Immunogenicity and safety of the 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Pneumococcal infections are a serious health issue associated with increased morbidity and mortality. This systematic review evaluated the efficacy, effectiveness, immunogenicity, and safety of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV)15 compared to other pneumococcal vaccines or no vaccination in children and adults. We identified 20 randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Cytokine-armed pyroptosis induces antitumor immunity against diverse types of tumors.

Inflammasomes are defense complexes that utilize cytokines and immunogenic cell death (ICD) to stimulate the immune system against pathogens. Inspired by their dual action, we present cytokine-armed pyroptosis as a strategy for boosting immune response against diverse types of tumors. To induce pyroptosis, we utilize designed tightly regulated gasdermin D variants comprising different pore-forming capabilities and diverse modes of activation, representing a toolbox of ICD inducers.

Nanoscale polarization transient gratings.

Light manipulation at the nanoscale is essential both for fundamental science and modern technology. The quest to shorter lengthscales, however, requires the use of light wavelengths beyond the visible. In particular, in the extreme ultraviolet regime these manipulation capabilities are hampered by the lack of efficient optics, especially for polarization control.

Diaphragm Ultrasonography in Patients Without Symptoms or Signs of Respiratory Impairment.

Introduction/aims: We aimed to determine differences in diaphragm thickness by including/excluding pleural and peritoneal membranes, the variability in diaphragm thickness over the apposition zone, and the predictors of diaphragm thickness and excursion measurements.

Methods: At least 10 male and female subjects were recruited for each decade of life. Spirometry, respiratory muscle strength, and the diaphragm ultrasound (US) measurements were performed.

Expanding the phenotype and genotype spectrum of TAOK1 neurodevelopmental disorder and delineating TAOK2 neurodevelopmental disorder.

Purpose: The TAOK proteins are a group of serine/threonine-protein kinases involved in signalling pathways, cytoskeleton regulation, and neuronal development. TAOK1 variants are associated with a neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) characterized by distinctive facial features, hypotonia and feeding difficulties. TAOK2 variants have been reported to be associated with autism and early-onset obesity.

VIPAS39 related arthrogryposis-renal dysfunction-cholestasis syndrome-case report and systematic review.

Background: Arthrogryposis-renal dysfunction-cholestasis (ARC) syndrome, a rare autosomal recessive disorder, exhibits genetic heterogeneity with the VIPAS39 gene pathological variants being a distinct contributor.

Results: We present two related patients from Kosovo, describing the clinical, genetic, and therapeutic aspects of the syndrome. The identified novel VIPAS39 pathological variants (c.

A five-finger mnemonic for teaching schoolchildren the theoretical components of adult basic life support: a modified reactive Delphi-guided development and memorability pilot test with schoolchildren.

Background: A mnemonic is a cognitive aid frequently used in health-related education. The main goal of this study was to develop and test a 5-finger mnemonic for teaching schoolchildren the theoretical aspects of adult Basic Life Support (BLS) steps, a process rarely described in the context of instructing laypersons.

Methods: Experts from the European Resuscitation Council's Basic Life Support Science and Education Committee (ERC BLS SEC), specializing in teaching adult BLS, participated in the first phase of the pilot study.

Hair cortisol of pigs in mixed organic farms: the influence of season, breeding system and sex.

Introduction: Measurement of hair cortisol concentration (HCC) is a useful tool for assessing the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and thus evaluating the long-term adrenocortical response in different animal species and breeds. Robust indigenous pig breeds are highly adapted to the local environment and are preferred for organic farming, compared to the commercial breeds. We investigated whether seasonality, breeding system (indoor or outdoor) and sex influence HCC of pigs reared on organic farms.

Cross-Sectoral Comparisons of Process Quality Indicators of Health Care Across Residential Regions Using Restricted Mean Survival Time.

Background: Practice guidelines recommend patient management based on scientific evidence. Quality indicators gauge adherence to such recommendations and assess health care quality. They are usually defined as adverse event rates, which may not fully capture guideline adherence over time.

Current state of epigenetics in giant cell arteritis: Focus on microRNA dysregulation.

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a primary systemic vasculitis affecting the elderly, characterized by a granulomatous vessel wall inflammation of large- and medium-sized arteries. The immunopathology of GCA is complex, involving both the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system, where a maladaptive inflammatory-driven vascular repair process ultimately results in vessel wall thickening, intramural vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, neovascularization and vessel lumen occlusion, which can lead to serious ischemic complications such as visual loss and ischemic stroke. Over the past decade, microRNA (miRNA) dysregulation has been highlighted as an important contributing factor underlying the pathogenesis of GCA.

Fungal lectins show differential antiproliferative activity against cancer cell lines.

Glycosylation patterns represent an important signature of cancer cells that can be decoded by glycan-binding proteins, i.e., lectins.

Being Popular and Being Liked: Goals, Behaviors, and Norm Salience.

Youth's social status (popularity and likability) relates with social status goals as well as bullying and prosocial behaviors within the context of classroom norms for bullying and prosocial behaviors, but less clear is how each of these factors interrelates with each other. The current study empirically analyses the concurrent relationships among social status goals, bullying and prosocial behaviors, and classroom norms with social status. Participants were a nationally representative sample of 6,421 Slovenian early adolescents (50% females; M = 13 years; SD = 6 months).

