Purpose: This study evaluated the performance of the YOLOv8m-seg model in detecting and delineating interproximal caries and cervical burnout on bitewing radiographs and examined whether increasing the number of training epochs improved segmentation accuracy and consistency. Materials and Methods: In total, 1,410 bitewing radiographs were annotated using polygon-based masks by a trained dental clinician. The YOLOv8m-seg model was trained for 50, 100, and 150 epochs on 1,128 images and validated on 282 images using the Ultralytics segmentation framework. Model performance was assessed using precision, recall, and mean average precision at intersection-over-union thresholds of 0.5 and 0.5 to 0.95 (mAP0.5, mAP0.5-0.95) for both bounding box and mask outputs. Additional evaluation was conducted on a non-augmented validation subset. Results: Extended training duration was associated with improved segmentation performance. The highest mask mAP0.5-0.95 value was 0.828 at epoch 150. Both box-based precision and recall increased with longer training, whereas mask-based evaluation more accurately reflected the model’s ability to delineate the boundaries of caries and cervical burnout. Performance appeared consistent across both classes in the augmented validation split but was reduced in the non-augmented validation subset. Conclusion The YOLOv8m-seg model demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy in distinguishing proximal caries from cervical burnout on bitewing radiographs. Its mask-based outputs may assist clinicians in early lesion recognition and support improved diagnostic decision-making. Future studies should evaluate model generalizability across broader populations and diverse clinical environments and should prioritize assessment using non-augmented validation sets and independent test datasets.

Objectives: . This experimental study compared the precision and surgical outcomes of manual versus robotic electrode insertions in cochlear implantation. Methods: . The study was conducted on formalin-fixed cadaveric heads, with nine senior neurotologists performing both manual and robotic insertions. Results: . The results showed no statistically significant differences between the two methods in terms of insertion angle, cochlear coverage, or electrode coverage. However, the robotic method demonstrated a significantly slower and more controlled insertion speed (0.1 mm/sec) compared to manual insertion (0.66±0.31 mm/sec), which is crucial for minimizing intra-cochlear force and pressures. Although robotic insertions resulted in fewer complications such as tip fold-over or scala deviation, there were instances of incomplete insertion. Conclusion . The robotic system provided a consistent and controlled insertion process, potentially standardizing cochlear implant operations and reducing outcome variability. The study concludes that robotic-assisted insertion offers significant advantages in controlling insertion speed and consistency, supporting the continued development and clinical evaluation of robotic systems for cochlear implant surgery.

Objectives: . This experimental study compared the precision and surgical outcomes of manual versus robotic electrode insertions in cochlear implantation. Methods: . The study was conducted on formalin-fixed cadaveric heads, with nine senior neurotologists performing both manual and robotic insertions. Results: . The results showed no statistically significant differences between the two methods in terms of insertion angle, cochlear coverage, or electrode coverage. However, the robotic method demonstrated a significantly slower and more controlled insertion speed (0.1 mm/sec) compared to manual insertion (0.66±0.31 mm/sec), which is crucial for minimizing intra-cochlear force and pressures. Although robotic insertions resulted in fewer complications such as tip fold-over or scala deviation, there were instances of incomplete insertion. Conclusion . The robotic system provided a consistent and controlled insertion process, potentially standardizing cochlear implant operations and reducing outcome variability. The study concludes that robotic-assisted insertion offers significant advantages in controlling insertion speed and consistency, supporting the continued development and clinical evaluation of robotic systems for cochlear implant surgery.

Objectives: . This experimental study compared the precision and surgical outcomes of manual versus robotic electrode insertions in cochlear implantation. Methods: . The study was conducted on formalin-fixed cadaveric heads, with nine senior neurotologists performing both manual and robotic insertions. Results: . The results showed no statistically significant differences between the two methods in terms of insertion angle, cochlear coverage, or electrode coverage. However, the robotic method demonstrated a significantly slower and more controlled insertion speed (0.1 mm/sec) compared to manual insertion (0.66±0.31 mm/sec), which is crucial for minimizing intra-cochlear force and pressures. Although robotic insertions resulted in fewer complications such as tip fold-over or scala deviation, there were instances of incomplete insertion. Conclusion . The robotic system provided a consistent and controlled insertion process, potentially standardizing cochlear implant operations and reducing outcome variability. The study concludes that robotic-assisted insertion offers significant advantages in controlling insertion speed and consistency, supporting the continued development and clinical evaluation of robotic systems for cochlear implant surgery.

