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Search Results (1,721)

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15 pages, 2903 KiB  
Article
Electrophysiological Substrate and Pulmonary Vein Reconnection Patterns in Recurrent Atrial Fibrillation: Comparing Thermal Strategies in Patients Undergoing Redo Ablation
by Krisztian Istvan Kassa, Adwity Shakya, Zoltan Som, Csaba Foldesi and Attila Kardos
J. Cardiovasc. Dev. Dis. 2025, 12(8), 298; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd12080298 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025
Abstract
Background: The influence of the initial ablation modality on pulmonary vein (PV) reconnection and substrate characteristics in redo procedures for recurrent atrial fibrillation (AF) remains unclear. We assessed how different thermal strategies—ablation index (AI)-guided radiofrequency (RF) versus cryoballoon (CB) ablation—affect remapping findings during [...] Read more.
Background: The influence of the initial ablation modality on pulmonary vein (PV) reconnection and substrate characteristics in redo procedures for recurrent atrial fibrillation (AF) remains unclear. We assessed how different thermal strategies—ablation index (AI)-guided radiofrequency (RF) versus cryoballoon (CB) ablation—affect remapping findings during redo pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Methods: We included patients undergoing redo ablation between 2015 and 2024 with high-density electroanatomic mapping. Initial PVI modalities were retrospectively classified as low-power, long-duration (LPLD) RF; high-power, short-duration (HPSD) RF; or second-/third-generation CB. Reconnection sites were mapped using multielectrode catheters. Redo PVI was performed using AI-guided RF. Segments showing PV reconnection were reisolated; if all PVs remained isolated and AF persisted, posterior wall isolation was performed. Results: Among 195 patients (LPLD: 63; HPSD: 30; CB: 102), complete PVI at redo was observed in 0% (LPLD), 23.3% (HPSD), and 10.1% (CB) (p < 0.01 for LPLD vs. HPSD). Reconnection patterns varied by technique; LPLD primarily affected the right carina, while HPSD and CB showed reconnections at the LSPV ridge. Organized atrial tachycardia was least frequent after CB (12.7%, p < 0.002). Conclusion: Initial ablation strategy significantly influences PV reconnection and post-PVI arrhythmia patterns, with implications for redo procedure planning. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atrial Fibrillation: New Insights and Perspectives)
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8 pages, 208 KiB  
Article
Multiple Primary Melanomas: Clinical and Genetic Insights for Risk-Stratified Surveillance in a Tertiary Center
by Marta Cebolla-Verdugo, Francisco Manuel Almazán-Fernández, Francisco Ramos-Pleguezuelos and Ricardo Ruiz-Villaverde
J. Pers. Med. 2025, 15(8), 343; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm15080343 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025
Abstract
Background: Patients diagnosed with melanoma are at increased risk of developing multiple primary melanomas (MPMs). Identifying clinical and genetic factors associated with MPM is critical for implementing personalized surveillance strategies. This study aims to describe the clinical, histopathological, and genetic characteristics of patients [...] Read more.
Background: Patients diagnosed with melanoma are at increased risk of developing multiple primary melanomas (MPMs). Identifying clinical and genetic factors associated with MPM is critical for implementing personalized surveillance strategies. This study aims to describe the clinical, histopathological, and genetic characteristics of patients with MPM managed in a tertiary hospital and to contextualize findings within the current literature. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of patients diagnosed with two or more primary melanomas between 2010 and 2023 at a tertiary dermatology unit. Demographic data, personal and family cancer history, phototype, melanoma characteristics, genetic testing, staging, treatments, and outcomes were collected. These data were compared with findings from the recent literature. Results: Thirteen patients (ten males, three females; median age: 59 years) were found to have a total of 33 melanomas. Most patients had Fitzpatrick phototype II and no immunosuppression. The number of melanomas per patient ranged from two to five. Synchronous lesions were observed in two patients. Common locations included the trunk and extremities. Histologically, 57% were in situ melanomas, and subsequent melanomas were generally thinner than the index lesion. Two patients showed progression to advanced disease. One patient was positive for MC1R mutation; the rest were negative or inconclusive. Additional phenotypic and environmental risk factors were extracted from patient records and are summarized as follows: Ten patients (76.9%) had Fitzpatrick skin phototype II, and three (23.1%) had phototype III. Chronic occupational sun exposure was reported in four patients (30.8%), while five (38.5%) recalled having suffered multiple sunburns during childhood or adolescence. Eight patients (61.5%) presented with a total nevus count exceeding 50, and five (38.5%) exhibited clinically atypical nevi. None of the patients reported use of tanning beds. Conclusions: Our findings are consistent with the existing literature indicating that patients with MPM often present with thinner subsequent melanomas and require long-term dermatologic follow-up. The inclusion of genetic testing and phenotypic risk factors enables stratified surveillance and supports the application of personalized medicine in melanoma management. Full article
16 pages, 875 KiB  
Article
Association of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Parameters with Malnutrition in Patients Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Minh D. Pham, Thang V. Dao, Anh T. X. Vu, Huong T. Q. Bui, Bon T. Nguyen, An T. T. Nguyen, Thuy T. T. Ta, Duc M. Cap, Toan D. Le, Phuc H. Phan, Ha N. Vu, Tuan D. Le, Toan Q. Pham, Thang V. Le, Thuc C. Luong, Thang B. Ta and Tuyen V. Duong
