Diagnostics

15 pages, 2292 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Novel Usefulness of M2BPGi for Predicting Severity and Clinical Outcomes in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients

by Mikyoung Park, Mina Hur, Hanah Kim, Chae Hoon Lee, Jong Ho Lee, Hyung Woo Kim, Minjeong Nam and Seungho Lee

Diagnostics 2025, 15(7), 937; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15070937 (registering DOI) - 6 Apr 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) is a novel biomarker for liver fibrosis, and its prognostic role has never been explored in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We compared the M2BPGi level simultaneously with age, severe/critical disease, the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) is a novel biomarker for liver fibrosis, and its prognostic role has never been explored in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We compared the M2BPGi level simultaneously with age, severe/critical disease, the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, and the National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) in a total of 53 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 (mild/moderate [n = 15] and severe/critical [n = 38]). Methods: M2BPGi levels were measured using the HISCL M2BPGi assay (Sysmex, Kobe, Japan) in an HISCL-5000 analyzer (Sysmex), and clinical outcomes were analyzed according to M2BPGi and the clinical variables, using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, Kaplan–Meier survival, and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses. Results: M2BPGi levels differed significantly according to disease severity, 30-day mortality, and 60-day mortality (p = 0.045, 0.011, and 0.002, respectively). In the ROC curve analysis, the M2BPGi, age, SOFA score, and NEWS2, except for severe/critical disease, significantly predicted clinical outcomes (all p < 0.01). In the survival analysis, the hazard ratios of M2BPGi added to each clinical variable were higher than that of each clinical variable alone, and M2BPGi was the only independent prognostic factor for the mortality. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that M2BPGi may be a useful biomarker for assessing disease severity and clinical outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Combined with conventional clinical assessment, M2BPGi would provide objective and valuable information for prognosis prediction in these critically ill patients. Further studies are warranted to extend its utility in other clinical settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochemical Testing Applications in Clinical Diagnosis)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 915 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Backward Walking as a Marker of Mobility and Disability in Multiple Sclerosis: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

by Meral Seferoğlu, Abdulkadir Tunç, Ali Özhan Sıvacı, Samed Öncel, Tuğba Düztaban, Hamide Dikilitaş, Abdul Samed Görgül and Muhammed Furkan Öztürkci

Diagnostics 2025, 15(7), 936; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15070936 (registering DOI) - 6 Apr 2025

Abstract

Background: Mobility impairments in multiple sclerosis (MS) significantly affect quality of life. This study evaluated the clinical utility and sensitivity of the Backward Timed 25-Foot Walk Test (B-T25FW) and its associations with key clinical measures in MS. Methods: A cross-sectional study was [...] Read more.

Background: Mobility impairments in multiple sclerosis (MS) significantly affect quality of life. This study evaluated the clinical utility and sensitivity of the Backward Timed 25-Foot Walk Test (B-T25FW) and its associations with key clinical measures in MS. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 129 ambulatory patients with MS from two centers. Disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale, EDSS), cognition (Symbol Digit Modalities Test, SDMT), manual dexterity (Nine-Hole Peg Test, 9HPT), fatigue, and forward and backward walking were assessed. Correlation and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed. Results: The participants included in the study were 76% female, with a mean age of 38 years, and the majority were diagnosed with relapsing–remitting MS (86.8%). Backward and forward walking times significantly correlated with key clinical measures, including the EDSS, SDMT, and 9HPT. Backward walking times showed moderate correlations with EDSS (r = 0.469) and weaker but significant correlations with 9HPT (r = 0.452) and disease duration (r = 0.245). Both walking tests were negatively correlated with SDMT scores. For prognostic purposes, forward walking exhibited slightly higher predictive power compared to backward walking. Conclusions: The B-T25FW is a clinically relevant, practical, and sensitive tool for assessing mobility impairments in individuals with MS. Its integration into clinical practice could complement forward walking assessments, enhancing disease monitoring and guiding interventions. Future research should validate its longitudinal utility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Clinical Diagnosis and Prognosis)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

32 pages, 1152 KiB

Open AccessReview

Current Concepts in Gastroparesis and Gastric Neuromuscular Disorders—Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management

by Jennifer Dimino and Braden Kuo

Diagnostics 2025, 15(7), 935; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15070935 (registering DOI) - 5 Apr 2025

Abstract

Upper gastrointestinal concerns including gastroparesis-like symptoms affect a large portion of the population, and determining the culprit condition can be difficult due to largely shared symptoms, clinical course, pathophysiology, and treatment pathways. The understanding of gastric neuromuscular disorders (GNDs) is emerging as a [...] Read more.

