Implications of using artificial intelligence in the diagnosis of sepsis/sepsis shock.

Introduction: Sepsis and septic shock represent severe pathological states, characterized by the systemic response to infection, which can lead to organ dysfunction and high mortality. Early diagnosis and rapid intervention are crucial for improving survival chances. However, the diagnosis of sepsis is complex due to its nonspecific symptoms and the variability of patient responses to infections. Methods: The objective of this research was to analyze the implications of using artificial intelligence (AI) in the diagnosis of sepsis and septic shock. The research method applied in the analysis of the implications of using artificial intelligence (AI) in the diagnosis of sepsis and septic shock is the literature review. Results: Among the benefits of using AI in the diagnosis of sepsis, it is noted that artificial intelligence can rapidly analyze large volumes of clinical data to identify early signs of sepsis, sometimes even before symptoms become evident to medical staff. AI models can use predictive algorithms to assess the risk of sepsis in patients, allowing for early interventions that can save lives. AI can contribute to the development of personalized treatment plans, adapting to the specific needs of each patient based on their medical history and response to treatment. The use of patient data to train AI models raises concerns regarding data privacy and security. Conclusions: Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of sepsis, offering powerful tools for early identification and management of this critical condition. However, to realize this potential, close collaboration between researchers, clinicians, and technology developers is necessary, as well as addressing ethical and implementation challenges.

The Interplay between Obesity and Inflammation.

Obesity is an important condition affecting the quality of life of numerous patients and increasing their associated risk for multiple diseases, including tumors and immune-mediated disorders. Inflammation appears to play a major role in the development of obesity and represents a central point for the activity of cellular and humoral components in the adipose tissue. Macrophages play a key role as the main cellular component of the adipose tissue regulating the chronic inflammation and modulating the secretion and differentiation of various pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Inflammation also involves a series of signaling pathways that might represent the focus for new therapies and interventions. Weight loss is essential in decreasing cardiometabolic risks and the degree of associated inflammation; however, the latter can persist for long after the excess weight is lost, and can involve changes in macrophage phenotypes that can ensure the metabolic adjustment. A clear understanding of the pathophysiological processes in the adipose tissue and the interplay between obesity and chronic inflammation can lead to a better understanding of the development of comorbidities and may ensure future targets for the treatment of obesity.

Radiological Assessment of Coronal Plane Alignment of the Knee Phenotypes in the Romanian Population.

Background: The Coronal Plane Alignment of the Knee (CPAK) classification system has been developed as a comprehensive framework delineating nine coronal plane phenotypes, based on arithmetic hip-knee angle (aHKA) and joint line obliquity (JLO). Our study aimed to assess the prevalence of knee phenotypes in the Romanian population using the CPAK classification, encompassing both osteoarthritic and healthy cohorts. Methods: We conducted an observational cross-sectional study, analyzing data from 500 knees with osteoarthritis and 500 healthy knees that met the inclusion criteria. Demographic data were collected, and radiological parameters including lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), aHKA, and JLO were measured. Knee phenotypes were categorized using the CPAK classification. Results: In the osteoarthritic cohort, the most prevalent CPAK phenotype was type I (42.4%), characterized by varus alignment and an apex distal joint. Conversely, in the healthy population, CPAK type II, indicating neutral alignment and an apex distal joint, was the most prevalent phenotype (39.0%). CPAK types VII, VIII, and IX were rare. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate similarities in knee phenotypes compared to other populations, with some minor differences and particularities. The CPAK classification proves to be a valuable tool in assessing knee tyalignment.

Coronary Artery Anomalies: A Computed Tomography Angiography Pictorial Review.

Coronary arteries have a wide range of anatomical variability, and their spectrum ranges from asymptomatic cases to those predisposed to hemodynamic compromise or even sudden cardiac death. This paper aims to review the classification of coronary artery anomalies (CAAs) and illustrate their imaging characteristics by highlighting the important role of CT coronary angiography. Some of the coronary anomalies usually met in current practice are the high origin coronary artery, multiple ostia, aberrant origin from the opposite/non-coronary Valsalva sinus, single coronary artery, ALCAPA syndrome, duplications of the left anterior descending artery, coronary fistulas, and extracardiac terminations. CT coronary angiography is a non-invasive diagnostic modality for CAAs. The complex anatomy of these anomalies can be accurately described by employing 3D reconstructions and post-processing techniques. Knowledge of the imaging characteristics and potential functional impact of these anomalies is essential for accurate diagnosis and therapeutic planning of patients.

Beyond the Bony Fragment: A Review of Limbus Vertebra.

Vertebral limbus is a condition characterized by the intraspongious herniation of a portion of the nucleus pulposus. It is often asymptomatic, but it can sometimes cause nonspecific symptoms such as local pain and muscle spasm, or, in rare cases, radiculopathies, which is why it can be confused with vertebral fractures, spondyloarthropathies, infectious or tumoral processes. Early recognition of this pathology is preferable for a correct diagnosis and adequate treatment, the latter ranging from conservative approaches (such as personalized exercise programs and physical therapy) to surgical interventions reserved for severe cases with nerve compression.

Elbow Reconstruction with Megaprosthesis: An Effective Strategy for Salvage Surgery in Trauma Patients.

Delayed fracture healing can have devastating functional consequences, including pseudoarthrosis. Many factors can contribute to delayed healing, including decreased vascularity, micro-motion at the fracture site, large fracture gaps, multiple traumas at the same site, compromised metabolic status, surgical complications, and other conditions. A 61-year-old female patient was referred to our hospital with left distal humeral pseudarthrosis, accompanied by chronic pain and disability. Two years prior, the patient suffered a traumatic incident. At another medical facility, the patient underwent open reduction and internal fixation surgery with simultaneous ulnar nerve transposition. She showed favorable postoperative recovery. Unfortunately, approximately one year later, the patient sustained a second trauma to the same arm. This led to peri-implant fracture and post-traumatic aseptic degradation of the osteosynthesis system which was subsequently removed. Twelve months after the last surgery, the patient was referred to our hospital and, after thorough consideration of the therapeutic options, we decided to perform left elbow arthroplasty with left distal humeral reconstruction by using Zimmer's Comprehensive Segmental Revision System. This approach is generally reserved for tumors, and only a handful of cases of megaprostheses for non-tumoral indications have been previously reported. The surgery and perioperative care of our patient were optimal, there were no complications, and the patient recovered arm functionality following rehabilitation.

The Role of CT Imaging in a Fractured Coronary Stent with Pseudoaneurysm Formation.

We report a case of a 63-year-old male patient with multiple cardiovascular risk factors and previous myocardial infarction who was referred to the emergency department on September 2023 with symptoms and clinical and biological data consistent with an acute coronary event. A coronary angiography revealed severe ostial stenosis of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and intrastent thrombotic occlusion in the first two segments of the LAD. Two drug-eluting stents were implanted and the patient was discharged when hemodynamically stable; however, three weeks later, he returned to the emergency department complaining of fever, anterior chest pain, dyspnea at rest, and high blood pressure values at home. High levels of troponin T, C-reactive protein, and NT-proBNP were detected and blood cultures showed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The computed tomography (CT) examination showed a saccular dilatation had developed between two fragments of a stent mounted at the level of the LAD, surrounded by a hematic pericardial accumulation. LAD pseudoaneurysm ablation and a double aortocoronary bypass with inverted saphenous vein autograft were performed and the patient showed a favorable postoperative evolution. In this case, surgical revascularization was proven to be the appropriate treatment strategy, demonstrating the need to choose an individualized therapeutic option depending on case-specific factors.

Megaprosthesis for a Rare Case of Bone Metastasis of Thyroid Carcinoma: Case Management and Surgical Approach.

We present the case of a 56-year-old male patient diagnosed with Hürthle cell carcinoma (HCC) that developed widespread metastasis in bone, lung, and lymph nodes with a larger tumor located in the right tibia. The patient was only disturbed by the pain, discomfort, and disability linked to the tibial metastasis. After careful consideration, the best course of action was considered to be the surgical excision of the proximal right tibia with arthroplasty using the C LINK Megaprosthesis tumor revision system. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses were conducted on the tibial resection specimen. In addition, a comprehensive review of prior histological specimens from the primary thyroid tumor, lymph nodes, and lung was undertaken to evaluate the prognosis and provide guidance for the postoperative management of the patient.

