Background:and purpose:To share our single-center vertebral artery stump syndrome(VASS)treatment experience and assess the role of comprehensive classification based on anatomic development,proximal conditions,and dis...Background:and purpose:To share our single-center vertebral artery stump syndrome(VASS)treatment experience and assess the role of comprehensive classification based on anatomic development,proximal conditions,and distal conditions(PAD).Materials and methods:Data were retrospectively collected from patients who underwent endovascular thrombectomy(EVT)at the Stroke Center of the First Hospital of Jilin University between January 2016 and December2021.Among patients with acute ischemic stroke in the posterior circulation,those with acute occlusion of the intracranial arteries and occlusion at the origin of the vertebral artery confirmed by digital subtraction angiography were selected.The clinical data were summarized and analyzed.Results:Fifteen patients with VASS were enrolled in the study.The overall success rate of surgical recanalization was 80%.The successful proximal recanalization rate was 70.6%,and the recanalization rates for P1,P2,P3,and P4 were 100%,71.4%,50%,and 66.67%,respectively.The mean operation times for the A1 and A2 types were124 and 120 min,respectively.The successful distal recanalization rate was 91.7%,and the recanalization rates for types D1,D2,D3,and D4 were 100%,83.3%,100%,and 100%,respectively.Five patients experienced perioperative complications(incidence rate:33.3%).Distal embolism occurred in three patients(incidence rate:20%).No dissection or subarachnoid hemorrhage occurred in any patient.Conclusion:EVT is a technically feasible treatment for VASS,and comprehensive PAD classification can,to a certain extent,help initially estimate the difficulty of surgery and provide guidance for interventional procedures.展开更多
Tropical peat comprises decomposed dead plant material and acts like a sponge to absorb water,making it fully saturated.However,drought periods dry it readily and increases its vulnerability to fire.Peat fires emit gr...Tropical peat comprises decomposed dead plant material and acts like a sponge to absorb water,making it fully saturated.However,drought periods dry it readily and increases its vulnerability to fire.Peat fires emit greenhouse gases and particles contributing to haze,and prevention by constructing fire-break canals to reduce fire spread into forest reserves is crucial.This paper aims to determine peat physical and chemical properties near a fire-break canal at different fire frequency areas.Peat sampling was conducted at two forest reserves in Malaysia which represent low fire frequency and high fire frequency areas.The results show that peat properties were not affected by the construction of a fire-break canal,however lignin and cellulose content increased significantly from the distance of the canal in both areas.The study concluded that fire frequency did not significantly influence peat properties except for porosity.The higher fibre content in the high frequency area did not influence moisture content nor the ability to regain moisture.Thus,fire frequency might contribute differently to changes in physical and chemical properties,hence management efforts to construct fire-break canals and restoration efforts should protect peatlands from further degradation.These findings will benefit future management and planning for forest reserves.展开更多
Vertebral artery dissection is a rare pathology that can cause ischemic stroke in young people.Cervical massage,especially improper pulling manipulation,is a cause of vertebral artery dissection.We present a case of 3...Vertebral artery dissection is a rare pathology that can cause ischemic stroke in young people.Cervical massage,especially improper pulling manipulation,is a cause of vertebral artery dissection.We present a case of 32-year old woman who developed acute multiple posterior circulation ischemic cerebral infarctions as a result of left vertebral artery V4 segment dissection after receiving neck massage.She underwent emergency vertebral artery stent implantation at the site of the dissection.Symptoms were relieved the day after treatment.The patient recovered without adverse complications or endovascular restenosis in the following year.展开更多
This paper addresses the common orthopedic trauma of spinal vertebral fractures and aims to enhance doctors’diagnostic efficiency.Therefore,a deep-learning-based automated diagnostic systemwithmulti-label segmentatio...This paper addresses the common orthopedic trauma of spinal vertebral fractures and aims to enhance doctors’diagnostic efficiency.Therefore,a deep-learning-based automated diagnostic systemwithmulti-label segmentation is proposed to recognize the condition of vertebral fractures.The whole spine Computed Tomography(CT)image is segmented into the fracture,normal,and background using U-Net,and the fracture degree of each vertebra is evaluated(Genant semi-qualitative evaluation).The main work of this paper includes:First,based on the spatial configuration network(SCN)structure,U-Net is used instead of the SCN feature extraction network.The attention mechanismandthe residual connectionbetweenthe convolutional layers are added in the local network(LN)stage.Multiple filtering is added in the global network(GN)stage,and each layer of the LN decoder feature map is filtered separately using dot product,and the filtered features are re-convolved to obtain the GN output heatmap.Second,a network model with improved SCN(M-SCN)helps automatically localize the center-of-mass position of each vertebra,and the voxels around each localized vertebra were clipped,eliminating a large amount of redundant information(e.g.,background and other interfering vertebrae)and keeping the vertebrae to be segmented in the center of the image.Multilabel segmentation of the clipped portion was subsequently performed using U-Net.This paper uses VerSe’19,VerSe’20(using only data containing vertebral fractures),and private data(provided by Guizhou Orthopedic Hospital)for model training and evaluation.Compared with the original SCN network,the M-SCN reduced the prediction error rate by 1.09%and demonstrated the effectiveness of the improvement in ablation experiments.In the vertebral segmentation experiment,the Dice Similarity Coefficient(DSC)index reached 93.50%and the Maximum Symmetry Surface Distance(MSSD)index was 4.962 mm,with accuracy and recall of 95.82%and 91.73%,respectively.Fractured vertebrae were also marked as red and normal vertebrae were marked as white in the experiment,and the semi-qualitative assessment results of Genant were provided,as well as the results of spinal localization visualization and 3D reconstructed views of the spine to analyze the actual predictive ability of the model.It provides a promising tool for vertebral fracture detection.展开更多
BACKGROUND We report a rare case of cervical spinal canal penetrating trauma and review the relevant literatures.CASE SUMMARY A 58-year-old male patient was admitted to the emergency department with a steel bar penetr...BACKGROUND We report a rare case of cervical spinal canal penetrating trauma and review the relevant literatures.CASE SUMMARY A 58-year-old male patient was admitted to the emergency department with a steel bar penetrating the neck,without signs of neurological deficit.Computed tomography(CT)demonstrated that the steel bar had penetrated the cervical spinal canal at the C6–7 level,causing C6 and C7 vertebral body fracture,C6 left lamina fracture,left facet joint fracture,and penetration of the cervical spinal cord.The steel bar was successfully removed through an open surgical procedure by a multidisciplinary team.During the surgery,we found that the cervical vertebra,cervical spinal canal and cervical spinal cord were all severely injured.Postoperative CT demonstrated severe penetration of the cervical spinal canal but the patient returned to a fully functional level without any neurological deficits.CONCLUSION Even with a serious cervical spinal canal penetrating trauma,the patient could resume normal work and life after appropriate treatment.展开更多
