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12 pages, 954 KiB  
Article
Health-Related Quality of Life and Internalising Symptoms in Romanian Children with Congenital Cardiac Malformations: A Single-Centre Cross-Sectional Analysis
by Andrada Ioana Dumitru, Andreea Mihaela Kis, Mihail-Alexandru Badea, Adrian Lacatusu and Marioara Boia
Healthcare 2025, 13(15), 1882; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13151882 - 1 Aug 2025
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Although survival after congenital cardiac malformations (CCM) has improved, little is known about Romanian children’s own perceptions of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) or their emotional burden. We compared HRQoL, depressive symptoms, and anxiety across lesion severity strata and [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Although survival after congenital cardiac malformations (CCM) has improved, little is known about Romanian children’s own perceptions of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) or their emotional burden. We compared HRQoL, depressive symptoms, and anxiety across lesion severity strata and explored clinical predictors of impaired HRQoL. Methods: In this cross-sectional study (1 May 2023–30 April 2025), 72 children (mean age 7.9 ± 3.0 years, 52.8% male) attending a tertiary cardiology clinic completed the Romanian-validated Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI) and the Screen for Child Anxiety-Related Emotional Disorders questionnaire (SCARED-C, child version). Lesions were classified as mild (n = 22), moderate (n = 34), or severe (n = 16). Left-ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and unplanned cardiac hospitalisations over the preceding 12 months were extracted from electronic records. Results: Mean PedsQL total scores declined stepwise by severity (mild 80.9 ± 7.3; moderate 71.2 ± 8.4; severe 63.1 ± 5.4; p < 0.001). CDI and SCARED-C scores rose correspondingly (CDI: 9.5 ± 3.0, 13.6 ± 4.0, 18.0 ± 2.7; anxiety: 15.2 ± 3.3, 17.2 ± 3.8, 24.0 ± 3.4; both p < 0.001). PedsQL correlated positively with LVEF (r = 0.51, p < 0.001) and negatively with hospitalisations (r = −0.39, p = 0.001), depression (r = −0.44, p < 0.001), and anxiety (r = −0.47, p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, anatomical severity remained the sole independent predictor of lower HRQoL (β = −8.4 points per severity tier, p < 0.001; model R2 = 0.45). Children with ≥ 1 hospitalisation (n = 42) reported poorer HRQoL (69.6 ± 8.0 vs. 76.1 ± 11.1; p = 0.005) and higher depressive scores (p < 0.001). Conclusions: HRQoL and internalising symptoms in Romanian children with CCM worsen with increasing anatomical complexity and recent hospital utilisation. The severity tier outweighed functional markers as the main determinant of HRQoL, suggesting that psychosocial screening and support should be scaled to lesion complexity. Integrating the routine use of the Romanian-validated PedsQL, CDI, and SCARED-C questionnaire into cardiology follow-up may help identify vulnerable patients early and guide targeted interventions. Full article
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20 pages, 3810 KiB  
Article
Exploring Drought Response: Machine-Learning-Based Classification of Rice Tolerance Using Root and Physiological Traits
by Wuttichai Gunnula, Nantawan Kanawapee, Hathairat Chokthaweepanich and Piyaporn Phansak
Agronomy 2025, 15(8), 1840; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15081840 - 29 Jul 2025
Viewed by 297
Abstract
Drought is a key limitation for rice productivity. While oxidative stress markers like hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) are important for drought adaptation, the predictive value of combining root anatomical and physiological traits is underexplored. We assessed 20 rice cultivars under [...] Read more.
