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The reliability of computerized cephalometric soft tissue prediction following bimaxillary anterior subapical osteotomy.

The accuracy of predicting the results of orthodontic-surgical treatment following bimaxillary anterior subapical setback osteotomy was analyzed retrospectively. Comparisons of pretreatment prediction tracings of the lateral cephalograms with the 6-month postsurgical cephalograms of 38 patients showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the actual and predicted dentoalveolar setback in both arches. The computer-generated soft tissue predictions were generally accurate, with the exception of the horizontal position of the lower lip, which was underestimated, and, to a lesser extent, the vertical position of the upper lip, which was also underestimated. Computerized cephalometric prediction following bimaxillary anterior subapical osteotomy is sufficiently accurate to be of value to be used routinely in treatment planning for the horizontal upper lip prediction, but some modifications are advisable to obtain a more accurate horizontal lower lip prediction.

Adult

Use of computed tomography in diagnosis of soft-tissue tumors.

Soft-tissue tumors can evade the usual diagnostic methods. In the case presented, computed tomography proved to be the best diagnostic tool in demonstrating a malignant extranodal lymphoma. Computed tomography is useful not only in detecting a tumor but also in determining its extent. This aids the surgeon in selecting and conducting the most appropriate operation.

Abdominal Neoplasms

Artificial Intelligence for Colorectal Surgeons-Part II: Research Applications, Challenges in Adoption, and Practical Resources.

BACKGROUND: This is part II of a 2-part series examining artificial intelligence in colorectal surgery. Part I established foundational concepts and clinical applications. Implementation, however, requires understanding research methodologies, available resources, and the specific challenges currently limiting widespread adoption. These topics are the focus of part II. OBJECTIVE: To examine artificial intelligence's transformation of surgical research, provide practical implementation resources, address adoption challenges, and explore future directions in colorectal surgery. METHODS: Comprehensive literature review focusing on artificial intelligence research methodology, implementation barriers, educational resources, and emerging technologies relevant to colorectal surgeons. RESULTS: Artificial intelligence streamlines clinical trial design through predictive modeling and natural language processing, reducing enrollment challenges that contribute to failed or inadequate trial accrual. Machine learning enables heterogeneity analysis within clinical trials, identifying treatment-responsive subgroups. Foundation models unlock analysis of unstructured electronic health record data at scale. Professional societies and universities offer specialized artificial intelligence education programs, with open-access data sets facilitating research participation. However, implementation faces multifaceted challenges: technical infrastructure demands, with real-time processing requiring dedicated graphics processing unit clusters; regulatory frameworks struggling with continuously evolving algorithms; undefined liability distribution for artificial intelligence-assisted decisions; algorithmic bias risking health care disparities; and the "black box" problem limiting clinical trust. Economic barriers include substantial initial costs without clear reimbursement pathways. Future directions include multimodal artificial intelligence integrating imaging, genomics, and histopathology; cognitive robotic systems with real-time decision support; digital twin technology for patient-specific surgical simulation; and global surgical artificial intelligence networks enabling distributed learning across institutions. CONCLUSIONS: Although artificial intelligence offers transformative potential for colorectal surgery research and practice, successful implementation requires addressing technical, regulatory, ethical, and economic challenges. The surgeon's evolving role demands both traditional expertise and computational fluency. Future advances in multimodal integration, autonomous systems, and global collaboration will fundamentally reshape surgical practice but will require thoughtful implementation prioritizing patient benefit and clinical value.

Humans

Improving insurance deduction identification: a hybrid artificial intelligence model using machine learning and expert systems.

PURPOSE: Financial challenges in healthcare systems worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries like Iran, have increased hospitals' reliance on insurance reimbursements. Unrecognized insurance deductions often cause severe financial shortages, making efficient deduction management crucial. This study aimed to design a hybrid intelligent system for identifying and predicting insurance deductions by combining machine learning and expert system frameworks. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A mixed-methods design was applied in four stages. First, a scoping review identified the causes and patterns of insurance deductions. Second, interviews with 15 insurance experts produced a validated checklist and a dataset from inpatient billing records. Third, using the CRISP-DM methodology, machine learning algorithms were developed and tested in SPSS Modeler alongside a fuzzy expert system developed in MATLAB. Finally, the model was validated using the holdout method. FINDINGS: Four categories of deduction drivers were identified: service provision, registration errors, document submission issues, and revenue conversion processes. The CHAID decision tree outperformed other algorithms with a 99% precision rate and the lowest Mean Absolute Error (9.43). A brief assessment of potential overfitting was conducted to ensure that the CHAID model's high accuracy was interpreted cautiously and supported by the validation results. The fuzzy expert system with validated rules was adaptable for deduction classification, especially for cases unsuitable for quantitative modeling. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The hybrid model improves detection and prevention of deductions, offering actionable insights for hospital administrators, insurers, and policymakers. Its implementation can enhance hospital information systems, streamline claims processing, and optimize revenue management amid financial constraints.

