Search Results (75)

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the field of diagnostic radiology; however, its applications in interventional radiology and pediatric interventional radiology (PIR) remain limited despite clear clinical needs and the rich multimodal data environment characteristic of pediatric procedural care. In this narrative review, I summarize the current state of AI technologies relevant to PIR and outline future perspectives for their clinical integration. Peer-reviewed literature and position statements identified through MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and major society publications up to the first quarter of 2026 are synthesized, focusing on AI applications across the PIR care pathway, including dose-sparing image acquisition and reconstruction, automated image interpretation and computer-aided diagnosis, data-driven procedural planning and navigation, and post-procedural risk prediction and monitoring. After briefly introducing core machine learning and deep learning concepts, pediatric-specific challenges are discussed, including radiation sensitivity, growth-related anatomical variability, regulatory constraints, and the scarcity of large, annotated datasets, as well as existing and emerging applications along the PIR care pathway: AI-assisted dose reduction and image reconstruction, automated image interpretation, segmentation, and computer-aided diagnosis; data-driven procedural planning, including three-dimensional modelling, augmented reality, AI-enabled/AI-adjacent robotics, and AI-directed procedural navigation; and post-procedural risk prediction and outcome monitoring. Finally, emerging paradigms, including explainable AI, federated learning, and multimodal integration, are highlighted, and research priorities, collaborative frameworks, and governance principles required to ensure safe, equitable, and effective AI deployment in PIR are outlined. In doing so, this review delineates the current evidence gaps and priority directions for clinically meaningful AI adoption in PIR. Although AI has the potential to improve patient care, it has not yet been specifically designed, validated, or deployed in children. Existing work demonstrates feasibility across the PIR workflow, but most tools remain weakly linked to pediatric clinical endpoints. Full article

Morus alba L. fruit extract (MFE), which is rich in cyanidin 3-glucoside (C3G), demonstrates antioxidant properties and pharmacological effects, but its reproductive safety remains poorly understood. Polyphenols modulate steroidogenesis, spermatogenesis, and sperm acrosome integrity; therefore, toxicity assessment is needed for use. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant profiles and subchronic reproductive effects of MFE. MFE was standardized using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Male rats were administered MFE (250 or 500 mg/kg BW) for 56 days. Assessments included computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA), testosterone, seminal fructosamine, and testicular CYP11A1 and androgen receptor (AR) expression. Acrosomal status was determined using PNA lectin staining. The results showed that MFE contained C3G (119.42 mg/g), antioxidant capacity (DPPH IC₅₀: 0.101 mg/mL; FRAP: 465.01 µmol Fe (II)/g), and total contents (phenolics: 41.15 mg GAE/g; flavonoids: 3.15 mg CE/g; anthocyanidins: 11.04 mg C3G/g). MFE did not alter testicular histology and seminiferous stages VII-IX. High doses significantly increased sperm concentration, while both doses reduced sperm beat cross frequency. Testosterone, fructosamine, and CYP11A1/AR expressions showed increasing trends. Significantly, high doses induced a precocious acrosome reaction. In conclusion, MFE has no reproductive toxicity and pro-fertility effects on sperm quantity or androgenic markers, supporting safe subchronic use. Full article

Drug repurposing is often promoted as a faster, lower-risk alternative to de novo discovery, yet substantial barriers continue to limit successful implementation. We performed a scoping review of articles included in PubMed and ScienceDirect with the aim to identify and categorize challenges and analyze the intersections between them. Our review included 73 articles which revealed scientific, clinical, regulatory, economic, and implementation barriers, with the principal being the clinical translation of generated candidates. Scientific challenges include the necessity for new Phase II/III trials to validate efficacy, safety, and optimal dosing in new therapeutic contexts. Across disease areas, domain-specific barriers include subgroup-dependent responses in oncology, resistance and penetration challenges in anti-infectives, and data scarcity in rare diseases. Computational and AI-assisted approaches face fragmented data, model robustness, and insufficient validation. In addition, off-patent drugs face evidence requirements as rigorous as those for de novo entities, yet lack the market exclusivity incentives required to attract private investment. Additionally, an “institutional bottleneck” hinders academic researchers from bringing findings “on-label” due to a lack of regulatory infrastructure and collaborative frameworks. We conclude that drug repurposing requires a distinct translational paradigm involving multi-stakeholder collaboration and early regulatory engagement to bridge the gap between laboratory discovery and patient access. Full article