Drought is a key limitation for rice productivity. While oxidative stress markers like hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) are important for drought adaptation, the predictive value of combining root anatomical and physiological traits is underexplored. We assessed 20 rice cultivars under drought and control conditions using a random forest, a multi-layer perceptron, and a SHAP-optimized stacking ensemble. The stacking ensemble achieved the highest classification accuracy (81.8%) and identified hydrogen peroxide, relative water content, and endodermis inner circumference as key predictors. SHAP analysis revealed important interactions between root anatomical and physiological traits, providing new biological insights into drought tolerance. Our integrative approach, supported by robust cross-validation, improves predictive power and transparency for breeding drought-resilient rice cultivars. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Precision and Digital Agriculture)
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24 pages, 6608 KiB  
Article
The Link Between Left Atrial Longitudinal Reservoir Strain and Mitral Annulus Geometry in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy
by Despina-Manuela Toader, Alina Paraschiv, Diana Ruxandra Hădăreanu, Maria Iovănescu, Oana Mirea, Andreea Vasile and Alina-Craciun Mirescu
Biomedicines 2025, 13(7), 1753; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13071753 - 17 Jul 2025
Viewed by 218
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Anatomical and functional damage of the mitral valve (MV) apparatus in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is secondary to left ventricular (LV) injury, leading to functional mitral regurgitation (FMR). Real-time four-dimensional echocardiography (RT 4DE) is a useful imaging technique in different [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Anatomical and functional damage of the mitral valve (MV) apparatus in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is secondary to left ventricular (LV) injury, leading to functional mitral regurgitation (FMR). Real-time four-dimensional echocardiography (RT 4DE) is a useful imaging technique in different pathologies, including DCM. Left atrial (LA) strain, as measured by left atrium quantification software, is an accurate technique for evaluating increased filling pressure. The MV has a complex three-dimensional morphology and motion. Four-dimensional echocardiography (4DE) has revolutionized clinical imaging of the mitral valve apparatus. This study aims (1) to characterize the mitral annulus (MA) parameters in patients with DCM and advanced-stage heart failure (HF) according to etiology and (2) to find correlations between left atrial function and MA remodeling in this group of patients, using 4DE quantification software. Methods: A total of 82 patients with DCM and an LV ejection fraction ≤ 40% were recruited. Conventional 2DE and RT 4DE were conducted in DCM patients with a compensated phase of HF before discharge. The measured parameters were left atrial reservoir strain (LASr), annular area (AA), annular perimeter (AP), anteroposterior diameter (A-Pd), posteromedial to anterolateral diameter (PM-ALd), commissural distance (CD), interregional distance (ITD), annular height (AH), nonplanar angle (NPA), tenting height (TH), tenting area (TA), and tenting volume (TV). Results: Measured parameters revealed more advanced damage of LA and MA parameters in ischemic compared to nonischemic etiology. Univariate analysis identified AA, AP, A-Pd, PM-ALd, CD, ITD, TH, TA, and TV (p < 0.0001) as determinants of LASr. Including these parameters in a stepwise multivariate logistic regression, PM-ALd (p = 0.03), TH (p = 0.043), and TV (p = 0.0001) were the best predictors of LAsr in these patients. Conclusions: The results of this study revealed the correlation between LA function depression and MA remodeling in patients with DCM. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular and Translational Medicine)
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16 pages, 1811 KiB  
Article
Long-Term Outcome of Unprotected Left Main Percutaneous Coronary Interventions—An 8-Year Single-Tertiary-Care-Center Experience
by Orsolya Nemeth, Tamas Ferenci, Tibor Szonyi, Sandor Szoke, Gabor Fulop, Tunde Pinter, Geza Fontos, Peter Andreka and Zsolt Piroth
J. Pers. Med. 2025, 15(7), 316; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm15070316 - 15 Jul 2025
Viewed by 246
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Randomized studies of patients with unprotected left main coronary artery (ULMCA) disease involve highly selected populations. Therefore, we sought to investigate the 60-month event-free survival of consecutive patients undergoing ULMCA percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and determine the best risk score system [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Randomized studies of patients with unprotected left main coronary artery (ULMCA) disease involve highly selected populations. Therefore, we sought to investigate the 60-month event-free survival of consecutive patients undergoing ULMCA percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and determine the best risk score system and independent predictors of event-free survival. Methods: All patients who underwent ULMCA PCI at our center between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2014 were included. The primary endpoint was the time to cardiac death, target lesion myocardial infarction, or target lesion revascularization (whichever came first) with a follow-up of 60 months. Results: A total of 513 patients (mean age 68 ± 12 years, 64% male, 157 elective, 356 acute) underwent ULMCA PCI. The 60-month incidence of events was 16.8% and 38.0% in elective and acute patients, respectively. There were significantly more events in the acute group during the first 6.5 months. Of the risk scores, the ACEF (AUC = 0.786) and SYNTAX II (AUC = 0.716) scores had the best predictive power in elective and acute patients, respectively. The SYNTAX score proved to be the least predictive in both groups (AUC = 0.638 and 0.614 in the elective and acute groups, respectively). Left ventricular function (hazard ratio (HR) for +10% 0.53 [95% CI, 0.38–0.75] and 0.81 [95% CI, 0.71–0.92] in elective and acute patients, respectively) and, in acute patients, access site (femoral vs. radial HR 1.76 [95% CI, 1.11–2.80]), hyperlipidemia (HR 0.58 [95% CI, 0.39–0.86]), and renal function (HR for +10 mL/min/1.73 m2 higher GFR: 0.87 [95% CI, 0.78–0.97]) were independent predictors of event-free survival. Conclusions: Acute ULMCA PCI patients have worse prognosis than elective patients, having more events during the first 6.5 months. Besides anatomical complexity, clinical and procedural parameters determine the prognosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Complex and High-Risk Coronary Interventional Procedures)
