Machine-learning based prediction of appendicitis for patients presenting with acute abdominal pain at the emergency department.

Background: Acute abdominal pain (AAP) constitutes 5-10% of all emergency department (ED) visits, with appendicitis being a prevalent AAP etiology often necessitating surgical intervention. The variability in AAP symptoms and causes, combined with the challenge of identifying appendicitis, complicate timely intervention. To estimate the risk of appendicitis, scoring systems such as the Alvarado score have been developed.

Systematic probing of protein adsorption on protein-based nanoparticles in dependence of the particle surface charge.

Understanding protein adsorption on the surface of nanoparticles (NPs) is crucial for determining their behavior in biological environments. Early research in this field faced challenges in producing high-quality NPs. Advancements in NP fabrication now allow for precise modifications of specific parameters, such as zeta potential.

From natural to synthetic hydrogels: how much biochemical complexity is required for mechanotransduction?

The biochemical complexity of a material determines the biological response of cells triggered by a cell-material interaction. The degree in which this complexity influences basic cell-material interactions such as cell adhesion, spreading, and mechanotransduction is not entirely clear. To this end, we compared three different hydrogel systems, ranging from completely natural to synthetic, in their ability to induce mechanotransduction in kidney epithelial cells (HK-2).

Basic Bronchoscopy Competence Achieved by a Nationwide One-day Simulation-based Training.

Background: In 2020, a mandatory, nationwide 1-day bronchoscopy simulation-based training (SBT) course was implemented for novice pulmonology residents in the Netherlands. This pretest-posttest study was the first to evaluate the effectiveness of such a nationwide course in improving residents' simulated basic bronchoscopy skills.

Methods: After passing a theoretical test, residents followed a 1-day SBT course, available in 7 centers, where they practiced their bronchoscopy skills step-by-step on a virtual reality simulator under pulmonologist supervision.

Synthetic, multi-dynamic hydrogels by uniting stress-stiffening and supramolecular polymers.

Nature uses discrete molecular building blocks to form polymers that assemble into multicomponent, multi-dynamic networks, inside (cytoskeleton) and outside (extracellular matrix) the cell. Both the intra-fibrous molecular dynamics and interactions between fibers dictate (non)linear mechanics, such as stress stiffening and relaxation, and ultimately biological function. Current synthetic systems capture only one dynamic process.

AI-based lumbar central canal stenosis classification on sagittal MR images is comparable to experienced radiologists using axial images.

Objectives: The assessment of lumbar central canal stenosis (LCCS) is crucial for diagnosing and planning treatment for patients with low back pain and neurogenic pain. However, manual assessment methods are time-consuming, variable, and require axial MRIs. The aim of this study is to develop and validate an AI-based model that automatically classifies LCCS using sagittal T2-weighted MRIs.

Assembly of Differently Sized Supercharged Protein Nanocages into Superlattices for Construction of Binary Nanoparticle-Protein Materials.

This study focuses on the design and characterization of binary nanoparticle superlattices: Two differently sized, supercharged protein nanocages are used to create a matrix for nanoparticle arrangement. We have previously established the assembly of protein nanocages of the same size. Here, we present another approach for multicomponent biohybrid material synthesis by successfully assembling two differently sized supercharged protein nanocages with different symmetries.

Investigating the self-assembly of 2NapFF and ureido-pyrimidinone multicomponent systems for cell culture.

Low molecular weight gels are formed the self-assembly of small molecules into fibrous structures. In the case of hydrogels, these networks entrap large volumes of water, yielding soft materials. Such gels tend to have weak mechanical properties and a high permeability for cells, making them particularly appealing for regenerative medicine applications.

Tunable crystalline assemblies using surface-engineered protein cages.

Assembly of nanoparticles into superlattices yields nanomaterials with novel properties. We have recently shown that engineered protein cages are excellent building blocks for the assembly of inorganic nanoparticles into highly structured hybrid materials, with unprecedented precision. In this study, we show that the protein matrix, composed of surface-charged protein cages, can be readily tuned to achieve a number of different crystalline assemblies.

Mimicking the extracellular world: from natural to fully synthetic matrices utilizing supramolecular biomaterials.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) has evolved around complex covalent and non-covalent interactions to create impressive function-from cellular signaling to constant remodeling. A major challenge in the biomedical field is the design and control of synthetic ECMs for applications ranging from tissue engineering to neuromodulation to bioelectronics. As we move towards recreating the ECM's complexity in hydrogels, the field has taken several approaches to recapitulate the main important features of the native ECM ( mechanical, bioactive and dynamic properties).

Association of Irritability with Restricted, Repetitive Behaviors and Social Communication Challenges in Autistic Youth.

Although affective irritability is a common and concerning problem for autistic youth, limited research has examined relations among core autism characteristics and irritability. Therefore, this study investigated potential associations among types of restricted/repetitive behaviors (RRBs) and social communication challenges and irritability in autistic children and adolescents. Participants were 107 autistic youth recruited from a university-based autism clinical research program.

Sport and longevity: an observational study of international athletes.

The human lifespan is influenced by various factors, with physical activity being a significant contributor. Despite the clear benefit of exercise on health and longevity, the association between different types of sports and lifespan is yet to be considered. Accordingly, we aimed to study this association in a large international cohort of former athletes using a robust linear regression model.