Computer-assisted surgical simulation (CASS) in craniomaxillofacial (CMF) surgery is traditionally performed using a computer interface (CI) with a two-dimensional monitor, while the adoption of immersive virtual reality (VR) remains limited. This study examined how low-dose (LD) and high-dose (HD) cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging modes influence image quality and usability across both CI and VR environments. Five CMF radiologists rated CBCT views and 3D-segmented models on a 0–4 Likert scale, and intra- and interobserver agreement was calculated. VR usability was further assessed using the NASA Task Load Index and follow-up interviews. LD imaging performed comparably to HD in both interfaces, with slightly higher scores for CBCT views in LD mode. For 3D models, HD scored marginally higher in CI, whereas LD performed slightly better in VR. Observer agreement ranged from fair to excellent, and VR demonstrated reliability like CI. NASA-TLX results indicated reductions in mental and temporal demand, along with decreased effort and frustration during VR use, suggesting diminishing cognitive and emotional strain over time. In this pilot study, the findings suggest that LD CBCT may be feasible for selected CMF CASS applications and that VR offers an immersive and user-friendly alternative without compromising diagnostic reliability, supporting its potential role in future surgical planning. Full article

Background: Antibiotic-free approaches to boar semen preservation are gaining importance to counter emerging antimicrobial resistance. Hypothermic storage at 5 °C, instead of the conventional 17 °C, is a promising strategy to eliminate antibiotics still commonly used in extenders. For practical adoption, the method must be simple and compatible with on-farm routines. Objective: To assess fertility when cooling was initiated on farm one day after delivery, and to evaluate the robustness of cold-stored semen to temporary warming and subsequent re-cooling, mimicking typical handling on insemination days. Methods: Individual ejaculates (n = 34) from six boars were extended in Androstar^® Premium either without antibiotics (5 °C) or with gentamicin (17 °C control). One day after collection, antibiotic-free doses were cooled on farm to 5 °C and used alongside controls in routine insemination of 270 sows. Sperm quality was evaluated by computer-assisted semen analysis and flow cytometry, and bacterial counts were monitored. In a separate test, cold-stored doses were exposed to 20 °C for 60 min and re-cooled to 5 °C. Results: Farrowing rates and litter sizes did not differ between groups (p > 0.05). In antibiotic-free samples after 120 h, bacterial counts were mostly not detectable or low (<10² CFU/mL). Sperm motility and plasma membrane integrity in cold-stored doses remained >80%, comparable to controls (p > 0.05). Temporary warming did not affect sperm quality or bacterial counts. Conclusions: Antibiotic-free semen storage at 5 °C is easy to implement in practice and maintains fertility under field conditions. Broader validation under routine conditions is encouraged in support of the One Health concept. Full article

Objectives: Our objectives were to develop and validate the habitat model based on low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for noninvasive prediction of the visceral pleural invasion (VPI) in subpleural nodules with solid component. Methods: A total of 313 patients with subpleural lung adenocarcinoma nodules from three centers were retrospectively enrolled and divided into training (n = 192), validation (n = 82), and external test (n = 39) sets. All patients underwent preoperative LDCT scan. The habitat model was constructed using unsupervised clustering to partition each tumor into three distinct habitats, from which radiomic features were extracted and selected. Its diagnostic performance was compared with a whole-lesion radiomic model and radiological model. Statistical analysis included receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and DeLong test. Results: The habitat model significantly outperformed both the radiomic and radiological models across the validation and external test sets, with areas under the ROC curve of 0.893 and 0.908, respectively (all p < 0.05). In contrast, the radiomic model achieved 0.833 and 0.772, while the radiological model yielded 0.746 and 0.624. The corresponding software tool has been made publicly available to facilitate broader clinical application. Conclusions: The habitat imaging model based on LDCT effectively predicts the VPI in subpleural lung adenocarcinoma by quantifying intratumoral spatial heterogeneity and demonstrates promising diagnostic performance compared to conventional radiomic and radiological methods. This approach offers a noninvasive preoperative tool to assist in risk stratification and guide personalized therapeutic decision-making for subpleural nodules detected during lung cancer screening. Full article

