Circumstances in a young German cohort with sudden cardiac arrest: systematic insights and implications.

Introduction: Data on circumstances of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in Germany are limited. The present study aimed to investigate systematically the current pre- and in-hospital circumstances of a SCA cohort at young age (65 years or younger) in Germany.

Methods: In the period from 2010 to 2021, we enrolled 191 consecutive patients with SCA at a university hospital in the Ruhr area, Germany.

Deep Learning-Enabled Assessment of Right Ventricular Function Improves Prognostication After Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair for Mitral Regurgitation.

Background: Right ventricular (RV) function has a well-established prognostic role in patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR) undergoing transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) and is typically assessed using echocardiography-measured tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion. Recently, a deep learning model has been proposed that accurately predicts RV ejection fraction (RVEF) from 2-dimensional echocardiographic videos, with similar diagnostic accuracy as 3-dimensional imaging. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of the deep learning-predicted RVEF values in patients with severe MR undergoing TEER.

Interaction between breastfeeding duration and an obesity genetic risk score to predict body fat composition in European adolescents: The HELENA study.

Background: Although the genetic interplay with the environment has a major impact on obesity development, little is known on whether breastfeeding could modulate the genetic predisposition to obesity.

Objectives: To investigate whether breastfeeding attenuates the effect of an obesity genetic risk score (GRS) on adiposity in European adolescents.

Methods: Totally 751 adolescents from the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence (HELENA) cross-sectional study were included, divided according to breastfeeding status into never breastfed, 1-3 months and ≥4 months.

Trust in scientists and their role in society across 68 countries.

Science is crucial for evidence-based decision-making. Public trust in scientists can help decision makers act on the basis of the best available evidence, especially during crises. However, in recent years the epistemic authority of science has been challenged, causing concerns about low public trust in scientists.

Risk factors for non-benefit of implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy.

Studies have demonstrated overall prognostic benefits of ICD implantation in patients at increased risk of sudden cardiac death. However, results are inconsistent in certain subgroups. This study aims to evaluate the prognostic implications of comorbidities on ICD outcomes and compare trends in patient selection and outcomes over a decade-long inclusion period.

Perceptions of science, science communication, and climate change attitudes in 68 countries - the TISP dataset.

Science is integral to society because it can inform individual, government, corporate, and civil society decision-making on issues such as public health, new technologies or climate change. Yet, public distrust and populist sentiment challenge the relationship between science and society. To help researchers analyse the science-society nexus across different geographical and cultural contexts, we undertook a cross-sectional population survey resulting in a dataset of 71,922 participants in 68 countries.

On the Effect of the Patient Table on Attenuation in Myocardial Perfusion Imaging SPECT.

Background: The topic of the effect of the patient table on attenuation in myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) SPECT is gaining new relevance due to deep learning methods. Existing studies on this effect are old, rare and only consider phantom measurements, not patient studies. This study investigates the effect of the patient table on attenuation based on the difference between reconstructions of phantom scans and polar maps of patient studies.

Distinct Valence States of the [4Fe4S] Cluster Revealed in the Hydrogenase CrHydA1.

Iron-sulfur clusters play a crucial role in electron transfer for many essential enzymes, including [FeFe]-hydrogenases. This study focuses on the [4Fe4S] cluster ([4Fe]H) of the minimal [FeFe]-hydrogenase from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (CrHydA1) and employs advanced spectroscopy, site-directed mutagenesis, molecular dynamics simulations, and QM/MM calculations. We provide insights into the complex electronic structure of [4Fe]H and its role in the catalytic reaction of CrHydA1, serving as paradigm for understanding [FeFe]-hydrogenases.

Unsaturated Fatty Acids Are Decreased in Aβ Plaques in Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques in the brain, contributing to neurodegeneration. This study investigates lipid alterations within these plaques using a novel, label-free, multimodal approach. Combining infrared (IR) imaging, machine learning, laser microdissection (LMD), and flow injection analysis mass spectrometry (FIA-MS), we provide the first comprehensive lipidomic analysis of chemically unaltered Aβ plaques in post-mortem human AD brain tissue.

Bi-allelic KICS2 mutations impair KICSTOR complex-mediated mTORC1 regulation, causing intellectual disability and epilepsy.

Nutrient-dependent mTORC1 regulation upon amino acid deprivation is mediated by the KICSTOR complex, comprising SZT2, KPTN, ITFG2, and KICS2, recruiting GATOR1 to lysosomes. Previously, pathogenic SZT2 and KPTN variants have been associated with autosomal recessive intellectual disability and epileptic encephalopathy. We identified bi-allelic KICS2 variants in eleven affected individuals presenting with intellectual disability and epilepsy.

Repeat Procedures After Pulsed Field Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: MANIFEST-REDO Study.

Background: Initial clinical studies of pulsed field ablation (PFA) to treat atrial fibrillation (AF) indicated a >90% durability rate of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). However, these studies were largely conducted in single centers and involved a limited number of operators. The electrophysiological findings and outcomes in patients undergoing repeat ablation after an initial PF ablation for AF are incompletely understood.

