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Revascularization of coronary chronic total occlusion in patients with end stage renal disease
The composition of single-donor apheresis platelet concentrates is influenced by the age of the donor
Abstract The aging population often faces health issues that sometimes necessitate transfusions. Transfusion services are increasingly concerned about the rising number of transfusions and the aging donor population, as both factors are crucial in maintaining the quality of blood donations. In this context, our study aims to measure the bioactive molecule cytokine levels in single donor apheresis platelet concentrates (SDA-PC) based on the donor’s age and to determine whether these cytokines, in conjunction with the donor age, could contribute to transfusion adverse reactions (AR). Our findings indicate that well-known platelet molecules such as sCD62P, as well as IL-13, ADAMTS13, MIP-1α, NGAL, MCP-3, HSAA, GDF-15, CX3CL1, and MDC, were present in SDA-PC. Levels of MIP-1α, GDF-15, and sCD62P increased with donor aging, whereas levels of MDC decreased. In conclusion, most of the cytokine levels detected were elevated in cases of AR and with increasing donor age. Notably, GDF-15 was the only cytokine that showed a positive correlation with age in the context of AR.
Factors related to sex differences in long-term functional decline after acute ischemic stroke
Many objective optimization and decision support for dairy cattle feed formulation
Automated pain detection using facial expression in adult patients with a customized spatial temporal attention long short-term memory (STA-LSTM) network
Unravelling pollen diet and microbiome influence on honey bee health
Mendelian randomization study of sleep traits and risk of colorectal cancer
Abstract A potential association of endogenous circadian rhythm disruption with risk of cancer development has been suggested, however, epidemiological evidence for the association of sleep traits with colorectal cancer (CRC) is limited and often contradictory. Here we investigated whether genetically predicted chronotype, insomnia and sleep duration are associated with CRC risk in males, females and overall and according to CRC anatomical subsites using Mendelian randomization (MR). The two-sample inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was applied using summary-level data in up to 58,221 CRC cases and 67,694 controls and genome-wide association data of genetic variants for self-reported sleep traits. Secondary analyses using alternative instruments and sensitivity analyses assessing potential violations of MR assumptions were conducted. Genetically predicted morning preference was associated with 13% lower risk of CRC in men (OR IVW = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.78, 0.97, P = 0.01), but not in women or in both sexes combined. Τhis association remained consistent in some, but not all, sensitivity analyses and was very similar for colon and rectal cancer. There was no evidence of an association for any other sleep trait. Overall, this study provides little to no evidence of an association between genetically predicted sleep traits and CRC risk.
Evaluation of bone fragility in cognitively or physically impaired elderly care home patients using radiofrequency echographic multi-spectrometry
Fuzzy synthetic approach for seismic risk assessment of bridges with insights from the 2023 Kahramanmaras Earthquake in Turkiye
Prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in Qatar’s resident population based on a national screening campaign
Abstract Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection poses a global health challenge, yet its epidemiology in Qatar remains underexplored. This study estimated HCV antibody (Ab) prevalence in Qatar and examined associated socio-demographic factors. From January 2017 to December 2019, the Ministry of Public Health conducted a national HCV awareness and surveillance campaign. A total of 81,615 individuals, including both Qatari nationals and expatriate residents from 137 countries, underwent HCV antibody testing using the Elecsys Anti-HCV II electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Probability weights were applied to adjust for age, sex, and nationality, to the testing sample. Logistic regression assessed factors associated with HCV Ab positivity. Among individuals tested, 1149 were positive, 80,299 were negative, and 167 were indeterminate. The estimated HCV Ab prevalence in the study sample was 1.4% (95% CI 1.3–1.5%). The weighted HCV Ab prevalence in the resident population of Qatar was also estimated at 1.4% (95% CI 1.2–1.7%). HCV Ab positivity was strongly associated with age, with higher adjusted odds ratios (AORs) in older individuals. Disparities were noted among certain nationalities, with Bangladeshis and Tunisians having lower odds of infection, while Pakistanis, Egyptians, and Yemenis had higher odds of being infected. Males had a 1.97-fold (95% CI 1.47–2.65) higher odds of being HCV Ab positive compared to females. The considerable HCV Ab prevalence in Qatar underscores the need for targeted interventions, prevention and harm reduction strategies, and expanded testing and treatment programs to advance progress toward the 2030 elimination target.
