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A novel methodology harnessing the synergistic influence of bimetallic and non-metallic dual vacancies within a unified catalyst for enabling highly efficient bifunctional photocatalysis encompassing oxidation and reduction processes is presented. ZnIn2S4, engineered to possess concurrent zinc and sulfur dual vacancies (ZnIn2S4-VZn+S), underwent synthesis and rigorous characterization employing atomic-resolution HAADF-STEM. This tailored catalyst was subsequently employed for pivotal photocatalytic processes, including nitrogen reduction (pNRR) and the photooxidative degradation of hexachlorobenzene (HCB). Computational analyses using Density Functional Theory (DFT) unveiled site-specific activation facilitated by Zn and S dual vacancies, activating water molecules and nitrogen, culminating in a synergistic effect driving ammonia synthesis. Additionally, X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES) spectroscopy elucidated the role of photogenerated electrons confined within the sulfur vacancy, utilizing In3+ as an intermediary for electron migration, instigating a reaction with N2 to yield NH3 (In3+–N2 + H+ + VS(e−) → In2+ + NH3), further augmenting the collaborative effect of dual vacancies on nitrogen reduction. Furthermore, the Zn and S vacancies emerged as active sites for hydroxyl and superoxide radical generation, facilitating enhanced participation of photogenerated carriers in radical generation reactions. This distinctive electron aggregation pathway engendered significant synergy, markedly enhancing the photodegradation prowess. Thus, the observed synergistic effect of site activation between Zn and S vacancies yielded a cumulative effect surpassing individual contributions (1 + 1 ≫; 2), thereby facilitating efficient photoreduction and photooxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastric duplication cysts (GDCs) are rare structural abnormalities, especially in adults. We first report a rare case of small multiple GDCs in a woman, which presents as a submucosal tumor (SMT) at the gastric antrum. In consideration of the patient's request for surgical treatment and minimally invasive resection, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) was performed to remove the cyst. The case provides a reference for ESD surgery to remove small GDCs. So far, there is no consensus or practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of GDCs. Herein we perform a comprehensive literature review and discussion on GDCs. GDCs are 'repetitive' cystic or tubular structures of gastric mucosa and muscularis mucosae, and share the muscularis propria and serous layer with the normal gastric wall. GDCs protruding into the stomach cavity can be diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), which has higher specificity and accuracy than CT and MRI. Some GDCs may cause complications, even cancerization. Therefore, we suggest that once found, the GDCs could be completely resected. For GDCs protruding into the stomach cavity, endoscopic surgery such as ESD can be adopted to remove the lesion. Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) may become an option for larger GDCs in the future. For extraluminal GDC, laparoscopic surgery is currently preferred. In this review, we summarized the structural and histopathological characteristics of GDCs and various treatment therapies, in order to provide experience and reference for the diagnosis and treatment of GDCs in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The 13C-urea breath test (13C-UBT) is preferred for non-invasive detection of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori); however, its accuracy drops when results fall between 2‰ and 6‰ (called the gray zone). This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of 13C-UBT (cut-off point 4‰) between 2‰ and 6‰, find a more appropriate gray zone, and identify the factors influencing 13C-UBT. Methods: Patients with 13C-UBT results 2‰–6‰, over an eight-year period, were studied. H. pylori infection was diagnosed if patients were positive for either Warthin–Starry staining or quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR), and excluded if both were negative. Accuracy of 13C-UBT under different cut-off points was calculated, and the factors affecting 13C-UBT were analyzed. Results: A total of 208 patients were included, of whom 129 were H. pylori–positive. Sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), and positive predictive value (PPV) of 13C-UBT were 71.32%, 83.54%, 64.08%, and 87.62%, respectively. When the cut-off point was changed to 2.15‰, the NPV of 13C-UBT reached a maximum (76.47%); when the cut-off point was changed to 4.95‰, PPV reached its maximum (93.22%). Therefore, the original gray zone (2‰–6‰) was adjusted to 2‰–4.95‰. Gastric antral intestinal metaplasia (OR = 3.055, 95% CI: 1.003–9.309) was an independent risk factor for false-negative 13C-UBT. Conclusions: Accuracy of 13C-UBT over 2‰–6‰ was poor, and the gray zone was changed to 2‰–4.95‰. 