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Objective comparison of commonly used computed tomography body composition analysis software

PubMED - sab, 04/06/2024 - 07:00

Nutrition. 2024 Mar 8;123:112421. doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2024.112421. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Sarcopenia is defined as an age-related, involuntary loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength. This condition is increasingly gaining clinical attention, as it has proved a predictor of complications and unfavorable outcomes in several diseases. For analysis of body composition on computed tomography images, several different software packages are used. Extensive research is being conducted globally to establish general cutoff values for different patient groups by combining the results of different studies with meta-analysis. Therefore, it is important that the measurements are independent of the software used. However, clinical software comparisons suggest there are differences between analysis packages, which would complicate establishment of cutoff values. For this study, we compared the eight most used analysis software programs in an objective manner, using a phantom image, to assess if their results can be readily compared.

METHODS: Eight software packages (sliceOmatic, OsiriX, ImageJ/Fiji, Mimics, CoreSlicer, SarcoMeas, 3D Slicer, and Aquarius iNtuition) were objectively evaluated, by performing measurements in a standardized synthetic image, containing fixed muscle and fat compartments with homogeneous radiodensities. For all programs, the measured areas and radiodensities of the regions of interest were assessed.

RESULTS: For sliceOmatic, OsiriX, ImageJ/Fiji, Mimics, CoreSlicer, SarcoMeas, and 3D Slicer, identical results were found, all reporting correct values for muscle and fat areas as well as correct radiodensity values, whereas values reported by Aquarius iNtuition deviated ≤ 5% for area measurements and had slight variation in radiodensity measurements.

CONCLUSIONS: Seven of eight software packages (sliceOmatic, OsiriX, ImageJ/Fiji, Mimics, CoreSlicer, SarcoMeas, and 3D Slicer) perform identically, so their results can be readily compared and combined when assessing body composition in computed tomography images. Area measurements acquired with Aquarius iNtuition may differ slightly (≤ 5%) from the other packages.

PMID:38581847 | DOI:10.1016/j.nut.2024.112421

The Use of E-Learning in Peyton's 4-Step Approach: Evaluation of Facial Computed Tomography Scans

PubMED - qua, 03/27/2024 - 07:00

J Craniofac Surg. 2024 Mar 27. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000010079. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Imparting procedural skills is challenging. Peyton's approach is an effective face-to-face teaching technique increasingly used in complex skills training. Institutions are beginning to incorporate online training as part of their procedural curriculum. We developed E-Peyton's to employ Peyton's approach through an electronic learning platform. The efficacy of E-Peyton's approach in teaching the interpretation of facial computed tomography (CT) scans is evaluated in this study. Naïve learners (n=41) were randomized into 2 groups based on teaching techniques employed: E-Peyton's (n=20) and Peyton's (n=21) approaches. The distance between the infraorbital margin and the posterior ledge was measured using a 3-part standardized measuring protocol on OsiriX. Twenty measurements were assessed for accuracy against the benchmark (±2 mm) at week 0 and week 1. Training durations were compared. Questionnaires were administered before and after the study to identify learners' acceptance of teaching techniques and their confidence in interpreting facial CT scans. Learners in both teaching techniques had comparable skills retention. Gap scores indicate significant improvement in learner's confidence levels regardless of teaching technique (P<0.05). Both teaching techniques were well-accepted by learners. E-Peyton's and Peyton's approaches required a similar training duration. The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the importance of effective remote learning platforms. E-Peyton's approach is comparable to that of Peyton's in all areas of assessment. E-Peyton's approach effectively automates Peyton's approach, allowing for standardized, high-quality procedural skills training while reducing manpower burden.