BACKGROUND Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures(OVCFs)contribute to back pain and functional limitations in older individuals,with percutaneous vertebroplasty(PVP)emerging as a minimally invasive treatment.How...BACKGROUND Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures(OVCFs)contribute to back pain and functional limitations in older individuals,with percutaneous vertebroplasty(PVP)emerging as a minimally invasive treatment.However,further height loss post-PVP prompts investigation into contributing factors.AIM To investigate the factors associated with further height loss following PVP with cement augmentation in OVCF patients.METHODS A total of 200 OVCF patients who underwent successful PVP between January 2021 and December 2022 were included in this study.“Further height loss”during 1 year of follow-up in OVCF patients with bone edema was defined as a vertical height loss of≥4 mm.The study population was divided into two groups for analysis:The“No Further Height Loss group(n=179)”and the“Further Height Loss group(n=21).”RESULTS In comparing two distinct groups of patients,significant differences existed in bone mineral density(BMD),vertebral compression degree,prevalence of intravertebral cleft(IVF),type of bone cement used,and cement distribution patterns.Results from binary univariate regression analysis revealed that lower BMD,the presence of IVF,cleft distribution of bone cement,and higher vertebral compression degree were all significantly associated with further height loss.Notably,the use of mineralized collagen modified-poly(methyl methacrylate)bone cement was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of further height loss.In multivariate regression analysis,lower BMD and the presence of IVF remained significantly associated with further height loss.CONCLUSION Further height loss following PVP in OVCF patients is influenced by a complex interplay of factors,especially lower BMD and the presence of IVF.These findings underscore the importance of assessing and managing these factors when addressing height loss following PVP in OVCF patients.展开更多
On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Grand Canal's application for the World Heritage status in 2024,with the strong support of the Department of International Cooperation of the National Radio and Telev...On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Grand Canal's application for the World Heritage status in 2024,with the strong support of the Department of International Cooperation of the National Radio and Television Administration and the International Tourism Alliance of Silk Road Cities.展开更多
BACKGROUND Adjacent segment disease(ASD)after fusion surgery is frequently manifests as a cranial segment instability,disc herniation,spinal canal stenosis,spondylolisthesis or retrolisthesis.The risk factors and mech...BACKGROUND Adjacent segment disease(ASD)after fusion surgery is frequently manifests as a cranial segment instability,disc herniation,spinal canal stenosis,spondylolisthesis or retrolisthesis.The risk factors and mechanisms of ASD have been widely discussed but never clearly defined.AIM To investigate the risk factors and clinical significance of retrograde movement of the proximal vertebral body after lower lumbar fusion.METHODS This was a retrospective analysis of the clinical data of patients who underwent transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion surgery between September 2015 and July 2021 and who were followed up for more than 2 years.Ninety-one patients with degenerative lumbar diseases were included(22 males and 69 females),with an average age of 52.3 years(40-73 years).According to whether there was retrograde movement of the adjacent vertebral body on postoperative X-rays,the patients were divided into retrograde and nonretrograde groups.The sagittal parameters of the spine and pelvis were evaluated before surgery,after surgery,and at the final follow-up.At the same time,the Oswestry Disability Index(ODI)and Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)were used to evaluate the patients’quality of life.RESULTS Nineteen patients(20.9%)who experienced retrograde movement of proximal adjacent segments were included in this study.The pelvic incidence(PI)of the patients in the retrograde group were significantly higher than those of the patients in the nonretrograde group before surgery,after surgery and at the final follow-up(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in lumbar lordosis(LL)between the two groups before the operation,but LL in the retrograde group was significantly greater than that in the nonretrograde group postoperatively and at the final follow-up.No significant differences were detected in terms of the|PI–LL|,and there was no significant difference in the preoperative lordosis distribution index(LDI)between the two groups.The LDIs of the retrograde group were 68.1%±11.5%and 67.2%±11.9%,respectively,which were significantly lower than those of the nonretrograde group(75.7%±10.4%and 74.3%±9.4%,respectively)(P<0.05).Moreover,the patients in the retrograde group had a greater incidence of a LDI<50%than those in the nonretrograde group(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in the ODI or VAS scores between the two groups before the operation,but the ODI and VAS scores in the retrograde group were significantly worse than those in the nonretrograde group after the operation and at the last follow-up,(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The incidence of posterior slippage after lower lumbar fusion was approximately 20.9%.The risk factors are related to a higher PI and distribution of lumbar lordosis.When a patient has a high PI and insufficient reconstruction of the lower lumbar spine,adjacent segment compensation via posterior vertebral body slippage is one of the factors that significantly affects surgical outcomes.展开更多
Greenblatt and his team have unveiled vertebral skeletal stem cells(vSSCs)as a critical player in the landscape of bone metastasis.This commentary delves into the transformative discoveries surrounding vSSCs,emphasizi...Greenblatt and his team have unveiled vertebral skeletal stem cells(vSSCs)as a critical player in the landscape of bone metastasis.This commentary delves into the transformative discoveries surrounding vSSCs,emphasizing their distinct role in bone metastasis compared to other stem cell lineages.We illuminate the unique properties and functions of vSSCs,which may account for the elevated susceptibility of vertebral bones to metastatic invasion.Furthermore,we explore the exciting therapeutic horizons opened by this newfound understanding.These include potential interventions targeting vSSCs,modulation of associated signaling pathways,and broader implications for the treatment and management of bone metastasis.By shedding light on these game-changing insights,we hope to pave the way for novel strategies that could revolutionize the prognosis and treatment landscape for cancer patients with metastatic bone disease.展开更多
