Do atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia reverse after Helicobacter pylori eradication?

BACKGROUND: It's still controversial whether Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication can reverse atrophic gastritis (AG) and intestinal metaplasia (IM). Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to estimate the effect of H. pylori eradication on AG and IM. METHODS: We searched the PubMed, Web of Science and EMBASE datasets through April 2023 for epidemiological studies, which provided mean glandular atrophy (GA) or IM score before and after H. pylori eradication, or provided ORs, RRs or HRs and 95% CIs for the association of AG or IM with H. pylori eradication. Weighted mean difference (WMD) and pooled ORs and 95%CIs were used to estimate the effect of H. pylori eradication on AG and IM. RESULTS: Twenty articles with a total of 5242 participants were included in this meta-analysis. H. pylori eradication significantly decreased GA score in the antrum (WMD -0.36; 95% CI: -0.52, -0.19, p < 0.01), GA score in the corpus (WMD -0.35; 95% CI: -0.52, -0.19, p < 0.01), IM score in the antrum (WMD -0.16; 95% CI: -0.26, -0.07, p < 0.01) and IM score in the corpus (WMD -0.20; 95% CI: -0.37, -0.04, p = 0.01). H. pylori eradication significantly improved AG (pooled OR 2.96; 95% CI: 1.70, 5.14, p < 0.01) and IM (pooled OR 2.41; 95% CI: 1.24, 4.70, p < 0.01). The association remained significant in the subgroup analyses by study design, sites of lesions, regions and follow-up time. Although Publication bias was observed for AG, the association remained significant after trim-and-fill adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: H. pylori eradication could significantly improve AG and IM at early stage.

Spectral Analysis on Cuba-Lumacaftor: Cubane as Benzene Bioisosteres of Lumacaftor.

In this paper, we theoretically investigate the electronic structure and physical properties of cuba-lumacaftor, cubane as benzene bioisosteres of lumacaftor, stimulated by recent experimental reports [Wiesenfeldt M. P.; Nature2023, 618, 513-518]. The permanent electric dipole moments of cuba-lumacaftor in neutral, acidic, and alkaline environments are significantly enlarged than that of lumacaftor, significantly promoting the interaction between cuba-lumacaftor and surrounding polar solvent environments and resulting in pH-independent high solubility and pharmacological activity. Furthermore, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra reveal that the chirality of cuba-lumacaftor is much decreased compared to that of lumacaftor. Raman spectra and resonance Raman spectra combined with polarizability also reveal the vibrational information on cuba-lumacaftor. Our results promote a deeper understanding of better pharmacological activity.

Zoledronate Promotes Peri-Implant Osteogenesis in Diabetic Osteoporosis by the AMPK Pathway.

Together with diabetic osteoporosis (DOP), diabetes patients experience poor peri-implant osteogenesis following implantation for dentition defects. Zoledronate (ZOL) is widely used to treat osteoporosis clinically. To evaluate the mechanism of ZOL for the treatment of DOP, experiments with DOP rats and high glucose-grown MC3T3-E1 cells were used. The DOP rats treated with ZOL and/or ZOL implants underwent a 4-week implant-healing interval, and then microcomputed tomography, biomechanical testing, and immunohistochemical staining were performed to elucidate the mechanism. In addition, MC3T3-E1 cells were maintained in an osteogenic medium with or without ZOL to confirm the mechanism. The cell migration, cellular actin content, and osteogenic differentiation were evaluated by a cell activity assay, a cell migration assay, as well as alkaline phosphatase, alizarin red S, and immunofluorescence staining. The mRNA and protein expression of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), phosphorylated AMPK (p-AMPK), osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL), bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), and collagen type I (Col-I) were detected using real-time quantitative PCRs and western blot assays, respectively. In the DOP rats, ZOL markedly improved osteogenesis, enhanced bone strength and increased the expression of AMPK, p-AMPK, and Col-I in peri-implant bones. The in vitro findings showed that ZOL reversed the high glucose-induced inhibition of osteogenesis via the AMPK signaling pathway. In conclusion, the ability of ZOL to promote osteogenesis in DOP by targeting AMPK signaling suggests that therapy with ZOL, particularly simultaneous local and systemic administration, may be a unique approach for future implant repair in diabetes patients.

Individual or mixing extrusion of Tartary buckwheat and adzuki bean: Effect on quality properties and starch digestibility of instant powder.