Upper gastrointestinal concerns including gastroparesis-like symptoms affect a large portion of the population, and determining the culprit condition can be difficult due to largely shared symptoms, clinical course, pathophysiology, and treatment pathways. The understanding of gastric neuromuscular disorders (GNDs) is emerging as a heterogeneous group encompassing conditions from gastroparesis to functional dyspepsia with chronic nausea, early satiety, bloating, or abdominal pain, irrespective of gastric emptying. This article aims to review the current concepts in gastroparesis and GNDs including pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management. While some established standards in their diagnosis and management exist, a number of novel diagnostics are becoming available. Durable therapeutic options are notably limited for such common conditions with chronic and debilitating symptoms, and neuromodulators may play a key role in symptom control, which has been previously under-recognized and underutilized. Advances in both pharmacologic treatment targets as well as noninvasive and invasive interventions and devices show promise in improving the experience of patients with gastroparesis-like symptoms. At this time, treatment of GNDs requires comprehensive multidisciplinary care from providers to achieve successful treatment outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGIDs): Diagnosis and Pathophysiology, Second Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1067 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comparative Analysis of the Clinical Application of a Novel Helicobacter pylori Serum Antibody Typing Test and the ¹³C-Urea Breath Test

by Chonghui Hu, Zhipeng Zhao, Dong Zhu, Runqing Li, Xuan Jiang, Yutang Ren, Xin Ma and Xiuying Zhao

Diagnostics 2025, 15(7), 934; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15070934 (registering DOI) - 5 Apr 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: To compare and analyze the application of a Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori, Hp) serum antibody typing test (Hp-sATT) and the ¹³C-urea breath test (¹³C-UBT) in the diagnosis of Hp infection against an empirical therapy background. Methods [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: To compare and analyze the application of a Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori, Hp) serum antibody typing test (Hp-sATT) and the ¹³C-urea breath test (¹³C-UBT) in the diagnosis of Hp infection against an empirical therapy background. Methods: The detection of Hp-sATT using a combination of the quantum dot immunofluorescence method and the ¹³C-UBT was carried out in 237 patients who visited the Department of Gastroenterology at Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital. The diagnostic consistency and correlation with gastric lesions of the two detection methods were analyzed by integrating the detection results, clinical information, and special staining of Hp in histopathological tissues (SS-Hp). Results: For the ¹³C-UBT, 104 (43.88%) cases were positive and 133 (56.12%) were negative. Positive results were found in 127 (53.59%) patients by using the Hp-sATT, with 67 (28.27%) cases of Type I Hp infection and 60 (25.32%) cases of Type II Hp infection. The consistency analysis between the Hp-sATT and ¹³C-UBT for all the patients showed a Kappa value of 0.339 (p < 0.001); the consistency analysis between the Hp-sATT and the 127 patients with SS-Hp showed a Kappa value of 0.427 (p < 0.001); and the consistency analysis between the ¹³C-UBT and the 127 patients with SS-Hp indicated a Kappa value of 0.621 (p < 0.001). However, in 191 patients without a history of Hp eradication, the consistency analysis results for the three methods improved, with Kappa values of 0.467 (p < 0.001) and 0.457 (p < 0.001) for the Hp-sATT with the ¹³C-UBT and SS-Hp, respectively, and 0.646 (p < 0.001) for the ¹³C-UBT with SS-Hp. In addition, a positive correlation was found between the signal values of anti-urease antibodies and the Delta Over Baseline (DOB) values of the ¹³C-UBT. The results also indicated that Hp-infected patients exhibited more pronounced gastric lesions, while cases with Type I Hp infection did not. Conclusions: In patients without a history of Hp eradication, the consistency between the Hp-sATT and ¹³C-UBT is moderate. However, Hp eradication therapy can reduce the consistency of the test results. When screening for Hp infection using the Hp-sATT, it is necessary to consider the patient’s history of Hp eradication. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Diagnosis of Gastrointestinal Diseases—2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 454 KiB

Open AccessReview

Impact of Adequate Disinfection Techniques for Ultrasound-Guided Injections in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation: A Scoping Review

by Angelo Alito, Alessandro de Sire, Marco Di Gesù, Enrico Buccheri, Daniele Borzelli, Rita Chiaramonte, Umile Giuseppe Longo, Antonio Ammendolia, Michele Vecchio and Daniele Bruschetta

Diagnostics 2025, 15(7), 933; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15070933 (registering DOI) - 5 Apr 2025

Abstract

Background: Interventional physiatry is a branch of medicine that uses minimally invasive ultrasound-guided techniques for diagnosis and treatment in the musculoskeletal system. The aim of this scoping review is to investigate the sterilisation techniques used and the rate of infection with ultrasound-guided [...] Read more.