Neural plasticity in early potters: Shape analysis and TMS-EEG co-registration trace the rise of a new motor skill.

In this study, we explored the biocultural mechanisms underlying ancient craft behaviours. Archaeological methods were integrated with neuroscience techniques to explore the impact on neuroplasticity resulting from the introduction of early pottery techniques. The advent of ceramic marked a profound change in the economy and socio-cultural dynamics of past societies.

German evidence- and consensus-based guideline on the management of penile urethritis.

Urethritis is a common condition predominantly caused by sexually transmitted pathogens such as Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Mycoplasma genitalium. It is not possible to differentiate with certainty between pathogens on the basis of clinical characteristics alone. However, empirical antibiotic therapy is often initiated in clinical practice.

Minimally invasive versus open surgery for colonic diverticular disease: a nationwide analysis of German hospital data.

Background: This study aims to evaluate the current rates and outcomes of minimally invasive versus open surgery for colonic diverticular disease in Germany, using a nationwide dataset.

Methods: We analyzed data from 36 hospitals, encompassing approximately 1.25 million hospitalizations from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2023.

Faster implicit motor sequence learning of new sequences compatible in terms of movement transitions.

New information that is compatible with pre-existing knowledge can be learned faster. Such schema memory effect has been reported in declarative memory and in explicit motor sequence learning (MSL). Here, we investigated if sequences of key presses that were compatible to previously trained ones, could be learned faster in an implicit MSL task.

Prevalence of delirium in German nursing homes: protocol for a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Delirium is a neuropathological syndrome that is associated with several negative outcomes. Nursing home residents are vulnerable to developing delirium. Valid prevalence data and associated factors are not yet available for Germany.

The clinical neuroscience of lucid dreaming.

During most dreams, the dreamer does not realize that they are in a dream. In contrast, lucid dreaming allows to become aware of the current state of mind, often accompanied by considerable control over the ongoing dream episode. Lucid dreams can happen spontaneously or be induced through diverse behavioural, cognitive or technological strategies.

Development and validation of a sport-specific shoulder score questionnaire for functional fitness and weightlifting athletes.

Background: So-called scores are a frequently used evaluation system in clinical examinations to assess the function or limitations of a joint such as the shoulder. However, research indicates that these general scores often have limited validity for specific patient groups, such as athletes. Known as a demanding patient population, athletes have unique needs.

Identification of dissipation pathways for pharmaceuticals in soils - a modelling approach.

Concentrations of pollutants like pharmaceuticals in soils typically decrease over time, though it often remains unclear whether this dissipation is caused by the transformation of the pollutant or a decreasing extractability. We developed a mathematical model that (1) explores the plausibility of different dissipation pathways, and (2) allows the quantification of concentration differences between aqueous soil extracts and soil solution. The model considers soil particles as uniform spheres, kinetic sorption towards an equilibrium (Freundlich model), and two dissipation pathways, irreversible transformation and mineralization (following 1 order kinetics) as well as the formation of non-extractable residues intraparticle diffusion.

A Combined Approach to Extract Rotational Dynamics of Globular Proteins Undergoing Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation.

The formation of protein condensates (droplets) via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is a commonly observed phenomenon in vitro. Changing the environmental properties with cosolutes, molecular crowders, protein partners, temperature, pressure, etc. has been shown to favor or disfavor the formation of protein droplets by fine-tuning the water-water, water-protein, and protein-protein interactions.

The impact of neoadjuvant therapy in patients with left-sided resectable pancreatic cancer: an international multicenter study.

Purpose: To assess the association between neoadjuvant therapy and overall survival (OS) in patients with left-sided resectable pancreatic cancer (RPC) compared to upfront surgery.

Background: Left-sided pancreatic cancer is associated with worse OS compared to right-sided pancreatic cancer. Although neoadjuvant therapy is currently seen as not effective in patients with RPC, current randomized trials included mostly patients with right-sided RPC.

Middle-throughput LC-MS-based platelet proteomics with minute sample amounts using semi-automated positive pressure FASP in 384-well format (PF384).

Comprehensive characterization of platelets requires various functional assays and analysis techniques, including omics-disciplines, each requiring an individual aliquot of a given sample. Consequently, the sample material per assay is often highly limited rendering downscaling a prerequisite for effective sample exploitation. Here we present a transfer of our recently introduced 96-well-based proteomics workflow (PF96) into the 384-well format (PF384) allowing for a significant increase in sensitivity when processing minute platelet protein amounts.

Impact of disease-modifying therapies on pregnancy outcomes in multiple sclerosis: a prospective cohort study from the German multiple sclerosis and pregnancy registry.

Background: In recent decades, relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) became more treatable through new disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). Identifying safe treatments with minimal fetal risks for family planning is needed.

Methods: In this prospective cohort from the German MS and Pregnancy Registry (DMSKW), we analyzed pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in MS-patients using descriptive statistics and logistic/linear regression models to compare DMT-exposed pregnancies to DMT-unexposed pregnancies.