Search Results (565)

Background/Objectives: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is among the most aggressive subtypes, lacking estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors, which limits the efficacy of targeted therapies. Standard treatments often fail due to rapid drug resistance and poor long-term outcomes. Repurposing approved drugs with anticancer potential offers a promising alternative. Disulfiram (DSF), an FDA-approved alcohol-aversion drug, forms a copper complex [Cu(DDC)₂] with potent anticancer activity, but its clinical translation is hindered by poor solubility, limited stability, and inefficient delivery. Methods: Here, we present an amphiphilic dendrimer-stabilized [Cu(DDC)₂] nanoparticle (NP) platform synthesized via the stabilized metal ion ligand complex (SMILE) method. Results: The optimized nanocarrier achieved high encapsulation efficiency, enhanced serum stability, and potent cytotoxicity against TNBC cells. It induced immunogenic cell death (ICD) characterized by calreticulin exposure and ATP release, while modulating the tumor microenvironment by downregulating MMP-3, MMP-9, VEGF, and vimentin, and restoring epithelial markers. In a 4T1 TNBC mouse model, systemic [Cu(DDC)₂] NP treatment significantly inhibited tumor growth without combinational chemo- or radiotherapy. Conclusions: This DSF-based metal–organic NP integrates drug repurposing, immune activation, and tumor microenvironment remodeling into a single platform, offering strong translational potential for treating aggressive breast cancers. Full article

Recently, due to advancements in keratorefractive surgery, small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) has become increasingly recognized as a top surgical technique for treating refractive defects. The technology employs a femtosecond laser to precisely incise a stromal lenticule, which is subsequently extracted through a small incision, thereby preserving the front and most rigid regions of the cornea with minimal damage. Despite the widespread recognition of SMILE for its safety, biomechanical stability, effectiveness, and predictability, studies consistently document occurrences of postoperative keratectasia and a notable reduction in corneal biomechanical stability following the surgery. Hence, it is imperative to conduct further research on the several parameters linked to corneal biomechanical stability following SMILE. This narrative review comprehensively synthesizes the current literature on this topic and examines the literature on the evaluation of corneal biomechanics before and after SMILE. It provides a thorough review of the fundamental principles of corneal biomechanics, measurement techniques, the impact of various keratorefractive surgeries on corneal biomechanics, and the mechanisms through which SMILE affects corneal biomechanics. Full article

Background: Past studies demonstrate that certain facial features systematically affect first impressions of psychological traits. However, no previous studies have examined how individual differences in facial health affect first impressions of psychological traits. Methods: In this study, we asked a large sample of fairgoers to give their first impressions of psychological traits in response to viewing videos of unilateral facial paralysis patients with varying degrees of facial functioning. Then, we used linear mixed-effects regression models to understand how individual differences in facial health predict first impressions. Results: Our results replicate previous findings regarding first impressions of faces, such as the attractiveness halo effect, as well as age (maturity) and gender (masculinity) effects. More importantly, our results reveal that facial health, as measured by a clinician-graded scale, is a significant predictor of first impressions. Specifically, we found that individuals with better dynamic facial health (as assessed by clinicians) were perceived to be more competent and more affiliative, but not more dominant, than individuals with lower levels of dynamic facial functioning. Conclusions: Our results have important implications for personalized medicine via the development and refinement of individually tailored therapies to improve facial reanimation surgery outcomes. Full article