Background: Interventional physiatry is a branch of medicine that uses minimally invasive ultrasound-guided techniques for diagnosis and treatment in the musculoskeletal system. The aim of this scoping review is to investigate the sterilisation techniques used and the rate of infection with ultrasound-guided injections. Methods: PubMed was searched up to 30 September 2024 using the following search terms (“Ultrasound, Interventional”[mesh]) AND “Injections, Intra-Articular”[mesh]; “Ultrasound-guided intra-articular injection”. The inclusion criteria were randomised clinical trials, written in English, involving US-guided mini-invaexercissive procedures. Results: The search identified a total of 256 potentially relevant publications. After screening for duplication, inclusion, and exclusion criteria, 105 articles were eligible for data extraction. In 51 studies, the method of skin disinfection was not specified, 18 RCT reported a ’sterile condition’, 9 studies used povidone–iodine solution, 5 used alcohol, and 2 used chlorhexidine 0.5%. In 64 trials, the method of probe preparation was not specified, 11 trials described the use of sterile gel, 10 trials reported the use of a probe cover, sterile pad, or barrier, and 2 trials reported the use of chlorhexidine 0.5%; 41 studies reported mild adverse events and 4 serious adverse events. Conclusions: Taken together, the findings of this scoping review did not show a clear relationship between current sterilisation protocols and the prevention of the microbial contamination of the probes or the patient’s skin. The variation in protocols highlights the need for standardised guidelines and more rigorous studies to accurately determine the most effective disinfection practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Medical Imaging and Theranostics)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 577 KiB

Open AccessReview

Endoscopic Full Thickness Resection Device (FTRD^®) for the Management of Gastrointestinal Lesions: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives

by Μagdalini Μanti, Apostolis Papaefthymiou, Spyridon Dritsas, Nikolaos Kamperidis, Ioannis S. Papanikolaou, Konstantina Paraskeva, Antonio Facciorusso, Konstantinos Triantafyllou, Vasilios Papadopoulos, Georgios Tziatzios and Paraskevas Gkolfakis

Diagnostics 2025, 15(7), 932; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15070932 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025

Abstract

Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) has emerged as a transformative technique for managing gastrointestinal (GI) lesions, previously deemed unsuitable for endoscopic removal. Unlike conventional endoscopic resection methods, such as endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), EFTR enables en bloc excision of [...] Read more.

Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) has emerged as a transformative technique for managing gastrointestinal (GI) lesions, previously deemed unsuitable for endoscopic removal. Unlike conventional endoscopic resection methods, such as endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), EFTR enables en bloc excision of both intraluminal and subepithelial lesions by resecting all layers of the GI wall, followed by defect closure to prevent complications. The introduction of the full-thickness resection device (FTRD^®) has significantly enhanced the feasibility and safety of EFTR, particularly in the colon and upper GI tract, with increasing adoption worldwide. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of FTRD^®, focusing on its clinical applications, procedural methodology, and comparative efficacy against other endoscopic resection techniques. The indications and contraindications for EFTR are explored, highlighting its utility in treating non-lifting adenomas, subepithelial tumours, and T1 carcinomas without lymph node involvement. This review synthesizes current clinical data and FTRD^® advantages. Despite its strengths, EFTR via FTRD^® incorporates challenges such as limitations in lesion size, procedural complexity, and potential adverse events. Strategies for overcoming these challenges, including hybrid techniques and modifications in procedural approach, are examined. The review also emphasizes the need for further research to optimize surveillance strategies and determine the long-term clinical impact of EFTR in GI lesion management. By integrating recent evidence, this paper provides valuable insights into the evolving role of EFTR in therapeutic endoscopy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Prognosis of Abdominal Diseases)

12 pages, 813 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Telomere Length and Genetic Variations in Acquired Pediatric Aplastic Anemia: A Flow-FISH Study in Korean Patients

by Yuna Hong, Jong-Mi Lee, Chaeyeon Lee, Duyeon Na, Jin Jung, Ari Ahn, Jae Won Yoo, Jae Wook Lee, Nack-Gyun Chung, Myungshin Kim and Yonggoo Kim

Diagnostics 2025, 15(7), 931; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15070931 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025

Abstract

Background: Aplastic anemia (AA) is a rare bone marrow failure syndrome characterized by notably short telomere length, which is associated with treatment responses. In this study, we measured telomere lengths in Korean pediatric AA patients using flow-fluorescence in situ hybridization (Flow-FISH) and [...] Read more.

Background: Aplastic anemia (AA) is a rare bone marrow failure syndrome characterized by notably short telomere length, which is associated with treatment responses. In this study, we measured telomere lengths in Korean pediatric AA patients using flow-fluorescence in situ hybridization (Flow-FISH) and explored their shortening in relation to disease characteristics, genetic conditions and patient outcomes. Methods: We analyzed peripheral blood samples from 75 AA patients and 101 healthy controls. Telomere lengths were measured using Flow-FISH, and relative telomere length (RTL) and delta RTL assessments were conducted. Genetic evaluations included karyotyping, chromosome breakage tests and clinical exome sequencing (CES) to identify inherited bone marrow failure syndrome (IBMFS)-associated genetic variants. Results: Telomere lengths in AA patients were significantly lower than those of age-adjusted healthy controls. Patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy tended to have long telomeres, as indicated by high delta RTL values. Patients with genetic abnormalities, including karyotype abnormalities (n = 2) and genetic variants (n = 11) such as carrier genes of IBMFS or variants of unclear significance, showed significantly short telomere lengths. Conclusions: This study reinforces the importance of telomere length as a biomarker in acquired AA. Utilizing Flow-FISH, we were able to accurately measure telomere lengths and establish confidence in this method as an appropriate laboratory test. We found significant reduction in telomere lengths in AA patients, and importantly, longer telomeres were correlated with better outcomes in immunosuppressive therapy. Additionally, our genetic analysis underscored the relevance of variants in IBMFS-associated genes to the pathophysiology of short telomeres. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 3173 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Information Extraction from Lumbar Spine MRI Radiology Reports Using GPT4: Accuracy and Benchmarking Against Research-Grade Comprehensive Scoring

