose amoxicillin (VHA) arms were included. The pooled eradication rates were 82.4% and 86.8% for VLA therapy, and 86.0% and 90.9% for VHA therapy by the intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses, respectively. In the subgroup analysis stratified by duration, the eradication rates achieved in 7 days, 10 days, and 14 days treatments with VLA and VHA dual therapies were 80.8%, 84.2%, 83.1%, and 67.3%, 88.8%, 87.5%, respectively. In the four randomized controlled trials that directly compared VLA and VHA dual therapies, the efficacy was not statistically different in the intention-to-treat (76.9% vs 81.4%, p = 0.337) and per-protocol (81.6% vs 84.0%, p = 0.166) analyses. Additionally, the incidence of adverse events (p = 0.965) and compliance (p = 0.994) were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: VLA therapy demonstrated comparable efficacy and safety to VHA therapy, along with regional differences. An appropriately extended treatment duration may be critical for therapeutic optimization of vonoprazan-amoxicillin treatment.

Construction of a Zygosaccharomyces rouxii strain overexpressing the QOR gene for increased HDMF production.

4-Hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone (HDMF) is a flavor compound widely found in natural products and is used in food as a flavor-enhancing agent. Quinone oxidoreductase (QOR) was verified as a key enzyme to synthesize HDMF in strawberry, while its impact on HDMF production by Zygosaccharomyces rouxii was still unknown. The QOR gene was cloned and overexpressed in Z. rouxii, and its impact on HDMF production by Z. rouxii was then further analyzed. At the same time, it is expected to obtain engineered strains of Z. rouxii with high HDMF production. The results showed that the engineered strains of Z. rouxii exhibit different levels of QOR gene expression and HDMF production; among them, the QOR6 strain exhibiting the highest gene expression level and HDMF production was named as ZrQOR. The HDMF production of the ZrQOR strain was significantly higher than that of wild-type Z. rouxii at 3 and 5 days of culture, with 1.41-fold and 1.08-fold increases, respectively. At 3 days of fermentation, the highest HDMF yield of ZrQOR strain was obtained (2.75 mg/L), 2 days ahead of the reported highest HDMF production by Z. rouxii. At 3, 5, and 7 days, QOR gene expression was 4.8-fold, 3.3-fold, and 5.6-fold higher in the ZrQOR strain than in the wild-type Z. rouxii, respectively. Therefore, overexpression of the QOR gene facilitates HDMF synthesis. The genetic stability of the 0-20 generation ZrQOR strain was stable, and there was no significant difference in colony shape, QOR expression, or HDMF production compared to the wild type. In this study, the genetic engineering Z. rouxii strain was used to improve HDMF production. This research has laid the groundwork for further industrial production of HDMF via microbial synthesis.

Single-Atom Iron Can Steer Atomic Hydrogen toward Selective Reductive Dechlorination: Implications for Remediation of Chlorinated Solvents-Impacted Groundwater.

Atomic hydrogen (H*) is a powerful and versatile reductant and has tremendous potential in the degradation of oxidized pollutants (e.g., chlorinated solvents). However, its application for groundwater remediation is hindered by the scavenging side reaction of H2 evolution. Herein, we report that a composite material (Fe0@Fe-N4-C), consisting of zerovalent iron (Fe0) nanoparticles and nitrogen-coordinated single-atom Fe (Fe-N4), can effectively steer H* toward reductive dechlorination of trichloroethylene (TCE), a common groundwater contaminant and primary risk driver at many hazardous waste sites. The Fe-N4 structure strengthens the bond between surface Fe atoms and H*, inhibiting H2 evolution. Nonetheless, H* is available for dechlorination, as the adsorption of TCE weakens this bond. Interestingly, H* also enhances electron delocalization and transfer between adsorbed TCE and surface Fe atoms, increasing the reactivity of adsorbed TCE with H*. Consequently, Fe0@Fe-N4-C exhibits high electron selectivity (up to 86%) toward dechlorination, as well as a high TCE degradation kinetic constant. This material is resilient against water matrix interferences, achieving long-lasting performance for effective TCE removal. These findings shed light on the utilization of H* for the in situ remediation of groundwater contaminated with chlorinated solvents, by rational design of earth-abundant metal-based single-atom catalysts.