13C-UBT results over 2‰–4.95‰ should be interpreted with caution during mass screening of H. pylori, especially for patients with gastric antral intestinal metaplasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The impact of probiotics on non‐Helicobacter pylori gastric microbiota and its role in microbial restoration after eradication were relatively unknown. We aimed to explore the effect of H. pylori eradication and probiotic intervention on gastric microbiota in young adults. Methods: Fifty‐six H. pylori‐negative and 95 H. pylori‐positive subjects aged 19–30 were included in this study. H. pylori‐infected individuals were randomly assigned to quadruple therapy, probiotics supplemented quadruple therapy, or probiotics monotherapy group. Gastric mucosa and gastric juice samples were collected before and 2 months after treatment for 16SrRNA gene sequencing. Results: The gastric microbial community structure and composition differed from H. pylori‐negative subjects 2 months after successful H. pylori eradication. The α diversity of gastric mucosal microbiota significantly increased and was higher than H. pylori‐negative subjects, while the α diversity of gastric juice microbiota decreased and was lower than the H. pylori‐negative. After probiotics supplemented eradication treatment, Bifidobacterium was enriched in gastric mucosa, Lactobacillus was enriched in gastric juice, potentially pathogenic bacteria such as Fusobacterium and Campylobacter decreased, and the microbial diversity was closer to that of H. pylori‐negative subjects compared to quadruple therapy group. Probiotics monotherapy significantly altered the diversity, community structure, and composition of gastric microbiota but showed no advantage in H. pylori inhibition and upregulating beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus and related metabolism pathways. Certain potentially pathogenic bacteria such as Fusobacterium increased after probiotic monotherapy. Conclusion: H. pylori eradication significantly disrupted gastric microbiota in young adults and could not be restored in a short time. Probiotics supplementation partially helped restore the gastric dysbiosis caused by eradication therapy, but it might be unnecessary for H. pylori‐infected young adults to take probiotics alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Z–scheme heterojunction has the advantages of high carrier separation efficiency and strong oxidation ability, which is a potential material for photodegradation. In this paper, CdS@Zn,Cr-layered double hydroxides (CdS@LDHs) Z–scheme heterojunction was synthesized and used for photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline (TC). The effects of the amount of catalyst, pH value of the solution, initial concentration of TC, light intensity, and reaction temperature were studied. The degradation kinetics and mechanism were also discussed in detail. Under the optimal conditions (initial concentration of TC 50 mg/L, pH 9, light intensity 500 W, the amount of the catalyst 25 mg, and reaction temperature 45 °C), the highest removal percentage and the corresponding activity of CdS@LDHs was 93.04% and 37.09 mg g−1 h−1, respectively. In addition, DFT calculation confirmed the existence of built–in electric field (BIEF) in the heterojunction, which promotes the electron transfer from CdS to LDHs. The amount of electron transfer was accelerated, and the recombination of electron and hole was obviously inhibited, so that they were more involved in oxidation and reduction. Thus, it makes CdS@LDHs heterojunction as a highly efficient catalyst for photodegradation of TC. [Display omitted] • A novel Z–scheme heterojunction was used for photodegradation of tetracycline. • The removal activity of tetracycline by heterojunction was 37.09 mg g−1 h−1. • The existence of built–in electric field was confirm in heterojunction. • Built–in electric field promotes the electron transfer from CdS to LDHs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Monatomic transition metal M supported MoS 2 (M/MoS 2 , M=Co, Ni, Cu) was constructed. • Structural properties, molecular adsorption and the reaction mechanism for WGSR were investigated. • Doping transition metal can increase the charge transfer and reduce the band gap of M/MoS 2. • Potential WGSR mechanism is association mechanism, in which HCOO* intermediate plays leading role. • Supporting metal can effectively reduce the reaction energy barrier of WGS. In this paper, a two-dimensional M/MoS 2 material system was constructed by supporting transition metal atoms M (M=Co, Ni, Cu) on the surface of MoS 2. The structural properties, molecular adsorption and the reaction mechanism for water gas shift reaction (WGSR) were investigated based on DFT calculation. Compared with pristine MoS 2 , doping transition metal can make M/MoS 2 more stable because the charge transfer between metal and MoS 2 increases the polarization of Mo and S. The adsorption performance is significantly improved, which is conducive to the forward progress of the reaction. The band gap of materials is narrowed, which motivates MoS 2 transforms to metal phase. The supporting metal can increase the charge transfer and the number of active sites in the system, which can effectively reduce the reaction energy barrier of WGS and improve the catalytic activity. The most potential WGSR mechanism of the three materials is the association mechanism, in which the HCOO* intermediate plays the leading role. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the era of intelligent media, human users and chatbots have established a deep dependency relationship through communication, making media dependence a behavioral foundation that widely permeates human social practice. This article investigates how media dependence affects human social interaction during emotional interactions between human users and chatbots. Based on the theory of media dependence, the existing mature scales of media dependence and interpersonal communication were adapted, and 496 Replika user questionnaires were collected. After screening the validity of the questionnaires, 428 valid questionnaires were obtained. Descriptive statistical analysis, correlation analysis, multiple linear regression analysis, and mediation effect testing were used to analyze the impact of media dependence on human-computer emotional interaction. Results indicate a significant positive correlation between human-chatbot emotional interaction and human user social interaction. Media dependence significantly positively regulates emotional interactions between humans and chatbots. In addition, the social interactions of human users are partially influenced by factors such as user nature, age, education, and income., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Yuan, Cheng and Duan.)

