Digestivní endoskopie, klíčová metoda pro diagnostiku a léčbu onemocnění gastrointestinálního traktu, se neustále vyvíjí. Novinky v této oblasti zahrnují pokroky v technologii, nové diagnostické techniky a inovace v terapeutických přístupech. Moderní endoskopická zařízení nyní nabízejí vyšší rozlišení obrazu díky pokročilé optice a kamerovým systémům, což umožňuje lépe identifikovat a charakterizovat patologické změny v gastrointestinálním traktu. Nový vývoj technik jako je endoskopická ultrasonografie (EUS), rozšiřuje možnosti diagnostiky tím, že umožňuje vizualizaci hloubkových struktur a vyšetření okolních tkání. Cholangioskopie vhodně doplňuje endoskopickou retrográdní cholangiopankreatikografii (ERCP) v diagnostice biliárních stenóz nejasné etiologie a umožňuje jejich cílenou biopsii. Enteroskopie přinesla významné rozšíření diagnostických a terapeutických postupů zaměřených na tenké střevo. V terapeutických přístupech zaznamenáváme rozvoj minimálně invazivních metod, které umožňují odstranění lézí a léčbu různých gastrointestinálních onemocnění bez nutnosti otevřené chirurgické intervence. Tyto inovace nejen zvyšují přesnost diagnostiky, ale také rozšiřují možnosti léčby, čímž přispívají k lepší péči o pacienty. Budoucnost digestivní endoskopie bude pravděpodobně zaměřena na další zlepšení endoskopických technik s cílem optimalizovat výsledky a minimalizovat invazivitu, a také využití umělé inteligence.
Digestive endoscopy, a key method for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, is constantly evolving. New developments in this field include advances in technology, new diagnostic techniques, and innovations in therapeutic approaches. Modern endoscopic equipment now offers higher image resolution thanks to advanced optics and camera systems, which allow better identification and characterization of pathological changes in the gastrointestinal tract. New techniques, such as endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), are expanding diagnostic capabilities by allowing visualization of deep structures and examination of surrounding tissues. Cholangioscopy appropriately complements endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the diagnosis of biliary strictures of uncertain etiology and allows their targeted biopsy. Enteroscopy has brought a significant extension of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures targeting the small intestine. In therapeutic approaches, we have seen the development of minimally invasive methods that allow the removal of lesions and the treatment of various gastrointestinal diseases without the need for open surgical intervention. These innovations not only increase the accuracy of diagnosis but also expand treatment options, thus contributing to better patient care. The future of digestive endoscopy will likely focus on further improvements in endoscopic techniques to optimize outcomes and minimize invasiveness.
- MeSH
- Endoscopic Mucosal Resection methods instrumentation MeSH
- Endoscopy, Digestive System * classification methods instrumentation MeSH
- Endosonography classification methods MeSH
- Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal classification methods MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Digestive System Diseases * diagnostic imaging pathology therapy MeSH
- Bile Ducts diagnostic imaging MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Review MeSH
Rentgenová výpočetní mikrotomografie (mikroCT) představuje moderní zobrazovací technologii s vysokým rozlišením umožňující detailní analýzu zobrazovaného vzorku. Nabízí jedinečný pohled na trojrozměrnou architekturu díky rozlišení na pomezí makroskopického a histologického zobrazení. V oblasti anatomické patologie mikroCT nachází uplatnění zejména při morfometrické analýze nádorů, hodnocení resekčních okrajů chirurgických vzorků či detekci metastáz v lymfatických uzlinách. Kombinace mikroCT s tradičními histopatologickými technikami a s využitím digitální 3D rekonstrukce otevírá nové možnosti při analýze komplexních patologických procesů. Přestože je tato metoda zatím převážně využívána ve výzkumu, její klinický potenciál je značný. Mezi hlavní přednosti patří neinvazivní zobrazení a možnost integrace s digitální patologií a nástroji umělé inteligence. Hlavními limitacemi v současné době zůstávají potřeba kontrastování vzorků, monochromatická povaha obrazu a vysoká radiační zátěž. Pokrok v technologickém vývoji však může tyto překážky překonat a umožnit širší využití mikroCT v rutinní klinické diagnostice. Tento článek představuje technologii mikroCT a její diagnostický potenciál v patologii, přibližuje její aplikace, výhody a omezení, a nabízí vhled do budoucí perspektivy jejího využití.