Machine Learning

Machine learning vs. traditional methods for predicting postoperative cardiac complications after non-cardiac surgery: a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Accurate prediction of peri-operative cardiac complications is critical to optimise pre-operative decision-making. Traditional risk prediction scores, such as the Revised Cardiac Risk Index, show only modest discrimination. Machine learning can model complex, non-linear relationships but their predictive performance compared with traditional scores remains unclear. METHODS: We performed a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis. The primary outcome was postoperative adverse cardiac events following non-cardiac surgery. Prediction models were assessed relative to the Revised Cardiac Risk Index. As many studies evaluated multiple versions of each model type, the highest performing ('best version') and lowest performing ('worst version') results were analysed. Models were ranked using the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA). RESULTS: Thirteen studies evaluating 54 models and 927,113 patients were included. Machine learning approaches generally outperformed traditional risk scores. Automated machine learning ranked highest (SUCRA 96.6) showed the greatest improvement in the best version analysis (mean difference (MD) 0.28 (95%CrI 0.16-0.40)) and remained superior in the sensitivity analysis (MD 0.30 (95%CrI 0.14-0.45)). Gradient boosting models showed superior performance over the Revised Cardiac Risk Index across analysis (best version: MD 0.20 (95%CrI 0.14-0.26), worst version: MD 0.18 (95%CrI 0.12-0.25), SUCRA 82.4). The Gupta Perioperative Risk for Myocardial Infarction or Cardiac Arrest score outperformed the Revised Cardiac Risk Index in the best version analysis (MD 0.16 (95%CrI 0.01-0.32)). Between-study heterogeneity was low. None of the included studies externally validated their machine learning models and only six were judged to be at low risk of bias. DISCUSSION: Most machine learning models showed better discrimination than traditional risk scores, with automated machine learning and gradient boosting models ranking highest. However, study quality, calibration reporting and absence of external validation limit immediate clinical adoption. Prospective, multicentre evaluation is required before integration of these models into peri-operative practice.

Humans

Detection of soft-tissue foreign bodies by plain radiography, xerography, computed tomography, and ultrasonography.

Detection of a soft-tissue foreign body is common yet often difficult, particularly when the foreign material is not radiopaque. Various imaging modalities have been advocated for detecting foreign bodies that are not revealed by plain radiography. The abilities of plain radiography, xerography, computed tomography, and ultrasonography to detect glass, wooden, and plastic foreign bodies in an in vitro preparation are compared. While all of these imaging techniques demonstrated a glass foreign body, only ultrasonography clearly identified wooden and plastic foreign bodies.

Evaluation Studies as Topic

[Computed tomography in the diagnosis of soft tissue neoplasms of the trunk and extremities].

Analysis of CT data on 213 patients with soft tissue and trunk tumors has shown that a majority of malignant and benign tumors have a similar picture (except lipoma). Features of the contours of a tumor and its inner structure do not permit the assessment of its nature. The only significant differential-diagnostic sign of malignant soft tissue tumors is destruction of an adjacent bone, noted in 17.6%. The majority of malignant and benign soft tissue tumors (70.9%) on CT scans look like a single node; recurrent tumors look multinodular (78.2%). Verification of soft tissue tumors, revealed by CT, should be done using morphological methods.

Adult

The value of computed tomography in the diagnosis of soft-tissue swellings of the hand.

Twenty patients with palpable swellings of the hand were investigated by computed tomography. The results, when compared with the pathological findings, lead us to consider this a technique of considerable value in the assessment of this kind of disease. The importance of angiography and, occasionally of magnetic resonance imaging, are also stressed.

Adolescent

[A comparison between echography and computed tomography in assessing neoplastic recurrences in superficial soft tissues].

