Circulating FGF-21 as a Disease-Modifying Factor Associated with Distinct Symptoms and Cognitive Profiles in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Fibromyalgia.

Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and fibromyalgia (FM) are overlapping syndromes characterized by persistent fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and post-exertional malaise (PEM), yet they lack objective biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21), a stress-responsive metabolic hormone, may offer a promising avenue to distinguish subtypes within these patient populations. In this cross-sectional study, plasma FGF-21 levels were measured in 250 patients (FM = 47; ME = 99; ME + FM = 104) and 54 healthy controls.

Injury severity of single-vehicle large-truck crashes: accounting for heterogeneity.

This research examines the injury severity of single-vehicle large-truck crashes in Florida while exploring the role of heterogeneity. A random parameter ordered logit (RPOL) model was applied to 27,505 single-vehicle large-truck crashes from 2007 to 2016 in Florida, and the contributing factors were identified. Random parameters and interaction effects were introduced to the model to determine the heterogeneity and its potential sources.

Exploring the influences of personal attitudes on the intention of continuing online grocery shopping after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has brought drastic changes in our daily activities. One of these essential activities is grocery shopping. In compliance with the recommended social distancing standards, many people have switched to online grocery shopping or curbside pickup to minimize possible contagion.

Exploring the attitudes of Millennials and Generation Xers toward ridesourcing services.

This paper presents a study investigating the potential market of ridesourcing services, with a focus on the attitudinal and preferential differences between Millennials and Generation Xers. Data obtained from a stated preference survey were utilized, where the respondents were asked to choose between a conventional mode (private vehicle driver, transit, or private vehicle passenger) and ridesourcing modes (exclusive ride and shared ride). Error component nested logit models were developed for Generation Xers and Millennials, respectively.

Upregulation of VEGF-A and correlation between VEGF-A and FLT-1 expressions in Iranian multiple sclerosis patients.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is among the most common diseases affecting brain and spinal cord. MS progression is characterized by breakdown of blood brain barrier which leads to increased vascular permeability and angiogenesis. Consequently, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF) and its receptors are considered to be important components of MS progression.

Severity analysis for large truck rollover crashes using a random parameter ordered logit model.

Large truck rollover crashes present significant financial, industrial, and social impacts. This paper presents an effort to investigate the contributing factors to large truck rollover crashes. Specific focus was placed on exploring the role of heterogeneity and the potential sources of heterogeneity regarding their impacts on injury-severity outcomes.

Expression analysis of protein inhibitor of activated () genes in IFNβ-treated multiple sclerosis patients.

Objectives: Protein inhibitors of activated STAT (PIAS) are transcription co-regulator of the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling pathway as well as nuclear factor-κB family of transcription factors. Both of them are involved in cytokine release during inflammatory response.

Patients And Methods: Considering the role of cytokine imbalance in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS), we compared blood expressions of genes in 48 interferon β (IFNβ)-treated MS patients with those of healthy subjects by means of real time PCR.