by Katharina Ziegeler, Virginie Kreutzinger, Michelle W. Tong, Cynthia T. Chin, Emma Bahroos, Po-Hung Wu, Noah Bonnheim, Aaron J. Fields, Jeffrey C. Lotz, Thomas M. Link and Sharmila Majumdar

Diagnostics 2025, 15(7), 930; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15070930 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to create a pipeline for standardized data extraction from lumbar-spine MRI radiology reports using a large language model (LLM) and assess the agreement of the extracted data with research-grade semi-quantitative scoring. Methods: We included a subset of [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to create a pipeline for standardized data extraction from lumbar-spine MRI radiology reports using a large language model (LLM) and assess the agreement of the extracted data with research-grade semi-quantitative scoring. Methods: We included a subset of data from a multi-site NIH-funded cohort study of chronic low back pain (cLBP) participants. After initial prompt development, a secure application programming interface (API) deployment of OpenAIs GPT-4 was used to extract different classes of pathology from the clinical radiology report. Unsupervised UMAP and agglomerative clustering of the pathology terms’ embeddings provided insight into model comprehension for optimized prompt design. Model extraction was benchmarked against human extraction (gold standard) with F1 scores and false-positive and false-negative rates (FPR/FNR). Then, an expert MSK radiologist provided comprehensive research-grade scores of the images, and agreement with report-extracted data was calculated using Cohen’s kappa. Results: Data from 230 patients with cLBP were included (mean age 53.2 years, 54% women). The overall model performance for extracting data from clinical reports was excellent, with a mean F1 score of 0.96 across pathologies. The mean FPR was marginally higher than the FNR (5.1% vs. 3.0%). Agreement with comprehensive scoring was moderate (kappa 0.424), and the underreporting of lateral recess stenosis (FNR 63.6%) and overreporting of disc pathology (FPR 42.7%) were noted. Conclusions: LLMs can accurately extract highly detailed information on lumbar spine imaging pathologies from radiology reports. Moderate agreement between the LLM and comprehensive scores underscores the need for less subjective, machine-based data extraction from imaging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue AI in Radiology and Nuclear Medicine: Challenges and Opportunities)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 1932 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Distillation Approach to Transformer-Based Medical Image Classification with Limited Data

by Aynur Sevinc, Murat Ucan and Buket Kaya

Diagnostics 2025, 15(7), 929; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15070929 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Although transformer-based deep learning architectures are preferred in many hybrid architectures due to their flexibility, they generally perform poorly on image classification tasks with small datasets. An important improvement in performance when transformer architectures work with limited data is the use [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Although transformer-based deep learning architectures are preferred in many hybrid architectures due to their flexibility, they generally perform poorly on image classification tasks with small datasets. An important improvement in performance when transformer architectures work with limited data is the use of distillation techniques. The impact of distillation techniques on classification accuracy in transformer-based models has not yet been extensively investigated. Methods: This study investigates the impact of distillation techniques on the classification performance of transformer-based deep learning architectures trained on limited data. We use transformer-based models ViTx32 and ViTx16 without distillation and DeiT and BeiT with distillation. A four-class dataset of brain MRI images is used for training and testing. Results: Our experiments show that the DeiT and BeiT architectures with distillation achieve performance gains of 2.2% and 1%, respectively, compared to ViTx16. A more detailed analysis shows that the distillation techniques improve the detection of non-patient individuals by about 4%. Our study also includes a detailed analysis of the training times for each architecture. Conclusions: The results of the experiments show that using distillation techniques in transformer-based deep learning models can significantly improve classification accuracy when working with limited data. Based on these findings, we recommend the use of transformer-based models with distillation, especially in medical applications and other areas where flexible models are developed with limited data. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue AI and Big Data in Healthcare)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 258 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Usefulness of the CDC/AAP and the EFP/AAP Criteria to Detect Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Subjects with Diabetes and Severe Periodontal Disease

by Greicy C. Montenegro-González, Carlos Bea, F. Javier Ampudia-Blasco, Herminia González-Navarro, José T. Real, Maria Peñarrocha-Diago and Sergio Martínez-Hervás

