An Economic Evaluation of Family-Based Versus Traditional Helicobacter pylori Screen-and-Treat Strategy: Based on Real-World Data and Microsimulation Model.

OBJECTIVE: There is an economic evaluation on the family-based Helicobacter pylori screen-and-treat strategy (FBHS) in China. This study aimed to compare the cost-effectiveness of the FBHS with the traditional H. pylori screen-and-treat strategy (TBHS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A seven-state microsimulation model, including H. pylori infection and gastric cancer states, was constructed on the basis of the target family samples from 29 provinces in China. Taking a lifetime horizon from a healthcare system perspective, the long-term costs and health outcomes of the FBHS and TBHS screening strategies were simulated separately, and economic evaluations were performed. The model parameters were primarily derived from real-world data, published literature, and expert opinions. The primary outcome was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) expressed as cost/quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained. One-way sensitivity analysis, probabilistic sensitivity analysis, and scenario analysis were performed to assess the uncertainty of the results. RESULTS: The base-case analysis revealed that the average costs for FBHS and TBHS were 563.67 CNY and 574.08 CNY, respectively, with corresponding average QALYs of 14.83 and 14.79. The ICER for the comparison between the two strategies was -214.07, indicating that FBHS was an absolutely dominant strategy with better cost-effectiveness. The results of both one-way sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were robust. When taking into account the added benefit of the higher H. pylori eradication rate in FBHS, the average costs were further reduced, and the average QALYs were increased, solidifying its position as an unequivocally dominant strategy. CONCLUSION: The FBHS is an absolutely dominant and cost-effective strategy that enables an optimized allocation of screening resources. Decision-makers should prioritize FBHS when developing H. pylori prevention and control strategies.

Genome-Wide Identification and Analysis of the Genes Encoding Q-Type C2H2 Zinc Finger Proteins in Grapevine.

Q-type C2H2 zinc finger proteins (ZFPs), the largest family of transcription factors, have been extensively studied in plant genomes. However, the genes encoding this transcription factor family have not been explored in grapevine genomes. Therefore, in this study, we conducted a genome-wide identification of ZFP genes in three species of grapevine, namely Vitis vinifera, Vitis riparia, and Vitis amurensis, based on the sequence databases and phylogenetic and their conserved domains. We identified 52, 54, and 55 members of Q-type C2H2 ZFPs in V. vinifera, V. riparia, and V. amurensis, respectively. The physical and chemical properties of VvZFPs, VrZFPs, and VaZFPs were examined. The results showed that these proteins exhibited differences in the physical and chemical properties and that they all were hydrophobic proteins; the instability index showed that the four proteins were stable. The subcellular location of the ZFPs in the grapevine was predicted mainly in the nucleus. The phylogenetic tree analysis of the amino acid sequences of VvZFP, VaZFP, VrZFP, and AtZFP proteins showed that they were closely related and were divided into six subgroups. Chromosome mapping analysis showed that VvZFPs, VrZFPs, and VaZFPs were unevenly distributed on different chromosomes. The clustered gene analysis showed that the motif distribution was similar and the sequence of genes was highly conserved. Exon and intron structure analysis showed that 118 genes of ZFPs were intron deletion types, and the remaining genes had variable numbers of introns, ranging from 2 to 15. Cis-element analysis showed that the promoter of VvZFPs contained multiple cis-elements related to plant hormone response, stress resistance, and growth, among which the stress resistance elements were the predominant elements. Finally, the expression of VvZFP genes was determined using real-time quantitative PCR, which confirmed that the identified genes were involved in response to methyl jasmonate (MeJA), abscisic acid (ABA), salicylic acid (SA), and low-temperature (4 °C) stress. VvZFP10-GFP and VvZFP46-GFP fusion proteins were localized in the nucleus of tobacco cells, and VvZFP10 is the most responsive gene among all VvZFPs with the highest relative expression level to MeJA, ABA, SA and low-temperature (4 °C) stress. The present study provides a theoretical basis for exploring the mechanism of response to exogenous hormones and low-temperature tolerance in grapes and its molecular breeding in the future.

Experimental Investigation of the Influence of Composition Changes in Shale on Pore Structure and Fractal Characteristics under Different HCl Concentrations.

