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PubMed1998

Changes in the Caucasian male facial profile as depicted in fashion magazines during the twentieth century.

The purposes of this study were to (1) measure changes in the young adult Caucasian male profile through time and (2) describe the male profile depicted in current fashion magazines. Profile photographs (n = 116) of male models collected from leading fashion magazines of the last 65 years were analyzed. They were reproduced as slides, and the images were scanned and projected onto a computer monitor. Soft tissue landmarks were digitized and the profiles were corrected for size differences. Six linear, nine angular, and three proportional parameters were measured. Anteroposterior lip position, lip curl, and vermilion area showed statistically significant correlations (r > or = 31, p < 0.01) with the progression of time. Other angular measurements and vertical facial proportions did not change significantly (r < or = 17, p > 0.05). The results showed that (1) the male profile depicted in fashion magazines has changed significantly with time and the changes were in the area of the lips; and (2) there was a trend of increasing lip protrusion, lip curl, and vermilion display. We conclude that similar to the female profile, the esthetic male profile has changed with time.

Adult↗
PubMed2026

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↗
PubMed2026

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↗
PubMed1988

Evaluating glass, polystyrene, and polypropylene containers for semen collection and sperm washing.

The effects of glass, polystyrene, and polypropylene containers on semen parameters as measured by Cell Soft computer-assisted semen analysis and hypoosmotic swelling (HOS) tests were assessed in unwashed specimens and again after sperm washing and swim-up procedures. A superiority in unwashed specimens was observed in glass versus polystyrene concerning velocity, motility percentage, and HOS testing (p less than 0.01). Also, superiority of glass versus polystyrene was demonstrated for linearity and ALH (p less than 0.05). Glass was only superior to polypropylene in categories of motility and HOS testing (p less than 0.05 and p less than 0.01, respectively). There was no category in which plastic was statistically superior to glass in the unwashed specimens. Concerning washed and swim-up specimens, there were no semen parameters in which there was any superiority demonstrated of either glass or plastic. Unless some future proof that the differences in semen parameters demonstrated in this study have no clinical significance, these data suggest that the collection of semen samples for sperm analysis or therapeutic use should be performed in glass containers.

Glass↗
PubMed1996

[Nutritional status in patients with stroke. Diagnosis, therapy and its monitoring].

Stroke (Ischemic) initiates numerous pathophysiological processes and each of them can be dangerous. When evaluating patient's state and choosing therapeutical strategy, a complexity of the followed-up parameters should be taken into account as well as a complexity of a given therapeutical approach. On the basis of literary data and acquired clinical experience, we developed our own algorithm for diagnosis of the nutritional state and it was implemented into a semi-expert computing system SOFT. Using SOFT program, the group of 23 patients with ischemic CMP was examined within 40 hrs after its origin. These patients were found to show a slight protein catabolism and nutritional stress (aminograms, stress index, nutritional percentage of complications, nitrogen balance, CRP, prealbumin). necessity of an early diagnosis of nutritional deficiency and disorders of protein metabolism in STROKE patients is discussed. The paper reports on means of enteral nutrition prepared in the Hospital in Sternberk which appeared to be highly favorable. The aspects of administration of parenteral nutrition are discussed.

Brain Ischemia↗
PubMed1998

Changes in the arteriolar volume pulse of the finger during various degrees of tilt using near infra-red and red photoplethysmography.