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly transforming spine surgery, with expanding applications in diagnostics, intraoperative imaging, and surgical navigation. As the field advances toward greater precision and safety, machine learning (ML) and deep learning technologies are being integrated to augment surgeon expertise and optimize operative workflows. In particular, AI-driven innovations in image acquisition and navigation are reshaping intraoperative decision-making and technical execution. This narrative review provides an overview of AI applications relevant to intraoperative imaging and navigation in spine surgery. We begin by defining key concepts in AI, ML, and deep learning and briefly outline the historical evolution of AI within spine practice. We then examine current capabilities in image recognition and automated pathology detection, emphasizing their clinical relevance. Given the central role of imaging accuracy in modern navigation-assisted procedures, we review conventional acquisition platforms, including intraoperative computed tomography (CT) systems (e.g., O-arm, GE, Airo), surface-based registration to preoperative CT (Stryker, Medtronic), and optical surface mapping technologies (e.g., 7D Surgical). Emerging AI-optimized advancements are subsequently discussed, including low-dose intraoperative CT protocols, expanded scan windows, metal artifact reduction algorithms, integration of 2D fluoroscopy with preoperative CT datasets, and 3D reconstruction derived from 2D imaging. These developments aim to improve image quality, reduce radiation exposure, and enhance navigational accuracy. By synthesizing current evidence and technological progress, this review highlights how AI-enhanced imaging systems are redefining intraoperative spine surgery and shaping the future of precision-based care. The primary purpose of this review is to outline the applications of AI and its potential for perioperative and intraoperative optimization, including radiation exposure reduction, workflow streamlining, preoperative planning, robot-assisted surgery, and navigation. The secondary purpose is to define AI, machine learning, and deep learning within the medical context, describe image and pathology recognition, and provide a historical overview of AI in orthopedic spine surgery. Full article

The preservation of rooster semen quality during short-term liquid storage remains a challenge in poultry reproductive biotechnology because sperm cells rapidly lose functional competence under ambient conditions. This deterioration is largely associated with oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation of sperm membranes, which are particularly vulnerable in avian species due to their high polyunsaturated fatty acid content and limited cytoplasmic antioxidant defenses. Selenium is an essential trace element involved in cellular antioxidant protection through its incorporation into several selenoproteins that regulate redox balance and protect cellular structures from oxidative injury. The present study evaluated the effects of selenium methionine supplementation on rooster semen quality during liquid storage at 25 °C. Semen was diluted using a standard poultry semen extender composed of sodium glutamate, glucose, potassium acetate, magnesium acetate, and potassium citrate. Selenium methionine was incorporated into the semen extender at concentrations of 0.5%, 1%, and 2% (w/v) at the time of semen dilution prior to storage. Semen quality was assessed at 0, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h of storage. Functional parameters, including total sperm motility, sperm viability, and dead sperm percentage, together with kinematic variables (VSL, VCL, VAP, ALH, LIN, and STR), were analyzed using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA). Structural integrity was evaluated through acrosome and plasma membrane integrity tests, while sperm physiological status and apoptotic progression were assessed using Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide flow cytometry. Significant effects of storage time, selenium methionine concentration, and their interaction were observed for multiple semen quality parameters (p < 0.05). Among the tested concentrations, supplementation with 0.5% selenium methionine consistently produced the most favorable results, maintaining higher sperm motility, viability, and membrane integrity while reducing dead sperm percentage and apoptotic progression during storage, with protective effects particularly evident at 8, 12, and 24 h compared with the control and higher concentrations. Polynomial contrast analysis indicated predominantly non-linear dose–response relationships, with quadratic and cubic components providing the best model fit (R² = 0.90–0.99; p < 0.0001), suggesting a hormetic antioxidant effect. Overall, these findings indicate that selenium methionine supplementation in semen extender improves the stability of rooster semen during short-term liquid storage at ambient temperature, with 0.5% showing the most consistent protective effects among the concentrations evaluated. Full article

Background/Objectives: Myositis-associated interstitial lung disease (ILD) can occasionally present as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS); however, clinical data on this presentation remain limited. This study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with myositis-associated ILD presenting as ARDS. Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective observational study of patients with myositis-associated ILD who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. Results: Ten patients positive for myositis-specific antibodies met the new global ARDS definition. The median age was 62 years, and eight patients were male. Antibody profiles included anti-MDA-5 (n = 5), anti-synthetase antibodies (Jo-1 [n = 1], PL-7 [n = 2], EJ [n = 4]), and NXP-2 (n = 1). Fever and cutaneous manifestations were the most common extrapulmonary features. Chest computed tomography demonstrated diffuse alveolar damage patterns in six patients and organizing pneumonia patterns in four. At ICU admission, four patients required mechanical ventilation and six received high-flow nasal cannula, of whom four subsequently progressed to mechanical ventilation. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was implemented in three patients. All patients received high-dose corticosteroids, six underwent steroid pulse therapy, and four additionally received immunosuppressive agents. Six patients died during hospitalization. Conclusions: Myositis-associated ILD may present as ARDS and should be considered in patients with ARDS of unclear etiology. Careful physical examination and autoantibody testing may assist in recognizing this condition in the critical care setting. Full article

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) plays an important role in dental diagnosis; however, radiation exposure remains a concern. This study evaluated the feasibility of artificial intelligence (AI)-based image processing for improving image quality in low-dose CBCT. CBCT scans were acquired from a single healthy adult male at three radiation dose levels (10%, 20%, and 100% of the standard dose), and each dataset was subsequently processed using an AI-based image enhancement model. Five dental specialists independently assessed image quality using a 6-point scoring system across 12 anatomical and diagnostic criteria, including anatomical visibility, structural delineation, and overall diagnostic acceptability. The AI-processed 20% dose images showed no statistically significant difference in image quality compared with the 100% raw dose images (median 4.45, range 3.50–5.30 vs. median 5.05, range 4.50–5.50; p > 0.05). In contrast, the AI-processed 10% dose images demonstrated significantly lower scores (p = 0.0074), and the AI-processed 100% dose images were rated lower than the corresponding raw images. These preliminary findings suggest that AI-assisted enhancement may partially mitigate image quality degradation associated with moderate CBCT dose reduction. Further large-scale studies involving diverse patient populations and clinical settings are required to validate these results. Full article

This study investigated the effects of different PRP doses and application strategies on sperm quality in goats during cryopreservation. Semen samples were collected weekly from six Boer goats and treated with PRP either by means of pre-incubation or supplementation of the semen extender at concentrations of 10, 20, and 40 × 10⁶ platelets/mL. Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) was performed after equilibration and again after thawing to assess sperm motility parameters, including progressive motility. Post-thaw sperm functional integrity was further evaluated using flow cytometry, including assessments of plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, high mitochondrial membrane potential (hMMP), sperm viability, oxidative stress, and DNA integrity. The results demonstrated that pre-incubation with PRP at 10 × 10⁶ platelets/mL (pre-PRP10) yielded the most pronounced improvements in total and progressive motility after thawing, as well as in plasma membrane integrity, viability, and mitochondrial activity, while significantly reducing oxidative stress and DNA fragmentation compared with other PRP doses and application strategies. Supplementation of the extender with PRP at 20 × 10⁶ platelets/mL also showed favorable effects on functional sperm parameters; however, it did not result in significant improvements in oxidative stress or DNA fragmentation. In contrast, the highest PRP dose (40 × 10⁶ platelets/mL) did not confer additional benefits. None of the PRP treatments improved post-thaw acrosome integrity. In conclusion, these findings highlight the importance of PRP dose optimization and direct sperm–PRP interaction, identifying pre-incubation with PRP at 10 × 10⁶ platelets/mL as the most effective approach for enhancing post-thaw sperm quality in goats. Full article

Cryopreservation of ram semen is an essential tool in assisted reproductive technology; however, oxidative stress generated during the freezing process may compromise sperm quality. This study evaluated the effects of Se and SeNPs on post-thaw sperm quality, PRDX5 expression, and oxidative status in cryopreserved ram semen. In this study, semen samples collected from five mature rams (three collections at 2-week intervals, yielding a total of 15 ejaculates) were frozen in liquid nitrogen using extenders supplemented with selenium (1 μg/mL, S1; 10 μg/mL, S2) or selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs; 1 μg/mL, N1; 2 μg/mL, N2) alongside a nonsupplemented control extender. Post-thaw sperm quality was evaluated using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) for motility, kinematic parameters, viability, membrane integrity (HOST) assays, chromatin condensation assessment, and morphological analysis. Total oxidant status (TOS) measurements and PRDX5 gene expression analysis were performed separately. Low-dose SeNPs (1 µg/mL) significantly improved total motility (55.73 ± 19.01%), progressive motility (25.05 ± 15.34%), viability (57.27 ± 19.30%), HOST-positive spermatozoa (50.87 ± 18.91%), and morphologically normal spermatozoa (88.27 ± 4.10%) compared with the control and high-dose sodium selenite groups (p < 0.05). Chromatin condensation abnormalities were lowest in the SeNP-treated group. S1 and N2 also improved motility and morphology compared with the control; however, the increases were numerically smaller than those observed in the N1 group. In contrast, S2 supplementation showed limited benefit, with values that were similar to those of the control. Morphologically normal spermatozoa were highest in N1, followed by S1 and N2, while S2 and the control exhibited the lowest values (p < 0.05). In contrast, no significant differences were detected in TOS or PRDX5 gene expression among the experimental groups (p > 0.05). These findings indicate that low-dose SeNPs enhance post-thaw sperm functional integrity and cryotolerance without inducing measurable changes in bulk oxidative markers or gene transcription. Full article