Efficacy of Tetracycline Three Times Daily was Comparable to That of Four Times Daily for Helicobacter pylori Rescue Treatment: A Multicenter, Noninferiority, Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The optimal dosage of tetracycline remains unclear for Helicobacter pylori eradication. Frequent dosing requirements may decrease patient adherence and increase the incidence of adverse events, potentially reducing treatment efficacy. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of different tetracycline dosages in rescue treatment for H. pylori infection. METHODS: A total of 406 patients needing H. pylori rescue treatment were enrolled. Patients were randomized into two groups and received bismuth-containing quadruple therapies as follows: esomeprazole 40 mg twice daily, bismuth 220 mg twice daily, amoxicillin 1000 mg twice daily, and tetracycline 500 mg either three (TET-T group) or four (TET-F group) times daily. At least 6 weeks after treatment completion, a 13C-urea breath test was performed to evaluate H. pylori eradication. RESULTS: The intention-to-treat (ITT) eradication rates were 91.13% (185/203) and 90.15% (183/203) (p = 0.733), the modified ITT (MITT) eradication rates were 94.87% (185/195) and 95.31% (183/192) (p = 0.841), and the per-protocol (PP) eradication rates were 94.79% (182/192) and 95.21% (179/188) (p = 0.851) in the TET-T group and TET-F group, respectively. The eradication rates for the TET-T group were not inferior to those of the TET-F group in ITT, MITT, and PP analyses. The incidence of adverse effects was significantly lower in the TET-T group than in the TET-F group (23.65% vs. 33.50%, p = 0.028). No significant differences were observed in treatment compliance between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The dose of tetracycline administered three times daily showed comparable efficacy to that administered four times daily, while significantly reducing the incidence of adverse events. The combination of tetracycline and amoxicillin in bismuth-containing quadruple therapy achieved a high eradication rate in H. pylori rescue treatment.

Global analysis of N-myristoylation and its heterogeneity by combining N-terminomics and nanographite fluoride-based solid-phase extraction.

N-myristoylation is one of the most widespread and important lipidation in eukaryotes and some prokaryotes, which is formed by covalently attaching various fatty acids (predominantly myristic acid C14:0) to the N-terminal glycine of proteins. Disorder of N-myristoylation is critically implicated in numerous physiological and pathological processes. Here, we presented a method for purification and comprehensive characterization of endogenous, intact N-glycine lipid-acylated peptides, which combined the negative selection method for N-terminome and the nanographite fluoride-based solid-phase extraction method (NeS-nGF SPE). After optimizing experimental conditions, we conducted the first global profiling of the endogenous and heterogeneous modification states for N-terminal glycine, pinpointing the precise sites and their associated lipid moieties. Totally, we obtained 76 N-glycine lipid-acylated peptides, including 51 peptides with myristate (C14:0), 10 with myristoleate (C14:1), 6 with tetradecadienoicate (C14:2), 5 with laurate (C12:0) and 4 with lauroleate (C12:1). Therefore, our proteomic methodology could significantly facilitate precise and in-depth analysis of the endogenous N-myristoylome and its heterogeneity.

Bismuth-Containing Quadruple Therapy for Helicobacter pylori Eradication: A Randomized Clinical Trial of 10 and 14 Days.