Lateral elbow pain is a common condition often misattributed solely to tendinopathy, while subtle instability may represent a significant underlying cause. Traditional classifications of elbow instability primarily address traumatic or grossly unstable patterns, leaving minor forms underrecognized. Recent evidence has emphasized the role of the Radial-Lateral Collateral Ligament (R-LCL) in maintaining joint stability, and its elongation has been linked to Symptomatic Minor Instability of the Lateral Elbow (SMILE). This model describes a horizontal type of radiocapitellar instability, where ligamentous incompetence leads to compensatory overload of the extensor carpi radialis brevis, ultimately producing chronic pain. Advances in diagnostic tools—including dynamic ultrasound (HELP-US test), CT arthrography with the SMILE Index, and arthroscopic signs such as the Loose Collar Sign—have improved recognition of this condition. However, surgical controversies remain, particularly regarding the potential destabilizing role of lateral release in patients with unrecognized R-LCL pathology. Arthroscopic stabilization techniques, such as R-LCL plication or imbrication, have shown promising outcomes, offering pain relief and functional recovery with minimally invasive approaches. This review integrates anatomical, biomechanical, and clinical evidence into a structured diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm, aiming to reduce diagnostic uncertainty and guide tailored interventions. Recognition of microinstability, and, in particular, the SMILE model, is crucial to optimize management of patients with chronic lateral elbow pain refractory to conservative measures. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aims to investigate the correlation between vertical facial dimensions, lip morphology, angular facial parameters, and demographic variables (age and sex) in Romanian orthodontic patients, using structured-light 3D facial scanning technology. Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed craniofacial soft tissue parameters in 90 Romanian orthodontic patients (57 females, 33 males; median age 14 years) using the MetiSmile 3D facial scanner. Measurements included vertical facial heights (upper, middle, and lower), total facial height, facial proportion indices, lip lengths, interpupillary distance, bizygomatic width, mouth width, angular parameters (nasofrontal, nasolabial, mentolabial, and facial angles), and distances from the lips to the esthetic (E) line. Spearman’s rank correlation and Mann–Whitney U-tests were applied for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 90 subjects (63.3% female; median age, 14 years [range: 9–27 years]) were evaluated. Age showed strong positive correlations with total facial height (ρ = 0.690), middle (ρ = 0.631), and lower facial height (ρ = 0.615), while upper facial height had a weaker correlation (ρ = 0.334). Upper and lower lip lengths were moderately correlated with each other and with bizygomatic and interpupillary widths. Vertical facial proportion indices reflected distinct associations with their respective facial segments. Sex-based analysis revealed that females had significantly greater middle and total facial heights and nasofrontal angles, while males exhibited larger nasolabial angles. Upper lip protrusion relative to the E-line was significantly more pronounced in females (p = 0.041). No significant sex differences were noted in lip dimensions or transverse widths. Conclusions: The research demonstrates the value of 3D structured-light facial scanning in orthodontics as a non-invasive, radiation-free method for evaluating age- and sex-related morphological patterns. These findings support the integration of facial morphometric analysis into individualized diagnostic and treatment workflows in clinical orthodontics. Full article

To increase target acquisition probability and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of hyperspectral images, this paper presents a wide-field, dual-slit, low-distortion, and high-sensitivity Offner hyperspectral imager, with a wavelength range of 0.4 μm to 0.9 μm, a numerical aperture of 0.15, and a slit length of 73 mm. To avoid signal aliasing, the space between the dual slits is 2.4 mm, increasing the SNR by 1.4 times after dual-slit image fusion. Furthermore, to achieve the required registration accuracy of dual-slit images, the spectral performance of the hyperspectral imager is critical. Thus, we compensate and correct the spectral performance and dispersion nonlinearity of the hyperspectral imager by taking advantages of the material properties and tilt eccentricity of a low-dispersion internal reflection curved prism and high-dispersion double-pass curved prisms. To meet the final operation requirements, the tilt of the internal reflection curved prism is used as a compensator. Using the modulation transfer function (MTF) as the evaluation criterion, an inverse sensitivity analysis confirmed that the compensator is a highly sensitive component. Additionally, the root mean square standard deviation (RSS) discrete calculation method was adopted to assess the influence of actual assembly tolerance on spectral performance. The test results demonstrate that the hyperspectral imager meets the registration accuracy requirements of dual-slit images, with an MTF better than 0.4. Furthermore, the spectral smile and spectral keystone of the dual-slit images are both less than or equal to 0.3 pixels. Full article

