Atrial fibrillation burden in clinical practice, research, and technology development: a clinical consensus statement of the European Society of Cardiology Council on Stroke and the European Heart Rhythm Association.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common cardiac diseases and a complicating comorbidity for multiple associated diseases. Many clinical decisions regarding AF are currently based on the binary recognition of AF being present or absent with the categorical appraisal of AF as continued or intermittent. Assessment of AF in clinical trials is largely limited to the time to (first) detection of an AF episode.

Time dependence of the pre-chromatographic oxidation method for bivalves contaminated with paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins.

The neurotoxins of the saxitoxin family can be the origin of the human neurological syndrome of paralytic shellfish poisoning via contaminated marine bivalve vectors. A pre-chromatographic oxidation method is the official testing method in the EU, also known as the 'Lawrence method'. It involves several steps, including toxin extraction, solid-phase clean-up, and oxidation to produce fluorescent derivatives.

Neuropsychological tests and machine learning: identifying predictors of MCI and dementia progression.

Background: Early prediction of progression in dementia is of major importance for providing patients with adequate clinical care, with considerable impact on the organization of the whole healthcare system.

Aims: The main task is tailoring robust and consolidated machine learning models to detect which neuropsychological tests are more effective in predicting a patient's mental status. In a translational medicine perspective, such identification tool should find its place in the clinician's toolbox as a support throughout his daily diagnostic routine.

IMproving Preclinical Assessment of Cardioprotective Therapies (IMPACT): a small animal acute myocardial infarction randomized-controlled multicenter study on the effect of ischemic preconditioning.

Although many cardioprotective interventions have been shown to limit infarct size (IS), in preclinical animal studies of acute myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI), their clinical translation to patient benefit has been largely disappointing. A major factor is the lack of rigor and reproducibility in the preclinical studies. To address this, we have established the IMproving Preclinical Assessment of Cardioprotective Therapies (IMPACT) small animal multisite acute myocardial infarction (AMI) network, with centralized randomization and blinded core laboratory IS analysis, and have validated the network using ischemic preconditioning (IPC).

[Integration of large language models into the clinic : Revolution in analysing and processing patient data to increase efficiency and quality in radiology].

Background: Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, Llama and Claude are transforming healthcare by interpreting complex text, extracting information, and providing guideline-based support. Radiology, with its high patient volume and digital workflows, is a ideal field for LLM integration.

Objective: Assessment of the potential of LLMs to enhance efficiency, standardization, and decision support in radiology, while addressing ethical and regulatory challenges.

[Diagnostics and management of perioperative bleeding disorders].

Perioperative bleeding is and remains a major complication during and after surgical interventions, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. The main causes of a non-primary vascular-related bleeding are congenital or multifactorial pre-existing hemostatic disorders that have not yet been diagnosed, the operating procedure itself and acquired hemostatic abnormalities as a secondary phenomenon, e.g.

Psychopathology in children before and after epilepsy surgery: a prospective controlled study.

Objective: This study was undertaken to prospectively assess the frequency and type of psychiatric disorders (PDs) in pediatric surgical candidates and evaluate the effects of epilepsy surgery on their psychopathological profile.

Methods: This is a prospective controlled study. Psychopathology was assessed using both diagnostic interviews and questionnaires completed by clinicians, parents, and whenever possible, patients, at baseline (T0) and 1 year after surgery in operated patients (T1) and 1 year after the first evaluation in a control group of nonoperated patients (T1).

Surface Grafting of Graphene Flakes with Fluorescent Dyes: A Tailored Functionalization Approach.

The controlled functionalization of graphene is critical for tuning and enhancing its properties, thereby expanding its potential applications. Covalent functionalization offers a deeper tuning of the geometric and electronic structure of graphene compared to non-covalent methods; however, the existing techniques involve side reactions and spatially uncontrolled functionalization, pushing research toward more selective and controlled methods. A promising approach is 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition, successfully utilized with carbon nanotubes.