Diabetes, a metabolic disease stemming from impaired or defective insulin secretion, ranks among the most severe chronic illnesses globally. While several approved drugs exist for its treatment, they often come with multiple side effects. Therefore, there is a pressing need for safe and effective anti-diabetic medications. Traditional Chinese medicine has recognized Lycium barbarum (LB; goji berry) plant, commonly known as "wolfberry fruit" in China, for over 2,000 years. Natural compounds derived from LB show promise in reducing diabetes levels. Although research on the impact of LB on diabetes is still limited, our review aims to explore the potential of LB in reducing the risk of diabetes and examine the underlying mechanisms involved. LB can modulate diabetes through various pathways, such as inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities, promoting β-cell proliferation, stimulating insulin secretion, inhibiting glucagon secretion, improving insulin resistance and glucose tolerance, and enhancing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Additionally, LB improves gut flora and immunomodulation, further aiding diabetes management. These findings highlight the potential clinical utility of LB in managing diabetes and its complications within the framework of evidence-based modern medicine.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate hypertension (HTN) trends, key risk factors, and gender disparities in rural China, and to propose targeted strategies for improving HTN control in resource-limited settings. METHODS: This longitudinal study used data from the Henan Rural Cohort Study, including baseline (2015-2017; n = 39,224) and follow-up (2018-2022; n = 28,621) participants. HTN was defined as systolic/diastolic blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mmHg, self-reported diagnosis, or use of antihypertensive medication. Severity was classified using a 7-tier blood pressure (BP) staging system (optimal, normal, high normal, and HTN stages 1-4). A generalized linear mixed-effects model (GLMM) identified associated risk factors. RESULTS: HTN prevalence increased modestly from 32.7% (95% CI: 32.2-33.2) to 33.9% (95% CI: 33.3%-34.4%). Awareness and treatment improved from 20.1% to 25.3%, and from 18.8% to 24.4%, respectively, but control rates remained low (6.2% to 12.3%). After adjustment, women had a 1.53-fold higher HTN risk than men ( OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.43-1.63), revealing gender-specific trends. Key risk factors included alcohol use ( OR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.27-1.47) and overweight status ( OR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.66-1.86). BP staging showed an increase in optimal BP (42.3% to 45.8%), but stagnant management of advanced HTN stages. CONCLUSION Hypertension in rural China is shaped by behavioral risk factors and healthcare access gaps. Gender-sensitive, community-based interventions, including task-shifting models, are necessary to mitigate the growing burden of hypertension.
Humans ; Hypertension/etiology* ; China/epidemiology* ; Female ; Male ; Rural Population/statistics & numerical data* ; Prevalence ; Risk Factors ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Aged ; Longitudinal Studies ; Sex Factors ; Cohort Studies ; East Asian People

Diabetes,a metabolic disease stemming from impaired or defective insulin secretion,ranks among the most severe chronic illnesses globally.While several approved drugs exist for its treatment,they often come with multiple side effects.Therefore,there is a pressing need for safe and effective anti-diabetic medications.Traditional Chinese medicine has recognized Lycium barbarum(LB;goji berry)plant,commonly known as"wolfberry fruit"in China,for over 2,000 years.Natural compounds derived from LB show promise in reducing diabetes levels.Although research on the impact of LB on diabetes is still limited,our review aims to explore the potential of LB in reducing the risk of diabetes and examine the underlying mechanisms involved.LB can modulate diabetes through various pathways,such as inhibitingα-amylase and α-glucosidase activities,promoting β-cell proliferation,stimulating insulin secretion,inhibiting glucagon secretion,improving insulin resistance and glucose tolerance,and enhancing anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.Additionally,LB improves gut flora and immunomodulation,further aiding diabetes management.These findings highlight the potential clinical utility of LB in managing diabetes and its complications within the framework of evidence-based modern medicine.

Introduction: Although prevalence of impacted canines has been analyzed in prior studies, there is a lack of evidence about the prevalence of impacted canines in the Malaysian population to support such practices. Understanding the prevalence of impacted canines will enhance awareness, knowledge, and understanding of the importance of obtaining preventive and interventional treatment. The research aims to establish the impacted canine prevalence in orthodontic patients using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: An examination of clinical records of 175 patients with canine impaction from January 1st, 2010, to November 30th, 2020 who had CBCT scans and visited dental clinics for orthodontic treatment was done to determine their prevalence. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test analysis were carried out to evaluate the results. Results: The results suggested that the impacted canine prevalence was 17.5 %, with a female preponderance. Impacted canines occurred most frequently in Class I malocclusion subjects. In addition, canine impaction is more frequent on the left side than on the right. Unilateral impaction dominated bilateral impaction. Palatal impaction was more prevalent than buccal impaction, while maxillary canine impaction was more common than mandibular impaction. Conclusions This study’s prevalence was higher than previously reported among other populations. The demography and gender have an effect on the incidence of impacted canines. These three-dimensional (3D) findings may provide clinical reference data for delivering information and education on impacted canines assessment and treatment.

A REVIEW OF TWO CASE REPORTS OF SAPHENOUS NERVE NEURALGIA IN HOSPITAL KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA Saphenous nerve neuralgia is often underdiagnosed as medial-sided knee pain, resulting in a delay in treatment and increased risk of developing chronic neuropathic pain. The development of saphenous nerve neuralgia can be attributed to direct trauma to the medial side or entrapment of the nerve post-operative knee surgeries. Due to delay in diagnosis, the treatment options are limited, and outcomes vary. We presented two complicated cases of saphenous nerve neuralgia in our sports medicine clinic, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and outlined the management options available for such cases from sports physician perspectives.

A SUCCESSFUL TREATMENT OF TARSAL TUNNEL SYNDROME USING HYDRO-DISSECTION TECHNIQUE: A CASE REPORT Tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) is an uncommon musculoskeletal ankle disorder caused by compression of the posterior tibial nerve at the tarsal tunnel level. Our objective is to describe the first case report of tarsal tunnel syndrome successfully treated with the hydro-dissection technique. This is a case of 41 years old lady who suffered from severe ankle sprain. She was prescribed an ankle brace to treat her ankle sprain. After 1-year post-injury, she complained of moderate to severe medial ankle pain, neuropathic, radiating to the big toe. Clinical assessments revealed tenderness at the tarsal tunnel area, accompanied by a positive Tinel sign, reproducing similar symptoms. Ultrasound examination confirmed an enlarged posterior tibial nerve at the level of the tarsal tunnel, with tenderness during sono-palpation and reproducing symptoms on sono-Tinel sign. She underwent hydro-dissection of the posterior tibial nerve with a marked reduction in pain and improvement in daily function.