Medicina 2025, 61(8), 1396; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61081396 - 1 Aug 2025
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Malnutrition is one of the most common complications in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) and is closely linked to increased morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to investigate the nutritional status of HD patients and the clinical relevance of bioelectrical impedance [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Malnutrition is one of the most common complications in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) and is closely linked to increased morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to investigate the nutritional status of HD patients and the clinical relevance of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) parameters such as the percent body fat (PBF), skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), extracellular water-to-total body water ratio (ECW/TBW), and phase angle (PhA) in assessing malnutrition in Vietnamese HD patients. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 184 patients undergoing hemodialysis in Hanoi, Vietnam. The BIA parameters were measured by the InBody S10 body composition analyzer, while malnutrition was assessed by the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI), with a GNRI <92 classified as a high risk of malnutrition. The independent BIA variables for predicting malnutrition and its cut-off values were explored using logistic regression models and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, respectively. Results: Among the study population, 42.9% (79/184) of patients were identified as being at a high risk of malnutrition. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a higher ECW/TBW was independently associated with an increased risk of malnutrition, while the PBF, SMI, and PhA expressed significant and inverse associations with the malnutrition risk after adjusting for multiple confounders. The cut-off values for predicting the high risk of malnutrition in overall HD patients were determined to be 20.45%, 7.75 kg/m2, 5.45°, and 38.03% for the PBF, the SMI, the PhA, and the ECW/TBW ratio, respectively. Conclusions: BIA parameters, including the PBF, SMI, PhA, and ECW/TBW ratio, could serve as indicators of malnutrition in general Vietnamese patients with HD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD))
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13 pages, 272 KiB  
Article
Effects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Based Educational Intervention Addressing Fine Particulate Matter Exposure on the Mental Health of Elementary School Children
by Eun-Ju Bae, Seobaek Cha, Dong-Wook Lee, Hwan-Cheol Kim, Jiho Lee, Myung-Sook Park, Woo-Jin Kim, Sumi Chae, Jong-Hun Kim, Young Lim Lee and Myung Ho Lim
Children 2025, 12(8), 1015; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12081015 - 1 Aug 2025
Abstract
Objectives: This study assessed the effectiveness of a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based fine dust education program, grounded in the Health Belief Model (HBM), on elementary students’ fine dust knowledge, related behaviors, and mental health (depression, anxiety, stress, sleep quality). Methods: From [...] Read more.
Objectives: This study assessed the effectiveness of a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based fine dust education program, grounded in the Health Belief Model (HBM), on elementary students’ fine dust knowledge, related behaviors, and mental health (depression, anxiety, stress, sleep quality). Methods: From September to November 2024, 95 students (grades 4–6) living near a coal-fired power plant in midwestern South Korea were assigned to either an intervention group (n = 44) or a control group (n = 51). The intervention group completed a three-session CBT-based education program; the control group received stress management education. Assessments were conducted at weeks 1, 2, 4, and 8 using standardized mental health and behavior scales (PHQ: Patient Health Questionnaire, GAD: Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment, PSS: Perceived Stress Scale, ISI: Insomnia Severity Index). Results: A chi-square test was conducted to compare pre- and post-test changes in knowledge and behavior related to PM2.5. The intervention group showed significant improvements in seven fine dust-related knowledge and behavior items (e.g., PM2.5 awareness rose from 33.3% to 75.0%; p < 0.05). The control group showed limited gains. Regarding mental health, based on a mixed-design ANCOVA, anxiety scores significantly declined over time in the intervention group, with group and interaction effects also significant (p < 0.05). Depression scores showed time effects, but group and interaction effects were not significant. No significant changes were observed for stress, sleep, or group × PM2.5 interactions. Conclusions: The CBT-based education program effectively enhanced fine dust knowledge, health behaviors, and reduced anxiety among students. It presents a promising, evidence-based strategy to promote environmental and mental health in school-aged children. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Mental Health and Well-Being in Children (2nd Edition))
20 pages, 562 KiB  
Article
Effectiveness of a Post-Acute-Care Rehabilitation Program in Patients with Stroke: A Retrospective Cohort Study
by Yi-Pang Lo, Mei-Chen Wang, Yao-Hsiang Chen, Shang-Lin Chiang and Chia-Huei Lin
Life 2025, 15(8), 1216; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15081216 - 1 Aug 2025
Abstract
Early rehabilitation is essential for restoring functional recovery in patients with stroke, particularly during the early phase of post-acute care (PAC), or the subacute stage. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a 7-week PAC rehabilitation program in improving muscle strength, physical performance, [...] Read more.