BACKGROUND Vertebral artery dissection(VAD)is a rare but life-threatening condition characterized by tearing of the intimal layer of the vertebral artery,leading to stenosis,occlusion or rupture.The clinical presentat...BACKGROUND Vertebral artery dissection(VAD)is a rare but life-threatening condition characterized by tearing of the intimal layer of the vertebral artery,leading to stenosis,occlusion or rupture.The clinical presentation of VAD can be heterogeneous,with common symptoms including headache,dizziness and balance problems.Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes;however,VAD is often missed due to its variable clinical presentation and lack of robust diagnostic guidelines.High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging(HRMRI)has emerged as a reliable diagnostic tool for VAD,providing detailed visualization of vessel wall abnormalities.CASE SUMMARY A young male patient presented with an acute onset of severe headache,vomiting,and seizures,followed by altered consciousness.Imaging studies revealed bilateral VAD,basilar artery thrombosis,multiple brainstem and cerebellar infarcts,and subarachnoid hemorrhage.Digital subtraction angiography(DSA)revealed vertebral artery stenosis but failed to detect the dissection,potentially because intramural thrombosis obscured the VAD.In contrast,HRMRI confirmed the diagnosis by revealing specific signs of dissection.The patient was managed conservatively with antiplatelet therapy and other supportive measures,such as blood pressure control and pain management.After 5 mo of rehabilitation,the patient showed significant improvement in swallowing and limb strength.CONCLUSION HR-MRI can provide precise evidence for the identification of VAD.展开更多
Introduction: The choice of adopting unilateral pedicle screw fixation or using bilateral pedicle screw fixation in lumbar spinal stenosis remains controversial. In our context, very few studies have been performed co...Introduction: The choice of adopting unilateral pedicle screw fixation or using bilateral pedicle screw fixation in lumbar spinal stenosis remains controversial. In our context, very few studies have been performed comparing the clinical effectiveness of unilateral versus bilateral fixation in the surgical management of lumbar spinal canal stenosis. Objective: Evaluate the impact on quality of life and clinical efficacy of unilateral spondylodesis compared to bilateral spondylodesis in the surgical management of lumbar spinal canal stenosis at the Yaounde Central Hospital. Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study for a period of 4 years, from June 2015 to June 2019. It involved all patients operated for lumbar canal stenosis and who underwent spondylodesis or spinal fusion at the neurosurgery department of the Yaounde Central Hospital. Results: A total of 68 participants were recruited during our study period. 32 (47%) of the study population were in the 50 - 60 age group, with a mean age of 56.98 years ranging from 41 to 75 years. Females, housewives and farmers were the most affected. In our study, 72% of patients had unilateral spondylodesis and 28% had bilateral fusion. Preoperatively, 71% of patients had insurmountable pain, refractory to medical treatment. At 3 months postoperatively, 73.7% of patients with bilateral setup had moderate pain compared to 69% of those with unilateral setup. At 6 months postoperatively, 79% of patients with bilateral fusion had mild pain compared to 82% of patients with unilateral setup. At 1 year postoperatively, all patients had mild pain. Preoperatively, 66.2% of patients were unable to walk and 19.1% of patients were bedridden according to the Oswestry score. At 3 months postoperatively, 10.2% of patients with unilateral setup were unable to walk compared to 10.5% of patients with bilateral fixation, while 67.3% of patients with unilateral fixation had moderate disability compared to 52.6% of patients with bilateral fixation. At 6 months postoperatively, 51% of patients with unilateral setup had moderate disability compared to 47.4% of patients with bilateral fixation, while 42.9% of patients with unilateral fixation had mild disability compared to 42.1% of patients with bilateral fixation. At 1 year postoperatively, 81.6% of patients who underwent unilateral fixation had only mild disability compared to 73.7% of patients with bilateral fixation. Conclusion: The assessment of quality of life according to the set-up used shows similar results at 3 months, 6 months and 1 year, with no statistically significant differences. Single-sided pedicle screw fixation combined with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion or mounting has the advantage of being faster, with less bleeding and is less expensive compared to bilateral fixation.展开更多
Objective: Vascular injuries usually present immediately after the penetration, but the delayed onset of vascular symptoms caused by vessel dissection or aneurysm after a traumatic event is extremely rare. Vertebral a...Objective: Vascular injuries usually present immediately after the penetration, but the delayed onset of vascular symptoms caused by vessel dissection or aneurysm after a traumatic event is extremely rare. Vertebral artery injury is a low-frequency but high-mortality injury. We aim to report evidence of delayed onset of vascular symptoms following penetrating trauma in the neck. Materials and Methods: A case report. Results: A 19-year-old boy was referred to our hospital and complained of a mass in the right part of his neck (right mandibular angle). He gave a history of penetrating trauma to his neck 2 months ago. The mass was expanding during these 2 months and doesn’t respond to antibiotic therapy. In the examination, 3 × 3 cm, firm, nonmobile, and without tenderness and pain mass was palpated in the second level of his neck. Doctors ordered a Doppler sonography in the hospital where a yin-yang pattern was reported. A 36 × 43 × 40 mm heterogeneous, solid, and hypodense area close to C1-C2-C3 with vascular flow was discovered in the right submandibular area after computed tomography (CT)-angiography. The patient was referred to an interventional neurologist for angiography and due to the lack of flow at the distal of the V3 segment, he decided to sacrifice this artery by two coils. Conclusion: Penetrating neck injuries are usually asymptomatic, but these injuries are often accompanied by hemorrhage, neurological symptoms, dysphagia, odynophagia, and windpipe. Penetrating lesions of the vertebral artery are rare and very difficult to diagnose. Also, these lesions are challenging for surgeons due to complex anatomy and difficult surgical exposure. So, endovascular treatment was used to treat the patient.展开更多
In this paper, we explore the diagnosis and treatment of hemangiopedcytoma (HPC). A rare case of HPC in the vertebral canal of thoracic segments is reported, and the clinical features as well as treatment approaches...In this paper, we explore the diagnosis and treatment of hemangiopedcytoma (HPC). A rare case of HPC in the vertebral canal of thoracic segments is reported, and the clinical features as well as treatment approaches of similar cases in the literature are discussed. In the present case, we operatively resected the tumor and performed postoperative radiation therapy, with good treatment results.展开更多
