Search Results (2,574)

The effects of progressive drought stress were examined in four economically important plant species belonging to the Lamiaceae family: catnip (Nepeta cataria L.), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.), holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum L.), and perilla mint (Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton). Plants were grown in a controlled pot experiment under three soil water capacity levels: 70% (control), 50% (moderate stress), and 30% (severe stress), and the drought stress lasted for 30 days. The study evaluated a comprehensive set of leaf micromorphological parameters, including the density and diameter of glandular trichomes, stomatal density and size, and the thickness of the lamina, mesophyll, epidermis, cuticle, and parenchymal layers. In addition, essential oil (EO) content, total flavonoid content (TFC), and elemental composition were analyzed. Drought responses were strongly species-specific. O. tenuiflorum, P. frutescens, and N. cataria showed high sensitivity characterized by reduced biomass and thinning of leaf tissues. These changes were accompanied by typical xeromorphic adaptations, such as increased stomatal and glandular trichome density, and reduced stomatal size. L. angustifolia exhibited pronounced cuticle thickening, suggesting an effective structural mechanism to minimize water loss. Secondary metabolism also responded differently among species. In some cases, drought shifted metabolic allocation toward flavonoid accumulation at the expense of essential oils, whereas in others, moderate stress promoted the co-accumulation of both compounds. These patterns indicate distinct adaptive strategies linking anatomical plasticity with metabolic regulation. Overall, moderate drought supported adaptive responses, while severe water limitation impaired growth and metabolic production. From a practical perspective, maintaining moderate soil water availability appears critical to optimize both plant performance and the accumulation of valuable secondary metabolites in Lamiaceae species. Full article

Obtaining multiple MRI contrasts for each patient prolongs scan acquisition time, increases healthcare costs, and may not always be feasible due to patient specific constraints. Deep learning-based MRI contrast synthesis offers a potential solution, yet most existing approaches are evaluated on preprocessed public benchmarks that do not reflect real-world clinical variability. In this study, we propose a fusion U-Net transformer framework for bidirectional T1-weighted ↔ T2-weighted brain MRI synthesis trained and evaluated exclusively on retrospectively acquired clinical data. The proposed architecture integrates multiscale convolutional feature extraction with axial attention mechanisms and a transformer bottleneck for efficient global context modeling. A fusion refinement block is incorporated to mitigate skip connection artifacts. An adversarial training strategy with the least squares GAN objective and a hybrid loss combining L1 reconstruction and structural similarity (SSIM) is employed to promote both pixel-level accuracy and perceptual fidelity. The model is evaluated using SSIM and PSNR metrics alongside qualitative expert assessment conducted by two board-certified radiologists. For both synthesis directions, the framework achieves competitive quantitative performance against baseline models under the challenging conditions of clinical data. Expert evaluation confirms high anatomical fidelity and clinically acceptable image quality across both synthesis directions. These results indicate that the proposed framework represents a promising approach for multi-contrast MRI synthesis in clinically heterogeneous data environments. Full article

Organ preservation is a necessary and diverse process in morphological studies and is traditionally achieved through formalin fixation and plastination. A comparatively innovative method is organ embedding in epoxy resin, which provides durable and non-toxic models during manipulation. This study aimed to create 30 models: 12 from human specimens and 18 from animal specimens. Samples were incubated in 96.2% ethanol for 24 h to disinfect and remove formalin and excess fat, followed by 100% glycerol incubation for 2 h under vacuum to create a protective interface between the tissue and the activated epoxy resin. Afterward, the tissues were fixed in scaffolds and embedded in epoxy resin. Once hardened, the models were post-processed to enhance clarity and longevity. Each model was mounted on a wooden platform featuring a QR code linking to a presentation describing the visible anatomical structures. Some modifications were made to previously described protocols to optimize the method, improving quality and reducing preparation time. Among the 30 models, two anatomical and two clinical cases of organ preservation were especially interesting. Despite the numerous challenges and limitations, this method yields promising potential for morphological studies, allowing safe organ manipulation without protective equipment and anatomical documentation via QR code-linked presentations. Full article

Lumbar spine disorders often require surgical intervention using medical implants to stabilize or replace damaged structures. As the prevalence of these surgeries increases due to an aging population, rigorous preclinical evaluation is critical. This narrative review aims to summarize current testing methods, identify gaps in clinical translatability, and explore the role of emerging computational technologies. Mechanical testing protocols established by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) provide essential standardized data on structural integrity but fail to replicate the complex biological interactions of the human spine. Similarly, animal models offer insights into biological responses like osseointegration but are limited by quadrupedal biomechanics and anatomical differences. Recent advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) enable rapid, patient-specific modeling and high-throughput screening, significantly reducing the time and cost of physical testing. Future innovations include 3D-printed personalized implants, bio-responsive materials, and genetically modified animal models to bridge existing translatability gaps. In conclusion, improving the clinical success of lumbar spine implants requires an integrated framework that combines mechanical, biological, and computational approaches. This interdisciplinary collaboration is vital for developing safer and more effective treatments for patients. Full article