Molecular simulation is central to modern drug discovery but is often limited by high computational cost and the complexity of molecular interactions. Deep-learning drug–target interaction (DTI) prediction can accelerate screening; however, many models underuse the local functional structure features—binding motifs, reactive groups, and residue-level fragments—that drive recognition. We present LoF-DTI, a framework that explicitly represents and couples such local features. Drugs are converted from SMILES into molecular graphs and targets from sequences into feature representations. On the drug side, a Jumping Knowledge (JK) enhanced Graph Isomorphism Network (GIN) extracts atom- and neighborhood-level patterns; on the target side, residual CNN blocks with progressively enlarged receptive fields, augmented by N-mer substructural statistics, capture multi-scale local motifs. A Gated Cross-Attention (GCA) module then performs atom-to-residue interaction learning, highlighting decisive local pairs and providing token-level interpretability through attention scores. By prioritizing locality during both encoding and interaction, LoF-DTI delivers competitive results across multiple benchmarks and improves early retrieval relevant to virtual screening. Case analyses show that the model recovers known functional binding sites, suggesting strong potential to provide mechanism-aware guidance for molecular simulation and to streamline the drug design pipeline. Full article

The zygomaticus major and minor (ZMa/ZMi) are key determinants of smile dynamics and midface contour, yet they exhibit substantial morphological variability—including bifid or multibellied bellies, accessory slips, and atypical insertions. Such variants can alter force vectors, fat-compartment boundaries, and SMAS planes, increasing the risk of asymmetry, contour irregularities, or “joker smile” following facelifts, fillers, thread lifts, and smile reconstruction. To our knowledge, this is the first review to integrate the Landfald classification of ZMa/ZMi variants with a standardized dynamic imaging-based workflow for aesthetic and reconstructive midface procedures. We conducted a narrative literature synthesis of anatomical and imaging studies. Bifid or multibellied variants have been reported in up to 35% of cadaveric specimens. We synthesize anatomical, biomechanical, and imaging evidence (MRI, dynamic US, 3D analysis) to propose a practical protocol: (1) focused history and dynamic examination, (2) US/EMG mapping of contraction vectors, (3) optional high-resolution MRI for complex cases, and (4) individualized adjustment of surgical vectors, injection planes, and dosing. Procedure-specific adaptations are outlined for deep-plane releases, thread-lift trajectories, filler depth selection, and muscle-transfer orientation. We emphasize that standardizing preoperative dynamic mapping and adopting a “patient-specific mimetic profile” can enhance safety, predictability, and preservation of authentic expression, ultimately improving patient satisfaction across diverse midface interventions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Facial palsy causes both functional and aesthetic impairments, with asymmetry significantly affecting quality of life. Botulinum toxin injections are increasingly used to restore facial balance by reducing contralateral hyperactivity, but outcome assessments remain largely subjective. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of three-dimensional (3D) stereophotogrammetry coupled with root mean square (RMS) surface analysis to objectively quantify improvements in facial symmetry following botulinum toxin treatment and to support clinicians in patient care. Methods: Sixteen adults with long-standing unilateral peripheral facial palsy underwent individualized botulinum toxin injections. Three-dimensional images were acquired using the Vectra H2 system before and 2–3 weeks after injection at peak efficacy. Five facial expressions (neutral, surprise, frown, Mona Lisa smile, and forced smile) were analyzed. RMS values were calculated for the whole face and facial thirds. Clinical assessment included House–Brackmann and Sunnybrook scores. Results: Whole-face RMS values decreased significantly after injection (1.51 ± 0.42 vs. 1.35 ± 0.43, p < 0.001). Improvements were observed across all thirds, most notably in the middle third. During expression, symmetry improved for all movements, with the strongest effects for surprise (d = 1.270), Mona Lisa smile (d = 0.870), and frown (d = 0.832). Conclusions: Three-dimensional stereophotogrammetry with RMS analysis provides an objective and reproducible method to quantify changes in facial symmetry after botulinum toxin treatment. This technique may complement clinical scoring systems and support personalized treatment planning in facial palsy patients. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to objectively assess fatigue levels using facial expressions. Methods: This study included 25 female nurses aged between 30 and 50 years. We compared their subjective and objective fatigue levels after a night shift, when accumulated fatigue was assumed, with those after a day off, when recovery was expected. Fatigue levels were subjectively assessed using questionnaires and were also quantified by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Objective evaluations included (1) the degree of eye-opening, (2) the maximum distance and speed of facial skin movement by tracking changes in coordinate values of facial markers on the skin during intentional smiling, and (3) analysis of high-frequency (HF) components and the low frequency-to-high frequency (LF/HF) ratio in heart rate variability (HRV). Results: After a night shift, compared to after a day off, subjective assessments of mental and physical fatigue in the questionnaires and VAS values of own fatigue were significantly elevated. Concurrently, objective evaluations revealed that the degree of eye-opening, along with the maximum movement distance and speed of the lower eyelid, cheek, and mouth corners during intentional smiling, were significantly reduced. Furthermore, the HF component, an index of parasympathetic activity, significantly decreased, whereas the LF/HF ratio, an index of sympathetic activity, significantly increased. Additionally, significant correlations were observed between subjective VAS estimation of fatigue levels and each objective parameter examined. Conclusions: Measuring facial parameters is an effective method for objectively assessing facial expressions of fatigue, and these changes are mediated through reduced parasympathetic nervous activity and increased sympathetic nervous activity during fatigue. Full article