Bipartite entanglement and Gaussian quantum steering in a whispering gallery mode coupled with two magnon modes
Transcriptomic insights into the resistance mechanism of Penaeus vannamei against highly lethal Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Abstract Highly lethal Vibrio disease (HLVD) caused by a virulent strain of Vibrio parahaemolyticus (Vp HLVD), which poses a significant threat to Penaeus vannamei post-larvae, leads to substantial mortality and economic losses. To address this challenge, researchers have recently isolated a highly disease-resistant strain of P. vannamei shrimp. However, the underlying mechanisms that could improve disease resistance require further investigation. Our study found that disease-resistant shrimp exhibited a remarkable ability to prevent Vp HLVD invasion effectively. To unravel the genetic basis of this resistance, we conducted a transcriptomic analysis with susceptible and disease-resistant shrimp at various time points (0, 6, and 12 h) post-infection with Vp HLVD. Differential gene expression (DEGs) analysis of uninfected shrimp revealed that disease-resistant individuals displayed higher expression of immune-related genes and pathways compared to their susceptible counterparts. Simultaneously, they exhibited lower expression of Vibrio toxin-binding genes and Vibrio colonization gene, indicating enhanced defense mechanisms in the resistant shrimp. Upon Vp HLVD infection, DEGs analysis also showed that susceptible shrimp attempt to mount a similar immune response as the disease-resistant shrimp during the early stages of infection. However, as the infection progresses, the defense strategies diverge between the two groups, with the peak of gene response occurring later in the disease-resistant shrimp. Our findings indicated that disease-resistant shrimp did not experience significant stress during the early stages of infection and are capable of effectively enhancing their immune response in the middle and late stages of the infection. In summary, our study enhanced the understanding of the mechanisms employed by disease-resistant shrimp to combat Vibrio, and would help to develop effective strategies for disease prevention and control, ultimately reducing the impact of HLVD on shrimp aquaculture.
Genome wide identification of LcC2DPs gene family in Lotus corniculatus provides insights into regulatory network in response to abiotic stresses
Bending and vibration behavior of functionally graded piezoelectric nanobeams considering dynamic flexoelectric and surface effects
Establishment and validation of an immune-related nomogram for the prognosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Macular curvature in vertical cross sections of optical coherence tomography in school age children
Enhancement of bioactivity and molecular docking analysis of bioglass loaded zein and sodium alginate composite beads for biomedical applications
Abstract This study intends to conduct both in-vitro and in-silico investigations to assess the bioactivity of newly developed zein/sodium alginate (SA) composite beads. These beads, prepared using the dropwise method, were infused with different concentrations (10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%) of bioglass (BG). These BG-loaded zein/SA- composites were formed into beads with calcium chloride (CaCl2, 5%) as a crosslinking agent. The resulting composite beads were characterized using various techniques (XRD, FTIR, SEM, and EDXA) both before and after in vitro testing in Simulated Body Fluid (SBF). A 3D model of zein was constructed using I-TASSER and validated through PROCHECK and ERRAT servers. The interaction forces between the zein protein and sodium alginate were analyzed in silico using molecular docking with Autodock vina and PyMOL software. The results showed that the formation of a hydroxyapatite (HA) layer on the surface of the BG-loaded zein/SA composite beads confirmed their biological activity, which increased with higher BG content. The results suggest that zein/SA composite beads loaded with bioglass (BG), exhibiting good bioactivity, are suitable for use in bio-tissue engineering applications. A molecular docking study revealed that sodium alginate (SA) can interact with zein through van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonds, leading to the formation of stable complexes. This zein/SA complex is well-suited for carrying bioglass (BG) and has potential applications as a drug carrier in a drug delivery system. Based on the results, our study shows that BG-loaded Zein/SA composite beads are bioactive materials, and can be used in tissue engineering and improve the deposition of new HA, consequently enhancing bone generation. In addition, the prepared composite beads can serve as an excellent drug carrier (future work).
Development and evaluation of an augmented reality serious game to enhance 21st century skills in cultural tourism
Abstract Cultural tourism plays a significant role in preserving traditions and promoting global awareness. However, engaging younger generations with cultural heritage through traditional tourism methods remains challenging, as traditional tourism methods are often perceived as lacking the interactivity and engagement characteristic of digital experiences. The increasing prevalence of digital entertainment and social media has further shifted preferences toward dynamic, personalized content. Integrating modern technologies, such as augmented reality (AR), into cultural tourism experiences can bridge this gap, providing interactive and immersive learning opportunities. This research aimed to develop and assess the usability and educational impact of KideClass in enhancing 21st century skills while promoting cultural tourism. A descriptive evaluation design was employed, with 20 participants: 10 children (aged 6–12 years) and 10 parents. Participants engaged in six mini-games integrated into the KideClass game, designed to enhance cultural and scientific literacy. Data were collected using perceived evaluations of 21st century skill development and a user satisfaction assessment based on a 5-point Likert scale. The results indicated perceived improvements in 21st century skills, particularly in critical thinking/problem-solving (Children: Mean = 4.57, SD = 0.45; Parents: Mean = 4.30, SD = 0.33) and adaptability (Children: Mean = 4.47, SD = 0.55; Parents: Mean = 4.17, SD = 0.32). Children reported higher ratings in scientific literacy (Mean = 4.47, SD = 0.48) compared to parents (Mean = 3.83, SD = 0.36). User satisfaction was high, with audio esthetics (Mean = 4.90, SD = 0.32), creative freedom (Mean = 4.65, SD = 0.67), and AR features (Mean = 4.65 ± 0.78) receiving top ratings. However, usability (Mean = 4.43, SD = 0.69) and narrative clarity (Mean = 4.30, SD = 0.74) were identified as lower than other aspects. Overall, KideClass demonstrates significant potential in enhancing cultural tourism engagement and developing key 21st century skills among children and parents. The integration of AR and gamified learning provides a dynamic and interactive platform for cultural education. While the game was well perceived in terms of user engagement and satisfaction, further refinement in usability and narrative clarity is recommended. Future iterations of the game could benefit from expanded cultural scenarios and collaborative features to foster deeper learning and engagement.