PMID:38534156 | DOI:10.1097/SCS.0000000000010079

Performance of dental students, orthodontic residents, and orthodontists for classification of midpalatal suture maturation stages on cone-beam computed tomography scans - a preliminary study

PubMED - sab, 03/23/2024 - 07:00

BMC Oral Health. 2024 Mar 22;24(1):373. doi: 10.1186/s12903-024-04163-3.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Assessment of midpalatal suture maturation on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans is performed by visual inspection and is therefore subjective. The extent to which the assessment of midpalatal suture maturation is affected by rater experience has not been adequately explored in the existing literature, thus limiting the availability of evidence-based findings. This study compared the outcomes of classification by dental students, orthodontic residents, and orthodontists.

METHODS: Three different groups of students, orthodontic residents, and orthodontists evaluated 10 randomly chosen CBCT scans regarding midpalatal suture maturation from a pool of 179 patients (98 female and 81 male patients) aged 8 - 40 years which were previously classified by evaluating CBCT scans. The pool was set as benchmark utilizing midpalatal suture maturation classification by one examiner (OsiriX Lite version 11.0; Pixmeo SARL, Bernex, Switzerland). For assessment of intra-rater reliability of the examiners of each group the randomly chosen subjects were reclassified for midpalatal suture maturation after a wash-out period of two weeks by using the same software. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate intra- and interrater reliability of the three groups with differing experience level.

RESULTS: Groupwise intra-rater reliability assessment between the classification and reclassification was weak for examiners with a low level of experience (k = 0.59). Orthodontists had highest degree of agreement with regard to benchmark classification with an inter-rater reliability to be considered as moderate (k = 0.68).

CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of midpalatal suture maturation on CBCT scans appears to be a subjective process and is considerably related to the experience level of the examiner. A high level of clinical experience seems to be favorable but does not necessarily ensure accurate results.

PMID:38519965 | DOI:10.1186/s12903-024-04163-3

The influence of aortic stiffness on carotid stiffness: computational simulations using a human aorta carotid model

PubMED - qui, 03/21/2024 - 07:00

R Soc Open Sci. 2024 Mar 20;11(3):230264. doi: 10.1098/rsos.230264. eCollection 2024 Mar.

ABSTRACT

Increased aortic and carotid stiffness are independent predictors of adverse cardiovascular events. Arterial stiffness is not uniform across the arterial tree and its accurate assessment is challenging. The complex interactions and influence of aortic stiffness on carotid stiffness have not been investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of aortic stiffness on carotid stiffness under physiological pressure conditions. A realistic patient-specific geometry was used based on magnetic resonance images obtained from the OsiriX library. The luminal aortic-carotid model was reconstructed from magnetic resonance images using 3D Slicer. A series of aortic stiffness simulations were performed at different regional aortic areas (levels). By applying variable Young's modulus to the aortic wall under two pulse pressure conditions, one could examine the deformation, compliance and von Mises stress between the aorta and carotid arteries. An increase of Young's modulus in an aortic area resulted in a notable difference in the mechanical properties of the aortic tree. Regional deformation, compliance and von Mises stress changes across the aorta and carotid arteries were noted with an increase of the aortic Young's modulus. Our results indicate that increased carotid stiffness may be associated with increased aortic stiffness. Large-scale clinical validation is warranted to examine the influence of aortic stiffness on carotid stiffness.

PMID:38511082 | PMC:PMC10951721 | DOI:10.1098/rsos.230264

The Global Track Concept for Assessment of Engaging Hill-Sachs Defects in Anterior Shoulder Instability

PubMED - qua, 03/20/2024 - 07:00

Am J Sports Med. 2024 Mar 20:3635465241232089. doi: 10.1177/03635465241232089. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The glenoid track concept is used to determine preoperatively whether a Hill-Sachs defect is engaging or not. Currently, the glenoid track concept relies on measurements of bony structures as well as on the confines and elasticity of the rotator cuff as a reference point, which varies extensively among individuals and therefore limits the reliability and accuracy of this concept.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the reliability of the global track concept, which determines the angular distance of the Hill-Sachs defect from the center of the articular surface of the humeral head as a new reference point with the help of an automated image analysis software and 3-dimensional analysis of the humeral head.

STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study.

METHODS: Computed tomography scans of 100 patients treated for anterior shoulder instability with different sizes of Hill-Sachs defects were evaluated manually by 2 orthopaedic surgeons independently using the software OsiriX as well as automatically by using a dedicated prototype software (ImFusion). Obtained manual and automated measurements included the Hill-Sachs length, Hill-Sachs width, and Hill-Sachs depth of the defect; the Hill-Sachs interval (HSI); and the glenoid width for the glenoid track concept, as well as the angular distance of the Hill-Sachs defect from the center of the articular surface of the humeral head (global track concept). The reliability of the different measurement techniques was compared by calculating intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs).

RESULTS: There was a significant difference for all obtained parameters comparing manual and automatic measurements. For manually obtained parameters, measurements referring to bony boundaries (glenoid width, Hill-Sachs length, and Hill-Sachs width) showed good to excellent agreement (ICC, 0.86, 0.82, and 0.62, respectively), while measurements referring to soft tissue boundaries (HSI and glenoid track; ICC, 0.56 and 0.53, respectively) or not directly identifiable reference points (center of articular surface and global track) only showed fair reliability (ICC middle excursion, 0.42). When the same parameters were measured with the help of an automated software, good reliability for the glenoid track concept and excellent reliability for the global track concept in the middle excursion were achieved.

CONCLUSION: The present study showed that the more complex global track measurements of humeral defects are more reliable than the current standard HSI and glenoid track measurements. However, this is only true when automated software is used to perform the measurements.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Future studies using the new proposed method in combination with an automated software need to be conducted to determine critical threshold values for defects prone to engagement.

PMID:38506922 | DOI:10.1177/03635465241232089

Reference Values for Paravertebral Muscle Size and Myosteatosis in Chinese Adults, a Nationwide Multicenter Study

PubMED - dom, 03/17/2024 - 07:00

Acad Radiol. 2024 Mar 16:S1076-6332(24)00075-8. doi: 10.1016/j.acra.2024.02.005. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The paravertebral muscles, characterized by their susceptibility to severe size loss and fat infiltration in old age, lack established reference values for age-related variations in muscle parameters. This study aims to fill this gap by establishing reference values for paravertebral muscles in a Chinese adult population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study utilized the baseline data from the prospective cohort China Action on Spine and Hip (CASH). A total of 4305 community-dwelling participants aged 21-80 years in China were recruited between 2013 and 2017. Pregnant women, individuals with metal implants, limited mobility or diseases/conditions (spinal tumor, infection, etc.) affecting lumbar vertebra were excluded from the study. Psoas and paraspinal muscles were measured in quantitative computed tomography (QCT) images at the L3 and L5 levels using Osirix software. Age-related reference values for muscle area, density, and fat fraction were constructed as percentile charts using the lambda-mu-sigma (LMS) method.

RESULTS: The paravertebral muscles exhibited an age-related decline in muscle area and density, coupled with an increase in muscle fat fraction. Between the ages of 25 and 75, the reductions in psoas and paraspinal muscle cross-sectional area at the L3 level were - 0.47%/yr and - 0.53%/yr in men, and - 0.19%/yr and - 0.23%/yr in women, respectively. Notably, accelerated muscle loss was observed during menopause and postmenopause in women (45-75 years) and intermittently during middle and old age in men (35-55 and 60-75 years). Besides, the age-related decreases in PSMA, PMA, and PSMD and the increases in PSMFF were more pronounced in L5 than in L3 CONCLUSION: This study shows distinct patterns of accelerated muscle loss were identified in menopausal and postmenopausal women and in middle-aged and old men. The findings contribute valuable information for future investigations on paravertebral muscle loss and myosteatosis.