Introduction: Tartary buckwheat and adzuki bean, which are classified as coarse grain, has attracted increasing attention as potential functional ingredient or food source because of their high levels of bioactive components and various health benefits. Methods: This work investigated the effect of two different extrusion modes including individual extrusion and mixing extrusion on the phytochemical compositions, physicochemical properties and in vitro starch digestibility of instant powder which consists mainly of Tartary buckwheat and adzuki bean flour. Results: Compared to mixing extrusion, instant powder obtained with individual extrusion retained higher levels of protein, resistant starch, polyphenols, flavonoids and lower gelatinization degree and estimated glycemic index. The α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (35.45%) of the instant powder obtained with individual extrusion was stronger than that obtained with mixing extrusion (26.58%). Lower levels of digestibility (39.65%) and slower digestion rate coefficient (0.25 min-1) were observed in the instant powder obtained with individual extrusion than in mixing extrusion (50.40%, 0.40 min-1) by logarithm-of-slope analysis. Moreover, two extrusion modes had no significant impact on the sensory quality of instant powder. Correlation analysis showed that the flavonoids were significantly correlated with physicochemical properties and starch digestibility of the instant powder. Discussion: These findings suggest that the instant powder obtained with individual extrusion could be used as an ideal functional food resource with anti-diabetic potential.

Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratio, Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio and Their Dynamic Changes with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cohort Study in China.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed at investigating the relationships between Platelet-Lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and Neutrophil-Lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and their dynamic changes (∆PLR, ∆NLR) with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in a Chinese cohort study. METHODS: This study recruited 41,439 individuals who were diagnosed without T2DM at first health examination and completed at least one follow-up. The relationships between NLR, PLR, ∆PLR, ∆NLR and T2DM risk were analyzed using the Cox regression model with corresponding Hazard Ratios (HRs) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs). RESULTS: PLR exhibited significant correlation with T2DM risk in a linear reverse dose-response pattern, the corresponding HRs and 95% CIs were 0.81 (0.72, 0.90), 0.71 (0.63, 0.80) and 0.56 (0.49, 0.64) respectively (Ptrend < 0.001) for Q2, Q3 and Q4 vs Q1 after adjusting for age, gender, BMI, TG, TC, HDL-C, FPG, ALT, AST, heart rate, smoking, family history of diabetes, and alcohol consumption at baseline in Model 3. The significance remained in subgroups of women, <45 years, ≥45 years, BMI ≥ 24, with fatty liver disease, without fatty liver disease and normotension. Comparing with the largest decrease group of NLR (∆NLR < -0.32), the risk of T2DM increased for -0.003 ≤ ∆NLR < 0.31 (HR 1.17, 95% CI 1.01-1.36) and ∆NLR ≥ 0.31 (HR 1.23, 95% CI 1.06-1.43). CONCLUSIONS: Higher PLR could reduce the risk of T2DM. Larger increase of NLR could increase T2DM risk.

[Zoledronate regulates osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption in high glucose through p38 MAPK pathway].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of zoledronate (ZOL) on osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption under high glucose, and the regulation mechanism of p38 mitogen activated kinase (p38 MAPK) signaling pathway in this process. METHODS: RAW264.7 cells were divided into four groups: low group, high group, low+ZOL group and high+ZOL group after induced into osteoclasts. Cell proliferation activity was determined by MTT assay. The migration of RAW264.7 cells were examined Optical microscopy. Immunofluorescence microscopy was used to observe the cytoskeleton and sealing zones of osteoclasts. After adding group 5: high + ZOL + SB203580 group, trap staining was used to identify the number of positive osteoclasts in each group. The number and area of resorption lacunae were observed by SEM. The mRNA and protein expression of osteoclast related factors were detected by real-time PCR and Western blotting. RESULTS: The cells in the 5 groups showed similar proliferative activity. High glucose promoted the migration of RAW264.7 cells (P < 0.05), inhibited the clarity of cytoskeleton and the formation of sealing zones in the osteoclasts. Exposure to high glucose significantly lowered the expressions of p38 MAPK, p-p38 MAPK, NFATc1, CTSK and TRAP, and inhibited osteoclast differentiation and bone absorption (P < 0.05). Treatment with ZOL obviously suppressed the migration ability of RAW264.7 cells, further reduced the clarity of the cytoskeleton, inhibited the formation of sealing zones of the osteoclasts, lowered the expressions of p38 MAPK, p-p38 MAPK, NFATc1, CTSK, and TRAP (P < 0.05), and inhibited osteoclast differentiation and bone absorption. Treatment with SB203580 obviously inhibited osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption and the expressions of P38 MAPK, p-p38 MAPK, NFATc1, CTSK and TRAP (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: High glucose inhibits osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption. ZOL inhibits osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption in high-glucose conditions by regulating p38 MAPK pathway, which can be a new pathway for ZOL to regulate diabetic osteoporosis.