X-ray microtomography (microCT) represents a modern high-resolution imaging technology enabling detailed analysis of the tissue. It offers a unique perspective on three-dimensional architecture, bridging the gap between macroscopic and histological imaging. In anatomical pathology, microCT is particularly utilized for morphometric tumor analysis, evaluation of surgical specimen resection margins, and detection of metastases in lymph nodes. The combination of microCT with traditional histopathological techniques, and with digital 3D reconstructions, opens new avenues for analyzing complex pathological processes. Although this method is currently used in research, its clinical potential is significant. Key advantages include non-invasive imaging and the ability to be integrated with digital pathology and artificial intelligence tools. Current limitations include the need for sample contrast enhancement, the monochromatic nature of the images, and high radiation exposure. Advances in technological development, however, may overcome these barriers and enable the broader adoption of microCT in routine clinical diagnostics. This article explores the diagnostic potential of microCT in pathology, highlighting its applications, advantages, and limitations, while offering insights into current capabilities and future perspectives of this technology.
Úvod a cíl: Plně digitální workflow začíná ovládat naše ordinace. Přesnost a správnost některých intraorálních skenerů je nejenom dostatečná, ale výrazně překonává klasickou technologii otiskování (sádrový model) pro účely malých protetických rekonstrukcí. U velkých rekonstrukcí je ale situace zcela jiná. Cílem tohoto přehledu bylo shrnout současné poznatky o používaných technologiích intraorálních skenerů a měření jejich přesnosti. Dalším cílem bylo zhodnocení pomůcek/přípravků a postupů zpřesňujících intraorální skenování u velkých fixních protetických rekonstrukcí. Metodika: V databázích PubMed/Medline, Scopus a Embase bylo provedeno vyhledávání na základě klíčových slov: „Intraoral scanner“, „CAD/CAM“, „Trueness“, „Precision“, „Optical impression“, „Custom-made measuring device“, „Guided implant scanning“, „Continuous scan strategy“. Výsledky byly omezeny na články publikované v anglickém jazyce v letech 2010–2024. Výsledky: Kritéria pro zařazení do našeho článku splňovalo 37 publikací. Článků popisujících technologie, se kterými pracují dostupné intraorální skenery, bylo velmi málo. Publikací, které se zaměřovaly na zpřesnění intraorálního skenovaní pomocí nových postupů nebo přípravků, bylo 21. Zbylé zahrnuté články se zabývaly srovnáváním přesnosti intraorálních skenerů mezi různými výrobky nebo srovnáním s tradičními výrobními postupy. Většina studií porovnávajících přesnost intraorálních skenerů dříve využívala měření vzdálenosti a úhlové chyby. V novějších studiích převládá metoda překrývání povrchových dat získaných 3D skenery. Pouze jedna studie využívá pyramid replacement method s Prokrustovou analýzou. Závěr: Článků zabývajících se principem intraorálních skenerů je velmi málo a ve stomatologických časopisech jde o raritu. Z analýzy dostupné literatury vyplývá, že možností zpřesnění intraorálního skenu je více. Jedná se zejména o optimalizaci trasy skenování a zapojení jiných přístrojů bez skládací chyby do protetických postupů. Nadějně vypadají zejména extraorální skenery, a hlavně zapojení protetických laboratorních skenerů. Zmenšení deformace intraorálních skenů pomocí různých přípravků pravděpodobně nepřinese požadované zpřesnění.
Introduction and aim: A fully digital workflow is increasingly dominating our surgeries. For small prosthetic reconstructions on teeth or implants, the precision and trueness of certain intraoral scanners are not only sufficient, but significantly better than the conventional technology – dental impression/plaster model. A completely different situation arises with large reconstructions. The aim of this literature review was to summarize the current knowledge on intraoral scanner technologies and their accuracy measurements. Another aim was to evaluate devices and procedures for improving the accuracy of intraoral scans in large fixed prosthetic reconstructions. Methods: The PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Embase databases were searched using the following keywords: “Intraoral scanner”, “CAD/CAM”, “Trueness”, “Precision”, “Optical impression”, “Custom-made measuring device”, “Guided implant scanning”, “Continuous scan strategy”. The results were limited to articles published in the English language between 2010 and 2024. Results: Thirty-seven publications met the inclusion criteria. There are very few articles describing the technology used by currently available intraoral scanners. Twenty-one publications focused on improving the accuracy of intraoral scanning using new procedures or devices. The remainder of the included articles compared the accuracy of intraoral scanners across different products or compared to traditional prosthetic procedures. Most of the older studies comparing the accuracy of intraoral scanners used distance measurements and angular errors. In more recent studies, the method of superimposing surface data obtained by 3D scanners was predominant. Only one study employed the pyramid replacement method with Procrustean analysis. Conclusion: Articles addressing the principles of intraoral scanners are scarce and rarely found in dental journals. An analysis of the available literature shows that there are multiple options to improve the accuracy of intraoral scanning. These strategies primarily involve optimizing the scanning path and incorporating additional devices to avoid merging errors in the prosthetic workflow. Extraoral scanners and the use of prosthetic lab scanners are especially promising. Reducing the merging error of intraoral scans using different devices probably does not have the potential to ensure the required accuracy.
