Enhance Patient Care Research Articles

Disciplinary Imbalances in Urology and Gynecology Research Publications within Functional Urology.

(1) Background: This study aimed to quantify and evaluate the publication rate and discrepancies of functional urology abstracts from international conferences, and to explore the interdisciplinary contributions of urology and gynecology to the field. (2) Methods: A retrospective bibliometric and content analysis was conducted on abstracts presented between 2015 and 2019 at the EAU and ICS congresses, focusing on functional-urological keywords. A discrepancy scoring system ranging from 0 (minor discrepancies) to 3 (significant discrepancies) assessed the consistency between conference abstracts and full-text publications, and an in-depth analysis determined the disciplinary origin of these publications. (3) Results: Between 2015 and 2019, 53% of EAU and 57% of ICS congress abstracts were published as full-text articles, with minor discrepancies in 38% of EAU and 49% of ICS publications, and significant discrepancies in 17% from both. Urology departments dominated publications, contributing 68% at EAU and 55% at ICS, whereas gynecology contributed only 1% at EAU and 12% at ICS. (4) Conclusions: This study illuminates the need for improved reporting standards and interdisciplinary collaboration in functional urology, as well as increased gynecology research in functional urology-related fields, suggesting that addressing these issues is crucial for advancing the field and enhancing patient care.

Evaluation of Proper Treatment Delivery and Time of Initiation of Treatment After Hospitalization by Nursing Staff in Kuwait Teaching Hospital Peshawar

Background: Medication errors are a pressing public health concern, leading to adverse outcomes and substantial healthcare costs. This study examines the incidence of drug administration errors, emphasizing the critical importance of timely treatment initiation. Delays in treatment pose significant risks to patient safety, highlighting the need for improved medication delivery protocols and enhanced patient care practices in hospitals. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study in a Kuwait teaching hospital's paediatrics unit, involving 120 participants, utilized non-probability convenient sampling. Data collection from patient files and attendants utilized a specially designed form. Data was collected by observing one patient for 24 hours. Participants were instructed to retain medication vials. Permission was obtained from the department head, and oral informed consent was secured. No personal identifiers were recorded. Interventions included workshops and performance evaluations, leading to observed improvement. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 22. Results: Baseline data showed variations in dose administration across departments, with notable discrepancies in proper drug administration alignment with prescriptions. Treatment initiation delays were significant, and patient satisfaction was moderate. Post-intervention, improvements were observed in dose administration, although treatment initiation delays persisted. However, patient satisfaction notably increased following interventions. Conclusion: Our study highlighted several critical issues in medication administration, such as delays in treatment initiation, improper dose administration, and missed doses. Implementing training sessions and workshops for nursing staff will ensure the best practices and they can manage their responsibilities more effectively.

Exploring patient perception of decision-making in carpal tunnel release surgery: A systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative studies.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition, but some controversies remain regarding diagnostics and the most effective treatments. As a result, patients often experience decisional conflicts, especially when considering carpal tunnel release surgery. Understanding factors that influence decision-making in surgery can help clinicians better grasp patient treatment preferences and priorities, reducing decisional conflicts, and enabling patients to make informed, value-aligned choices through shared decision-making. This qualitative evidence synthesis aims to explore patient perceptions of carpal tunnel release, examine the decision-making factors, and critically appraise and synthesise the existing evidence. A systematic search was conducted across four electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL Ultimate, PsycINFO) from inception to August 2023, supplemented by referencing and citation searching to identify eligible qualitative studies. Thematic synthesis was adopted as synthesis methodology, involving a line-by-line coding of the primary study findings, and the development of descriptive and analytical themes. Quality appraisal was conducted using the modified Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist, supplemented with the COnsolidated criteria for REporting Qualitative research checklist. Synthesis of six qualitative studies encompassing 66 participants generated five analytical themes: (1) Journey to normalcy, (2) Patient-centred care, (3) Work and life considerations, (4) Weighing up alternatives, and (5) Shaping the expectations, highlighting the complexity of patient decision-making in carpal tunnel release. In the management of carpal tunnel syndrome, therapists should consider various decision-making factors, prioritising communication and shared decision-making. This, along with personalised interactions, achieves patient-centred care and enhances patient care quality and therapeutic alliance.

