Search Results (1,649)

Aim of the study: This paper focuses on the correlation of nicotine use with chronic lumbar back pain (CLBP). Methods: This is a cross-sectional observational study involving smoker and non-smoker patients with a diagnosis of chronic low back pain (CLBP), recruited during their initial neurosurgical consultation at the Neurosurgery Clinic over a period of 6 months. All patients were followed for a minimum of 3 months after the start of conservative therapy. Age, sex, smoking habits, and the presence of any comorbidities were noted. Pain severity and discomfort were evaluated using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), the DN4 questionnaire, and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Based on imaging (MRI of the lumbosacral spine), diagnoses of disc herniation or vertebral lumbar stenosis were documented. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics software (Version 30). A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Improvement on the CLBP, NRS, and DN4 scales after the same conservative therapy was better in Patients with non-smoking habits improved more on the CLBP, NRS and DN4 scales when compared to smokers (NRS scale 0.001 and DN4 scale 0.027). Conclusions: Patients with smoking habitudes affected by lumbar disk her-niation and stenosis and undergoing conservative therapy had worse pain scores Full article

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated neuroinflammatory disorder with a multifactorial etiology involving genetic susceptibility, environmental triggers, and vascular contributions. Carotid intima–media thickness (CIMT) is a significant marker of endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial cell-specific molecule-1 (endocan) and hyaluronic acid, key components implicated in endothelial and vascular remodeling, may significantly contribute to the inflammatory and vascular pathologies observed in MS. We aimed to investigate the relationship between CIMT and endothelial biomarkers, such as endocan and hyaluronic acid, in patients with MS. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 100 patients with relapsing–remitting MS and 56 healthy controls were included. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and imaging data were documented. CIMT was measured bilaterally using high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography. Serum endocan and hyaluronic acid levels were quantified via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results: MS patients exhibited significantly higher CIMT and serum endocan levels compared with controls (p < 0.001). CIMT values were significantly elevated in MS patients, with longer disease duration, higher expanded disability status scale scores, and an older diagnosis age (p < 0.05). However, serum endocan and hyaluronic acid levels did not significantly differ between MS subgroups based on disease duration, disability severity, and diagnosis age. Additionally, there was no correlation between CIMT and serum endocan and hyaluronic acid levels in MS patients (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Increased CIMT and serum endocan levels in MS patients may indicate endothelial dysfunction suggesting vascular involvement in MS. The lack of a correlation between CIMT and endocan and hyaluronic acid levels reveals the complexity of vascular and immune interactions in MS, which needs further research. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignant tumour of the liver. In a cirrhotic liver, each nodule larger than 10 mm demands further work-up using CT or MRI. The Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) is still based on visual assessment and measurements. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether semi-automated quantification of visual LR-5 lesions is appropriate and can objectify HCC classification for personalized radiomic research. Methods: A total of 52 HCC patients (median age 67 years, 17% females, 83% males) from a retrospective data collection were evaluated visually and compared by the results using an oncology software with features of LI-RADS-based structured tumour evaluation and documentation, semi-automated tumour segmentation, and texture analysis. Results: Software-based evaluation of non-rim arterial-phase hyperenhancement (APHE) and non-peripheral washout, as well as the LI-RADS-score, showed no statistically significant differences compared with visual assessment (p = 0.2, 0.7, 0.17), with a consensus between a human reader and the software approach in 98% (APHE), 89% (washout), and 93% (threshold growth) of cases, respectively. The software provided automated LI-RADS classification, structured reporting, and quantitative features for HCC registries and radiomic research. Conclusions: The presented work may serve as an outlook for LI-RADS-based automated qualitative and quantitative evaluation. Future research may show if texture analysis can be used to foster personalized medical approaches in HCC. Full article

Background/Objectives: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is improving dentistry through increased accuracy in diagnostics, planning, and workflow automation. AI tools, including machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL), are being adopted in oral medicine to improve patient care, efficiency, and lessen clinicians’ workloads. AI in dentistry, despite its use, faces an issue of acceptance, with its obstacles including ethical, legal, and technological ones. In this article, a review of current AI use in oral medicine, new technology development, and integration barriers is discussed. Methods: A narrative review of peer-reviewed articles in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar was conducted. Peer-reviewed articles over the last decade, such as AI application in diagnostic imaging, predictive analysis, real-time documentation, and workflows automation, were examined. Besides, improvements in AI models and critical impediments such as ethical concerns and integration barriers were addressed in the review. Results: AI has exhibited strong performance in radiographic diagnostics, with high accuracy in reading cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan, intraoral photographs, and radiographs. AI-facilitated predictive analysis has enhanced personalized care planning and disease avoidance, and AI-facilitated automation of workflows has maximized administrative workflows and patient record management. U-Net-based segmentation models exhibit sensitivities and specificities of approximately 93.0% and 88.0%, respectively, in identifying periapical lesions on 2D CBCT slices. TensorFlow-based workflow modules, integrated into vendor platforms such as Planmeca Romexis, can reduce the processing time of patient records by a minimum of 30 percent in standard practice. The privacy-preserving federated learning architecture has attained cross-site model consistency exceeding 90% accuracy, enabling collaborative training among diverse dentistry clinics. Explainable AI (XAI) and federated learning have enhanced AI transparency and security with technological advancement, but barriers include concerns regarding data privacy, AI bias, gaps in AI regulating, and training clinicians. Conclusions: AI is revolutionizing dentistry with enhanced diagnostic accuracy, predictive planning, and efficient administration automation. With technology developing AI software even smarter, ethics and legislation have to follow in order to allow responsible AI integration. To make AI in dental care work at its best, future research will have to prioritize AI interpretability, developing uniform protocols, and collaboration between specialties in order to allow AI’s full potential in dentistry. Full article

Digital dentistry is undergoing rapid evolution, with three-dimensional imaging technologies increasingly integrated into routine clinical workflows. Originally developed for accurate dental arch reconstruction, modern intraoral scanners have demonstrated expanding versatility in capturing intraoral mucosal as well as perioral cutaneous structures. Concurrently, photogrammetry has emerged as a powerful method for full-face digital reconstruction, particularly valuable in orthodontic and prosthodontic treatment planning. These advances offer promising applications in forensic sciences, where high-resolution, three-dimensional documentation of anatomical details such as palatal rugae, lip prints, and bite marks can provide objective and enduring records for legal and investigative purposes. This study explores the forensic potential of two digital acquisition techniques by presenting two cadaveric cases of animal bite injuries. In the first case, an intraoral scanner (Dexis 3600) was used in an unconventional extraoral application to directly scan skin lesions. In the second case, photogrammetry was employed using a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera and Agisoft Metashape, with standardized lighting and metric scale references to generate accurate 3D models. Both methods produced analyzable digital reconstructions suitable for forensic archiving. The intraoral scanner yielded dimensionally accurate models, with strong agreement with manual measurements, though limited by difficulties in capturing complex surface morphology. Photogrammetry, meanwhile, allowed for broader contextual reconstruction with high texture fidelity, albeit requiring more extensive processing and scale calibration. A notable advantage common to both techniques is the avoidance of physical contact and impression materials, which can compress and distort soft tissues, an especially relevant concern when documenting transient evidence like bite marks. These results suggest that both technologies, despite their different origins and operational workflows, can contribute meaningfully to forensic documentation of bite-related injuries. While constrained by the exploratory nature and small sample size of this study, the findings support the viability of digitized, non-destructive evidence preservation. Future perspectives may include the integration of artificial intelligence to assist with morphological matching and the establishment of digital forensic databases for pattern comparison and expert review. Full article

Background: Structurally active phospholipoproteomic formulations that lack pharmacodynamic targets or systemic absorption present unique challenges for validation. Designed for immune compatibility or structural modulation—rather than therapeutic effect—these platforms cannot be evaluated through conventional clinical or molecular frameworks. Methods: This study introduces a standardized, non-invasive ex vivo protocol using real-time kinetic imaging to document biological behavior under neutral conditions. Eight human tumor-derived adherent cell lines were selected for phenotypic stability and imaging compatibility. Phospholipoproteomic preparations were applied under harmonized conditions, and cellular responses were recorded continuously over 48 h. Results: Key parameters included signal continuity, morphological integrity, and inter-batch reproducibility. The system achieved high technical consistency without labeling, endpoint disruption, or destructive assays. Outputs included full kinetic curves and viability signals across multiple cell–fraction pairings. Conclusions: This method provides a regulatorily compatible foundation for functional documentation in non-pharmacodynamic programs where clinical trials are infeasible. It supports early-stage screening, batch comparability, and audit-ready records within SAP, CTD, or real-world evidence (RWE) ecosystems. By decoupling validation from systemic exposure, the protocol enables scalable, technically grounded decision-making for structurally defined immunobiological platforms. Full article

Advanced Gastric Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma (SRCC) is characterized by aggressive behavior, high metastatic potential, and extremely poor prognosis. There is an urgent need for effective imaging modalities to evaluate systemic metastatic lesions and to dynamically monitor disease progression during treatment. We report a rare case of a 26-year-old female with advanced SRCC presenting with extensive systemic metastases, clinically staged as IV (cT4N3M1). High-frequency and conventional ultrasound imaging revealed metastatic lesions involving the scalp soft tissues, cervical lymph nodes, intercostal soft tissues, pancreatic-splenic hilum region, pelvic cavity, peritoneum and omentum. The ultrasonographic findings were highly consistent with contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results. The patient received seven cycles of a modified BEMA regimen (oxaliplatin, leucovorin and 5-fluorouracil) combined with nivolumab. Serial ultrasound monitoring indicated continuous disease progression. Due to poor therapeutic response, the patient succumbed to acute obstructive renal failure caused by tumor progression seven months after diagnosis. This report provided a comprehensive ultrasonographic assessment of widespread and rare metastatic sites in advanced SRCC, a scenario seldom documented. The combination of high-frequency ultrasound and Super Microvascular Imaging (SMI) offered precise, radiation-free, and repeatable evaluation of both superficial and deep lesions, proving particularly valuable for real-time monitoring of treatment response in critically ill patients. These findings underscore the unique role of systemic ultrasound in enhancing metastatic detection and therapeutic evaluation for advanced SRCC. Full article

Given its considerable cultural, historical, and economic value, built heritage requires the application of modern techniques for effective documentation and conservation. While multiple sensors are available for 3D modeling, laser scanning remains the most commonly employed due to its efficiency, precision, and ability to comprehensively capture the building’s geometry, surface textures, and structural details. This results in highly detailed 3D representations that are very important for accurate documentation, analysis, and conservation planning. This study investigates the complementary potential of different 3D modeling approaches for the digital representation of the Dosoftei House in Iasi, a monument of historical significance. For this purpose, an integrated point cloud was created based on a mobile hand-held laser scanner (HMLS), i.e., the FJD Trion P1 and a terrestrial laser scanner (TLS), i.e., the Maptek I-Site 8820 long-range laser scanner, the latter specifically used to capture the roof structures. Based on this dataset, a parametric model was created in Revit, supported by panoramic images, allowing for a structured representation useful in technical documentation and heritage management. In parallel, a mesh model was generated in CloudCompare using Poisson surface reconstruction. The comparison of the two methods highlights the high geometric accuracy of the mesh model and the Building Information Modeling (BIM) model’s capability to efficiently manage information linked to architectural elements. While the mesh provides detailed geometry, the BIM model excels in information organization and supports informed decision-making in conservation efforts. This research proposes leveraging the advantages of both methods within an integrated workflow, applicable on a larger scale in architectural heritage conservation projects. Full article

Drones have rapidly emerged as transformative tools in landscape research, enabling high-resolution spatial data acquisition, real-time environmental monitoring, and advanced modelling that surpass the limitations of traditional methodologies. This scoping review systematically explores and synthesises the technological applications of drones within the context of landscape studies, addressing a significant gap in the integration of Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UASs) into environmental and spatial planning disciplines. The study investigates the typologies of drone platforms—including fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and hybrid systems—alongside a detailed examination of sensor technologies such as RGB, LiDAR, multispectral, and hyperspectral imaging. Following the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted across Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, utilising predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The findings reveal that drone technologies are predominantly applied in mapping and modelling, vegetation and biodiversity analysis, water resource management, urban planning, cultural heritage documentation, and sustainable tourism development. Notably, vegetation analysis and water management have shown a remarkable surge in application over the past five years, highlighting global shifts towards sustainability-focused landscape interventions. These applications are critically evaluated in terms of spatial efficiency, operational flexibility, and interdisciplinary relevance. This review concludes that integrating drones with Geographic Information Systems (GISs), artificial intelligence (AI), and remote sensing frameworks substantially enhances analytical capacity, supports climate-resilient landscape planning, and offers novel pathways for multi-scalar environmental research and practice. Full article

Background: [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-DOTATOC is widely used in PET imaging of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) due to its high affinity for somatostatin receptors. Given the short physical half-life of gallium-68 (~68 min), rapid, reproducible, and GMP-compliant synthesis is essential for clinical application. Methods: An optimized cassette-based automated synthesis protocol was developed using a commercial cassette. Improvements included direct generator elution into the reactor without pre-purification, use of a SepPak^® C18 Plus Light cartridge for purification, replacement of HEPES with 0.3 M sodium acetate buffer (final pH ~3.8), and implementation of a non-vented sterile filter enabling automated pressure-hold integrity testing. Results: Across all batches, the synthesis yielded [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-DOTATOC with high radiochemical purity (> 97%) and reproducible decay-corrected radiochemical yields up to 88.3 ± 0.6%. Total synthesis time was approximately 13 min. The final product remained stable for at least 3 h post-synthesis. The use of acetate buffer eliminated the need for HEPES-specific testing, streamlining the workflow. Automated filter testing improved GMP-compliant documentation and reduced radiation exposure for personnel. Conclusions: This optimized, cassette-based synthesis protocol enables fast, high-yield, and GMP-compliant production of [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-DOTATOC. It supports clinical theranostic workflows by ensuring product quality, process standardization, and regulatory compliance. Full article

Background/Objectives: The most prevalent form of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA) is pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN), caused by mutations in the PANK2 gene. The hallmark of PKAN is the “eye-of-the-tiger” sign, which is characterized by a bilateral region of central hyperintense signal surrounded by a hypointense signal in the medial globus pallidus on T2-weighted brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed in four patients who presented with dystonia, cognitive impairment and abnormalities of the globus pallidus. All patients underwent comprehensive clinical and instrumental evaluations. Results: Molecular analysis using WES revealed PANK2 variants in all four cases. Two patients were homozygous for the known pathogenic variant c.1169A > T (p.N390I). The remaining two patients displayed compound heterozygotes, each carrying the novel splicing variant c.906-1G > A on one allele, combined with a different second variant on the other allele: the new missense variant c.617G > A (p.G206D) in one case and the known pathogenic variant c.1231G > A (p.G411R) in the other. In one case, brain imaging documented the transition from initial hyperintensity of the globus pallidus to the development of the “eye-of-the-tiger” sign. In two cases, MRI findings clearly demonstrated the characteristic “eye-of-the-tiger” appearance. Ultimately, in one case, the imaging likely captured a later disease stage, in which the “eye-of-the-tiger” sign was no longer visible, and only the residual hypointensity remained. Conclusions: This study describes two novel likely pathogenic variants and documents the full MRI progression of globus pallidus involvement in PKAN. The sequence starts with early T2 hyperintensity, followed by the emergence of the typical “eye-of-the-tiger” sign, and culminates in marked hypointensity in advanced stages. Since the initial clinical presentation may mimic mitochondrial disorders or other neurometabolic conditions, these imaging features are crucial for guiding differential diagnosis and enabling accurate disease identification. Full article

Metaphyseal osteopathy (MO) is a rare systemic disease primarily affecting young large-breed dogs. Diagnosis of MO is usually based on a combination of signalment, presenting clinical signs, and imaging findings. While radiographic features of MO are well documented, reports describing Computed Tomography (CT) findings are limited. Clinical records of a veterinary teaching hospital were searched for dogs with a presumed diagnosis of MO that underwent CT imaging. CT and available radiographic studies were retrospectively reviewed. Four dogs met the inclusion criteria. All presented with pyrexia, often associated with other clinical signs. CT lesions were bilateral and symmetric in all cases, characterised by an irregular metaphyseal band of lysis parallel to the physis with associated signs of bone sclerosis. Multiple long bones were affected, and mandibular involvement was suspected in two cases. Comparison with a radiographic study was available in two cases, and follow-up CT imaging was performed in one. Although radiographs remain the primary diagnostic tool for MO, understanding the CT features of the disease is valuable and may contribute to prompt diagnosis, particularly when evaluating young dogs with pyrexia and non-specific clinical signs. Full article