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with body composition changes, which are associated with clinical prognosis, response to therapy, and quality of life in IBD patients. Therefore, it is critical to review the body composition distribution in IBD, summarize the potential factors affecting body composition distribution, and take steps to improve the body composition distribution of IBD patients as early as possible. In the current review, we searched PubMed via keywords 'inflammatory bowel disease', or 'IBD', or 'Crohn's disease', or 'CD', or 'ulcerative colitis', or 'UC', and 'body composition'. Malnutrition and sarcopenia are common in IBD patients and are associated with the clinical course, prognosis, and need for surgery. Disease activity, reduced nutrition intake, vitamin D deficiency, and intestinal dysbiosis are factors contributing to changed body composition. Early use of biological agents to induce remission is critical to improving body composition distribution in IBD patients, supplementation of vitamin D is also important, and moderate physical activity is recommended in IBD patients with clinical remission., (© 2023 The Author(s). This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.)

Background: The 13 C-urea breath test ( 13 C-UBT) is preferred for non-invasive detection of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori); however, its accuracy drops when results fall between 2‰ and 6‰ (called the gray zone). This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of 13 C-UBT (cut-off point 4‰) between 2‰ and 6‰, find a more appropriate gray zone, and identify the factors influencing 13 C-UBT., Methods: Patients with 13 C-UBT results 2‰-6‰, over an eight-year period, were studied. H. pylori infection was diagnosed if patients were positive for either Warthin-Starry staining or quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR), and excluded if both were negative. Accuracy of 13 C-UBT under different cut-off points was calculated, and the factors affecting 13 C-UBT were analyzed., Results: A total of 208 patients were included, of whom 129 were H. pylori-positive. Sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), and positive predictive value (PPV) of 13 C-UBT were 71.32%, 83.54%, 64.08%, and 87.62%, respectively. When the cut-off point was changed to 2.15‰, the NPV of 13 C-UBT reached a maximum (76.47%); when the cut-off point was changed to 4.95‰, PPV reached its maximum (93.22%). Therefore, the original gray zone (2‰-6‰) was adjusted to 2‰-4.95‰. Gastric antral intestinal metaplasia (OR = 3.055, 95% CI: 1.003-9.309) was an independent risk factor for false-negative 13 C-UBT., Conclusions: Accuracy of 13 C-UBT over 2‰-6‰ was poor, and the gray zone was changed to 2‰-4.95‰. 13 C-UBT results over 2‰-4.95‰ should be interpreted with caution during mass screening of H. pylori, especially for patients with gastric antral intestinal metaplasia., Competing Interests: None

Background: Proline levels are significantly increased in tumor specimens and urine samples from gastric cancer (GC) patients, and we previously showed that intracellular proline levels significantly differ between human GC cell lines and normal gastric epithelial cells. Pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase 1 (PYCR1) is the key enzyme in intracellular proline synthesis, but its role in GC remains largely unknown., Methods: Bioinformatic analysis and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining with a tissue microarray were conducted to assess the association between PYCR1 expression and clinical parameters. PYCR1 downregulation and overexpression were then established in two GC cell lines (AGS and MKN28 cells) to determine whether PYCR1 promotes malignant behavior in GC. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was further performed to investigate the pathway regulating PYCR1 in GC., Results: PYCR1 expression was up-regulated in different GC cohorts. High PYCR1 protein expression was correlated with advanced tumor stage, aggressive histological type and high Ki-67 index. High PYCR1 expression in GC tissues was an indicator of poor outcome in GC patients. In vitro , PYCR1 knockdown markedly attenuated GC cells growth and promoted apoptosis, while overexpression produced the opposite effects. GSEA analysis indicated PI3K/Akt axis was strongly correlated with PYCR1 expression and that PIK3CB and AKT1 mRNA expression was positively associated with PYCR1 in GC tissues. PI3K inhibition further significantly reduced PYCR1 mRNA and protein expression. Moreover, as PYCR1 is a mitochondrial endomembrane protein, nutrient stress induced by glucose deprivation also regulated PYCR1 expression., Conclusions: PYCR1 is highly expressed in GC and acts as a mitochondrial oncogene to induce cancer progression by enhancing tumor proliferation and responding to metabolic stress. PYCR1 is a novel prognostic marker and a potential therapeutic target in GC., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at http://dx.doi.org/10.21037/atm-19-4402). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (2020 Annals of Translational Medicine. All rights reserved.)