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At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources
PubMed1988

[Malignant fibrous histiocytoma of soft tissue. Possibilities and limitations of computed tomography].

Computed tomography was performed in 27 patients with confirmed malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the soft tissue. Compared with the CT results obtained in other tumours of the soft tissues. CT accuracy in malignant fibrous histiocytoma was only 74%. Non-typical attenuation values, diffuse tumour growth and non-typical contrast enhancement are discussed as reasons for the diagnostic understaging or overstaging of these soft tissue tumours. A higher accuracy was found on ultrasound examination with regard to tumour extension. Bone destruction was better visualised by CT. A base-line CT is recommended postoperatively for the earlier detection of recurrent tumours in further investigations.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Routine interval computed tomography to detect new soft-tissue disease might be unnecessary in patients with androgen-independent prostate cancer and metastasis only to bone.

OBJECTIVE: To identify patients with androgen-independent prostate cancer (AIPC) with bone metastasis and no soft-tissue metastases at the time of protocol enrollment, and analyse their disease progression by computed tomography (CT), bone scan, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level to determine the utility of routine interval CT in such patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Bone is the most common metastatic site in patients with AIPC and the only site of metastatic disease for many; because some with initial bone metastasis eventually develop soft-tissue disease, many clinical trials use routine CT to monitor for the latter as a sign of disease progression, but the actual incidence of new soft-tissue metastases is unknown and the role of routine interval CT in monitoring for disease progression, especially for asymptomatic patients, is unclear. Thus we reviewed 175 cases of metastatic AIPC from three randomized phase II clinical trials (docetaxel/thalidomide, docetaxel/vaccine, and ketoconazole/alendronate) at the National Cancer Institute between 1995 and 2004. The patients' PSA levels were assessed every 4 weeks, and CT and bone scans were done every 2-3 months. We retrospectively identified patients with bone metastasis only and examined subsequent CT for the occurrence of soft-tissue disease. For patients with progressive disease, we also examined bone scan and PSA progression. RESULTS: Of 175 patients with metastatic prostate cancer, 105 (60%) had bone metastasis only, 12 (6.9%) had soft-tissue metastases only, and 58 (33.1%) had both bone and soft-tissue metastases. The median (range) follow-up was 8 (1-44) months for the 105 patients with bone metastasis only. During that time, two patients (1.9%) developed new soft-tissue disease; one developed right iliac fossa lymphadenopathy after 8 months and the other developed a perirectal mass after 12 months. The patient with new lymphadenopathy also had multiple new bone lesions identified by bone scan and PSA progression. The patient with the perirectal mass had PSA progression and a palpable abnormality. CONCLUSION: This review of patients with AIPC and bone metastasis only, followed for a median of 8 months on clinical trials, shows that the incidence of asymptomatic new soft-tissue disease as the only sign of disease progression is quite low. Therefore, routine CT to exclude new soft-tissue disease in this population appears to be unwarranted. We recommend that for these patients CT is done only at the time of disease progression, as shown by bone scan, PSA level, or clinical presentation. We do not exclude the possibility that patients who remain on trial for significantly longer periods might benefit from routine interval CT.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Magnetic resonance imaging of bone and soft tissue tumors: early experience in 31 patients compared with computed tomography.

In 31 patients with 21 soft tissue and 10 bone tumors, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) were equally effective in delineating the margins of most soft tissue tumors, and the margins of bone tumors from fat and adjacent normal bone. However, MRI was superior to CT in delineating bone tumors from adjacent muscle, and in showing the relationships to bone of the deep margins of some soft tissue tumors. This was true because the quality of CT images around thick cortical bone often was severely degraded by streak artifact, which does not occur in MRI. Excellent anatomic detail was achieved on MRI by spin echo pulse sequences with short repetition times. Bone tumors were delineated best by spin echo 1000/30 images, and soft tissue tumors by spin echo 1000/30 or inversion recovery images.

Bone Neoplasms↗
PubMed1986

[Diagnostic imaging of peripheral soft tissue tumors with special reference to computed tomography].

The further development of modern therapeutical procedures in the treatment of soft tissue tumors requires an improvement of radiological diagnostics. The diagnostic values of X-rays, angiography, sonography and computed tomography is estimated critically. The results of own CT examinations in 120 patients with soft tissue tumors and of 50 ultrasound examinations show the importance of these methods in the extent diagnosis of soft tissue tumors. Ultrasound or CT- guided biopsy are helpful to prove the definitive diagnosis. These methods have reduced the use of angiography.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

Mouse limb bud development in submerged culture: quantitative assessment of the effects of in vivo exposure to retinoic acid.