Thirty-seven superficial soft-tissue recurrences were evaluated with ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT) to assess the correct diagnostic approach. US and CT examinations were performed at the same time. High-frequency US probes and a third-generation CT scanner were employed; all the lesions underwent also histology or cytology. US correctly identified as recurrences or fibrous tissue all the 37 lesions, whereas CT diagnosed 30 lesions only. Seven of the 14 recurrences < 2 cm diameter were not demonstrated. In conclusion, US provides more reliable information than CT relative to small lesions, which suggests that US must be performed just after therapy. Nevertheless, when bone involvement is suspected, CT is required and its use is also suggested to monitor distant metastases.

Biopsy, Needle

Computed tomography evaluation of fatty tumors of the somatic soft tissues: clinical utility and radiologic-pathologic correlation.

The role of computed tomography (CT) in the evaluation of fatty tumors of the somatic soft tissues was investigated. Six surgically proven cases of fatty tumors were studied preoperatively by CT and standard radiographic means--conventional radiographs, xeroradiography, and angiography. Our case material included a simple lipoma, two infiltrative lipomas, an angiolipoma, and two liposarcomas. The radiologic-pathologic correlation was evaluated with respect to the various imaging modalities. The unique tissue characteristics of fatty tumors makes them particularly adaptable to CT scanning. In addition to its ability to define accurately tissue densities, the facility of CT in depicting depth, size, and extent of the lesion in the axial plane was found to be most useful in the preoperative evaluation of our case material.

Adipose Tissue

Computed tomography of the paranasal sinuses and face: part I. Normal anatomy.

With the ability to image both bone and soft tissue structures, computed tomography (CT) is capable of visualizing many normal anatomical structures of the paranasal sinuses and face not seen with other radiological techniques. The superficial and deep fat planes, all of the muscles of mastication, and many of the facial muscles are readily identified. The extraocular muscles, optic nerves, and globes are clearly seen. The purpose of this report is to review the normal anatomy of the paranasal sinuses and face imaged by CT in both the transverse and coronal planes.

Face

[Biometric studies in the cytological diagnosis of soft tissue tumors].

Introducing of quantitative signs (the number of cells on the given area, size of cells, nuclei, optic and spectral characteristics) makes the cytologic diagnosis much more objective. Karyometric studies conducted by the author (the determination of nuclei volume) on cytological smears, obtained from 16 patients with soft tissue tumors, indicated some difference in nuclei size of various histotypes. The studies have evidenced that the method of karyometry associated with cytophotometry will offer the pre-conditions for using karyometry in the practice of pathocytologists and facilitate the finding of algorithms for computing analysis of soft tissue neoplasms.

Cell Nucleus

Meningiomas involving the clivus: a six-year experience with 41 patients.

A series of 41 meningiomas involving the clivus operated on from July 1983 to January 1990 is reported. The presenting symptoms and signs of these patients were similar to those reported previously. All the patients were evaluated by pre- and postoperative thin-section, high-resolution computed tomography using soft tissue and bone algorithms. Most of the patients also underwent magnetic resonance imaging. The regions of the clivus involved by tumor were divided into upper, middle, or lower regions on the basis of anatomical landmarks. The diameter of the tumor was measured in three axes, and a tumor volume and a tumor equivalent diameter were computed to categorize tumors as small, medium, large, or giant types. There were 9 medium, 27 large, and 5 giant tumors in this series. Some simple and some complex operative approaches were employed to effect tumor removal. Large and giant tumors often required more than one operative approach to remove the tumor. Intraoperative technical difficulties included tumor consistency, vascularity, dissection from the brain stem, and vascular and cranial nerve encasement. Postoperative computed tomographic scans documented total excision in 32 patients (78%). Residual tumor remained in the clival or cavernous sinus areas. These patients were either being observed, or were treated with gamma knife radiosurgery. There was one operative death due to pneumonia (2%), and three patients (7%) suffered permanent major neurological changes, presumably due to vascular occlusions in the posterior circulation. In the follow-up period, which ranged from 3 to 76 months, 2 patients (6%) with tumors that had appeared to be totally excised experienced recurrence. These patients were treated by a second operation, alone or in combination with radiation therapy. Two patients who had subtotal excisions (25%) had evidence of regrowth. In 2 patients, tumor growth continued despite gamma knife radiosurgery or external beam radiotherapy.

Adult

Posterior shoulder instability. Surgical versus conservative results with evaluation of glenoid version.

