Locoregional anesthesia in patients with Brugada syndrome. A retrospective database analysis.

Background: The use of local anesthetics (LA) in individuals with Brugada syndrome (BrS) remains a subject of debate due to the lack of large-scale studies confirming their potential risks. This study primarily aimed to evaluate the incidence of new malignant arrhythmias or defibrillation events in patients diagnosed with BrS during the perioperative period, following the administration of local anesthetics, and within 30 days postoperatively. The secondary objective was to analyze the occurrence of adverse effects during hospitalization, as well as 30-day readmission and mortality rates.

Integration of clinical, pathological, radiological, and transcriptomic data improves prediction for first-line immunotherapy outcome in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.

Immunotherapy is improving the survival of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), yet reliable biomarkers are needed to identify responders prospectively and optimize patient care. In this study, we explore the benefits of multimodal approaches to predict immunotherapy outcome using multiple machine learning algorithms and integration strategies. We analyze baseline multimodal data from a cohort of 317 metastatic NSCLC patients treated with first-line immunotherapy, including positron emission tomography images, digitized pathological slides, bulk transcriptomic profiles, and clinical information.

Adaptive evolution of stress response genes in parasites aligns with host niche diversity.

Background: Stress responses are key the survival of parasites and, consequently, also the evolutionary success of these organisms. Despite this importance, our understanding of the evolution of molecular pathways dealing with environmental stressors in parasitic animals remains limited. Here, we tested the link between adaptive evolution of parasite stress response genes and their ecological diversity and species richness.

A novel 3D-printed sample preparation method for benzodiazepine quantification in human serum.

Background: Benzodiazepine abuse remains a significant public health concern. Current sample preparation methods for benzodiazepine analysis from human serum often involve complex procedures that require large sample volumes and extensive organic solvent use. To address these limitations, this study presents a novel and efficient sample preparation method utilizing 3D-printed sorbent devices.

Estimating the environmental burden of disease resulting from exposure to chemicals in European countries - potentials and challenges revealed in selected case studies.

Background: The increased use of chemicals leads to a continuous deposition of chemicals in the environment and to a continuous increase in exposure of the global and the European population. Comprehensive burden of disease analyses are however still missing for many countries.

Methods: Using the World Health Organization's Environmental Burden of Disease (EBD) approach and combining data from the European Human Biomonitoring (HBM) dashboard with disease and population data, we estimated the comprehensive attributable burden (AB) for the year 2021, in the best-case quantified by disability-adjusted life years (DALY).

Multi-Gene Panel for Thrombophilia Testing in Venous Thromboembolism.

Background: Conventional tests for inherited thrombophilia focus on the five most-established inherited thrombophilias; i.e. deficiencies in antithrombin, protein C, and protein S, and the factor V Leiden and prothrombin G20210A variants.

Chemotherapy-induced diminished murine ovarian reserve model and impact of low-dose chemotherapy on fertility.

Objective: To establish a murine model of chemotherapy-induced diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) and investigate residual fertility after chemotherapy exposure.

Design: Two different chemotherapy protocols were tested to establish a valid DOR model by comparing follicle densities in mice given either protocol versus physiological solution. An ovarian stimulation protocol was then selected from among different gonadotropins by counting the number of day-2 embryos obtained from normal mice.

Impact of Exercise on Atrial Functional Mitral Regurgitation and its Ddeterminants. An Exercise Echocardiographic Study.

Atrial functional mitral regurgitation (AFMR) is a distinct form of MR in patients with atrial fibrillation and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Its pathophysiology remains elusive, and data on exercise-related AFMR are scarce. We sought to investigate the impact of acute exercise on AFMR severity and to identify its determinants.

A thorny tale: The origin and diversification of Cirsium (Compositae).

Widely distributed plant genera offer insights into biogeographic processes and biodiversity. The Carduus-Cirsium group, with over 600 species in eight genera, is diverse across the Holarctic regions, especially in the Mediterranean Basin, Southwest Asia, Japan, and North America. Despite this diversity, evolutionary and biogeographic processes within the group, particularly for the genus Cirsium, remain underexplored.

The lesser tuberosity C-block osteotomy for anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty has no negative impact on the volumetric ratio of the transversal force couple.

Background: Mobilization of the subscapularis muscle (SSC) is crucial for optimal access to the glenohumeral joint during anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty (ATSA). However, the ideal mobilization technique remains controversial. This study aimed to assess the impact of the lesser tuberosity C-block osteotomy, a modified lesser tuberosity osteotomy, on the postoperative subscapularis (SSC) volume following anatomical shoulder arthroplasty and compare it to the volume of the infraspinatus/teres minor.

Tablet diversion strategy based on in-line NIR tablet press feed frame measurements.

The tablet diversion strategy, based on in-line near-infrared (NIR) tablet press feed frame measurements, can be a key component of both batch and continuous oral solid dose manufacturing processes. It enables real-time, high-frequency monitoring and control, enhancing process understanding and compliance compared to conventional interval-based sampling methods. Central to this strategy are NIR spectrometers, which serve as PAT systems for in-line blend uniformity monitoring in the feed of the tablet press.

Burden of RSV infections among young children in primary care: a prospective cohort study in five European countries (2021-23).

Background: The majority of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in young children are managed in primary care, however, the disease burden in this setting remains poorly defined.

