Diagnostic Approach Research Articles

Anti-tumoral Immunity and Chemo-preventive Effectiveness of Herbal Extracts of Curcumin, Ginger, Clove and Amygdaline in Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma-Challenging Mice.

Due to its systemic toxicity, traditional chemotherapy of tumors is being taken into consideration. Herbal therapy, containing phytochemical polyphenol derivatives such as Curcumin (Cur), Ginger (Gin), Cloves (Clov) and Amygdaline (Amyg), is one of the numerous complementary and alternative approaches as an anti-cancer therapy and holds great promise for cancer chemo-prevention with fewer side effects. The current study was designated to assess anti-tumoral immunity and anti-cancer and chemo-preventive effectiveness of herbal extracts of Cur, Ginger, Clov and Amyg in Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC)-challenging mice. Chemo-preventive efficacy of herbal extracts of Cur, Gin, Clov and Amyg were analyzed in vivo by examination of the apoptosis rate of EAC tumor cells by flow cytometry. The total numbers of EAC cells, splenocytes counts and leucocytes count with their differentials relative % in peripheral blood (PB) of EACchallenging mice were investigated. EAC-challenging mice treated with herbal extracts of Cur, Gin, Clov and Amyg showed a marked decline in EAC tumor cell count and a noticeable increase in apoptosis rate of EAC tumor cells, a remarkable decrease in serum level of cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) with an obvious increase in the number of splenocytes comparing to that in EAC-challenging mice treated with PBS alone. Moreover, the data indicated an insignificant change in the total leucocytes count and their differentials relative % of eosinophil, neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes in EAC-challenging mice treated with Cur and Amyg, but these parameters were markedly increased in EAC-challenging mice injected with Gin and Clov compared to that in EAC-challenging mice treated with PBS alone. To conclude, the herbal extracts of Cur, Gin, Clov and Amyg may have anti-tumoral immunity and anti-cancer potency and potential to reduce the resistance to cancer conventional chemotherapy and exert cancer chemo-protective approaches with low adverse effects. Further research is necessary to determine the regimen's toxicity on various tissues and organs and to connect the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches used in the regimen's biomedical use.

Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer: Conventional Techniques and Current Biomarkers

Abstract: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide, and the incidence of CRC seems to increase gradually. The survival of CRC varies in different countries, attributed to the screening program. Generally, diagnostic approaches for CRC can be divided into visual detection methods and laboratory methods. Colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and computed tomography colonography are considered visual methods widely used in cancer detection. Although visual methods provide some benefits, some disadvantages such as late detection, are present, making them useless in rapidly progressing CRC patients. On the other hand, laboratory tests are developed to compensate for the disadvantages of visual methods. More recent progression in laboratory tests makes them able to superfine detection of CRC. For instance, molecular and genetic methods based on the components of cancer cells, like nucleic acid and proteins, can prognosticate further cancer development in susceptible patients. Alongside new therapeutic approaches developed within decades, the number of CRC detection methods has increased, which aims to reduce the duration between cancer initiation and detection. This review sought to survey the CRC detection methods, including conventional and recently-developed methods, to provide better insight into CRC screening.

Psikopatoloji Araştırmalarında Yeni Bir Yöntem: Ağ Analizi

Though network analysis has a long history in both natural and social sciences it has emerged as a new method in psychology in recent years. Unlike medical disorders, mental disorders are not observable in laboratory. However, we can identify them by the way of observable symptoms. According to the network perspective, a disorder occurs when an external event triggers a psychological symptom. Activated symptom also interacts with other symptoms and forms a pattern of symptoms. Network approach criticizes traditional categorical diagnostic approach and focuses on symptom organization. Probably, treating the most effective symptom will accelerate recovery process and provide more effective treatment. Network analysis can be used in both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. Psychological networks provide opportunities to investigate direction of the relationship among symptoms, comorbidity, external triggers of psychological symptoms, effectiveness of treatment, comparison of symptom pattern according to sample characteristics. Despite the utility of psychological networks, accuracy of them has been questioned and certain methods to prove accuracy of networks proposed as response. Technological progress in recent years enabled network analysis to be more eligible in psychology. R Statistics software is very useful in network analysis which is totally free and open sourced and supported by many additional packages. This review article aims is to provide information about usage of network analysis in psychology, especially in clinical research. In the first part historical and theoretical background of network analysis was introduced and in the following parts structure, validity of psychological networks and R Statistics Software which is used for conducting network analysis were explained briefly.