The effect of the peer support intervention on internalized stigma among Thai patients with tuberculosis: A repeated measures design.

Internalized stigma among patients with tuberculosis (TB) significantly affects delayed diagnosis, increased disease transmission, and poor treatment outcomes. However, conclusive empirical evidence on psychosocial interventions to reduce internalized stigma among patients with TB in Thailand remains scarce. This study aimed to examine the impact of a peer support intervention on reducing internalized stigma among patients with TB in Thailand. A one-group within-subjects repeated-measure design was conducted in the Muang Maha Sarakham district, Thailand, from February 2023 to July 2023. The study included 26 participants who met specified criteria. Measurements were taken at baseline, three months, and six months following TB diagnosis and medication treatment. The peer support intervention comprised TB health education, psycho-educational sessions, self-management support, and home visits. The Internalized Stigma of Tuberculosis Scale Thai Version was used to measure internalized stigma. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and repeated measures ANOVA. Mean scores of total internalized stigma and its sub-dimensions (alienation, stereotype endorsement, discrimination experience, social withdrawal, and stigma resistance) differed significantly across the three-time points (p <0.001, p <0.001, p <0.001, p <0.001, p <0.001, p = 0.002, respectively). Furthermore, stigma resistance scores significantly increased from pre-intervention to three months (p = 0.005) and from pre-intervention to six months (p = 0.007). However, no significant increase was observed from three to six months (p = 0.079). The study underlines the positive impact of peer support intervention in reducing internalized stigma among patients with TB in Thailand over time. The findings suggest that interventions focusing on peer support can potentially address internalized stigma, highlighting the importance of integrating these strategies into healthcare practices to enhance patient care and improve TB management outcomes.

Exploring Recent Developments in Immunodeficiency and Autoinflammatory Diseases

Primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDs) and autoinflammatory disorders present major challenges in clinical medicine due to their complexity and varied symptoms. PIDs heighten the risk of infections, autoinflammatory conditions, allergies, and cancers, impacting approximately six million people worldwide. This article reviews recent developments in the understanding and management of antibody deficiencies particularly Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID), which is a condition caused by genetic abnormalities especially those involving the NFKB2 gene. Clinical cases highlight the challenges in managing CVID and underscore the necessity of targeted treatments, such as rituximab, for cases that do not respond to standard therapies. Autoinflammatory diseases characterized by episodes of unprovoked inflammation are also explored, with a focus on monogenic disorders such as Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes (CAPS) and Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF). Advances in targeted therapies particularly IL-1 inhibitors, have shown significant promise in managing the conditions, reducing the frequency of flare-ups, and improving quality of life. This article concluded by emphasizing the need for ongoing research into the pathophysiology of these disorders, creating novel biomarkers for early identification, and international collaboration to enhance patient care and outcomes.

Optimizing Cardiovascular Performance Following Myocardial Infarction: The Significance of Nitroglycerin in Regulating Blood Flow

Background &amp; Objectives: Nitroglycerin, a potent vasodilator, is crucial in managing blood flow dynamics in patients recovering from Myocardial Infarction (MI). This research aims to comprehensively review the role of nitroglycerin in regulating blood flow and enhancing cardiovascular performance post-MI. Materials and Methods: Blood flow was modeled as a Herschek-Bulkley fluid. The study derives expressions for various blood flow characteristics, including pressure, viscosity, resistance to flow, and wall shear stress. Pharmacological mechanisms of nitroglycerin, its effects on vascular function, and its role in mitigating ischemic events are explored. Results: The findings indicated that blood flow increases with the height of stenosis. Nitroglycerin effectively dilates blood vessels, reducing peripheral vascular resistance and easing blood flow. Clinical applications, including administration routes, dosage regimens, and potential adverse effects, are discussed. Conclusion: Nitroglycerin plays a pivotal role in managing blood flow post-MI by dilating blood vessels and reducing peripheral vascular resistance. This mechanism contributes to improved cardiovascular outcomes and symptom relief in patients recovering from MI. Understanding its multifaceted role is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies and enhancing patient care.

Integrating Orthodontic and Maxillofacial Surgical Approaches for the Correction of Complex Dentofacial Deformities: A Comprehensive Literature Review

This literature review provides a thorough examination of the combination of orthodontic and maxillofacial surgical techniques for treating complex dentofacial abnormalities. The review specifically highlights the achievements made in this field over the previous ten years. The text explores the impact of digital planning, surgical advancements, and interdisciplinary teamwork on improving treatment results. The main subjects covered include pre-surgical orthodontics, the application of 3D technology, customized implants for patients, and the maintenance of stability after surgery. In addition, the study discusses difficulties such as patient expectations and relapse prevention, while also emphasizing upcoming developments like as artificial intelligence and regenerative medicine that offer potential for enhancing treatment methods and enhancing patient care.

Evaluation of Open Rives-Stoppa and Lichtenstein Repair Methods for Bilateral Inguinal Hernias: A Single-Centre Comparative Analysis.

Aim The purpose of the study is to compare the two common open surgical methods for bilateral inguinal hernias: bilateral Lichtenstein repair and Rives-Stoppa repair. It evaluates their benefits, drawbacks, and outcomes to improve the management of bilateral inguinal hernias and enhance patient care and results. Background Abdominal wall hernias are prevalent in the surgical field, and they occur when intra-abdominal organs protrude through weakened or torn regions in the abdominal wall. The Lichtenstein repair, also known as the tension-free mesh repair, is one of the most widely used techniques that involves placing a synthetic mesh over the hernia defect to reinforce the abdominal wall. The Rives-Stoppa technique takes the posterior approach, which involves placing a large mesh in the preperitoneal space, which provides broad coverage of the potential hernia sites. Method This retrospective study included 86 male patients from the Department of General Surgery at Indus Health Network, Karachi, Pakistan. Data were collected up to three months post-operation for all open bilateral inguinal hernia repairs performed between January 2017 and April 2021. The patients were divided into two groups: group A underwent Lichtenstein repair, while group B underwent Rives-Stoppa repair. The procedures were performed by different surgeons and surgical trainees under direct supervision. Results Regarding post-operative complications (scrotal swelling, epididymo-orchitis, seroma formation, ipsilateral testicular swelling, surgical site infection, erectile dysfunction, wound dehiscence, fever, hydrocele, sensory abnormality, hernia recurrence in 3 months, post-operative pain in 14 days), there was no significant difference observed between the two groups. There were two recurrences within three months after Lichtenstein repair and one recurrence after Stoppa repair, but no statistical difference was demonstrated. Conclusion Statistically, both the Lichtenstein repair and the Rives-Stoppa repair demonstrated similar outcomes. However, the Rives-Stoppa repair offers distinct advantages for bilateral inguinal hernia repair, making it a preferable option in many cases as this approach utilises a single midline incision, simultaneously facilitating access to both hernial sites. This method ensures complete coverage of the myopectineal orifices bilaterally, addressing all potential hernia sites in the lower abdomen. These features collectively contribute to the technique's efficacy in managing bilateral hernias.

