Gut microbiota-derived imidazole propionate predicts cardiometabolic risk in patients with coronary artery disease.

Background And Aims: The gut microbiota is a modulator of cardiometabolic disease. Circulating imidazole propionate (ImP) is a microbiota-derived proatherogenic amino acid metabolite modulating the inflammatory response of myeloid cells, endothelial function and glucose metabolism. This study examined the prognostic value of ImP in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

Improvement in risk prediction for patients with atrial fibrillation and intermediate-risk CHA2DS2-VASc score utilizing highly sensitive cardiac troponin T.

Background: Guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology recommend a clinical risk assessment for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, scores such as the CHA2DS2-VASc score show only a modest performance for prediction of adverse endpoints.

Methods: This retrospective single-center all-comer study uses data from the Heidelberg Registry of Atrial Fibrillation of 9,995 patients with non-valvular AF presenting to the emergency department (ED) of the University Hospital of Heidelberg from June 2009 until March 2020.

Sutured Ritleng tube intubation for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction: Large retrospective analysis.

This study evaluates the application and clinical efficacy of sutured Ritleng silicone tube intubation in children with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNDO). A retrospective review was conducted on 561 eyes of 463 patients who underwent Ritleng tube intubation due to nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Patients were divided into 2 groups as those who had previously undergone probing (Group 1) and those who underwent Ritleng primarily (Group 2).

Training hybrid neural networks with multimode optical nonlinearities using digital twins.

The ability to train ever-larger neural networks brings artificial intelligence to the forefront of scientific and technical discoveries. However, their exponentially increasing size creates a proportionally greater demand for energy and computational hardware. Incorporating complex physical events in networks as fixed, efficient computation modules can address this demand by decreasing the complexity of trainable layers.

The role of transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) in the development of fibrosis in keratoconus.

Background: The etiology of keratoconus, a disease characterized by deterioration in the extracellular matrix and thinning of the corneal stroma, has not yet been fully elucidated. Recent studies have drawn attention to the relationship between TGF-β1 (Transforming Growth Factor Beta-1) and keratoconus because of its essential role in extracellular matrix secretion.

Aims: This study aimed to assess serum TGF-β1 levels in keratoconus patients and demonstrate its potential for estimating the severity of the disease.

Cognitive dysfunction and depression in chemotherapy patients: a cross-sectional study from Turkey.

Objective: This study investigates the relationship between cognitive function and depression in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed, involving 80 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Data were collected using the Socio-Demographic Information Form, the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Cognitive Function (FACT-Cog), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).

Evaluating serum biomarkers in keratoconus: the role of PCPE-1 and PCPE-2 in collagen metabolism and disease progression.

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the levels of procollagen C proteinase-enhancing protein 1 and Procollagen C Proteinase Enhancing Protein 2 (PCPE-1/PCPE-2) in the serum of patients with keratoconus and healthy individuals, and to evaluate their potential effects on keratoconus.

Methods: This study prospectively included 65 patients diagnosed with keratoconus and followed up between October 2023 and May 2024, and 65 healthy individuals. 65 patients diagnosed with keratoconus were examined in the four groups.

Diagnostic and Prognostic Evaluation of Novel Biomarkers Compared to ESC 0/1 h and 0/3 h Algorithms in Patients with Suspected Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Prompt acute coronary syndrome (ACS) recognition remains challenging. This study evaluated the diagnostic and prognostic performance of novel biomarkers for non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Patients with suspected ACS presenting to Heidelberg University Hospital's Emergency Department between August 2014 and February 2023 were analyzed.

Comparative Analysis of Single- and Dual-Marker Strategies for Rapid Non-ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Rule-Out Using Cardiac Myosin-Binding Protein C, Copeptin, and High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T in the Emergency Department.

Background: This study compared the diagnostic and prognostic performance of various non-ST-segment myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) rule-out protocols, incorporating cardiac myosin-binding protein C (cMyBP-C), high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT), and Copeptin, both individually and as part of dual-marker strategies (DMSs) against the European Society of Cardiology 0/1-hour and 0/3-hour algorithms.

Methods: We enrolled 1765 patients presenting to the emergency department with suspected NSTEMI. We evaluated biomarker algorithms including cMyBP-C (<10 ng/L, <2.

Role of immature granulocytes in monitoring sepsis treatment.

Background: Sepsis is an organ dysfunction that impairs response to infection. Inflammatory biomarkers have been used to diagnose and monitor sepsis. The aim of the present study was to determine the role of immature granulocytes (IGs) in monitoring sepsis treatment.

Identification of patients with suspected NSTE-ACS in the observe zone: evaluating GRACE 1.0 score and a biomarker panel for risk stratification and management optimization.

Background: Current guidelines recommend additional diagnostic work-up for patients with suspected non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) triaged in the observe zone using accelerated diagnostic protocols. This study assessed the effectiveness of combining the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) 1.0 score with additional non-cardio-specific biomarkers for risk stratification in the observe zone.

Efficacy of gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel in second-line treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer.

Despite numerous studies on second-line therapies in metastatic pancreatic cancer, there is no randomized study evaluating the efficacy of gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel as a second-line treatment. This study aims to examine the efficacy of gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel in second-line therapy. In this retrospective study, a total of 218 patients from 23 centers were included.

Resolving the observe zone: validation of the ESC 0/3-hour and the APACE criteria for NSTEMI triage.

Background: High-sensitivity cardiac troponin tests have enhanced early myocardial infarction diagnosis, yet many patients still land in the observe zone (OZ). Guidelines suggest a 3-hour troponin measurement for those in the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 0/1 hour-algorithm's OZ, but evidence on extended troponin testing times and their impact on diagnostic accuracy and outcomes remains sparse.