1. Photoplethysmography is a widely used non invasive technique for the measurement of peripheral oxygen saturation. A more detailed analysis of the volume pulse (VP) can indicate alterations in peripheral vascular tone, due to sympathetic stimulation, stress, pain and temperature. - 2. In six healthy male volunteers we investigated changes in the VP resulting from vasoconstriction and vasodilatation induced by varies degrees of tilt. Subjects were subjected 0 degrees tilt followed by head down -8 degrees -15 degrees, -30 degrees -15 degrees, -8 degrees, 0 degrees, 15 degrees, 30 degrees , 70 degrees, 30 degrees, 15 degrees and 0 degrees. Each tilt stage was sustained for 15 minutes. Both VP - and haemodynamic changes were continuously recorded 30s before and then for 210 s after the imposition of each tilt step. We used a new computer driven soft and hardware for the analysis of the VP. 3. The VP signal was obtained with a sensor emitting 840 nm (NIR) and 640 nm (RED) light into finger tip with a sample rate of 128 Hz. All data was normalised to the initial mean value obtained at 0 degrees tilt. The signal strength parameters amplitude, and area under the curve and the first derivative of the amplitude (flux) as well as time discrete parameters, time of first maximum (Tmax), dicrote wave (Td), volume pulse decrease (Tdec) and fundamental arterial oscillation Tag = Td - Tmax were measured. 4. HR increased significantly during 30 degrees and 70 degrees tilt, but no change in the other hemodynamic parameters was observed. Amplitude, area under the curve and flux of both the Red and the NIR signal increased following head down tilt. A significant decrease of those parameters was found during foot down tilt. 5. No significant changes were found in the time discrete values, neither within each tilt step nor when compared to the initial mean value at 0 degrees tilt. 6. This study reveals that signal strength related parameters such as area under the curve, amplitude and flux reflect changes in vascular tone. Time discrete parameters however did not depict these changes and appear unsuitable for data analysis when using this specific hardware applied in the current study.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[Personal experience in the diagnosis and monitoring of therapy in metabolic disorders with risk of crystallization in patients with recurrent urolithiasis].

A ten-year experience with diagnosis and therapy of metabolic abnormalities and crystallization risks in patients with recurrent urolithiasis is presented. Since 1985, more than 900 persons with recurrent urolithiasis have been examined at the Metabolic Centre of the Hospital in Sternberk. The patients were examined routinely at ambulance or during hospitalization; the examination consisted of repeated urine and blood collections after the diet with various content of calcium and salt. All initial data (case history, physical finding, biochemistry, radiodiagnostics) were processed by a semi-expert computing program SOFT which was also used for monitoring of the therapy. Then the patients were divided into individual risk groups (Pak). Of all probands, the group of 130 patients (satisfying the strict criteria of the study) was selected and the data obtained was processed statistically. The group of 130 patients with recurrent urolithiasis (all of them were drug-treated) was compared to the group of 50 individuals with urolithiasis treated by diet and regimen measures. The patients given drugs showed a significantly increased crystallization inhibitors concentration in urine and reduced crystallization promotors, or relative saturation of some lithiatic substances. The paper analyzes the effect of the mostly administered drugs on crystallization risks and some less known "metabolic" indications of application of some drugs are recommended. It is concluded that the dietary, drinking and regime measures are basic for a good therapy of patients with urolithiasis, but patients with recurrent urolithiasis should be applied a selective metaphylaxis of drugs after routine metabolic examination. This finding is supported by a low number of recurrent urolithiasis.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

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↗
PubMed1998

[Facial soft tissue features analysis of normal Han race adults in Guangdong Province using computer-assisted-photogrammetric-system].

Facial soft tissue profile features of 150 normal native adults of Guangdong Province were analysed using computer-assisted-photogrammetric-system, which contained parameters written by polar coordinate. The results indicated that normal native adults of Guangdong Han race showed sex and region difference in features of facial profile soft tissue, and those parameters written by polar coordinate were helpful in the further study and clinical therapy.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[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↗
PubMed1995

A study of the accuracy of predicted soft tissue changes produced by a computer software package (COG 3.4) in a series of patients treated by the Le Fort I osteotomy.

This study was performed to compare soft tissue movements resulting from a series of Le Fort I osteotomies with those predicted for the same cases by means of a computerised software package (COG 3.4). The source material consisted of serial lateral cephalometric radiographs for 25 consecutive patients that had received similar Le Fort I osteotomies primarily to correct an antero-posterior skeletal discrepancy. Generally it was found that many of the digitised points on the facial profile were surprisingly well predicted. In addition, the chin and profile changes resulting from mandibular auto-rotation also were reasonably well predicted. However, in a number of cases prediction was less consistent and this was particularly true in the region of the nose and lips. In such instances, initial size, thickness and the existing morphology of the soft tissues appeared to be important factors. The tendency of the software occasionally to 'cross-over' the plots for the upper and lower lip profile made the judgement in this area of predicted profile change difficult in some cases.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

CT of soft-tissue neoplasms.