Use of Biomaterials in 3D Printing as a Solution to Microbial Infections in Arthroplasty and Osseous Reconstruction.

The incidence of microbial infections in orthopedic prosthetic surgeries is a perennial problem that increases morbidity and mortality, representing one of the major complications of such medical interventions. The emergence of novel technologies, especially 3D printing, represents a promising avenue of development for reducing the risk of such eventualities. There are already a host of biomaterials, suitable for 3D printing, that are being tested for antimicrobial properties when they are coated with bioactive compounds, such as antibiotics, or combined with hydrogels with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, such as chitosan and metal nanoparticles, among others. The materials discussed in the context of this paper comprise beta-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP), biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP), hydroxyapatite, lithium disilicate glass, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF), poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC), and zirconia. While the recent research results are promising, further development is required to address the increasing antibiotic resistance exhibited by several common pathogens, the potential for fungal infections, and the potential toxicity of some metal nanoparticles. Other solutions, like the incorporation of phytochemicals, should also be explored. Incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) in the development of certain orthopedic implants and the potential use of AI against bacterial infections might represent viable solutions to these problems. Finally, there are some legal considerations associated with the use of biomaterials and the widespread use of 3D printing, which must be taken into account.

Etiology of Total Knee Arthroplasty Revisions: A Two-Decade Institutional Perspective.

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) implant survival time is determined by various patient and implant-related factors and varies significantly in recent worldwide reports. In our study, we have included 247 TKA revisions in 203 patients performed in our hospital over the last 20 years. Multiple etiologies of revisions were identified and classified into 10 categories. Time to failure was analyzed with regard to etiology, patient demographics, and other relevant data. The overall average time to revision was 44.08 months (95% confidence interval (CI) between 33.34 and 49.82 months). Age at primary implant was negatively correlated with time to revision (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.0521 and 95% CI of HR = 1.0359 to 1.0685) and female patients showed a 1.59 times higher risk of implant failure than males. Periprosthetic joint infection was the cause of 46.56% (n=115) of revisions (out of which 12.55% (n=31) were early infections, diagnosed within the first three months), while aseptic loosening was found in 31.98% (n=79) of cases. Infection correlated with a shorter time to revision compared to aseptic loosening (p<0.05). These findings emphasize the need to intensify efforts to deliver the best patient care, select the best antibiotic regimen, and improve surgical techniques to decrease the incidence of infectious complications.

Role of Cannabinoids in Oral Cancer.

Cannabinoids have incited scientific interest in different conditions, including malignancy, due to increased exposure to cannabis. Furthermore, cannabinoids are increasingly used to alleviate cancer-related symptoms. This review paper aims to clarify the recent findings on the relationship between cannabinoids and oral cancer, focusing on the molecular mechanisms that could link cannabinoids with oral cancer pathogenesis. In addition, we provide an overview of the current and future perspectives on the management of oral cancer patients using cannabinoid compounds. Epidemiological data on cannabis use and oral cancer development are conflicting. However, in vitro studies assessing the effects of cannabinoids on oral cancer cells have unveiled promising anti-cancer features, including apoptosis and inhibition of cell proliferation. Downregulation of various signaling pathways with anti-cancer effects has been identified in experimental models of oral cancer cells exposed to cannabinoids. Furthermore, in some countries, several synthetic or phytocannabinoids have been approved as medical adjuvants for the management of cancer patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy. Cannabinoids may improve overall well-being by relieving anxiety, depression, pain, and nausea. In conclusion, the link between cannabinoid compounds and oral cancer is complex, and further research is necessary to elucidate the potential risks or their protective impact on oral cancer.

Diabetic neuropathy: A NRF2 disease?

The transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) has multifarious action with its target genes having redox-regulating functions and being involved in inflammation control, proteostasis, autophagy, and metabolic pathways. Therefore, the genes controlled by NRF2 are involved in the pathogenesis of myriad diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune disorders, and cancer. Amidst this large array of diseases, diabetic neuropathy (DN) occurs in half of patients diagnosed with diabetes and appears as an injury inflicted upon peripheral and autonomic nervous systems. As a complex effector factor, NRF2 has entered the spotlight during the search of new biomarkers and/or new therapy targets in DN. Due to the growing attention for NRF2 as a modulating factor in several diseases, including DN, this paper aims to update the recently discovered regulatory pathways of NRF2 in oxidative stress, inflammation and immunity. It presents the animal models that further facilitated the human studies in regard to NRF2 modulation and the possibilities of using NRF2 as DN biomarker and/or as target therapy.