The aim of this study is to evaluate the mechanical properties and long-term stability of 3D-printable resins for permanent fixed dental prostheses (FDPs), focusing on whether material performance is influenced by 3D-printer type or by differences in resin formulations. Specimens (N = 621) were printed. CAD/CAM blocks (BRILLIANT Crios) served as control. Flexural strength (FS) with elastic modulus (E_calc), Weibull modulus (m), Martens’ hardness (HM), indentation modulus (EIT), elastic modulus (E_RFDA), shear modulus (G_RFDA), and Poisson’s Ratio (ν) were measured initially, after water storage (24 h, 37 °C), and after thermocycling (5–55 °C, 10,000×). SEM analysis assessed microstructure. Data were analyzed using Kolmogorov–Smirnov, ANOVA with Scheffe post hoc, Kruskal–Wallis with Mann–Whitney U, and Weibull statistics with maximum likelihood (α = 0.05). A ceramic crown printed with Midas showed higher FS, HM, and EIT values after thermocycling than with Pro55s, and higher E_calc scores across all aging regimes. A Varseo Smile Crown Plus printed with VarseoXS and AsigaMax showed a higher FS value than TrixPrint2, while AsigaMax achieved the highest initial E_calc and E_RFDA values, and VarseoXS did so after thermocycling. HM, EIT, and G_RFDA were higher for TrixPrint2 and AsigaMax printed specimens, while ν varied by system and aging. 3Delta Crown, printed with AsigaMax, showed the highest FS, E_calc, HM, EIT, and m values after aging. VarseoSmile triniQ and Bridgetec showed the highest E_RFDA and G_RFDA values depending on aging, and Varseo Smile Crown Plus exhibited higher ν initially and post-aging. Printer system and resin formulation significantly influence the mechanical and aging behaviors of 3D-printed FDP materials, underscoring the importance of informed material and printer selection to ensure long-term clinical success. Full article

The aim of this pilot in vitro study is to investigate the fracture strength of hybrid abutment crowns (HACs) made of a 3D-printable, tooth-colored, ceramic-reinforced composite (CRC). Based on an upper first premolar, a crown was designed, and specimens were additively fabricated from a composite material (VarseoSmile Crown plus) (N = 32). The crowns were bonded to standard abutments using a universal resin cement. Half (n = 16) of the samples were subjected to artificial aging, during which three samples suffered minor damage. All specimens were mechanically loaded at an angle of 30° to the implant axis. In addition, an FEM simulation was computed. Statistical analysis was performed at a significance level of p < 0.05. The mean fracture load without aging was 389.04 N (SD: 101.60 N). Two HACs suffered screw fracture, while the crowns itself failed in all other specimens. In the aged specimens, the mean fracture load was 391.19 N (SD: 143.30 N). The failure mode was predominantly catastrophic crown fracture. FEM analysis showed a maximum compressive stress of 39.79 MPa, a maximum tensile stress of 173.37 MPa and a shear stress of 60.29 MPa when loaded with 389 N. Within the limitations of this pilot study, the tested 3D-printed hybrid abutment crowns demonstrated fracture resistance above a clinically acceptable threshold, suggesting promising potential for clinical application. However, further investigations with larger sample sizes, control groups, and clinical follow-up are required. Full article