Diagnostics 2025, 15(7), 928; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15070928 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease associated with many systemic disorders such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The aim was to evaluate the usefulness of the CDC/AAP and the EFP/AAP criteria to detect subclinical atherosclerosis in subjects with diabetes and severe periodontal [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease associated with many systemic disorders such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The aim was to evaluate the usefulness of the CDC/AAP and the EFP/AAP criteria to detect subclinical atherosclerosis in subjects with diabetes and severe periodontal disease. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Atheroma plaque was evaluated by high-resolution carotid and femoral ultrasonography. A dental examination protocol was implemented by a trained periodontist. A full-mouth periodontal clinical examination was carried out at six sites by automated computerized Florida Probe Periodontal Probing. Periodontal disease was defined by CDC/AAP and EFP/AAP criteria. Results: In total, 98 patients were included (60.2% women), of which 50% had diabetes. Subjects with diabetes showed a high prevalence of severe cases of periodontal disease. Both criteria were useful to detect the presence of atheroma plaque only in the presence of diabetes. However, the CDC/AAP criteria had higher correlation with atheroma plaques than EFP/AAP criteria (r = 0.522 vs. r = 0.369, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The CDC/AAP and the EFP/AAP criteria are a useful tool to identify subclinical atherosclerosis in subjects with severe periodontal disease and diabetes. These results show the potential role of the oral healthcare team in the dental office for the identification of subjects with diabetes at risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Periodontal Disease: Diagnosis and Management)

17 pages, 1193 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating the Nuclear Reaction Optimization (NRO) Algorithm for Gene Selection in Cancer Classification

by Shahad Alkamli and Hala Alshamlan

Diagnostics 2025, 15(7), 927; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15070927 - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Cancer classification using microarray datasets presents a significant challenge due to their extremely high dimensionality. This complexity necessitates advanced optimization methods for effective gene selection. Methods: This study introduces and evaluates the Nuclear Reaction Optimization (NRO)—drawing inspiration from nuclear fission [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Cancer classification using microarray datasets presents a significant challenge due to their extremely high dimensionality. This complexity necessitates advanced optimization methods for effective gene selection. Methods: This study introduces and evaluates the Nuclear Reaction Optimization (NRO)—drawing inspiration from nuclear fission and fusion—for identifying informative gene subsets in six benchmark cancer microarray datasets. Employed as a standalone approach without prior dimensionality reduction, NRO was assessed using both Support Vector Machine (SVM) and k-Nearest Neighbors (k-NN). Leave-One-Out Cross-Validation (LOOCV) was used to rigorously evaluate classification accuracy and the relevance of the selected genes. Results: Experimental results show that NRO achieved high classification accuracy, particularly when used with SVM. In select datasets, it outperformed several state-of-the-art optimization algorithms. However, due to the absence of additional dimensionality reduction techniques, the number of selected genes remains relatively high. Comparative analysis with Harris Hawks Optimization (HHO), Artificial Bee Colony (ABC), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), and Firefly Algorithm (FFA) shows that while NRO delivers competitive performance, it does not consistently outperform all methods across datasets. Conclusions: The study concludes that NRO is a promising gene selection approach, particularly effective in certain datasets, and suggests that future work should explore hybrid models and feature reduction techniques to further enhance its accuracy and efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Clinical Diagnosis with Artificial Intelligence: Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 1526 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Application and Validity of a New Composite Radiographic Index for Patients with Osteonecrosis of the Jaws

by Zafeiroula Yfanti, Sotirios Tetradis, Nikolaos G. Nikitakis, Konstantina Eleni Alexiou, Emmanouil Vardas, Christos Angelopoulos and Kostas Tsiklakis

Diagnostics 2025, 15(7), 926; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15070926 - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This study aims to determine the validity of a recently developed and published index (the modified Composite Radiographic Index—CRIm) as an indicator of disease gravity and progression in the CBCT scans of patients with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) and [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: This study aims to determine the validity of a recently developed and published index (the modified Composite Radiographic Index—CRIm) as an indicator of disease gravity and progression in the CBCT scans of patients with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) and to detect possible correlations between the radiologic findings and clinical staging of the disease. Methods: This study included 43 MRONJ patients with CBCT scans from the School of Dentistry of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, approved by the Research Ethics Committee. Clinical staging (0–3) was provided based on AAOMS 2022 guidelines. A total of 52 CBCT scans were analyzed, with maxillae and mandibles evaluated separately when both were involved. Two independent observers assessed eight radiologic features, including lytic changes, sclerosis, periosteal reaction, sequestration, non-healing extraction sockets, and other findings (sinus involvement, inferior alveolar canal involvement, and jaw fracture). The CRIm was applied to quantify osseous changes, scoring each feature (0 (absent), 1 (localized/single), 2 (extensive/multiple)), yielding a range of 0–12. For the statistical analysis, Fisher’s exact test and Spearman’s correlation coefficient were used. Results: Clinical Stage 1 consisted of 19 jaws, Stage 2 consisted of 16 jaws, and Stage 3 consisted of 17 jaws. No affected jaws were recorded with Stage 0. A statistically significant correlation between the clinical stage and lytic changes, sequestration, and inferior alveolar canal involvement was found (p-value < 0.05). Extensive lytic changes, sclerosis, sequestration, periosteal bone formation, and inferior alveolar canal involvement were mostly observed in clinical Stage 3. Furthermore, a statistically significant correlation between clinical stage and CRIm classification was found (rho = 0.446; p-value < 0.001). Conclusions: The CRIm tends to increase as the clinical stages of MRONJ advance, suggesting a correlation between them. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Medical Imaging and Theranostics)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 2246 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