Kaempferol: A Review of Current Evidence of Its Antiviral Potential.

Kaempferol and its derivatives are flavonoids found in various plants, and a considerable number of these have been used in various medical applications worldwide. Kaempferol and its compounds have well-known antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties among other health benefits. However, the antiviral properties of kaempferol are notable, and there is a significant number of experimental studies on this topic. Kaempferol compounds were effective against DNA viruses such as hepatitis B virus, viruses of the alphaherpesvirinae family, African swine fever virus, and pseudorabies virus; they were also effective against RNA viruses, namely feline SARS coronavirus, dengue fever virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, influenza virus, enterovirus 71, poliovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, human immunodeficiency virus, calicivirus, and chikungunya virus. On the other hand, no effectiveness against murine norovirus and hepatitis A virus could be determined. The antiviral action mechanisms of kaempferol compounds are various, such as the inhibition of viral polymerases and of viral attachment and entry into host cells. Future research should be focused on further elucidating the antiviral properties of kaempferol compounds from different plants and assessing their potential use to complement the action of antiviral drugs.

Initial Learning Curve for Robot-Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty in a Dedicated Orthopedics Center.

Background and objectives: Our study aimed to assess the learning curve for robot-assisted (RA) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in our hospital, compare operative times between RA-TKAs and manual TKAs, and assess the early complications rate between the two approaches. Methods: We included 39 patients who underwent RA-TKA and 45 control patients subjected to manual TKA in the same period and operated on by the same surgical staff. We collected demographic and patient-related data to assess potential differences between the two groups. Results: No statistical differences were recorded in regard to age, BMI, sex, Kellgren-Lawrence classification, or limb alignment between patients undergoing RA-TKA and manual TKA, respectively. Three surgeons transitioned from the learning to the proficiency phase in our study after a number of 6, 4, and 3 cases, respectively. The overall operative time for the learning phase was 111.54 ± 20.45 min, significantly longer compared to the average of 86.43 ± 19.09 min in the proficiency phase (p = 0.0154) and 80.56 ± 17.03 min for manual TKAs (p < 0.0001). No statistically significant difference was recorded between the global operative time for the proficiency phase TKAs versus the controls. No major complications were recorded in either RA-TKA or manual TKA groups. Conclusions: Our results suggest that experienced surgeons may adopt RA-TKA using this platform and quickly adapt without significant complications.

Antimicrobial Properties of Capsaicin: Available Data and Future Research Perspectives.

Capsaicin is a phytochemical derived from plants of the genus Capsicum and subject of intensive phytochemical research due to its numerous physiological and therapeutical effects, including its important antimicrobial properties. Depending on the concentration and the strain of the bacterium, capsaicin can exert either bacteriostatic or even bactericidal effects against a wide range of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, while in certain cases it can reduce their pathogenicity by a variety of mechanisms such as mitigating the release of toxins or inhibiting biofilm formation. Likewise, capsaicin has been shown to be effective against fungal pathogens, particularly Candida spp., where it once again interferes with biofilm formation. The parasites Toxoplasma gondi and Trypanosoma cruzi have been found to be susceptible to the action of this compound too while there are also viruses whose invasiveness is significantly dampened by it. Among the most encouraging findings are the prospects for future development, especially using new formulations and drug delivery mechanisms. Finally, the influence of capsaicin in somatostatin and substance P secretion and action, offers an interesting array of possibilities given that these physiologically secreted compounds modulate inflammation and immune response to a significant extent.

Overall Accuracy of Radiological Digital Planning for Total Hip Arthroplasty in a Specialized Orthopaedics Hospital.