Impact of Multi-Institutional Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Protocol Implementation on Elective Colorectal Surgery Outcomes

Background: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols aim to improve surgical patient outcomes, although their effectiveness may vary. This study assessed the impact of multi-institutional ERAS implementation on postoperative morbidity in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery. Methods: We conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort study using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2012 to 2020. We analyzed patient outcomes before (2012-2014) and after (2015-2020) ERAS implementation across four hospitals. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the impact of ERAS program on certain outcomes. Results: A total of 8,930 cases were analyzed: 3,573 in the pre-ERAS and 5,357 in the ERAS cohort. The ERAS cohort demonstrated significant reductions in superficial surgical site infection (SSI) (7.5% vs 2.5%, p&lt;0.001), deep SSI (0.6% vs 0.2%, p=0.016), urinary tract infection (3.3% vs 1.5%, p&lt;0.001), pulmonary embolism (0.7% vs 0.4%, p=0.022), deep vein thrombosis (1.4% vs 0.9%, p=0.020), sepsis (3.0% vs. 2.1%, p=0.006), and other complications. Median length of stay decreased from 5 to 4 days (p&lt;0.001), and 30-day readmission rate dropped from 11.3% to 9.8% (p=0.022). Overall, ERAS implementation was associated with a 35% decrease in the odds of all 30-day complications (OR 0.65, 95%CI: 0.59-0.73). There was no effect on 30-day (p=0.962) or overall mortality rates (p=0.732). Conclusion: A standardized ERAS protocol, used across multiple institutions, significantly improves elective colorectal surgery outcomes, reducing complications, length of hospital stay, and readmissions. These findings support the broader implementation of ERAS to enhance patient care and reduce healthcare costs.

Clinical decision support in Tanzanian healthcare facilities: an activity theory approach to analysing tools and procedures for enhanced patient care

Clinical decision support in Tanzanian healthcare facilities: an activity theory approach to analysing tools and procedures for enhanced patient care

Huaxi integrated blood management reduces the red blood cell transfusion for on-pump cardiac surgery: A quasi-experimental study

ObjectiveAs many as half of patients undergoing on-pump cardiac surgery require red blood cell transfusion, emphasizing the need for effective strategies that can reduce this need. We conducted this analysis to assess the effectiveness of Huaxi Integrated Blood Management strategy at our medical center. DesignBefore and after study. ParticipantsPatients who underwent on-pump cardiac surgery were included from January 2019 to December 2021. Two cohorts were compared, one before implementation of the strategy (1 January 2019 until 31 May 2020) and one after implementation (1 June 2020 until 31 December 2021). MeasurementsWe evaluated temporal trends in blood transfusion, safety, and efficacy of this strategy. Primary outcomes were the incidence and volume of intra- and postoperative blood transfusions of packed red blood cells. Secondary outcomes are intraoperative and postoperative transfusion of other blood products, all-cause mortality during hospitalization, and incidence of new-onset complications. Main resultsOur results demonstrated that this integrated strategy effectively decreased both the perioperative packed red blood cell transfusion volume and incidence for patients who underwent the on-pump cardiac surgery. Following the implementation, the incidence of packed red blood cell transfusions decreased by 8.1% during the intraoperative period and by 12.3% during the postoperative period. The mean volume of such transfusions decreased by 0.28 units during the intraoperative period and by 0.49 units during the postoperative period. Hemoglobin concentrations were significantly higher after implementation, and the maximal mean increase was 4.72 g/l on postoperative day 1. Similar benefit of the strategy was observed across subgroups of patients who underwent different types of surgery. ConclusionsThe Huaxi Integrated Blood Management strategy may be effective at reducing the need for packed red blood cell transfusion and enhancing patient care.

Importance of risk assessment, endoscopic hemostasis, and recent advancements in the management of acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (ANVUGIB) is a common medical emergency in clinical practice. While the incidence has significantly reduced, the mortality rates have not undergone a similar reduction in the last few decades, thus presenting a significant challenge. This editorial outlines the key causes and risk factors of ANVUGIB and explores the current standards and recent updates in risk assessment scoring systems for predicting mortality and endoscopic treatments for achieving hemostasis. Since ANUVGIB predominantly affects the elderly population, the impact of comorbidities may be responsible for the poor outcomes. A thorough drug history is important due to the increasing use of antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants in the elderly. Early risk stratification plays a crucial role in deciding the line of management and predicting mortality. Emerging scoring systems such as the ABC (age, blood tests, co-morbidities) score show promise in predicting mortality and guiding clinical decisions. While conventional endoscopic therapies remain cornerstone approaches, novel techniques like hemostatic powders and over-the-scope clips offer promising alternatives, particularly in cases refractory to traditional modalities. By integrating validated scoring systems and leveraging novel therapeutic modalities, clinicians can enhance patient care and mitigate the substantial morbidity and mortality associated with ANVUGIB.

Comparative Analysis of Supervised Machine Learning Algorithms for Diabetes Prediction

Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic disease with far-reaching consequences, necessitating innovative diagnostic approaches. Current methods have limitations, highlighting the need for advanced techniques. This research leveraged machine learning algorithms to predict diabetes using the Pima Indian Diabetes Dataset. Six algorithms were developed and compared: Logistic Regression, Support Vector Machine, K-Nearest Neighbor, Naive Bayes, Random Forest, and Decision Tree. Standard evaluation metrics assessed their performance. The Random Forest Classifier emerged as the top-performing algorithm, achieving an impressive 91% accuracy and demonstrating exceptional reliability. This study showcases machine learning's potential to transform diabetes diagnosis and management. The developed web application provides a user-friendly interface for predicting diabetes, facilitating timely intervention and improved health outcomes. The findings contribute significantly to the development of intelligent disease prediction systems, promoting early detection and enhanced patient care. By harnessing machine learning, this research pioneers a new frontier in diabetes diagnosis, paving the way for improved patient outcomes and enhanced healthcare services.

Relationship between GPS-based community mobility data and orthopedic trauma admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic in Austria: amulticenter analysis.

The main objective of this study was to examine the relationship between mobility patterns during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and orthopedic trauma patients in Austria. Utilizing global positioning system (GPS)-based mobility data, the attempt was to assess both the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on reducing orthopedic trauma patients and the degree of compliance to the imposed movement restrictions. This retrospective analysis included all patients (283,501) treated at 3 major levelI trauma centers in Austria. Analyzed time periods were 1 January 2019 to 8 February 2021. Freely available GPS-based mobility data from Google and Apple Inc. was gathered. Amoderate to strong correlation between the cumulative average outpatients and the assessed mobility index was observed for all cities (Google: r = 0.70 p < 0.001, 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.67-0.73; Apple: r = 0.64 p < 0.001, 95% CI: 0.61-0.67). Asignificant linear regression equation was found for Vienna (adjusted r2 = 0.48; F(1, 350) = 328,05; p < 0.01). During the first lockdown there was adrastic decline in mobility (up to -75.36%) and in numbers of orthopedic trauma outpatients (up to -64%, from 153 patients/day 2019 to 55patients/day 2020) in comparison to the prepandemic era. The decline diminished as time passed. Analyses of GPS-based mobility patterns show acorrelation with trauma patient numbers. These findings can be used to develop prediction models, leading to better resource planning and public health policy, enhancing patient care and cost-effectiveness, especially in the event of future pandemics. Furthermore, the results suggest that compliance to mobility restrictions decreased over time during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in increased mobility and trauma patients.

Development and Evaluation of Fucoidan-Loaded Electrospun Polyvinyl Alcohol/Levan Nanofibers for Wound Dressing Applications.

Wound dressing is an ancient technique for promoting healing, and modern technology has led to the development of advanced dressings that enhance patient care. Nanofiber-based wound dressings are a medical innovation with enhanced properties, including improved adhesion, reduced infection rates, and increased tissue regeneration. This article focuses on electrospun nanofibrous wound dressing materials produced using the widely adopted method of electrospinning. This article explores several parameters that influence fiber size, including electrical conductivity, electric potential, collector distance, viscosity, flow rate, and surface tension. With Fucoidan (FUC) loading, an increase in the fiber diameter of the control group from 310 nm to 395 nm was observed. This research also examines the use of Halomonas Levan (HL), a polysaccharide, and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer as wound dressing materials to enhance the mechanical properties of the latter. The incorporation of various concentrations of FUC into PVA-HL electrospun nanofibers yielded diverse effects on tensile strength: an enhancement was observed in the PVA-HL-10FUC formulation, while reductions were noted in the PVA-HL-13FUC and PVA-HL-15FUC formulations. The WST1 assay demonstrated that none of the samples exhibited cytotoxicity up to 72 h, as cell viability increased over time. In conclusion, nanofibrous PVA-HL structures loaded with FUC, which promote tissue regeneration and prevent infection, could be considered a novel wound dressing material.

Establishing a Consensus-Based Framework for the Use of Wearable Activity Trackers in Health Care: Delphi Study.

Physical activity (PA) plays a crucial role in health care, providing benefits in the prevention and management of many noncommunicable diseases. Wearable activity trackers (WATs) provide an opportunity to monitor and promote PA in various health care settings. This study aimed to develop a consensus-based framework for the optimal use of WATs in health care. A 4-round Delphi survey was conducted, involving a panel (n=58) of health care professionals, health service managers, and researchers. Round 1 used open-response questions to identify overarching themes. Rounds 2 and 3 used 9-point Likert scales to refine participants' opinions and establish consensus on key factors related to WAT use in health care, including metrics, device characteristics, clinical populations and settings, and software considerations. Round 3 also explored barriers and mitigating strategies to WAT use in clinical settings. Insights from Rounds 1-3 informed a draft checklist designed to guide a systematic approach to WAT adoption in health care. In Round 4, participants evaluated the draft checklist's clarity, utility, and appropriateness. Participation rates for rounds 1 to 4 were 76% (n=44), 74% (n=43), 74% (n=43), and 66% (n=38), respectively. The study found a strong interest in using WATs across diverse clinical populations and settings. Key metrics (step count, minutes of PA, and sedentary time), device characteristics (eg, easy to charge, comfortable, waterproof, simple data access, and easy to navigate and interpret data), and software characteristics (eg, remote and wireless data access, access to multiple patients' data) were identified. Various barriers to WAT adoption were highlighted, including device-related, patient-related, clinician-related, and system-level issues. The findings culminated in a 12-item draft checklist for using WATs in health care, with all 12 items endorsed for their utility, clarity, and appropriateness in Round 4. This study underscores the potential of WATs in enhancing patient care across a broad spectrum of health care settings. While the benefits of WATs are evident, successful integration requires addressing several challenges, from technological developments to patient education and clinician training. Collaboration between WAT manufacturers, researchers, and health care professionals will be pivotal for implementing WATs in the health care sector.

Innovative Orthopedic Solutions for AI-Optimized Piezoelectric Implants for Superior Patient Care

This research aims to optimize piezoelectric implants for orthopedic applications, enhancing energy harvesting efficiency and mechanical integrity. Our objectives include comparing piezoelectric materials (PZT, PVDF, and BaTiO3) and employing advanced theoretical modeling, finite element analysis (FEA), and validation to identify optimal configurations. Methodologically, this study integrates machine learning and AI-driven techniques to refine design parameters and predict performance outcomes. Significant findings have revealed that PZT demonstrated the highest sensitivity (2 V/mm), achieving a maximum power output of 4.10 Watts, surpassing traditional solutions by over 100%. The optimization process ensured uniform stress distribution, reducing mechanical failure risk, with predictive models showing high accuracy (R-squared value of 97.77%). Error analysis indicated minimal discrepancies, with an average error margin of less than 2%. The conclusions highlight the significant potential of optimized piezoelectric implants in developing durable, efficient, and patient-friendly orthopedic solutions, setting a new standard in intelligent medical device innovation and contributing to enhanced patient care and improved clinical outcomes.

Marketing 5.0: Harnessing AI and Emerging Technologies to Shape the Future of Business

This integrative literature review (ILR) looks into the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the French healthcare system, emphasizing personalized medicine and predictive health analytics. The study subject is the problematic integration of AI technologies, which is hampered by significant challenges, including data privacy concerns, system interoperability, ethical and legal issues, resistance to technological change, and the need for extensive training of healthcare professionals. These issues affect French healthcare professionals and politicians, who must overcome these challenges to utilize AI's potential fully. This research aims to investigate and assess the integration of AI into the French healthcare system, particularly in personalized medicine and predictive health analytics, to identify and address the obstacles and leverage the opportunities that improve patient care and operational efficiency. The ILR's guiding conceptual framework is based on three essential concepts: artificial intelligence, personalized medicine, and predictive healthcare analytics. The research methodology consists in thoroughly examining current literature, qualitative study of case studies, and interviews with industry professionals. The study's findings show that AI has tremendous potential to increase diagnostic precision and treatment accuracy in the French healthcare system. They highlight initiatives such as establishing specialized departments like "Intelligent Healthcare Services" and creating positions like "Intelligent Doctor". The conclusions address the potential implications of the findings for enhancing patient care and operational efficiency, as well as recommendations for further study and practice. These include performing longitudinal studies, looking into emerging data integrity solutions such as blockchain, and improving healthcare professional training programs. Ultimately, breaking down current obstacles and ensuring that AI technologies improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes would make France a leader in AI-driven medical innovation.

Automatic personal identification using a single CT image.

Computer vision (CV) mimics human vision, enabling computers to automatically compare radiological images from recent examinations with a large image database for unique identification, crucial in emergency scenarios involving unknown patients or deceased individuals. This study aims to extend a CV-based personal identification method from orthopantomograms (OPGs) to computed tomography (CT) examinations using single CT slices. The study analyzed 819 cranial computed tomography (CCT) examinations from 722 individuals, focusing on single CT slices from six anatomical regions to explore their potential for CV-based personal identification in 69 procedures. CV automatically identifies and describes interesting features in images, which can be recognized in a reference image and then designated as matching points. In this study, the number of matching points was used as an indicator for identification. Across six different regions, identification rates ranged from 41/69 (59%) to 69/69 (100%) across over 700 possible identities. Comparison of images from the same individual achieved higher matching points, averaging 6.32 ± 0.52% (100% represents the maximum possible matching points), while images of different individuals averaged 0.94 ± 0.15%. Reliable matching points are found in the teeth, maxilla, cervical spine, skull bones, and paranasal sinuses, with the maxillary sinuses and ethmoidal cells being particularly suitable for identification due to their abundant matching points. Unambiguous identification of individuals based on a single CT slice is achievable, with maxillary sinus CT slices showing the highest identification rates. However, metal artifacts, especially from dental prosthetics, and various head positions can hinder identification. Radiology possesses a multitude of reference images for a CV database, facilitating automated CV-based personal identification in emergency examinations or cases involving unknown deceased individuals. This enhances patient care and communication with relatives by granting access to medical history. Unknown individuals in radiology or forensics pose challenges, addressed through automatic CV-based identification methods. A single CT slice highlighting the maxillary sinuses is particularly effective for personal identification. Radiology plays a pivotal role in automated personal identification by leveraging its extensive image database.

Reference Information Model and Interoperable Architecture for Digital Health Twins: A Position Paper.

Digital Health Twins (DHTs) hold immense potential to revolutionize healthcare by providing personalized virtual models of individual patients and their health conditions. This position paper discusses about the needs to overcoming the challenges in standardization and information models for data integration, collection, and visualization for realizing the full potential with digital twin technology. By addressing these challenges, digital health twins can enable better decision-making, enhance patient care, and contribute to the advancement of personalized healthcare solutions.