Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) has been extensively employed in the field of neural stimulation over the past 25 years. This review summarizes the early applications, major contributions, rudimentary use, and recent advances of EIS in neural applications. EIS is widely used in both research and clinical neurostimulation to monitor changes in electrode impedance due to foreign body response and glial encapsulation. The key parameters for in vitro and in vivo measurements are discussed along with the guidelines for data interpretation.

Feasibility and safety of double-J ureteral stent with a timed-release extraction string in children.

Stent maldeployment or migration during endovascular intervention is an uncommon but potentially catastrophic complication, with limited guidance on optimal management strategies. A 43-year-old woman with lifestyle-limiting left lower extremity claudication presented for a second opinion 12 weeks after left common iliac artery stenting at an outside institution. Computed tomography angiography demonstrated migration of a self-expanding iliac stent into the infrarenal abdominal aorta. The patient was asymptomatic from the migration but remained symptomatic from the underlying iliac disease. Endovascular retrieval was pursued using bilateral femoral access. A 10-mm balloon was inflated within the stent for stabilization, followed by capture with a snare and extraction through a 14F sheath. Completion angiography revealed a retained stent fragment near the left common iliac artery origin, which was successfully retrieved using endovascular forceps. Intravascular ultrasound confirmed complete removal and guided definitive treatment with placement of a 7-mm balloon-expandable covered stent in the left common iliac artery. The procedure was completed without vascular injury, and the patient was discharged the same day. At 1-month follow-up, claudication had fully resolved, duplex ultrasound demonstrated stent patency, and ankle-brachial indices were normal bilaterally. This case highlights that delayed endovascular retrieval of a migrated iliac stent is feasible and safe, and emphasizes the importance of a flexible endovascular toolkit and meticulous imaging to achieve complete foreign body removal and durable revascularization.

Interval appendicitis.

Lightweight detection of microplastic foreign bodies in sun-dried green tea: An improved YOLOv8 neural network model based on deep learning

Ultra-thin elastin-based membranes as an innovative dressing to enhance skin wound healing.

Foreign body (FB) entrapment in the oral cavity is not an implausible occurrence given the nature and function of the digestive tract. However, foreign body implantation of plant matter in the tongue is a rare phenomenon with little literature to date. This case report describes a 23-year-old male with no significant medical history experiencing an enlarged mass of changing morphology on the anterolateral border of the tongue. A retained grass FB of the genus Eragrostis was identified upon spontaneous release from the lesion, and the patient’s pain subsided without operative intervention. This report aims to bring awareness to healthcare providers about the possibility of organic material embedding within human tissue and mimicking infectious or inflammatory pathology. Combined with the appropriate diagnostic tools, this approach can expedite diagnosis and treatment.

Intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs) constitute a significant public health concern that hinders the accumulation of human capital in countries in Asia. This research aims to identify and project the time trend of the IOFB disease burden in Asia to 2035. We utilised data collected from the Global Health Data Exchange (GHDx) query tool. Time Trends of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and incidence of IOFBs were calculated. Age- and gender-specific disease burden of IOFBs in 2019 was also analysed. A Bayesian age-period cohort (BAPC) model with integrated nested Laplace approximations (INLA) was applied to project the number and rate of the disease burden attributable to IOFB from 2020 to 2035. In Asia, the DALYs number increased from 290,521.62 (95% UI: 146,816.5-513,604.1) in 1990 to 388,363.39 (95% UI: 206,296.3-668,164.9) in 2019. The number of DALYs showed an upward trend until the age of 45-49 years, and then decreased in later age groups. The age-standardised incidence rate (ASIR) of China is projected to increase substantially from 719.03 in 2019 to 3127.06 in 2035. Singapore is projected to experience a slight decline, while the remaining six countries are projected to have slight, steady increases in ASIR. Countries in Asia are facing a huge disease burden of IOFB, and ASIRs are projected to increase over the next 15 years in most Asian countries. These findings contribute valuable evidence-based guidance for public health policy in disease prevention, medical planning and resource allocation pertaining to IOFBs in Asia.