Objective: It remains unknown whether calcium metabolism has any effect on the clinical presentation of superior semicircular canal dehiscence(SSCD). Our aim was to analyse the adjusted calcium and vitamin D levels in...Objective: It remains unknown whether calcium metabolism has any effect on the clinical presentation of superior semicircular canal dehiscence(SSCD). Our aim was to analyse the adjusted calcium and vitamin D levels in SSCD patients compared to a control group.Methods: This was a prospective case-control study performed in a tertiary referral center, university teaching hospital in the UK. It included all new patients with SSCD seen in a dedicated skull base clinic over a 5-year period(2015-2019) compared to a gender and age matched control group. The main outcome of the study was adjusted calcium and Vitamin D levels between the two groups.Results: A total of 31 SSCD patients were recruited with a matched number of control patients. The mean Vitamin D level on the SSCD group was 44.8 nmoL/l(SD: 20.8) compared to 47.5 nmoL/l(SD: 27.4) on the control group(p = 0.702). Mean Adjusted calcium level was 2.34 mmoL/l(SD: 0.7) for SSCD compared to2.41 mmoL/l(SD: 0.11) for controls(p = 0.01), being within normal limits for both the SSCD and the control group.Conclusion: Our study did not identify a link between Vitamin D levels and presence of SSCD. Normal adjusted calcium values were found in both groups. Despite that a statistically significant lower calcium level was found in the SSCD group which could indicate that suboptimal levels of calcium may affect the micro-environment of the otic capsule at the SSC region.展开更多
Middle-mesial canals in mandibular molars are present in the population depending on age, sex and ethnicity. However, limited literature alludes to its prevalence. Troughing procedures may enhance identification, clea...Middle-mesial canals in mandibular molars are present in the population depending on age, sex and ethnicity. However, limited literature alludes to its prevalence. Troughing procedures may enhance identification, cleaning and shaping. This case report expresses the recognition and management of middle-mesial canal in a mandibular second molar of 24 years old Hispanic-Latino male.展开更多
Nodular fasciitis is a benign reactive soft tissue tumor arising from fibroblasts and myofibroblasts.Its incidence is low and misdiagnosis is frequent especially for malignant lesions.This can lead to inappropriate an...Nodular fasciitis is a benign reactive soft tissue tumor arising from fibroblasts and myofibroblasts.Its incidence is low and misdiagnosis is frequent especially for malignant lesions.This can lead to inappropriate and unnecessary invasive treatment.Nodular fasciitis of the external auditory canal is extremely rare.So far,around fifteen cases have been reported.We present here the case of a 90-year-old patient with nodular fasciitis of the right external auditory canal.The lesion extends anteriorly for 6.5 cm and reaches the posterior wall of the maxillary sinus.To our knowledge,this is the first case in the literature of an external auditory canal nodular fasciitis presenting as an inflammatory ear polyp with such a wide extension.展开更多
Purpose:To construct a symptoms-based prediction tool to assess the likelihood of superior canal dehiscence(SSCD)on high-resolution CT.Materials and methods:Mathematical modeling was employed to predict radiologic evi...Purpose:To construct a symptoms-based prediction tool to assess the likelihood of superior canal dehiscence(SSCD)on high-resolution CT.Materials and methods:Mathematical modeling was employed to predict radiologic evidence of SSCD at a tertiary neurotology referral center.Results:A total of 168 patients were included,of which 118 had imaging-confirmed SSCD.On univariate analysis significant predictors of SSCD presence were:sound/pressure-induced vertigo(p?0.006),disequilibrium(p?0.008),hyperacusis(p?0.008),and autophony(p?0.034).Multivariate analysis enabled a 14-point symptom-weighted tool to be developed,wherein a score of6 raised the suspicion of SSCD(70%likelihood of being present),R2?0.853.Conclusions:The likelihood of SSCD on CT scan can be determined with a high degree of certainty based on symptoms recorded at presentation.Using the evidenced-based diagnostic tool validated herein,a score6 with any symptom combination justifies ordering a CT scan.展开更多
Background: The aim was to evaluate the nonsurgical Root Canal Treatment (nRCT) outcome, the restorative condition and the relationship between the coronal restoration quality and the outcome of teeth endodontic treat...Background: The aim was to evaluate the nonsurgical Root Canal Treatment (nRCT) outcome, the restorative condition and the relationship between the coronal restoration quality and the outcome of teeth endodontic treated by undergraduates at the University of Caxias do Sul School of Dentistry (UCS-SD), Brazil, between 2019 and 2021. Materials and Methods: Data from the endodontically treated cases were retrieved, and the patients were recalled for a follow-up appointment at the university. The endodontic diagnosis, radiographs, and the presence of definitive restorations were analyzed in the clinical records. During the follow-up appointment, endodontically treated teeth were classified as present or absent. The nRCT was classified as successful (complete or incomplete healing) or failure (uncertain or unsatisfactory healing). Coronal restoration was classified as absent or present. When it was present, it was classified as permanent or temporary, and its quality as adequate or inadequate restoration. The results were presented as percentages. Results: A total of 257 teeth were endodontically treated. The most prevalent diagnosis was Chronic Apical Periodontitis (33.33%) and the most commonly treated teeth were premolars (46.15%). A total of 52 (21%) treated teeth were clinically and radiographically reexamined. The success rate for the nRCT was 98.08%. About 61.54% of this sample had a definitive composite resin restoration. Conclusion: The nRCT success rate was high. Special attention should be given to the presence and quality of the definitive restoration. Clinical Implications: There was no statistically significant impact between the coronal restoration and the nRCT success (P > 0.05).展开更多
[Objectives]To explore the clinical effect of Erxian decoction on relieving low back pain after percutaneous vertebroplasty(PVP)of vertebral compression fracture caused by postmenopausal osteoporosis(PMOP).[Methods]Ni...[Objectives]To explore the clinical effect of Erxian decoction on relieving low back pain after percutaneous vertebroplasty(PVP)of vertebral compression fracture caused by postmenopausal osteoporosis(PMOP).[Methods]Ninety patients who were treated in Suzhou TCM Hospital from September 2021 to January 2023 were randomly divided into three groups:traditional Chinese medicine group(n=30),western medicine group(n=30)and blank group(n=30).The patients in all the three groups were treated with basic anti-osteoporosis drugs.The patients in the traditional Chinese medicine group were treated with Erxian decoction after PVP,and those in the western medicine group were treated with celecoxib to relieve pain after operation.The visual analogue(VAS)score,Oswestry dysfunction index(ODI)score,TCM syndrome score and serum indexes such as interleukin-6(IL-6)and estrogen E2 were recorded before treatment and 2 weeks,1 month and 3 months after treatment.