Background/Objectives: To characterize functional brain activation during smiling and to assess cognitive profiles in patients with Ochoa (Urofacial) syndrome (UFS). Materials and Methods: In a block-design fMRI paradigm, participants alternated between imitating a smiling emoji and viewing a fixation cross. Images were preprocessed and analyzed in SPM12; Smile > Rest contrasts were tested with a voxelwise threshold of p < 0.001 (uncorrected). Cognitive levels were assessed using age-appropriate Wechsler scales administered by certified psychologists. Results: Six patients (mean age 20 years; 50% female) with genetically/clinically confirmed UFS were included. Smile > Rest elicited robust activation in the supplementary motor area (highest Z = 4.70), insula (largest cluster), dorsal anterior cingulate, primary motor cortex, and frontal eye fields, among others. Five patients completed cognitive testing; Full-Scale IQ ranged 50–74, consistent with mild intellectual disability to borderline intellectual functioning. Conclusions: During voluntary smiling, UFS patients exhibit activation patterns that overlap extensively with those reported in healthy cohorts. Nevertheless, cognitive performance was limited in this sample. Given the rarity of UFS and the small cohort, findings should be interpreted cautiously and validated in multicenter studies. Full article

Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) with the Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) has transformed modern drug discovery by empowering faster, more accurate, and scalable identification of therapeutic compounds. This review outlines the evolution from classical QSAR methods, such as multiple linear regression and partial least squares, to advanced machine learning and deep learning approaches, including graph neural networks and SMILES-based transformers. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations are presented as cooperative tools that boost the mechanistic consideration and structural insight into the ligand-target interactions. Discussions on using PROTACs and targeted protein degradation, ADMET prediction, and public databases and cloud-based platforms to democratize access to computational modeling are well presented with priority. Challenges related to authentication, interpretability, regulatory standards, and ethical concerns are examined, along with emerging patterns in AI-driven drug development. This review is a guideline for using computational models and databases in explainable, data-rich and profound drug discovery pipelines. Full article

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of correcting myopia and myopic astigmatism between small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgery performed using VisuMax 500 and that using VisuMax 800. Methods: Patients who underwent myopia correction using either VisuMax 500 (493 eyes of 249 patients) or VisuMax 800 (169 eyes of 85 patients) employing the nomogram of VisuMax 500 were enrolled in this retrospective case–control study. At 2 months after the operation, the percentage of eyes achieving a postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) of 20/20 and residual refractive error were compared between the two groups. Additionally, the percentage of eyes with refractive astigmatism angle of error within ±15° and the mean absolute angle of error were analyzed. Results: In the VisuMax 500 and 800 groups, 99% and 97% of eyes achieved a postoperative UDVA of 20/20, respectively. Postoperative residual astigmatism was similar between the two groups, but residual myopia was significantly lower in the VisuMax 800 group (−0.09 ± 0.50 cylinder diopters [CD]) compared to the VisuMax 500 group (−0.21 ± 0.49 CD; p-value = 0.005). Additionally, 84% of eyes in the VisuMax 800 group achieved astigmatism correction within ±15° of the intended meridian, significantly outperforming the 71% in the VisuMax 500 group (p-value = 0.002), with a significantly smaller mean absolute angle of error (8.3 ± 12.2° and 14.1 ± 20.1°; p-value < 0.001). Conclusions: Both VisuMax 500 and VisuMax 800 effectively corrected myopia. However, in terms of the accuracy of astigmatism axis correction, VisuMax 800 demonstrated superior precision compared to VisuMax 500. This study may be limited by perceived bias associated with evaluating two platforms from the same manufacturer. Full article