PMID:38494349 | DOI:10.1016/j.acra.2024.02.005

Reliability of Manual Measurements Versus Semiautomated Software for Glenoid Bone Loss Quantification in Patients With Anterior Shoulder Instability

PubMED - qua, 02/14/2024 - 08:00

Orthop J Sports Med. 2024 Feb 12;12(2):23259671231222938. doi: 10.1177/23259671231222938. eCollection 2024 Feb.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The presence of glenoid bone defects is indicative in the choice of treatment for patients with anterior shoulder instability. In contrast to traditional linear- and area-based measurements, techniques such as the consideration of glenoid concavity have been proposed and validated.

PURPOSE: To compare the reliability of linear (1-dimensional [1D]), area (2-dimensional [2D]), and concavity (3-dimensional [3D]) measurements to quantify glenoid bone loss performed manually and to analyze how automated measurements affect reliability.

STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS: Computed tomography images of 100 patients treated for anterior shoulder instability with differently sized glenoid defects were evaluated independently by 2 orthopaedic surgeons manually using conventional software (OsiriX; Pixmeo) as well as automatically with a dedicated prototype software program (ImFusion Suite; ImFusion). Parameters obtained included 1D (defect diameter, best-fit circle diameter), 2D (defect area, best-fit circle area), and 3D (bony shoulder stability ratio) measurements. Mean values and reliability as expressed by the intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]) were compared between the manual and automated measurements.

RESULTS: When manually obtained, the measurements showed almost perfect agreement for 1D parameters (ICC = 0.83), substantial agreement for 2D parameters (ICC = 0.79), and moderate agreement for the 3D parameter (ICC = 0.48). When measurements were aided by automated software, the agreement between raters was almost perfect for all parameters (ICC = 0.90 for 1D, 2D, and 3D). There was a significant difference in mean values between manually versus automatically obtained measurements for 1D, 2D, and 3D parameters (P < .001 for all).

CONCLUSION: While more advanced measurement techniques that take glenoid concavity into account are more accurate in determining the biomechanical relevance of glenoid bone loss, our study showed that the reliability of manually performed, more complex measurements was moderate.

PMID:38352173 | PMC:PMC10863483 | DOI:10.1177/23259671231222938

PET KinetiX-A Software Solution for PET Parametric Imaging at the Whole Field of View Level

PubMED - seg, 02/12/2024 - 08:00

J Imaging Inform Med. 2024 Jan 10. doi: 10.1007/s10278-023-00965-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Kinetic modeling represents the ultimate foundations of PET quantitative imaging, a unique opportunity to better characterize the diseases or prevent the reduction of drugs development. Primarily designed for research, parametric imaging based on PET kinetic modeling may become a reality in future clinical practice, enhanced by the technical abilities of the latest generation of commercially available PET systems. In the era of precision medicine, such paradigm shift should be promoted, regardless of the PET system. In order to anticipate and stimulate this emerging clinical paradigm shift, we developed a constructor-independent software package, called PET KinetiX, allowing a faster and easier computation of parametric images from any 4D PET DICOM series, at the whole field of view level. The PET KinetiX package is currently a plug-in for Osirix DICOM viewer. The package provides a suite of five PET kinetic models: Patlak, Logan, 1-tissue compartment model, 2-tissue compartment model, and first pass blood flow. After uploading the 4D-PET DICOM series into Osirix, the image processing requires very few steps: the choice of the kinetic model and the definition of an input function. After a 2-min process, the PET parametric and error maps of the chosen model are automatically estimated voxel-wise and written in DICOM format. The software benefits from the graphical user interface of Osirix, making it user-friendly. Compared to PMOD-PKIN (version 4.4) on twelve 18F-FDG PET dynamic datasets, PET KinetiX provided an absolute bias of 0.1% (0.05-0.25) and 5.8% (3.3-12.3) for KiPatlak and Ki2TCM, respectively. Several clinical research illustrative cases acquired on different hybrid PET systems (standard or extended axial fields of view, PET/CT, and PET/MRI), with different acquisition schemes (single-bed single-pass or multi-bed multipass), are also provided. PET KinetiX is a very fast and efficient independent research software that helps molecular imaging users easily and quickly produce 3D PET parametric images from any reconstructed 4D-PET data acquired on standard or large PET systems.