The Anatomy of the Stylohyoid Chain: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

by George Triantafyllou, Ioannis Paschopoulos, Fabrice Duparc, George Tsakotos, Panagiotis Papadopoulos-Manolarakis and Maria Piagkou

Diagnostics 2025, 15(7), 925; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15070925 - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

Background: The temporal bone’s styloid process (SP) is an important structure that extends from the skull base to the parapharyngeal space. The stylohyoid ligament (SHL) attaches it to the hyoid bone. The SP and SHL are considered the stylohyoid chain (SHC) components. [...] Read more.

Background: The temporal bone’s styloid process (SP) is an important structure that extends from the skull base to the parapharyngeal space. The stylohyoid ligament (SHL) attaches it to the hyoid bone. The SP and SHL are considered the stylohyoid chain (SHC) components. The SP’s close relationship with vital head and neck structures has important clinical implications. Specifically, SP and SHC variants are linked with clinical conditions. Therefore, adequate knowledge of these variations is of paramount importance. Methods: Using the latest guidelines, a systematic literature review was performed in four online databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science) to identify studies referring to the SP’s typical anatomy and possible SHC morphological variants. The meta-analysis was conducted using R programming software to calculate the prevalence of typical anatomy and possible variants and the pooled mean length of the SP. Results: A total of 104 studies were included, with a total sample of 136,010 heminecks. The typical SP (under 30 mm) was estimated to have a pooled prevalence of 74.97%. SP elongation was observed in 25.03%. The subgroup analysis identified significant differences based on the study type, with computed tomography (CT) studies having the highest pooled prevalence. The SP length was calculated to have a pooled mean of 28.91 mm. For SHC ossification, the pseudo-articulated type was identified to have a pooled prevalence of 4.39%, and that of the segmented type was detected to be 3.89%. The geographical distribution and study type affected the estimated pooled prevalence. Conclusions: The current evidence-based systematic review with meta-analysis investigated the SHC’s typical anatomy and possible variants. The elongated SP pooled prevalence of 25.03% indicates that it is not a rare variant, and CT is the optimal method to investigate such a variant. These details demonstrated by the current meta-analysis could be of importance for clinicians. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Anatomy and Diagnosis in 2025)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

8 pages, 28576 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

An Incidental Finding of Appendiceal Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor with Abundant Skeinoid Fibers: A Rare Case Report with Insights from a Comprehensive Literature Review

by Yu Liu, Yaomin Chen, Asra Feroze and Zhiyan Fu

Diagnostics 2025, 15(7), 924; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15070924 - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

Background and Clinical Significance: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract but are exceedingly rare in the appendix, with only 20 cases reported in the literature. Due to their rarity, clinical behavior, histopathologic features, and management [...] Read more.

Background and Clinical Significance: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract but are exceedingly rare in the appendix, with only 20 cases reported in the literature. Due to their rarity, clinical behavior, histopathologic features, and management of appendiceal GISTs remain poorly understood. Case Presentation: We present the case of a 74-year-old man who underwent a right hemicolectomy for colonic adenocarcinoma, during which an incidental 1.2 cm appendiceal GIST was discovered. Histopathological examination revealed spindle cell morphology with abundant skeinoid fibers (SF), minimal mitotic activity (<1/50 HPF), and no nuclear atypia. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed positivity for CD117, DOG1, and CD34. The tumor was classified as low risk based on its size and mitotic count, and the patient remained recurrence-free at a 4-month follow-up. Conclusions: Our case expands the limited literature on appendiceal GISTs by demonstrating their histopathological and immunohistochemical features, favorable prognostic outcomes, and potential for incidental detection during surgeries for unrelated conditions. However, additional studies are needed to further elucidate their molecular characteristics and overall clinical behavior. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 970 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analytical Validation of MyProstateScore 2.0

by Jacob I. Meyers, Tabea M. Schatz, Cameron J. Seitz, Rachel Botbyl, Bradley S. Moore, Bill G. Crafts, John R. Kitchen and Spencer Heaton

