AI-derived automated quantification of cardiac chambers and myocardium from non-contrast CT: Prediction of major adverse cardiovascular events in asymptomatic subjects.

Background And Aims: The significance of left ventricular mass and chamber volumes from non-contrast computed tomography (CT) for predicting major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) has not been studied. Our objective was to evaluate the role of artificial intelligence-enabled multi-chamber cardiac volumetry from non-contrast CT for long-term risk stratification in asymptomatic subjects without known coronary artery disease.

Methods: Our study included 2022 asymptomatic individuals (55.

Effect of lactic acid-rich sourdough bread on appetite regulation: A randomized, double-blind controlled trial.

Sourdough bread consumption has been associated with improved glucose and appetite regulation thanks to the presence of organic acids produced during fermentation of the flour-water mixture. We investigated the effects of whole meal sourdough bread (WSB) rich in lactic acid on energy intake, satiety, gastric emptying, glucose, and C-peptide response compared to whole meal yeast bread (WYB). Forty-four normal-weight participants (age: 30 ± 10 y; BMI: 23 ± 2 kg/m) participated in this double-blind, randomized cross-over trial, consisting of two study visits separated by one week.

Development of ICF-based patient-reported outcome and experience measures to study social participation among people with chronic diseases: a mixed-methods protocol.

Introduction: Living with a chronic disease impacts many aspects of life, including the ability to participate in activities that enable interactions with others in society, that is, social participation (SP). Despite efforts to monitor the quality of care and life of chronically ill people in Belgium, no disease-specific patient-reported measures (PRMs) have been used. These tools are essential to understand SP and to develop evidence-based recommendations to support its improvement.

Donor Strand Complementation and Calcium Ion Coordination Drive the Chaperone-free Polymerization of Archaeal Cannulae.

Cannulae are tubular protein filaments that accumulate on the extracellular surface of the hyperthermophilic archaeon during cell division. Cannulae have been postulated to act as a primitive extracellular matrix through which cells could communicate or exchange material, although their native biological function remains obscure. Here, we report cryoEM structural analyses of cannulae and of protein assemblies derived from recombinant cannula-like proteins.

Unusual Presentation of Hyperandrogenism in Postmenopausal Women: A Report of Two Patients With Leydig Cell Hyperplasia.

Hyperandrogenism is a highly prevalent and debilitating hormonal disturbance encountered in women presenting with variable phenotypical features. Causes encompass a large spectrum of tumoral and nontumoral etiologies, depending on the patients' age. We report two postmenopausal patients with an unusual etiology of hyperandrogenism.

From knife to needle - the trend of vascular neurosurgery in Belgium.

Introduction: The management of neurovascular pathologies has changed globally over the last few decades. Endovascular treatments are increasing, and fewer surgical procedures are performed.

Research Question: Evaluate the evolution of vascular neurosurgery in Belgium over the last 30 years and compare with other countries.

EARLY SURGERY IN RARE KNEE HETEROTOPIC OSSIFICATION LEADS TO SUCCESSFUL FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME: A CASE REPORT.

Background: Heterotopic ossification is a common complication after joint replacement surgery, such as hip or knee arthroplasty. In the intensive care unit, it is most commonly associated with traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury. To prevent recurrence, surgical resection of heterotopic ossification is recommended once the ectopic bone has fully matured, which is estimated to occur after at least 12 months.

Temporomandibular disorders in migraine and tension-type headache patients: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

The simultaneous occurrence of primary headaches and temporomandibular disorders can pose a challenge in determining the best clinical management of patients. Therefore, we aimed to summarize evidence regarding the risk and prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) in migraine and tension-type headaches (TTH) patients. Cross-sectional studies published in English comparing the presence of TMDs in adults with TTH or migraine to subjects without headaches were included, International Classification of Orofacial Pain, Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders or Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders, and large epidemiological studies (sensitive diagnostic criteria (SDC)).

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.

Evaluating the effects of continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration on O and CO removal and energy expenditure measurement using indirect calorimetry.

Background: Continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) is used in critically ill patients, but its impact on O₂ and CO₂ removal, as well as the accuracy of resting energy expenditure (REE) measurement using indirect calorimetry (IC) remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the effects of CVVHDF on O₂ and CO₂ removal and the accuracy of REE measurement using IC in patients undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy.

Design: Prospective, observational, single-center study.

Personal interest and attitudes towards oocyte donation practice: a cross-sectional survey among Dutch-speaking young women in Belgium.

Purpose: This survey aimed to assess the public's knowledge and opinions on oocyte donation (OD) among a large, unselected cohort of young Belgian women, and to explore aspects that could be enhanced to promote future OD programs.

Methods: We conducted a quantitative, epidemiological, cross-sectional web-based survey from February 2023 to April 2023. A private questionnaire was distributed to young women (21-30 years) living in Belgium via a digital link.

Exploring Near- and Far-Field Effects in Photoplethysmography Signals Across Different Source-Detector Distances.

Photoplethysmography is a widely used optical technique to extract physiological information non-invasively. Despite its large use and adoption, multiple factors influence the signal shape and quality, including the instrumentation used. This work analyzes the variability of the DC component of the PPG signal at three source-detector distances (6 mm, 9 mm, and 12 mm) using green, red, and infrared light and four photodiodes per distance.

Exploring the Metabolic Impact of FLASH Radiotherapy.

FLASH radiotherapy (FLASH RT) is an innovative modality in cancer treatment that delivers ultrahigh dose rates (UHDRs), distinguishing it from conventional radiotherapy (CRT). FLASH RT has demonstrated the potential to enhance the therapeutic window by reducing radiation-induced damage to normal tissues while maintaining tumor control, a phenomenon termed the FLASH effect. Despite promising outcomes, the precise mechanisms underlying the FLASH effect remain elusive and are a focal point of current research.