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21 pages, 1842 KiB  
Article
Acute Stroke Severity Assessment: The Impact of Lesion Size and Functional Connectivity
by Karolin Weigel, Christian Gaser, Stefan Brodoehl, Franziska Wagner, Elisabeth Jochmann, Daniel Güllmar, Thomas E. Mayer and Carsten M. Klingner
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(7), 735; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15070735 - 9 Jul 2025
Viewed by 454
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Early and accurate prediction of stroke severity is crucial for optimizing guided therapeutic decisions and improving outcomes. This study investigates the predictive value of lesion size and functional connectivity for neurological deficits, assessed by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Early and accurate prediction of stroke severity is crucial for optimizing guided therapeutic decisions and improving outcomes. This study investigates the predictive value of lesion size and functional connectivity for neurological deficits, assessed by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS score), in patients with acute or subacute subcortical ischemic stroke. Methods: Forty-four patients (mean age: 68.11 years, 23 male, and admission NIHSS score 4.30 points) underwent high-resolution anatomical and resting-state functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (rs-fMRI) within seven days of stroke onset. Lesion size was volumetrically quantified, while functional connectivity within the motor, default mode, and frontoparietal networks was analyzed using seed-based correlation methods. Multiple linear regression and cross-validation were applied to develop predictive models for stroke severity. Results: Our results showed that lesion size explained 48% of the variance in NIHSS scores (R2 = 0.48, cross-validated R2 = 0.49). Functional connectivity metrics alone were less predictive but enhanced model performance when combined with lesion size (achieving an R2 = 0.71, cross-validated R2 = 0.73). Additionally, left hemisphere connectivity features were particularly informative, as models based on left-hemispheric connectivity outperformed those using right-hemispheric or bilateral predictors. This suggests that the inclusion of contralateral hemisphere data did not enhance, and in some configurations, slightly reduced, model performance—potentially due to lateralized functional organization and lesion distribution in our cohort. Conclusions: The findings highlight lesion size as a reliable early marker of stroke severity and underscore the complementary value of functional connectivity analysis. Integrating rs-fMRI into clinical stroke imaging protocols offers a potential approach for refining prognostic models. Future research efforts should prioritize establishing this approach in larger cohorts and analyzing additional biomarkers to improve predictive models, advancing personalized therapeutic strategies for stroke management. Full article
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14 pages, 4504 KiB  
Article
Clinicopathological Characteristics of Skin Adnexal Tumors: Insights from a Two-Center Retrospective Study
by Burcu Sanal Yılmaz, Sibel Acat and Zeliha Esin Çelik
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(14), 4844; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14144844 - 8 Jul 2025
Viewed by 257
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Skin adnexal tumors (SATs) are rare neoplasms originating from sebaceous glands, hair follicles, and sweat glands, often presenting diagnostic challenges due to their histopathological diversity and clinical resemblance to other lesions. This epidemiological and clinicopathological study aimed to evaluate SATs diagnosed between [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Skin adnexal tumors (SATs) are rare neoplasms originating from sebaceous glands, hair follicles, and sweat glands, often presenting diagnostic challenges due to their histopathological diversity and clinical resemblance to other lesions. This epidemiological and clinicopathological study aimed to evaluate SATs diagnosed between January 2018 and October 2024 across two medical centers in Turkey. Methods: A total of 652 cases were analyzed based on demographic features, tumor size, anatomical localization, and histological subtypes per the 2018 WHO classification. The study also explored the predictors of malignancy, including tumor size and multifocality. Results: Among the cases, 98% were benign and 2% malignant. Sebaceous tumors were the most common (34.5%), followed by eccrine/apocrine (34.2%) and follicular tumors (31.3%). Benign tumors showed a slight female predominance (56.6%), while malignant tumors were more frequent in males (61.5%). The majority of tumors were located in the head and neck region (84.6%), and a tumor size >20 mm was significantly associated with malignancy. Conclusions: This study, one of the largest series from Turkey, highlights the importance of clinicopathological correlation in SATs. It contributes to the literature by identifying size-based cut-off values for malignancy prediction and by assessing interobserver agreement, multifocality, and tumor subtype distribution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Skin Tumors: From Pathogenesis to Therapy)
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17 pages, 2591 KiB  
Article
Sex Determination Using Linear Anthropometric Measurements Relative to the Mandibular Reference Plane on CBCT 3D Images
by Nikolaos Christoloukas, Anastasia Mitsea, Leda Kovatsi and Christos Angelopoulos
J. Imaging 2025, 11(7), 224; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging11070224 - 5 Jul 2025
Viewed by 354
Abstract
Sex determination is a fundamental component of forensic identification and medicolegal investigations. Several studies have investigated sexual dimorphism through mandibular osteometric measurements, including the position of anatomical foramina such as the mandibular and mental foramen (MF), reporting population-specific discrepancies. This study assessed the [...] Read more.
