Gd-modified Mn-Co oxides derived from layered double hydroxides for improved catalytic activity and H2O/SO2 tolerance in NH3-SCR of NOx reaction.

Metal oxides derived from layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are expected to obtain low-temperature denitrification (de-NOx) catalysts with high catalytic activity and H2O/SO2 tolerance in the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOx with NH3. In current work, we successfully prepared Gd-modified Mn-Co metal oxides derived from Gd-modified Mn-Co LDHs. The resultant Gd-modified Mn-Co metal oxides exhibit excellent catalytic activity and high H2O/SO2 tolerance in the NH3-SCR de-NOx reaction. The reasons for the enhancement can be ascribed to the unique surface physicochemical properties inherited from LDHs and the modification of Gd, which increase the specific surface area, improve the relative content of Mn4+ and Co3+ on the surface, enhance the number of acidic sites, strengthen the reducibility of catalyst, resulting in the enhanced catalytic activity and H2O/SO2 tolerance. Additionally, it is demonstrated that the NH3-SCR de-NOx reaction occurred on the surface of Gd-modified Mn-Co oxides followed both Eley-Rideal (E-R) and Langmuir-Hinshelwood (L-H) mechanisms. This study provides us with a design approach to promote catalytic activity and H2O/SO2 tolerance through morphology control and rare earth modification.

Prediction of Esophageal Stricture after Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection in Patients with Early Esophageal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) treatment of early esophageal cancer is effective and safe. It is currently the first-line treatment for early esophageal cancer. However, a common side effect is the development of esophageal strictures after ESD. This study was designed to identify the risk factors for esophageal stricture development and to predict its occurrence after ESD. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 150 consecutive patients with early esophageal cancer treated with ESD at Daping Hospital, Chongqing, were enrolled between January 2016 and December 2020. Data on patient demographics, esophageal tumor characteristics, procedure-related factors, and postoperative situations were collected. We identified independent risk factors of esophageal stricture formation using univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression. The predictive probability was obtained after multivariate logistic analysis. In addition, patients were divided into six groups based on these risk factors and the rate of esophageal stricture in each group was analyzed. RESULTS: The postoperative esophageal stricture rate was 14% (21/150). Tumor location (OR = 5.655, 95% CI: 1.245-25.691, P = 0.025) and circumferential resection range (OR = 16.113, 95% CI: 4.294-60.466, P < 0.001) are independent risk factors for the development of esophageal strictures. According to predictive probability analysis and the rates of stricture in six groups, we developed a possible flow chart to predict stricture formation. CONCLUSIONS: Tumor location and circumferential resection range are reliable risk factors to predict the occurrence of esophageal strictures. Our prediction flow chart suggests that tumors with a circumferential resection range of 1/2-3/4 and located above the upper thoracic segment or a circumferential resection range of > 3/4 have a high risk of postoperative stricture. Thus, timely and effective preventive measures should be taken in these patients following ESD.

Downregulation of lncRNA NEAT1 Relieves Caerulein-Induced Cell Apoptosis and Inflammatory Injury in AR42J Cells Through Sponging miR-365a-3p in Acute Pancreatitis.

Mounting evidence suggests that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs exert a critical regulatory role in acute pancreatitis. The present study aimed to explore the role of lncRNA nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1) in acute pancreatitis (AP) that was induced by caerulein in rat pancreatic acinar cells (AR42J). The potential target sites of lncRNA NEAT1 and miR-365a-3p were predicted using starBase and were confirmed using dual-luciferase reporter assay. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to assess lncRNA NEAT1 and miR-365a-3p expression levels in AP induced by caerulein. Cell Counting Kit-8 and flow cytometry assays were performed to assess AR42J cell viability. Western blotting was performed to evaluate the expression of apoptosis-related proteins. Interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α levels were detected by ELISA. The results of the dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed that miR-365a-3p could bind to NEAT1. LncRNA NEAT1 was upregulated in AR42J cells treated with 10 nmol/l caerulein, and miR-365a-3p was expressed at low levels in an AP model. Overexpression of miR-365a-3p suppressed the apoptosis and inflammatory response of AR42J cells induced by caerulein. Importantly, inhibition of lncRNA NEAT1 decreased apoptosis and inflammation in caerulein-treated AR42J cells, while these effects were reverted upon co-transfection with a miR-365a-3p inhibitor. In conclusion, lncRNA NEAT1 was involved in AP progression by sponging miR-365a-3p and may thus be a novel target for treating patients with AP.