The computed tomographic scans (CT) of 84 patients with untreated soft-tissue neoplasms were studied, 75 with primary and nine with secondary lesions. Each scan was evaluated using several criteria: homogeneity and density, presence and type of calcification, presence of bony destruction, involvement of multiple muscle groups, definition of adjacent fat, border definition, and vessel or nerve involvement. CT demonstrated the lesion in all 84 patients and showed excellent anatomic detail in 64 of the 75 patients with primary neoplasms. CT did not differentiate vessel or nerve entrapment from neurovascular structures that were simply applied to the pseudocapsule of the tumor. Blurring of adjacent fat was an infrequent finding, but when it was present, the tumor was malignant. The CT findings were characteristic enough to suggest the histology of the neoplasm in only 13 lesions (nine lipomas, three hemangiomas, one neurofibroma). No malignant neoplasm had CT characteristics specific enough to differentiate it from any other malignant tumor. However, malignant neoplasms could be differentiated from benign neoplasms in 88% of the cases.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed1990

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↗
PubMed1997

[The development and application of computer assisted photogrammetric-system of facial soft tissue running under multiple facilities for taking image].

The photogrammetric-system was developed by using multimedia computer, colour television camera, SE100 video blaster, Newsketch 1212 HR digitizer and by using Visual Basic language. It ran under Windows 3.1 and Windows 95. The features of this system: 1. It had three kinds of functions: photogrammetric function for frontal and profile facial soft tissue, function for managing file and function for forming dynamic data base. 2. It ran under different facilities for taking image (television camera with video blaster, digitizer, scanner) speedily and specificly, and had very friendly interface, and was of multimedia. The application of this system: 1. assisting diagnosing, making plan for treatment and observing results of treatment in clinic of orthodontics, orthopedics and facial plastics, 2. assisting analysing the features of facial soft tissue about certain people, 3. assisting the multimedia teaching.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

[Osteomyelitis--imaging methods and their value].

Various imaging modalities are used in diagnosis of acute and chronic infectious endogenous osteomyelitis and exogenous ostitis. The pathophysiological changes of osteomyelitis/ostitis in the bone and surrounding soft tissue are known. Findings in plain film radiography show these changes only in relatively advanced stages of disease. Hence, plain film radiographs are useful as a basic imaging modality by excluding other differentials and as a follow-up modality under therapy. Ultrasound-using advanced technology--offers diagnostic help in acute osteomyelitis, especially in infants. The various techniques of nuclear medicine show much higher sensitivity for detecting osteomyelitis than plain film radiography, but do not permit good separation for bone involvement and infectious changes in the surrounding soft tissue. While computed tomography offers the ability to display bone and soft tissue separately, it has been widely replaced by magnetic resonance imaging using fat-suppressed sequences and paramagnetic contrast media which show the spread of the infectious changes with higher sensitivity and accuracy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

[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↗
PubMed2002

Cost-effectiveness of staging computed tomography of the chest in patients with T2 soft tissue sarcomas.

BACKGROUND: Published practice guidelines recommend routine chest computed tomography (CT) scanning as part of the staging evaluation for patients with T2 soft tissue sarcomas (STS), although there is no direct evidence to support this practice. The objective of this study was to determine the yield and cost-effectiveness of routine versus selective chest CT scanning for the staging of patients with T2 STS and to identify any subgroups for whom a more selective approach to chest CT scanning could be considered. METHODS: Six hundred consecutive patients with primary, nonthoracic, T2 (> 5 cm) STS underwent both chest X-ray (CXR) and chest CT scanning to evaluate the presence of pulmonary metastatic disease (M1). The authors constructed a decision tree that modeled the outcomes of diagnostic testing for two hypothetical diagnostic strategies: 1) routine chest CT (rCT) or 2) CXR and selective chest CT (sCT). The yield and cost of each strategy were determined; the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated as the cost per additional patient with pulmonary metastases identified by rCT versus sCT. RESULTS: The yield of rCT was higher than that of sCT (M1 disease identified in 19.2% vs. 16.0% of patients, respectively), but rCT was more costly ($1301 vs. $418 per patient, respectively). The ICER of rCT compared with sCT was $27,594 per patient identified with pulmonary metastasis. The expected yields, costs, and ICERs of the diagnostic strategies varied across patient subgroups based on grade, anatomic site, and tumor size. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with T2 STS, rCT was most cost-effective in patients with high-grade lesions or extremity lesions. The findings of this study do not support the routine use of chest CT scanning in all patients with T2 STS.

Adolescent↗