Tuning Structural Organization via Molecular Design and Hierarchical Assembly to Develop Supramolecular Thermoresponsive Hydrogels.

The cellular microenvironment is composed of a dynamic hierarchical fibrillar architecture providing a variety of physical and bioactive signals to the surrounding cells. This dynamicity, although common in biology, is a challenge to control in synthetic matrices. Here, responsive synthetic supramolecular monomers were designed that are able to assemble into hierarchical fibrous structures, combining supramolecular fiber formation via hydrogen bonding interactions, with a temperature-responsive hydrophobic collapse, resulting in cross-linking and hydrogel formation.

Machine Learning-Based Prediction of Hemoglobinopathies Using Complete Blood Count Data.

Background: Hemoglobinopathies, the most common inherited blood disorder, are frequently underdiagnosed. Early identification of carriers is important for genetic counseling of couples at risk. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a novel machine learning model on a multicenter data set, covering a wide spectrum of hemoglobinopathies based on routine complete blood count (CBC) testing.

The Effect of Regional Anaesthesia on Free Flap Survival in Lower Extremity Reconstructions.

Background: The effect of different modalities of anaesthesia in microvascular free flap surgery has been a topic of ongoing debate. Comparative data to study the effect of general anaesthesia and regional anaesthesia in the form of peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs) on lower extremity free flap survival is lacking to date. This study aims to elucidate the effect of regional anaesthesia on flap survival in lower extremity free flap reconstructions.

Artificial intelligence for automated detection and measurements of carpal instability signs on conventional radiographs.

Objectives: To develop and validate an artificial intelligence (AI) system for measuring and detecting signs of carpal instability on conventional radiographs.

Materials And Methods: Two case-control datasets of hand and wrist radiographs were retrospectively acquired at three hospitals (hospitals A, B, and C). Dataset 1 (2178 radiographs from 1993 patients, hospitals A and B, 2018-2019) was used for developing an AI system for measuring scapholunate (SL) joint distances, SL and capitolunate (CL) angles, and carpal arc interruptions.

The effectiveness of ambulatory continuous popliteal sciatic nerve blockade on patient-reported overall benefit of analgesia in patients undergoing foot or ankle surgery (CAREFREE trial); a randomized, open label, non-inferiority trial.

Study Objective: Management of pain after foot and ankle surgery remains a concern for patients and healthcare professionals. This study determined the effectiveness of ambulatory continuous popliteal sciatic nerve blockade, compared to standard of care, on overall benefit of analgesia score (OBAS) in patients undergoing foot or ankle surgery. We hypothesized that usage of ambulatory continuous popliteal sciatic nerve blockade is non-inferior to standard of care.

The EORTC QLU-C10D is a valid cancer-specific preference-based measure for cost-utility and health technology assessment in the Netherlands.

Background: Cost-utility analysis typically relies on preference-based measures (PBMs). While generic PBMs are widely used, disease-specific PBMs can capture aspects relevant for certain patient populations. Here the EORTC QLU-C10D, a cancer-specific PBM based on the QLQ-C30, is validated using Dutch trial data with the EQ-5D-3L as a generic comparator measure.

Lumbar spine segmentation in MR images: a dataset and a public benchmark.

This paper presents a large publicly available multi-center lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) dataset with reference segmentations of vertebrae, intervertebral discs (IVDs), and spinal canal. The dataset includes 447 sagittal T1 and T2 MRI series from 218 patients with a history of low back pain and was collected from four different hospitals. An iterative data annotation approach was used by training a segmentation algorithm on a small part of the dataset, enabling semi-automatic segmentation of the remaining images.

Development and validation of AI-based automatic measurement of coronal Cobb angles in degenerative scoliosis using sagittal lumbar MRI.

Objectives: Severity of degenerative scoliosis (DS) is assessed by measuring the Cobb angle on anteroposterior radiographs. However, MRI images are often available to study the degenerative spine. This retrospective study aims to develop and evaluate the reliability of a novel automatic method that measures coronal Cobb angles on lumbar MRI in DS patients.

Citizen scientists' engagement in flood risk-related data collection: a case study in Bui River Basin, Vietnam.

Time constraints, financial limitations, and inadequate tools restrict the flood data collection in undeveloped countries, especially in the Asian and African regions. Engaging citizens in data collection and contribution has the potential to overcome these challenges. This research demonstrates the applicability of citizen science for gathering flood risk-related data on residential flooding, land use information, and flood damage to paddy fields for the Bui River Basin in Vietnam.

Comparison of Two Versus Three Bilateral Botulinum Toxin Injections Prior to Abdominal Wall Reconstruction.

Intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin A (BTA) induces a temporary muscle paralysis. In patients with a ventral hernia, preoperative injection of BTA in the muscles of the lateral abdominal wall (LAW) leads to thinning and lengthening of these muscles, making fascial closure more likely. In many hernia centres, treatment with BTA prior to abdominal wall reconstruction has therefore become standard care.

Pre-hospital rule-out of non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome by a single troponin: final one-year outcomes of the ARTICA randomised trial.

Background And Aims: The healthcare burden of acute chest pain is enormous. In the randomized ARTICA trial, we showed that pre-hospital identification of low-risk patients and rule-out of non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) with point-of-care (POC) troponin measurement reduces 30-day healthcare costs with low major adverse cardiac events (MACE) incidence. Here we present the final 1-year results of the ARTICA trial.