Early rehabilitation is essential for restoring functional recovery in patients with stroke, particularly during the early phase of post-acute care (PAC), or the subacute stage. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a 7-week PAC rehabilitation program in improving muscle strength, physical performance, and functional recovery. A total of 219 inpatients with stroke in the subacute stage were initially recruited from the PAC ward of a regional teaching hospital in Northern Taiwan, with 79 eligible patients—within 1 month of an acute stroke—included in the analysis. The program was delivered 5 days per week, with 3–4 sessions daily (20–30 min each, up to 120 min daily), comprising physical, occupational, and speech–language therapies. Sociodemographic data, muscle strength, physical performance (Berg Balance Scale [BBS], gait speed, and 6-minute walk test [6MWT]), and functional recovery (modified Rankin Scale [mRS], Barthel Index [BI], Instrumental Activities of Daily Living [IADL], and Fugl–Meyer assessment: sensory and upper extremity) were collected at baseline, 3 weeks, and 7 weeks. Generalized estimating equations analyzed program effectiveness. Among the 56 patients (70.9%) who completed the program, significant improvements were observed in the muscle strength of both the affected upper (B = 0.93, p < 0.001) and lower limbs (B = 0.88, p < 0.001), as well as in their corresponding unaffected limbs; in physical performance, including balance (BBS score: B = 9.70, p = 0.003) and gait speed (B = 0.23, p = 0.024); and in functional recovery, including BI (B = 19.5, p < 0.001), IADL (B = 1.48, p < 0.001), and mRS (B = −0.13, p = 0.028). These findings highlight the 7-week PAC rehabilitation program as an effective strategy during the critical recovery phase for patients with stroke. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Rehabilitation of Stroke)
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17 pages, 666 KiB  
Review
Three Major Deficiency Diseases Harming Mankind (Protein, Retinoid, Iron) Operate Under Tryptophan Dependency
by Yves Ingenbleek
Nutrients 2025, 17(15), 2505; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17152505 - 30 Jul 2025
Viewed by 108
Abstract
This story began half a century ago with the discovery of an unusually high presence of tryptophan (Trp, W) in transthyretin (TTR), one of the three carrier proteins of thyroid hormones. With the Trp-rich retinol-binding protein (RBP), TTR forms a plasma complex implicated [...] Read more.