Recent advances in optical sensing technologies underpin the development of high-performance, surface-sensitive analytical tools capable of reliable and precise detection of molecular targets in complex biological media in non-laboratory settings. Optical fibre sensors guide light to and from a region of interest, enabling sensitive measurements of localized environments. This positions optical fibre sensors as a highly promising technology for a wide range of biochemical and healthcare applications. However, their performance in real-world biological media is often limited by the absence of robust post-modification strategies that provide both high biorecognition and antifouling capabilities. In this study, we present the proof-of-concept antifouling and biorecognition performance of a polymer brush nano-coating synthesized at the sensing region of optical fibre long-period grating (LPG) sensors. Using a newly developed antifouling terpolymer brush (ATB) composed of carboxybetaine methacrylamide, sulfobetaine methacrylamide, and N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide, we achieve state-of-the-art antifouling properties. The successful on-fibre ATB synthesis is confirmed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fluorescence microscopy, and label-free bio-detection experiments based on antibody-functionalized ATB-coated LPG optical fibres. Despite the challenges in handling optical fibres during polymerization, the resulting nano-coating retains its remarkable antifouling properties upon exposure to blood plasma and enables biorecognition element functionalization. These capabilities are demonstrated through the detection of IgG in buffer and diluted blood plasma using anti-IgG-functionalized ATB-coated sensing regions of LPG fibres in both label-based (fluorescence) and label-free real-time detection experiments. The results show the potential of ATB-coated LPG fibres for use in analytical biosensing applications.
Zirconia ceramics have become popular among other dental ceramics thanks to their biological, mechanical, optical, and aesthetic properties. CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/ computer-aided manufacturing) technology improvement has played a vital role in the increased popularity of zirconia ceramics; easy computer manipulation significantly expanded the possibility of using different types of restorations. Zirconia ceramics have a broad spectrum of indications in prosthetic dentistry, from simple restorations to complex structures supported by dental implants. A good orientation in the classification, features, and manipulation of zirconia ceramics is the main key to success.
- MeSH
- Computer-Aided Design * MeSH
- Ceramics * MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Zirconium * MeSH
- Dental Materials MeSH
- Dental Prosthesis Design methods MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
Retinal optical coherence tomography has been identified as biomarker for disease progression in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), while the dynamics of retinal atrophy in progressive MS are less clear. We investigated retinal layer thickness changes in RRMS, primary and secondary progressive MS (PPMS, SPMS), and their prognostic value for disease activity. Here, we analyzed 2651 OCT measurements of 195 RRMS, 87 SPMS, 125 PPMS patients, and 98 controls from five German MS centers after quality control. Peripapillary and macular retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL, mRNFL) thickness predicted future relapses in all MS and RRMS patients while mRNFL and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness predicted future MRI activity in RRMS (mRNFL, GCIPL) and PPMS (GCIPL). mRNFL thickness predicted future disability progression in PPMS. However, thickness change rates were subject to considerable amounts of measurement variability. In conclusion, retinal degeneration, most pronounced of pRNFL and GCIPL, occurs in all subtypes. Using the current state of technology, longitudinal assessments of retinal thickness may not be suitable on a single patient level.
- MeSH
- Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Progressive * diagnostic imaging pathology physiopathology MeSH
- Retinal Degeneration * diagnostic imaging pathology MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging methods MeSH
- Nerve Fibers pathology MeSH
- Tomography, Optical Coherence * methods MeSH
- Prognosis MeSH
- Disease Progression * MeSH
- Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting * diagnostic imaging pathology physiopathology MeSH
- Retina * diagnostic imaging pathology MeSH
- Retinal Ganglion Cells pathology MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Telemedicine is an emerging development in the healthcare domain, where the Internet of Things (IoT) fiber optics technology assists telemedicine applications to improve overall digital healthcare performances for society. Telemedicine applications are bowel disease monitoring based on fiber optics laser endoscopy, gastrointestinal disease fiber optics lights, remote doctor-patient communication, and remote surgeries. However, many existing systems are not effective and their approaches based on deep reinforcement learning have not obtained optimal results. This paper presents the fiber optics IoT healthcare system based on deep reinforcement learning combinatorial constraint scheduling for hybrid telemedicine applications. In the proposed system, we propose the adaptive security deep q-learning network (ASDQN) algorithm methodology to execute all telemedicine applications under their given quality of services (deadline, latency, security, and resources) constraints. For the problem solution, we have exploited different fiber optics endoscopy datasets with images, video, and numeric data for telemedicine applications. The objective is to minimize the overall latency of telemedicine applications (e.g., local, communication, and edge nodes) and maximize the overall rewards during offloading and scheduling on different nodes. The simulation results show that ASDQN outperforms all telemedicine applications with their QoS and objectives compared to existing state action reward state (SARSA) and deep q-learning network (DQN) policy during execution and scheduling on different nodes.
- MeSH
- Algorithms MeSH
- Deep Learning * MeSH
- Internet of Things * MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Fiber Optic Technology MeSH
- Telemedicine * MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Otok je častým příznakem řady onemocnění a jeho průběžné statické i dynamické měření a sledování je pro praxi zásadní. Vymizení nebo naopak přibývání otoku může indikovat úspěšnost či neúspěšnost léčby. Cílem našeho literárního přehledu je a) identifikovat aktuální dostupné metody měření objemu otoků končetin, b) získat informace o jejich validitě a reliabilitě. Bylo provedeno systematické vyhledávání studií s cílem identifikovat relevantní zdroje. Do přehledu bylo zařazeno dvacet studií, které popisují metody měření objemu otoků horních nebo dolních končetin. Ve studiích byly nejčastěji popsány metody páskového měření, vodní volumetrie nebo měření perometrem, které jsou považovány za„zlatý standard“. Proto byly tyto metody využívány často pro ověření validity a reliability nových metod měření objemu otoků končetin, mezi které patřily především trojrozměrné zobrazovací metody a bioimpedanční spektroskopie. Technologický pokrok přináší nové možnosti a metody v měření objemu otoků končetin, jejich účinnost a přesnost je však zatím stále ověřována.
Oedema is a common symptom of many diseases and its continuous static and dynamic measurement and monitoring is essential for practice. The disappearance or increase in swelling may indicate the success or failure of treatment. The aim of our literature review is to a) identify currently available methods for measuring limb oedema volume, b) obtain information on their validity and reliability. A systematic search for studies was performed to identify relevant sources. Twenty studies describing methods for measuring upper or lower limb oedema volume were included in the review. The most commonly described methods in the studies were tape measurements, water volumetry or perimeter measurements, which are considered the "gold standard". Therefore, these methods were often used to test the validity and reliability of new methods of measuring limb oedema volume, which mainly included three-dimensional imaging and bioimpedance spectroscopy. Technological advances have brought new possibilities and methods in the measurement of limb edema volume, but their efficacy and accuracy are still under validation.
In an increasingly aging society, there is a growing demand for the development of technology related to tissue regeneration. It involves the development of the appropriate biomaterials whose properties will allow the desired biological response to be obtained. Bioactivity is strongly affected by the proper selection of active ingredients. The aim of this study was to produce bioactive hydrogel materials based on hyaluronic acid and collagen modified by the addition of placenta. These materials were intended for use as dressings, and their physicochemical properties were investigated under simulated biological environmental conditions. The materials were incubated in vitro in different fluids simulating the environment of the human body (e.g., simulated body fluid) and then stored at a temperature close to body temperature. Using an FT-IR spectrophotometer, the functional groups present in the composites were identified. The materials with the added placenta showed an increase in the swelling factor of more than 300%. The results obtained confirmed the potential of using this material as an absorbent dressing. This was indicated by pH and conductometric measurements, sorption, degradation, and surface analysis under an optical microscope. The results of the in vitro biological evaluation confirmed the cytosafety of the tested biomaterials. The tested composites activate monocytes, which may indicate their beneficial properties in the first phases of wound healing. The material proved to be nontoxic and has potential for medical use.
- MeSH
- Biocompatible Materials pharmacology MeSH
- Wound Healing MeSH
- Hydrogels * pharmacology chemistry MeSH
- Collagen pharmacology chemistry MeSH
- Hyaluronic Acid * pharmacology chemistry MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Sheep MeSH
- Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
SIGNIFICANCE: Over more than 300 years, microscopic imaging keeps providing fundamental insights into the mechanisms of living organisms. Seeing microscopic structures beyond the reach of free-space light-based microscopy, however, requires dissection of the tissue-an intervention seriously disturbing its physiological functions. The hunt for low-invasiveness tools has led a growing community of physicists and engineers into the realm of complex media photonics. One of its activities represents exploiting multimode optical fibers (MMFs) as ultra-thin endoscopic probes. Employing wavefront shaping, these tools only recently facilitated the first peeks at cells and their sub-cellular compartments at the bottom of the mouse brain with the impact of micro-scale tissue damage. AIM: Here, we aim to highlight advances in MMF-based holographic endo-microscopy facilitating microscopic imaging throughout the whole depth of the mouse brain. APPROACH: We summarize the important technical and methodological prerequisites for stabile high-resolution imaging in vivo. RESULTS: We showcase images of the microscopic building blocks of brain tissue, including neurons, neuronal processes, vessels, intracellular calcium signaling, and red blood cell velocity in individual vessels. CONCLUSIONS: This perspective article helps to understand the complexity behind the technology of holographic endo-microscopy, summarizes its recent advances and challenges, and stimulates the mind of the reader for further exploitation of this tool in the neuroscience research.
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