Dose-Limiting Toxicities of Paclitaxel in Breast Cancer Patients: Studying Interactions Between Pharmacokinetics, Physical Activity, and Body Composition-A Protocol for an Observational Cohort Study.

: Paclitaxel (PTX), a commonly used chemotherapy for breast cancer (BC), is associated with dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) such as peripheral neuropathy and neutropenia. These toxicities frequently lead to dose reductions, treatment delays, or therapy discontinuation, negatively affecting patients' quality of life and clinical outcomes. Current dosing strategies based on body surface area (BSA) fail to account for individual variations in body composition (skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and adipose tissue (AT) mass) and physical activity (PA), which can influence drug metabolism and toxicity.

Investigation of the Sensitivity of Acoustic Emission to the Differentiation Between Mode I, II, and III Fracture in Bulk Polymer Materials.

There is very limited research in the literature investigating the way acoustic emission signals change when polymer materials are undergoing different fracture modes. This study investigates the capability of acoustic emission to recognize the fracture mode through acoustic emission parameter analysis, and can be considered the first-ever study which examines the impact of different loading conditions, i.e.

Ultrasound-guided trigger finger release with a minimally invasive knife: A retrospective analysis of 297 releases.

Trigger finger, or stenosing tenovaginitis, is a common condition characterized by impaired flexor tendon sliding due to thickening of the A1 pulley. While open surgical release remains the gold standard for the treatment of persistent trigger finger, there is increasing interest in minimally invasive ultrasound-guided techniques to improve precision and outcomes. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the outcomes, safety, and complications associated with ultrasound-guided trigger finger release using a minimally invasive surgical knife.

The effectiveness of psychologically-informed physiotherapy for people with neck pain and the mediating role of illness perceptions: a replicated single-case experimental design study.

Purpose: (1) To evaluate the effectiveness of personalised psychologically-informed physiotherapy in people with neck pain; (2) To explore the mediating role of changes in illness perceptions.

Method: In this replicated single-case study, 14 patients with non-specific neck pain at risk for chronicity received a personalised intervention addressing unhelpful illness perceptions and dysfunctional movement behaviour, according to principles of cognitive functional therapy. Outcomes included the mediating role of illness perceptions on overall effect, function, pain intensity and self-efficacy.

From Knowledge to Practice: Design, Implementation, and Evaluation of an Evidence-Based Educational Module to Increase Cultural Awareness in Nursing Students.

Educational programs for health-care providers increasingly implement culturally sensitive care. Clear methods for educating students in cultural awareness are still lacking. Research indicates that simply increasing knowledge on ethnicity, culture, or migration does not improve culturally sensitive behavior and can foster stereotypes.

A Nationwide Exploration of Social Inequalities in Cancer Mortality Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic in Belgium.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global health systems, impacting cancer care and potentially increasing cancer mortality, especially among socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals. We aimed to assess changes in cancer mortality from March 1 to December 31, 2020 relative to the same period in 2019, and to examine potential shifts in cancer mortality's social disparities during the same time frame.

Methods: We used nationwide individually linked cancer mortality data from the Belgian National Register, the Census 2011, and the tax register.

Virtual reality for multiple sclerosis rehabilitation.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common neurological disease in young adults. Virtual reality (VR) offers a promising rehabilitation tool by providing controllable, personalised environments for safe, adaptable and engaging training. Virtual reality can be tailored to patients' motor and cognitive skills, enhancing motivation through exciting scenarios and feedback.

Partial rejuvenation of the spermatogonial stem cell niche after gender-affirming hormone therapy in trans women.

Although the impact of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) on spermatogenesis in trans women has already been studied, data on its precise effects on the testicular environment is poor. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize, through histological and transcriptomic analysis, the spermatogonial stem cell niche of 106 trans women who underwent standardized GAHT, comprising estrogens and cyproterone acetate. A partial dedifferentiation of Sertoli cells was observed, marked by the co-expression of androgen receptor and anti-Müllerian hormone which mirrors the situation in peripubertal boys.

From trainee to general practitioner: A qualitative study of transition experiences of Flemish GP trainees.

Background: The transition from trainee to professional marks a key milestone in a family doctor's career, bringing both emotional and mental challenges. This critical period of specialisation shapes how young doctors adapt and influences their future career choices.

Objectives: We explored trainees' experiences during their first year of advanced medical training in family medicine/general practice, including barriers and facilitators.

Structure of WzxE the lipid III flippase for Enterobacterial Common Antigen polysaccharide.

The enterobacterial common antigen (ECA) is conserved in Gram-negative bacteria of the order although its function is debated. ECA biogenesis depends on the Wzx/Wzy-dependent strategy whereby the newly synthesized lipid-linked repeat units, lipid III, are transferred across the inner membrane by the lipid III flippase WzxE. WzxE is part of the Wzx family and required in many glycan assembly systems, but an understanding of its molecular mechanism is hindered due to a lack of structural evidence.

Nondestructive Monitoring of Textile-Reinforced Cementitious Composites Subjected to Freeze-Thaw Cycles.

Cementitious materials are susceptible to damage not only from mechanical loading, but also from environmental (physical, chemical, and biological) factors. For Textile-Reinforced Cementitious (TRC) composites, durability poses a significant challenge, and a reliable method to assess long-term performance is still lacking. Among various durability attacks, freeze-thaw can induce internal cracking within the cementitious matrix, and weaken the textile-matrix bond.