Retinoic acid, suspended in cottonseed oil, was administered via gavage to pregnant mice (ICR strain) on day 11 (E 11) of gestation at doses of either 20, 40, or 80 mg/kg. Fetuses were examined for external malformations on day 17 (E 17). Retinoic acid treatment induced micromelia (with the elimination of several long bones at higher doses) and digital defects (ectrodactyly and syndactyly) in a dose-dependent manner in fetuses examined on day 17. Hindlimbs were affected more than forelimbs. In another group of experiments, limbs exposed to retinoic acid treatment in utero on E 11 were cultured on E 12 and maintained for 3 days in submerged culture. Cultured limbs were examined qualitatively for digital and long bone defects, and image analysis of the area and form of bone anlagen of cultured limbs was used to quantitatively evaluate the teratogenic potential of retinoic acid. The qualitative evaluation indicated that the retinoic acid-induced effects obtained in vivo and with pretreated, cultured limbs were essentially the same, except that the severity of regional effects changed as a result of culture. The incidence of ectrodactyly was higher with cultured limbs than with E 17 fetal limbs, but fewer cultured limbs were missing long bones. These results suggest that culturing limbs, after they have been pretreated in utero, modifies their response to a teratogen and demonstrates that the paw skeleton is extremely sensitive to teratogen treatment under these experimental conditions. Therefore, care must be exercised when attempting to compare in vivo and in vitro teratogenic data. This study also clearly demonstrates the power and usefulness of image analysis for quantitative evaluation of both the area and form of a cultured specimen such as the developing limb bud. Quantitative, image analysis of cultured limbs showed a dose-dependent decrease in area of both fore- and hindlimbs. The effect was most severe in hindlimbs. In the forelimb, the paw was affected more than the long bones; as the dose increased, this disparity of effect also increased. With the hindlimb, a greater effect on the paw occurred only at 80 mg/kg. Computing the soft tissue/bone ratio illustrated that retinoic acid had a greater effect on chondrogenic tissue than on soft tissue.

Abnormalities, Drug-Induced↗
PubMed1982

Percutaneous needle biopsy of soft tissue tumors guided by ultrasound and computed tomography.

Ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) guided percutaneous needle biopsy of soft tissue lesions was performed in 39 patients. A correct diagnosis was obtained in 35 of 42 biopsies, with an overall accuracy rate of 83%. No false-positive diagnoses were obtained, and no complications related to the procedure were encountered. The value of this technique in the management of selected patients with soft tissue masses is detailed.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Changes in ocular globe-to-orbital rim position with age: implications for aesthetic blepharoplasty of the lower eyelids.

Changes in the relationship of the anterior globe to the orbital rim, orbital fat, and cheek mass are examined in the present study. Two groups of individuals (N = 28) were studied, young versus old, using three-dimensional computer tomography. A computer-derived soft tissue reformat of the data allowed the anterior-posterior changes to be evaluated at the midpupillary plane. Analysis of the data brings to light two important changes which occur with aging. First, the orbital rim moves posteriorly relative to the anterior cornea with age (p = 0.0007). This is important because overresection of orbital fat during lower blepharoplasty accentuates the proptotic appearance of the eye which occurs naturally with age due to orbital remodeling. A second finding is that there is a tendency for the cheek mass to move posteriorly with age relative to the anterior cornea (p = 0.0038). The negative vector, a warning sign for lower blepharoplasty, becomes more common with advancing age. It is suggested that the presence of a negative vector is a sign of generalized maxillary hypoplasia. Certain individuals with a negative vector can be further identified preoperatively by the clinical triad of scleral show, prominent medial fat, and a prominent nasojugal crease. These individuals likewise exhibit maxillary hypoplasia and may be more prone to complications after blepharoplasty. Lastly, a summated model of skeletal remodeling is presented. The significant points are as follows: (1) contrary to previous work, the craniofacial skeleton remodels throughout adulthood, (2) changes in the skeletal architecture impart their effects on the overlying soft tissues, and (3) facial aging is a summation of both hard and soft tissue changes which occur throughout life.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Myelopathy due to scoliosis with vertebral hypertrophy in Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome.

We describe a 37-year-old man complaining of right back pain and gait disturbance. He had a big soft tumor on his right back, hemihypertrophy of the right lower extremity, and right thoracic scoliosis. We diagnosed Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome based on the pathological findings of the soft tumor. Computed tomography (CT) scan revealed severe spinal stenosis due to a hypertrophic vertebral body and facet joint at T7. Treatment by decompression of hypertrophic bone led to complete neurological recovery. To our knowledge, no case has been reported of Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome with myelopathy which originated from thoracic scoliosis with a hypertrophic facet joint and vertebral body. We suggest that the cause of myelopathy in Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome originated not only from arteriovenous fistula, medullary angioma, and extradural hemangioma but also vertebral hypertrophy with scoliosis.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Image quality assurance of soft copy display systems.

Image quality assurance has traditionally been a high priority in medical imaging departments. Recently, it has often been neglected with the transition from hard copy (film) to soft copy (computer) display systems, which could potentially result in difficulty in reading images or even misdiagnosis. This transition therefore requires careful management such that comparable image quality is achieved at a minimum. It is particularly difficult to maintain appropriate image quality in the clinical settings outside of medical imaging departments because of the volume of display systems and the financial restraints that prohibit the widespread use of dedicated computers and high-quality monitors. In this study, a protocol to test and calibrate display systems was developed and validated by using an inexpensive calibration tool. Using this protocol, monitors were identified in a hospital in which image quality was found to be inadequate for medical image viewing. It was also found that most monitors could achieve a substantial increase in image quality after calibration. For example, the 0 and 5% luminance difference was discernable on 30% of the piloted display systems before calibration, but it was discernable on 100% post calibration. In addition, about 50% of the piloted display systems did not have the maximum luminance (white level) suitably set, and 35% of them did not have the minimum luminance (dark level) suitably set. The results indicate that medical display systems must be carefully selected and strictly monitored, maintained, and calibrated to ensure adequate image quality.

