Search Results (15,615)

Imaging-based multi-omics derived from digital histopathology provides a valuable approach for characterizing tumor heterogeneity from routine clinical specimens. However, robust multi-cancer histopathological analysis remains challenging due to pronounced intra-tumor variability, inter-organ morphological overlap, and sensitivity to staining and acquisition variations, which can limit the generalizability of deep learning models. These limitations are largely driven by insufficient representation learning, particularly in multi-organ and multi-class diagnostic settings. In this study, we propose a hierarchically regularized representation learning framework for multi-cancer histopathological image analysis that models imaging-based features across multiple organs and diagnostic categories. The framework integrates complementary mechanisms to capture fine-grained cellular morphology, long-range tissue architecture, and organ-aware diagnostic semantics within a unified computational model. A hierarchical supervision strategy guides the network to reduce entanglement between organ-level structural characteristics and disease-specific diagnostic patterns in the learned representations. The method operates without pixel-level annotations or handcrafted morphological priors, supporting scalable experimental evaluation. We demonstrate the approach on balanced lung and colon cancer histopathology cohorts, achieving 96.5% accuracy on lung cancer classification and 96.8% accuracy on colon cancer classification. Ablation and robustness analyses further validate the contributions of hierarchical regularization and consistency learning. Overall, this work provides a demonstrated proof-of-concept framework for representation-centric imaging-based analysis in multi-organ histopathology under the evaluated dataset conditions. Full article

Background and Purpose: Complete angiographic reperfusion (TICI 3) is considered the optimal procedural endpoint of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in acute ischemic stroke. However, new diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) lesions are frequently observed despite apparent angiographic success. We aimed to investigate the incidence, morphological patterns, and clinical relevance of these lesions in a strictly defined TICI 3 cohort. Methods: In this retrospective single-center study, 89 patients with anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion (LVO) who achieved true TICI 3 were analyzed. Baseline and follow-up Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) within 48 h were systematically compared using paired diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps to identify new lesions. Lesions were classified according to morphology and distribution. Stroke etiology was assessed using TOAST criteria. Functional outcomes were evaluated using the 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) with the Rankin Focused Assessment. Results: New DWI lesions were detected in 28 of 89 patients (31.5%). The predominant pattern was millimetric cortical foci (85.7%), most frequently ipsilateral to the recanalized vessel (78.6%), with fewer contralateral (14.3%) and bilateral (7.1%) lesions. Territorial infarcts and isolated basal ganglia infarcts were each identified in 14.3% of patients, with some overlap between categories. No significant differences were observed between patients with and without new lesions regarding baseline characteristics or procedural metrics (all p > 0.05). Importantly, the presence of new DWI lesions was not associated with 90-day functional outcome (p = 0.930) or survival (p = 0.613). Conclusions: New DWI lesions are common even after complete angiographic reperfusion, highlighting a persistent dissociation between macrovascular success and tissue-level integrity. Although predominantly small and clinically silent in the short term, these findings underscore the limitations of angiographic endpoints alone and support the need for strategies targeting microvascular protection and prevention of distal embolization. Full article

Background: Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PanNENs) represent a heterogeneous tumor entity with a steadily rising incidence, mainly due to advances in imaging and growing diagnostic awareness. In pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the mesopancreas (MP) has been identified as a frequent site of microscopic tumor spread and a key determinant of circumferential resection margin (CRM) status, leading to the concept of standardized mesopancreatic excision (MPE). While its oncological relevance in PDAC is increasingly recognized, the role of the mesopancreas in PanNENs remains unclear. This study aimed to systematically evaluate mesopancreatic infiltration in PanNENs and to identify associated clinicopathological predictors. Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing oncological pancreatoduodenectomy, spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy, or distal splenopancreatectomy for PanNENs and PanNECs were included. The mesopancreas was histopathologically examined for tumor infiltration within CRM assessment. Results: MP infiltration was detected in 60% of patients. It was associated with higher Ki-67 index, larger tumor size, lymph node involvement, venous invasion, and positive CRM status. A Ki-67 index ≥ 5% and tumor size ≥ 21.5 mm were identified as predictors of MP infiltration. Higher T stage predicted reduced overall survival (OS), whereas MP infiltration, lymphatic (L1) and venous (V1) invasion, and Ki-67 ≥ 5% were associated with impaired disease-free survival (DFS). Conclusion: Mesopancreatic infiltration is frequently present in PanNENs and correlates with aggressive tumor characteristics. Given its association with CRM positivity and reduced DFS, consideration of the mesopancreas in staging and surgical strategies appears oncologically justified. Larger studies are required to validate these findings. Full article