This story began half a century ago with the discovery of an unusually high presence of tryptophan (Trp, W) in transthyretin (TTR), one of the three carrier proteins of thyroid hormones. With the Trp-rich retinol-binding protein (RBP), TTR forms a plasma complex implicated in the delivery of retinoid compounds to body tissues. W has the lowest concentration among all AAs involved in the sequencing of human body proteins. The present review proposes molecular maps focusing on the ratio of W/AA residues found in the sequence of proteins involved in immune events, allowing us to ascribe the guidance of inflammatory processes as fully under the influence of W. Under the control of cytokine stimulation, plasma biomarkers of protein nutritional status work in concert with major acute-phase reactants (APRs) and with carrier proteins to release, in a free and active form, their W and hormonal ligands, interacting to generate hot spots affecting the course of acute stress disorders. The prognostic inflammatory and nutritional index (PINI) scoring formula contributes to identifying the respective roles played by each of the components prevailing during the progression of the disease. Glucagon demonstrates ambivalent properties, remaining passive under steady-state conditions while displaying stronger effects after cytokine activation. In developing countries, inappropriate weaning periods lead to toddlers eating W-deficient cereals as a staple, causing a dramatic reduction in the levels of W-rich biomarkers in plasma, constituting a novel nutritional deficiency at the global scale. Appropriate counseling should be set up using W implementations to cover the weaning period and extended until school age. In adult and elderly subjects, the helpful immune protections provided by W may be hindered by the surge in harmful catabolites with the occurrence of chronic complications, which can have a significant public health impact but lack the uncontrolled surges in PINI observed in young infants and teenagers. Biomarkers of neurodegenerative and neoplastic disorders measured in elderly patients indicate the slow-moving elevation of APRs due to rampant degradation processes. Full article
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16 pages, 1194 KiB  
Systematic Review
Artificial Intelligence in the Diagnosis of Tongue Cancer: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
by Seorin Jeong, Hae-In Choi, Keon-Il Yang, Jin Soo Kim, Ji-Won Ryu and Hyun-Jeong Park
Biomedicines 2025, 13(8), 1849; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13081849 - 30 Jul 2025
Viewed by 176
Abstract
Background: Tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is an aggressive oral malignancy characterized by early submucosal invasion and a high risk of cervical lymph node metastasis. Accurate and timely diagnosis is essential, but it remains challenging when relying solely on conventional imaging and [...] Read more.
Background: Tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is an aggressive oral malignancy characterized by early submucosal invasion and a high risk of cervical lymph node metastasis. Accurate and timely diagnosis is essential, but it remains challenging when relying solely on conventional imaging and histopathology. This systematic review aimed to evaluate studies applying artificial intelligence (AI) in the diagnostic imaging of TSCC. Methods: This review was conducted under PRISMA 2020 guidelines and included studies from January 2020 to December 2024 that utilized AI in TSCC imaging. A total of 13 studies were included, employing AI models such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), Support Vector Machines (SVMs), and Random Forest (RF). Imaging modalities analyzed included MRI, CT, PET, ultrasound, histopathological whole-slide images (WSI), and endoscopic photographs. Results: Diagnostic performance was generally high, with area under the curve (AUC) values ranging from 0.717 to 0.991, sensitivity from 63.3% to 100%, and specificity from 70.0% to 96.7%. Several models demonstrated superior performance compared to expert clinicians, particularly in delineating tumor margins and estimating the depth of invasion (DOI). However, only one study conducted external validation, and most exhibited moderate risk of bias in patient selection or index test interpretation. Conclusions: AI-based diagnostic tools hold strong potential for enhancing TSCC detection, but future research must address external validation, standardization, and clinical integration to ensure their reliable and widespread adoption. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Oral Medicine—2nd Edition)
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9 pages, 420 KiB  
Article
Comparative Effectiveness of Dalerpen vs. Branded and Other Generic Tadalafil: The “Shift Study”
by Davide Arcaniolo, Carlos Miacola, Marco Bitelli, Luca Boeri, Tommaso Cai, Carlo Ceruti, Celeste Manfredi, Ilaria Ortensi, Fabrizio Palumbo, Giorgio Piubello, Chiara Polito, Nicolò Schifano and Alessandro Palmieri
Uro 2025, 5(3), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/uro5030014 - 28 Jul 2025
Viewed by 384
Abstract
Background: Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i), particularly tadalafil and sildenafil, are the first-line therapies for erectile dysfunction (ED). After the patent expiration of branded tadalafil in 2017, generic formulations became available. Despite equivalent efficacy, skepticism persists regarding the effectiveness and safety of generics. [...] Read more.