We conducted a retrospective study on 50 patients with recurrent posterior shoulder instability. Twenty-five patients were treated conservatively with a specific rehabilitation program strengthening the rotator cuff. The other 25 patients, who did not improve with rehabilitation, underwent surgical reconstruction, the majority of these being soft tissue repairs. Recurrence in the surgically treated group averaged 72% while that in the conservatively treated group was 96%. However, 50% of those patients treated surgically and 68% of those treated conservatively felt their symptoms were improved. In view of the high recurrence rate with soft tissue reconstruction, computed tomography scans were obtained to evaluate glenoid version. Those patients with posterior shoulder instability were found to have increased glenoid retroversion when compared to an uninjured population (P less than 0.05). Our conclusions based on this study were that 1) specific therapy in the form of rotator cuff strengthening should be the initial form of treatment in patients with posterior shoulder instability, 2) soft tissue surgery has a high rate of recurrence, 3) the return to sports is variable, 4) there appears to be an increased incidence of glenoid retroversion in this patient population, and 5) the incidence of posttraumatic arthritis is low.

Adolescent

Sternocostoclavicular hyperostosis: its progression and radiological features. A study of 12 cases.

Twelve cases of sternocostoclavicular hyperostosis were followed up over four to 16 years. The patients underwent repeated radiological examinations of the sternocostoclavicular joints and the sternum, and the extrasternal osseous manifestations of the disease were studied to show changes in the radiological features during long term follow up. Five of 12 (41%) patients had extrasternal manifestations. With the exception of one patient extrasternal manifestations were first detected by scintigraphs because they were asymptomatic. With respect to the sternal manifestations the initial radiological diagnosis was made during an acute phase while painful swelling over the sternum and decreased mobility of the shoulders occurred. The radiological examinations showed the signs of a proliferative destructive arthritis in most patients. In contrast with the frequent occurrences of clinical symptoms, the radiological signs of progression take several years to become detectable. There are no specific bacteriological, serological or histological findings. Usually a permanent increase in the erythrocyte sedimentation rates is found. Sternocostoclavicular hyperostosis is a slowly progressing disease, characterised by a chronic aseptic destructive sternoclavicular arthritis with a reactive low turnover sclerosis that begins in a similar way to an enthesopathy and ends after several decades with total ankylosis. The radiological identification of retrosternal proliferation of soft tissue by computed tomography was found to be a valuable criterion for the differential diagnosis from other benign hyperostotic processes of the sternoclavicular region.

Cervical Vertebrae

Magnetic resonance imaging of the upper airway in obstructive sleep apnea before and after chronic nasal continuous positive airway pressure therapy.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides high-resolution images of the upper airway and is useful for assessing conditions associated with increased tissue water content. To determine whether nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) changes awake upper airway morphology in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), we performed awake upper airway MRI scans on five male patients with moderate to severe OSA before and after 4 to 6 wk of nasal CPAP therapy. MRI scans were performed using spin echo pulse sequences to examine detailed anatomy and inversion recovery sequences to assess mucosal water content. Patients did not have nasal CPAP applied during the MRI scans. Axial and sagittal images were obtained, and tracings were made of the upper airway, tongue, and soft palate. Utilizing computer graphics, cross-sectional areas and volumes were calculated for each anatomic structure. A subjective grading system was used to assess upper airway mucosal water content. Pharyngeal volume and minimum pharyngeal cross-sectional area increased (p less than 0.05) and tongue volume decreased (p less than 0.01) following chronic nasal CPAP therapy. The increase in pharyngeal volume occurred mainly in the oropharynx (p less than 0.01). Upper airway mucosal water content decreased in the oropharynx (p less than 0.05). We conclude that chronic nasal CPAP therapy during sleep in patients with OSA produces changes in awake upper airway morphology. These changes may be due to resolution of upper airway edema. The upper airway of patients with OSA can be accurately and repeatedly assessed using MRI.

Adult

[Digital radiology with storage phosphors in cephalometric study in orthodontics].

Conventional radiology is continually modified with the development of digital systems which can be used for several types of radiologic examinations. Our study was aimed at evaluating the advantages of these new technologies in the orthodontic field, where the problems associated with image quality and radiation protection are major especially in young patients; the latter goal is achievable by dramatically reducing radiation dose and by avoiding repeating the exam. In our study, we compared lateral teleradiographs of the skull for cephalometric analysis obtained using conventional and digital diagnostic methods. The preliminary results demonstrated that the two imaging techniques did not differ relative to bone structure representation, even though the digital system provided better visualization of soft tissue structures. Computed radiography also allowed a marked reduction in the number of repeats and reduced radiation dose. The current disadvantages of this imaging method are the high initial cost of the equipment, reduced work rate, and the need of frequent technical assistance.

Adolescent