Methods: We did a prospective cohort study in primary care settings in Belgium, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and the UK during the RSV seasons of 2020-21 (UK only; from Jan 1, 2021), 2021-22, and 2022-23. Children aged younger than 5 years presenting to their general practitioner or primary care paediatrician with symptoms of an acute respiratory tract infection were eligible for RSV testing.

Technical note: A silenced hybrid 3D-printed self-loading pistol of the YEET family.

Since the release of the first 3D-printed firearm, "The Liberator," the occurrence of 3D-printed firearms in criminal activities has increased, highlighting the need for forensic research on these weapons. This study presents a technical examination of a 3D-printed firearm received by the National Institute of Criminalistics and Criminology (NICC), focusing on its design, ballistic performance, and its potential for microscopic comparative analysis. The firearm, resembling a 3D-printed pistol Yeet22, is primarily constructed from polymer parts, with the exception of the firing pin, barrel, and various springs and screws.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery for patients undergoing radical cystectomy: Surgeons' perspectives and recommendations ten years after its implementation.

Background And Objectives: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) guidelines for Radical Cystectomy (RC) were published over ten years ago. Aim of this systematic review is to update ERAS recommendations for patients undergoing RC and to give an expert opinion on the relevance of each single ERAS item.

Methods: A systematic review was performed to identify the impact of each single ERAS item on RC outcomes.

Towards circular consumer behavior: Analysis of discount schemes on coffee cup use.

Through a natural experiment setting in Hong Kong, this study examines the effects of financial incentives and nudges on consumer choices among three types of coffee cups: bring-your-own-cup (BYOC), shop-provided reusable cups, and disposable cups. Our dataset comprises 223 structured observations of coffee shops with 522 data points. The financial incentive-a direct price instrument set as a discount-is offered exclusively to customers who bring their own cups, while shop-provided (reusable) cups are not eligible.

Modelling the combined effects of ionising radiation and chemical pollutants on wildlife populations.

A population model is presented to study the combined effects of ionising radiation and chemical pollutants on wildlife. The model is based on first order, non-linear and logistic differential equations combining mortality, morbidity and reproduction phenomena with life history data and ecological interactions. Acclimation is considered as a possible mechanism to study theoretically this effect at low levels of radiation or chemical concentration.

Cartilaginous microtissues exhibit extreme resilience under compression with size-dependent mechanical properties.

Self-assembled cartilaginous microtissues provide a promising means of repairing challenging skeletal defects and connective tissues. However, despite their considerable promise in tissue engineering, the mechanical response of these engineered microtissues is not well understood. Here we examine the mechanical and viscoelastic response of progenitor cell aggregates formed from human primary periosteal cells and the resulting cartilaginous microtissues under large deformations as might be encountered in vivo.

Cervical extensor muscle activity during neck tasks in individuals with and without neck pain: A systematic review.

Background: In the context of neck pain, neck muscle activity adapts through diverse regional coordination modifications during tasks. Although patterns of cervical flexor muscle impairment are well-documented, patterns in the cervical extensor muscles are less clear, hindering assessment and treatment. Despite studies revealing adaptations in the cervical extensor muscles, outcome measure heterogeneity complicates interpretation, particularly between superficial and deep muscles.

Endothelial Cpt1a Inhibits Neonatal Hyperoxia-Induced Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling by Repressing Endothelial-Mesenchymal Transition.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) increases the mortality of preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). There are no curative therapies for this disease. Lung endothelial carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1a (Cpt1a), the rate-limiting enzyme of the carnitine shuttle system, is reduced in a rodent model of BPD.

Protocol to generate a 3D atherogenesis-on-chip model for studying endothelial-macrophage crosstalk in atherogenesis.

The endothelium is the gatekeeper of vessel health, and its dysfunction is pivotal in driving atherogenesis. Here, we present a protocol to replicate endothelial-macrophage crosstalk during atherogenesis, called the "atherogenesis-on-chip" model, based on the Emulate dual-channel perfusion system. We describe a model for studying endothelial-macrophage interactions during atherogenesis in human aortic endothelial cells and human macrophages using qPCR and secretome analysis, fluorescence microscopy, and flow cytometry.

miR-449a/miR-340 reprogram cell identity and metabolism in fusion-negative rhabdomyosarcoma.

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), the most common pediatric soft tissue sarcoma, arises in skeletal muscle and remains in an undifferentiated state due to transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulators. Among its subtypes, fusion-negative RMS (FN-RMS) accounts for the majority of diagnoses in the pediatric population. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNAs that modulate cell identity via post-transcriptional regulation of messenger RNAs (mRNAs).

Antimicrobial resistance in wild game mammals: a glimpse into the contamination of wild habitats in a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Wild game meat has over the years gained popularity across the globe as it is considered a food source with high protein content, low fat content, and a balanced composition of fatty acids and minerals, which are requirements for a healthy diet. Despite this popularity, there is a concern over its safety as many species of wildlife are reservoirs of zoonotic diseases including those of bacterial origin, more so antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Methods: This study aimed to describe the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in mammalian wild game, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

Dropping out of a peripartum depression mHealth study: participants' motives and suggestions for improvement.

Background: Peripartum depression is a common but potentially debilitating pregnancy complication. Mobile applications can be used to collect data throughout the pregnancy and postpartum period to improve understanding of early risk indicators.

Aim: This study aimed to improve understanding of why women drop out of a peripartum depression mHealth study, and how we can improve the app design.