Holistic monitoring of Campylobacter jejuni biofilms with NanoLuc bioluminescence.

Campylobacter jejuni, a major cause of foodborne zoonotic infections worldwide, shows a paradoxical ability to survive despite its susceptibility to environmental and food-processing stressors. This resilience is likely due to the bacterium entering a viable but non-culturable state, often within biofilms, or even initiating biofilm formation as a survival strategy. This study presents an innovative application of NanoLuc bioluminescence to accurately monitor the development of C.

Canid alphaherpesvirus 1 infection alters the gene expression and secretome profile of canine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in vitro.

Background: Canine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (cAD-MSCs) demonstrate promising tissue repair and regeneration capabilities. However, the procurement and preservation of these cells or their secreted factors for therapeutic applications pose a risk of viral contamination, and the consequences for cAD-MSCs remain unexplored. Consequently, this research sought to assess the impact of canid alphaherpesvirus 1 (CHV) on the functional attributes of cAD-MSCs, including gene expression profiles and secretome composition.

Concentric Needle Electromyography Findings in Patients with Ulnar Neuropathy at the Elbow.

In ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE), the degree of neuropathic changes, the sensitivity of needle electromyography (EMG) in individual ulnar muscles, and the utility of individual EMG parameters are controversial. I compared qualitative needle EMG findings in two ulnar-innervated hands muscles and two ulnar-innervated forearm muscles in a group of previously reported UNE patients. Altogether, 170 UNE patients (175 arms) were studied.

Impact of Hydraulic Resistance on Spatiotemporal Characteristics of Initial Six Steps When Sprinting Under Varying Loads.

Evaluations of the usability of hydraulic resistance for resisted sprint-training purposes remains rare. Thus, this study compared step-by-step changes in spatiotemporal characteristics during the first 10 m of sprints with varying hydraulic resistance loads. Fourteen male athletes performed 20 m sprints under minimal (10 N, considered as normal sprint), moderate (100 N), and heavy (150 N) hydraulic resistance loads.

Introducing a Software-Based Template for Standardized Structured Reports of Urinary Cytology and Its Impact on Turnaround Time in a Tertiary Center.

Introduction: Standardized pathology reports enhance completeness and readability, contributing to the overall improvement in the management of patients. The standardization of urine cytology reporting has gained widespread acceptance with the use of the Paris system (TPS) for reporting urinary cytology, primarily focused on detecting high-grade urothelial carcinoma (HGUC). The next phase at the Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, was the implementation of TPS, including standardized additional findings on non-neoplastic changes, into a software-based standardized structured reporting (SBSSR) system.

Industry updates from the field of stem cell research and regenerative medicine in October 2024.

Latest developments in the field of stem cell research and regenerative medicine compiled from publicly available information and press releases from non-academic institutions in October 2024.

The validity and reliability of the Slovenian version of the health literacy questionnaire short-form (HLS-EU-Q16) among adults and older adults.

Introduction: Health literacy is an important predictor of health behavior and self-rated health, playing a crucial role in shaping public health outcomes. Valid and reliable health literacy assessments are essential for effectively tailoring health interventions, particularly in different cultural contexts. Several questionnaires have been developed to measure health literacy, including the widely used 47-item Health Literacy Questionnaire and its shorter versions.

Attitudes of Slovenian students towards whole-body donation, organ donation, and the use of donated bodies in medical education.

Background: Anatomical dissection of whole bodies donated for teaching and research purposes remains a cornerstone of medical education. However, evolving sociocultural and ethical landscapes have historically influenced this practice, necessitating ongoing research to inform and enhance donation programs. This study examines the Slovenian students' attitudes and factors influencing their decision-making regarding body and organ donation for medical education.

Comparison of different eGFR formulas to measured glomerular filtration rate using iohexol in children and adolescents with mild chronic kidney disease.

Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) based on different formulas is commonly used as a bedside tool to assess kidney function in children and young adults. The purpose of this study was to perform a measurement of glomerular filtration rate (mGFR) in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) with a standard 5-point protocol using iohexol clearance and compare it to a simplified protocol for mGFR determination and to some of the most commonly used eGFR formulas. A 5-point standard protocol using iohexol clearance was used for determination of mGFR in 50 children with mild stages of CKD.

A possible origin of life in nonpolar environments.

Explaining the emergence of life is perhaps the central and most challenging question in modern science. We are proposing a new hypothesis concerning the origins of life. The new hypothesis is based on the assumption that during the emergence of life, evolution had to first involve autocatalytic systems which only subsequently acquired the capacity of genetic heredity.

The Application of Digital PCR as a Reference Measurement Procedure to Support the Accuracy of Quality Assurance for Infectious Disease Molecular Diagnostic Testing.

Background: Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) assist in the diagnosis of numerous infectious diseases. They are typically sensitive and specific and can be quickly developed and adapted. Far more challenging is the development of standards to ensure NAATs are performing within specification; reference materials take time to develop and suitable reference measurement procedures (RMPs) have not been available.