Deployable medical devices are designed to be compact during insertion and expand after surgical placement. Devices such as neural interfaces can leverage deployment to minimize the size of the foreign body cascade near the electrode, potentially improving chronic recording and stimulation performance. To trigger deployment, a stimuli responsive material can be used. However, external stimuli are difficult to supply within tissues. Intrinsic changes upon implantation, such as water uptake, are difficult to control and may lead to device failure. Here, we describe a strategy to deploy small-scale structures into soft tissues after insertion without the need for any stimulus. Photoresponsive liquid crystal networks (LCNs) are crosslinked after self-assembly of monomers and adopt a programmed 3D form at room temperature (RT). The trans-cis isomerization of azobenzene enables the 3D LCN films to be flattened by UV light before insertion and revert to 3D forms over 5h at body temperature. A film programmed to adopt a cone shape with a diameter of 531µm can actuate to 53µm in height. Rigidity of the films enables penetration into and deployment within soft tissues. The described materials could potentially enable self-deployable biomedical devices, including neural interfaces with sub-mm features.

The unique gyral patterns of the human brain demand patient-specific neural interfaces to achieve precise neuromodulation, mitigate adverse tissue responses, and optimize therapeutic efficacy and safety. One-size-fits-all, conventional rigid electrocorticography (ECoG) electrodes, standardized for mass production through lithographic techniques, exhibit limited conformability to the brain's heterogeneous cortical topography. This mechanical mismatch results in poor electrode-tissue contact, signal loss, and foreign body responses. To address these limitations, we present an integrated novel platform, synergizing MRI-based anatomical mapping, finite element analysis (FEA)-optimized mechanical design, and direct ink writing (DIW) 3D printing to fabricate electrodes customized to individual gyral patterns. The resulting honeycomb-inspired printable gel electrode (HiPGE) employs a bioinspired honeycomb architecture with ultra-soft hydrogels, engineered to match the bending stiffness of brain tissue (0.1-10kPa) while maintaining cost-efficiency and long-term durability. This mechanical congruence ensures exceptional cortical conformability and adaptive interfacing, circumventing the geometric and material limitations of traditional rigid electrodes. By combining patient-specific design with scalable fabrication, our platform establishes a transformative framework for neural interface engineering, enhancing precision, biocompatibility, and functional performance in neuromodulation therapies and neuroprosthetic applications.

Foreign body aspiration is most common in toddlers but can occasionally occur in adolescents. Sharp metallic foreign bodies pose a particular challenge for bronchoscopic removal because of the high risk of airway injury and the limitations of standard retrieval instruments. Complex cases may require innovative extraction techniques. A 12-year-old boy presented with acute respiratory symptoms, including dyspnea, chest tightness, chest pain, cyanosis, and 1 episode of vomiting. No foreign body aspiration was reported at the initial presentation. After repeated and detailed history-taking, it was revealed that the patient had accidentally aspirated a foreign body while attending class. Low-dose chest computed tomography demonstrated a hyperdense foreign body in the right lower lobe bronchus. Bronchoscopy confirmed a vertically impacted drawing pin, with its plastic head completely occluding the bronchial lumen. A modified foreign body retrieval basket technique was applied. The basket was advanced over the sharp tip of the drawing pin and tightened around the mid-upper portion of the shaft, maintaining the tip in the center of the airway. The foreign body was then extracted by simultaneous withdrawal of the flexible bronchoscope and the basket. A drawing pin ~3 cm in length was successfully removed without airway injury. The patient recovered uneventfully, was discharged the next day, and remained asymptomatic during follow-up. Vertically impacted metallic airway foreign bodies may be difficult to remove using standard bronchoscopic tools. The modified retrieval basket technique provides a safe and effective option for extracting high-risk metallic foreign bodies while avoiding thoracotomy.

Foreign body ingestion in adults: a retrospective cohort study of clinical characteristics and Endoscopic outcomes.

Intracranial migration of cranial fixation hardware is a rare complication of neurosurgical procedures, and migration into the ventricular system is exceedingly uncommon. When such migration leads to obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pathways, it can result in acute hydrocephalus requiring urgent intervention. A 10-year-old girl with a history of left frontotemporal ganglioglioma underwent synthetic Medpor cranioplasty for radiation necrosis-associated calvarial erosion. Intraoperatively, a fixation screw inadvertently plunged through a bone defect into an area of encephalomalacia. Postoperative imaging revealed the screw within the antrum of the left lateral ventricle. The patient remained asymptomatic and was discharged with close monitoring. At 3-week follow-up, she developed progressive headaches and fatigue. Neuroimaging demonstrated migration of the screw into the cerebral aqueduct, with resulting obstructive hydrocephalus. She underwent endoscopic third ventriculostomy and successful endoscopic removal of the screw, with full clinical recovery. This case illustrates a rare but serious complication of cranioplasty: delayed migration of a cranial screw into the ventricular system causing aqueduct obstruction. Endoscopic management allowed for both CSF diversion and removal of the foreign body and was associated with an excellent clinical outcome.

