Factors influencing quality of life in early-stage upper gastrointestinal cancer patients in Nanchong city: a qualitative study.

Objectives: To identify the determinants of quality of life (QoL) among early-stage upper gastrointestinal cancer (UGIC) patients in Nanchong City to inform the development of targeted treatment plans.

Methods: In this retrospective study, 642 patients diagnosed with UGIC were included. A phenomenological approach was employed, involving in-depth face-to-face interviews to explore patients' real-life experiences with QoL, with an emphasis on spiritual and psychological aspects.

Morphometric features of gastric mucosa in atrophic gastritis: A different pattern between corpus and antrum.

Atrophic gastritis can cause mucosa thinning, while detailed metrological evidence is lacking. We aimed to compare the morphological features of full-thickness gastric mucosa in antrum and corpus and evaluate the diagnostic performance for atrophy. Gastric cancer patients were prospectively enrolled (N = 401).

Small bowel perforation caused by thermal injury during colonic polypectomy: A case report and literature review.

Rationale: Iatrogenic gastrointestinal perforation is a known uncommon complication of colonoscopy. The perforation usually occurs in the colon itself. Rarely, colonoscopic procedures can also cause the perforations of the small intestine.

Key molecules involved in the Th17/Treg balance are associated with the pathogenesis of reflux esophagitis and Barrett's esophagus.

Background: Reflux esophagitis (RE) impairs the squamous epithelium that normally lines the esophagus, and contributes to the replacement of the damaged squamous lining by the intestinal metaplasia of Barrett's esophagus (BE), which is considered as a precursor of esophageal adenocarcinoma. This study aimed to investigate the changes in the balance of Th17/Treg and the related key molecules in the pathogenesis of RE and BE and evaluate the diagnostic and predictive value of the molecules in patients with these diseases.

Methods: The proportions of Th17 and Treg in RE and BE patients were estimated using flow cytometric analysis.

Performance and microbial community analysis of a pilot-scale UASB for corn-ethanol wastewater treatment.

The performance and microbial community structure of a pilot-scale upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor inoculated with flocculent sludge were investigated over 52 days. The characteristics of corn-ethanol wastewater were as follows: CODCr, 1,050-4,970 mg l(-1); ammonia, 14-298 mg l(-1); and alkalinity, 332-2,867 mg l(-1). The UASB could start up smoothly with a hydraulic loading rate lower than 180 l h(-1) and a ratio of volatile fatty acid versus alkalinity between 0.