Floating rafts are thin, flat mineral layers that precipitate at still air–water interfaces. They are composed of calcite, aragonite, vaterite, gypsum, trona, carnallite, and/or halite. Floating rafts present a flat surface at the top in contact with air, and a rough surface at the bottom, which develops as they grow into the water. In this work, we describe floating rafts from hypersaline environments using imaging and analytical microscopy techniques. The four rafts studied consist of interconnected polycrystalline grains. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the top surfaces were flat, whereas in the bottom surfaces, the grains protrude into the water. High magnification revealed nanoparticles arranged in stacks, suggesting growth through the organized agglutination of nanocrystals. Electron diffraction of two of the rafts indicates that they consist of aragonite. Accordingly, electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) shows the C K-edges characteristic of carbonates, along with O and Ca edges. Energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) in the SEM also revealed a few Ca sulfate crystals on the bottom surface. In addition, the presence of cubic shapes indicates the presence of halite. We hypothesize that the genesis of these rafts is driven by evaporation of still water, which increases supersaturation at the very surface, leading to mineral nucleation at the air–water interface, where the activation energy is lower. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: To describe two cases within the spectrum of non-myopic foveomacular retinoschisis, including stellate non-hereditary idiopathic foveomacular retinoschisis (SNIFR) and central anomalous retinoschisis with mid-peripheral traction (CARPET), and to highlight the role of multimodal imaging in identifying vitreoretinal traction in their pathogenesis and management. Case Presentation: First Case Report: A 57-year-old man presenting with bilateral visual decline. Multimodal imaging, including spectral-domain and en face optical coherence tomography (OCT), demonstrated characteristic features of SNIFR, with schisis at the Henle fibre layer and outer plexiform layer and persistent posterior hyaloid adhesion. Medical treatment was ineffective. Over two years, complete posterior vitreous detachment occurred, followed by spontaneous anatomical resolution of the schisis and full visual recovery. Second Case Report: A 63-year-old man with severe unilateral visual loss. Imaging revealed marked mid-peripheral vitreoretinal traction extending toward the posterior pole; associated with foveoschisis, central neurosensory detachment, and an outer lamellar macular hole, consistent with CARPET syndrome. The patient underwent pars plana vitrectomy with traction release. Postoperatively, complete anatomical resolution of both macular and peripheral schisis was achieved, with partial visual recovery. Conclusions: These cases support vitreoretinal traction as an important pathogenic mechanism in selected forms of non-myopic foveomacular retinoschisis. SNIFR may resolve spontaneously following posterior vitreous detachment, whereas CARPET represents a more severe tractional phenotype that may require surgical intervention. Careful multimodal imaging assessment of the vitreoretinal interface is essential for accurate diagnosis and management. These findings further characterise CARPET and expand the clinical spectrum of traction-related non-myopic foveomacular retinoschisis. Full article

Background/Objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, with colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) being the major determinant of poor prognosis. Tumor metabolic reprogramming and spatial heterogeneity complicate biomarker discovery and clinical management. This study aimed to characterize the spatial metabolomic landscape of CRC and identify progression-associated metabolic alterations and potential metabolic signatures for liver metastasis. Methods: A total of 23 tissue samples were collected from patients with CRC, with and without liver metastasis. Air flow-assisted desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging (AFADESI-MSI) was used to map the spatial metabolite distributions. Region-of-interest analysis guided by histopathology enabled comparative metabolomic profiling across different tissue types. Multivariate statistical analysis, pathway enrichment, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to identify key metabolic alterations and evaluate potential biomarker performance. Results: Distinct spatial metabolomic profiles were observed across normal mucosa, primary tumors, liver metastases, and normal liver tissues. In primary colorectal tumors, amino acid, purine, and choline metabolism were significantly upregulated, whereas liver metastases were characterized by elevated levels of triglycerides, diglycerides, cholesteryl esters, and acylcarnitines, indicating enhanced lipid synthesis, incomplete fatty acid oxidation, and/or mitochondrial dysfunction. Progression-associated analyses across tissue types revealed consistently increasing trends in glycerides and acylcarnitines, along with heterogeneous alterations in amino acids and phospholipids. Furthermore, 122 differential metabolites were identified between metastatic and non-metastatic CRC, and a four-lipid panel demonstrated strong discriminatory performance. Conclusions: This study provides a spatially resolved characterization of metabolic reprogramming during CRC progression and liver metastasis, highlighting lipid and amino acid metabolism as key features and revealing the metabolic signatures of CRLM. Full article