Sex determination is a fundamental component of forensic identification and medicolegal investigations. Several studies have investigated sexual dimorphism through mandibular osteometric measurements, including the position of anatomical foramina such as the mandibular and mental foramen (MF), reporting population-specific discrepancies. This study assessed the reliability and predictive ability of specific anthropometric mandibular measurements for sex estimation using three-dimensional (3D) cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) surface reconstructions. Methods: CBCT scans from 204 Greek individuals (18–70 years) were analyzed. Records were categorized by sex and age. Five linear measurements were traced on 3D reconstructions using ViewBox 4 software: projections of the inferior points of the right and left mental and mandibular foramina and the linear distance between mental foramina projections. A binary logistic regression (BLR) model was employed. All measurements showed statistically significant sex differences, with males presenting higher mean values. The final model achieved accuracy of 66.7% in sex prediction, with two vertical measurements—distances from the right mandibular foramen and the left mental foramen—identified as the strongest predictors of sex. The positions of the mandibular and mental foramina demonstrate sex-related dimorphism in this Greek sample, supporting their forensic relevance in population-specific applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Medical Imaging)
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17 pages, 2314 KiB  
Article
Characteristics of Foot Pressure Distribution During Standing and Walking with Anatomical Leg Length Discrepancy—A Comparative Analysis of Patients with and Without Low Back Pain
by Krzysztof Konior, Aleksandra Bitenc-Jasiejko, Anna Lubkowska, Ewa Stachowska, Anna Walińska, Kinga Gonta, Piotr Skomro and Danuta Lietz-Kijak
Symmetry 2025, 17(7), 1059; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym17071059 - 4 Jul 2025
Viewed by 377
Abstract
Body asymmetry is often analysed in the context of low back pain (LBP). To date, research has mainly focused on the general relationships between asymmetry and pain, with less attention paid to issues related to pressure distribution and its potential impact on the [...] Read more.
Body asymmetry is often analysed in the context of low back pain (LBP). To date, research has mainly focused on the general relationships between asymmetry and pain, with less attention paid to issues related to pressure distribution and its potential impact on the occurrence of LBP. The aim of this study was to compare biomechanical parameters in people with anatomical leg length discrepancy with and without LBP to identify overloads that may lead to pain. Early detection of common abnormalities in these parameters in both groups may influence the early prevention of 0LBP in the course of LLD. Materials and methods: This study included 60 patients with diagnosed LLD, of whom 30 had LBP (group 1, NP) and 30 were pain-free (group 2, NwP). Body weight distribution during standing and walking was analysed using pedobarography. The analysis was carried out in two stages, the first being the analysis of the biomechanical parameters for the whole study population, for group 1 with LBP and group 2 without LBP, while the second stage focused on the main issue, i.e., the comparison of the group with LBP with the group without LBP. The study included standing and walking tests. Left–right pressure distribution and ground contact time were analysed. In addition, the angle of foot abduction was analysed to indirectly assess compensatory mechanisms resulting from the asymmetry. Results: The standing test showed significantly greater pressure on the longer limb (p = 0.022) in the whole study population (N = 60). When divided into groups, it was found that in those with LBP (NP = 30), the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.359), whereas in those without pain (NwP = 30), the pressure on the longer limb was significantly greater (p = 0.002). No differences were found between the groups in the comparative analysis. The angle of foot abduction was greater than normal across the study population (N = 60), with greater values in the shorter limb (12.83° vs. 11.04°), which was close to significance (p = 0.065). The group with LBP (NP = 30) showed a similar trend, also close to statistical significance (p = 0.054), with significantly higher values of abduction angle in both legs compared to the group without LBP (NwP = 30). In the walking test, the left–right load distributions were significantly dispersed. The mean pressure on the longer limb was significantly higher in group 1 (NP = 30) (p = 0.031), whereas this difference was not statistically significant in group 2 (NwP = 30). For mean peak pressure, there were no significant differences in any of the groups tested. In addition, the mean ground contact time during gait was longer for the longer limb in the whole study population (N = 60) (938.8 ms vs. 915 ms), but again, this difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.305). Comparative analysis showed no differences between the groups. Conclusions: This study showed that in people with anatomical LLD, both with and without LBP, most parameters reflected marked asymmetries in peak and mean pressures and abduction angles. A prolongation of ground contact time has also been shown, and even though some parameters were not statistically significant, it is important to note the high dispersion of left–right loading, which provides information on body load asymmetries in patients with anatomical LLD. Given that there were no differences between the groups for most of the parameters, it is important for both clinical practice and further research that the abnormalities observed in both groups (NP = 30, NwP = 30) may have been a significant predictor of the development of LBP, as the abnormalities preceded the onset of pain. This should be taken into account in diagnostic and preventive measures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Life Sciences)
