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Differential host responses in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) remain poorly characterized. Here, we use next-generation sequencing to longitudinally analyze blood samples from pediatric patients with COVID-19 or MIS-C across three hospitals. Profiling of plasma cell-free nucleic acids uncovers distinct signatures of cell injury and death between COVID-19 and MIS-C, with increased multiorgan involvement in MIS-C encompassing diverse cell types, including endothelial and neuronal cells, and an enrichment of pyroptosis-related genes. Whole-blood RNA profiling reveals upregulation of similar pro-inflammatory pathways in COVID-19 and MIS-C but also MIS-C-specific downregulation of T cell-associated pathways. Profiling of plasma cell-free RNA and whole-blood RNA in paired samples yields different but complementary signatures for each disease state. Our work provides a systems-level view of immune responses and tissue damage in COVID-19 and MIS-C and informs future development of new disease biomarkers.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the degree to which information technology department employees meet the stages of needs outlined in Abraham Harold Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs theory. The researchers identified eight variables and formulated eight hypotheses related to these variables. To test these hypotheses, data from an online survey completed by 401 active information technology employees in Turkey, representing the study population, was utilized. The convenience sampling method, which is one of the non-probabilistic sampling methods due to time and budget constraints, was utilized. The statistical analysis revealed a noteworthy correlation between the variables, particularly in terms of income status and motivation, across all sub-dimensions of Abraham Harold Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs theory. While variations in the perceived level of deprivation by sub-dimensions were identified in other hypotheses, these variances did not reach statistical significance across all sub-dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Balanced plasma/red blood cell transfusions have shown survival benefit in emergency scenarios. To improve plasma availability, we implemented 5‐day group A thawed plasma at our pediatric hospital in February 2021. Study Design and Methods: We maintain thawed group A plasma units (5‐day shelf‐life) ready for immediate issue in the blood bank (since February 2021) and trauma code room (since August 2022). Group A plasma (un‐titered) is issued for patients with unknown blood type during emergencies. We retrospectively reviewed records and laboratory results of recipients to assess safety and identify possible adverse events related to incompatible plasma. Results: Between February 2021 and December 2023, 173 emergency plasma requests occurred for 161 patients. Ninety‐one occurred with massive transfusion protocol activations. Thirty‐six patients (22.4%) were blood group B or AB, and 23 received incompatible plasma (age 0–21.3 years, weight 0.74–149.8 kg, incompatible plasma dose 4.0–428.4 mL/kg). These patients did not have any differences in survival outcomes or hospital lengths of stay (LOS) compared with compatible plasma recipients, mirroring the adult experience. None experienced adverse events related to group A plasma. No transfusion reactions were reported. No increase in wastage/outdate occurred upon thawed plasma implementation (2020 versus 2021 to 2023, 7.73% [133/1721] vs. 8.58% [497/5792], p =.284). Conclusions: We implemented 5‐day group A thawed plasma. Units are rapidly available from the blood bank and trauma code room without increased wastage. We did not identify any transfusion‐associated adverse events in pediatric recipients of incompatible group A plasma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

* Transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease (TAGVHD) is a disease with a very high mortality rate. In this report, we discuss TA-GVHD from a historical perspective, highlight the pathogenesis of TA-GVHD, and emphasize the importance of blood product irradiation, which is a very effective means to prevent this disease. We summarize the current recommendations in different patient populations from different countries and review recent developments, such as alternatives for the use of radioactive materials. We also speculate on future directions. (Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2018;142:662-667; doi: 10.5858/arpa.2016-0620-RS), Clinical pathologists and blood bank personnel are consulted for advice on whether irradiated blood products are required for patients' transfusion needs. Transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease (TAGVHD) is the sole indication for [...]

Summary: Pathogen‐reduced (PR) platelets are routinely used in many countries. Some studies reported changes in platelet and red blood cell (RBC) transfusion requirements in patients who received PR platelets when compared to conventional (CONV) platelets. Over a 28‐month period we retrospectively analysed platelet utilisation, RBC transfusion trends, and transfusion reaction rates data from all transfused adult patients transfused at the Yale‐New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT, USA. We determined the number of RBC and platelet components administered between 2 and 24, 48, 72 or 96 h. A total of 3767 patients received 21 907 platelet components (CONV = 8912; PR = 12 995); 1,087 patients received only CONV platelets (1578 components) and 1,466 patients received only PR platelets (2604 components). The number of subsequently transfused platelet components was slightly higher following PR platelet components (P < 0·05); however, fewer RBCs were transfused following PR platelet administration (P < 0·05). The mean time‐to‐next platelet component transfusion was slightly shorter following PR platelet transfusion (P = 0·002). The rate of non‐septic transfusion reactions did not differ (all P > 0·05). Septic transfusion reactions (N = 5) were seen only after CONV platelet transfusions (P = 0·011). These results provide evidence for comparable clinical efficacy of PR and CONV platelets. PR platelets eliminated septic transfusion reactions without increased risk of other types of transfusions with only slight increase in platelet utilisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The misuse of statistical methods in diagnostic accuracy studies has been criticized in many publications. Objective To assess the use and misuse of statistical methods in medical journal articles. Methods We reviewed 141 original articles from 6 cytopathology journals published in 2014. Results In total, 16 articles used no descriptive statistics and 66 articles used no inferential statistics. Also, 82 articles did not report using any tests for diagnostic accuracy. The most commonly adopted statistical measure for diagnostic accuracy was sensitivity, followed by specificity. The most common inferential statistical methods were χ2 testing, the Fisher exact test, and the Cohen kappa coefficient, respectively. Only 78 articles were free of statistical errors. "No statistics were used although statistical methods were required" was the most common type of error, followed by "failure to select proper statistical methods." Conclusion Our assessment of use of statistical methods in this subsection of pathology demonstrated a need for improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]