Background: We examined the prevalence and correlates of energy drink (ED) consumption in Polish adults using an archival, nationally sourced dataset. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of 120,000 adults from the archival 2024 National Health Test of Poles (computer-assisted web interview). ED consumption was assessed by frequency and dichotomized for regression (ever vs. never). Multivariable logistic regression estimated adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals; an age cut-off was derived using ROC/Youden. Owing to the cross-sectional design, all estimates are interpreted as associations rather than causal effects. Results: In this national sample, 16.9% of adults reported ever consuming energy drinks, while regular (weekly or more frequent) consumption was rare (2.8%). After multivariable adjustment, the strongest independent correlates of ever consuming an energy drink were an age ≤53 years (aOR 3.80, 95% CI 3.61–4.01), male sex (aOR 3.17, 95% CI 3.03–3.32), frequent fast-food consumption (aOR 2.63, 95% CI 2.51–2.76), and being a current smoker (aOR 2.49, 95% CI 2.23–2.77). In contrast to the initial hypothesis, consumption was not found to be independently associated with education level. A strong, dose-dependent relationship was observed between consumption frequency and an increased prevalence of sleep disturbances, depression, and somatic complaints like headaches and chest pain. Conclusions: Energy drink consumption in Poland is concentrated within a high-risk demographic of young to middle-aged men and is deeply embedded within a cluster of adverse health behaviors. These findings underscore the need for comprehensive public health interventions that address the entire lifestyle pattern, rather than focusing solely on energy drink use. Full article

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS), a debilitating chronic disease of the central nervous system, is characterized by both inflammatory and neurodegenerative processes that lead to demyelination and neuronal damage. While MS remains incurable, therapies like fingolimod can slow disease progression by modulating immune function. Fingolimod acts as a sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulator, limiting lymphocyte migration into the central nervous system and thereby reducing inflammation. Methods: In this study, we developed a computational model to describe fingolimod’s impact on immune dynamics in MS, focusing on CD8⁺ T-cell migration blockade. Model calibration utilized cohort data, enabling the comparison of simulated outcomes with observed clinical metrics. Results: The results indicate that our model effectively captures the timing and extent of CD8⁺ T-cell sequestration, consistent with key features in the patient data. Conclusions: These findings suggest that computational modeling can provide quantitative insight into the fingolimod’s mechanism of action and assist in predicting treatment response, offering a promising framework for exploring personalized fingolimod dosing strategies and enhancing therapeutic planning in MS. Full article

Background: Triple therapy (long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs), long-acting beta agonists (LABAs) and inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs)) is a recommended treatment for moderate-to-severe asthma at GINA Steps 4 and 5. However, little is known about the acceptance and use of triple therapy in everyday practice. The EU-LAMA Survey assessed specialists’ knowledge and views on triple therapy in daily practice. Methods: A 19-question survey was administered to 630 pulmonologists, allergologists, general practitioners, and internal medicine specialists in Poland (58%), Greece (27%), Sweden (6.3%), Slovenia (5.4%), and Austria (3.7%) using a dedicated online platform and computer-assisted web interviews. Results: The majority of the physicians were pulmonologists (59%), followed by allergologists (15.7%). For uncontrolled asthma at GINA Step 4, 81% of the respondents preferred increasing the ICS dose to the maximum level, whereas 76% opted to add LAMAs to medium-dose ICSs. At GINA Step 5, 79% of the respondents chose LAMAs first, followed by biological therapy (51%). Oral corticosteroids were favored over increasing the ICS dose and adding LAMAs. Triple therapy was mostly administered in one inhaler (70% and 82% at GINA Steps 4 and 5, respectively). Barriers to the use of LAMAs included a lack of reimbursement (31%), unclear guidelines (24%), lack of experience (18%), insufficient evidence (13%), fear of step-up regimens (10%), and the ease of increasing ICS doses (9%). Conclusion: Many physicians continue to rely on oral corticosteroids at GINA Steps 4 and 5 and infrequently refer patients to triple therapy or biological treatments at GINA Step 5. Full article