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18 pages, 4979 KiB  
Systematic Review
Discordant High-Gradient Aortic Stenosis: A Systematic Review
by Nadera N. Bismee, Mohammed Tiseer Abbas, Hesham Sheashaa, Fatmaelzahraa E. Abdelfattah, Juan M. Farina, Kamal Awad, Isabel G. Scalia, Milagros Pereyra Pietri, Nima Baba Ali, Sogol Attaripour Esfahani, Omar H. Ibrahim, Steven J. Lester, Said Alsidawi, Chadi Ayoub and Reza Arsanjani
J. Cardiovasc. Dev. Dis. 2025, 12(7), 255; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd12070255 - 3 Jul 2025
Viewed by 424
Abstract
Aortic stenosis (AS), the most common valvular heart disease, is traditionally graded based on several echocardiographic quantitative parameters, such as aortic valve area (AVA), mean pressure gradient (MPG), and peak jet velocity (Vmax). This systematic review evaluates the clinical significance and prognostic implications [...] Read more.
Aortic stenosis (AS), the most common valvular heart disease, is traditionally graded based on several echocardiographic quantitative parameters, such as aortic valve area (AVA), mean pressure gradient (MPG), and peak jet velocity (Vmax). This systematic review evaluates the clinical significance and prognostic implications of discordant high-gradient AS (DHG-AS), a distinct hemodynamic phenotype characterized by elevated MPG despite a preserved AVA (>1.0 cm2). Although often overlooked, DHG-AS presents unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, as high gradients remain a strong predictor of adverse outcomes despite moderately reduced AVA. Sixty-three studies were included following rigorous selection and quality assessment of the key studies. Prognostic outcomes across five key studies were discrepant: some showed better survival in DHG-AS compared to concordant high-gradient AS (CHG-AS), while others reported similar or worse outcomes. For instance, a retrospective observational study including 3209 patients with AS found higher mortality in CHG-AS (unadjusted HR: 1.4; 95% CI: 1.1 to 1.7), whereas another retrospective multicenter study including 2724 patients with AS observed worse outcomes in DHG-AS (adjusted HR: 1.59; 95% CI: 1.04 to 2.56). These discrepancies may stem from delays in intervention or heterogeneity in study populations. Despite the diagnostic ambiguity, the presence of high gradients warrants careful evaluation, aggressive risk stratification, and timely management. Current guidelines recommend a multimodal approach combining echocardiography, computed tomography (CT) calcium scoring, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) planimetry, and, when needed, catheterization. Anatomic AVA assessment by TEE, CT, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) can improve diagnostic accuracy by directly visualizing valve morphology and planimetry-based AVA, helping to clarify the true severity in discordant cases. However, these modalities are limited by factors such as image quality (especially with TEE), radiation exposure and contrast use (in CT), and availability or contraindications (in CMR). Management remains largely based on CHG-AS protocols, with intervention primarily guided by transvalvular gradient and symptom burden. The variability among the different guidelines in defining severity and therapeutic thresholds highlights the need for tailored approaches in DHG-AS. DHG-AS is clinically relevant and associated with substantial prognostic uncertainty. Timely recognition and individualized treatment could improve outcomes in this complex subgroup. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cardiovascular Imaging in Heart Failure and in Valvular Heart Disease)
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16 pages, 1782 KiB  
Systematic Review
Relationship Between Shooting Performance and Biomechanical Parameters Associated with Body Stability in Archery: A Systematic Review
by João Santos, Joana Barreto, Tiago Atalaia and Pedro Aleixo
Biomechanics 2025, 5(3), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomechanics5030048 - 1 Jul 2025
Viewed by 400