Monitoring surface deformation at reclaimed airports under construction is crucial for ensuring construction safety. However, significant variations in surface scattering characteristics cause severe decorrelation, limiting the effectiveness of conventional single-polarization Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR). To address the issue of insufficient coherent pixels, we propose a dual-polarization sequential InSAR technique and compare its performance with traditional Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) and Distributed Scatterer Interferometry (DSI) at the Dalian Jinzhou Bay International Airport (DJBIA). Using 89 Sentinel-1A dual-polarization (VV-VH) images (August 2022 to October 2025), the results demonstrate that VV and VH polarizations exhibit significant spatial complementarity, highlighting the necessity of multi-polarization data. Further, to address the issue of long-term changes in scattering characteristics, we applied the Sequential Estimation and Total Power-Enhanced Expectation Maximization Inversion (SETP-EMI) method, which dynamically integrates dual-polarization information and performs adaptive phase optimization. This approach significantly enhances monitoring capability in low-coherence areas of the airport under construction, effectively suppressing phase noise, improving interferogram quality, and yielding a more complete and reliable deformation field. Overall, this study systematically validates the SETP-EMI method with dual-polarization information for deformation monitoring at reclaimed airports under construction, providing technical support for engineering safety control and research on reclamation subsidence mechanisms. Full article

Background: Intraventricular central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma is an atypical presentation of extranodal lymphoma, whether primary or secondary. The most commonly diagnosed subtype of lymphoma is diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). There is a documented relation of HIV, EBV and KSHV infections with lymphomagenesis. AIDS-related lymphomas (ARLs) are described as a defining illness of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). This study presents a novel case and systematic review of clinical, radiographic and histopathological features of intraventricular lymphomas. Methods: We report on a 27-year-old woman with a left lateral ventricle DLBCL with surrounding edema treated with steroids. A systematic review of 147 additional cases (1977–2025) was conducted, analyzing patient demographics, tumor characteristics, clinical features, imaging, treatment, and outcomes. The tumor locations were divided into three groups depending on the extent of ventricular involvement. Descriptive statistics summarized findings. Findings: 147 cases (mean age, 54.2 years; range, 3–87; 63.3% male) were analyzed. Immunodeficiency in patients was unusual (6.1%). Fully intraventricular lesions were the most common presentation (52.4%), with systemic involvement solely in 10 cases (6.8%). The lesions were predominantly located in the lateral ventricles or fourth ventricles (46 times each), and bilateral involvement was noted 37 additional times. DLBCL was diagnosed in 101 cases (78.9%). Interpretation: Intraventricular involvement in central nervous system lymphoma poses a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge due to non-specific symptoms and atypical locations. Adding to the diagnostic difficulty of intraventricular masses in young patients, we wish to highlight that immunocompromised patients are a notably insignificant subgroup of patients in our study. Full article

The precise fabrication and controllable actuation of magnetic microspheres hold significant application value in biomedicine, microfluidic chips and other fields. Based on femtosecond laser two-photon polymerization technology (FLTPP), two methods are adopted to prepare magnetic microspheres in this study. Magnetic microspheres are fabricated via photoresist modification and post-treatment processes. Meanwhile, a 3D magnetic actuation system composed of a three-axis movable magnetic drive module and a real-time imaging system is constructed, enabling the flexible 3D actuation and real-time dynamic monitoring and visualized observation of magnetic microspheres. The results demonstrate that the magnetic microspheres exhibit sensitive magnetic response characteristics. The constructed magnetic actuation system features large travel range (XY: ±6.5 mm, Z: 10 mm), high precision (20 μm) and flexible manipulation, enabling stable locomotion of the microrobots in straight channels, L-shaped channels, and square channels. This study provides a technical reference for the fabrication and manipulation of magnetic micro/nano devices, and lays a foundation for their subsequent integrated applications in microfluidic systems. Full article

This study evaluates the performance of foamed geopolymer concrete (FGC) incorporating rigid polyurethane (PU) waste as a partial sand replacement and aluminum powder (AP, 1%) as a foaming agent. The mixtures were based on metakaolin, fly ash, and silica fume. Fresh and hardened properties were assessed, including workability, setting time, density, compressive strength, flexural strength, splitting tensile strength, elastic modulus, water absorption, porosity, gas permeability, and chloride ion penetration. Microstructural characteristics were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that moderate PU incorporation significantly enhances mechanical performance. The optimal mixture (PU30) achieved a compressive strength of 47.25 MPa at 180 days, representing a 15.6% increase compared to the control. Flexural and splitting tensile strengths improved by 19.9% and 16.7%, respectively, while the elastic modulus increased by 33.8% to 0.95 GPa. These improvements are attributed to enhanced particle packing and more efficient stress transfer within the matrix. In contrast, higher PU contents (>30%) reduced mechanical performance due to increased total porosity and weakened interfacial bonding. Durability-related properties indicated that mixtures PU20–PU30 exhibited reduced permeability and optimized pore structure, characterized by lower pore connectivity. SEM observations confirmed a denser matrix with uniformly distributed pores at optimal PU levels. Additionally, the integration of Random Forest regression with GLCM-based texture analysis demonstrated strong capability in predicting mechanical properties from SEM images. Overall, the combined use of PU waste and AP enables the production of lightweight, structurally efficient, and sustainable FGC with improved mechanical and durability performance. Full article

Background: Sarcopenia is increasingly recognized as a prognostic factor in surgical populations. This study evaluated the association between cranial CT-based markers of sarcopenia and neurological outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). Methods: This retrospective case–control study included 82 patients who underwent surgery for unilateral CSDH. Demographic data, comorbidities, use of anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy, postoperative complications and length of hospital stay were collected from patients’ medical records. Radiological parameters of sarcopenia, including temporal muscle thickness, temporal muscle area, and occipital fat pad thickness, as well as standard radiological features of CSDH, were measured preoperatively on the initial CT scan. Neurological outcome 3 months after surgery was assessed using the Glasgow Outcome Scale, with scores ≥ 4 defined as favourable and scores 1–3 as poor. Results: Demographic and clinical characteristics, including age, sex, comorbidities, hematoma thickness and intracranial midline shift, did not differ significantly between outcome groups. Temporal muscle thickness (4.7 vs. 2.8 mm, p < 0.001), temporal muscle area (160 vs. 106 mm², p = 0.04), and occipital fat pad thickness (4.7 vs. 3.4 mm, p = 0.04) were significantly greater in patients with favourable neurological outcomes. After corrections for age and comorbidities, multivariate logistic regression with temporal muscle thickness, area and density, temporal bone thickness and density, and occipital fat pad thickness demonstrated that temporal muscle thickness was the only independent predictor of good neurological recovery (OR 3.20, 95% CI 1.37–7.46, p = 0.007). ROC analysis showed good discriminatory power of temporal muscle thickness (AUC 0.812, 95% CI 0.695–0.930, p < 0.001), with a cut-off value of ≥3.37 mm for its ability to predict favourable neurological outcome. Conclusions: Temporal muscle thickness is a reliable, non-invasive imaging biomarker for predicting good neurological recovery after CSDH surgery and may aid in risk stratification, particularly in elderly or frail patients. Full article

Physics-informed deep learning models have received increasing attention in medical image segmentation and particularly in brain tumor analysis, owing to their ability to incorporate mechanistic prior knowledge into data-driven architectures. Although numerous studies have presented empirical observations using physics-informed constraints, considerably less attention has been paid to why, when, and under what conditions such prior knowledge meaningfully contributes to segmentation behavior. This study presents a theoretical and methodological analysis of physics-informed segmentation frameworks from an inductive bias perspective. Rather than proposing new models or numerical benchmarks, we examine how reaction–diffusion-based priors influence model behavior across different spatial scales, tumor growth assumptions, and imaging scenarios. We argue that physics-informed constraints function not as universal improvers but as context-dependent regularization mechanisms whose effectiveness depends on the alignment between biological assumptions and imaging characteristics. By reframing physics-informed segmentation as a problem of inductive bias compatibility rather than numerical optimization, this study clarifies the conceptual role of mechanistic priors and provides guidance for their principled use in future segmentation studies. To operationalize this perspective, we introduce two central constructs: a dimensionless scale ratio R that delimits the spatial regime in which reaction–diffusion priors remain valid, and an alignment function A that captures the compatibility between encoded biological assumptions and the underlying data-generating process. We formalize the conditions under which physics-informed regularization is expected to be beneficial, neutral, or potentially harmful, and propose a reporting framework for the transparent evaluation of physics-informed approaches. Full article