Diagnostics 2025, 15(7), 923; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15070923 - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Prostate cancer (PCa) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men, with early detection playing a crucial role in improving outcomes. MyProstateScore 2.0 (MPS2), a novel urinary biomarker test, predicts clinically significant PCa to reduce invasive biopsy procedures. This study [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Prostate cancer (PCa) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men, with early detection playing a crucial role in improving outcomes. MyProstateScore 2.0 (MPS2), a novel urinary biomarker test, predicts clinically significant PCa to reduce invasive biopsy procedures. This study evaluates the analytical performance of MPS2 using both a post-digital rectal exam (DRE) and non-DRE urine samples. Methods: We assessed the reproducibility, precision, and detection limits of the eighteen MPS2 analytes. Analytical parameters including the linear range, upper and lower limits of quantification (ULOQ and LLOQ), and interference from substances commonly present in urine were evaluated. The reproducibility of the MPS2 scores was evaluated across post-DRE and non-DRE clinical urine samples. Results: MPS2 analytes demonstrated high linearity (R² ≥ 0.975) across defined quantification ranges, with PCR efficiencies of 97–105%. The limits of detection (LOD) ranged from 40 to 160 copies/reaction, while the ULOQ was determined to be 10⁶–10⁷ copies/reaction for each analyte. Precision studies showed intra-run, inter-run, and inter-instrument standard deviations ≤0.5 Crt. Among the 12 potential interfering substances, only whole blood affected the performance of MPS2. The reproducibility of the MPS2 scores was consistent across post-DRE and non-DRE urine samples, meeting the acceptance criteria. Conclusions: The analytical validation confirms that MPS2 is robust and reliable in detecting biomarkers for clinically significant PCa. These findings, coupled with previous clinical validations, support the clinical use of MPS2 as a non-invasive diagnostic tool. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Clinical Laboratory Medicine)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 586 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Identification of Coronary Morphological Damage in Patients with Chronic Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases

by Elena Heras-Recuero, Juan Antonio Martínez-López, Macarena Garbayo-Bugeda, Álvaro Castrillo-Capilla, Teresa Blázquez-Sánchez, Arantxa Torres-Roselló, Antia García-Fernández, Javier Llorca, Raquel Largo, Juan Antonio Franco-Peláez, José Tuñón and Miguel Ángel González-Gay

Diagnostics 2025, 15(7), 922; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15070922 - 2 Apr 2025

Abstract

Objective: Patients with chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases (CIRDs) have a higher incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD) due to accelerated atherogenesis. This study aimed to assess the extent and location of CAD lesions in CIRD patients compared to non-CIRD patients. Methods: A retrospective [...] Read more.

Objective: Patients with chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases (CIRDs) have a higher incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD) due to accelerated atherogenesis. This study aimed to assess the extent and location of CAD lesions in CIRD patients compared to non-CIRD patients. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on CIRD patients (rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis) who underwent coronary angiography at Hospital Fundación Jiménez Díaz (Madrid, Spain) between 2018 and 2022. For each CIRD patient, at least two frequency-matched controls were selected based on sex, age (±2 years), diabetic status, and clinical indication for coronary angiography. The indications for coronary angiography in both groups were chronic coronary syndrome and acute coronary syndrome with or without ST elevation. Results: A total of 66 CIRD patients were included, with 42 (63.6%) women, and a median age of 66.6 years (range: 58.3–75.2). Compared to the controls, CIRD patients had a higher number of affected coronary arteries (2.03 vs. 1.56, p = 0.03). The mid-anterior descending artery and the right posterior descending artery were more frequently involved in CIRD patients than in controls (odds ratio [OR] of 2.45 and 3.53, respectively, p ≤ 0.02 for both comparisons). The frequency of coronary calcification was higher in CIRD patients, though the difference did not reach statistical significance (5 of 66 in CIRD patients vs. 3 of 140 in non-CIRD controls, OR of 3.74, p = 0.06). Revascularization was more commonly performed in patients with CIRD (50 of 66 vs. 85 of 140 in those without CIRD (OR: 2.02 [95% CI: 1.01–4.18]; p = 0.03). Conclusions: Patients with CIRD exhibit more extensive CAD, with a higher propensity for involvement inthe mid-anterior descending and right posterior descending arteries compared to patients without CIRD. These findings highlight the need for closer cardiovascular monitoring and early risk stratification in CIRD patients to improve the detection and management of CAD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis, Prognosis and Management of Cardiovascular Disease in Patients with Rheumatic Conditions)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 31191 KiB

Open AccessGuidelines

Best Practices for the Use of High-Frequency Ultrasound to Guide Esthetic Filler Injections—Part 3: Lower Third of the Face

by Roberta Vasconcelos-Berg, Stella Desyatnikova, Paula Bonavia, Alexander Navarini, Maria Cristina Chammas and Rosa Sigrist

Diagnostics 2025, 15(7), 921; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15070921 - 2 Apr 2025

Abstract

Background: The lower third of the face plays a crucial role in overall facial harmony, and age-related volume loss in areas such as the pre-jowl region, labiomental folds, and lips can significantly impact esthetic appearance. High-resolution ultrasound is helpful for identifying key structures, [...] Read more.

