Browse Articles

Analysis of the characteristics of mixed infections with Mycoplasma pneumoniae in children

mRNA extracted from frozen buffy coat samples stored long term in tubes with no RNA preservative shows promise for downstream sequencing analyses

Transcriptomics is an important OMICs method that is often unavailable in biobank research. Frozen blood samples are routinely collected and stored in medical biobanks, but transcriptional studies have been limited due to technical difficulties of extracting high-quality RNA from blood frozen in standard tubes (without RNA preservatives). We aimed to determine whether biobanked buffy coat samples stored at -80°C for up to 23 years could be successfully used for mRNA sequencing. We used a CryoXtract CXT 350 to remove frozen sample cores, which were immersed in RNA preservative during thawing prior to RNA extraction. RNA sequencing was then performed on extractions from pooled samples as well as from 23 buffy coat samples from prospective colorectal cancer cases and 23 matched controls included in the population-based, prospective Northern Sweden Health and Disease Study (NSHDS). For all samples, two library preparation methods were used (Illumina TruSeq Stranded mRNA poly-A selection and Illumina Stranded Total RNA with Ribo-Zero Globin). RNA yields of over 1 µg were obtained from the majority of NSHDS samples (mean = 2.57 µg), and over 92% of samples had RIN values of ≥ 6, indicating suitability for downstream analyses. In conclusion, we developed a method for successfully extracting and sequencing high-quality mRNA from frozen buffy coat samples stored long term in tubes with no RNA preservative.

Comparison of mechanical resuscitation by an LV Impella device to extracorporeal resuscitation using VAECMO in a large animal model

Abstract Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is an effective treatment for cardiac arrest (CA). Percutaneous left ventricular (LV) assist devices such as the Impella ECP (intravascular CPR [ICPR]) have been proposed as a less invasive alternative. The aim of this study was to explore the haemodynamic differences between ECPR and ICPR using a large animal model of electrically induced CA. Fourteen juvenile female German landrace pigs (72.4 ± 9.8 kg) were subjected to electrically induced CA for 5 mins followed by either ECPR (veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation [VA-ECMO]) or ICPR (Impella ECP). Haemodynamic parameters and echocardiographic ventricular function indicators were monitored. Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) was continued until five hours after the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), when the devices were removed. Resuscitation outcomes and the haemodynamic effects of ECPR and ICPR were compared. The cannulation time for ECMO (469 ± 129 s) was significantly longer than the time for Impella device implantation (153 ± 64 s, p < 0.001). ECPR facilitated ROSC in 6/6 animals, whereas ICPR facilitated ROSC in 6/8 animals (p = 0.19). Echocardiography revealed no difference in LV or right ventricular (RV) dysfunction between the ECPR- and ICPR-treated animals after resuscitation (LV-global longitudinal strain [GLS] 3 h post-ROSC: ICPR: − 16.5 ± 5.6% vs. ECPR: − 13.7 ± 5.9%, p = 0.99; RV-GLS 3 h post-ROSC: ICPR: − 15.9 ± 3.3% vs. ECPR: − 17.3 ± 10.6%, p = 0.99). MCS using VA-ECMO and the Impella device both provided effective haemodynamic support during CA and post-ROSC in this large animal model. Despite LV unloading conferring a hypothetical advantage for ICPR, no significant differences in myocardial recovery were observed.

Identification of distinct profiles of glioblastoma through the immunocapture of extracellular vesicles from patient plasma

Glioblastoma (GBM), a primary brain tumor, exhibits intratumoral heterogeneity and dynamic spatial-temporal changes. GBM-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs), reflecting tumor characteristics, present potential as liquid-biopsy markers for early diagnosis and monitoring. This study aims to evaluate molecular signatures of plasma-derived EVs from GBM patients using a conventional flow cytometer. EVs have been isolated from glioma patients and healthy controls (HCs) plasma using density gradient ultracentrifugation (DGU). EVs were evaluated by bead-based multiplex analysis in a conventional flow cytometer. Principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical clustering, and correlation analysis provided comprehensive insights into EV characteristics. EVs successfully isolated were visualized in transmission and scanning electron microscopy (STEM). Bead-based multiplex analysis in flow cytometer detected the level of 37 EV surface markers, including tumor-related, cancer stem cell, endothelial cell, and immune cell- specific antigens. PCA identified the EV surface markers that are most significant for differentiating the subjects, and hierarchical clustering revealed four distinct clusters based on EV surface marker levels. EV molecular signature demonstrated considerable heterogeneity across patient clusters. The presence of CD29 emerged not only as a defining factor for a cluster of patients, but also served as a marker to differentiate patients from HCs.

ERG1A K+ channel increases intracellular calcium concentration through modulation of calsequestrin1 in C2C12 myotubes

AI recommendation vs. crowdsourced recommendation vs. travel expert recommendation: The moderating role of consumption goal on travel destination decision

This research investigates the effects of recommender type (AI versus crowdsourcing versus travel expert) and consumption goal (utilitarian versus hedonic) on consumer responses to travel destination recommendation email advertisements. Across two experiments, findings reveal that consumers held the most favorable attitude toward email advertisements featuring travel expert recommendations compared to crowdsourced or AI-generated suggestions. Notably, this study highlights the moderating role of consumption goal type (utilitarian vs. hedonic) in shaping attitudes toward the recommendation source. Specifically, consumers preferred ads featuring AI-generated recommendations for utilitarian travel goals (e.g., business trips), while for hedonic travel goals (e.g., romantic getaways), they favored ads with crowdsourced suggestions. Through serial mediation (Study 1) and moderated serial mediation (Study 2), this research further elucidates the underlying psychological mechanisms driving these effects.

Financial burden of out of pocket nonpharmacological therapies in an Austrian multiple sclerosis cohort

Differential gene expression patterns in Niemann-Pick Type C and Tay-Sachs diseases: Implications for neurodegenerative mechanisms

Lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) are a group of rare genetic conditions characterized by the impaired function of enzymes responsible for lipid digestion. Among these LSDs, Tay-Sachs disease (TSD) and Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) may share a common gene expression profile. In this study, we conducted a bioinformatics analysis to explore the gene expression profile overlap between TSD and NPC. Analyses were performed on RNA-seq datasets for both TSD and NPC from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Datasets were subjected to differential gene expression analysis utilizing the DESeq2 package in the R programming language. A total of 147 differentially expressed genes (DEG) were found to be shared between the TSD and NPC datasets. Enrichment analysis was then performed on the DEGs. We found that the common DEGs are predominantly associated with processes such as cell adhesion mediated by integrin, cell-substrate adhesion, and urogenital system development. Furthermore, construction of protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks using the Cytoscape software led to the identification of four hub genes: APOE, CD44, SNCA, and ITGB5. Those hub genes not only can unravel the pathogenesis of related neurologic diseases with common impaired pathways, but also may pave the way towards targeted gene therapy of LSDs.In addition, they serve as the potential biomarkers for related neurodegenerative diseases warranting further investigations.

Characterization, mechanical strength, rheological properties and life cycle assessment of fully recycled concrete through geopolymer technology

A methodological assessment of randomization integrity in alteplase for acute ischemic stroke individual patient data meta-analyses

Objectives Little is known about the integrity of randomization for randomized controlled trials (RCT) included in alteplase for stroke meta-analyses. If the RCTs were not properly randomized, the results could not be accepted at face value. The objective was to assess the integrity of randomization in individual patient data (IPD) meta-analyses supporting alteplase for acute ischemic stroke. Methods We assessed randomization reporting, performed qualitative risk of bias assessments arising from the randomization process, and performed fixed effects meta-analyses of baseline variables for which zero heterogeneity is expected if all included RCTs have unbiased randomization. Fixed-effects meta-analyses of baseline age, weight, and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score were performed. If heterogeneity was present (I2 >  0%), trials were systematically removed, starting with the RCT with the largest t-statistic until the I2 value was 0%. Results The NINDS rt-PA Stroke Study had a high risk of bias, the ECASS-3 RCT had some concerns, and all other trials were graded as low risk according to the Cochrane Risk of Bias (ROB-2) tool. The NINDS rt-PA Stroke Study contributed to heterogeneity in age and weight meta-analyses, and the ECASS-3 RCT contributed to heterogeneity in the NIHSS score meta-analysis. Removal of suspect trials resulted in the expected I2 value of 0%. Conclusions: The NINDS rt-PA Stroke Study and ECASS-3 trials contributed to heterogeneity in fixed effects meta-analyses of baseline variables while there should have been none. These RCTs are likely a source of selection bias in IPD meta-analyses due to suspect randomization.