Background: Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i), particularly tadalafil and sildenafil, are the first-line therapies for erectile dysfunction (ED). After the patent expiration of branded tadalafil in 2017, generic formulations became available. Despite equivalent efficacy, skepticism persists regarding the effectiveness and safety of generics. The SHIFT study aimed to evaluate the non-inferiority of a generic tadalafil (Dalerpen) compared with branded and other generic tadalafil in terms of clinical efficacy and patient satisfaction. Methods: A prospective, multicenter study was conducted involving 247 patients treated with tadalafil (either 5 mg or 20 mg) for ED. Patients switched from branded or other generic tadalafil to Dalerpen. Baseline and follow-up assessments included the International Index of Erectile Function—Erectile Function Domain (IIEF-EF) (primary endpoint), Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP-2 and SEP-3), and International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS). A one-month follow-up was performed. Results: A total of 247 patients were included in the final analysis. After switching to Dalerpen, significant improvements were observed in both IIEF-EF (18.8 ± 5.6 vs. 16.7 ± 5.4, p < 0.001) and IPSS scores (10.4 ± 6.7 vs. 11.2 ± 6.3, p < 0.001), though the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was not reached. SEP-3 scores also significantly increased (3 ± 1.2 vs. 2 ± 1.1, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified baseline IIEF, IPSS scores, and post-treatment IPSS as predictors of IIEF-EF improvement (p < 0.001). Switching to Dalerpen was an independent predictor of both IIEF-EF and IPSS improvement. No new adverse events were reported. Conclusions: The SHIFT study demonstrates that Dalerpen is non-inferior to branded tadalafil in terms of clinical efficacy, offering a reliable and cost-effective therapeutic option. Educating patients on bioequivalence and addressing concerns regarding generic drugs are essential to facilitate therapeutic switches. Full article
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12 pages, 1243 KiB  
Article
Comparison Between Measurements Taken on AI-Generated and Conventional Digital Models: A Retrospective Study
by Enzo Pasciuti, Daniela Guiducci, Filippo Guidorizzi, Tecla Terenzio, Saverio Ceraulo, Filippo Pepe, Luca Ranieri, Francesca Cremonini and Luca Lombardo
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8347; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158347 - 27 Jul 2025
Viewed by 236
Abstract
(1) Aim: To compare transverse dimensions measured on AI-generated intra-oral models and conventional digital intra-oral models. (2) Methods: A group of 38 patients treated with clear aligners was selected retrospectively from those whose records featured both AI-generated and conventional digital intra-oral models taken [...] Read more.
(1) Aim: To compare transverse dimensions measured on AI-generated intra-oral models and conventional digital intra-oral models. (2) Methods: A group of 38 patients treated with clear aligners was selected retrospectively from those whose records featured both AI-generated and conventional digital intra-oral models taken at the same timepoint. Transverse dimensions (inter-canine, inter-premolar, and inter-molar distances) on both upper and lower arches were evaluated and compared. Intra-class correlation index and paired t-test were applied to test the repeatability of measurements and statistically significant differences, respectively. Statistical significance was set at 0.05. (3) Results: Intra-class correlation index showed good repeatability. Paired t-test showed differences in measurements of the distances between the thicket area of gingiva on the palatal side of the upper first molar (p = 0.002), the gingival margin of the lower first molar (p = 0.014), and the mesio-vestibular cusps of the lower first molars (p = 0.019). (4) Conclusions: Transverse measurements were similar on AI-generated and conventional intra-oral .stl renderings. Statistical differences were found on posterior areas of both upper and lower dental arches, but are unlikely to be clinically significant. Full article
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18 pages, 1621 KiB  
Article
Inflammatory Metabolic Index and Metabolic-Inflammatory Stress Index as New Biomarkers for Complicated and Perforated Acute Appendicitis
by Sidere M. Zorrilla-Alfaro, Nestor A. Lechuga-Garcia, Arturo Araujo-Conejo, Leticia A. Ramirez-Hernandez, Idalia Garza-Veloz, Alejandro Mauricio-Gonzalez, Ivan Delgado-Enciso, Iram P. Rodriguez-Sanchez and Margarita L. Martinez-Fierro
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(15), 5281; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14155281 - 25 Jul 2025
Viewed by 417
Abstract
Background: Acute appendicitis is a common emergency requiring abdominal surgery. Despite its prevalence, there are no specific biomarkers for its diagnosis and prognosis. The aim of this study was to assess the basic laboratory tests of patients with acute appendicitis and to [...] Read more.
Background: Acute appendicitis is a common emergency requiring abdominal surgery. Despite its prevalence, there are no specific biomarkers for its diagnosis and prognosis. The aim of this study was to assess the basic laboratory tests of patients with acute appendicitis and to evaluate and integrate biochemical variables into the diagnosis of appendicitis. Methods: This was a retrospective, cross-sectional cohort study that included data from patients who underwent an appendectomy. Two groups of patients were considered based on their surgical (non-complicated/complicated appendicitis) or pathological diagnosis (non-perforated/perforated appendicitis). Factor analysis was carried out to identify communalities to put forward classificatory indices. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to assess the accuracy of the predictions. Results: The cohort included 246 patients (51.6% male, mean age: 24.79 ± 19.32 years). By using their biochemical data, we generated 6 new indices whose areas under the ROC curve (AUC) ranged between 0.632 and 0.762 for complicated appendicitis and from 0.597 to 0.742 for perforated appendicitis. Inflammatory Metabolic Index (IMI) at the fixed cutoffs was a promising biomarker for both histopathological and surgical diagnoses with odds ratios (OR) of 10.45 and 5.21, respectively. The Metabolic-Inflammatory Stress Index (MISI) showed high specificity (over 72%) and significant AUC values for both diagnoses (0.742 and 0.676). These findings were reinforced by significant p-values and Youden indices. Conclusions: IMI and MISI were demonstrated to be effective biomarkers for complicated and perforated appendicitis. IMI provides predictive capability, while MISI offers specificity and significant AUC values for both histopathological and surgical diagnoses. Incorporating these biomarkers could enhance the accuracy of appendicitis diagnosis and potentially guide clinical decision-making. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Gastroenterology & Hepatopancreatobiliary Medicine)
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13 pages, 543 KiB  
Article
Subclinical Hypothyroidism in Moderate-to-Severe Psoriasis: A Cross-Sectional Study of Prevalence and Clinical Implications
by Ricardo Ruiz-Villaverde, Marta Cebolla-Verdugo, Carlos Llamas-Segura, Pedro José Ezomo-Gervilla, Jose Molina-Espinosa and Jose Carlos Ruiz-Carrascosa
Diseases 2025, 13(8), 237; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases13080237 - 25 Jul 2025
Viewed by 181
Abstract
Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease linked to systemic comorbidities, including metabolic, cardiovascular, and autoimmune disorders. Thyroid dysfunction, particularly hypothyroidism, has been observed in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis, suggesting possible shared inflammatory pathways. Objectives: This study aims to explore [...] Read more.
Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease linked to systemic comorbidities, including metabolic, cardiovascular, and autoimmune disorders. Thyroid dysfunction, particularly hypothyroidism, has been observed in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis, suggesting possible shared inflammatory pathways. Objectives: This study aims to explore the relationship between psoriasis and thyroid dysfunction in adults with moderate-to-severe psoriasis undergoing biologic therapy to determine whether psoriasis predisposes individuals to thyroid disorders and to identify demographic or clinical factors influencing this association. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study included adult patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis receiving biologic therapy, recruited from the Psoriasis Unit at the Dermatology Department of Hospital Universitario San Cecilio in Granada, Spain, from 2017 to 2023. Patients with mild psoriasis or those treated with conventional systemic therapies were excluded. The data collected included demographics and clinical characteristics, such as age, sex, BMI (body mass index), and psoriasis severity (psoriasis severity was evaluated using the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI), body surface area (BSA) involvement, Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA), pruritus severity using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), and impact on quality of life through the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI)). Thyroid dysfunction, including hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism, was assessed based on records from the Endocrinology Department. Results: Thyroid dysfunction was found in 4.2% of patients, all classified as hypothyroidism, primarily subclinical. The affected patients were generally older, with a mean age of 57.4 years. No significant differences in psoriasis severity (PASI, BSA) or treatment response were observed between patients with and without thyroid dysfunction. Conclusion: Our findings suggest hypothyroidism is the main thyroid dysfunction in psoriatic patients, independent of psoriasis severity. The lack of impact on psoriasis severity suggests hypothyroidism may be an independent comorbidity, warranting further research into shared inflammatory mechanisms. Full article
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35 pages, 4256 KiB  
Article
Automated Segmentation and Morphometric Analysis of Thioflavin-S-Stained Amyloid Deposits in Alzheimer’s Disease Brains and Age-Matched Controls Using Weakly Supervised Deep Learning
by Gábor Barczánfalvi, Tibor Nyári, József Tolnai, László Tiszlavicz, Balázs Gulyás and Karoly Gulya
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(15), 7134; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157134 - 24 Jul 2025
Viewed by 354
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) involves the accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques, whose quantification plays a central role in understanding disease progression. Automated segmentation of Aβ deposits in histopathological micrographs enables large-scale analyses but is hindered by the high cost of detailed pixel-level annotations. Weakly [...] Read more.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) involves the accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques, whose quantification plays a central role in understanding disease progression. Automated segmentation of Aβ deposits in histopathological micrographs enables large-scale analyses but is hindered by the high cost of detailed pixel-level annotations. Weakly supervised learning offers a promising alternative by leveraging coarse or indirect labels to reduce the annotation burden. We evaluated a weakly supervised approach to segment and analyze thioflavin-S-positive parenchymal amyloid pathology in AD and age-matched brains. Our pipeline integrates three key components, each designed to operate under weak supervision. First, robust preprocessing (including retrospective multi-image illumination correction and gradient-based background estimation) was applied to enhance image fidelity and support training, as models rely more on image features. Second, class activation maps (CAMs), generated by a compact deep classifier SqueezeNet, were used to identify, and coarsely localize amyloid-rich parenchymal regions from patch-wise image labels, serving as spatial priors for subsequent refinement without requiring dense pixel-level annotations. Third, a patch-based convolutional neural network, U-Net, was trained on synthetic data generated from micrographs based on CAM-derived pseudo-labels via an extensive object-level augmentation strategy, enabling refined whole-image semantic segmentation and generalization across diverse spatial configurations. To ensure robustness and unbiased evaluation, we assessed the segmentation performance of the entire framework using patient-wise group k-fold cross-validation, explicitly modeling generalization across unseen individuals, critical in clinical scenarios. Despite relying on weak labels, the integrated pipeline achieved strong segmentation performance with an average Dice similarity coefficient (≈0.763) and Jaccard index (≈0.639), widely accepted metrics for assessing segmentation quality in medical image analysis. The resulting segmentations were also visually coherent, demonstrating that weakly supervised segmentation is a viable alternative in histopathology, where acquiring dense annotations is prohibitively labor-intensive and time-consuming. Subsequent morphometric analyses on automatically segmented Aβ deposits revealed size-, structural complexity-, and global geometry-related differences across brain regions and cognitive status. These findings confirm that deposit architecture exhibits region-specific patterns and reflects underlying neurodegenerative processes, thereby highlighting the biological relevance and practical applicability of the proposed image-processing pipeline for morphometric analysis. Full article
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11 pages, 231 KiB  
Article
Dental, Oral and General Health of Geriatric In-Hospital Patients Before Immediate Prosthetic Treatment: A Retrospective Cohort Study
by Michael Pampel, Jana Kraft, Thomas Tümena and Johannes W. Kraft
Dent. J. 2025, 13(8), 334; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj13080334 - 22 Jul 2025
Viewed by 215
Abstract
Objectives: The relationship between oral health and general health of geriatric in-hospital patients (GIH) who are poly-morbid and edentulous is currently unclear. This study determined the relationship between oral health and general health, and further implications and recommendations were derived. Methods: [...] Read more.
Objectives: The relationship between oral health and general health of geriatric in-hospital patients (GIH) who are poly-morbid and edentulous is currently unclear. This study determined the relationship between oral health and general health, and further implications and recommendations were derived. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 81 GIH patients with impairment of oral state and masticatory function and need for immediate prosthetic treatment. The number of medical diagnoses, particularly main diagnoses of being hospitalized, comorbid diagnoses and the dental/oral state, were evaluated. Laboratory data of vitamin D3 and albumin concentrations were measured. Intraoral risk factors (IRF) affecting the masticatory function were intraoral inflammation, mucogingival impairment (MGI) and severe bone crest atrophy (SBCA). Masticatory function was evaluated by DMF*-T Index (number of destroyed/diseased, missing teeth and artificial fabrication), Eichner Index and Scores. The clinical relevance was surveyed by significance and effect size calculations. Results: In GIH, the number of medical diagnoses correlated significantly with the occurrence of IRFs. SBCA was the most affecting IRF, as measured by Eichner Index at baseline (p = 0.001). Single main diagnoses CNS and gastro-intestinal disease (GID) correlated with both deficiency of vitamin D3 levels (p = 0.011; p = 0.028) and hypoalbuminemia (p = 0.013; p = 0.023). Single comorbid diagnoses significantly correlated with both vitamin D3 deficiency and hypoalbuminemia (CVD (p = 0.031); DM (p = 0.042). Hypoalbuminemia was further found to be correlated with the sum of comorbid diagnoses (p = 0.033). Conclusions: GIH patients suffered from general and dental poly-morbidity. The prevalence of diseases was higher due to SBCA and impaired masticatory function. Deficiency of vitamin D3 and hypoalbuminemia were possible malnutrition markers. Full article
12 pages, 874 KiB  
Article
Open-Label Uncontrolled, Monocentric Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of the Electromagnetic Field and Negative Pressure in the Treatment of Cellulite
by Antonio Scarano, Antonio Calopresti, Salvatore Marafioti, Gianluca Nicolai and Erda Qorri
Life 2025, 15(7), 1148; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15071148 - 21 Jul 2025
Viewed by 373
Abstract
Cellulite is a widespread aesthetical dermatological condition affecting a significant proportion of postpubertal women, characterized by dimpled skin, primarily on the thighs, buttocks, and hips, which has an important psychological impact. Cellulite, also called lipodystrophy or oedematosclerotic panniculitis, causes an aesthetic change in [...] Read more.
Cellulite is a widespread aesthetical dermatological condition affecting a significant proportion of postpubertal women, characterized by dimpled skin, primarily on the thighs, buttocks, and hips, which has an important psychological impact. Cellulite, also called lipodystrophy or oedematosclerotic panniculitis, causes an aesthetic change in the skin that affects the epidermis, dermis, hypodermis and subcutaneous fat in different ways. The aim of the present prospective study research was to evaluate the efficacy of electromagnetic field and negative pressure in the treatment of cellulite. Methods: A total of 35 women with an average age of 40, ranging from 18 to 50 (mean 32.2 ± 7.48), with a body mass index between 18.5 and 26.9 (mean 22 ± 3.01), were enrolled in this study. The degree of cellulite of the patients was assessed clinically using the Cellulite Severity Scale (CSS) and Nürnberger–Müller classification. All patients received one session per week for a total 12 treatment sessions with Bi-one® LifeTouchTherapy medical device (Expo Italia Srl—Florence—Italy), which generates a combination of vacuum and electromagnetic fields (V-EMF). Total treatment time was approximately 20–30 min per patient. The GAIS score, Cellulite Severity Scale (CSS) and Nürnberger–Müller classification for cellulite was evaluated 1 month after the 12 treatments with LifeTouchTherapy. Results: A statistical difference was recorded in cellulite improvement by visual analog scale (VAS) and global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS). Conclusions: The results of the present prospective clinical study show the efficacy and safety of Bi-one® LifeTouchTherapy in the treatment of cellulite. Electromagnetic fields combined with negative pressure therapy promote tissue regeneration and reduce fibrosis, which results in visible cosmetic improvements of cellulite. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Clinical Trials)
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18 pages, 735 KiB  
Article
Assessing the Impact of Potential Confounders on Health-Related Quality of Life and Physical Activity in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Treated with Dialysis: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Georgia Paraskeva, Vasiliki Michou, Nikolaos Koutlianos, Dimitra Mameletzi and Evangelia Kouidi
Healthcare 2025, 13(14), 1729; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13141729 - 17 Jul 2025
Viewed by 313
Abstract
Background: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) G5 treated with dialysis (G5D) often experience reduced physical activity levels and impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL), which are associated with poor clinical outcomes. Understanding the factors that influence these outcomes is crucial for [...] Read more.
Background: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) G5 treated with dialysis (G5D) often experience reduced physical activity levels and impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL), which are associated with poor clinical outcomes. Understanding the factors that influence these outcomes is crucial for improving patient care. This study aimed to evaluate the levels of physical activity and HRQoL and investigate the influence of potential confounding factors on these outcomes in patients with CKD G5D. Methods: One hundred and twenty-five patients with CKD G5D and 129 healthy controls completed a template with their general demographic and clinical information, followed by the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Moreover, for patients with CKD G5D, the kidney disease-targeted version (KDQOL-SF36) was employed, whereas the healthy controls completed the standard SF-36. Results: A total of 59.2% of patients with CKD G5D demonstrated low physical activity levels, with a mean IPAQ score of 1163.38 MET-min/week, which was significantly lower than that of healthy controls (p = 0.002). Spearman’s rho correlation analysis revealed significant associations between KDQOL subscales and variables including sex, age, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), hemodialysis (HD) vintage, educational level, employment status, and IPAQ activity category (p-values < 0.05). In the regression analyses, physical component summary (PCS) scores were significantly predicted by sex (β = 0.180, p = 0.036), CCI (β = 0.239, p = 0.045), and IPAQ total score (β = 0.316, p < 0.001). IPAQ scores were predicted by age (β = –0.303, p = 0.003), HD vintage (β = 0.275, p = 0.012), and PCS (β = 0.343, p = 0.002). Conclusions: The findings demonstrated a statistically significant association between physical activity and HRQoL, underscoring the importance of promoting physical activity among patients with CKD G5D. Additionally, several underexplored sociodemographic and clinical confounders were identified as significant correlates of these outcome measures. Full article
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