Zinc ion implantation­deposition technique improves the osteoblast biocompatibility of titanium surfaces.

The plasma immersion ion implantation and deposition (PIIID) technique was used to implant zinc (Zn) ions into smooth surfaces of pure titanium (Ti) disks for investigation of tooth implant surface modification. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the surface structure and chemical composition of a modified Ti surface following Zn ion implantation and deposition and to examine the effect of such modification on osteoblast biocompatibility. Using the PIIID technique, Zn ions were deposited onto the smooth surface of pure Ti disks. The physical structure and chemical composition of the modified surface layers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X­ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively. In vitro culture assays using the MG­63 bone cell line were performed to determine the effects of Zn­modified Ti surfaces following PIIID on cellular function. Acridine orange staining was used to detect cell attachment to the surfaces and cell cycle analysis was performed using flow cytometry. SEM revealed a rough 'honeycomb' structure on the Zn­modified Ti surfaces following PIIID processing and XPS data indicated that Zn and oxygen concentrations in the modified Ti surfaces increased with PIIID processing time. SEM also revealed significantly greater MG­63 cell growth on Zn­modified Ti surfaces than on pure Ti surfaces (P<0.05). Flow cytometric analysis revealed increasing percentages of MG­63 cells in S phase with increasing Zn implantation and deposition, suggesting that MG­63 apoptosis was inhibited and MG­63 proliferation was promoted on Zn­PIIID­Ti surfaces. The present results suggest that modification with Zn­PIIID may be used to improve the osteoblast biocompatibility of Ti implant surfaces.

Strontium coating by electrochemical deposition improves implant osseointegration in osteopenic models.

Osteopenia, a preclinical state of osteoporosis, restricts the application of adult orthodontic implant anchorage and tooth implantation. Strontium (Sr) is able to promote bone formation and inhibit bone absorption. The aim of the present study was to evaluate a new method for improving the success rate of dental implantation. In this study, an electrochemical deposition (ECD) method was used to prepare a Sr coating on a titanium implant. The coating composition was investigated by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, and the surface morphology of the coating was studied using scanning electron microscopy. A total of 24 Sprague-Dawley rats received bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) and an additional 12 rats underwent a sham surgery. All rats were then implanted in the bilateral tibiae with titanium mini-implants with or without a Sr coating. The results of histological examination and a fluorescence double labeling assay showed strong new bone formation with a wider zone between the double labels, a higher rate of bone mineralization and better osseointegration in the OVX rats that received Sr-coated implants compared with the OVX rats that received uncoated implants. The study indicates that Sr coatings are easily applied by an ECD method, and that Sr coatings have a promoting effect on implant osseointegration in animals with osteopenia.

Recurrent Pleomorphic Adenoma of the Parotid Gland: Intraoperative Facial Nerve Monitoring during Parotidectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the benefit to postoperative facial function of intraoperative facial nerve monitoring (IFNM) during recurrent pleomorphic adenoma (RPA) parotid surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study with planned data collection. SETTING: Chinese PLA General Hospital. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fifty-eight RPA parotidectomies were performed between 2004 and 2012. Recurrence was confirmed by histopathologic examination. None of the patients had preoperative facial palsy. Electromyography-based IFNM was used in 28 patients; 30 patients were unmonitored. The durations of surgery and the severity of postoperative facial nerve palsy were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in the incidence of immediate or permanent facial paralysis after RPA parotidectomy (P = .95 and P = .36, respectively). However, the differences in the average duration of surgery and the severity of postoperative facial nerve palsy after total parotidectomy or wide resection were significant (P < .01 and P = .01, respectively). In contrast, these differences were not significant after superficial parotidectomies (P = .43 and P = .49, respectively). The average recovery time of temporary facial nerve paralysis was significantly shorter in the monitored group compared with the unmonitored group, independent of surgical technique (P < .01). CONCLUSION: The use of IFNM during total or wide resection RPA parotidectomy reduced the duration of surgery and the incidence of postoperative facial paralysis and enhanced recovery. However, there was little impact on facial nerve outcomes when IFNM was used during superficial RPA parotidectomy.

Spherical headed silicone intubation in the treatment of 26 cases (31 eyes) of chronic dacryocystitis under nasal endoscopy.