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Body stability plays a decisive role in archery, particularly during the aiming phase. A systematic review was conducted, in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, to critically examine the existing evidence on the association between body stability parameters and shooting performance. Methods: [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Body stability plays a decisive role in archery, particularly during the aiming phase. A systematic review was conducted, in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, to critically examine the existing evidence on the association between body stability parameters and shooting performance. Methods: A comprehensive search of the MEDLINE Complete, CINAHL Complete, SportDiscus, and Cochrane Reviews databases was performed. Studies published until 12 July 2024 were considered. Results: Sixteen articles were selected, and we analyzed the following biomechanical parameters related to body stability: center of pressure displacement, velocity, and ellipse area; bow sway; and sway of markers placed on the head, sternum, and pelvis. The findings consistently showed that reduced center of pressure displacement and velocity, along with smaller center of pressure ellipse area, were associated with superior shooting outcomes. Although studies are scarce, data suggest that lower bow sway is associated with better shooting performance. The scarcity of research on the sway of markers placed in anatomical points does not allow for conclusions about their effectiveness as performance predictors. Despite its relevance, no studies have assessed the center of gravity data. Therefore, further research is needed to address this important point. Conclusions: Although studies have examined several parameters, the literature remains inconclusive regarding which of these parameters best predicts shooting quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sports Biomechanics)
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18 pages, 3943 KiB  
Systematic Review
Evolution of Surgical Approaches for Trigeminal Schwannomas: A Meta-Regression Analysis from Past to Present
by Edoardo Porto, Giorgio Fiore, Cecilia Casali, Mario Stanziano, Morgan Broggi, Giulio A. Bertani, Hani J. Marcus, Marco Locatelli and Francesco DiMeco
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(13), 4488; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14134488 - 25 Jun 2025
Viewed by 391
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The surgical management of trigeminal schwannomas (TSs) has evolved considerably, with increasing interest in minimally invasive approaches. We performed a meta-regression analysis to characterise temporal trends in surgical strategies for TS and to explore factors influencing outcomes. Methods: This systematic review and [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The surgical management of trigeminal schwannomas (TSs) has evolved considerably, with increasing interest in minimally invasive approaches. We performed a meta-regression analysis to characterise temporal trends in surgical strategies for TS and to explore factors influencing outcomes. Methods: This systematic review and meta-regression followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Comparative studies published in English reporting surgical treatment of TS were included. Outcomes assessed were the extent of resection (EOR), improvement or worsening of trigeminal symptoms, and postoperative complications. Meta-analyses of pooled frequencies were performed, and meta-regression analyses evaluated associations between surgical approach, tumour localization, year of publication, and outcomes. Surgical approaches were categorized as microsurgical antero-lateral (M-AL-Apr), retrosigmoid (RSA), endoscopic endonasal (EEA), and endoscopic transorbital (ETOA). Tumour localization was stratified using the Samii classification. Results: Fifteen studies (583 surgeries) were included. Endoscopic approaches accounted for 20.1% of cases, with increasing use over time (β = 0.12—p < 0.001), largely driven by transorbital access for Samii type A and C tumours. The use of M-AL-Apr declined. The pooled gross-total resection (GTR) rate was 73% (I2 = 78.8%). The stratified meta-regression identified a temporal decrease in GTR for Samii type C tumours alone, while resection rates for types A, B, and D remained stable, likely reflecting the increasing proportion of anatomically complex cases in recent series Trigeminal impairment improved postoperatively in 17% (I2 = 84.5%), while worsening of trigeminal symptoms was rare (β = 0.07%—I2 = 0%). Complication rates were 11.6% (I2 = 32.7%) but with a temporal increase (β = 0.041, p = 0.047). Tumour type was the dominant predictor of EOR, functional outcomes, and complications. Conclusions: Surgical management of TS has evolved towards minimally invasive techniques, particularly endoscopic routes, reflecting advances in technology and a focus on functional preservation. Tumour anatomy remains the key determinant of surgical outcomes, highlighting the importance of tailored, anatomy-driven surgical planning. Full article
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12 pages, 6124 KiB  
Review
Airway Ultrasound: A Narrative Review of Present Use and Future Applications in Anesthesia
by Efrain Riveros-Perez, Bibiana Avella-Molano and Alexander Rocuts
Healthcare 2025, 13(13), 1502; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13131502 - 24 Jun 2025
Viewed by 1120
Abstract
Introduction: Airway management remains a high-risk intervention in a subset of patients, with traditional predictors like the Mallampati score demonstrating poor sensitivity and specificity. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has emerged as a transformative tool, offering real-time, objective assessment of airway anatomy to improve [...] Read more.