[Results](i)In terms of pain relief,the VAS score of the western medicine group was lower than that of the traditional Chinese medicine group after 2 weeks of treatment,but there was no significant difference in VAS score between the two groups after 1 month and 3 months,and the pain improvement of the two groups was better than that of the blank group.(ii)After 3 months of treatment,the ODI score in the traditional Chinese medicine group was lower than that in the western medicine group,and the improvement of TCM syndrome in the traditional Chinese medicine group was better than that in the other two groups 1 and 3 months after treatment(P<0.05).(iii)The level of IL-6 in the western medicine group was lower than that in the other groups after 2 weeks,and there was no significant difference between the two groups after 3 months of treatment.After 3 months of treatment,the level of E2 in the traditional Chinese medicine group was higher than that before treatment and higher than that in the western medicine group and the blank group,but there was no significant difference between the two groups(P>0.05).[Conclusions]Both Erxian decoction and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can relieve residual low back pain after PVP,and their long-term effects are similar,but Erxian decoction has more advantages in alleviating pain,muscle and joint pain and sensory abnormalities in postmenopausal women.Moreover,it is safe and reliable,and is worthy of clinical application.展开更多
文摘Background:and purpose:To share our single-center vertebral artery stump syndrome(VASS)treatment experience and assess the role of comprehensive classification based on anatomic development,proximal conditions,and distal conditions(PAD).Materials and methods:Data were retrospectively collected from patients who underwent endovascular thrombectomy(EVT)at the Stroke Center of the First Hospital of Jilin University between January 2016 and December2021.Among patients with acute ischemic stroke in the posterior circulation,those with acute occlusion of the intracranial arteries and occlusion at the origin of the vertebral artery confirmed by digital subtraction angiography were selected.The clinical data were summarized and analyzed.Results:Fifteen patients with VASS were enrolled in the study.The overall success rate of surgical recanalization was 80%.The successful proximal recanalization rate was 70.6%,and the recanalization rates for P1,P2,P3,and P4 were 100%,71.4%,50%,and 66.67%,respectively.The mean operation times for the A1 and A2 types were124 and 120 min,respectively.The successful distal recanalization rate was 91.7%,and the recanalization rates for types D1,D2,D3,and D4 were 100%,83.3%,100%,and 100%,respectively.Five patients experienced perioperative complications(incidence rate:33.3%).Distal embolism occurred in three patients(incidence rate:20%).No dissection or subarachnoid hemorrhage occurred in any patient.Conclusion:EVT is a technically feasible treatment for VASS,and comprehensive PAD classification can,to a certain extent,help initially estimate the difficulty of surgery and provide guidance for interventional procedures.
基金This research was funded by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia via the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme(FRGS/1/2020/WAB03/UPM/02/1)。
文摘Tropical peat comprises decomposed dead plant material and acts like a sponge to absorb water,making it fully saturated.However,drought periods dry it readily and increases its vulnerability to fire.Peat fires emit greenhouse gases and particles contributing to haze,and prevention by constructing fire-break canals to reduce fire spread into forest reserves is crucial.This paper aims to determine peat physical and chemical properties near a fire-break canal at different fire frequency areas.Peat sampling was conducted at two forest reserves in Malaysia which represent low fire frequency and high fire frequency areas.The results show that peat properties were not affected by the construction of a fire-break canal,however lignin and cellulose content increased significantly from the distance of the canal in both areas.The study concluded that fire frequency did not significantly influence peat properties except for porosity.The higher fibre content in the high frequency area did not influence moisture content nor the ability to regain moisture.Thus,fire frequency might contribute differently to changes in physical and chemical properties,hence management efforts to construct fire-break canals and restoration efforts should protect peatlands from further degradation.These findings will benefit future management and planning for forest reserves.
文摘Vertebral artery dissection is a rare pathology that can cause ischemic stroke in young people.Cervical massage,especially improper pulling manipulation,is a cause of vertebral artery dissection.We present a case of 32-year old woman who developed acute multiple posterior circulation ischemic cerebral infarctions as a result of left vertebral artery V4 segment dissection after receiving neck massage.She underwent emergency vertebral artery stent implantation at the site of the dissection.Symptoms were relieved the day after treatment.The patient recovered without adverse complications or endovascular restenosis in the following year.
文摘This paper addresses the common orthopedic trauma of spinal vertebral fractures and aims to enhance doctors’diagnostic efficiency.Therefore,a deep-learning-based automated diagnostic systemwithmulti-label segmentation is proposed to recognize the condition of vertebral fractures.The whole spine Computed Tomography(CT)image is segmented into the fracture,normal,and background using U-Net,and the fracture degree of each vertebra is evaluated(Genant semi-qualitative evaluation).The main work of this paper includes:First,based on the spatial configuration network(SCN)structure,U-Net is used instead of the SCN feature extraction network.The attention mechanismandthe residual connectionbetweenthe convolutional layers are added in the local network(LN)stage.Multiple filtering is added in the global network(GN)stage,and each layer of the LN decoder feature map is filtered separately using dot product,and the filtered features are re-convolved to obtain the GN output heatmap.Second,a network model with improved SCN(M-SCN)helps automatically localize the center-of-mass position of each vertebra,and the voxels around each localized vertebra were clipped,eliminating a large amount of redundant information(e.g.,background and other interfering vertebrae)and keeping the vertebrae to be segmented in the center of the image.Multilabel segmentation of the clipped portion was subsequently performed using U-Net.This paper uses VerSe’19,VerSe’20(using only data containing vertebral fractures),and private data(provided by Guizhou Orthopedic Hospital)for model training and evaluation.Compared with the original SCN network,the M-SCN reduced the prediction error rate by 1.09%and demonstrated the effectiveness of the improvement in ablation experiments.In the vertebral segmentation experiment,the Dice Similarity Coefficient(DSC)index reached 93.50%and the Maximum Symmetry Surface Distance(MSSD)index was 4.962 mm,with accuracy and recall of 95.82%and 91.73%,respectively.Fractured vertebrae were also marked as red and normal vertebrae were marked as white in the experiment,and the semi-qualitative assessment results of Genant were provided,as well as the results of spinal localization visualization and 3D reconstructed views of the spine to analyze the actual predictive ability of the model.It provides a promising tool for vertebral fracture detection.