Acidification is a promising stimulation technique for improving the pore structure of low-permeability shale reservoirs and enhancing shale gas production. Variations in the mineral composition and acid concentration play a significant role in altering the pore systems in shale reservoirs, thereby affecting shale gas transport and production. To investigate the effect of shale composition on pore structure and fractal characteristics under hydrochloric acid (HCl) treatment, experiments were carried out on carbonate-rich (68%), carbonate-medium (45%), and carbonate-poor (2%) shales with different concentrations of HCl solution (1, 5, 10 wt %). X-ray diffraction (XRD), low-temperature nitrogen adsorption, and fractal theory were performed to investigate variations in mineral composition, pore structure, and fractal characteristics of the unreacted and reacted shales. The results illustrated that the HCl treatment significantly reduced the content of carbonate minerals, and the dissolution degree of carbonate minerals increased with the increase in HCl concentration. More meso- and macropores were generated for carbonate-rich and carbonate-medium shale, while more micro- and mesopores were generated in carbonate-poor shale, which led to the increase in total pore volume (TPV) and total specific surface area (TSSA) at different degrees. Moreover, the pore surface roughness (D 1) and structure complexity (D 2) were reduced with the increase of HCl concentration for carbonate-rich shale, while the alteration of D 1 and D 2 showed an opposite trend for carbonate-poor shale. Additionally, D 1 decreased and D 2 increased for carbonate-medium shale. Relevant results could provide theoretical references for the acid fracturing of shale reservoirs with varying mineral compositions.

The Role and Function of TRPM8 in the Digestive System.

Transient receptor potential (TRP) melastatin member 8 (TRPM8) is a non-selective cation channel that can be activated by low temperatures (8-26 °C), cooling agents (including menthol analogs such as menthol, icilin, and WS-12), voltage, and extracellular osmotic pressure changes. TRPM8 expression has been identified in the digestive system by several research teams, demonstrating its significant involvement in tissue function and pathologies of the digestive system. Specifically, studies have implicated TRPM8 in various physiological and pathological processes of the esophagus, stomach, colorectal region, liver, and pancreas. This paper aims to comprehensively outline the distinct role of TRPM8 in different organs of the digestive system, offering insights for future mechanistic investigations of TRPM8. Additionally, it presents potential therapeutic targets for treating conditions such as digestive tract inflammation, tumors, sensory and functional disorders, and other related diseases. Furthermore, this paper addresses the limitations of existing studies and highlights the research prospects associated with TRPM8.

The TRIM protein Mitsugumin 53 enhances survival and therapeutic efficacy of stem cells in murine traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common neurotrauma leading to brain dysfunction and death. Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) hold promise in the treatment of TBI. However, their efficacy is modest due to low survival and differentiation under the harsh microenvironment of the injured brain. MG53, a member of TRIM family protein, plays a vital role in cell and tissue damage repair. The present study aims to test whether MG53 preserves hUC-MSCs against oxidative stress and enhances stem cell survival and efficacy in TBI treatment. METHODS: In this study, we performed a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments in hUC-MSCs and mice to define the function of MG53 enhancing survival, neurogenesis, and therapeutic efficacy of stem cells in murine traumatic brain injury. RESULTS: We found that recombinant human MG53 (rhMG53) protein protected hUC-MSCs against H2O2-induced oxidative damage and stimulated hUC-MSC proliferation and migration. In a mouse model of contusion-induced TBI, intravenous administration of MG53 protein preserved the survival of transplanted hUC-MSCs, mitigated brain edema, reduced neurological deficits, and relieved anxiety and depressive-like behaviors. Co-treatment of MG53 and hUC-MSCs enhanced neurogenesis by reducing apoptosis and improving PI3K/Akt-GSK3ß signaling. CONCLUSION: MG53 enhances the efficacy of hUC-MSCs in the recovery of TBI, indicating that such adjunctive therapy may provide a novel strategy to lessen damage and optimize recovery for brain injury.

[Pharmacodynamic comparison between sanhuang decoction for purging stomach-fire and its concentrated granule].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the feasibility that a traditional decoction is substituted by its concentrated gratnule. METHODS: The effects of the two kinds of decoction were compared on mice auricle tumefaction induced by xylene, arresting bleeding of mice broken tails and mice alvine creepage. RESULT: There was no remarkable difference between two kinds of decoction on pharmacodynamic effects except purging action. CONCLUSION: The research and exploitation of classical prescription concentrated granule has great signifaction.