Introduction: Airway management remains a high-risk intervention in a subset of patients, with traditional predictors like the Mallampati score demonstrating poor sensitivity and specificity. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has emerged as a transformative tool, offering real-time, objective assessment of airway anatomy to improve safety and outcomes. Methods: A narrative approach was conducted to evaluate the literature on airway ultrasound, incorporating clinical metrics and procedural applications. Results: Ultrasound has demonstrated utility in pre-intubation risk stratification using quantitative measures such as skin-to-epiglottis distance (>2.75 cm) and hyomental distance ratio (<1.2), which outperform traditional exams, especially in obese patients. Procedural uses include endotracheal tube confirmation with 98.9% sensitivity and enhanced success rates in emergent cricothyroidotomy—from 50% to nearly 100%—in patients with difficult anatomy. Dynamic applications like assessing laryngeal edema via parapharyngeal thickness offer advantages over traditional cuff leak tests. Technical considerations such as optimal probe selection, patient positioning, and interpretation of key anatomical landmarks are also discussed. Conclusions: Airway ultrasound is poised to become a standard tool in perioperative and critical care settings. The review concludes by emphasizing POCUS as an indispensable adjunct for modern airway management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Developments in Endotracheal Intubation and Airway Management)
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15 pages, 549 KiB  
Article
Comparing AI-Driven and Heart Team Decision-Making in Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease
by Stefano Migliaro, Roberto Celotto, Romina Teliti, Simona Mariani, Luca Altamura and Fabrizio Tomai
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(13), 4452; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14134452 - 23 Jun 2025
Viewed by 388
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD) remains a challenging condition requiring multidisciplinary decision-making, particularly when determining between percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), particularly generative language models like ChatGPT, present an opportunity [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD) remains a challenging condition requiring multidisciplinary decision-making, particularly when determining between percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), particularly generative language models like ChatGPT, present an opportunity to assist in the decision-making process. However, their ability to replicate human clinical judgment in complex scenarios, such as multivessel CAD, remains untested. Methods: The aim of this study was to evaluate the concordance between recommendations from AI (ChatGPT) and those from heart team (HT) in the management of multivessel CAD, with a focus on comparing treatment strategies such as PCI and CABG. A retrospective observational study was conducted on 137 patients with multivessel CAD, discussed at multidisciplinary HT meetings in 2024. Standardized clinical vignettes, including clinical and anatomical data, were presented to ChatGPT for treatment recommendations. The AI’s responses were compared with the HT’s decisions regarding PCI or CABG. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the level of agreement and predictive value of ChatGPT’s recommendations. Results: ChatGPT achieved an overall accuracy of 65% in its recommendations. The agreement rate was higher for CABG (82.4%) than for PCI (44.4%). Discordance was identified in 48 patients, with a notable bias towards recommending CABG. Factors such as age, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease were predictors of discordance, although no significant factors emerged for the PCI or CABG subgroups. Conclusions: AI, particularly ChatGPT, demonstrated modest concordance with HT decisions in the management of multivessel CAD, especially favoring CABG. While AI offers potential as a decision-support tool, its current limitations highlight the continued need for human clinical judgment in complex cases. Further research is required to optimize AI integration into clinical decision-making frameworks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Advances and Future Perspectives in Interventional Cardiology)
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16 pages, 4835 KiB  
Article
An Imaging-Based Marker to Refine Risk Stratification for Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement
by Liliane Zillner, Mirjam G. Wild, Michaela M. Hell, Harald Herkner, Elmar W. Kuhn, Tanja Rudolph, Thomas Walther, Lenard Conradi, Andreas Zierer, Francesco Maisano, Marco Russo, Fabrizio Rosati, Andrea Colli, Miguel Piñón, David Reineke, Gaby Aphram, Tillmann Kerbel, Christophe Dubois, Jörg Hausleiter, Ralph Stephan von Bardeleben, Markus Mach, Christian Loewe and Martin Andreasadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(13), 4412; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14134412 - 20 Jun 2025
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Abstract
Background: The Tendyne™ transcatheter heart valve (THV) system is a promising option for high-risk patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR) who are ineligible for surgery or transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER). As most fatal complications occur within the first 90 days, this study [...] Read more.
