Maastricht University

From the Euro-Mediterranean partnership to DG MENA: examining three decades of Euro-Mediterranean relations through the lenses of policy learning

Abstract This Special Issue examines the thirty-year trajectory of Euro-Mediterranean relations, through the lenses of policy learning. By analyzing what is learned, how learning occurs, and what outcomes emerge from the learning process, this Special Issue highlights how and to...

Divergence Between Marker Expression and Phenotype During Human Corneal Endothelial Cell Expansion

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare whether conventional marker-based assessments adequately reflect phenotypic stability during serial passaging of two established culture protocols for primary human corneal endothelial cells (CEnCs). Methods: Primary CEnCs were is...

Towards responsible AI in workplace-based assessment: a scoping review using Downing’s framework

This scoping review maps generative AI applications in workplace-based assessment (WBA) and analyzes validity evidence through Downing’s framework. Following JBI methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, four databases were searched (2022-February 2026) with dual-AI screening and hu...

The circular economy, explained by AI

Abstract Research on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the circular economy (CE) has largely examined how AI can improve circular operations. Much less attention has been paid to AI tools widely used to understand and reason about the CE, particularly large language models (LLMs)...

May we tighten the screws? An experiment on public acceptance of pressure during police interrogations

Abstract Purpose Many countries have vague limits on how much pressure police may use during interrogations. This leaves room for tactics that increase the risk of false confessions, such as lying about the evidence. Public opinion seems to oppose ‘friendly questioning’, which ma...

Toward the Use of Real‐World Data for Regulatory and HTA Decision‐Making: Experiences and Recommendations from Six EU ‐Funded Projects

Real-world data are increasingly important for regulatory and health technology assessment decision-making, yet their effective use across Europe remains limited by technical, methodological, regulatory, and societal challenges. Drawing on the experiences of six Horizon Europe pr...

EXPRESS: Bayesian networks to estimate prognosis in vascular cognitive impairment and small vessel disease: integrated analyses of interdependent contributors to multiple outcomes

BACKGROUND: Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) and small vessel disease (SVD) involve interconnected factors influencing multiple outcomes, also beyond cognitive decline. Bayesian networks (BNs) can help unravel these complex interrelations, which we demonstrate in this proof-of...

Implementing environmentally sustainable behavior in healthcare: an illustration of why behavioral definitions matter

Abstract Background Implementing more sustainable practices is crucial for reducing the environmental footprint of the healthcare sector. While organizational factors such as availability of sustainable materials are important, healthcare professionals’ adoption of sustainable be...

Development of a monoclonal antibody targeting the calcification blocking factor CBF

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients suffer from a multitude of comorbidities, with vascular calcification being a major one. Recently, a new 19 amino acid long peptide, called calcification blocking factor (CBF), inhibiting vascular calcification has been identified. CBF concen...

The impact of physical activity and exercise timing on metabolic health among individuals at high risk of type 2 diabetes

The timing of physical activity and exercise has been suggested to play a role in metabolic health. This narrative review synthesises current evidence on the impact of habitual physical activity and exercise timing on glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity, blood lipids and...

Clinical, biochemical and genetic spectra of carnosinemia: a systematic review of case reports and case series

Abstract Carnosinemia, also referred to as carnosinase 1 (CNDP1) deficiency, is an ultra-rare inborn error of metabolism characterized by impaired CNDP1 activity and carnosine degradation. The clinical significance and phenotypic spectrum of this condition remain poorly defined,...

Non-invasive assessment of left atrial activation using lead V8 during Bachmann bundle pacing

Abstract Background and aims Bachmann bundle pacing (BBP) improves atrial synchrony by advancing LA activation, but quantifying inter-atrial synchronization remains challenging. This study evaluated whether lead V8 reflects posterolateral LA activation time and whether lead V8 ca...

Development of a checklist of characteristics to help identify predatory journals: a Delphi study

This is a Delphi study that aims to achieve expert consensus on the most important characteristics for identifying predatory journals. The results will be used to develop a checklist that may support researchers, editors, librarians, institutions, and policymakers when assessing...

Optimal exercise dose in adults with chronic low back pain disorders: systematic review with dose-response network meta-analysis

Objective To quantify exercise dose-response relationships and estimate the optimal dose in adults with chronic low back pain disorders (CLBDs). Design Systematic review with random-effects model-based (non-linear) dose-response network meta-analysis. Risk of bias was assessed wi...

Composite Uric Acid Index for Prediction of Significant Coronary Stenosis on Computed Tomography Angiography

OBJECTIVE: A recently proposed uric acid index combining fasting glucose, triglycerides, and uric acid has shown promise in cardiovascular risk stratification. It was assessed whether the index could predict significant coronary artery stenosis (≥50%) on coronary computed tomogra...

Revisiting the role of lymphatics in Crohn's disease.

BACKGROUND: Early pathological observations consistently highlighted the involvement of the intestinal lymphatic system in Crohn's disease (CD), although this remains underappreciated in current conceptual models of disease pathogenesis. This narrative review synthesizes evidence...

Consistent Explainers or Unreliable Narrators: Systematic Differences in Consistency and Sensitivity Across Large Language Models for Group Recommendations

Group Recommender Systems (GRS) face the challenge of combining conflicting individual preferences. While Large Language Models (LLMs) are increasingly integrated into GRS, they may introduce risks regarding output inconsistency or sensitivity to group characteristics. In this pa...

Heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction: synergy between cardiac and extracardiac mechanisms and effects of novel therapies

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a systemic disease in which metabolic comorbidities obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and chronic kidney disease (CKD) converge to drive systemic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and myocardial fibrosis. Microvascular...

Drug‐Free Remission in Early Peripheral Spondyloarthritis, including Psoriatic Arthritis: 10‐year follow‐up from the CRESPA trial

OBJECTIVES: To provide a descriptive analysis of the 10-year follow-up data from the CRESPA study. Here, patients fulfilling the ASAS peripheral spondyloarthritis (pSpA) classification criteria, with symptom duration ≤12 weeks, were randomized to golimumab 50mg Q4W or placebo. Ou...

Clonal Hematopoiesis of Indeterminate Potential Proteomic Risk Score for Predicting Clinical Outcome in Patients With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

BACKGROUND: Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) is common in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). However, the proteomic signatures linked to CHIP driver mutations and their prognostic implications in HFpEF remain poorly defined. We aimed to...