Axenfeld loop: Differential diagnosis of intraocular foreign body.

To compare the prevalence of incidental pathologies during gastrointestinal foreign body retrieval surgery in 2 groups of dogs and to assess correlation between incidental pathological findings, patient age, and if this was the dog's first foreign body retrieval procedure. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for dogs undergoing foreign body retrieval surgery from January 2023 through August 2025. Dogs were distributed into 2 groups: (1) younger than 8 years of age or (2) 8 years of age and older. The prevalence of incidentally found intraoperative findings was compared between groups. Dogs 8 years of age and older were reviewed to correlate whether the surgery was their first instance of surgical foreign body retrieval. 313 dogs were included; 7.6% of dogs under 8 years had incidental intra-abdominal pathology compared to 56.7% of dogs 8 years and older undergoing their first surgical foreign body retrieval. Senior dogs with a history of foreign body retrieval had a 5.9% incidence of pathologic findings. Pathologic findings were 16 times more likely in dogs 8 years and older undergoing their first foreign body retrieval surgery. Dogs 8 years of age and older undergoing their first surgical foreign body retrieval were significantly more likely to exhibit pathologic findings than those with previous foreign body retrievals and dogs less than 8 years of age. Preoperative discussions for geriatric dogs undergoing first-time foreign body surgery should address the increased likelihood of abnormal findings intraoperatively, potential need for additional surgical procedures, and risks of associated procedures.

Phthiriasis palpebrarum is a rare infestation of the eyelids caused by Phthirus pubis. This condition is particularly noteworthy as it is a rare cause of red eyes in children and can often be confused with other forms of blepharoconjunctivitis. In this study, we examined an 11-year-old male patient who was brought to our clinic by his family and presented with redness and itching in both eyes that had persisted for a month. Biomicroscopic examination revealed two live lice with mobile legs and a semi-transparent appearance on the eyelashes of both upper eyelids, together with a large number of eggs, particularly concentrated on the right eye. No foreign body was found in the eye. After the necessary protective measures had been taken, the lice and their eggs were carefully removed from the eyelashes using forceps. The parasitological examination of eyelash samples confirmed the presence of adult lice and eggs of Phthirus pubis. After a suitable treatment plan was developed and detailed hygiene recommendations were thoroughly explained, the patient was discharged. During the follow-up examination conducted one week later, no lice or eggs were detected on the eyelashes, and the blepharoconjunctivitis had regressed.

Tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration in Palestinian children in the West Bank: a 10-year retrospective analysis.

Orbital fractures are a common type of maxillofacial trauma, and their functional and aesthetic reconstruction has long posed challenges in surgical repair. Traditional implant materials (such as autogenous bone, titanium mesh, and porous polyethylene) carry risks of long-term foreign body retention and associated complications. Absorbable materials overcome the drawbacks of permanent implants by providing temporary mechanical support during healing while gradually degrading, representing a significant advancement in orbital fracture repair. This article systematically reviews the design advancements and current applications of resorbable materials in orbital fracture reconstruction. It covers material classification (including properties of poly-L lactic acid [PLLA], polyglycolic acid, polycaprolactone [PCL], and their composites), biomechanical performance, degradation mechanisms, and their integration with precision technologies such as 3D printing, computer navigation, and external endoscopy for preoperative planning and intraoperative procedures. Clinical studies indicate that absorbable implants achieve repair outcomes comparable to permanent implants in small-to-medium and some complex orbital fractures, with the unique advantage of avoiding interference with growth and development in pediatric patients. Despite challenges including delayed inflammatory responses, mechanical strength limitations, and inadequate radiopacity, novel material designs (e.g., uncalcined hydroxyapatite/PLLA composites) and hybrid technologies (e.g., incorporating functional factors such as bone morphogenetic protein-2) are continuously enhancing their performance. Future directions encompass developing smart biomaterials, deepening digital technology integration, advancing long-term multicenter clinical studies, and optimizing cost-effectiveness strategies. Absorbable materials are poised to become a mainstream choice for orbital fracture repair.Impact StatementThis review highlights the transformative role of absorbable materials in orbital fracture reconstruction. By providing temporary support and then degrading, they eliminate long-term risks of permanent implants. The integration of advanced composites (e.g., u-HA/PLLA) and precision technologies such as 3D printing enables superior, patient-specific outcomes. This research consolidates evidence for their efficacy, particularly in pediatric cases, and charts a future course toward smart biomaterials and deeper digital integration, establishing them as a potential new standard of care and significantly advancing the field of maxillofacial surgery.