In the U.S., extreme heat is the leading cause of weather-related fatalities. Farmers, ranchers and other outdoor workers who are exposed to the elements and engaged in strenuous physical activity are disproportionately impacted. This manuscript summarizes the number and severity of heat-related illnesses and injuries collected through the AgInjuryNews.org system, highlights their characteristics, provides recommendations for farmworkers and employers, and calls for future research. Heat-related illness cases from 2016–2024 were analyzed. Fourteen agricultural heat-related incidents covered by U.S. media were identified. Most incidents took place in June and July. A content analysis was conducted to identify news articles that included mention of prevention strategies, laws and regulations related to working conditions, or OSHA. Over half of the cases were from southern states. Eleven of the incidents involved male farmworkers, one involved a male farmer, and two involved first responders (gender unspecified). All of the farmer/farmworker incidents were single-victim fatalities. Seven articles mentioned prevention strategies, ten mentioned laws or regulations, and nine mentioned OSHA, often cursory. These findings suggest that media reports provide a limited and selective image of agricultural heat-related injuries, with coverage emphasizing fatalities and investigation information more often than prevention. Full article

Background/Objectives: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma is the most common subtype of kidney cancer and exhibits marked biological heterogeneity, even among tumors of the same histological grade. Although tumor grade remains a key prognostic parameter, the molecular alterations associated with tumor differentiation are not fully understood. This study aimed to evaluate grade-dependent tissue-level expression patterns of proteins involved in cellular stress response, growth regulation, stemness, and apoptosis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Methods: Protein expression of heat shock protein 70, insulin-like growth factor 1, octamer-binding transcription factor 4, and apoptosis-inducing factor were analyzed in human clear cell renal cell carcinoma samples and normal renal cortex. Low-grade and high-grade tumors were compared using immunofluorescence staining combined with semi-quantitative and quantitative image analysis. The proportion of positive signals and the number of positive cells were assessed across tissue compartments. In addition, publicly available transcriptomic data from The Cancer Genome Atlas kidney renal clear cell carcinoma cohort were analyzed to explore associations between gene expression levels and overall survival. Results: Distinct grade-dependent expression patterns were observed for all investigated proteins. Heat shock protein 70, insulin-like growth factor 1, and octamer-binding transcription factor 4 showed a higher expression in normal renal tissue with a progressive reduction across tumor grades. In contrast, apoptosis-inducing factor exhibited increased expression in tumor tissue, particularly in low-grade tumors, with a relative decrease in high-grade carcinomas. Stromal compartments of tumor tissue showed minimal or no expression for most markers. Transcriptomic survival analysis did not reveal significant differences in overall survival between high- and low-expression groups for any of the investigated genes. Grade-stratified transcriptomic analysis of the TCGA KIRC cohort revealed consistent patterns for HSP70 family members and OCT4, with progressive grade-dependent mRNA reduction toward higher grades, while IGF1 showed an inverse mRNA trend and AIFM1 showed a uniform reduction across all tumor grades without a clear inter-grade pattern. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that stress response, growth-related, stemness-associated, and apoptotic proteins display distinct grade-dependent tissue-level expression patterns in clear cell renal cell carcinoma, with the expression profiles of high-grade tumors being of particular translational interest given the aggressive clinical behavior and therapeutic resistance characteristic of this disease stage. These alterations appear to reflect tumor differentiation and biological behavior rather than independent prognostic value, highlighting the complexity of molecular regulation in renal tumorigenesis. Full article

A micro-cavity based on phase-change material is a very important strategy for the realization of tunable absorption and conversion of terahertz waves. In this work, a tunable terahertz metamaterial absorber based on the phase-change material germanium–antimony–tellurium (GST) is demonstrated. The device features a metal–insulator–metal triple-layer structure, where the dynamic switching of absorption characteristics is achieved via thermally controlled GST phase transition. In the amorphous state, the absorber exhibits a single absorption peak at 7.7 THz. Upon crystallization, the absorption switches to dual peaks at 5.1 THz and 8.3 THz, achieving near-perfect absorption in both states. Full-wave electromagnetic simulations and theoretical analysis based on a multiple-reflection interference model indicate that this performance tuning originates from the GST-phase-transition-induced change in the equivalent optical cavity length. This corresponds to a switch between two resonant modes: coupled inner–outer ring resonance and independent outer ring resonance. These results provide a foundation for developing dynamically tunable terahertz devices with promising applications in terahertz communications, imaging, and sensing. Full article