Background: The Tendyne™ transcatheter heart valve (THV) system is a promising option for high-risk patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR) who are ineligible for surgery or transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER). As most fatal complications occur within the first 90 days, this study aimed to identify anatomical predictors of in-hospital mortality after transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR). Methods: In this subanalysis of the TENDER registry, data from 110 patients who underwent TMVR across 26 centers between January 2020 and June 2022 were evaluated. Preprocedural imaging parameters were analyzed, including transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), and cardiac 4D computed tomography (CT). Results: We identified LVEDDi as a significant predictor of in-hospital mortality (p = 0.022), with lower values in non-survivors (26.42 ± 3.76 mm/m2) than in survivors (30.37 ± 5.58 mm/m2). Both indexed and absolute LVEDDi predicted in-hospital complications (p < 0.001 and p = 0.008). In multivariate analysis, LVEDDi (p = 0.048; OR = 0.856) and STS score (p = 0.038; OR = 1.114) remained independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. In an extended model, only LVEDDi persisted as a significant predictor (p = 0.007), highlighting its robustness. Conclusions: This analysis identified a small LVEDDi as a novel, clinically relevant risk factor in TMVR and showed its added value alongside conventional markers. Its easy calculation supports incorporating LVEDDi thresholds into screening to improve patient selection and outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mitral Valve Surgery: Current Status and Future Challenges)
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16 pages, 460 KiB  
Article
Predictive Models for Injury Risk Across Body Regions and Sport Types in Physically Active Students: Cross-Sectional Design
by Jarosław Domaradzki and Edyta Kopacka
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(12), 4307; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14124307 - 17 Jun 2025
Viewed by 317
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Previous studies have typically investigated injury risk factors either by body region or sport type in isolation, limiting their practical applicability to real-world settings where multiple factors interact. However, injury risk is inherently multifactorial—shaped by a complex interplay of demographic, physiological, [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Previous studies have typically investigated injury risk factors either by body region or sport type in isolation, limiting their practical applicability to real-world settings where multiple factors interact. However, injury risk is inherently multifactorial—shaped by a complex interplay of demographic, physiological, and training-related characteristics that differ by anatomical site and sport context. This study addresses that gap by simultaneously analyzing predictors across multiple body regions and sport-specific environments. This integrated approach is critical for developing more precise, evidence-based injury prevention strategies tailored to the specific demands and risk profiles of amateur athletes. This study aimed to identify key predictors of injury risk across various body regions and sport-specific contexts among amateur athletes. Specifically, we sought to (1) develop predictive models that include demographic and body composition variables, and (2) compare the relative predictive strength of these variables across models, highlighting differences in their influence by injury location and sport type. Methods: A total of 454 amateur athletes (219 males and 235 females) participated. Data on anthropometry, body composition, training load were collected. Injury history was obtained via self-administered questionnaires, with participants reporting injuries that had occurred during the 12 months prior to the time of data collection. Logistic regression models were used to identify significant predictors, and Nagelkerke’s R2 was calculated to assess model fit. Results: Overall, 49.78% of athletes experienced injuries, with a higher proportion in females (54.47%) than in males (44.75%). Age demonstrated divergent effects: it was protective against both upper and lower limb injuries in male individual-sport athletes (OR = 0.62 and OR = 0.69, respectively) and in female athletes across sport types (ORs = 0.75–0.64), but conversely increased the risk of upper limb injuries in male team-sport athletes (OR = 1.88). In female individual athletes, higher Skeletal Muscle Index (SMI) predicted upper limb injuries (OR = 1.18, p = 0.034). In female team athletes, higher Muscle-to-Fat Ratio (MFR) (OR = 2.46, p = 0.017) and BMI (OR = 1.67, p = 0.008) predicted upper limb injuries, while higher Fat Mass Index (FMI) predicted lower limb injuries (OR = 1.70, p = 0.009). Models showed moderate explanatory power (Nagelkerke’s R2 ranging from 0.03 to 0.33). Conclusions: These findings suggest that injury risk profiles are highly context-dependent. Preventive strategies should be tailored by sex and sport type, for example, younger athletes in team sports may benefit from age-sensitive load monitoring, while in female team athletes, targeted interventions addressing both fat and muscle balance could be essential. Age, body composition, and sport-specific demands should be considered in individualized injury prevention planning. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sports Medicine)
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