Foreign-body ingestion is a common clinical emergency, accounting for 120,000 yearly in the United States, yet data on object prevalence and outcomes remain limited. To address this gap, we evaluated national trends in ingested objects by type, year, and disposition. The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) was queried for pediatric (≤ 17 years) and adult (≥ 18 years) foreign-body ingestion events from 2014 to 2023, excluding medication, drug, and poisoning cases. In this retrospective cross-sectional study, descriptive analyses were performed in R 4.4.2, with trends assessed using linear regression, logistic regression, and chi-square or Fisher's exact tests. From 2014 to 2023, 34,406 ingestion events corresponded to an estimated 904,234 US cases; pediatrics accounted for 90.5% (median age 3 years). Adults most commonly ingested jewelry (9.8%), batteries (7.4%), and nails/screws/thumbtacks (NST; 7.3%), while children ingested coins (39.3%), batteries (9.6%), and jewelry (5.9%). Over 10 years, adult ingestion events rose from 8658 to 19,524 (p < 0.001), while pediatric events rose from 74,448 to 90,494 (p = 0.06). Adults had higher hospitalization rates (19.5% vs. 11.9%; p < 0.05). Among the three most common adult ingestions, hospitalization was most likely for batteries (OR = 8.6; p < 0.001) and NST (OR = 5.9; p < 0.001) compared to jewelry. In children, hospitalization was more likely for coins (OR = 0.34; p < 0.001) compared to jewelry. From 2014 to 2023, ingestion events increased for adults and children. Jewelry, batteries, and NST were common in both groups, but disposition differed, underscoring the need for targeted prevention strategies based on age and product.

Background: Laryngospasm is defined as glottis closure due to reflex constriction of the laryngeal muscles. It is one of the most common complications following pediatric anesthesia that can lead to hypoxemia, bradycardia, or aspiration. Laryngospasm following tracheal extubation has different reasons: presence of secretions, foreign body in the airway, or pain at the site of surgery. Propofol is usually used as an induction or maintenance agent. However, its use with the subhypnotic dose (0.5 mg/kg) is increasing nowadays for reducing the incidence of laryngospasm. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to assess the efficacy of subhypnotic propofol in reducing the incidence of laryngospasm and respiratory complications in children following tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy and before extubation. Methods: We systematically searched the following databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies were included if they used propofol with a low dose (0.5 mg/kg) following tonsillectomy and before extubation. Both Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and cohort studies published up until 27 December 2025 were included. We used the R software for statistical analysis. We employed a random-effects model for the analysis. Continuous outcomes were analyzed as mean differences (MD) and dichotomous data as risk ratios (RR), with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics. Results: Our review included four RCTs and one prospective cohort study with 593 participants. Our analysis showed that propofol was significantly associated with a low incidence of laryngospasm (RR = 0.25, 95% CI 0.13-0.49), cough (RR = 0.08, 95% CI 0.01-0.62), and agitation (RR = 0.15, 95% CI 0.03-0.72) compared with the control group. However, there were no significant differences regarding laryngeal occlusion (RR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.20-2.46), cyanosis (RR = 1.13, 95% CI 0.14-9.43), stridor (RR = 1.38, 95% CI 0.76-2.50), and the duration of surgery (MD = 1.81, 95% CI -0.74 to 4.36). Conclusions: Our findings state that propofol had a lower significant incidence of laryngospasm than the control. Trial sequential analysis for laryngospasm indicated that evidence is conclusive. However, regarding the other outcomes, the evidence is still inconclusive, which suggests the need for future large-scale RCTs with larger sample sizes to validate these findings.