Manual tissue documentation is a critical step in the field of pathology that sets the stage for microscopic analysis and significantly influences diagnostic outcomes. In routine practice, technicians verbally dictate descriptions of specimens during gross examination; these are later transcribed into macroscopic reports. Fragment sizes are measured manually with rulers; however, these measurements are often inconsistent for small, irregular biopsies. No photographic record is captured for traceability. To address these limitations, we propose a proof-of-concept framework that automates the image capture and documentation of biopsy and resection cassettes. It integrates a custom imaging platform and a segmentation pipeline leveraging the YOLOv8 and YOLOv9 architectures to improve accuracy and efficiency. The framework was tested in a real clinical context and was evaluated on two datasets of 100 annotated images each, achieving a mask mean Average Precision (mAP) of 0.9517 ± 0107 and a tissue fragment spatial accuracy of 96.20 ± 1.37%. These results demonstrate the potential of our framework to enhance the standardization, reliability, and speed of macroscopic documentation, contributing to improved traceability and diagnostic precision. Full article

With the global surge in patent filings, accurately evaluating similarity between patent documents has become increasingly critical. Traditional similarity assessment methods—primarily based on unimodal inputs such as text or bibliographic data—often fall short due to the complexity of legal language and the semantic ambiguity that is inherent in technical writing. To address these limitations, this study introduces a novel multimodal patent similarity evaluation framework that integrates weak AI techniques and conceptual similarity analysis of patent drawings. This approach leverages a domain-specific pre-trained language model optimized for patent texts, statistical correlation analysis between textual and bibliographic information, and a rule-based classification strategy. These components, rooted in weak AI methodology, significantly enhance classification precision. Furthermore, the study introduces the concept of conceptual similarity—as distinct from visual similarity—in the analysis of patent drawings, demonstrating its superior ability to capture the underlying technological intent. An empirical evaluation was conducted on 9613 patents in the manipulator technology domain, yielding 668,010 document pairs. Stepwise experiments demonstrated a 13.84% improvement in classification precision. Citation-based similarity assessment further confirmed the superiority of the proposed multimodal approach over existing methods. The findings underscore the potential of the proposed framework to improve prior art searches, patent examination accuracy, and R&D planning. Full article

Background: Cellulosimicrobium, formerly known as the Oerskovia genus, is a Gram-positive organism known for its characteristic bright yellow colonies. While abundant in nature, it is very rarely linked to pathogenesis in humans. While there is no classical presentation for Cellulosimicrobium-associated infections, cases tend to be foreign body-related or involve immunocompromised patients. Rates of Cellulosimicrobium-associated infections have been hypothesised to rise in the future, due to rising numbers of immunocompromised patients in the community and increasing usage of foreign bodies such as prostheses and long-term catheters. Existing technical difficulties regarding misidentifying cultures as other species (often other coryneforms) may also play a significant role in the low number of documented cases, and this may change in the near future with diagnostic advancements such as whole genomic sequencing. Case Presentation: A 57-year-old immunocompetent Irish male presented with concomitant neck and lung masses. Notably, this was found to be directly following a recent dental procedure. During extensive investigations, Cellulosimicrobium was isolated from biopsied lung tissue using 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid gene-sequencing analysis. The patient was treated with long-term oral amoxicillin and safely discharged, with both masses showing measurable reductions in size on subsequent imaging. Conclusions: Should Cellulosimicrobium represent the causative pathological organism in this case, then we believe this to represent a potential novel documented presentation of the organism’s pathogenesis in humans. We provide detailed discussion surrounding the successful management of this patient and the evaluation of the evolving differential diagnosis throughout this case. Full article