Current Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches in May-Thurner Syndrome in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults: A Survey among Thrombosis Experts of the German Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis.

May-Thurner syndrome (MTS) is a pelvic venous disorder involving compression of the left common iliac vein by the right common iliac artery, which results in predisposition for deep vein thrombosis. Although MTS is increasingly recognized in young patients, specific guidelines on diagnosis and management for children, adolescents, and young adults do not exist so far. The aim of this study was to assess current diagnostic and therapeutic practice in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland in children and young adults with thrombosis and MTS.We designed an online survey with 11 questions, which we sent via a mailing list to all members of the German, Austrian, and Swiss Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis Research. Between July and October 2022, 33 specialists answered the questionnaire. Most participating specialists worked at pediatric hospitals (61%). Numbers of annually treated thromboses ranged from <5 (26%) to >30 (13%). Most specialists used venous ultrasound to diagnose deep vein thrombosis, 53% magnetic resonance imaging. Only 25% of specialists systematically screened for MTS in deep vein thrombosis. MTS was managed with anticoagulation (65%), iliac vein stent placement (32%), or balloon angioplasty (13%). In total, 31% of specialists reported to use more than one therapeutic method. Diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for MTS differed between specialists. Lack of standardization resulted in individualized and highly diverse management. Prospective observational clinical studies investigating the outcome of different management strategies including long-term follow-up on outcome and incidence of postthrombotic syndrome will help in defining patient groups who benefit most from revascularizing interventional strategies and developing standardized guidelines.

Epidemiological, virological and clinical characterization of a Dengue/Zika outbreak in the Caribbean region of Costa Rica 2017–2018

The increase in incidence and geographical expansion of viruses transmitted by the Aedes mosquitoes, such as dengue (DENV) and zika (ZIKV) in the Americas, represents a burden for healthcare systems in tropical and subtropical regions. These and other under-detected arboviruses co-circulate in Costa Rica, adding additional complexity to their management due to their shared epidemiological behavior and similarity of symptoms in early stages. Since diagnostics of febrile illness is mostly based on clinical symptoms alone, we gathered acute-phase serum and urine from 399 samples of acute dengue-like cases from two healthcare facilities of Costa Rica, during an outbreak of arboviruses from July 2017 to May 2018, and tested them using molecular and serological methods. The analyses showed that of the clinically presumptive arbovirus cases that were reported, only 39.4% (n=153) of the samples were confirmed positive by RT-PCR to be DENV (DENV (10.3%), CHIKV (0.2%), ZIKV (27.3%), or mixed infections (1.5%). RT-PCR for other alphaviruses and flaviviruses, and PCR for Leptospira sp were negative. Furthermore, to assess flavivirus positivity in post-acute patients, the negative sera were tested against Dengue-IgM. 20% of sera were found positive, confounding even more the definitive number of cases, and emphasizing the need of several distinct diagnostic tools for accurate diagnostics. Molecular characterization of the prM and E genes from isolated viruses revealed that the American/Asian genotype of DENV-2 and the Asian lineage of ZIKV were circulating during this outbreak. Two different clades of DENV-2 American/Asian genotype were identified to co-circulate in the same region and a difference in the platelet and leukocyte count was noted between people infected with each clade, suggesting a putative distinct virulence. Our study sheds light on the necessity for healthcare strategies in managing arbovirus outbreaks, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive molecular and serological diagnostic approaches, as well as molecular characterization. This approach aids in enhancing our understanding of the clinical and epidemiological aspects of arboviral diseases during outbreaks. Our research highlights the need to strengthen training programs for health professionals and the need to increase research-based on laboratory evidence for diagnostic accuracy, guidance, development and implementation of public health interventions and epidemiological surveillance.

Artificial intelligence and personalized diagnostics in periodontology: A narrative review.

Periodontal diseases pose a significant global health burden, requiring early detection and personalized treatment approaches. Traditional diagnostic approaches in periodontology often rely on a "one size fits all" approach, which may overlook the unique variations in disease progression and response to treatment among individuals. This narrative review explores the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and personalized diagnostics in periodontology, emphasizing the potential for tailored diagnostic strategies to enhance precision medicine in periodontal care. The review begins by elucidating the limitations of conventional diagnostic techniques. Subsequently, it delves into the application of AI models in analyzing diverse data sets, such as clinical records, imaging, and molecular information, and its role in periodontal training. Furthermore, the review also discusses the role of research community and policymakers in integrating personalized diagnostics in periodontal care. Challenges and ethical considerations associated with adopting AI-based personalized diagnostic tools are also explored, emphasizing the need for transparent algorithms, data safety and privacy, ongoing multidisciplinary collaboration, and patient involvement. In conclusion, this narrative review underscores the transformative potential of AI in advancing periodontal diagnostics toward a personalized paradigm, and their integration into clinical practice holds the promise of ushering in a new era of precision medicine for periodontal care.