Preoperative radiological planning is a key factor in the prediction of implant size and positioning that influences surgical time, the risk of complications, and functional outcomes. We have tested the accuracy of the digital templating performed in our hospital for a sample of 215 patients that underwent total hip arthroplasty. We assessed the accuracy of correctly predicting implant size for the femoral and acetabular components, as well as the stem neck length. We found that our method of templating proved accurate (within one size) in 95.8% of cases for the stem and 94.9% for the cup when using the anteroposterior view only, while the lateral view was accurate in 95.8% of cases for the stem and 97.2% for the cup. Exact prediction of the stem size was obtained in 77.7% of cases using the anteroposterior view and 67.0% of cases on the lateral view, and 73.0% and 74.4% of cases for the cup on the AP and LL views, respectively. Stem neck size was predicted exactly in 75.35% of cases and within one size in 93.49% of cases. We concluded that our method of digital templating using dedicated software is highly effective in accurately predicting implant size.

Current Approach and Future Directions in the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Keratinocyte Carcinomas.

Keratinocyte carcinomas (KCs) are malignancies developed from keratinocytes or their precursors [...].

The Effects of COVID-19 on the Emotional and Social Stability, Motivation and Attitudes of Gifted and Non-Gifted Children in Greece.

Gifted children exhibit advanced cognitive abilities, usually beyond their emotional development, which puts them at higher risk of the negative consequences of isolation. This study investigates the effects of distance learning and home confinement on the emotional and social stability, motivation, and attitudes of gifted and non-gifted children in Greece. Our study includes two subsets, from before (September 2017 to March 2020) and after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic (April 2020 to March 2022). The analysis indicated that home confinement and distance learning caused children to create a stronger attachment with their parents, and it increased the involvement of parents in their child's school experience. Non-gifted children displayed high levels of certain attitudes (perfectionism, desire for acceptance, and condescending behavior) and demonstrated elevated motivation. Gifted children in the pre-COVID-19 period had already displayed increased levels of condescending attitude, which is assumed to be the result of already existing expectations from their parents. The pandemic further increased this attitude, as a result of the higher expectations of their parents. Overall, the study highlighted the importance of children to have more than one support system and the need for them to strengthen their self-image.

The Significance of CD20 Intensity Variance in Pediatric Patients with B-Cell Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

B-cell precursor acute lyphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a common pediatric malignancy and patients may have significant benefits from monoclonal antibodies therapy with increased survival rates. Positive CD20 expression is identified in about half of these patients and its presence may serve as a prognostic factor in disease evolution. We performed a retrospective study including 114 patients diagnosed with B-ALL and evaluated the expression of CD20 through flow cytometry at diagnosis and on day 15. Additional immunophenotypic analyses as well as cytogenetic and molecular genetic analyses were also performed. We observed an increase in the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of CD20 between diagnosis-1.9 (1.2-3.26) and day 15: 6.17 (2.14-27.4), (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, we assessed that both diagnosis and day 15 CD20 MFI had an impact on RFS and OS, respectively, for cut-off values of >8.08 at diagnosis and >28.65 at day 15. In conclusion, CD20 expression appears to be a poor prognostic feature of B-ALL in pediatric patients. In this study, stratification of the outcome by the intensity of CD20 has implications concerning the allocation to rituximab-based chemotherapy and may offer new, potentially useful information for pediatric patients with B-ALL.

Biomaterials Adapted to Vat Photopolymerization in 3D Printing: Characteristics and Medical Applications.

Along with the rapid and extensive advancements in the 3D printing field, a diverse range of uses for 3D printing have appeared in the spectrum of medical applications. Vat photopolymerization (VPP) stands out as one of the most extensively researched methods of 3D printing, with its main advantages being a high printing speed and the ability to produce high-resolution structures. A major challenge in using VPP 3D-printed materials in medicine is the general incompatibility of standard VPP resin mixtures with the requirements of biocompatibility and biofunctionality. Instead of developing completely new materials, an alternate approach to solving this problem involves adapting existing biomaterials. These materials are incompatible with VPP 3D printing in their pure form but can be adapted to the VPP chemistry and general process through the use of innovative mixtures and the addition of specific pre- and post-printing steps. This review's primary objective is to highlight biofunctional and biocompatible materials that have been adapted to VPP. We present and compare the suitability of these adapted materials to different medical applications and propose other biomaterials that could be further adapted to the VPP 3D printing process in order to fulfill patient-specific medical requirements.