Robust Assessments of Lithium Mining Impacts Embodied in Global Supply Chain Require Spatially Explicit Analyses.

Lithium is a critical material for the energy transition, but its mining causes significant environmental impacts that will intensify due to surging global demand. Here, we conduct a mining site-specific environmental impact assessment of lithium on a global scale, focusing on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, water use, and land use. We then track the production and international trade flows of all lithium-containing commodities to assess how lithium mining impacts are distributed across global supply chains.

An Eu Coordination Polymer: Its Single-Crystal Transformation Synthesis, Fluorescence Detection of Melamine, and Proton Conductivity.

In this work, an Eu coordination polymer () was synthesized by a single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation based upon complex under the stimulation of water molecules ({[Eu(bpdc)(HO)]·4HO} (), {[Eu(bpdc)(HO)]·5HO} (), and Hbpdc = 2,2'-bipyridine-3,3'-dicarboxylic acid ligand). Complex exhibited considerable pH fluorescence stability in an aqueous solution. Notably, the experiment showed that complex achieved high selectivity and sensitivity for the detection of the notorious food additive melamine (MEL) through a significant fluorescence enhancement response; and yet complex had no fluorescent response with MEL.

Two New Kindreds with Complete Factor D Deficiency.

Inborn deficiencies of the alternative pathway (AP) of the complement system have been associated with life-threatening infections, mainly by encapsulated bacteria. Complete factor D (FD) deficiencies have been reported in only seven families in the literature. We report two new cases of biochemically and genetically confirmed complete FD deficiency, including the first in a Down syndrome patient.

A Soil Monitoring Law for Europe.

Over 60% of European soils are unhealthy according to the Soil Mission board estimates and the indicators presented in the European Union (EU) Soil degradation dashboard. The situation may worsen if no policy interventions are taken. The unsustainable use of natural resources, in particular the degradation of soils, precipitates biodiversity loss, exacerbated by the climate crisis.

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance maltodextrin.

The conclusions of the EFSA following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authorities of the rapporteur Member State, Ireland, and co-rapporteur Member State, France, for the pesticide active substance maltodextrin and the considerations as regards the inclusion of the substance in Annex IV of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 are reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 844/2012, as amended by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2020/103. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative uses of maltodextrin as an insecticide and acaricide on all edible and non-edible crops.

Quality of life in heart failure. The heart of the matter. A scientific statement of the Heart Failure Association and the European Association of Preventive Cardiology of the European Society of Cardiology.

For most patients with chronic, progressive illnesses, maintaining good quality of life (QoL), with preserved functional capacity, is just as crucial as prolonging survival. Patients with heart failure (HF) experience much worse QoL and effort intolerance than both the general population and people with other chronic conditions, since they present a range of physical and psychological symptoms, including shortness of breath, chest discomfort, fatigue, fluid congestion, trouble with sleeping, and depression. These symptoms reduce patients' capacity for daily social and physical activity.

Effects of organic acid-preserved cereal grains in sow diets during late gestation and lactation on the performance and faecal microbiota of sows and their offspring.

Background: Organic acids (OA) and maternal nutritional strategies have been demonstrated to promote piglet health and development. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of incorporating OA-preserved cereal grains into sow diets during late gestation and lactation, aiming to reduce the metabolic demands of lactation while optimising offspring development and growth until slaughter. The experiment compared OA-preserved wheat and barley to conventionally dried grains, focusing on sow and offspring performance, as well as their faecal microbiota during lactation.

Hormone correction of dysfunctional metabolic gene expression in stem cell-derived liver tissue.

The increase in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and its progression to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a worldwide healthcare challenge. Heterogeneity between men and women in the prevalence and mechanisms of MASLD and MASH is related to differential sex hormone signalling within the liver, and declining hormone levels during aging. In this study we used biochemically characterised pluripotent stem cell derived 3D liver spheres to model the protective effects of testosterone and estrogen signalling on metabolic liver disease 'in the dish'.