Participation of Lens Proteins and miRs in Traumatic and Inheritance Cataract: A Review on Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches for Cataract Management.

Traumatic and inherited cataract spiking blindness is caused by accumulated deposition of mutant eye lens protein or lens microarchitecture alteration. A traumatic cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens that occurs as a result of physical trauma to the eye. This trauma can be caused by various incidents such as blunt force injury, penetration by a foreign object, or a significant impact on the eye area. Inheritance cataracts or hereditary cataracts are cataracts that are genetically inherited from one or both parents. Complications following cataract surgery encompass various adverse outcomes such as inflammation, infection, bleeding, swelling, drooping eyelid, glaucoma, secondary cataracts, and complete loss of vision. The main purpose of the review is to highlight common pathophysiology associated with traumatic and inherited cataracts. Also, the review discusses diagnosis and treatment strategies for such cataract types by targeting their key pathological hallmarks. γD-crystallin plays a crucial role in maintaining the optical properties of the lens during the life span of an individual. Carbamazepine, Resveratrol, and Myricetin (CRM) are effectively bound at the γD-crystallin binding site and thereby could minimize misfolding and aggregation of γD-crystallin. miR-202, miR-193b, miR-135a, miR365, and miR-376a had the highest levels of abundance in the aqueous humor of individuals diagnosed with cataracts. The validation of these miRs will provide more insights into their functional roles and may be used for diagnostic purposes. The effective CRM combination as a multidrug formulation may postpone both traumatic and inherited cataracts and protect the eye from blindness.

Artificial intelligence: a new cutting-edge tool in spine surgery.

The purpose of this narrative review was to comprehensively elaborate the various components of artificial intelligence (AI), their applications in spine surgery, practical concerns, and future directions. Over the years, spine surgery has been continuously transformed in various aspects, including diagnostic strategies, surgical approaches, procedures, and instrumentation, to provide better-quality patient care. Surgeons have also augmented their surgical expertise with rapidly growing technological advancements. AI is an advancing field that has the potential to revolutionize many aspects of spine surgery. We performed a comprehensive narrative review of the various aspects of AI and machine learning in spine surgery. To elaborate on the current role of AI in spine surgery, a review of the literature was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar databases for articles published in English in the last 20 years. The initial search using the keywords "artificial intelligence" AND "spine," "machine learning" AND "spine," and "deep learning" AND "spine" extracted a total of 78, 60, and 37 articles and 11,500, 4,610, and 2,270 articles on PubMed and Google Scholar. After the initial screening and exclusion of unrelated articles, duplicates, and non-English articles, 405 articles were identified. After the second stage of screening, 93 articles were included in the review. Studies have shown that AI can be used to analyze patient data and provide personalized treatment recommendations in spine care. It also provides valuable insights for planning surgeries and assisting with precise surgical maneuvers and decisionmaking during the procedures. As more data become available and with further advancements, AI is likely to improve patient outcomes.

A Detailed Examination of Retroperitoneal Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma: A Case Report and Review of the Existing Literature

This detailed review focuses on retroperitoneal undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS), a particularly aggressive soft-tissue sarcoma that poses unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to its rarity and complex presentation. By documenting a new case of retroperitoneal UPS and conducting a comprehensive review of all known cases, this article aims to expand the existing body of knowledge on the epidemiology, molecular pathogenesis, and treatment strategies associated with this rare disease. The complexity of diagnosing UPS is emphasized given that it rarely occurs in the retroperitoneal space and its histological and molecular complexity often complicates its recognition. This review highlights the need for specialized diagnostic approaches, including advanced imaging techniques and histopathological studies, to accurately diagnose and stage the disease. In terms of treatment, this paper advocates a multidisciplinary approach that combines surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy and tailors it to individual patients to optimize treatment outcomes. This review highlights case studies that illustrate the effectiveness of surgical intervention in the treatment of these tumors and emphasize the importance of achieving clear surgical margins to prevent recurrence. Furthermore, this review discusses the potential of new molecular targets and the need for innovative therapies that could bring new hope to patients affected by this challenging sarcoma.

