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High‐sensitivity flow cytometers have been developed for multi‐parameter characterization of single extracellular vesicles (EVs), but performance varies among instruments and calibration methods. Here we compare the characterization of identical (split) EV samples derived from human colorectal cancer (DiFi) cells by three high‐sensitivity flow cytometers, two commercial instruments, CytoFLEX/CellStream, and a custom single‐molecule flow cytometer (SMFC). DiFi EVs were stained with the membrane dye di‐8‐ANEPPS and with PE‐conjugated anti‐EGFR or anti‐tetraspanin (CD9/CD63/CD81) antibodies for estimation of EV size and surface protein copy numbers. The limits of detection (LODs) for immunofluorescence and vesicle size based on calibration using cross‐calibrated, hard‐dyed beads were ∼10 PE/∼80 nm EV diameter for CytoFLEX and ∼10 PEs/∼67 nm for CellStream. For the SMFC, the LOD for immunofluorescence was 1 PE and ≤ 35 nm for size. The population of EVs detected by each system (di‐8‐ANEPPS+/PE+ particles) differed widely depending on the LOD of the system; for example, CellStream/CytoFLEX detected only 5.7% and 1.5% of the tetraspanin‐labelled EVs detected by SMFC, respectively, and median EV diameter and antibody copy numbers were much larger for CellStream/CytoFLEX than for SMFC as measured and validated using super‐resolution/single‐molecule TIRF microscopy. To obtain a dataset representing a common EV population analysed by all three platforms, we filtered out SMFC and CellStream measurements for EVs below the CytoFLEX LODs as determined by bead calibration (10 PE/80 nm). The inter‐platform agreement using this filtered dataset was significantly better than for the unfiltered dataset, but even better concordance between results was obtained by applying higher cutoffs (21 PE/120 nm) determined by threshold analysis using the SMFC data. The results demonstrate the impact of specifying LODs to define the EV population analysed on inter‐instrument reproducibility in EV flow cytometry studies, and the utility of threshold analysis of SMFC data for providing semi‐quantitative LOD values for other flow cytometers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: There is an economic evaluation on the family‐based Helicobacter pylori screen‐and‐treat strategy (FBHS) in China. This study aimed to compare the cost‐effectiveness of the FBHS with the traditional H. pylori screen‐and‐treat strategy (TBHS). Materials and Methods: A seven‐state microsimulation model, including H. pylori infection and gastric cancer states, was constructed on the basis of the target family samples from 29 provinces in China. Taking a lifetime horizon from a healthcare system perspective, the long‐term costs and health outcomes of the FBHS and TBHS screening strategies were simulated separately, and economic evaluations were performed. The model parameters were primarily derived from real‐world data, published literature, and expert opinions. The primary outcome was the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) expressed as cost/quality‐adjusted life‐year (QALY) gained. One‐way sensitivity analysis, probabilistic sensitivity analysis, and scenario analysis were performed to assess the uncertainty of the results. Results: The base‐case analysis revealed that the average costs for FBHS and TBHS were 563.67 CNY and 574.08 CNY, respectively, with corresponding average QALYs of 14.83 and 14.79. The ICER for the comparison between the two strategies was −214.07, indicating that FBHS was an absolutely dominant strategy with better cost‐effectiveness. The results of both one‐way sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were robust. When taking into account the added benefit of the higher H. pylori eradication rate in FBHS, the average costs were further reduced, and the average QALYs were increased, solidifying its position as an unequivocally dominant strategy. Conclusion: The FBHS is an absolutely dominant and cost‐effective strategy that enables an optimized allocation of screening resources. Decision‐makers should prioritize FBHS when developing H. pylori prevention and control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Observational studies had demonstrated a link between sleep disturbances and cognitive decline. Here, we aimed to investigate the causal association between genetically predicted sleep traits and cognitive impairment using Mendelian randomization (MR). Methods: Using strict criteria, we selected genetic variants from European ancestry Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) from the Sleep Disorders Knowledge Portal and UK Biobank as instrumental variables for several sleep traits, including insomnia, sleep duration, daytime sleepiness, daytime napping, and chronotype. Summary statistics related to cognitive impairment were derived from five different GWAS, including the Social Science Genetic Association Consortium. The role of self‐reported sleep trait phenotypes in the etiology of cognitive impairment was explored using inverse‐variance weighted (IVW) tests, MR‐Egger tests, and weighted medians, and sensitivity analyses were conducted to ensure robustness. Results: In the main IVW analysis, sleep duration (reaction time: β = –0.05, 95% CI –0.07 to –0.04, p = 1.93×10−12), daytime sleepiness (average cortical thickness: β = –0.12, 95% CI –0.22 to –0.02, p = 0.023), and daytime napping (fluid intelligence: β = –0.47, 95% CI –0.87 to –0.07, p = 0.021; hippocampal volume in Alzheimer's disease: β = –0.99, 95% CI –1.64 to –0.35, p = 0.002) were significantly negatively correlated with cognitive performance. However, any effects of insomnia and chronotype on cognitive impairment were not determined. Conclusions: Our findings highlighted that focusing on sleep behaviors or distinct sleep patterns‐particularly sleep duration, daytime sleepiness, and daytime napping, was a promising approach for preventing cognitive impairment. This study also shed light on risk factors for and potential early markers of cognitive impairment risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene oxide (GO) has arisen as an effective adsorbent for water treatment owing to its high removal efficiency for water pollutants. However, separating GO adsorbents from the pollutant solution is difficult after adsorption. The GO adsorbents are unsuitable for various dyes, and can only remove cationic dyes from an aqueous solution. To address these issues, this study utilized a simple and cost-effective layer-by-layer assembly technique to deposit multilayer films onto solid substrates. These films were composed of poly(allylamine hydrochloride)–dextran (PAHD) microgels and GO, and were designed to be highly effective while remaining affordable. The PAHD/GO multilayer films obtained produced an effortless separation process and demonstrated exceptional adsorption capabilities for cationic, anionic and non-ionic dyes. Specifically, the adsorption capacities for carmine and mulberry red were notably high, measuring 337.4 and 417.7 mg g−1, respectively. In addition, the PAHD/GO multilayer films could be regenerated well in sodium chloride solution without obvious compromise of removal efficiency. The adsorption kinetics, isotherms and thermodynamics of dyes on the PAHD/GO multilayer films were also studied. Thanks to the straightforward manufacturing process and outstanding adsorption capabilities of PAHD/GO multilayer films, this study presents a significant opportunity to advance the practical application of GO in water treatment. A composite film composed of poly(allylamine hydrochloride)–dextran microgels and graphene oxide can be employed repeatedly to remove cationic, anionic and non-ionic dyes in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]