Methods: Patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome were consecutively enrolled in a single-centre observational study.

Dual antiplatelet pre-treatment with aspirin and ticagrelor in ACS patients undergoing unplanned aortocoronary bypass surgery.

Background: Major bleedings following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) have significant implications on outcomes in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. Owing fears of fatal bleedings in case of urgent CABG, current guidelines recommend a cessation of P2Y receptor antagonists (P2Y-RA) before cardiac surgery and opt against routine pre-treatment with a P2Y-RA before coronary angiography (CA). However, sparse information exists outside randomized trials on the frequency of urgent CABG and the consequences of inappropriately long cessation of P2Y-RA treatment in patients presenting with ACS.

Effect of non-invasive rhythm control on outcomes in patients with first diagnosed atrial fibrillation presenting to an emergency department.

Background: Evidence suggests a benefit of a rhythm control approach in patients with a recent diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AF). This study sought to evaluate clinical characteristics, treatment strategies and outcomes in patients with first diagnosed AF (FDAF) undergoing a non-invasive rhythm control strategy in an emergency department (ED).

Methods: This analysis uses data from the Heidelberg Registry of Atrial Fibrillation (HERA-FIB).

Outcomes and Disease Management in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation ≥80 Years: Data From a Consecutive 11-Year Real-World Registry.

Background: As the population ages, atrial fibrillation (AF) prevalence increases, but data on optimal oral anticoagulation (OAC) in patients ≥80 years remain limited. This study tested whether direct OACs offer comparable benefits to vitamin K antagonists in patients ≥80 years with AF presenting to the emergency department.

Methods: This single-center retrospective all-comer study used data from the Heidelberg Registry of Atrial Fibrillation, including patients with AF presenting to the emergency department of the University Hospital of Heidelberg from June 2009 until March 2020.

Clinical impact of inappropriate DOAC dosing in atrial fibrillation: Insights from a real-world registry.

Background: A significant number of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) on direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) receives off-label or inappropriate doses. This study examines the prevalence, dosages, and clinical outcomes in AF-patients on DOAC therapy admitted to an emergency department (ED).

Methods: This retrospective single-center observational study utilized data from the Heidelberg Registry of Atrial Fibrillation (HERA-FIB), consecutively including patients with AF presenting to the ED of the University Hospital of Heidelberg from June 2009 to March 2020.

Who Are Suitable Patients for Omitting Breast Surgery as an Exceptional Responder in Selected Molecular Subtypes of Breast Cancer After Neoadjuvant Systemic Treatment?

: Among breast cancer molecular types, HER2 positive and triple negative (TN) subtypes have the highest likelihood of pathological complete response (pCR), which is a surrogate marker for reduced recurrence and improved patient survival after neoadjuvant systemic treatment (NST). Preoperative pathological identification of these exceptional responders is a new era. Therefore, we aimed to determine the accuracy of trucut biopsy in identifying the exceptional responders in selected molecular subtypes of breast cancer patients.

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.

Postural Responses in Trauma-Experienced Individuals.

Balance and proprioception are essential elements in postural control and injury prevention. Proprioception, the body's sense of position and movement, is closely tied to balance, which depends on input from the visual, vestibular, and somatosensory systems. This article explores the link between trauma experiences and proprioceptive dysfunction, emphasizing how heightened muscle tone, dissociation, and altered sensory processing contribute to balance issues and the risk of injury.

Resource-efficient photonic networks for next-generation AI computing.

Current trends in artificial intelligence toward larger models demand a rethinking of both hardware and algorithms. Photonics-based systems offer high-speed, energy-efficient computing units, provided algorithms are designed to exploit photonics' unique strengths. The recent implementation of cellular automata in photonics demonstrates how a few local interactions can achieve high throughput and precision.

Effect of the modified NUTRIC score in predicting the prognosis of patients admitted to intensive care units.

Background: Nutritional deficiency is common in critically ill hospitalized patients. This condition may be aggravated by increased dietary requirements and deficiencies in nutrient absorption. This study aimed to evaluate the associations between the modified Nutritional Risk in Critically ill (mNUTRIC) score and mortality and morbidity in patients with sepsis.

The optimal treatment duration for inspiratory muscle strengthening exercises in stroke patients: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial.

Background: Little is known about the ideal duration of inspiratory muscle training in stroke patients.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of short-term and long-term inspiratory muscle strengthening exercises in stroke patients.

Methods: This study was a prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial involving 50 stroke patients.

Associated Factors for Liver Fibrosis and Histological Activity Index in Treatment-Naïve HBeAg-Positive Chronic Hepatitis B Infection: Insights from a Retrospective Analysis.

Objective: The study aimed to identify predictors of advanced fibrosis score and histological activity index (HAI) in HBeAg-positive patients to facilitate early disease detection and reduce the need for invasive biopsies.

Materials And Methods: The single-center retrospective study included treatment-naïve HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. Patients with HAI ≥6 and/or fibrosis ≥2 were considered to have significant liver damage.

Nonlinear processing with linear optics.

Deep neural networks have achieved remarkable breakthroughs by leveraging multiple layers of data processing to extract hidden representations, albeit at the cost of large electronic computing power. To enhance energy efficiency and speed, the optical implementation of neural networks aims to harness the advantages of optical bandwidth and the energy efficiency of optical interconnections. In the absence of low-power optical nonlinearities, the challenge in the implementation of multilayer optical networks lies in realizing multiple optical layers without resorting to electronic components.