Predominantly multiple focal non-cystic renal lesions: an imaging approach.

Multiple non-cystic renal lesions are occasionally discovered during imaging for various reasons and poses a diagnostic challenge to the practicing radiologist. These lesions may appear as a primary or dominant imaging finding or may be an additional abnormality in the setting of multiorgan involvement. Awareness of the imaging appearance of the various entities presenting as renal lesions integrated with associated extrarenal imaging findings along with clinical information is crucial for a proper diagnostic approach and patient work-up. This review summarizes the most relevant causes of infectious, inflammatory, vascular, and neoplastic disorders presenting as predominantly multiple focal non-cystic lesions.

Carotid Artery Doppler: A Possible Non-invasive Diagnostic Approach to Assessing the Severity of Coronary Artery Disease

Carotid Artery Doppler: A Possible Non-invasive Diagnostic Approach to Assessing the Severity of Coronary Artery Disease

Fibrolipoma of the lower lip: A case report and review of the literature.

Fibrolipoma of the lower lip is an uncommon condition with limited documentation in the literature. This paper provides updated insights into oral and maxillofacial lipomas through a detailed case report and comprehensive literature review, discussing clinical features, pathogenesis, diagnostic approaches, histopathology, and therapeutic strategies. A 54-year-old female presented with a painless, enlarging mass on the inner aspect of her right lower lip, first noticed 2 years prior. The mass, now the size of a peanut, interfered with her eating and speech. Physical examination revealed a 2.0 × 2.5 × 1.0 cm mass beneath the mucous membrane of the right lower lip. It was firm, well-demarcated, and mobile. Surgical excision was performed, and histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of a lower lip fibrolipoma. The lesion was successfully removed without recurrence. Lipomas in the oral and maxillofacial regions are rare, slow-growing benign tumors, particularly within the lips. Although their diagnosis is straightforward based on clinical presentation, histopathological confirmation is essential. Surgical resection remains the treatment of choice, with excellent prognostic outcomes.

Unusual left colon displacement and clockwise torsion in a 10‐month‐old Arab filly: A case report

In this case report, we present an unusual clockwise torsion of left colon around mesenteric root in a 10‐month‐old Arab filly, highlighting the clinical presentation, diagnostic approach and successful surgical intervention.A 10‐month‐old Arab filly weighing approximately 250 kg was referred with signs of acute abdominal pain. The history revealed anorexia, restlessness and severe abdominal pain that had begun the previous day. The local practitioner had previously administered flunixin meglumine, an analgesic, but it proved ineffective in relieving the pain. Upon physical examination, the filly exhibited sweating, a body temperature of 38.5°C, tachycardia (65 beats per minute) and tachypnea (25 breaths per minute). Due to the severity of the colic and the lack of response to the conservative treatments, surgical intervention was deemed necessary. An exploratory midline celiotomy was performed to evaluate the abdominal organs. During the examination, no obvious primary lesions were identified in the evaluated organs. However, a restriction in exteriorizing the left colon's length was observed. Further examination revealed an unusual clockwise torsion of the left colon that displaced in left to the right side around the mesenteric root; thereby, pelvic flexure was located in the normal anatomical position with a short length.To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of clockwise torsion and an atypical displacement of the left colon in horses. The surgical correction of the displacement was successfully performed. The filly showed improvement post‐surgery and did not exhibit any complications during the recovery period.

Clinical and pathological aspects of toxic myopathies.

As the most frequent cause of acquired myopathy, toxic myopathies are characterised by clinicopathological features that vary depending on the mode of action of the drugs or toxins involved. Although a large number of substances can induce myotoxicity, the main culprits are statins, alcohol, and corticosteroids. A rigorous, well-organised diagnostic approach is necessary to obtain a rapid diagnosis. For early diagnosis and management, it is important for clinicians to be aware that most toxic myopathies are potentially reversible, and the goal of treatment should be to avoid serious muscle damage.

Cerebral air embolism: neurologic manifestations, prognosis, and outcome.