Calibration↗
PubMed2004

Design, synthesis, and computational affinity prediction of ester soft drugs as inhibitors of dihydrofolate reductase from Pneumocystis carinii.

A series of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) inhibitors, where the methylenamino-bridge of non-classical inhibitors was replaced with an ester function, have been prepared as potential soft drugs intended for inhalation against Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP). Several of the new ester-based inhibitors that should serve as good substrates for the ubiquitous esterases and possibly constitute safer alternatives to metabolically stable DHFR inhibitors administered orally, were found to be potent inhibitors of P. carinii DHFR (pcDHFR). Although the objectives of the present program is to achieve a favorable toxicity profile by applying the soft drug concept, a high preference for inhibition of the fungal DHFR versus the mammalian DHFR is still desirable to suppress host toxicity at the site of administration. Compounds with a slight preference for the fungal enzyme were identified. The selection of the target compounds for synthesis was partly guided by an automated docking and scoring procedure as well as molecular dynamics simulations. The modest selectivity of the synthesized inhibitors was reasonably well predicted, although a correct ranking of the relative affinities was not successful in all cases.

Drug Design↗
PubMed2004

[Radiographic diagnosis in bone and joint infection management].

Radiographic diagnosis plays an important role in bone and joint infection management but the techniques used do not all present the same interest. Conventional radiography may not be informative during the first weeks and ultrasonography is especially useful to show accumulation of intra articular fluid or edematous soft-tissue. Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, bone scintigraphy are the best exams for this diagnosis. According to the type of infection (septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, spondylodiskitis, diabetic foot, prosthetic joint infection), and to anatomical localization, the examination is chosen depending on its sensitivity and its specificity for bone and joint infection management.

Bone Diseases, Infectious↗
PubMed1999

An algometer for intraoral pain tolerance measurements.

An algometer was developed to provide a variable probing force (0-200 g force) which could be used intraorally. This algometer consisted of an autoclavable probe handpiece attached to an optical encoder, which recorded probing force to a computer when a button was pressed. The probe handpiece included a 0.40 mm diameter hemispherical tip which was placed in contact with the experimental site. The probe tip was pressed against the tissue with increasing force until the subject pressed the button, at which point the pain tolerance (PT) value was recorded by the computer. Intraoral soft tissue, PT values were obtained from nine healthy adult subjects during 6 weekly visits to determine the reproducibility of PT measurements. Five gingival sulcus sites and three gingival surface sites, all adjacent to the maxillary premolars constituted the experimental area. The reproducibility of PT values using the force stimulus from the algometer was evaluated using interclass correlation coefficients (R) for each of the eight sites. Visits 1 and 2 were training and calibration visits. Visits 3 through 6 were experimental visits. The R values ranged from 0.40 to 0.79 when data from all six visits were included. R values for Visits 3 through 6 were 0.63-0.97 indicating good to excellent correlation after subjects became familiar with the procedure. A complete repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed no significant interaction between site and visit. Duncan's multiple range test was used to compare sensitivity across the eight sites. The results indicated that the three most anterior sites were significantly (P < 0.05) more sensitive than four of the posterior sites. When the sites were grouped into: (1) gingival surface sites; (2) mid-facial sulcus sites; and (3) interproximal sulcus sites, no significant differences were found in their PT values. The algometer is well suited for intraoral investigations because of its precision, computerized data entry and easily positioned, autoclavable handpiece. This new algometer may be useful for sensory and pain studies for other parts of the body.

Adult↗
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↗
PubMed1997

[Computer-aided analysis of maxillofacial soft tissue simulating with vertical dimensions of 4 different types]

In this study,33 parameters relating to vertical dimension of occlusion(VDO) of 19 subjects' maxilofacial soft tissue of four different vertical dimentsions(VDs) were measured.All of them were in intercusping position,with the technique of digital imaging analysis.The findings as follows:(1)A set of normal values of facial soft tissue's parameters of four different VDs was established,which was suitable for the age group of 21-24 years old.(2)When the VD was raised to the certain height(H4),it would affect the size of angle of the inferior soft tissue of lip distinctly,furthermore,the correlation analysis showed that there was a positive correlation between the variance of VDs would arouse the change of the inferior soft tissues of lip,especially its size of angle,is very correspondingly and obviously.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2005

[The use of real time visual feedback in the treatment of patients with increased fundamental frequency of voice].

To correct fundamental frequency (FF) in five juveniles with puberphonia and in five women with functional dysphonia, we used visual computer feedback (musical soft Circ FFT, Svante Granqvist). Visual computer control over FF alterations facilitated the above correction. This method is an additional tool to the armory of therapeutic measures to correct FF. It is especially useful for persons with tin ear.

Feedback↗