文摘BACKGROUND We report a rare case of cervical spinal canal penetrating trauma and review the relevant literatures.CASE SUMMARY A 58-year-old male patient was admitted to the emergency department with a steel bar penetrating the neck,without signs of neurological deficit.Computed tomography(CT)demonstrated that the steel bar had penetrated the cervical spinal canal at the C6–7 level,causing C6 and C7 vertebral body fracture,C6 left lamina fracture,left facet joint fracture,and penetration of the cervical spinal cord.The steel bar was successfully removed through an open surgical procedure by a multidisciplinary team.During the surgery,we found that the cervical vertebra,cervical spinal canal and cervical spinal cord were all severely injured.Postoperative CT demonstrated severe penetration of the cervical spinal canal but the patient returned to a fully functional level without any neurological deficits.CONCLUSION Even with a serious cervical spinal canal penetrating trauma,the patient could resume normal work and life after appropriate treatment.
基金the 2022 Panzhihua City Science and Technology Guidance Plan Project,No.2022ZD-S-35.
文摘BACKGROUND Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures(OVCFs)contribute to back pain and functional limitations in older individuals,with percutaneous vertebroplasty(PVP)emerging as a minimally invasive treatment.However,further height loss post-PVP prompts investigation into contributing factors.AIM To investigate the factors associated with further height loss following PVP with cement augmentation in OVCF patients.METHODS A total of 200 OVCF patients who underwent successful PVP between January 2021 and December 2022 were included in this study.“Further height loss”during 1 year of follow-up in OVCF patients with bone edema was defined as a vertical height loss of≥4 mm.The study population was divided into two groups for analysis:The“No Further Height Loss group(n=179)”and the“Further Height Loss group(n=21).”RESULTS In comparing two distinct groups of patients,significant differences existed in bone mineral density(BMD),vertebral compression degree,prevalence of intravertebral cleft(IVF),type of bone cement used,and cement distribution patterns.Results from binary univariate regression analysis revealed that lower BMD,the presence of IVF,cleft distribution of bone cement,and higher vertebral compression degree were all significantly associated with further height loss.Notably,the use of mineralized collagen modified-poly(methyl methacrylate)bone cement was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of further height loss.In multivariate regression analysis,lower BMD and the presence of IVF remained significantly associated with further height loss.CONCLUSION Further height loss following PVP in OVCF patients is influenced by a complex interplay of factors,especially lower BMD and the presence of IVF.These findings underscore the importance of assessing and managing these factors when addressing height loss following PVP in OVCF patients.
文摘On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Grand Canal's application for the World Heritage status in 2024,with the strong support of the Department of International Cooperation of the National Radio and Television Administration and the International Tourism Alliance of Silk Road Cities.
基金Supported by The Youth Medicine Technology Innovation Project of Xuzhou Health Commission,No.XWKYHT20200026.
文摘BACKGROUND Adjacent segment disease(ASD)after fusion surgery is frequently manifests as a cranial segment instability,disc herniation,spinal canal stenosis,spondylolisthesis or retrolisthesis.The risk factors and mechanisms of ASD have been widely discussed but never clearly defined.AIM To investigate the risk factors and clinical significance of retrograde movement of the proximal vertebral body after lower lumbar fusion.METHODS This was a retrospective analysis of the clinical data of patients who underwent transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion surgery between September 2015 and July 2021 and who were followed up for more than 2 years.Ninety-one patients with degenerative lumbar diseases were included(22 males and 69 females),with an average age of 52.3 years(40-73 years).According to whether there was retrograde movement of the adjacent vertebral body on postoperative X-rays,the patients were divided into retrograde and nonretrograde groups.The sagittal parameters of the spine and pelvis were evaluated before surgery,after surgery,and at the final follow-up.At the same time,the Oswestry Disability Index(ODI)and Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)were used to evaluate the patients’quality of life.RESULTS Nineteen patients(20.9%)who experienced retrograde movement of proximal adjacent segments were included in this study.The pelvic incidence(PI)of the patients in the retrograde group were significantly higher than those of the patients in the nonretrograde group before surgery,after surgery and at the final follow-up(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in lumbar lordosis(LL)between the two groups before the operation,but LL in the retrograde group was significantly greater than that in the nonretrograde group postoperatively and at the final follow-up.No significant differences were detected in terms of the|PI–LL|,and there was no significant difference in the preoperative lordosis distribution index(LDI)between the two groups.The LDIs of the retrograde group were 68.1%±11.5%and 67.2%±11.9%,respectively,which were significantly lower than those of the nonretrograde group(75.7%±10.4%and 74.3%±9.4%,respectively)(P<0.05).Moreover,the patients in the retrograde group had a greater incidence of a LDI<50%than those in the nonretrograde group(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in the ODI or VAS scores between the two groups before the operation,but the ODI and VAS scores in the retrograde group were significantly worse than those in the nonretrograde group after the operation and at the last follow-up,(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The incidence of posterior slippage after lower lumbar fusion was approximately 20.9%.The risk factors are related to a higher PI and distribution of lumbar lordosis.When a patient has a high PI and insufficient reconstruction of the lower lumbar spine,adjacent segment compensation via posterior vertebral body slippage is one of the factors that significantly affects surgical outcomes.
文摘Greenblatt and his team have unveiled vertebral skeletal stem cells(vSSCs)as a critical player in the landscape of bone metastasis.This commentary delves into the transformative discoveries surrounding vSSCs,emphasizing their distinct role in bone metastasis compared to other stem cell lineages.We illuminate the unique properties and functions of vSSCs,which may account for the elevated susceptibility of vertebral bones to metastatic invasion.Furthermore,we explore the exciting therapeutic horizons opened by this newfound understanding.These include potential interventions targeting vSSCs,modulation of associated signaling pathways,and broader implications for the treatment and management of bone metastasis.By shedding light on these game-changing insights,we hope to pave the way for novel strategies that could revolutionize the prognosis and treatment landscape for cancer patients with metastatic bone disease.
基金Supported by The Clinical Innovation Guidance Program of Hunan Provincial Science and Technology Department,China,No.2021SK51714The Hunan Nature Science Foundation,China,No.2023JJ30531.
文摘BACKGROUND Vertebral artery dissection(VAD)is a rare but life-threatening condition characterized by tearing of the intimal layer of the vertebral artery,leading to stenosis,occlusion or rupture.The clinical presentation of VAD can be heterogeneous,with common symptoms including headache,dizziness and balance problems.Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes;however,VAD is often missed due to its variable clinical presentation and lack of robust diagnostic guidelines.High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging(HRMRI)has emerged as a reliable diagnostic tool for VAD,providing detailed visualization of vessel wall abnormalities.CASE SUMMARY A young male patient presented with an acute onset of severe headache,vomiting,and seizures,followed by altered consciousness.Imaging studies revealed bilateral VAD,basilar artery thrombosis,multiple brainstem and cerebellar infarcts,and subarachnoid hemorrhage.Digital subtraction angiography(DSA)revealed vertebral artery stenosis but failed to detect the dissection,potentially because intramural thrombosis obscured the VAD.In contrast,HRMRI confirmed the diagnosis by revealing specific signs of dissection.The patient was managed conservatively with antiplatelet therapy and other supportive measures,such as blood pressure control and pain management.After 5 mo of rehabilitation,the patient showed significant improvement in swallowing and limb strength.CONCLUSION HR-MRI can provide precise evidence for the identification of VAD.
文摘Introduction: The choice of adopting unilateral pedicle screw fixation or using bilateral pedicle screw fixation in lumbar spinal stenosis remains controversial. In our context, very few studies have been performed comparing the clinical effectiveness of unilateral versus bilateral fixation in the surgical management of lumbar spinal canal stenosis. Objective: Evaluate the impact on quality of life and clinical efficacy of unilateral spondylodesis compared to bilateral spondylodesis in the surgical management of lumbar spinal canal stenosis at the Yaounde Central Hospital. Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study for a period of 4 years, from June 2015 to June 2019. It involved all patients operated for lumbar canal stenosis and who underwent spondylodesis or spinal fusion at the neurosurgery department of the Yaounde Central Hospital. Results: A total of 68 participants were recruited during our study period. 32 (47%) of the study population were in the 50 - 60 age group, with a mean age of 56.98 years ranging from 41 to 75 years. Females, housewives and farmers were the most affected. In our study, 72% of patients had unilateral spondylodesis and 28% had bilateral fusion. Preoperatively, 71% of patients had insurmountable pain, refractory to medical treatment. At 3 months postoperatively, 73.7% of patients with bilateral setup had moderate pain compared to 69% of those with unilateral setup. At 6 months postoperatively, 79% of patients with bilateral fusion had mild pain compared to 82% of patients with unilateral setup. At 1 year postoperatively, all patients had mild pain. Preoperatively, 66.2% of patients were unable to walk and 19.1% of patients were bedridden according to the Oswestry score. At 3 months postoperatively, 10.2% of patients with unilateral setup were unable to walk compared to 10.5% of patients with bilateral fixation, while 67.3% of patients with unilateral fixation had moderate disability compared to 52.6% of patients with bilateral fixation. At 6 months postoperatively, 51% of patients with unilateral setup had moderate disability compared to 47.4% of patients with bilateral fixation, while 42.9% of patients with unilateral fixation had mild disability compared to 42.1% of patients with bilateral fixation. At 1 year postoperatively, 81.6% of patients who underwent unilateral fixation had only mild disability compared to 73.7% of patients with bilateral fixation. Conclusion: The assessment of quality of life according to the set-up used shows similar results at 3 months, 6 months and 1 year, with no statistically significant differences. Single-sided pedicle screw fixation combined with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion or mounting has the advantage of being faster, with less bleeding and is less expensive compared to bilateral fixation.
文摘Objective: Vascular injuries usually present immediately after the penetration, but the delayed onset of vascular symptoms caused by vessel dissection or aneurysm after a traumatic event is extremely rare. Vertebral artery injury is a low-frequency but high-mortality injury. We aim to report evidence of delayed onset of vascular symptoms following penetrating trauma in the neck. Materials and Methods: A case report. Results: A 19-year-old boy was referred to our hospital and complained of a mass in the right part of his neck (right mandibular angle). He gave a history of penetrating trauma to his neck 2 months ago. The mass was expanding during these 2 months and doesn’t respond to antibiotic therapy. In the examination, 3 × 3 cm, firm, nonmobile, and without tenderness and pain mass was palpated in the second level of his neck. Doctors ordered a Doppler sonography in the hospital where a yin-yang pattern was reported. A 36 × 43 × 40 mm heterogeneous, solid, and hypodense area close to C1-C2-C3 with vascular flow was discovered in the right submandibular area after computed tomography (CT)-angiography. The patient was referred to an interventional neurologist for angiography and due to the lack of flow at the distal of the V3 segment, he decided to sacrifice this artery by two coils. Conclusion: Penetrating neck injuries are usually asymptomatic, but these injuries are often accompanied by hemorrhage, neurological symptoms, dysphagia, odynophagia, and windpipe. Penetrating lesions of the vertebral artery are rare and very difficult to diagnose. Also, these lesions are challenging for surgeons due to complex anatomy and difficult surgical exposure. So, endovascular treatment was used to treat the patient.
文摘In this paper, we explore the diagnosis and treatment of hemangiopedcytoma (HPC). A rare case of HPC in the vertebral canal of thoracic segments is reported, and the clinical features as well as treatment approaches of similar cases in the literature are discussed. In the present case, we operatively resected the tumor and performed postoperative radiation therapy, with good treatment results.