PMID:38343229 | DOI:10.1007/s10278-023-00965-z

AI-Based Approach to One-Click Chronic Subdural Hematoma Segmentation Using Computed Tomography Images

PubMED - sab, 02/10/2024 - 08:00

Sensors (Basel). 2024 Jan 23;24(3):721. doi: 10.3390/s24030721.

ABSTRACT

This paper presents a computer vision-based approach to chronic subdural hematoma segmentation that can be performed by one click. Chronic subdural hematoma is estimated to occur in 0.002-0.02% of the general population each year and the risk increases with age, with a high frequency of about 0.05-0.06% in people aged 70 years and above. In our research, we developed our own dataset, which includes 53 series of CT scans collected from 21 patients with one or two hematomas. Based on the dataset, we trained two neural network models based on U-Net architecture to automate the manual segmentation process. One of the models performed segmentation based only on the current frame, while the other additionally processed multiple adjacent images to provide context, a technique that is more similar to the behavior of a doctor. We used a 10-fold cross-validation technique to better estimate the developed models' efficiency. We used the Dice metric for segmentation accuracy estimation, which was 0.77. Also, for testing our approach, we used scans from five additional patients who did not form part of the dataset, and created a scenario in which three medical experts carried out a hematoma segmentation before we carried out segmentation using our best model. We developed the OsiriX DICOM Viewer plugin to implement our solution into the segmentation process. We compared the segmentation time, which was more than seven times faster using the one-click approach, and the experts agreed that the segmentation quality was acceptable for clinical usage.

PMID:38339438 | PMC:PMC10857356 | DOI:10.3390/s24030721

Radiological measurements of lacrimal gland in thyroid eye disease

PubMED - ter, 02/06/2024 - 08:00

Int Ophthalmol. 2024 Feb 6;44(1):11. doi: 10.1007/s10792-024-02991-4.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Lacrimal gland enlargement is a common feature of thyroid eye disease (TED) and has been positively correlated with the clinical activity score. Although lacrimal gland volume is the preferred measure of lacrimal gland size, its calculation is not clinically translatable due to the expertise, time and advanced software required. The aim of our study is to determine whether the lacrimal gland volume in patients with TED undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be estimated using simpler lacrimal gland linear and area measurements.

METHODS: A retrospective review of 102 orbits (51 patients) with TED who underwent orbital MRI was conducted. The maximum length, width, and area of the lacrimal gland were measured in axial and coronal sections. Lacrimal gland volume was calculated by using a manual segmentation technique on all consecutive axial slices on commercially available software, OsiriX. All quantitative measurements were correlated with the lacrimal gland volume.

RESULTS: Mean age of participants was 59 ± 16 years, and 67% (n = 34) were females. With multivariate analyses, combined lacrimal gland axial and coronal areas strongly correlated with volume (r = 0.843, p < 0.01). Strong univariate predictors of volume included axial area (r = 0.704, p < 0.01) and coronal area (r = 0.722, p < 0.01), while moderate predictors included axial length (r = 0.523, p < 0.01), axial width (r = 0.521, p < 0.01), coronal length (r = 0.450, p < 0.01), and coronal width (r = 0.649, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: In patients with thyroid eye disease, lacrimal gland volume can be estimated using axial and coronal areas, which is simpler and more time efficient than calculating volumes.

