Comparison of mNGS with conventional methods for diagnosis of cryptococcal meningitis: a retrospective study.

The application of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) in the diagnosis of cryptococcal meningitis is relatively under characterized. Here, we retrospectively evaluated data from cryptococcal meningitis patients who were tested using mNGS and/or routine testing, including fungal culture, India ink staining, and cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) testing. The performance of mNGS was then assessed.

The biomechanical implications of lacunar and perilacunar microarchitecture on microdamage accumulation in cortical bone.

: This study aimed to explore how the microarchitectural features of lacunae and perilacunar zones impact the biomechanics of microdamage accumulation in cortical bone, crucial for understanding bone disorders' pathogenesis and developing preventive measures. : Utilizing the phase field finite element method, the study analyzed three bone unit models with varying microarchitecture: one without lacunae, one with lacunae and one including perilacunar zones, to assess their effects on cortical bone's biomechanical properties. : The presence of lacunae was found to increase microcrack initiation risk, acting as nucleation points and accelerating microcrack propagation.

Fecal propionate is a signature of insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome.

Objective: To investigate the roles of fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods: The levels of SCFAs (acetate, propionate, and butyrate) in 83 patients with PCOS and 63 controls were measured, and their relationships with various metabolic parameters were analyzed. Intestinal microbiome analysis was conducted to identify relevant bacteria.

In situ synthesis of HKUST-1 on copper-ammonia fiber for preparation of quaternary-ammonium chitosan based active packaging with sustained-release cinnamaldehyde.

Cinnamaldehyde (CIN) is gaining interest as a highly effective natural antimicrobial agent to extend the shelf life of fruits. However, its inherent instability limits further applications. In this work, a new strategy for the synthesis of HKUST-1 to encapsulate CINs by in situ growth method using copper-ammonia fiber as precursors is proposed.

Characterization changes and research waste in randomized controlled trials of global gastroesophageal reflux disease and hiatus hernia over the past 20 years.

Background: The results of many large randomized clinical trials (RCTs) have transformed clinical practice in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and esophageal hiatal hernia (HH). However, research waste (i.e.