文摘Objective: It remains unknown whether calcium metabolism has any effect on the clinical presentation of superior semicircular canal dehiscence(SSCD). Our aim was to analyse the adjusted calcium and vitamin D levels in SSCD patients compared to a control group.Methods: This was a prospective case-control study performed in a tertiary referral center, university teaching hospital in the UK. It included all new patients with SSCD seen in a dedicated skull base clinic over a 5-year period(2015-2019) compared to a gender and age matched control group. The main outcome of the study was adjusted calcium and Vitamin D levels between the two groups.Results: A total of 31 SSCD patients were recruited with a matched number of control patients. The mean Vitamin D level on the SSCD group was 44.8 nmoL/l(SD: 20.8) compared to 47.5 nmoL/l(SD: 27.4) on the control group(p = 0.702). Mean Adjusted calcium level was 2.34 mmoL/l(SD: 0.7) for SSCD compared to2.41 mmoL/l(SD: 0.11) for controls(p = 0.01), being within normal limits for both the SSCD and the control group.Conclusion: Our study did not identify a link between Vitamin D levels and presence of SSCD. Normal adjusted calcium values were found in both groups. Despite that a statistically significant lower calcium level was found in the SSCD group which could indicate that suboptimal levels of calcium may affect the micro-environment of the otic capsule at the SSC region.
文摘Middle-mesial canals in mandibular molars are present in the population depending on age, sex and ethnicity. However, limited literature alludes to its prevalence. Troughing procedures may enhance identification, cleaning and shaping. This case report expresses the recognition and management of middle-mesial canal in a mandibular second molar of 24 years old Hispanic-Latino male.
文摘Nodular fasciitis is a benign reactive soft tissue tumor arising from fibroblasts and myofibroblasts.Its incidence is low and misdiagnosis is frequent especially for malignant lesions.This can lead to inappropriate and unnecessary invasive treatment.Nodular fasciitis of the external auditory canal is extremely rare.So far,around fifteen cases have been reported.We present here the case of a 90-year-old patient with nodular fasciitis of the right external auditory canal.The lesion extends anteriorly for 6.5 cm and reaches the posterior wall of the maxillary sinus.To our knowledge,this is the first case in the literature of an external auditory canal nodular fasciitis presenting as an inflammatory ear polyp with such a wide extension.
文摘Purpose:To construct a symptoms-based prediction tool to assess the likelihood of superior canal dehiscence(SSCD)on high-resolution CT.Materials and methods:Mathematical modeling was employed to predict radiologic evidence of SSCD at a tertiary neurotology referral center.Results:A total of 168 patients were included,of which 118 had imaging-confirmed SSCD.On univariate analysis significant predictors of SSCD presence were:sound/pressure-induced vertigo(p?0.006),disequilibrium(p?0.008),hyperacusis(p?0.008),and autophony(p?0.034).Multivariate analysis enabled a 14-point symptom-weighted tool to be developed,wherein a score of6 raised the suspicion of SSCD(70%likelihood of being present),R2?0.853.Conclusions:The likelihood of SSCD on CT scan can be determined with a high degree of certainty based on symptoms recorded at presentation.Using the evidenced-based diagnostic tool validated herein,a score6 with any symptom combination justifies ordering a CT scan.
文摘Background: The aim was to evaluate the nonsurgical Root Canal Treatment (nRCT) outcome, the restorative condition and the relationship between the coronal restoration quality and the outcome of teeth endodontic treated by undergraduates at the University of Caxias do Sul School of Dentistry (UCS-SD), Brazil, between 2019 and 2021. Materials and Methods: Data from the endodontically treated cases were retrieved, and the patients were recalled for a follow-up appointment at the university. The endodontic diagnosis, radiographs, and the presence of definitive restorations were analyzed in the clinical records. During the follow-up appointment, endodontically treated teeth were classified as present or absent. The nRCT was classified as successful (complete or incomplete healing) or failure (uncertain or unsatisfactory healing). Coronal restoration was classified as absent or present. When it was present, it was classified as permanent or temporary, and its quality as adequate or inadequate restoration. The results were presented as percentages. Results: A total of 257 teeth were endodontically treated. The most prevalent diagnosis was Chronic Apical Periodontitis (33.33%) and the most commonly treated teeth were premolars (46.15%). A total of 52 (21%) treated teeth were clinically and radiographically reexamined. The success rate for the nRCT was 98.08%. About 61.54% of this sample had a definitive composite resin restoration. Conclusion: The nRCT success rate was high. Special attention should be given to the presence and quality of the definitive restoration. Clinical Implications: There was no statistically significant impact between the coronal restoration and the nRCT success (P > 0.05).
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(82074456)Suzhou Health Commission,Gusu Health Talent Project(GSWS2020090).
文摘[Objectives]To explore the clinical effect of Erxian decoction on relieving low back pain after percutaneous vertebroplasty(PVP)of vertebral compression fracture caused by postmenopausal osteoporosis(PMOP).[Methods]Ninety patients who were treated in Suzhou TCM Hospital from September 2021 to January 2023 were randomly divided into three groups:traditional Chinese medicine group(n=30),western medicine group(n=30)and blank group(n=30).The patients in all the three groups were treated with basic anti-osteoporosis drugs.The patients in the traditional Chinese medicine group were treated with Erxian decoction after PVP,and those in the western medicine group were treated with celecoxib to relieve pain after operation.The visual analogue(VAS)score,Oswestry dysfunction index(ODI)score,TCM syndrome score and serum indexes such as interleukin-6(IL-6)and estrogen E2 were recorded before treatment and 2 weeks,1 month and 3 months after treatment.[Results](i)In terms of pain relief,the VAS score of the western medicine group was lower than that of the traditional Chinese medicine group after 2 weeks of treatment,but there was no significant difference in VAS score between the two groups after 1 month and 3 months,and the pain improvement of the two groups was better than that of the blank group.(ii)After 3 months of treatment,the ODI score in the traditional Chinese medicine group was lower than that in the western medicine group,and the improvement of TCM syndrome in the traditional Chinese medicine group was better than that in the other two groups 1 and 3 months after treatment(P<0.05).(iii)The level of IL-6 in the western medicine group was lower than that in the other groups after 2 weeks,and there was no significant difference between the two groups after 3 months of treatment.After 3 months of treatment,the level of E2 in the traditional Chinese medicine group was higher than that before treatment and higher than that in the western medicine group and the blank group,but there was no significant difference between the two groups(P>0.05).[Conclusions]Both Erxian decoction and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can relieve residual low back pain after PVP,and their long-term effects are similar,but Erxian decoction has more advantages in alleviating pain,muscle and joint pain and sensory abnormalities in postmenopausal women.Moreover,it is safe and reliable,and is worthy of clinical application.