Allogeneic ovarian transplantation promotes the recovery of ovarian function in a rat model of cisplatin-induced premature ovarian failure

The Triassic turtle of Thailand – revision of ‘Proganochelys’ ruchae

True turtles (Testudinata) appeared in the Norian (Late Triassic) and quickly attained a worldwide distribution and relatively high diversity. Their remains are currently known from that time from Asia, Europe, North America, and South America, and represent at least three separate clades. Whereas the generic and suprageneric attribution of comparatively well-preserved and studied European and South American taxa, such as Proganochelys quenstedtii, Proterochersis robusta and Proterochersis porebensis, Palaeochersis talampayensis, and Waluchelys cavitesta sparks no controversy, the more fragmentary and less common species have been variably considered representatives of separate genera or referred to already existing ones – most commonly, Proganochelys. This uncertainty is unfortunate, as it severely muddles the picture of the evolution, diversity, and geographical distribution of the earliest turtles. One such problematic species, coming from the Norian Huai Hin Lat Formation of Thailand, was described in 1980s as Proganochelys ruchae. However, this generic attribution was subsequently put into question and the recent increase of available Triassic turtle material allows to remove the species ruchae from Proganochelys to a new genus, Thaichelys gen. nov., and place it in the clade of Proterochersidae, together with Proterochersis spp., Keuperotesta limendorsa, and Chinlechelys tenertesta. As a result, the genus Proganochelys is considered here to be solely a central Pangean (modern-day European) taxon. Moreover, Thaichelys ruchae exhibits in some respects a transitional morphology between other Triassic taxa and Proterochersis spp., and may constitute a sister taxon to the grouping of Proterochersis spp. and Keuperotesta limendorsa from Europe. This, in turn, considering the lack of a Carnian record of pantestudinates outside of Asia, suggests that Thaichelys ruchae could represent an early radiation of the Proterochersidae which branched off before the Testudinata dispersed into the western Pangea.

Effects of probiotic yogurt on relative respiratory tract infections, urine, saliva biomarkers, and fecal bacterial load in Ugandan children: a randomized controlled trial

Comparing public willingness-to-pay for different low-carbon measures: A case study of Shenzhen, China

Cities in China have made progressive strides in developing low-carbon societies and experimenting with various low-carbon measures. The successful implementation of these low-carbon measures and the subsequent maintenance of relevant amenities rely on the support of local residents. However, there is limited understanding of residents' awareness and support for the different types of low-carbon measures, which can involve different trade-offs. This research addressed this research gap by surveying residents’ willingness-to-pay for five representative low-carbon measures implemented in Shenzhen, a pioneering low-carbon city in China. Surveys were collected from 14 distinct residential areas in Shenzhen, and the analysis results revealed that Shenzhen residents were more inclined to pay for low-carbon measures that directly benefit them personally, as opposed to those serving the collective good. This trend was particularly evident among educated elites. Other notable findings include: 1) respondents aware of the different low-carbon measures in effect were more likely to pay for them; 2) male respondents, new Shenzhen residents (relocated within the last 5 years), high-income individuals, and residents in aging residential areas tended to contribute higher amounts towards low-carbon measures; 3) providing detailed information on carbon mitigation effects significantly increased both the likelihood and the amount of respondents' WTP; 4) the adoption of new-energy vehicles (NEVs) is especially controversial between NEV owners and gasoline vehicle owners. These findings hold implications, such as developing targeted policies and educational interventions, to enhance public awareness and support for low-carbon initiatives, thus fostering sustainability in rapidly growing urban centers like Shenzhen.

Influences of coal-rock interface morphology’s spatiotemporal evolutionary characteristics on top coal caving law

Pelvic floor disorders and associated factors among women in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

Background Pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) are a group of conditions caused by injured or weakened pelvic muscles, ligaments, connective tissues, and nerves that support or hold pelvic organs in place so they can function correctly. Common PFDs are pelvic organ prolapse (POP), urinary incontinence (UI), and faecal incontinence (FI). A preliminary search on the subject within the last decade identified no review protocol or systematic review, despite a significant percentage of women in SSA suffering from it. Methods and analysis A comprehensive literature search will be gathered from electronic databases such as PubMed, Embase, Hinari, Cochrane Library, African Journals Online (AJOL), and Google Scholar. The protocol followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses for Protocol (PRISMA-P) guideline. All studies conducted in sub-Saharan African countries will be included regardless of their study design as long as these studies report the magnitude of the problem under study. Joanna Briggs Institute’s (JBI) appraisal checklist will be used to assess the quality of individual studies. Heterogeneity will be checked using Cochrane Q test statistics and I2 test statistics, and a random-effects model will be employed to estimate the pooled prevalence of PFDs and its associated factors. Results The present study will estimate the pooled prevalence of pelvic floor disorders and their associated factors in sub-Saharan Africa countries. Systematic review registration This review was registered on PROSPERO with registration number CRD42024578550.

Laser arc weak coupling achieves porosity free welding and stable droplet transfer for high nitrogen steel

On-Demand Catalytic Platform for Glycerol Upgrade and Utilization

An assessment of the teacher completed ‘Early Years Foundation Stage Profile’ as a routine measure of child developmental health

The routine measurement of children’s developmental health varies across educational settings and systems. The Early Years Foundation Stage Profile (EYFSP) is a routinely recorded measure of a child’s development completed at the end of their first school year, for all children attending school in England and Wales. Despite widespread use for research and educational purposes, the measurement properties are unknown. This study examined the internal consistency and structural validity of the EYFSP, investigating whether the summed item-level scores, which we refer to as the ‘total score’, can be used as a summary of children’s developmental health. It also examined predictive validity of the total score with respect to later academic attainment and behavioural, social, and emotional difficulties. The data source was the longitudinal prospective birth cohort, Born in Bradford (BiB), and routine education data were obtained from Local Authorities. The internal consistency and structural validity of the EYFSP total score were investigated using Confirmatory Factor Analysis and a Rasch model. Predictive validity was assessed using linear mixed effects models for Key Stage 2 (Maths, Reading, Grammar/Punctuation/Spelling), and behavioural, social, and emotional difficulties (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire). We found that the EYFSP items demonstrated internal consistency, however, an Item Response model suggested weak structural validity (n = 10,589). Mixed effects regression found the EYFSP total score to predict later academic outcomes (n = 2711), and behavioural, social, and emotional difficulties (n = 984). This study has revealed that whilst caution should be applied for measurement of children with close to ‘average’ ability levels using the EYFSP, the EYFSP total score is an internally consistent measure with predictive validity.

Evolution characteristics and obstacle factors of rural resilience in Chinese minority areas in the background of rural tourism and COVID-19

Abstract Rural tourism and COVID-19 have brought significant impacts and lasting challenges to the resilience development of rural territorial systems. To improve the livelihoods of farmers and promote the sustainable development of tourism village systems, it is of great significance to clarify the characteristics of, and obstacle factors to, the evolution of these systems. Based on the concept of production-living-ecology, resilience theory, and sustainable livelihood theory, a resilience assessment framework for tourism villages is constructed from the perspective of farmers in the following three dimensions: production resilience, living resilience and ecological resilience. Moreover, the comprehensive index method and an obstacle degree model are utilized to quantitatively measure and identify the resilience characteristics and obstacle factors of the tourism villages in Xiangxi Prefecture, China. The results reveal the following. (1) The three periods of the evolution of the resilience of tourism villages in Xiangxi Prefecture included the undeveloped tourism period, the normalized tourism period, and the COVID-19 disturbance period. Throughout these periods, tourism village resilience was characterized by a steady increase followed by a small decline, overall demonstrating a fluctuating upward trend. Rural tourism has had a positive effect on the long-term development of the rural territorial system, whereas the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative effect. (2) The tourism village resilience of farmers perspective with different livelihood types exhibits obvious heterogeneity; the tourism village resilience of tourism-led farmers is the highest, followed by that of part-time balanced farmers. Thus, these livelihood types are the main direction for the development and transformation of farmers with other livelihood types. (3) The obstacle factors to the evolution of the resilience of tourism villages in Xiangxi Prefecture exhibit a converging trend. In the three periods, the common obstacles to the evolution and development of tourism village resilience included the number of people participating in rural tourism, the tourism business area, and the area of farmland returned to forests.