PMID:38319433 | PMC:PMC10847191 | DOI:10.1007/s10792-024-02991-4

PROSPECTIVE INVESTIGATION OF THE POSTERIOR LONGITUDINAL LIGAMENT AND DISC COMPLEX AFTER POSTERIOR STABILIZATION AND DECOMPRESSION SURGERY IN PATIENTS WITH NON-OPLL CERVICAL SPONDYLOTIC MYELOPATHY

PubMED - qui, 02/01/2024 - 08:00

World Neurosurg. 2024 Jan 30:S1878-8750(24)00155-4. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.01.133. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a prevalent cause of spinal cord dysfunction in adults, primarily from degenerative changes. The efficacy of treatment strategies, especially surgical approaches, remains debated.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the long-term impact of posterior fusion laminectomy on the posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) thickness, disc complex, and myelomalacia signal changes in CSM patients.

METHODS: A single-centre, prospective study from January 2020 to December 2021 included CSM patients without ossified posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data from baseline, six, and twelve months postoperatively were collected. Measurements on the MRI were performed using the Osirix® MD software, focusing on the PLL width, myelopathic foci dimensions, and canal diameter.

RESULTS: Out of the 82 initially enrolled patients, 64 were considered for analysis. Postoperatively, a significant reduction in PLL width and myelopathic foci dimensions was observed, alongside a considerable increase in the canal diameter. Clinical outcomes based on the Modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scale also showcased marked improvements post-surgery.

CONCLUSION: Posterior fusion laminectomy effectively reduces anterior pressure in CSM patients. This treatment may represent an optimal surgical approach for select CSM cases. Further, more extensive studies with extended follow-up are advocated.

PMID:38302004 | DOI:10.1016/j.wneu.2024.01.133

Validating the use of clinical MSCT scans for cranial nonmetric sex estimation in a contemporary Indonesian population

PubMED - qui, 02/01/2024 - 08:00

Int J Legal Med. 2024 Feb 1. doi: 10.1007/s00414-024-03176-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

There is renewed interest in Asia for the development of forensic anthropological standards, partly due to the need for population-specific models to maintain high classification accuracies. At present, there are no known studies utilising morphoscopic standards specific to the Indonesian population. Craniometric analyses can often be time-consuming; morphoscopic assessments are quicker and are also known to be reliable and accurate. One of the most utilised morphoscopic standards for the estimation of skeletal sex is that of Walker (2008). Its application across population groups demonstrated reduced accuracies outside of the United States; population-specific predictive models would thus serve to improve the identification process of unknown skeletal remains. Digital imaging also allows for the validation of standards on a contemporary population and is an appropriate proxy to physical skeletal material.The present study quantifies the applicability of the Walker standard to a contemporary Indonesian population. A total of 200 cranial MSCT scans from a hospital in Makassar were analysed using OsiriX®. Scoring was performed in accordance with the Walker standard. Five univariate and nine multivariate predictive models were derived using single trait and multi-trait combinations. The best performing univariate model included the glabella, with a total classification accuracy of 82.0% and a sex bias of 14.6%. Classification accuracy with all traits considered was at 95.2% for females and 82.8% for males with a sex bias of 12.5%. These results provide forensic practitioners in Indonesia with an appropriate morphoscopic sex estimation standard, strengthening their capabilities in the field and improving judicial outcomes.

PMID:38300302 | DOI:10.1007/s00414-024-03176-5

Potent <em>in vivo</em> efficacy of oral gallium maltolate in treatment-resistant glioblastoma

PubMED - ter, 01/30/2024 - 08:00

Front Oncol. 2024 Jan 15;13:1278157. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1278157. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Treatment-resistant glioblastoma (trGBM) is an aggressive brain tumor with a dismal prognosis, underscoring the need for better treatment options. Emerging data indicate that trGBM iron metabolism is an attractive therapeutic target. The novel iron mimetic, gallium maltolate (GaM), inhibits mitochondrial function via iron-dependent and -independent pathways.