Cerebral air embolism (CAE) is an uncommon medical emergency with a potentially fatal course. We have retrospectively analyzed a set of patients treated with CAE at our comprehensive stroke center and a hyperbaric medicine center. An overview of the pathophysiology, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of CAE is provided. We retrospectively identified 11 patients with cerebral venous and arterial air emboli that highlight the diversity in etiologies, manifestations, and disease courses encountered clinically. Acute-onset stroke syndrome and a progressive impairment of consciousness were the two most common presentations in four patients each (36%). Two patients (18%) suffered from an acute-onset coma, and one (9%) was asymptomatic. Four patients (36%) were treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBTO), high-flow oxygen therapy without HBOT was started in two patients (18%), two patients (18%) were in critical care at the time of diagnosis and three (27%) received no additional treatment. CAE was fatal in five cases (46%), caused severe disability in two (18%), mild disability in three (27%), and a single patient had no lasting deficit (9%). Cerebral air embolism is a dangerous condition that necessitates high clinical vigilance. Due to its diverse presentation, the diagnosis can be missed or delayed in critically ill patients and result in long-lasting or fatal neurological complications. Preventative measures and a proper diagnostic and treatment approach reduce CAE's incidence and impact.

BIOM-04. ALTERED IMMUNE ACTIVATION AND REDUCED LYMPHOPOIESIS IN TREATMENT NAÏVE PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOUR PATIENTS

Abstract Pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumors are the most common solid tumor in children. Despite improvements in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches over time, treatment effectiveness remains unsatisfactory. Optimal immune function is critical to protect against development and dissemination of cancer and to offer the ideal conditions for the success of anticancer treatment. Here we analyzed the peripheral immunological features of patients affected by pediatric brain tumors, the process of de novo T- and B-cell development and its association with the lymphopenia often observed in these patients. Eighty-six steroids-naïve pediatric patients with CNS tumors at the onset of the disease were included in the study. Brain tumors were classified into low-grade gliomas (LGG: n=44, 51%), pediatric-type diffuse high-grade gliomas (pHGG: n=16, 19%), medulloblastoma (n =9, 10%), and other CNS tumors (n =17, 20%). Patient’s peripheral immunological status was analyzed by flow-cytometry and by evaluating T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs) and kappa-deleting excision circles (KREC) to quantify T- and B-cell neogenesis. Although all patients showed tendencies towards low lymphocyte counts, this effect was particularly evident in pHGG patients. T-cells of pHGG patients displayed a shift from naïve to effector memory phenotype compared to age-matched controls. On the other hand, LGG patients were characterized by an expansion of the T-central memory pool and higher expression of T-cell activation markers. Both patient cohorts exhibited decreased frequency of B-cells with activated phenotype. Interestingly, pHGG patients exhibited reduced thymic function as revealed by reduced levels of the recent thymic emigrant population and TRECs. In addition, LGG and pHGG patients were characterized by lower KREC values, suggesting suboptimal B-cell formation. At diagnosis, pediatric patients with brain tumor show alterations in their immunological status and reduced thymic and medullary lymphopoiesis, particularly pronounced in pHGG, which may contribute to explain the systemic lymphopenia characterizing these patients.

Soft tissue sarcomas of the proximal adductor area of the thigh: Indications, results and complications at medium follow-up in a series of 43 surgically treated patients

IntroductionWhen Soft Tissue Sarcomas are localized in the groin area, they pose specific challenges due to their proximity to important structures. These tumors exhibit elevated complication rates and a higher local recurrence rate compared to their locations in other limbs. The objective of this paper is to analyze a series of patients affected by soft tissue sarcomas in the adductor area of the proximal thigh. The analysis aims to elucidate the epidemiology, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, complications, and outcomes. Additionally, the study seeks potential prognostic factors and to determine patients at a heightened risk of postoperative complications. Patients and methodsall patients who underwent surgeries for primary soft tissue sarcomas of the adductor area between October 2006 and March 2022 in a tertiary research hospital were valued. Epidemiology, tumor characteristics and therapeutic approaches were analyzed to identify risk factors for complications and local recurrences; survival was considered a secondary outcome. ResultsThe series comprised 43 patients, 26 males and 17 females, with an average age of 63.3 years. The most frequent histology was liposarcoma, followed by undifferentiated forms. All patients reported the presence of masses, with associated pain in 27.9% of cases. Limb-sparing surgery was performed in 86.0% of cases. Early and late complications were experienced by 34.9% and 20.0% of patients, respectively, with wound dehiscence being the most frequent problem. The recurrence rate was 9.3%, with no recurrences observed in low-grade patients. At an average follow-up of 51 months, 18 patients (41.9%) were alive, two of which with distant metastases. ConclusionThe present series provides evidence that when Soft Tissue Sarcomas localized in the groin area are managed in specialized centers, the rates of recurrence and complications are not significantly different from those observed in other anatomical sites.