Integrated functional genomic analysis identifies regulatory variants underlying a major QTL for disease resistance in European sea bass.

Background: Viral nervous necrosis (VNN) is an important viral disease threatening global aquaculture sustainability and affecting over 50 farmed and ecologically important fish species. A major QTL for resistance to VNN has been previously detected in European sea bass, but the underlying causal gene(s) and mutation(s) remain unknown. To identify the mechanisms and genetic factors underpinning resistance to VNN in European sea bass, we employed integrative analyses of multiple functional genomics assays in European sea bass.

Risk-based evaluation of machine learning-based classification methods used for medical devices.

Background: In the future, more medical devices will be based on machine learning (ML) methods. In general, the consideration of risks is a crucial aspect for evaluating medical devices. Accordingly, risks and their associated costs should be taken into account when assessing the performance of ML-based medical devices.

The core microbiomes and associated metabolic potential of water kefir as revealed by pan multi-omics.

Water kefir (WK) is an artisanal fermented beverage made from sugary water, optional fruits and WK grains. WK grains can be reused to start new fermentations. Here we investigate the microbial composition and function of 69 WK grains and their ferments by shotgun metagenomics.

Atlas of genetic and phenotypic associations across 42 female reproductive health diagnoses.

The genetic background of many female reproductive health diagnoses remains uncharacterized, compromising our understanding of the underlying biology. Here, we map the genetic architecture across 42 female-specific health conditions using data from up to 293,618 women from two large population-based cohorts, the Estonian Biobank and the FinnGen study. Our study illustrates the utility of genetic analyses in understanding women's health better.

Emerging sensor technologies and physics-guided methods for monitoring automotive lithium-based batteries.

As the automotive industry undergoes a major shift to electric propulsion, reliable assessment of battery health and potential safety issues is critical. This review covers advances in sensor technology, from mechanical and gas sensors to ultrasonic imaging techniques that provide insight into the complex structures and dynamics of lithium-ion batteries. In addition, we explore the integration of physics-guided machine learning methods with multi-sensor systems to improve the accuracy of battery modeling and monitoring.

The mitochondrial genome of the steppe carpenter moth (Paracossulus thrips Hübner, 1818): Structural analysis and phylogenetic implications.

Paracossulus thrips (Lepidoptera: Cossoidea) is a rare micromoth species native to the Eurasian steppe that occurs in fragmented populations across its distribution area. In Europe, it persisted only in a few isolated populations, which warranted protection by the EU's Habitats Directive. We assembled the first complete mitochondrial genomes of two individuals of P.

Neural responses to emotional displays by politicians: differential mu and alpha suppression patterns in response to in-party and out-party leaders.

The high levels of polarization raise concerns about individuals' decreased ability to empathize and understand the representatives of political out-groups. As such, our political biases may lead us to misunderstand out-group politicians. In the current study, we examine the mu rhythm, a neural oscillation in the sensorimotor cortex related to the processing and understanding of other people's actions, intentions and emotions.

A cross linguistic study on orthographic influence during auditory word recognition.

Learning to read affects speech perception. For example, the ability of listeners to recognize consistently spelled words faster than inconsistently spelled words is a robust finding called the Orthographic Consistency Effect (OCE). Previous studies located the OCE at the rime level and focused on languages with opaque orthographies.

Designing polymersomes with surface-integrated nanoparticles through hierarchical phase separation.

Polymersomes with surface-integrated nanoparticles, in which a smaller sphere is attached to a larger capsule, are typically formed through complex processes like membrane deformation, polymerization, or membrane functionalization. This complexity restricts facile application of this unusual topology, for example in drug delivery or nanomotor science. Our study introduces a robust method for crafting polymersomes with surface-integrated nanoparticles using a hierarchical phase separation approach.