Intervertebral disc degeneration is the most recognized cause of low back pain, characterized by the decline in tissue structure and mechanics. Image-based mechanical parameters (e.g., strain, stiffness) may provide an ideal assessment of disc function that is lost with degeneration, but unfortunately, these remain underdeveloped. Moreover, it is unknown whether strain or stiffness of the disc may be predicted by MRI relaxometry (e.g., T₁ or T₂), an increasingly accepted quantitative measure of disc structure. In this study, we quantified T₁ and T₂ relaxation times and compared to in-plane strains measured with displacement-encoded MRI within human cadaveric discs under physiological levels of compression and bending. Using a novel inverse approach, we then estimated shear modulus in orthogonal image planes and regionally compared these values to relaxation times and 2D strains. Intratissue strain depended on the loading mode, and shear modulus in the nucleus pulposus was typically an order of magnitude lower than the annulus fibrosus. Relative shear moduli estimated from strain data derived under compression generally did not correspond with those from bending experiments. Only one anatomical region showed a significant correlation between relative shear modulus and relaxometry (T₁ vs. µ_rel, coronal plane under bending). Together, these results suggest that future inverse analyses may be improved by incorporating multiple loading conditions into the same model and that image-based elastography and relaxometry should be viewed as complementary measures of disc structure and function to assess degeneration in future studies. Full article

Background: This study aims to evaluate the prevalence, spectrum, and coexistence of anatomical variations in the major branches of the abdominal aorta using Multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT) angiography, with a specific emphasis on analyzing sex-related differences in a large-scale cohort. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 1174 patients (63.8% male, 36.2% female; mean age 60.54) who underwent abdominal CT angiography between January 2023 and June 2024. Images were acquired using a 128-slice MDCT scanner and reconstructed for detailed vascular assessment. Statistical comparisons between genders were performed using Chi-square and Fisher–Freeman–Halton tests, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results: The celiac trunk (93.3%), superior mesenteric artery (SMA) (97.1%), and inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) (98.5%) predominantly showed classical patterns. However, significant sex-related differences were identified. Females exhibited significantly higher rates of classical patterns for the celiac trunk (96.2% vs. 91.7%), IMA (99.1% vs. 98.1%), right hepatic artery (RHA) (91.5% vs. 82.6%), and left hepatic artery (LHA) (95.8% vs. 85.4%). Conversely, males showed a higher prevalence of complex variations, including replaced/accessory hepatic arteries and the absence of the common hepatic artery. The number of right and left renal arteries was similar between sexes and did not show a significant difference, while horseshoe kidney was detected only in males. Conclusions: Abdominal vascular structures adhere to classical anatomy more frequently in females, while males exhibit greater morphological variability. These findings emphasize the necessity of gender-specific preoperative vascular mapping to optimize surgical outcomes and reduce morbidity. Full article

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) offers advantages of low radiation dose and rapid acquisition but suffers from scatter-induced shading artifacts that limit diagnostic value compared to multi-detector CT (MDCT). While CycleGAN enables unpaired image translation, its uniform loss application struggles with localized artifact removal. We propose a two-stage learning framework with YOLO-based region correction loss. Stage 1 trains a standard CycleGAN to establish stable CBCT-MDCT domain mapping. Stage 2 fine-tunes the model by applying gradient magnitude minimization loss selectively to artifact regions detected by a pretrained YOLO detector, enabling focused correction while preserving anatomical structures. Using 11,000 2D CBCT slices from 17 patients (14 training, 3 testing) and 23,500 2D MDCT slices from 50 patients, our method achieves a 14.0% reduction in artifact score compared to baseline CycleGAN while maintaining high structural similarity (SSIM > 0.96). Independent evaluation using integral nonuniformity (INU) and shading index (SI) confirms consistent improvement across physics-based metrics. The self-regulating mechanism, where YOLO detection confidence naturally decreases as artifacts diminish, provides automatic adjustment without manual intervention. This work demonstrates that combining staged learning with object detection offers an effective solution for localized artifact removal in medical image translation, potentially improving diagnostic accuracy while preserving the low-dose benefits of CBCT. Full article

Background/Objectives: The sella turcica and sphenoid sinus are anatomically adjacent structures within the cranial base and may reflect variations related to craniofacial development. However, evidence regarding their three-dimensional characteristics in individuals with impacted canines remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the morphological, linear, and volumetric characteristics of the sella turcica and sphenoid sinus in individuals with unilateral palatally impacted maxillary canines using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods: This study included CBCT scans of individuals with unilateral palatally impacted maxillary canines and a control group. Linear measurements and morphology of the sella turcica were assessed. Sella turcica volume was calculated using both a geometric formula and voxel-based three-dimensional segmentation. Sphenoid sinus pneumatization patterns and volumes were also evaluated. Agreement between volumetric measurement methods was assessed using Bland–Altman analysis, and correlations between sella turcica and sphenoid sinus volumes were also analyzed. Results: Most morphological and volumetric parameters of the sella turcica and sphenoid sinus were comparable between groups. Among the linear measurements, only sella width was significantly greater in the control group, whereas other dimensions showed no significant differences. The distribution of sella turcica morphology and sphenoid sinus pneumatization patterns was similar in both groups. No significant differences were observed in sella turcica or sphenoid sinus volumes. Bland–Altman analysis demonstrated good agreement between geometric and voxel-based volumetric measurements. In addition, no significant correlation was identified between sella turcica and sphenoid sinus volumes. Conclusions: Unilateral palatally impacted maxillary canines were not associated with substantial morphological or volumetric alterations of the sella turcica or sphenoid sinus. These findings suggest that variations in these cranial base structures have limited value as indicators of unilateral palatal canine impaction. Full article

Sechium edule (Cucurbitaceae), commonly known as chayote, which is a cucurbit of economic relevance, has experienced higher incidence of wilting from Phytophthora capsici in Mexican commercial fields during heavy rainfall. The infection process of this oomycete on chayote stems at the anatomical level had not been documented. This study characterized histological changes in chayote stems infected with P. capsici. Plants were inoculated at the stem base with P. capsici mycelial plugs, while controls received sterile plugs. Stem samples collected at 8, 12, 16, 22, and 30 days post-inoculation were processed and stained using safranin O–fast green. Microscopic observations showed progressive anatomical alterations. At 8 dpi, hyphae appeared in cortical parenchyma and epidermis, with phenolic compound accumulation. By 12 dpi, stromata and sporangia were visible in vascular and cortical tissues, with tyloses formation. At 16 dpi, cell wall collapse and xylem colonization became evident. These effects intensified at 22 and 30 dpi, with tissue degradation and an abundance of hyphae. Control stems maintained intact structures. Macroscopically, plants remained asymptomatic until 12 dpi, when brown lesions appeared. By 22 dpi, leaf yellowing and stem necrosis were observed, leading to plant death by 30 dpi. The results demonstrate the rapid colonization of chayote tissues by P. capsici, and its impact on vascular integrity. This study provides knowledge for future research on host resistance and disease management in chayote crops. Full article

Underground infrastructure systems are typically managed as discrete technical assets rather than as integrated, adaptive systems. This paper develops the Body Underground framework, a structured biological analogy that synthesizes prior clinical and epidemiological metaphors into a multiscale conceptual model linking materials, facilities, networks, and governance. Building on Little’s clinical framing of infrastructure health and Bardet and Little’s epidemiological analysis of network failure clustering, the framework extends biological interpretation to anatomical, physiological, and homeostatic scales. The approach maps structural, hydraulic, sensing, protective, and regulatory functions to functional equivalents in living systems using explicit criteria of feedback, regulation, and measurability. The central objective of the study is to determine whether biological regulatory concepts—particularly homeostasis and hierarchical organization—can provide a coherent interpretive structure for understanding infrastructure health across material, facility, network, and governance scales. The resulting framework reframes resilience as dynamic regulatory balance rather than static robustness alone. It clarifies the methodological basis for constructing biological–infrastructure analogies, identifies measurable “vital signs” for infrastructure health, and outlines pathways toward operational translation through integrated monitoring and governance feedback. While conceptual in nature, the framework provides a structured synthesis linking material science, infrastructure engineering, systems resilience theory, and policy coordination. By organizing resilience concepts through cross-scale regulatory logic, the Body Underground model offers a coherent structure for integrating monitoring, diagnosis, and governance in the proactive management of underground infrastructure systems. Full article

Background: Unanticipated difficult airways remain a leading cause of anesthesia-related morbidity and mortality, with traditional bedside predictors demonstrating limited sensitivity. Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) has emerged as a non-invasive adjunct offering real-time visualization and quantitative measurement of airway anatomy. This narrative review, structured according to the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA), synthesizes current evidence on POCUS as an adjunct for airway evaluation. We explore the sonoanatomy of the upper airway, the utility of ultrasound in predicting difficult laryngoscopy and intubation, its critical role in emergency front-of-neck access, and the verification of endotracheal tube placement. Furthermore, we discuss the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in image interpretation and the necessity of standardized training curricula. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science for English-language peer-reviewed studies addressing sonographic airway assessment, including sonoanatomy, prediction of difficult laryngoscopy/intubation, guidance for emergency FONA and endotracheal tube confirmation. Results: POCUS enhances visualization of critical anatomical structures, may improve anatomical assessment and risk stratification when combined with clinical assessment, and it may provide real-time guidance during emergency procedures. Integration of AI has shown promising diagnostic performance, primarily based on surrogate outcomes. Conclusions: Airway ultrasound may represent a shift toward personalized, safer airway management. However, standardized training protocols and validation in diverse clinical settings remain essential. Future research should focus on developing evidence-based algorithms integrating POCUS into airway management guidelines. Full article

Rupture of Intracranial Aneurysms (IAs) is the leading cause of non-traumatic intracranial hemorrhage. Early detection of aneurysms prior to rupture or their prompt identification in cases of intracranial hemorrhage is critical and guides treatment strategies. The development of artificial intelligence tools to automate the labor-intensive detection and analysis of IAs is an active research field, but it depends on the availability of large, well-curated datasets for robust model training, validation, and testing. Collaborative data sharing is essential for advancing this field, yet remains relatively uncommon. Here, we present a collection of 172 Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) scan series—a widely available and commonly used modality for the diagnosis of IAs—supplemented with structured metadata. The dataset comprises 90 scans from healthy patients and 82 scans from patients with IAs of diverse shapes, sizes, and anatomical locations, annotated and validated by two experts. The annotations include 122 surface mesh models in STL format. This openly accessible dataset is intended to support the development of automated segmentation or classification tools, medical image analysis, and assessment of disease progression risks through morphometric and hemodynamic evaluations. Full article

Rotational knee instability remains a relevant clinical problem, particularly in patients with anterior cruciate ligament injury, and has renewed interest in the anterolateral ligament (ALL) as a contributing structure. This narrative review critically synthesizes current anatomical, biomechanical, and ultrasonographic evidence regarding the ALL, with emphasis on the interpretative capabilities and limitations of musculoskeletal ultrasound. Available data indicate that ultrasound allows anatomical identification of the ALL, primarily in asymptomatic populations, but does not support its use as a standalone diagnostic tool for ALL injury. Dynamic ultrasound approaches remain observational, non-standardized, and lack clinical validation. Ultrasound may be considered only as a complementary modality within a clearly defined clinical context. Full article

This paper evaluates the advantages of overlapping microwave ablation (OMWA) for the personalized treatment of large tumors, providing quantitative and technical references for conformal tumor eradication. A three-dimensional numerical model coupled with electromagnetic fields and Pennes’ biological heat transfer equation was constructed, comprehensively considering the nonlinear behavior of tissue electrical and thermal parameters with temperature changes. A simulation model was developed to predict temperature distribution and the formation of the coagulation zone under single-needle multiple-point and multiple-needle multiple-point OMWA strategies. The LiTS2017 public dataset of liver tumor cases and real clinical cases was selected for verification. The results showed that OMWA could achieve faster thermal accumulation, higher central temperature, and more conformal tumor coverage. Compared with the single-needle strategy, OMWA significantly reduces thermal damage to surrounding healthy tissues while achieving complete tumor coverage. Therefore, OMWA is more efficient and safer than the single-needle strategy in the personalized treatment of large tumors and can provide important references for clinical preoperative planning and parameter optimization. Full article

The eye is a sensitive target of sublethal stress in aquaculture-reared fish due to its direct exposure to the aquatic environment. This study tested a photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) water treatment system, integrated into a standard recirculating aquaculture system (RAS), to improve water quality and evaluated ocular health in Oncorhynchus mykiss (rainbow trout) reared at 30 kg/m³ for 28 days, with particular emphasis on the cornea as an indicator of fish welfare. Ocular analyses focused on the cornea and retina, two anatomically and functionally distinct structures. PEC significantly reduced ammonia levels and modulated nitrate concentrations compared to the control group (CTR), represented by a standard RAS. No differences in growth performance or body condition were observed between groups. Corneal integrity was assessed using optical coherence tomography, histology, and mucous cell staining to evaluate epithelial structure and protective responses. Corneal tissue was examined to detect local oxidative effects through morphological analysis and immunohistochemistry for 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). Alcian Blu–Periodic Acid–Schiff (AB–PAS) staining did not reveal significant differences in mucin-producing cells among groups. CTR fish exhibited epithelial disruption and increased 8-OHdG immunoreactivity, whereas fish reared in the RAS equipped with the PEC system, ensuring improved water quality, showed preserved corneal architecture despite mild oxidative stress. Molecular analysis of ocular tissues revealed no differential expression of oxidative stress-related genes, such as GPx1, GR, or sod1, in the two groups. Overall, these findings support the use of the cornea as a sensitive indicator of sublethal environmental stress in farmed fish and suggest that PEC treatment may contribute to improved water quality management and welfare monitoring in intensive aquaculture systems. Full article