Effect of sodium butyrate regulating IRAK1 (interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1) on visceral hypersensitivity in irritable bowel syndrome and its mechanism.

The current study aimed to investigate the effects of sodium butyrate on the level of colonic protein IRAK1 (interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1) in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) models as well as revealing the relationship between IRAKI level and visceral sensitivity during the progression of IBS. IBS symptoms were induced using TNBS (2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid) in mice and using IL-33 in HT-29 cells, which were then hanlded with sodium butyrate (100 mM for each mice and 0.05 M for HT-29 cells). The threshold of visceral pain and the expression of IRAKI in mice, and the level of IRAKI in HT-29 cells were detected. The data showed that the level of IRAK1 in IBS mice was higher than that in the control group, while the pre-treatment with sodium butyrate could solidy suppressed the level of IRAK1. Morevoer, it was found that the level of IRAK1 was negatively correlated with the pain threshold. In in vitro assays, the level of IRAK1 was firstly induced by IL-33 stimulation and then suppressed by sodium butyrate pretreatment. Collectively, the level of IRAKI showed an obvioulty positive relation with visceral hypersensitivity in IBS models, and the treatment with sodium butyrate could alleviate visceral hypersensitivity by inhibiting the expression of IRAKI.

High dose PPI-amoxicillin dual therapy for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori resistance to amoxicillin remains rare in many regions. Proton pump inhibitor-amoxicillin-containing high dose dual therapy (HDDT) has been proposed to treat H. pylori infection. We aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of PPI-amoxicillin HDDT for treatment of H. pylori infection in comparison with other regimens. METHODS: Databases, including PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, were searched to find relevant publications. Randomized controlled trials comparing HDDT with control regimens for H. pylori eradication in adult patients were included. The primary outcome was eradication rate by intention-to-treat analysis. Adverse events were analyzed as second outcome. RESULTS: A total of 15 trials with 3818 patients qualified for inclusion. The eradication rate of HDDT was neither significantly inferior nor superior to the recommended regimens such as triple therapy, bismuth quadruple therapy, and non-bismuth quadruple therapy [relative risk (RR): 1.00, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.96-1.05, p = 0.870]. This finding was robust through subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses. Trial sequential analysis showed that HDDT was equivalent to control regimens, and further similar trials were unlikely to alter the conclusions of this analysis. The frequency of adverse events was significantly lower in HDDT group (RR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.37-0.64, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: HDDT was equivalent to recommended first-line or rescue regimens with fewer adverse effects. The evidence from this meta-analysis supports the use of HDDT as first-line or rescue treatment for H. pylori infection. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42019133002.

Comparison of Polyethylene Glycol versus Lactulose Oral Solution for Bowel Preparation prior to Colonoscopy.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to compare a lactulose oral solution with a polyethylene glycol (PEG) formulation for colonoscopy preparation using the following metrics: quality of cleansing, colonoscopy outcomes, patient/physician satisfaction, and patient tolerability. METHODS: The enrolled patients were randomly divided into two groups and received a single 2 L dose of either PEG (PEG group) or lactulose (Lac group). The Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) was used for assessing the cleansing quality of the bowel preparations. Patient tolerability and adverse events were obtained through the completion of questionnaires. RESULTS: The lactulose oral solution showed superior bowel cleansing compared to PEG, as evidenced by higher BBPS scores in the Lac group for all segments of the colon (P < 0.05). The detection rates of polyps and intestinal lesions in the Lac group (30.68% and 36.36%, respectively) were significantly higher than those in the PEG group (12.50% vs. 13.63%, respectively). For the degree of satisfaction, the Lac group had significantly higher scores compared to the PEG group, as evaluated by both the patients and endoscopist. PEG was associated with an increased incidence of nausea. There were no statistical differences between the groups in terms of vomiting, abdominal pain or fullness, dizziness, unfavorable palatability, dry mouth, palpitation, tinnitus, and tongue numbness. CONCLUSION: A single 2 L dose of a lactulose oral solution had higher efficacy, improved tolerability, and acceptable safety for bowel preparation when compared to the same volume of PEG. Thus, a lactulose oral solution may be a potential bowel-cleansing option for colonoscopy preparation.