BACKGROUND: Bismuth-containing quadruple therapy is the first-line treatment for eradicating Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). The optimal duration for H. pylori eradication using bismuth-containing quadruple therapy remains controversial. Therefore, we aimed to compare the clinical effects of the 10- and 14-day bismuth-containing quadruple treatment regimen to eradicate H. pylori. METHODS: Treatment-naïve patients with H. pylori infection (n = 1300) were enrolled in this multicenter randomized controlled study across five hospitals in China. They were randomized into 10- or 14-day treatment groups to receive bismuth-containing quadruple therapy as follows: vonoprazan 20 mg twice daily; bismuth 220 mg twice daily; amoxicillin 1000 mg twice daily; and either clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily or tetracycline 500 mg four times daily. At least 6 weeks after treatment, we performed a 13C-urea breath test to evaluate H. pylori eradication. RESULTS: The per-protocol eradication rates were 93.22% (564/605) and 93.74% (569/607) (p < 0.001) and the intention-to-treat eradication rates were 88.62% (576/650) and 89.38% (581/650) (p = 0.007) for the 10- and 14-day regimens, respectively. Incidence of adverse effects was lower in patients who received 10- vs. 14 days of treatment (22.59% vs. 28.50%, p = 0.016). We observed no significant differences in the compliance to treatment or the discontinuation of therapy because of severe adverse effects between the groups. CONCLUSION: Compared with the 14-day bismuth-containing quadruple regimens, the 10-day regimen demonstrated a non-inferior efficacy and lower incidence of adverse effects. Therefore, the 10-day regimen is safe and tolerated and could be recommended for H. pylori eradication (NCT05049902).

Clarifying varied Helicobacter pylori eradication therapies: A comprehensive review.

Current global variations exist in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication regimens. Triple therapy (TT), bismuth quadruple therapy (BQT), and high-dose dual therapy (HDDT) currently represent the predominant regimens. These regimens diverge in terms of treatment duration, the utilization of susceptibility testing, acid-inhibiting drug administration, and patient education. We conducted a comprehensive systematic literature review on these H. pylori treatment regimens. Our review aims to provide standardized treatment recommendations for H. pylori, reducing the risk of amalgamating findings from diverse eradication regimens. Recent research suggests that the optimal treatment duration for TT and BQT may be 14 and 10 days, respectively. Selecting the appropriate treatment duration for HDDT should rely on regional research evidence, and 14 days may be the optimal duration. The incorporation of susceptibility testing in TT is of paramount importance. In the case of BQT, the absence of susceptibility testing may be considered as an option, contingent upon cost and availability, and should be determined based on local antibiotic resistance patterns and the efficacy of empirical regimens. The type and dosage of acid-inhibiting drug would affect the efficacy of these regimens. Acid-inhibiting drugs should be selected and applied reasonably according to the population and therapies. Adequate patient education plays a pivotal role in the eradication of H. pylori. In regions with accessible local research evidence, the 10-day empirical BQT regimen may be considered a preferred choice for H. pylori eradication.

Facile Semiconductor p-n Homojunction Nanowires with Strategic p-Type Doping Engineering Combined with Surface Reconstruction for Biosensing Applications.

Photosensors with versatile functionalities have emerged as a cornerstone for breakthroughs in the future optoelectronic systems across a wide range of applications. In particular, emerging photoelectrochemical (PEC)-type devices have recently attracted extensive interest in liquid-based biosensing applications due to their natural electrolyte-assisted operating characteristics. Herein, a PEC-type photosensor was carefully designed and constructed by employing gallium nitride (GaN) p-n homojunction semiconductor nanowires on silicon, with the p-GaN segment strategically doped and then decorated with cobalt-nickel oxide (CoNiOx). Essentially, the p-n homojunction configuration with facile p-doping engineering improves carrier separation efficiency and facilitates carrier transfer to the nanowire surface, while CoNiOx decoration further boosts PEC reaction activity and carrier dynamics at the nanowire/electrolyte interface. Consequently, the constructed photosensor achieves a high responsivity of 247.8 mA W-1 while simultaneously exhibiting excellent operating stability. Strikingly, based on the remarkable stability and high responsivity of the device, a glucose sensing system was established with a demonstration of glucose level determination in real human serum. This work offers a feasible and universal approach in the pursuit of high-performance bio-related sensing applications via a rational design of PEC devices in the form of nanostructured architecture with strategic doping engineering.