Background: The lower third of the face plays a crucial role in overall facial harmony, and age-related volume loss in areas such as the pre-jowl region, labiomental folds, and lips can significantly impact esthetic appearance. High-resolution ultrasound is helpful for identifying key structures, such as the facial artery, parotid gland, and masseter muscle, which are critical to avoid during filler injections. Objectives: This article, the final installment in a three-part series on ultrasound-guided facial injections, provides an in-depth analysis of the sonographic anatomy of the lower face, including the mandibular, marionette, and chin regions. Methods: This article outlines step-by-step techniques for ultrasound-guided filler procedures, with a focus on the importance of pre- and intra-procedural scanning to ensure safe and accurate filler placement. Results: By employing techniques like “scan before injecting” and “scan while injecting”, injectors aim to reduce risks such as vascular occlusion, muscle injection, and skin necrosis. Discussion: The use of ultrasound guidance in these regions enhances both esthetic outcomes and patient safety, providing optimal results while minimizing complications. With continued advancements, ultrasound-guided injections will become increasingly precise, enabling more targeted and safer treatments in the lower face. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ultrasound in the Diagnosis and Management of Skin Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 5166 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Federated Learning-Based CNN Models for Orthodontic Skeletal Classification and Diagnosis

by Demet Süer Tümen and Mehmet Nergiz

Diagnostics 2025, 15(7), 920; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15070920 - 2 Apr 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Accurate skeletal classification is essential for orthodontic diagnosis. This study evaluates the effectiveness of federated convolutional neural network (CNN) models for skeletal classification using cephalometric images from the ISBI and Dicle datasets. This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of federated learning [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Accurate skeletal classification is essential for orthodontic diagnosis. This study evaluates the effectiveness of federated convolutional neural network (CNN) models for skeletal classification using cephalometric images from the ISBI and Dicle datasets. This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of federated learning (FL) for orthodontic skeletal classification by comparing its performance against centralized learning (CL) and local learning (LL). The objective is to determine whether FL can achieve competitive performance while preserving data privacy and enabling collaborative model training across multiple institutions. Methods: The DenseNet121 model and its augmented versions, incorporating channel attention, spatial attention, squeeze and excitation, and spatial pyramid pooling blocks, are proposed and adapted for the study. Models are evaluated on the ISBI and Dicle datasets using accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity metrics, with performance gains benchmarked across CL, LL, and FL frameworks. Results: Accuracy improvements exceed 26% compared to the baseline model on FL framework. The DenseNet121_SA model, augmented with spatial pyramid pooling blocks, achieves a 20.86% performance gain over LL settings on the ISBI dataset. Similarly, the DenseNet121_SA model, augmented with spatial attention, and DenseNet121_SA_SE model, augmented with spatial attention and squeeze and excitation, obtain 16.58% and 15.22% by not sacrificing performance loss with respect to CL. The inclusion of the Dicle dataset provides additional validation for the models. Conclusions: Federated CNN models exhibit significant promise for orthodontic skeletal classification. These models demonstrate the potential of FL to enhance collaborative model training while preserving data privacy. This approach represents a step forward in leveraging precise orthodontic diagnostics technology by enabling a data-secure collaborative artificial intelligence among various orthodontic clinics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence in the Diagnostics of Dental Diseases, 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 5530 KiB

Open AccessReview

Ultrasound of Bile Ducts—An Update on Measurements, Reference Values, and Their Influencing Factors

by Claudia Lucius, Anja Flückiger, Jennifer Meier, Kathleen Möller, Christian Jenssen, Barbara Braden, Michael Kallenbach, Benjamin Misselwitz, Christian Nolsøe, Michael Sienz, Constantinos Zervides and Christoph Frank Dietrich

Diagnostics 2025, 15(7), 919; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15070919 (registering DOI) - 2 Apr 2025

Abstract

Objective: To provide an overview of the technique and normal values of ultrasound studies of the bile system based on the published literature. Methods: A literature search for ultrasound studies with measurements of the bile ducts in healthy subjects was performed. Relevant data [...] Read more.

Objective: To provide an overview of the technique and normal values of ultrasound studies of the bile system based on the published literature. Methods: A literature search for ultrasound studies with measurements of the bile ducts in healthy subjects was performed. Relevant data published between 1975 and end of 2024 were extracted, discussed, and complemented with the own experiences of the authors. The clinical implications are presented and discussed. Results: For the diameter of the common bile duct, reference values between 5 and 9 mm have been published. The main influencing factors are age and history of cholecystectomy, and other factors to be considered are discussed here. The cut-off for the common bile duct wall is set at 1.5 mm. The literature on measurements of intrahepatic bile ducts is scarce. A diameter of <2–3 mm can be considered normal. The method of ultrasound examination is presented here, as well as a comparison with other imaging methods and their clinical implications. Conclusions: Standardized measurement techniques and normal values in the context of influencing factors are crucial for the ultrasound examination of the bile system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Imaging Diagnosis in Abdomen, 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Description

Diagnostics

Latest Articles

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Highly Accessed Articles

Latest Books

E-Mail Alert

News

Topics

Conferences

Special Issues

Topical Collections

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI