Augmented reality for rhinoplasty: 3D scanning and projected AR for intraoperative planning validation.

Rhinoplasty is one of the major surgical procedures most popular and it is generally performed modelling the internal bones and cartilage using a closed approach to reduce the damage of soft tissue, whose final shape is determined by means of their new settlement over the internal remodelled rigid structures. An optimal planning, achievable thanks to advanced acquisition of 3D images and thanks to the virtual simulation of the intervention via specific software. Anyway, the final result depends also on factors that cannot be totally predicted regarding the settlement of soft tissues on the rigid structures, and a final objective check would be useful to eventually perform some adjustments before to conclude the intervention.

Surface Composition Impacts Selectivity of ZnTe Photocathodes in Photoelectrochemical CO Reduction Reaction.

Light-driven reduction of CO into chemicals using a photoelectrochemical (PEC) approach is considered as a promising way to meet the carbon neutral target. The very top surface of the photoelectrode and semiconductor/electrolyte interface plays a pivotal role in defining the performance for PEC CO reduction. However, such impact remains poorly understood.

Mitigation of Self-p-Doping and Off-Centering Effect in Tin Perovskite via Strontium Doping.

Tin-based perovskite solar cells offer a less toxic alternative to their lead-based counterparts. Despite their promising optoelectronic properties, their performances still lag behind, with the highest power conversion efficiencies reaching around 15%. This efficiency limitation arises primarily from electronic defects leading to self-p-doping and stereochemical activity of the Sn(II) ion, which distorts the atomic arrangement in the material.

Exit interviews from two randomised placebo-controlled phase 3 studies with caregivers of young children with autism spectrum disorder.

Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterised by difficulty with social communication and restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour. This study aimed to improve understanding of the ASD patient experience with the treatment (bumetanide) regarding the changes in core symptoms and to assess changes considered as meaningful. To achieve this, qualitative interviews were conducted with caregivers of patients in two phase 3 clinical trials (NCT03715153; NCT03715166) of a novel ASD treatment.

KIF18A and CDK1 as combined therapeutic targets in cervical and endometrial carcinomas: based on bioinformatics analysis and experiments.

Background: Chromosomal instability (CIN) has been identified as a factor that increases the susceptibility of tumor cells to kinesin family member 18A (KIF18A) inhibitors. Limited research exists on genes that are associated with sensitization to KIF18A inhibitors (KIF18Ais). Our study aimed to identify a gene linked to heightened sensitivity to KIF18Ais in cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma (CESC) and uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC).

Deep cascaded registration and weakly-supervised segmentation of fetal brain MRI.

Deformable image registration is a cornerstone of many medical image analysis applications, particularly in the context of fetal brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), where precise registration is essential for studying the rapidly evolving fetal brain during pregnancy and potentially identifying neurodevelopmental abnormalities. While deep learning has become the leading approach for medical image registration, traditional convolutional neural networks (CNNs) often fall short in capturing fine image details due to their bias toward low spatial frequencies. To address this challenge, we introduce a deep learning registration framework comprising multiple cascaded convolutional networks.

An immersive virtual reality exergame as a patient education approach in fibromyalgia: Pilot study.

Background: Immersive Virtual Reality (VR) has been applied in pain management for various conditions, but its use in fibromyalgia (FM) remains underexplored. While physical activity plays a role in treating FM, patients' low tolerance often limits its effectiveness. After reviewing the literature on VR and games for FM, we designed a novel VR exergame to assist FM patients in performing physical activity, and evaluate its feasibility.

Feasibility and stage at diagnosis for children with cancer: a pilot study on population-based data in a middle-income country using the Toronto childhood cancer stage guidelines.

Background: The aim was to conduct a pilot study in a middle-income country testing the use of the Toronto Childhood Cancer Staging System by Population-Based Cancer Registry (PBCR).

Methods: This study involved first the translation of the Australian pediatric cancer staging manual for 16 types of pediatric tumours. Four PBCRs from different regions of Brazil were selected for a pilot study.

Automated analysis for glaucoma screening of retinal videos acquired with smartphone-based ophthalmoscope.

Widespread screening is crucial for the early diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma, the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness. The development of portable technologies, such as smartphone-based ophthalmoscopes, able to image the optical nerve head, represents a resource for large-scale glaucoma screening. Indeed, they consist of an optical device attached to a common smartphone, making the overall device cheap and easy to use.

From manure to megawatts: Navigating the sustainable innovation solution through biogas production from livestock waste for harnessing green energy for green economy.

This article aims to provide a systematic review of the literature on animal biomass and biogas plants through an analysis of externalities and benefits in economic, social, and environmental terms. In recent years, the spread of biogas plants has played an important role, especially in rural areas, generating benefits not only for the individual farm but for entire communities, contributing to the reduction of energy poverty and, at the same time, promoting the production of energy and organic manure. In light of the findings, the study argues that: (a) more public subsidies are needed; (b) the deployment of an appropriate policy mix would encourage the spread of small and medium-sized plants, with a reduction in road transport; and (c) targeted and diversified investments are needed on a geographic-by-geographic basis.

Streptococcus pyogenes M1UK Variant-Associated Sartorius Muscle Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NTSIs) represent a concept of necrotizing infections involving the skin, subcutaneous tissue, fascia, and muscle, and it is a potentially fatal disease. Early exploratory incision is strongly recommended for both the diagnosis and treatment of necrotizing soft tissue infections. Treatment of necrotizing soft tissue infections requires the administration of appropriate antimicrobial agents and adequate surgical debridement.

Automated extraction of standardized antibiotic resistance and prescription data from laboratory information systems and electronic health records: a narrative review.

Antimicrobial resistance in bacteria has been associated with significant morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. In the era of big data and of the consequent frequent need for large study populations, manual collection of data for research studies on antimicrobial resistance and antibiotic use has become extremely time-consuming and sometimes impossible to be accomplished by overwhelmed healthcare personnel. In this review, we discuss relevant concepts pertaining to the automated extraction of antibiotic resistance and antibiotic prescription data from laboratory information systems and electronic health records to be used in clinical studies, starting from the currently available literature on the topic.

Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic issues for optimizing treatment with beta-lactams of Gram-negative infections in critically ill orthotopic liver transplant recipients: a comprehensive review.

Orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) represents the standard of care for managing patients affected by end-stage and life-threatening liver diseases. Although a significant improvement in surgical techniques, immunosuppressant regimens, and prompt identification of early post-transplant complications resulted in better clinical outcome and survival in OLT recipients, the occurrence of early bacterial infections still represents a remarkable cause of morbidity and mortality. In this scenario, beta-lactams are the most frequent antimicrobials used in critical OLT recipients.

Multimodal transesophageal echocardiography in the surgical resection of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and inferior vena cava tumor thrombus.

Background: The incidence and mortality rate of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are increasing globally. HCC with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus (HCCIVCTT) represents an advanced stage of the disease. Research suggests that for patients with advanced HCCIVCTT, liver resection combined with thrombectomy is a safe and feasible option that can provide moderate survival benefit.

Regorafenib with or without chemotherapy/immunotherapy in second-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic: a single-center retrospective analysis.

Background: Regorafenib, approved in China for the third-line treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), targets multiple tyrosine kinases. We retrospectively evaluated the efficacy and safety of regorafenib, both as monotherapy and in combination with capecitabine or immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), as a second-line treatment for patients unable to access hospital-based care due to limited hospital visits during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Methods: Retrospective analysis was conducted on individual patient data from Peking University Third Hospital, covering the period from January 2020 to September 2023.

Integrating T-cell inflammation features for prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma: a novel predictive model.

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most common cause of cancer-related death globally and accounts for 75% to 90% of primary liver cancer cases. The high mortality rate of HCC, coupled with the absence of reliable prognostic biomarkers, makes its treatment and prognosis evaluation challenging. The features of the T cell-inflamed microenvironment include active interferon (IFN)-γ signaling and the presence of cytotoxic effector molecules, antigen presentation, and T-cell activating cytokines.

Patient-Specific Rods vs Traditional Rods in Surgical Correction of Adult Spinal Deformities: A Case-Matched Study.

Aim: Patient specific pre-contoured rods (PSRs) represent a relatively new technological development aimed at improving surgical outcomes and reducing complications in adult spinal deformity surgery. To date, only a limited number of studies have been published comparing PSRs with traditional spinal rods. In this paper, we compare the surgical, imaging, and clinical outcomes of PSRs and traditional spinal rods in a single-center case-matched study.

Predicting Success: The Crucial Role of Preoperative Data in Refractive Surgery Outcomes.

Refractive surgery, which includes techniques such as Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK), Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) and Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE), has revolutionized ophthalmology by offering advanced solutions for vision correction. However, the choice of the technique to be used in the individual patient is highly dependent on a thorough preoperative evaluation. This retrospective study aims to investigate how preoperative parameters, including corneal thickness, topography, and refraction, affect long-term post-operative clinical outcomes.

Management of Aorto-Duodenal Fistula: Case Series and Technical Notes.

Aorto-duodenal fistula (ADF) is a rare clinical condition characterized by abnormal communication between the 3rd or 4th portion of the duodenum and the aorta, typically associated with aneurysmal disease. The incidence of ADF is expected to increase, however, there remains a lack of consensus on the optimal approach for intestinal restoration. In this study, we present three cases of ADF and their respective treatments using three distinct surgical techniques.

Mind the gap in kidney care: translating what we know into what we do.

Historically, it takes an average of 17 years to move new treatments from clinical evidence to daily practice. Given the highly effective treatments now available to prevent or delay kidney disease onset and progression, this is far too long. The time is now to narrow the gap between what we know and what we do.