METHODS: In vitro irradiated adult GBM U-87 MG cells were tested for cell viability and allowed to reach confluence prior to stereotactic implantation into the right striatum of male and female athymic rats. Advanced MRI at 9.4T was carried out weekly starting two weeks after implantation. Daily oral GaM (50mg/kg) or vehicle were provided on tumor confirmation. Longitudinal MRI parameters were processed for enhancing tumor ROIs in OsiriX 8.5.1 (lite) with Imaging Biometrics Software (Imaging Biometrics LLC). Statistical analyses included Cox proportional hazards regression models, Kaplan-Meier survival plots, linear mixed model comparisons, and t-statistic for slopes comparison as indicator of tumor growth rate.

RESULTS: In this study we demonstrate non-invasively, using longitudinal MRI surveillance, the potent antineoplastic effects of GaM in a novel rat xenograft model of trGBM, as evidenced by extended suppression of tumor growth (23.56 mm3/week untreated, 5.76 mm3/week treated, P < 0.001), a blunting of tumor perfusion, and a significant survival benefit (median overall survival: 30 days untreated, 56 days treated; P < 0.001). The therapeutic effect was confirmed histologically by the presence of abundant cytotoxic cellular swelling, a significant reduction in proliferation markers (P < 0.01), and vessel normalization characterized by prominent vessel pruning, loss of branching, and uniformity of vessel lumina. Xenograft tumors in the treatment group were further characterized by an absence of an invasive edge and a significant reduction in both, MIB-1% and mitotic index (P < 0.01 each). Transferrin receptor and ferroportin expression in GaM-treated tumors illustrated cellular iron deprivation. Additionally, treatment with GaM decreased the expression of pro-angiogenic markers (von Willebrand Factor and VEGF) and increased the expression of anti-angiogenic markers, such as Angiopoietin-2.

CONCLUSION: Monotherapy with the iron-mimetic GaM profoundly inhibits trGBM growth and significantly extends disease-specific survival in vivo.

PMID:38288102 | PMC:PMC10822938 | DOI:10.3389/fonc.2023.1278157

Facial Anthropometric Analysis of Gender-Related Characteristics in Computed Tomography

PubMED - seg, 01/29/2024 - 08:00

Ann Plast Surg. 2024 Jan 1;92(1S Suppl 1):S21-S26. doi: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000003761. Epub 2023 Dec 20.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In recent years, facial feminization surgery (FFS) has gained increasing popularity because of increases in transgender individuals and the acceptance of diversity in gender identity. However, there is still a scarcity of anthropometric research to guide evidence-based practices for FFS in Taiwan.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to provide a reference for surgeons to achieve optimal outcomes for patients undergoing FFS. The anthropometric analysis could help surgeons meet patients' specific requirements and improve patients' alignment with their gender identity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 100 patients (50 males and 50 females) who had undergone cranial computed tomography at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan because of the indication of blunt injuries to the head and face with suspected skull and facial fractures. The computed tomography images were imported into the OsiriX image software to conduct an anthropometric evaluation. The parameters used in the measurements included 2 aspects: bone and soft tissue anthropometric analysis.

RESULTS: Anthropometric data were obtained from 50 males (age 32.6 ± 11.4 years) and 50 females (age 33.7 ± 10.3 years). The results for bone measurements showed that both the forehead bossing length and nasal bone width in the male group were significantly greater. The frontal angle in both bone and soft tissue in the male group was significantly smaller. The chin height and bigonial width in both bone and soft tissue in the male group were significantly greater. Although the average gonial angle was greater in the female group, the difference was not significant. For the measurements of lip projection, the results showed that there was no significant difference. Although this group of Asian males had more acute nasolabial angles, the difference was not statistically significant. However, the average nasofrontal angle among females was significantly more obtuse than among males.

CONCLUSION: The results revealed that Asian males tend to have more prominent superior orbital rims, wider nasal bones, and wider and taller mandibles compared with Asian females. Despite showing some trends, the gonial angle and lip projections did not reveal any significant differences, which is likely because of a large amount of variation.

PMID:38285991 | DOI:10.1097/SAP.0000000000003761