American Heart Association Cardiogenic Shock Registry: Design and Implementation.

Cardiogenic shock is a morbid complication of heart disease that claims the lives of more than 1 in 3 patients presenting with this syndrome. Supporting a unique collaboration across clinical specialties, federal regulators, payors, and industry, the American Heart Association volunteers and staff have launched a quality improvement registry to better understand the clinical manifestations of shock phenotypes, and to benchmark the management patterns, and outcomes of patients presenting with cardiogenic shock to hospitals across the United States. Participating hospitals will enroll consecutive hospitalized patients with cardiogenic shock, regardless of etiology or severity. Data are collected through individual reviews of medical records of sequential adult patients with cardiogenic shock. The electronic case record form was collaboratively designed with a core minimum data structure and aligned with Shock Academic Research Consortium definitions. This registry will allow participating health systems to evaluate patient-level data including diagnostic approaches, therapeutics, use of advanced monitoring and circulatory support, processes of care, complications, and in-hospital survival. Participating sites can leverage these data for onsite monitoring of outcomes and benchmarking versus other institutions. The registry was concomitantly designed to provide a high-quality longitudinal research infrastructure for pragmatic randomized trials as well as translational, clinical, and implementation research. An aggregate deidentified data set will be made available to the research community on the American Heart Association's Precision Medicine Platform. On March 31, 2022, the American Heart Association Cardiogenic Shock Registry received its first clinical records. At the time of this submission, 100 centers are participating. The American Heart Association Cardiogenic Shock Registry will serve as a resource using consistent data structure and definitions for the medical and research community to accelerate scientific advancement through shared learning and research resulting in improved quality of care and outcomes of shock patients.

Use of 3D-CT-derived psoas major muscle volume in defining sarcopenia in colorectal cancer

BackgroundSarcopenia is characterized by reduced skeletal muscle volume and is a condition that is prevalent among elderly patients and associated with poor prognosis as a comorbidity in malignancies. Given the aging population over 80 years old in Japan, an understanding of malignancies, including colorectal cancer (CRC), complicated by sarcopenia is increasingly important. Therefore, the focus of this study is on a novel and practical diagnostic approach of assessment of psoas major muscle volume (PV) using 3-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) in diagnosis of sarcopenia in patients with CRC.MethodsThe subjects were 150 patients aged ≥ 80 years with CRC who underwent primary tumor resection at Juntendo University Hospital between 2004 and 2017. 3D-CT measurement of PV and conventional CT measurement of the psoas major muscle cross-sectional area (PA) were used to identify sarcopenia (group S) and non-sarcopenia (group nS) cases. Clinicopathological characteristics, operative results, postoperative complications, and prognosis were compared between these groups.ResultsThe S:nS ratios were 15:135 for the PV method and 52:98 for the PA method. There was a strong positive correlation (r = 0.66, p < 0.01) between PVI (psoas major muscle volume index) and PAI (psoas major muscle cross-sectional area index), which were calculated by dividing PV or PA by the square of height. Surgical results and postoperative complications did not differ significantly in the S and nS groups defined using each method. Overall survival was worse in group S compared to group nS identified by PV (p < 0.01), but not significantly different in groups S and nS identified by PA (p = 0.77). A Cox proportional hazards model for OS identified group S by PV as an independent predictor of a poor prognosis (p < 0.05), whereas group S by PA was not a predictor of prognosis (p = 0.60).ConclusionsThe PV method for identifying sarcopenia in elderly patients with CRC is more practical and sensitive for prediction of a poor prognosis compared to the conventional method.

Integrating Principal Component Analysis and Multi-Input Convolutional Neural Networks for Advanced Skin Lesion Cancer Classification

The importance of early detection in the management of skin lesions, such as skin cancer, cannot be overstated due to its critical role in enhancing treatment outcomes. This study presents an innovative multi-input model that fuses image and tabular data to improve the accuracy of diagnoses. The model incorporates a dual-input architecture, combining a ResNet-152 for image processing with a multilayer perceptron (MLP) for tabular data analysis. To optimize the handling of tabular data, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is employed to reduce dimensionality, facilitating more focused and efficient model training. The model’s effectiveness is confirmed through rigorous testing, yielding impressive metrics with an F1 score of 98.91%, a recall of 99.19%, and a precision of 98.76%. These results underscore the potential of combining multiple data inputs to provide a nuanced analysis that outperforms single-modality approaches in skin lesion diagnostics.