PURPOSE: To observe the clinical efficacy of spherical headed silicone implantation in the treatment of chronic dacryocystitis under nasal endoscopy. METHODS: Twenty six patients (31 eyes) with chronic dacryocystitis were subjected to spherical headed silicone implantation under topical anesthesia (lacrimal passage and nasal mucosal surface). Lacrimal passage irrigation was performed daily throughout the first postoperative week , and once each month thereafter. RESULTS: All spherical headed silicone tube placements were successfully performed. The operative time ranged from 6 to 11 minutes. Symptoms of epiphora were immediately ameliorated post-operatively, and irrigation demonstrated patency of the lacrimal system in all patients. All patients were followed from 7 to 24 months, during which symptoms of tearing were improved. The lacrimal ducts of 27 eyes (87.7%) were normal. The lacrimal ducts of 4 others (12.3%) were still blocked. Lacrimal passage irrigation was open and secretion disappeared in 28 eyes (90.3%). Tearing was observed in 3 eyes (9.68%). CONCLUSION: Spherical headed silicone tube implantation under nasal endoscopy is successful in relieving symptoms of tearing.

[Expression and clinic pathological significance of survivin mRNA and protein in salivary gland tumors].

PURPOSE: The study is aimed to determine the expression of survivin mRNA in salivary gland tumors and its significance in the development and progress of salivary gland tumors. METHODS: The expression of survivin mRNA both in benign and malignant salivary gland tumor tissues and in peripheral tissues was identified by in situ hybridizations assay with the prepared tissue chips. The data were analyzed by Chi-square test and rank sum test using SPSS10.0 software package. RESULTS: The difference in the expression of survivin mRNA was significant between benign and malignant salivary gland tumors (P<0.05). But not significant between the gland tissues around the tumors and malignant tumors (P>0.05). The difference in the expression of survivin mRNA in malignant salivary gland tumor was significant in the pathological grade, lymph node status and relapse of the tumor (P<0.05), but not significant in gender, age of the patients and size of the tumors (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The expression of survivin mRNA is associated with clinic pathological characteristics of the malignant salivary gland tumors. Survivin mRNA may play a crucial role in earlier diagnosis and prognosis of the malignant salivary gland tumors.

[Clinical experience of treatment of 275 mandible fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the treatment effect of mandible fractures. METHODS: Clinical data of 275 mandibular fracture patients of Tongchuan people's hospital were analysed. RESULTS: (1) The systemic health of 27 non-surgery cases were influenced during the intermaxillary ligation and 3 cases of them had deformity of maxillofacial region. (2) In the surgery group, 5 of 73 cases fixed by steel wire had disorder of occlusion, 6 of 169 cases fixed by titanium mini plate accepted secondary operation of removing the plates, and 6 cases fixed by bioabsorbable mini plate had better effect. CONCLUSION: The internal rigid fixation is an appropriate and effective method for the mandible fractures.

Phase IIa chemoprevention trial of green tea polyphenols in high-risk individuals of liver cancer: modulation of urinary excretion of green tea polyphenols and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine.

Modulation of urinary excretion of green tea polyphenols (GTPs) and oxidative DNA damage biomarker, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), were assessed in urine samples collected from a randomized, double-blinded and placebo-controlled phase IIa chemoprevention trial with GTP in 124 individuals. These individuals were sero-positive for both HBsAg and aflatoxin-albumin adducts, and took GTP capsules daily at doses of 500 mg, 1000 mg or a placebo for 3 months. Twenty-four hour urine samples were collected before the intervention and at the first and third month of the study. Urinary excretion of 8-OHdG and GTP components was measured by HPLC-CoulArray electrochemical detection. The baseline levels of 8-OHdG and GTP components among the three groups showed homogeneity (P > 0.70), and a non-significant fluctuation was observed in the placebo group over the 3 months (P > 0.30). In GTP-treated groups, epigallocatechin (EGC) and epicatechin (EC) levels displayed significant and dose-dependent increases in both the 500 mg group and 1000 mg group (P < 0.05). The 8-OHdG levels did not differ between the three groups at the 1 month collection, with medians of 1.83, 2.08 and 1.86 ng/mg-creatinine for placebo, 500 and 1000 mg group, respectively (P = 0.999). At the end of the 3 months' intervention, 8-OHdG levels decreased significantly in both GTP-treated groups, with medians of 2.02, 1.03 and 1.15 ng/mg-creatinine for placebo, 500 mg and 1000 mg group, respectively (P = 0.007). These results suggest that urinary excretions of EGC and EC can serve as practical biomarkers for green tea consumption in human populations. The results also suggest that chemoprevention with GTP is effective in diminishing oxidative DNA damage.