Delayed Gastric Perforation by Nasogastric Tube: A Case Report

Nasogastric (NG) tube insertion is a common and routine procedure that is performed for various purposes. Gastric perforations caused by NG tubes are rare but potentially life-threatening. We report a rare case involving a delayed gastric perforation caused by an NG tube in an adult with end-stage heart failure

Potassium-competitive Acid Blockers: A New Therapeutic Strategy for Helicobacter pylori Eradication

The escalating prevalence of clarithromycin resistance in cases of Helicobacter pylori, insufficient acid suppression, and pharmacodynamic variations secondary to inter-individual differences in CYP2C19 polymorphism collectively contribute to suboptimal eradication rates observed with proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-based therapy. Compared with PPIs, potassium-competitive acid blockers (PCABs) produce rapid, potent, and long-lasting suppression of gastric acid through reversible inhibition of gastric H+, K+-ATPase. PCAB-based therapy results in significant inhibition of acid secretion and has therefore emerged as a novel and effective approach for H. pylori eradication. In this study, we review the efficacy and safety profile of PCAB-based eradication regimens comprising vonoprazan, tegoprazan, and fexuprazan

Superconformal Cu Electrodeposition on Various Substrates

For application to Cu interconnection, superconformal electrodeposition has been performed on various substrates, including physical vapor deposited ~PVD! Cu, two kinds of electroless deposited ~ELD! Cu, TiN barrier, and metallorganic chemical vapor deposited Ru. ELD Cu with HCHO as the reducing agent was compatible with PVD Cu in terms of conformal characteristics and film continuity. Both PVD and ELD Cu seed layers enabled superconformal filling with distinct bumps. Superfilling was also attained on resistive substrates of TiN and Ru through Pd activation and subsequent slight seeding by electrodeposition to enhance the action of additives

Interleukin-2 induces the in vitro maturation of human pluripotent stem cell-derived intestinal organoids.

Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived intestinal organoids (hIOs) form 3D structures organized into crypt and villus domains, making them an excellent in vitro model system for studying human intestinal development and disease. However, hPSC-derived hIOs still require in vivo maturation to fully recapitulate adult intestine, with the mechanism of maturation remaining elusive. Here, we show that the co-culture with human T lymphocytes induce the in vitro maturation of hIOs, and identify STAT3-activating interleukin-2 (IL-2) as the major factor inducing maturation. hIOs exposed to IL-2 closely mimic the adult intestinal epithelium and have comparable expression levels of mature intestinal markers, as well as increased intestine-specific functional activities. Even after in vivo engraftment, in vitro-matured hIOs retain their maturation status. The results of our study demonstrate that STAT3 signaling can induce the maturation of hIOs in vitro, thereby circumventing the need for animal models and in vivo maturation

Possible association of norepinephrine transporter -3081(A/T) polymorphism with methylphenidate response in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Background Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a heritable disorder characterized by symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity. Methylphenidate (MPH) has been shown to block the norepinephrine transporter (NET), and genetic investigations have demonstrated that the norepinephrine transporter gene (SLC6A2) is associated with ADHD. The aims of this study were to examine the association of the SLC6A2 -3081(A/T) and G1287A polymorphisms with MPH response in ADHD. Methods This study enrolled 112 children and adolescents with ADHD. A response criterion was defined based on the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) score, and the ADHD Rating Scale-IV (ARS) score was also assessed at baseline and 8 weeks after MPH treatment. Results We found that the subjects who had the T allele as one of the alleles (A/T or T/T genotypes) at the -3081(A/T) polymorphism showed a better response to MPH treatment than those with the A/A genotype as measured by the CGI-I. We also found a trend towards a difference in the change of the total ARS scores and hyperactivity/impulsivity subscores between subjects with and without the T allele. No significant association was found between the genotypes of the SLC6A2 G1287A polymorphism and response to ADHD treatment. Conclusion Our findings provide evidence for the involvement of the -3081(A/T) polymorphism of SLC6A2 in the modulation of the effectiveness of MPH treatment in ADHD

Leveling of Superfilled Damascene Cu Film Using Two-Step Electrodeposition

To enhance the compatibility of electrodeposition with the chemical mechanical polishing process, we attempted to prevent step formation on active areas. In the absence of benzotriazole BTA , the step heights increased with the decrease in the pattern width and the increase in the pattern density due to the locally condensed accelerator. However, the addition of BTA significantly suppressed the deposition kinetic through the deactivation of the accelerator. The two-step electrodeposition with modulated accelerator and BTA concentrations was found to be effective in the retardation of bump formation and the prevention of bumps from growing without an impact on the superfilling